The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and OATI are partnering to develop two microgrids for the tribal community in Northern California, bringing renewable energy onto tribal lands for energy independence and cost reduction. The project includes a 4.5 MWac solar power array and 21 MWh battery energy storage system, with funding from the California Energy Commission and FEMA. The microgrid will power on-reservation facilities and sell excess electricity to the grid, providing resiliency and substantial energy cost savings for the Paskenta community. This initiative will allow Paskenta to self-generate a significant amount of electricity, leading to significant cost savings and a more sustainable energy future.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Global Solar Council Launches AgriPV Taskforce to Unlock the Next Frontier of Solar Growth
The Global Solar Council's AgriPV Task Force aims to accelerate the growth of agrivoltaics, unlocking nearly 33 TW of additional solar capacity worldwide by utilizing just 1% of agricultural land. This initiative supports rural communities, strengthens agricultural productivity, and improves climate resilience by bringing together industry leaders to advance policies and build a scalable global AgriPV market. The Task Force focuses on promoting understanding, sharing best practices, supporting policy development, and fostering collaboration between solar and agricultural sectors to position agrivoltaics as a critical pillar for the next phase of solar growth, delivering benefits for energy systems, farmers, food security, and climate resilience.
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Penumbra-aware irradiance modeling for agrivoltaic orchards
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed a Python framework to improve light-simulation workflows for agrivoltaics, focusing on realistic representations of atmospheric conditions and crop geometry. This advancement enhances predictions for crop yield and solar energy production in shared land-use systems, reducing design uncertainty and supporting sustainable food-energy integration. The framework includes site-specific sun and sky spectra across the entire solar spectrum, rendering soft shadows efficiently for crops under semi-transparent PV modules. A new model for agrivoltaic orchards was also developed to optimize sunlight penetration for both crops and solar panels, resulting in a 16% increase in energy production compared to traditional setups. This research, published in the journal Applied Energy, highlights the importance of accurate canopy representation for optimizing light levels and mitigating suboptimal conditions in agrivoltaic systems.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/23/penumbra-aware-irradiance-modeling-for-agrivoltaic-orchards/
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Climate crisis: UN chief lays out solutions blueprint for clean energy transition
The UN Secretary-General emphasized the interconnectedness of protecting nature, shifting to renewable energy, and addressing climate change for the well-being of both humanity and the environment. He called for managing the transition to a sustainable future to avoid chaos and inequality, highlighting the need for fair finance to support developing countries in phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to green energy. Additionally, the Secretary-General urged support for science, truth, and early warning systems to combat climate misinformation and delay tactics, while also emphasizing the importance of investing in nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis and protect those most at risk from climate change.
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Powering resilience: How Indonesia is building a more secure energy future
In Indonesia, United Nations agencies are collaborating with the Government to modernize the electricity grid, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy-intensive industries. Efforts include identifying solar energy potential, conducting energy audits, and supporting eco-industrial parks. The UN is also assisting Indonesia in unlocking finance for renewable energy projects and supporting workers through the energy transition. Additionally, UNDP is bringing cleaner energy technologies to coastal communities to reduce fuel consumption and support livelihoods, while UN Women and UNEP are empowering women entrepreneurs to access green finance and adopt climate-smart technologies. These initiatives aim to empower women, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that the benefits of the energy transition reach more people in Indonesia.
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Australia’s hybrid projects serving as blueprint for global energy transition
Fluence, a US-based energy storage specialist, highlights Australia as a test bed for hybrid projects combining solar and battery storage behind a shared grid connection. The country's first large-scale solar-battery hybrid facility in New South Wales is setting the standard for future clean power models in the National Electricity Market (NEM). Data shows that all utility-scale solar projects committed in the NEM for 2027 and 2028 are paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS). Co-locating BESS with renewable generation is essential in Australia to ensure grid stability and reliability as renewable penetration increases. The risks associated with integrating solar and battery energy storage systems in Australia are primarily related to meeting Generator Performance Standards (GPS) set by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Fluence offers advanced system modelling and AI bidding software to mitigate these risks and ensure maximum value for customers. Long-term financial viability of these hybrid systems depends on technological innovation, market design, and operational excellence. Australia is seen as a global pioneer in testing and implementing solar and BESS models due to high levels of rooftop solar, a dynamic energy market, and supportive government policies. The country serves as a blueprint for the energy transition and provides a fertile ground for testing and proving the value of these systems at scale. Investors in Australia's renewable energy sector are seeking long-term policy certainty, stable revenue streams, and confidence in technology and partners. A clear national energy policy supporting renewables and energy storage is crucial. BESS technology is expected to rapidly evolve in the next five years, with advancements in system intelligence and software controls. Integrated BESS and solar assets are seen as key in meeting the energy demand from AI and data centers, supporting the growth of new industries and unlocking the full potential of a renewable-powered grid.
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Prototyping Data Tools With AI, A Case Study: Solar + Battery Atlas
Ember, an independent energy think tank, has utilized artificial intelligence to develop the Solar + Battery Atlas, showcasing the cost-effectiveness of 24/7 solar power in many regions worldwide. The tool analyzes 5,000 locations and demonstrates that solar and batteries can reliably supply over 80% of annual electricity demand for the majority of people, with costs competitive at under $100/MWh for most. This opportunity is particularly significant in areas with weak power systems, where solar and battery systems can already outcompete planned fossil generation. By leveraging AI to accelerate the creation of data tools, Ember aims to provide policymakers and investors with the necessary insights to advance the clean energy transition and make informed decisions in the energy sector.
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How massive subsidies helped drive a 90% collapse in solar costs
China has heavily subsidized its solar power-related manufacturing industries, investing $17.4 billion from 2010 through 2024, while OECD countries have only invested $3.9 billion over the same period. The price of electricity generated by solar panels has dropped by more than 90% during this time. In 2024, China supported over 500 gigawatts of output, with the U.S. and Europe deploying nearly $150 billion worth of solar power. Solar was the most subsidized industry, with $21 billion representing almost a fifth of the total value over the 2010 to 2024 period. The article also emphasizes the urgent need to address the pressing challenge of managing a warming climate that poses significant harm to humanity, with Americans dying from coal and gas air pollution as a result of solar panel bans, contributing to a global death toll climbing to millions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/22/the-worlds-magical-21-billion-investment/
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Chinese scientists unveil cable-supported mounting system for large-scale PV on complex terrain
Researchers have developed a cable-supported photovoltaic structure (CSPS) for solar projects on challenging terrain, overcoming limitations of traditional ground-mounted PV structures. Inspired by bridge aerodynamics, the system splits a single cable truss into two parallel trusses to enhance torsional load-resisting mechanism. Key design parameters include cable sags, truss height, and cable pretensions, influencing structural behavior and stiffness. The system configuration improves torsional mode frequency and critical flutter wind speed, with added components like purlins and braces enhancing stiffness and vibration control. The study validated the proposed two-parallel cable truss system as a structurally efficient and aerodynamically robust solution for large-span CSPS designs in high-wind environments, providing a practical design framework for future large-scale solar infrastructure in challenging terrain environments.
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Southeast Asia Has 5 Proposed Subsea Power Cable Projects By 2040 — But The First Link It Needs Is Governance
The technical case for subsea power cables connecting Southeast Asia's electricity systems has been established, with a focus on governance arrangements evolving alongside regional electricity integration. ASEAN's cross-border electricity ambitions will require stronger regional planning, cost allocation approaches, and coordination across the maritime domain. The region aims to more than double its interconnector capacity by 2040, benefiting from abundant renewable energy resources and the potential to reduce fossil fuel imports through subsea cables. Addressing gaps in regional planning, cost allocation, and navigating territorial waters will be crucial for successful implementation of cross-border subsea interconnection projects in ASEAN. The article discusses the need for governance arrangements to support the development of cross-border energy infrastructure in the ASEAN region, particularly focusing on the ASEAN Power Grid Generation and Transmission Planning function. It highlights the importance of coordination in planning, regulation, financing, and maritime governance for the success of subsea power cable development, drawing lessons from Europe's experience in evolving governance frameworks for energy infrastructure. The ASEAN region already has foundational institutions in place, such as the ASEAN Centre for Energy, HAPUA, and the APGCC, but there is a need to strengthen governance arrangements to support regional electricity integration.