The South Australia Labor government, before entering caretaker mode, announced plans to launch a major competitive tender for new solar, wind, and storage projects if re-elected. They have opened up over 11,000 km of land for renewable energy development under the state's Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act, aiming to power over half a million homes. The government is laying the foundation for a clean energy boom through a world-first regulatory framework, with parcels of land in key regions identified for potential investment. Extensive consultation with stakeholders is being conducted to ensure social, economic, and environmental considerations are taken into account, with a goal of optimizing renewable energy opportunities while protecting the natural environment and social capital of the regions.
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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NexWafe, Talon PV sign 7 GW solar wafer supply agreement
NexWafe has partnered with Talon PV to supply 7 GW of solar wafers for their TOPCon solar cell manufacturing plant in Texas, focusing on improving cell performance with EpiNex substrates. The partnership aims to enhance material quality, reduce oxygen content, and optimize junction engineering for higher efficiency and reliability. NexWafe's EpiNex silicon wafers are manufactured through a gas-to-wafer epitaxy process, reducing energy consumption. Talon PV is establishing a pilot production line at Fraunhofer ISE to conduct initial qualification work with EpiNex wafers, aiming to strengthen domestic content in solar products and develop a resilient Western-aligned supply chain for next-generation photovoltaics.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/20/nexwafe-talon-pv-sign-7-gw-solar-wafer-supply-agreement/
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Taxing Fossil Fuel Profits
A new study recommends implementing profit-based taxes on fossil fuel companies in the EU to finance the energy transition, protect consumers, and support energy savings and electrification. The goal is to redirect capital towards clean energy, strengthen Europe's energy security, and achieve climate goals. Measures include introducing a differentiated corporate tax framework, extending taxation of windfall profits, and establishing an EU-level methodology to monitor price pass-through. Additionally, there is a focus on protecting workers in the fossil fuel sector and recycling revenues from fossil fuel profit taxes into the energy transition to discourage further fossil fuel expansion and promote the transition to clean energy.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/20/taxing-fossil-fuel-profits/
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AI now can now predict solar cell efficiency from wafer quality
Korea University researchers have developed a machine-learning framework that predicts solar cell efficiency from wafer quality, enabling early wafer screening and optimized production paths. The approach combines predictive modeling, process optimization, and explainable AI to support photovoltaic manufacturing. The model uses over 100,000 industrial data points to make data-based decisions and enable intelligent automation in photovoltaic manufacturing. A new machine learning methodology for optimizing process conditions in solar cell manufacturing was introduced in a recent study published in Energy and AI, showing efficiency and rapidity compared to traditional methods. The research group also developed a machine learning model for predicting sheet resistance in solar cell manufacturing processes, offering reliability and interpretability for potential application in various industrial processes.
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AI + energy: the monster child of Origin and Facebook? Or a smart, decentralised grid?
Luis F. Gonzalez, Chief Data and AI Officer at Aboitiz Power, believes that AI will lead the energy transition by embedding intelligence in power systems, changing the economics of power and unlocking capital for renewables. He envisions a future where computation is distributed, closer to where energy is generated and consumed, empowering consumers. Gonzalez emphasizes the need for a coordinating intelligence layer to efficiently manage energy grids, whether centralized or decentralized. The article discusses the potential for AI and data companies to optimize energy consumption and manage electricity grids, with Gonzalez warning against monopolization and advocating for government-owned regulatory sandboxes. The question remains whether AI will democratize clean energy or shift power to tech platforms, shaping the clean energy transition based on who controls the data layer above the grid.
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Environmental News Network – Plant-Based Material Offers Sustainable Method of Recovering Rare Earth Element
Researchers at Penn State have developed a sustainable method for isolating and recovering dysprosium, a rare earth element used in electronics, using cellulose to selectively separate it from other elements. This eco-friendly approach addresses the global shortage of rare earth elements and offers a renewable alternative to traditional extraction methods, providing a promising solution for sustainable electronics manufacturing.
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Adani to invest $100 billion in AI data centers in India
Adani Group is set to invest $100 billion by 2035 to construct renewable-powered data centers in India, with a goal of reaching 5 GW of capacity and establishing a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem. This investment will facilitate the growth of renewable-energy-powered, AI-ready data center capacity across the country, positioning India as a key player in the global artificial intelligence economy. The planned 5 GW rollout would create the world's largest integrated data center platform, primarily powered by Adani Green Energy's renewable projects. Additionally, Adani plans to expand its renewable portfolio and enhance transmission networks to support high-demand AI workloads.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/18/adani-to-invest-100-billion-in-ai-data-centers-in-india/
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SwitchedOn podcast: How will the data industry control the future of clean energy?
Luis F. Gonzalez emphasizes the crucial role of the data and AI industry in driving the clean energy transition, predicting that data companies will lead the way in financing, shaping, and advocating for decarbonisation efforts. He points to the increasing integration of data and energy, highlighting the potential for AI to revolutionize energy infrastructure and enable consumer energy resources. Despite his optimism for intelligence-driven systems, Gonzalez also raises concerns about the risks of monopoly power and the lack of preparedness among energy regulators for this transformative shift towards a more sustainable future.
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Octopus Energy plans $1bn investment in Californian clean technology
Octopus Energy Generation has announced a $1bn investment in Californian clean technology, focusing on carbon removal and renewable energy projects. The funding will support companies working to restore grasslands and forests to absorb carbon dioxide, as well as invest in heat battery technology to reduce emissions from industries. California's goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045 is being supported by Octopus Energy Generation through investments in clean energy projects across the US, aiding in the transition away from fossil fuels.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/octopus-energy-plans-1bn-investment/
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Power Isn’t Enough: Why Electricity Alone Won’t Deliver Africa’s Energy Promise
Efficient appliances, such as refrigerators and water pumps, are essential for women in Africa to save time, effort, and money, allowing them to reinvest in their families and businesses. Access to these tools through initiatives like the Productive Use Financing Facility has led to a 94 percent increase in average incomes for women. Investing in smart appliances can deliver 20 percent of the energy savings needed to double global efficiency by 2030, advancing energy, climate, and economic goals simultaneously. Efficient appliances serve as a bridge between energy access and economic opportunity, playing a crucial role in Africa's energy transition and local economies. Grants, subsidies, and energy performance standards are key to promoting energy-efficient appliances in African markets, creating a $50 billion market and lowering the burden of climate change.
https://triplepundit.com/2026/electricity-access-affordable-appliances-equity-africa/