Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Industry, Materials & Waste

Cut Emissions:
– Improve Materials
– Improve Processes
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Use Waste as a Resource
– Shift Energy Sources

  • Europe’s first 110MW data centre microgrid launches in Dublin

    Pure DC and AVK have launched Europe's first large-scale on-site data centre microgrid in Dublin, Ireland, designed to provide dispatchable power during early development phases. The microgrid includes three interconnected 30MW energy centres blending combined heat and power with heat recovery, battery energy storage system integration, rainwater harvesting, and future hydrogen blending. This innovative system supports AI-driven data centre demand, hybrid grid-renewable operations, and potential district heating links, addressing power shortages for hyperscale cloud and AI facilities. Positioned as a model for the energy-as-strategic-asset approach in the data centre industry, this project showcases sustainable solutions for reliable and efficient power generation.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/europes-first-110mw-data-centre-microgrid-launches-in-dublin/

  • New Jersey announces 355-MW storage procurement, solicits 645 MW more

    The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved incentives for three transmission-connected battery energy storage projects totaling 355 MW, with plans for an additional 645 MW of standalone storage or solar-plus-storage. This fulfills the state's goal of procuring 1 GW of bulk energy storage by summer and 2 GW by 2030, with projects set to participate in PJM Interconnection's capacity auction next year. The projects, located at operating or retired fossil power plants, aim to save ratepayers over $169 million by moderating wholesale electricity prices during peak demand. New Jersey's push for energy storage is driven by strong market fundamentals and high capacity prices, with support from political leadership and plans to use funds from the regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program for ratepayer bill credits.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/new-jersey-announces-355-mw-storage-procurement-solicits-645-mw-more/814971/

  • CO2 Mineralization in Concrete and Its Future Impact

    Concrete producers are under pressure to deliver lower carbon materials while maintaining performance. CarbonCure's webinar discussed how CO2 mineralization can help achieve these goals by storing carbon dioxide in concrete, improving microstructure, and reducing cement costs. The demand for lower carbon concrete is driving innovation in the industry, with global deployment resulting in significant CO2 savings and improved concrete performance. Producers are finding ways to operationalize CO2 mineralization through cement screening, laboratory validation, and batching trials to optimize CO2 dose and achieve cement reduction with equivalent performance, ultimately delivering lower carbon concrete at scale.

    https://www.carboncure.com/blog/concrete-corner/operationalizing-co%E2%82%82-mineralization-in-ready-mix-concrete-webinar-highlights/

  • UN climate chief attacks “delusional” fossil fuel investments

    UN climate chief Simon Stiell warns against doubling down on fossil fuels in response to spikes in oil and gas prices caused by the Iran war, emphasizing the economic irrationality of new investments compared to the benefits of renewable energy. The current crisis is seen as a crucial moment to ramp up pressure against fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy investments. Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports is highlighted as a vulnerability, but the rollout of new wind and solar power capacity since the Green Deal in 2019 has saved billions of euros. This shift towards renewables is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/16/un-climate-chief-to-use-iran-crisis-to-hit-out-at-delusional-fossil-fuel-supporters/

  • Dennis Schroeder / Department of Energy 16 Mar 2026 UN Climate Chief in Brussels: fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, but renewables turn the tables UN Climate Speech

    UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasizes the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependency on national security, sovereignty, and economies, advocating for a shift to renewable energy for a more cost-effective, secure, and sustainable solution. Europe has a unique opportunity to lead in climate action and attract investment by embracing green growth, transitioning away from fossil fuels, upgrading grids, and supporting the Emissions Trading Scheme. The EU has been driving ambition at COPs and urges continued support for the process, with significant commitments made at COP30 and plans to continue progress at COP31 in Türkiye. Companies are coming to COPs to secure agreements that tackle the climate crisis and benefit their bottom lines, while the EU is building new partnerships to invest in value chains in partner countries and strengthen alliances for peace and prosperity in the face of climate change.

    https://unfccc.int/news/un-climate-chief-in-brussels-fossil-fuel-dependency-is-ripping-away-national-security-and

  • Why cheap waste management is key to stopping plastic pollution

    Improving waste management in low- and middle-income countries is crucial to cutting global plastic pollution by 98%, as high-income countries produce 100 times less plastic pollution per person due to better waste management systems. The main sources of plastic pollution in rich countries are littering, while in poorer countries, uncollected waste and poorly managed disposal sites are the main contributors. Investing in basic waste management infrastructure in low- and lower-middle-income countries is crucial for reducing plastic pollution, as research shows that each dollar spent on upgrading systems in these countries can prevent significantly more plastic pollution compared to spending the same amount in high-income countries. Focusing on waste collection and controlled landfills is more effective and affordable than options like incinerators and recycling plants, highlighting the importance of prioritizing cost-effective waste management solutions to address the plastic pollution crisis and potentially reduce global plastic pollution levels to just 2% of their current levels.

    https://ourworldindata.org/why-cheap-waste-management-is-key-to-stopping-plastic-pollution

  • Bridging the Methane Gap: Financing Abatement in China

    Methane emissions in China account for a significant portion of global warming, and the country's updated NDC now includes all greenhouse gases, showing a stronger policy focus on addressing methane alongside carbon dioxide. While there are feasible solutions to reduce methane emissions in various sectors, the lack of structured financial support is hindering the scaling of abatement projects. To close the methane finance gap, the report recommends incorporating methane into future NDCs, enhancing monitoring systems, and mobilizing finance to turn abatement projects into bankable initiatives. China's experience in addressing methane challenges can offer valuable lessons for other emerging economies and countries in the Global South, emphasizing the importance of investing in energy, agriculture, and waste projects to reduce methane emissions.

    https://www.climatebonds.net/news-events/blog/bridging-methane-gap-financing-abatement-china

  • Increased spacing between solar module rows boosts agrivoltaics viability

    U.S. researchers from Colorado University, National Laboratory of the Rockies, Colorado State University, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have developed a framework showing that wider spacing between solar PV rows can make agrivoltaic systems economically viable for large-scale mechanized farming. Their simulations in Colorado demonstrated that optimized row spacing maintains crop production while improving combined agricultural and energy revenues. The study found that wider-row agrivoltaic solutions can provide economic benefits over traditional utility-scale PV systems, with $200/acre in agricultural profit justifying spacing panels at least 9.662 m apart. The framework defines different PV row-spacing scenarios, determines installed PV capacity, incorporates agricultural equipment constraints, calculates crop revenues, estimates electricity generation and revenue, and calculates metrics such as net present value and levelized cost of energy. The team simulated a 160-acre project in Colorado with different crop scenarios and PPA prices, highlighting the sensitivity of results to equipment size.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/13/increased-spacing-between-solar-module-rows-boosts-agrivoltaics-viability/

  • Energy Department touts $1.9B for grid upgrades

    The Energy Department is providing $1.9 billion in funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law to upgrade the U.S. power grid, known as SPARK. This initiative aims to increase grid capacity to meet growing electricity demand and ensure reliable power. Projects selected for funding must demonstrate the use of higher-capacity conductors and other technologies to optimize grid operations for rapid growth, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and stability.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/energy-department-touts-1-9b-for-grid-upgrades/

  • First attempt to build solar modules using polycarbonate encapsulant

    Canadian researchers have proposed an open-source solar module design using polycarbonate instead of traditional materials, allowing for easy disassembly and reuse of solar cells. The design enables local manufacturing with accessible DIY tools, reducing barriers for community-level fabrication and repair. The polycarbonate encapsulation technique is scalable, lightweight, and requires only mechanical separation for recycling. With a focus on low embodied energy and durability, the prototype module can generate 2.12 W under sunny conditions at a cost of $3.11/W, potentially reduced to $0.06-0.30/W with recycled materials and industrial-scale prices. Future work includes scaling the design, optimizing materials, and testing for long-term durability, as detailed in a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/10/first-attempt-to-build-solar-modules-using-polycarbonate-encapsulant/