First Solar, a US firm, is expanding its operations to meet the demand for its CdTe solar cell technology, which has advantages in manufacturing costs and durability, leading to an increase in its share of the US utility-scale solar market. The US Department of Energy is promoting CdTe technology as a sustainable and economical form of photovoltaic technology, with a focus on efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, a research team at New York University developed a method to prevent damage to solar cells during manufacturing, increasing their electrical output by 13% and overall power generation. With supportive federal policies, the US solar industry could further benefit from advancements in CdTe technology, making solar energy the least expensive and fastest way to add power generation capacity to the nation's grid.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Man behind Australia’s most powerful battery named one of Time’s climate titans, with Pope and King Charles
Nick Cater, CEO of Akaysha Energy, has been named one of Time Magazine's Climate100 for his role in building the Waratah Super Battery, the most powerful battery in Australia. The battery is acting as a "shock absorber" to help fill gaps created by coal closures. Carter emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support for climate solutions and advocates for a global carbon platform and market. Akaysha is involved in building several battery projects in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria to address energy storage challenges and contribute to resolving climate issues. Supporting independent media like Renew Economy can help promote accurate information on climate solutions.
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Victoria fast-tracks approval of major solar battery hybrid project, and new big battery in Latrobe Valley
The Victoria government has approved two major renewable energy projects, including a large solar-battery hybrid and an expansion of an existing battery in the state's coal heartland. The Meadow Creek solar farm will combine a 332 MW solar facility with a 250 MW, 1,000 MWh battery, while the Tramway Roads battery will be a 300 MW, 1,200 MWh project owned by Eku Energy. These projects are part of Victoria's push towards reaching 95% renewables by 2035, with a focus on solar battery hybrids to address cost increases and planning issues facing wind energy projects. The Meadow Creek project has faced community concerns but has addressed issues such as fire risk, water management, and visual impact through consultations with stakeholders. Giles Parkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Renew Economy and The Driven, provides the latest clean energy news through their free daily newsletter.
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Bogotá advances towards sustainable and equitable mobility with international support
Bogotá, Colombia has emerged as a global climate leader through its implementation of sustainable mobility, clean energy, and urban planning initiatives under the Urban Climate Action Programme (UCAP) Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Programme. The city's achievements include the Public Pedestrian Policy, urban energy governance model, and La Rolita electric transport system with a focus on gender equity, all contributing to its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. By aligning public policy, financing, gender focus, and technical capacity, Bogotá has positioned itself as a regional leader in climate and social innovation in Latin America. The city's commitment to reducing emissions, strengthening capacities, and building a more sustainable and inclusive urban future serves as a milestone in equitable, sustainable mobility and inclusive climate action. International cooperation and high-impact projects are emphasized as key components in promoting a sustainable and equitable future for Bogotá's residents.
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Golden Week Goes Electric: China’s Holiday Travel Becomes a Showcase for the Clean Economy
During China's Golden Week holiday, gasoline demand fell 9% year over year while the number of electric or hybrid vehicle trips rose sharply, with one in five car journeys made in electrified vehicles. The shift towards electrified transportation is evident in the country's infrastructure and cultural practices, with rail travel hitting record levels and the number of charging ports doubling. China's 15th Five-Year Plan outlines a "green transformation" of the economy with goals of peak carbon emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, emphasizing grid flexibility and storage integration. The plan also highlights the importance of clean electricity and grid support, with a focus on self-reliance in critical minerals to support the electrified economy. Overall, the direction of travel towards a more sustainable energy system is clear, with Golden Week travel patterns reflecting the progress of China's energy transition.
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Singapore and Sweden Strengthen Energy Partnership at SIEW 2025
The Energy Market Authority of Singapore and the Swedish government have established a bilateral energy forum to enhance clean energy cooperation, focusing on areas such as hydrogen supply chains, grid technologies, energy efficiency, and cross-border electricity trading. The partnership includes the deployment of HVDC transmission technology to integrate into the ASEAN Power Grid architecture. Challenges include significant financial commitments for HVDC interconnection and hydrogen infrastructure development, with success measured by tangible outcomes like project finance commitments and operational hydrogen supply chains. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch emphasize the strategic significance of the forum in advancing innovation and accelerating the green transition towards a sustainable energy future.
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Cambridge scientists discover photovoltaic properties in organic radical semiconductor
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered photovoltaic properties in an organic semiconductor molecule called P3TTM, which has an "open-shell" character due to unpaired electrons, allowing for efficient photon-to-charge conversion in solar cells. The new material enables the fabrication of solar cells from a single, low-cost, lightweight material, potentially increasing overall efficiency. The findings were published in the study "Intrinsic intermolecular photoinduced charge separation in organic radical semiconductors" in Nature Materials, highlighting a promising advancement in solar cell technology for climate solutions experts.
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Illinois Passes Clean Energy Bill Expected to Save Residents $13 Billion
Illinois legislators have passed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which is expected to lead to the buildout of 3 gigawatts of battery storage and the creation of a Virtual Pilot Program. The bill aims to save Illinois families and businesses $13 billion on their electricity bills over the next 20 years. The Solar Energy Industries Association praised the bill for its focus on solar, storage, and a Virtual Power Plant program, which will create jobs and empower Illinois residents. Governor Pritzker is expected to sign the bill into law, showcasing Illinois as a leader in clean energy policy.
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New energy innovators emerge as the big winners from stunning success of battery rebate scheme
The federal government's battery rebate scheme has been a success, with over 105,000 new installations and 2 gigawatt hours of storage in four months. SigEnergy and Amber are emerging as winners in the market, offering lower cost technology and smart controls for consumers. Both companies are focusing on combining solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, and vehicle-to-grid technology to meet consumer needs. The growth in battery storage through federal rebate schemes is exceeding expectations, with around one in five rebate recipients signing up for retail offerings like Amber's. Plans are in place for V2G technology to become more widespread by 2030, potentially leading to many households becoming grid independent.
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China Dives in on the World’s First Wind-Powered Undersea Data Center
The UDC project in Shanghai is a model of environmental sustainability, utilizing offshore wind turbines to generate over 95% of its electricity and reducing energy consumption by 22.8%. The unique wind resources of the East China Sea support this initiative, which also reduces land usage by over 90% and eliminates the need for fresh water. Shanghai's goal to become a global innovation hub includes plans for further development in the cloud computing industry, with the UDC project serving as a stepping stone towards a larger offshore wind-powered project in the future.
https://www.wired.com/story/china-dives-in-on-the-worlds-first-wind-powered-undersea-data-center/