The renewable energy sector experienced a slight increase in jobs in 2024, reaching 16.6 million worldwide with a 2.3% growth from the previous year. Factors such as Chinese solar manufacturers cutting costs, a shift to utility-scale systems, and increasing automation contributed to the slower growth. IRENA projects that with the right policies, the renewable energy workforce could expand to 30 million jobs by 2030, although reaching that level may be challenging. The need for greater diversity and inclusion in the clean energy sector, particularly for women and people with disabilities, is emphasized, with positive examples of proactive policies and training programs mentioned. The International Labour Organization stresses the importance of disability inclusion in the clean energy transition for resilient labor markets and sustainable development.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Australia’s most powerful turbines unveiled as fourth wind farm reaches financial close in Xmas flurry
The Palmer wind project in South Australia is set to feature the most powerful wind turbines in Australia, with a capacity of 288 MW, reducing the number of turbines needed while still generating the same amount of green energy. The project, financed by Vestas and set to be completed by 2027, is part of South Australia's goal to achieve 100 per cent "net" renewables. Located in a strong wind resource area on cleared farmland, the project will benefit local communities and First Nations people with over $13 million in community benefits planned. South Australia's renewable energy transition is being led by projects like Palmer, with a current wind and solar share of around 75 per cent.
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China’s switches on world’s first GWh-scale supercapacitor-energy storage project
China has achieved a significant milestone by connecting the world's first GWh-scale supercapacitor-energy storage project to the grid in northwest China. The Jiayuguan NingSheng project, invested by China National Nuclear Corporation, utilizes a hybrid configuration of lithium batteries and supercapacitors to support grid stability, integrate renewables, and enable long-duration energy shifting and peak shaving. Located in a key renewable energy hub in Gansu province, this project showcases the potential for supercapacitors to provide millisecond-level response for frequency regulation and rapid grid stabilization, highlighting innovative solutions for the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
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India’s smart metering boom reshapes grid through decentralized IoT
India's power system in India is rapidly decentralizing through the expansion of rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and distributed generation, driven by the smart metering rollout under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. The focus is on achieving financial sustainability for distribution companies, reliability for consumers, and supporting renewable energy ambitions. Decentralized RF mesh networks are crucial in connecting millions of devices reliably and affordably, while the ecosystem model promotes collaboration among multiple vendors, making the system more resilient and responsive. India's approach to smart metering, focusing on interoperability and transparent performance validation, sets global benchmarks and shows that decentralization is a practical path towards a resilient grid in the transition to a high-renewables grid.
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Envision, Casa dos Ventos sign 630MW wind deal in Brazil
Envision Energy has partnered with Casa dos Ventos to supply 630MW of wind turbines in Brazil, their first net-zero energy project in the country. The collaboration aims to accelerate Brazil's shift to renewable energy and enhance its global green energy market position. Envision will provide customised 8.xMW Galileo AI wind turbines tailored to local grid requirements, with potential expansion into digital asset management and green hydrogen solutions. This agreement builds on high-level meetings and aims to systematically introduce Envision's net-zero technologies in Brazil, setting new energy transformation benchmarks in Latin America. Additionally, Envision Energy and GES have formed an alliance to expand battery energy storage system and wind power projects in Spain and Europe, further advancing the clean energy transition in the region.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/envision-casa-dos-ventos-630mw-wind-deal/
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Maldives microgrid project with floating solar becomes model for island renewables projects
The Soneva Secret resort project in the Maldives, designed by Canopy Power, features a 2 MWp floating solar PV plant and a 3 MWh battery storage system, aiming to increase renewable energy penetration to 75-80% on the island and reduce diesel reliance. This sustainable energy solution, utilizing Ocean Sun's floating solar technology, is projected to save 900,000 to 1,000,000 liters of diesel per year and cut over 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions. With a focus on longevity and minimal maintenance, the system is built to last two decades and offers affordable and reliable power for islands, fostering economic growth and improving the lives of island communities worldwide.
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What a Decade of Outages Teaches Us About Where Resilience Must Begin
The article discusses the impact of extreme weather events on the electricity grid in the central United States, leading to longer and more consequential power outages as climate change intensifies. Counties with higher social vulnerability experienced more power outages, emphasizing the impact of social factors on outage burden. The analysis underscores the need for intentional resilience investments, such as community microgrids and decentralized energy systems, to reduce the impact of outages during extreme weather events. The data confirms the urgent need to address climate issues and points to where efforts should begin, prioritizing resilience and addressing inequities in grid design for the safety and stability of communities in the face of a hotter, stormier future.
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Panasonic’s AI Strategy Enters the Implementation Phase: Real-World Impact for Better Future Showcased at CES 2026
At CES 2026, the Panasonic Group showcased a range of AI and advanced technology solutions, focusing on workplace, wellness, and environmental solutions. These included innovations such as a smart aging-care solution, RizMo biorhythm monitoring device, and perovskite solar cells for renewable energy generation. The company also introduced an automatic home appliance disassembly system to improve recycling efficiency, demonstrating their commitment to building a sustainable future through innovative technology solutions. Panasonic's comprehensive manufacturing capabilities are being leveraged to support the evolving needs of AI infrastructure, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact in data centers.
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JinkoSolar pushes on perovskite-silicon tandem solar with new partnership
JinkoSolar has partnered with XtalPi to utilize AI and quantum physics-based models in advancing research on perovskite-crystalline-silicon tandem solar cells, with the goal of accelerating the discovery and optimization of tandem device stacks for increased efficiency and stability. Recently achieving a 34.76% power conversion efficiency for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, JinkoSolar attributes the breakthrough to innovations in perovskite and tandem technologies. This collaboration with XtalPi is viewed as an extension of JinkoSolar's "next-gen" cell roadmap, showcasing a promising step towards more efficient and stable solar energy solutions.
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Tata Power unit plans 10GW ingot and wafer facility in southern India
Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL) is investing $742.17m to establish a 10GW greenfield manufacturing facility for ingots and wafers in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to enhance India's domestic manufacturing of solar and semiconductor components. The project will generate around 1,000 direct jobs and will be powered by a 200MW captive green power plant. TPREL's subsidiary, TP Solar, has already made substantial progress in producing solar cells and modules, supporting their larger renewable energy expansion efforts in the area.