Lauren Mellor and Chantelle Johns from Original Power are empowering First Nations communities in the Northern Territory by giving them control over their energy sources and promoting renewable energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their mission aims to address climate change impacts and create sustainable, resilient communities, emphasizing the importance of indigenous-led climate solutions in the fight against climate change.
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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Australian researchers accelerate silicon wafer recycling using AI, robotics
Researchers from the University of New England and the Australian Institute for Strategic Artificial Intelligence are using AI and supercomputers to develop methods for recycling silicon wafers with minimal contamination, supported by a robotic laboratory funded by the Australian Research Council. Their AI-driven quantum chemical simulations aim to identify solvent formulations to cleanly separate silicon from wafers, improving recycling processes for solar panels in anticipation of Australia's expected one million tonnes of end-of-life panels by 2035. The launch of LabNext70 by UNE focuses on AI applications in materials science, education transformation, geopolitical analysis, and strategic decision-making to address climate-related challenges and promote sustainable solutions, highlighting the importance of leveraging technology for climate action and innovation in various sectors.
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Environmental News Network – Turning Plastic Waste Into Clean Fuel Using Sunlight
Scientists are exploring solar-powered technologies to convert waste plastics into valuable fuels and industrial chemicals, addressing plastic pollution and the need for clean energy. Led by Adelaide University PhD candidate Xiao Lu, the research highlights the potential for a sustainable, circular economy by repurposing plastics as a valuable resource. With over 460 million tonnes of plastic produced annually and millions leaking into the environment, this solution offers a way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while tackling plastic waste. The study, published in Chem Catalysis, emphasizes the carbon and hydrogen-rich nature of plastics as an untapped resource for fuel production.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77966-turning-plastic-waste-into-clean-fuel-using-sunlight
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ADB unveils $70bn plan for Asia’s energy and digital infrastructure
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a $70bn Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to enhance energy and digital infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific by 2035. The initiative aims to connect national and subregional power systems to facilitate the cross-border flow of renewable energy, integrating 20GW of renewable energy and reducing regional power sector emissions by 15%. ADB plans to raise $50bn by 2035 to develop extensive cross-border power infrastructure, prioritizing transmission, grid integration, and renewable energy projects. This initiative will also establish 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines, enhance energy access for 200 million people, create 840,000 jobs, and involve private sector co-financing alongside ADB's own resources.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/adb-70bn-plan-asias-energy-digital-infrastructure/
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The energy transition has a rare earth problem: These startups are solving it
The Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) plant in northeastern England and Silicon Valley startup Conifer are leading the way in developing rare earth-free electric motors for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce supply chain risks and environmental harm associated with rare earth mining. Niron Magnetics is also working on iron-based magnets to decrease manufacturing costs and dependency on Chinese rare earth supplies, with support from major automotive companies and Western governments. The US, Canada, and the European Union are investing in subsidies and research to mine and produce rare earth materials, while also exploring recycling and alternative materials to create a circular supply chain that reduces costs and environmental impact in the production of motors and other technologies.
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Maritime Decarbonization Is Closer, Cheaper, And More Practical Than It Looks
The International Maritime Organization's Net-Zero Framework is still pending formal adoption after MEPC 84, with the next decisive window at MEPC 85 in November-December 2026. The framework focuses on absolute emissions reductions and lifecycle accounting, with a global fuel standard and greenhouse gas pricing mechanism to incentivize lower emissions. The shift towards low-carbon alternatives like biomass, biofuels, and batteries is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new solutions for decarbonization. The article also addresses the challenges and costs of alternative fuels, the impact of fuel costs on shipping, and the need for realistic and sustainable solutions to reduce emissions in the shipping sector. The clock is ticking for the industry to transition to cleaner technologies, as the path is clear, the economics are manageable, and excuses are running out.
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Santa Marta May Be a Game-Changing Moment
The First Conference On Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia brought together 57 countries to discuss how to leave behind fossil fuels as the primary driver of climate change. The head of the International Energy Agency stated that the war in Iran has broken fossil fuel markets beyond repair, leading countries towards renewable energy sources. The conference focused on learning from various sectors, including businesses and Indigenous peoples, to disentangle economies and societies from fossil fuels. France released a national roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, while companies like BYD and Fortescue showcased initiatives for zero emissions. The conference emphasized the importance of individual and national actions for stronger climate action. The potential impact of the COP31 conference in November, particularly focusing on the economic power of the "coalition of the willing" countries, including California, was also discussed. These countries account for 30% of global fossil fuel consumption, and withdrawing their buying power could accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. A follow-up conference is planned for February 2027. The concept of "climateflation" and the connection between climate change impacts and cost of living expenses were highlighted, along with the importance of renewables for stability and sovereignty. Information on upcoming events, training opportunities, and job openings in the climate and environment sector was also provided. Applications for fellowships with Pulitzer Center, Chips Quinn Reporter Fellowship, Quanta Magazine, and ProPublica were mentioned, along with a call to support Covering Climate Now.
https://coveringclimatenow.org/from-us-story/santa-marta-may-be-a-game-changing-moment/
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Türkiye’s COP31 presidency and IEA join forces on clean energy push
Türkiye's COP31 presidency, in partnership with the International Energy Agency, is working to accelerate the global clean energy transition in response to the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war. The focus is on areas such as energy supply, electrification, and green industrialization, with an emphasis on expanding clean cooking solutions in developing countries and promoting waste recycling to reduce emissions. The IEA is organizing a summit in July to improve clean cooking access for Africans. Meanwhile, COP31 aims to address the lack of funding for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and supporting clean energy development outside of China, Europe, and the US. The presidency is prioritizing cutting emissions from garbage and developing a new mechanism to match climate projects with financing to ease access to funding for climate solutions.
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In Colombia, 57 Nations Chart A Path To A Future Without Fossil Fuels
The recent climate talks in Colombia brought together nearly sixty nations to develop national "road maps" to end the production and use of fossil fuels, marking a departure from the annual UN climate negotiations. The event focused on practical steps to transition away from fossil fuels, with positive feedback from attendees. The head of the International Energy Agency noted that the war in Iran has irreparably damaged fossil fuel markets, leading countries towards renewable energy sources. France announced plans to phase out fossil fuels, and a "coalition of the willing" countries aims to accelerate the retreat from fossil fuels. The impact of the conference may depend on government implementation of policies and the participation of more countries in future efforts.
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What fossil fuels really cost us in a world at war
Anne Jellema of 350.org discusses the devastating impact of the war on Iran and Lebanon on global economy and households, with potential costs exceeding $1 trillion in adverse scenarios. The fossil fuel crisis is draining households and economies worldwide, with $158-$166 billion already extracted due to soaring prices, highlighting the urgent need for a global shift towards affordable clean energy solutions to address energy poverty and reduce dependence on costly and unsustainable fossil fuels. Governments should implement windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies, shift subsidies towards renewable solutions, and accelerate the rollout of clean energy technologies like solar and wind to create a more stable, fair, and resilient energy system.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/30/what-fossil-fuels-really-cost-us-in-a-world-at-war/