China Energy Investment Corp. has completed the Phase II 2 GW photovoltaic project at its Lingwu mining-subsidence renewable base in Ningxia, part of a 6 GW solar cluster. The project repurposes coal mining subsidence zones and underutilized land to deliver clean electricity through an ultra-high-voltage direct current line. The Lingwu base features a hybrid grid architecture with an energy storage system and a "solar-coal-storage-hydrogen" export base, focusing on land reuse, grid integration, and long-distance transmission. This project sets a precedent for future large solar bases in western China, showcasing innovative solutions for utilizing renewable energy in areas with coal mining history.
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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Renewable energy is a clear solution to the fossil fuel cost chaos: Statement from UN Climate Change Executive Secretary
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell stressed the urgent need for a transition to renewables due to the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependence on economies and people. Despite renewables becoming cheaper and faster-to-market, the transition is still too slow, particularly in developing nations that require more support. Stiell emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation and protecting civilian lives, highlighting the critical role of accelerating the shift to renewable energy sources globally.
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Premier Energies unveils India’s first zero-busbar TOPCon solar cell
Premier Energies unveiled India's first zero-busbar (0BB) TOPCon solar cell at Intersolar India, marking a shift from traditional architectures and reducing silver consumption. The new design delivers higher power output, enhances mechanical flexibility, and improves resistance to micro-cracks, ensuring superior performance in Indian climates. Premier Energies aims to strengthen performance economics and sustainability in solar manufacturing by lowering silver usage while enhancing efficiency and durability. The company is investing in scaling up its solar manufacturing capacity and expanding into related areas like inverters and battery systems.
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Global energy transition hits a hardware bottleneck
Demand for transformers and grid-connection infrastructure is surging due to the massive electrification of industry and transport, integration of renewable energy, and growth of AI data centers. Hitachi Energy is investing $1.5 billion to expand transformer manufacturing capacity to meet the increased demand, as lead times for large transformers have doubled since 2019. Global investment in grids is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2026, with companies like Kaufmann Electric and Waaree Energies investing in transformer manufacturing to address constraints in grid infrastructure construction. To speed up project realization, companies are focusing on standardization and closer collaboration with manufacturers through framework agreements, aiming to ensure timely delivery of grid connection equipment and support the growth of renewable energy projects.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/27/global-energy-transition-hits-a-hardware-bottleneck/
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CarbonCure Celebrates 2026 Sustainability in Concrete Scholars
CarbonCure Technologies has announced the recipients of its 2025-2026 Sustainability in Concrete Scholarship, supporting student leaders in advancing sustainability in the industry. The scholarship has been awarded to five U.S. undergraduate students and one Canadian undergrad, each receiving a $2,000 scholarship. The recipients highlighted practical solutions to reduce embodied carbon in concrete, such as mix optimization and the use of supplementary cementitious materials. Mario Melo, Brandon Cruz Campero, Iyanna Lloyd, Kate Connor, Kate, and Evan are all committed to promoting low-carbon practices in the concrete industry to reduce emissions and make sustainable concrete technologies the standard. The focus is on creating a sustainable, stronger, and more resilient concrete industry, with a growing momentum behind lower-carbon concrete solutions in North America.
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Hyundai Motor Group to Establish Innovation Hub to Lead Robotics, AI, & Hydrogen Energy in Korea
Hyundai Motor Group has signed an MOU with the South Korean government and Jeonbuk State to invest nearly KRW 9 trillion in the Saemangeum area of Gunsan City starting in 2026. The investment will focus on advancing Korea's transition to robotics, AI-driven, and energy-centric future through projects such as an AI Data Center, Robotics Manufacturing Cluster, PEM Electrolyzer Plant, Solar Power Infrastructure, and AI Hydrogen Smart City. The initiative aims to generate KRW 16 trillion and create approximately 71,000 jobs in economic effect. Saemangeum was chosen for its abundant renewable energy resources and comprehensive transportation infrastructure. Hyundai Motor Group is investing in AI data centers, robotics manufacturing clusters, and a PEM electrolyzer plant to advance physical AI, robotics manufacturing, and Korea's hydrogen economy. The AI data center will support autonomous driving and robotics with GPU computing power and massive storage. The robotics cluster will manufacture 30,000 units annually and train robots at a dedicated center. The PEM electrolyzer plant will produce clean hydrogen at scale, supporting hydrogen supply infrastructure and diverse mobility solutions. These investments aim to accelerate Korea's transition to a hydrogen economy and strengthen the domestic robotics industry. A group is planning to expand electrolyzer capacity to 1 GW domestically, with a focus on green hydrogen production. They are also developing a gigawatt-scale solar power capacity by 2035 to power their initiatives sustainably. The group aims to create an AI Hydrogen Smart City integrating AI, hydrogen, and robotics technologies. The investment in Saemangeum is expected to generate significant economic benefits and promote regional development. The group's broader strategy includes leading the Physical AI industry through collaborations with industry leaders and contributing to Korea's position as a global innovation hub.
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New model reveals pathway for land-efficient U.S. solar expansion
McGill University researchers utilized deep-learning computer vision to analyze 719 solar projects in the Western U.S., setting a new "land-sparing" benchmark for developers. The study revealed a link between geographic irradiance and land efficiency, showing that sunnier regions and compact system designs result in higher energy density. A global study further emphasized the potential for rooftop solar integration, indicating that targeted policy could make it more cost-effective than ground-mounted systems. These findings underscore the importance of strategic land management and integrating solar into the built environment to help achieve net-zero targets and minimize environmental impact.
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Curbing methane is the fastest way to slow warming – but we’re off the pace
Scientists, policy makers, and leaders are gathering to discuss the urgent need to rapidly cut methane emissions, which are still rising due to human activities. The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction in global emissions by 2030, with progress showing a potential 8% reduction if commitments are fully implemented. The key challenge lies in implementation rather than technology, with the energy sector holding the most potential for methane reduction. Immediate investment in improved landfills, circular waste systems, and new measurement tools is crucial to meet the global targets and combat climate change effectively. Leaders are urged to prioritize sustainability, implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and protect natural ecosystems for a more resilient and sustainable future for the planet.
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Company behind Australia’s largest thermal storage project wins Arena funding
MGA Thermal has secured $3.25 million in funding from Arena to advance its thermal energy storage technology, utilizing Miscibility Gap Alloy material for large-scale, long-duration energy storage with high efficiency. The funding will support up to five front-end engineering design studies aimed at decarbonizing industrial process heat and enabling the shift to net zero emissions in Australia. CEO Mark Croudace is enthusiastic about collaborating on TES projects with leading industrial companies, while climate journalist Joshua S. Hill continues to report on clean energy news, focusing on climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles. Stay updated with the latest clean energy news by subscribing to the free daily newsletter.
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Deloitte urges India to align renewables with AI data growth
India has the opportunity to become a leading data center hub by aligning policy, grid infrastructure, and renewable deployment. Key challenges include an energy supply gap, grid stability limitations, regulatory differences, and lack of a unified national framework. Recommendations include accelerating renewable integration, expanding green PPAs, upgrading transmission networks, and leveraging AI for energy optimization. Incentivizing decentralized renewable energy models, such as co-located solar and storage infrastructure, can increase access to clean energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and make communities more resilient to climate change impacts. Policymakers and stakeholders must support and invest in these sustainable energy solutions to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/23/deloitte-urges-india-to-align-renewables-with-ai-data-growth/