Bill McKibben, a climate realist, acknowledges the dire state of the planet due to global warming but sees hope in the increasing use of alternative energy sources like solar and wind power. He notes the significant progress made in countries like China and Australia in transitioning to renewable energy. McKibben emphasizes the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels towards clean energy solutions to combat the climate crisis. The article also touches on the challenges posed by the current capitalist system that benefits from the extraction and distribution of fossil fuels. The shift towards renewable energy is noted, with examples like China exporting more green technologies than fossil fuels, and the potential for a more sustainable and equitable energy future is emphasized.
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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ACCIONA Energía starts renewable supply from Logrosan plant in Caceres
ACCIONA Energía's Logrosan biomass plant in Spain, with a capacity of 50 MW, is now supplying renewable energy and is expected to produce 380 GWh of electricity annually, avoiding over 187,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The plant primarily uses forestry residues for biomass, promoting active forest management to reduce wildfire risk. The project, awarded in a renewable energy auction, created over 400 construction jobs and will maintain 30 permanent roles, benefiting the local economy with revenue flowing back into the region. Additionally, the facility supports around 200 positions dedicated to land management and wildfire prevention, showcasing a comprehensive approach to sustainable energy production.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/acciona-energia-renewable-supply-logrosan-plant/
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Sembcorp completes acquisition of 300 MW solar project in India
Sembcorp Industries has expanded its renewable energy operations in India by acquiring a 300 MW solar project in Rajasthan, connected to the national grid and operating under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. This acquisition boosts Sembcorp's renewable energy capacity in India to over 7.6 GW, furthering its global renewables portfolio to 20.2 GW. This move highlights the company's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat climate change through the expansion of renewable energy sources.
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Earth blocks keep homes cool while cutting emissions in Kenya’s drylands
In Laikipia County, Kenya, the use of compressed earth blocks in housing construction is highlighted as a sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Initiatives like the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough Initiative and the Belém Call for Action for Sustainable and Affordable Housing are aiming to decarbonize the industry and promote sustainable building practices. The International Coalition for Building Climate Resilience (ICBC) emphasizes the importance of affordable, resource-efficient, low-carbon housing in achieving climate goals and sustainable development. This traditional building approach is gaining renewed attention in low-income communities facing the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat. Additionally, buildings in West Africa, like the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria, are being constructed using eco-friendly methods such as compressed earth blocks and rammed earth architecture, offering low-cost and energy-efficient solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in the region.
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From Guns & Steel to Grids & Batteries: A History-Informed View of Climate Action
The section emphasizes the importance of viewing decarbonization as a market creation challenge, influenced by institutions, culture, and material conditions. It highlights successful climate actions from the past year, such as transmission buildouts, electric vehicle mandates, and industrial policies focusing on scale. The text stresses the role of markets in driving technological innovation and societal change, using examples from history to illustrate the impact of inclusive versus extractive institutions on market development. Ultimately, it concludes that delay in climate action is a choice, not guaranteed success, and that supportive institutions are needed to enable the growth of clean energy markets and accelerate climate action.
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CATL Battery Factory in Spain, Lithium Mine in Yichun
CATL, the largest EV battery producer in the world, is partnering with Stellantis to build a new carbon-neutral EV battery factory in Spain with a capacity of up to 50 GWh, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening the European battery value chain. In addition, CATL is expected to restart its lithium mine in China, impacting lithium carbonate prices. The rebound of lithium prices is discussed in the article, potentially leading to lower battery costs in 2026, which is a positive sign for the future of battery prices and the overall transition to sustainable energy solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/24/catl-battery-factory-in-spain-lithium-mine-in-yichun/
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Could American “Spirited Self-Determination” Reshape Energy?
Schneider Electric has been partnering with the National Laboratory of the Rockies for a decade to tackle energy questions, focusing on projects such as analyzing the U.S. energy economy in 2050 and developing smart panels for homeowners. The partnership aims to bring together electric ingenuity, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital control to provide better energy solutions, with outcomes potentially leading to reduced energy costs and greater control over electricity flow for Americans. Schneider Electric is investing in technologies and systems to adapt to America's energy future, exploring plausible energy futures and preparing to navigate change based on insights. The partnership is also analyzing the potential energy and cost savings of smart panels for American consumers and utilities, with simulations being conducted to quantify the long-term benefits of this technology. Together, Schneider Electric and NLR are focused on making a significant impact in the energy sector, aiming for greater resilience, affordability, and competitiveness in the future energy landscape.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/23/could-american-spirited-self-determination-reshape-energy/
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Colorado outlines how clean energy could benefit coal communities
A new report from Colorado's Energy Office highlights the potential for emerging clean energy technologies to benefit rural communities as the state transitions away from coal. Investments in technologies such as carbon capture, geothermal energy, and hydrogen power could help replace lost economic activity. Wind and solar paired with storage are cost-effective and grid-ready options, while hydrogen and carbon capture projects have the potential to create jobs and generate tax revenue. The report aims to guide rural areas in Colorado and beyond on how they can contribute to the clean energy transition.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/colorado-outlines-how-clean-energy-could-benefit-coal-communities/
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38 Coastal, Remote, & Island Communities To Pursue Energy Reliability via Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project
The Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) is supporting various coastal, remote, and island communities across the United States in addressing their unique energy challenges. Through strategic energy planning, communities are working on projects to strengthen energy systems against extreme weather events, explore new local generation options, and design microgrids for outage protection. The program focuses on improving energy efficiency, lowering costs, incorporating renewable energy sources, and aligning with traditional values. ETIPP continues to expand its regional presence and assist communities in developing reliable and affordable energy systems to enhance resilience and security.
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AMEA Power and Kyuden partner with IFC for solar battery storage project in Egypt
AMEA Power, Kyuden International Corporation, and Hover Energy are leading the way in climate solutions with innovative projects and technologies. AMEA Power's 1GW solar PV plant in Egypt, in collaboration with IFC, aims to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions, creating over 4,000 jobs during construction. Hover Energy's AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM has won three awards for its contribution to rebuilding the grid for a more flexible and resilient energy future. These initiatives are crucial in the transition to renewable energy and cutting down CO2 emissions.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/amea-power-kyuden-partner-ifc/