GeoStruXer, a startup in Bahrain, used innovative engineering solutions to stabilize a grain warehouse in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, known for its unstable geological conditions. By reducing the need for new materials and potential carbon emissions, the startup maintained the structure in an effective and sustainable way. Instead of installing 2,700 stabilizing micropiles as initially proposed, GeoStruXer used satellite technology and InSAR to accurately measure ground deformation and address the shifting of the building. This approach showcased the importance of understanding incremental shifting over time in engineering solutions for climate resilience. Additionally, GeoStruXer's use of AI and satellite data to model ground deformation accurately not only reduced the number of micropilings needed but also saved materials, costs, and minimized carbon dioxide emissions, ensuring the structure's sustainability for another 10 years. This approach is being applied in various projects to reduce material use, minimize cumbersome methods, and maximize structural performance, ultimately avoiding the emissions involved in building new structures. GeoStruXer's recognition with the Bentley-Envision award for sustainable infrastructure highlights the importance of integrating software like GeoStruXer to eliminate inaccurate assumptions, leading to reduced costs, materials, and emissions in construction projects. Bentley Systems' introduction of a sustainability award category further emphasizes the significance of evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of projects, with GeoStruXer scoring the best in sustainability out of all 270 entrants in Bentley's infrastructure awards categories.
Category: Industry, Materials & Waste
Cut Emissions:
– Improve Materials
– Improve Processes
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Use Waste as a Resource
– Shift Energy Sources
-
Tata Power unit plans 10GW ingot and wafer facility in southern India
Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL) is investing $742.17m to establish a 10GW greenfield manufacturing facility for ingots and wafers in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to enhance India's domestic manufacturing of solar and semiconductor components. The project will generate around 1,000 direct jobs and will be powered by a 200MW captive green power plant. TPREL's subsidiary, TP Solar, has already made substantial progress in producing solar cells and modules, supporting their larger renewable energy expansion efforts in the area.
-
New European solid-state battery business targets commercial production
Axens Group, Syensqo, and IFP Energies nouvelles have joined forces to establish Argylium, a company dedicated to developing high-performance sulfide solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries in Europe. Utilizing technology from Syensqo's Paris laboratory, Argylium aims to industrialize next-generation sulfide solid electrolyte materials for all-solid state batteries. With a solid-state battery pilot line in La Rochelle, France, the company's goal is to commercialize these materials and contribute to the advancement of climate-friendly energy storage solutions.
-
The next-gen retail energy mix: Aligning supply portfolios with customer expectations
The U.S. power sector is undergoing a transformation with a shift towards cleaner, more distributed generation and rising demand driven by electrification and digital infrastructure. Retail energy providers (REPs) are facing a dual challenge of managing a next-generation supply portfolio while ensuring it resonates with customers. Wind and solar have overtaken coal in the national generation mix, signaling a systemic shift towards renewables. The growing demand for electricity driven by data centers, electrification, and digital consumption is reshaping the way REPs think about procurement and risk. The future of the retail electricity market will be shaped by decentralization, digitization, and decarbonization, requiring REPs to evolve into services and market orchestration providers. Retail energy providers must adopt a diversified approach to their supply portfolios to integrate renewable energy sources, dispatchable resources, storage, and demand response capacity. This is necessary to hedge against volatility and meet consumer demand for clean energy and sustainability. Customer-centricity, transparency, and personalization are becoming increasingly important in the retail energy market, with different generational segments having varying priorities. The next-generation retail energy mix requires alignment and diversification on both the supply and customer sides to ensure reliability, cost stability, and customer satisfaction. The article discusses the importance of retail energy providers (REPs) adapting to the changing energy landscape by integrating grid-edge resources, prioritizing flexibility in supply portfolios, segmenting offerings based on customer values, and investing in digital infrastructure. It emphasizes the need for REPs to treat supply and customer engagement as an integrated strategy, prioritize transparency, and engage in regulatory and market design conversations. The energy transition towards renewable penetration, demand growth, DER integration, and evolving customer expectations is redefining deregulated retail energy markets. REPs that successfully orchestrate portfolios reflecting modern supply realities and customer values will position themselves as trusted partners in the energy systems of tomorrow.
-
Alphabet acquires clean energy developer Intersect for $4.75B
Alphabet's subsidiary Google is making strides in decarbonization by acquiring clean energy and data center infrastructure developer Intersect in a $4.75 billion deal. This acquisition will help Google combat rising emissions and prioritize decarbonizing its operational electricity consumption, with Intersect's $15 billion clean energy infrastructure portfolio in Texas and California. Google aims to halve its emissions by 2030 and run on carbon-free power 24/7, partnering with utilities and energy developers for clean power generation. The acquisition will allow Intersect to collaborate with Google on joint projects to drive innovation and leadership in the U.S. energy industry, showcasing a new approach to sustainable energy solutions.
-
Consumers Energy begins Muskegon Solar operations in Michigan, US
Consumers Energy has launched the Muskegon Solar project in Michigan, producing 250MW of electricity for 40,000 homes and businesses while creating over 200 jobs during construction. The facility, equipped with over 550,000 panels that track the sun's movement, is part of the company's efforts to enhance energy production. Consumers Energy is also advancing battery storage, wind, new solar, and natural gas projects in Michigan, aiming to establish a reliable and cost-effective electric grid for residents.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/consumers-energy-muskegon-solar-operations/
-
Google acquires Intersect Power for nearly $5 billion
Google has acquired Intersect Power for nearly $5 billion to develop solar and storage projects for its AI data centers, aiming to bypass grid bottlenecks and scale rapidly with energy parks co-locating data centers with generation and storage assets. With $15 billion in assets, Intersect Power plans to have 10.8 GW of capacity by 2028. Google's energy park development strategy, including the Quantum Clean Energy Project in Texas, focuses on clean energy solutions for a more sustainable future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/05/google-acquires-intersect-power-for-nearly-5-billion/
-
One Step Closer To The Compostable EV Battery Of The Future
Flint, a Singapore-based startup supported by Shell and OPPO Research Institute, has developed a bio-based paper battery made from cellulose fibers found in plant cell walls. This innovative battery is cost-effective, durable, sustainable, fire-resistant, rechargeable, and offers a lifespan comparable to traditional batteries. It is 1.8 times cheaper per kWh compared to lithium-ion batteries and can naturally biodegrade. WH-Power has also introduced a new energy storage technology with a quasi solid-state electrolyte for stable operation with Li anodes and cathodes, high ion conductivity, and fast-charging capability. These advancements in plant-based and solid-state battery technologies aim to improve the sustainability profile of electric vehicles and other applications, offering promising solutions for the future of energy storage.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/02/one-step-closer-to-the-compostable-ev-battery-of-the-future/
-
Battery technology outlook for 2026 sharpens beyond lithium-ion
In 2026, the energy storage industry is focused on advancements in technology to meet the demands of AI-driven load growth, data center demand, and wildfire risks. Longer-duration storage, safer chemistries, and resilient supply chains are key priorities for industry leaders, with a shift towards non-lithium chemistries for safety, affordability, and long-term confidence. Recycling and domestic processing will become essential for maintaining domestic battery supply chains, with a push towards localized materials recovery and finished batteries. Companies investing in secure, scalable supply chains and embracing new chemistries will be well-positioned to succeed in meeting the country's energy needs, particularly in adding flexible power near high-demand areas like AI data centers.
-
Last of 1,500 steel towers in Australia’s largest transmission project erected finally erected
Australia's largest energy transmission project, EnergyConnect, has reached a major milestone with the completion of over 1500 steel towers across NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. Despite delays and cost blowouts, the project aims to connect the power grids of three states, supporting Australia's renewable energy and emissions targets. Workers are assembling and erecting towers weighing between 20,000kg to 60,000kg, suspended 65m off the ground. Scheduled for completion by late 2026, EnergyConnect will accelerate Australia's renewable energy transition and strengthen the national grid.