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

  • New Records Set in the Renewable Energy Marathon

    Renewable energy is leading the way in global energy supply growth, with solar being the largest contributor in 2025. The world installed a record amount of wind and solar in 2025, with projections showing that solar, wind, and energy storage will make up the majority of new energy capacity in the coming years. This shift towards clean energy is expected to continue, phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. The increase in wind generation is breaking records in California and other regions, showing the potential for continued growth in wind power. The growth of renewables is crucial in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change.

    https://blog.ucs.org/john-rogers/new-records-set-in-the-renewable-energy-marathon/

  • Octopus Energy, Lunar Energy roll out battery-enabled electricity plans in Texas

    Octopus Energy, Lunar Energy, GVEC, and other companies in Texas are introducing innovative electricity plans that include high-capacity home batteries and smart thermostats to reduce costs and manage power usage. These plans aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of smarter, more flexible energy solutions for customers, with fixed pricing and grid services included. The trend towards battery-based retail electricity programs in Texas is growing, with a focus on offering discounted energy storage hardware and home backup power. Partnerships like the one between NRG and Renew Home are also working towards deploying flexible capacity through residential demand management programs, showcasing the potential for widespread adoption of climate-friendly solutions in the state.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/octopus-energy-lunar-energy-roll-out-battery-enabled-electricity-in-texas/818847/

  • Solar and battery households help grid by importing more during day and exporting more in evening peaks

    The installation of over 360,000 home batteries in Australia is reshaping the energy market by helping to manage excess solar energy, reduce reliance on gas, and moderate prices. This support, along with grid-scale batteries, is displacing higher bidding hydro and gas generators, providing a better market signal for large-scale wind and solar projects. Federal climate and energy minister Chris Bowen emphasizes the importance of renewables in stabilizing the grid and lowering energy bills, while criticizing the Coalition's plan to prioritize coal. The increase in household batteries is benefiting the grid by providing additional supply during evening peaks and addressing minimum demand issues. Support for independent media and accurate information is encouraged to further advance climate solutions.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-and-battery-households-help-grid-by-importing-more-during-day-and-exporting-more-in-evening-peaks/

  • eManufacturing: The Next Industrial Power Shift in Hydrocarbon Production

    A new onshore production pathway is emerging, turning air and electricity into fuels and chemicals at industrial scale, with advances in electrochemistry allowing for the synthesis of hydrocarbons using CO2, water, and electricity. This eManufacturing system introduces a more secure and diversified supply model, enabling countries without fossil resources to become hydrocarbon producers. The shift towards eManufacturing is seen as a way to produce essential molecules like E-NaphthaTM and sustainable aviation fuel without reliance on fossil extraction, driving the next generation of fuel and chemical manufacturers. Leaders are urged to consider the implications of this shift, including control of supply, resilient supply chains, new industrial advantage, and capital reallocation towards systems that convert electrons into molecules, defining the future of industrial growth and aligning production with the electrification of the global economy.

    https://www.twelve.co/post/emanufacturing-the-next-industrial-power-shift-in-hydrocarbon-production

  • Cooling PV modules with hydrogel-coated paper

    A Vietnamese research team has developed a low-cost passive cooling system for PV modules using hydrogel-coated paper that combines water flow and interfacial evaporation to reduce operating temperatures. Outdoor tests showed temperature reductions of up to 14 C and efficiency gains of up to 16.8%, with stable operation achieved using both freshwater and natural seawater. The system was tested under real outdoor conditions and showed strong performance, with the hydrogel-coated paper maintaining effective cooling even with natural seawater. The novel passive cooling technique enables convective heat transfer through flowing water and dissipation of latent heat via interfacial evaporation, leading to significant efficiency gains for PV panels. The study involved researchers from various universities in Vietnam and aims to scale up the system for real-world use, focusing on optimizing materials for different climates, enhancing corrosion protection, and integrating energy generation with water treatment.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/28/cooling-pv-modules-with-hydrogel-coated-paper/

  • State creates $1.4 billion fund to connect more wind and solar ahead of coal power exit

    Western Australia's Labor government is establishing a $1.4 billion Clean Energy Fund to facilitate the transition from coal to renewables by the end of the decade. The fund will support network extensions like the Clean Energy Link (CEL) – East, enabling the integration of more wind and solar projects into the grid. This initiative is expected to add 3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and generate 800 local jobs during construction. The state government is fast-tracking the replacement of coal with new battery projects, wind farms, and grid expansions, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/state-creates-1-4-billion-fund-to-connect-more-wind-and-solar-ahead-of-coal-power-exit/

  • Swapping Out Diesel For Solar & Batteries In The Amazon Rainforest

    Affordability is driving the increase in new renewable energy installations at both grid and individual levels, with solar and wind, along with battery storage, becoming more popular due to decreasing costs. In areas like Africa, Pakistan, and the Amazon rainforest, the transition to solar energy is robust, supported by federal policy, falling technology costs, and philanthropic initiatives. Brazil has successfully increased its wind and solar power capacity to meet and exceed electricity demand growth, reducing the need for fossil fuel generation and lowering power sector emissions. The growth of renewables in Brazil has been significant, with the decline in hydro generation leading to a shift towards wind and solar power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and presenting opportunities to avoid costly imports. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, especially in rural areas where diesel generators are currently used.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/27/swapping-out-diesel-for-solar-batteries-in-the-amazon-rainforest/

  • Republicans Cry Uncle On The “Beautiful” Tax Incentive Fadeout

    Some Republicans in Congress are pushing for the "American Energy Dominance Act" to revive key incentives for commercial energy efficiency upgrades and new energy-efficient homes, aiming to address energy issues and appeal to voters. NABTU supports the bill, which includes provisions for energy efficiency tax credits and clean hydrogen incentives to support job creation and strengthen domestic energy supply. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, focusing on green hydrogen production, aims to expand the domestic hydrogen supply chain. Water electrolysis technology advancements are expected in the next seven years, with Republican members proposing tax incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy to support these efforts.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/25/do-over-republicans-cry-uncle-on-federal-tax-incentives/

  • New panel of climate scientists calls for fossil fuel transition roadmaps

    A new panel of experts, including top climate scientists, is urging governments to develop science-based and just roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels. The panel's recommendations were presented in Santa Marta, Colombia, ahead of a ministerial meeting on transitioning away from coal, oil, and gas. The panel emphasizes the need for whole-of-government plans to overcome barriers to the energy transition. A draft roadmap for Colombia, developed with input from European scientists, shows a pathway to economic and societal benefits through phasing out fossil fuels with energy efficiency measures and renewable energy. Developing countries need an exit route from the "debt trap" of fossil fuels to enable a just and effective transition. Brazil is working on a national roadmap for its economy and leading a global roadmap for climate solutions, with the new panel aiming to provide more specific and targeted advice at a faster pace than the IPCC. The transition beyond fossil fuels depends on cities and collective action, with recommendations including banning new fossil fuel infrastructure and implementing carbon levies on imports. The panel will be co-chaired by experts from Cameroon, Germany, and Brazil, and will consist of scientists working on transition pathways, technological solutions, policies, and finance.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/25/new-panel-of-top-climate-scientists-calls-for-fossil-fuel-transition-roadmaps/

  • US Gulf States See A Green Hydrogen Future For Stranded Assets

    Three US states around the Gulf of Mexico, including Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, are collaborating on repurposing offshore oil and gas platforms for green hydrogen and aquaculture projects. The initiative, supported by former Louisiana Governor Jon Bel Edwards, aims to transform the oil and gas industry into a more sustainable and prosperous sector by integrating renewable energy, aquaculture, mineral recovery, and ocean monitoring. A $20 million project funded by the Gulf Research Program, involving the University of Houston, is working towards repurposing inactive wells, pipelines, and platforms in the Gulf for economic and environmental benefits, with a goal of having five operational platforms by 2030. The project is part of a larger effort to address the importance of locally produced renewable energy and the narrowing cost gap between green hydrogen and conventional hydrogen, with defense suppliers like Rheinmetall planning to build green hydrogen facilities across Europe. CleanTechnica provides detailed analyses and summaries on clean tech news, highlighting the potential for repurposing offshore oil and gas infrastructure for green hydrogen production.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/24/gulf-states-foresee-green-hydrogen-replacing-stranded-oil-gas-assets/