SoftBank Group is piloting AI-controlled cellular base stations powered by solar panels and a 3 kW wind turbine in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. The system reduces energy use while maintaining service quality by storing excess power in batteries and switching to the grid when needed. AI manages the station's "sleep" mode to lower power consumption during low communication traffic, making it suitable for deployment in remote areas. The compact design and AI analysis allow for a broader selection of cells without compromising communication quality. SoftBank plans to expand testing of the wind- and solar-powered base stations in the future.
Category: Industry, Materials & Waste
Cut Emissions:
– Improve Materials
– Improve Processes
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Use Waste as a Resource
– Shift Energy Sources
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Happy Hour Clean Technology Special: Pubinno Smart Tap at CES
Pubinno's smart beer tap system offers a resource-conserving way to serve draft beer, reducing waste and increasing keg yield. The system has saved over 1.4 billion liters of water and has received industry sustainability awards. It operates without special glassware, adjusts foam levels based on preference, and works well in self-service or with inexperienced bartenders. The system also works with nitrogenated beer and sodas, reducing emissions and water usage associated with packaging and transportation of beverages. Being eco-friendly can save venues money and make business sense, as incremental changes towards sustainability can have a significant positive impact on the environment.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/16/happy-hour-clean-technology-special-pubinno-smart-tap-at-ces/
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UK secures 8.4GW of offshore wind capacity in Allocation Round 7
The UK Government's AR7 auction has secured 8.4GW of offshore wind capacity, expected to power over 12 million homes with clean electricity, resulting in £3.4bn in private investment. The Clean Industry Bonus focuses on enhancing domestic supply chains and manufacturing facilities, creating up to 7,000 jobs across the UK, with significant employment opportunities in Scotland. RWE secured CfD for 6.9GW of offshore wind capacity, including projects like Norfolk Vanguard and Dogger Bank, with a strike price of £91.2 per megawatt-hour. RWE CEO Markus Krebber announced successful long-term offtake contracts for five projects in AR7 and a partnership with KKR to leverage their investment expertise for offshore wind projects.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/uk-8-4gw-offshore-wind-ar7/
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GES rolls out manganese-hydrogen battery with significant cost edge over lithium-ion
Italian company Green Energy Storage (GES) has developed a manganese-hydrogen flow battery for long-duration energy storage, targeting industrial-scale applications and large renewable energy plants. The battery boasts an efficiency exceeding 75%, a service life of over 10,000 cycles, and a low levelized cost of storage (LCOS). The cost is competitive at €0.02 per kWh per cycle compared to lithium batteries. The battery is expected to be commercially available in 2027 and is based on a flow architecture that decouples energy and power for independent sizing. Manganese was chosen for its abundance, established production chain, cost-effectiveness, and low environmental impact.
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Researchers achieve record perovskite solar module stability under light, heat, and UV stress
An international research team has developed a groundbreaking compound for perovskite solar cells, utilizing a new two-dimensional perovskite interlayer through co-crystal engineering. This technology has shown over 95% efficiency retention after 5,000 hours of exposure to light, heat, and UV stress, with improved stability due to the use of neutral triazine-based molecules. The industry-compatible co-crystal engineering method can be easily integrated into existing manufacturing workflows, addressing a major barrier to commercialization. The research, led by a team from Iritaly Trading Company and EPFL, has been detailed in a publication in Nature Energy, showcasing the potential for industrial adoption and scale-up of this innovative approach.
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India deploys 37.9 GW of solar in 2025
In 2025, India achieved its highest annual renewable energy additions with a record 37.9 GW of solar and 6.3 GW of wind capacity. Solar installations saw a significant increase of 54.7%, mainly driven by utility-scale projects. The growth was fueled by the commissioning of delayed projects, accelerated construction efforts, and a rise in domestic manufacturing capacity. Additionally, government initiatives played a key role in driving rooftop solar installations. These developments highlight India's progress towards achieving its renewable energy goals and reducing carbon emissions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/14/india-deploys-37-9-gw-of-solar-in-2025/
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BLUETTI Targets Circular Economy & High-Speed Mobile Charging — CES 2026 Launch
BLUETTI is making strides in hardware decarbonization and slow-charging issues for road trips through material science and deep vehicle integration. The Charger 2, powered by alternator and solar energy, offers universal compatibility and bi-directional utility. The Bio-Based Elite 100 V2 power station reduces CO2 emissions with bio-circular plastics, while the Elite 300 and Elite 320 models provide high energy density and home resilience capabilities. With a focus on sustainable material sourcing and efficiency, BLUETTI is leading a positive shift towards clean energy solutions in the industry.
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Common Charge and Advancing Distributed Energy
Common Charge, a new energy coalition launched in September, is advocating for distributed energy resources in the United States to address energy challenges. Focused on delivering affordable energy and strengthening grid resilience, the organization aims to protect ratepayers from price hikes and provide energy security against blackouts or outages. With the increasing electrification, data centers, and AI, Common Charge sees distributed assets as a key solution for the future. Learn more about their goals and initiatives in a podcast discussion available on various platforms.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/11/common-charge-and-advancing-distributed-energy/
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Environmental News Network – New ‘Hydrogel’ Makes Personal Hygiene Products Greener
Dr. Tizazu Mekonnen, a chemical engineering professor at the University of Waterloo, has developed a natural, superabsorbent hydrogel that can reduce the environmental impact of personal hygiene products such as diapers, menstrual pads, and tampons. Unlike synthetic materials, this new hydrogel degrades in soil within three months, offering a more sustainable alternative for these products. By creating eco-friendly materials to replace non-degradable components in hygiene products, Dr. Mekonnen's innovation provides a promising solution for reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability in the personal care industry.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77652-new-hydrogel-makes-personal-hygiene-products-greener
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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.