The Victorian government has approved plans for the construction of Australia's largest wind farm, the Warracknabeal Energy Park, in the Wimmera region. The project, developed by WestWind Energy, will consist of 219 turbines with a capacity of over 1.5 gigawatts, paired with battery energy storage systems, aiming to contribute significantly to Victoria's renewable energy targets. The $5 billion project, which has undergone a rigorous Environmental Effects Statement process, is expected to create nearly 950 jobs during construction and ongoing local jobs once operational. Support for independent media like Renew Economy is crucial for providing accurate information on climate-related issues and ensuring the availability of reliable news and analysis on climate solutions.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Ethiopia Leads EV Revolution In Africa
Ethiopia is leading the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa, with over 115,000 EVs on its roads, accounting for 8% of all cars. The country's shift towards EVs is driven by high fuel prices, shortages, and a ban on importing internal combustion engine vehicles. Ethiopia aims to reduce reliance on imported fuel, strengthen energy security, and promote green policies by increasing the number of EVs and doubling power generation through renewable sources. Despite challenges with charging infrastructure in rural areas and concerns about battery durability and depreciation, the transition to EVs in Ethiopia is seen as a way to reshape energy usage and benefit the country as a whole.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/17/ethiopia-leads-ev-revolution-in-africa/
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A detailed look at offshore wind in the US and globally
President Trump's decision to halt offshore wind projects in the U.S. contradicts the global trend of embracing offshore wind as a clean energy solution. Despite this, the U.S. has three operational offshore wind farms and more in development, with China leading the world in offshore wind capacity. Projects like Vineyard Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are crucial for producing clean energy and saving customers money on electricity bills. The financial impact of halting these projects includes a $10 billion loss in jobs and investments, as well as missed energy savings for ratepayers. Offshore wind development has brought $25.5 billion in investments to the U.S. and supports 18,000 jobs in the industry.
https://apnews.com/article/offshore-wind-energy-climate-trump-b8be5561c56d8932ef97fcbec9062fe1
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PV power generation to surpass coal in Texas
Texas is on track to surpass coal-fired generation with utility-scale solar power by 2026, as solar generation is projected to reach 78,000 GWh compared to coal's 60,000 GWh in the ERCOT grid. The state is experiencing a surge in solar capacity additions, with plans to install 14 GW of new utility-scale solar. Texas is a key player in the energy transition, with significant battery storage planned to stabilize the grid as renewable penetration increases. By early 2027, solar and wind combined are expected to exceed 20% of the total U.S. electricity generation mix.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/16/pv-power-generation-to-surpass-coal-in-texas/
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“Remarkable milestone:” Bowen says home battery installations continue to surge, pass 400,000
Energy and climate minister Chris Bowen celebrates the success of the federal government's home battery rebate scheme, with over 400,000 installations in just over 10 months. Home batteries are helping to lower wholesale electricity prices and reduce the use of gas and coal during nighttime hours, with smaller batteries now favored over larger ones. The surge in home batteries and rooftop solar installations, highlighted by the CER's executive general manager Carl Binning, will help Australia meet its renewable energy target by 2030. To stay updated on clean energy news and support independent media, readers can subscribe to the free daily newsletter from Renew Economy and consider making donations or becoming regular supporters.
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Women’s leadership is everywhere in Ukraine
The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation has been established to enhance energy resilience in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of decentralized renewable energy systems like solar panels and battery storage. Programs such as "100 Solar Schools" and "50 Solar Hospitals" aim to provide long-term energy independence and support critical infrastructure. The focus on localized energy systems highlights the shift towards energy security and independence. European support for Ukraine's transition to sustainable energy, including decentralized solar power plants and smart grids, can contribute to a more resilient energy future. Empowering women in the energy sector and engaging communities in sustainable energy solutions are key to achieving a sustainable and secure energy future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/15/womens-leadership-is-everywhere-in-ukraine/
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German scientists explore whether solar power plants can induce rain in deserts
A research project led by the University of Hohenheim in Germany, funded by the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, aims to assess the climatic impacts of large-scale photovoltaic installations in desert regions. The project will study how photovoltaic parks in coastal desert environments could potentially enhance rainfall by interacting with moisture-bearing sea breezes. The research will involve deploying high-resolution LiDAR systems and conducting measurements near large solar installations in the United Arab Emirates to determine optimal size, placement, and design parameters for maximizing their impact on precipitation formation. The project also explores integrating solar power generation with drought-resistant crops and water management strategies in arid regions. Disturbed atmospheric teleconnections could impact solar power generation in various regions including North Africa, Southern Europe, the Southern Arabian Peninsula, India, North Asia, and Eastern Australia.
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Iberdrola launches 195MW Tâmega Norte wind farm in Portugal
Iberdrola's Tâmega Norte wind farm, part of the Tâmega Complex in Portugal, is the first grid-connected wind-hydro hybrid project on the Iberian Peninsula. This innovative project includes two wind farms integrated with a pumped-storage hydroelectric system to store energy for grid release, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by over 230,000t annually. The collaboration with multiple international and national suppliers, funding from the European Investment Bank, and partnership with Norges Bank for a 49% stake upon completion highlight the global effort to combat climate change. Technologies like BladeLifter are being employed to transport large turbine blades with minimal environmental impact, showcasing a commitment to sustainable solutions in the renewable energy sector.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/iberdrola-launches-195mw-tamega-norte/
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UKHACC News Bulletin May 2026 – UK Health Alliance on Climate Change
The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change has appointed a new Director, Charlie Brown, who brings extensive charity leadership and influencing experience. The government has committed to clean energy expansion, including ending new oil and gas licenses and banning fracking and coal licenses. Leaders of 57 countries met to develop plans to end reliance on fossil fuels, focusing on national roadmaps and addressing harmful subsidies. There is an upcoming lobby day in Parliament to support the Ten Point Plan on Plant-Rich Diets, endorsed by over 60 organizations including the UKHACC. The section also discusses upcoming events related to climate solutions in the healthcare sector, such as the Lancet MedZero global database for carbon analytics in healthcare and the SusQI Showcase highlighting sustainability in quality improvement projects. Cities are taking action on climate change to achieve health benefits, with initiatives like the West Midlands Climate-Health Explorer and CleanMed Europe 2026 conference. The importance of creating healthier and more sustainable food systems in the UK, integrating sustainability into oversight processes, educating health professionals on climate change, and understanding the impact of extreme weather events on mental health is emphasized. The newsletter mentioned in the section can be subscribed to for updates on climate solutions and invites submissions for inclusion in future editions.
https://ukhealthalliance.org/news-item/ukhacc-news-bulletin-may-2026/
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Canada Needs A Second Golden Spike For Electricity
Canada's federal government is working on a National Electricity Strategy to double grid capacity by 2050, focusing on clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. The strategy includes generation, transmission, distribution, storage, grid modernization, and workforce development, aiming to deliver up to $15 billion in energy savings by 2050. It emphasizes the importance of an electrification-first approach to decarbonization, efficient movement of clean power across provincial boundaries, and strategic reduction of fossil fuel use. The strategy also highlights the need for clear regulations on gas plants, realistic nuclear planning, prioritizing efficiency and flexible demand, and faster energy savings measures. Indigenous participation, skilled workers, and collaboration with provinces are essential for successful implementation, with the federal government playing a key role in setting direction and supporting major projects.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/15/canada-needs-a-second-golden-spike-for-electricity/