Envision Group has integrated artificial intelligence into their 12.8-gigawatt-hour battery storage network in northern China, potentially becoming the world's largest single-site energy storage facility. The AI system optimizes operational decisions, interfaces with local electricity markets, and boosts revenue by 20% compared to traditional storage assets. This facility, part of a larger network in Inner Mongolia, completed successful grid verification testing and helps absorb surplus renewable energy while stabilizing power grids. Envision's infrastructure also powers industrial and computing facilities, like the Galaxy Campus in Ulanqab, providing continuous, zero-carbon electricity from regional wind farms.
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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R&D 100 Awards Honor 4 NLR Innovations
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) was recognized with four R&D 100 Awards for innovative technologies, bringing their total to 80 since 1982. The winning technologies, such as ALTRIOS for rail system optimization, ENDURING for energy storage using sand, Pele Suite for simulating reacting flows, and pBPM for converting CO2 to organic compounds, offer scalable solutions for energy systems and infrastructure. These technologies not only showcase the talent and ingenuity of NLR researchers but also have the potential to increase carbon utilization, reduce production costs, and contribute to Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Disruption efforts. Additionally, the NLR was acknowledged for its contribution to a technology converting PET waste into value-added aromatics, further highlighting their commitment to sustainable solutions for the future of American energy.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/07/rd-100-awards-honor-4-nlr-innovations/
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Apollo Power claims certification first for lightweight flexible module
Israeli company Apollo Power has achieved Class A fire certification for its new flexible solar module, Panda Plus, offering a power output of 320 W across a 2 m2 area. This certification, a first for flexible solar panels, was achieved through improved materials and manufacturing techniques. Apollo Power is also working on an integrated solar-roofing product with a US roofing company to target residential and commercial rooftops with weight or design constraints. Additionally, the company manufactures solar charging systems for various applications, including automotive, defense, and disaster relief, with exclusive distribution agreements and partnerships to deploy flexible solar energy solutions at gas stations and on trucks and buses in the US. Apollo Power manufactures all its panels in Israel and distributes through tier-one partners and direct sales to large end users like Amazon.
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Base Power raises $1B to get big batteries into more homes
Climate solutions experts should focus on implementing renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to combat climate change. Additionally, investing in energy efficiency measures and transitioning away from fossil fuels are crucial steps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals is essential in achieving a sustainable future. It is important to prioritize climate solutions that have a positive impact on both the environment and society as a whole.
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The Resilience Advantage: How AirPlantTM Is Building a New Model for Industry
Twelve's AirPlant introduces a new platform for producing synthetic hydrocarbon products like E-Jet fuel and E-Naphtha by converting CO2 into carbon monoxide using renewable electricity. AirPlant One in Washington demonstrates the viability of power-to-liquid manufacturing on a commercial scale, showcasing the potential of diversifying production pathways and anchoring costs to long-term power agreements for a more resilient and sustainable approach to industrial manufacturing. The facility serves as a template for future plants to establish a broader, more flexible manufacturing network, ultimately building a more resilient foundation for industry.
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South Korea proceeds with largest single-site PV project to date
South Korea is set to build its largest solar complex, the 400 MW Haenam solar power complex, on idle land in the south of the country. The project, expected to be completed in 2028, will supply electricity to companies and industrial complexes with renewable energy targets. The project aims to lower power generation costs and will use domestically-produced solar modules, cells, and inverters. It also includes a resident participation and profit-sharing system, returning a total of KRW 150 billion to the local community. Additionally, a portion of the complex will be developed as agricultural solar power, in line with South Korea's agrivoltaics legislation.
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European Countries Cut Tens of Billions of Euros of Fossil Fuel Imports from Wind & Solar Power Growth
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union accelerated its plans to increase renewable energy capacity, resulting in wind and solar power making up 30% of electricity supply by 2025. This shift displaced coal and gas power, with gas generation falling by 15% and coal by 38%. The rapid deployment of wind and solar power saved the EU €72bn in fossil fuel imports between 2022 and 2025, with the largest savings coming from Germany, Spain, and Italy. This shift highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on foreign nations and mitigate climate change.
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Students To Help Identify Retirement Options for Energy Technologies
The Technology Recycling and Repurposing (T-ReX) Collegiate Competition, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, challenges students to recycle or reuse components from decommissioned energy technology. In Phase 1, teams develop proposals to recover materials like steel, copper, and rare earth magnets from wind turbines. Those advancing to Phase 2 can visit NLR's Flatirons Campus to select equipment for their designs. The competition aims to provide hands-on experience in energy, manufacturing, and materials industries, promoting recycling and supporting communities. By engaging with local communities, teams learn about challenges in retiring energy projects and spread awareness about recycling benefits, encouraging the reimagining of energy technologies for new purposes.
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Clean energy offers least-cost path to meeting US electricity demand
Peak electricity demand in the United States is projected to increase by 24% by 2030, driven by data centers, industrial growth, and electrification. A report from Electricity and Energy Innovation (EEI) suggests that meeting this demand with clean energy is more cost-effective than with fossil fuels. The report compares two scenarios, one with increased fossil fuel use and one with accelerated deployment of clean energy, finding that the clean energy approach would save $5 billion annually by 2030. The clean energy scenario also provides a hedge against fuel price volatility and uncertainty in demand growth. States like Illinois and Indiana are taking steps to remove barriers to clean energy acceleration, such as improving permitting processes and addressing interconnection challenges. Utilities are urged to validate cost inputs against market data and consider source procurement to optimize resource utilization. Overall, clean energy confidence remains high despite challenges in the energy sector.
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Morocco hosts Africa’s first battery manufacturing plant
Morocco is set to open Africa's first battery gigafactory in the Kenitra Atlantic Free Zone, with a $7 billion investment. The plant will produce lithium-iron-phosphate batteries for automotive and stationary storage sectors, with an initial capacity of 10 GWh per year, increasing to 100 GWh long term. Supported by a €100 million loan from the African Development Bank, the project aims to meet the growing regional demand for electric mobility. Gotion High-Tech views the Moroccan site as a strategic link for exports to Europe and integration into regional industrial chains.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/03/morocco-hosts-africas-first-battery-manufacturing-plant/