The abundance of solar and wind energy resources globally presents a significant opportunity for decarbonization. Solar energy in sun-filled regions and wind energy in areas with strong winds, combined with battery storage, can provide a majority of electricity almost everywhere. The decreasing costs of solar and battery storage, driven by the "learning curve" effect of Wright's Law, make the transition to renewables more feasible. Integrated planning, building large grids, and deploying batteries can accelerate the shift to renewable energy, leading to energy sovereignty and reduced reliance on imported fuels. The faster we transition, the cheaper and more sustainable our energy system will become.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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UK study finds floating solar can generate hydrogen and save water on reservoirs
Researchers from the University of Exeter evaluated the potential for integrating floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems with green hydrogen production on UK reservoirs, specifically at Killington and Drift Reservoirs. The study found that hydrogen utilization for heat production offers the greatest potential due to fewer energy conversion losses. Maximum FPV deployment could generate significant amounts of electricity and hydrogen, while also conserving water through reduced evaporation beneath the floating PV arrays. This research highlights the potential for FPV systems to contribute to both renewable energy generation and water conservation, emphasizing their role in decarbonizing energy-consuming sectors in the UK.
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EU approves 45 GW energy storage target in bid to reduce gas exposure
The European Council and Commission have signed agreements to significantly increase energy storage deployment in EU member states, aiming to reach 200 GW of storage capacity by 2030. The deals involve various stakeholders, including public sector, financial institutions, clean energy developers, and industrial energy offtakers, to create an investment climate for long-term economic growth. Multinational investors like the EIB Group and EBRD are also increasing support for energy storage projects. This tripartite agreement with renewable energy project developers will drive implementation of energy storage projects and strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy, with member states committing to national capacity pledges. Energy Storage Europe has welcomed these agreements as a crucial step towards recognizing the importance of energy storage at the EU level.
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The virtual power plant era has arrived
Homeowners across the United States are participating in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) to earn money and assist the electric grid during peak times, with companies like Sunrun, Tesla, and Renew Home pooling the energy-saving capabilities of 9 million American homes. The total U.S. VPP market is expected to reach nearly 40 GW by mid-2025, solving regional capacity shortfalls and rivaling traditional power plants. In Puerto Rico, a network of 70,000 Tesla residential battery systems helped mitigate disruptions during grid emergencies, showcasing the potential of decentralized solutions like residential battery systems in ensuring reliable and affordable electricity. Residents are receiving financial rewards for participating in these programs, with enrollment becoming more automatic and less complicated.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/29/the-virtual-power-plant-era-has-arrived/
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Exploring How to Get More Solar & Batteries at Apartment Buildings
A pilot study in Sydney, Australia is deploying more solar power and batteries in apartment buildings using an AI-powered modular power portal system to improve energy flow. The goal is to increase solar and battery uptake among renters by predicting energy use and creating a shared network, expected to lower operating costs by up to 30%. Companies involved in the study include Beaumont Strata Management, Ocean Building Management, and One Stop Warehouse.
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422 Megawatt Floating Solar Portfolio for Philippines
Vietnamese solar developer VinEnergo is partnering with solar engineering company SunAsia Energy to develop 422 MWp of floating solar power in the Philippines, marking their first entry into the Filipino market. The projects will consist of almost 700,000 solar modules mounted on pile-supported structures above water, allowing aquaculture activities to continue below. This partnership aims to enhance energy security, boost economic growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to environmental protection through the advancement of renewable energy infrastructure.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/28/422-megawatt-floating-solar-portfolio-for-philippines/
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Aptera Proved Its Solar Generation, Now It Needs To Prove Its Efficiency
Aptera's latest solar tests on their validation vehicle aim to achieve a 40-mile daily solar range by hitting an efficiency design target of 100 watt-hours per mile, with aerodynamics and rolling resistance playing key roles. The company plans to undergo third-party validation in July to confirm the real-world efficiency of their vehicle. Achieving a 100 Wh/mile target in electric vehicles could redefine what EVs are capable of, making them more affordable and accessible for users without home charging options. The hope is to see improvements in range for EVs, even in areas with less sunlight like New Mexico, to make EV adoption more convenient for a wider range of users.
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InterSolar Europe 2026 Key Takeaways
The smarter E Europe 2026 event in Munich showcased the increasing integration of solar with storage, EV charging, and energy management, emphasizing the importance of storage in maximizing the use of solar energy and ensuring grid stability. The event highlighted the competitive landscape of the renewable energy industry, with companies vying for market share and focusing on design, usability, and creativity in solar panel design. Intelligent energy management is crucial in the growing renewable energy and energy storage sector, with companies offering V2G services and focusing on quality products and service to build trust with customers. The progress of electric vehicles in the Netherlands and the potential for V2G technology to help solve grid challenges were discussed, along with the need for simplicity and harmonization in bureaucracy to accelerate electrification and reduce emissions. Global learning and collaboration in the clean technology industry were emphasized at InterSolar, highlighting the value of engaging in the global clean technology ecosystem to define the winners and losers in the future.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/27/intersolar-europe-2026-key-takeaways/
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CATL Debuts World’s 1st Field-Validated Sodium-Ion BESS, Bringing Sodium Storage to Commercial Reality
CATL has unveiled the TENER Sodium Energy Storage System, the world's first sodium-ion energy storage solution, which is expected to reach 1 GWh in shipments by 2026. The system offers better performance, safety, and cost potential compared to lithium, with modular architecture, configuration flexibility, and lower maintenance costs. CATL has invested heavily in sodium-ion battery R&D, accumulating patents and establishing end-to-end manufacturing processes to support large-scale deployment. The company is set to deliver its first systems in September, with international deliveries starting in June 2027, marking the official entry of sodium-ion energy storage into the GWh-scale deployment era and representing a new stage in energy storage infrastructure for a more stable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future.
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Octopus Energy Partners With DTEK To Bring Solar & Battery Storage To Ukraine
Octopus Energy and DTEK have formed a joint venture called Project RISE to invest €100 million in building rooftop solar and battery storage in Ukraine. This initiative aims to help Ukrainian businesses and public sector organizations generate and store electricity onsite, reducing the impact of power outages caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. The partnership showcases a decentralized green energy system as a resilient solution against infrastructure attacks, with the goal of securing long-term financing for the project through negotiations with financial institutions. Octopus Energy's CEO, Greg Jackson, emphasizes the importance of distributed solar and batteries in building a secure future for Ukraine's energy system. The joint venture will provide equipment at no upfront cost, with financing from banks, investors, grants, and guarantees, aligning with Rinat Akhmetov's commitment to Ukraine's recovery and sustainable development.