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

  • Solar Energy Saves Europeans $135 Million A Day

    Europe has seen significant savings in electricity costs due to the installation of solar power, avoiding billions in fossil fuel import costs. By deploying more solar, scaling storage, and accelerating electrification, Europe can reduce the role of gas in setting electricity prices and build a more secure and affordable energy system. Spain has doubled its wind and solar capacity, reducing the influence of expensive fossil generators on electricity prices. The focus on green technology in Europe has shown the benefits of renewable energy in reducing costs and increasing energy independence. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are setting new records for energy production in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, proving to be cheaper and faster to install compared to fossil fuels. Global energy investment is shifting towards clean energy, with more money going into renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, efficiency, and electrification, further accelerated by political decisions and global events, making them the dominant energy sources of the future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/08/solar-energy-saves-europeans-135-million-a-day/

  • EU clears $26.5bn of Italian State aid to boost renewable power

    Italy has received approval from the European Commission for a €23bn state aid scheme to boost renewable electricity generation, with a focus on onshore wind, solar, hydropower, and sewage gas projects. The goal is to add 37.15GW of renewable electricity capacity as part of Italy's target to have 39.4% of energy consumption from renewables by 2030. Financial support will be provided through contracts for difference over 20 years, with competitive bidding for larger projects and set prices for smaller ones. This initiative aligns with the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework and is designed to expedite Italy's shift towards renewable energy sources.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/eu-clears-italian-state-aid/

  • Inside PV manufacturing: Sunmaxx’s PVT module factory in Germany

    Sunmaxx has developed a scalable industrial solution for photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technology with the world's largest mass-production facility in Ottendorf-Okrilla, Saxony. The facility operates on renewable electricity and has an annual production capacity of 120,000 modules, with potential for expansion. The PVT modules combine electricity generation with thermal energy capture, providing both electrical energy and low-temperature heat. The technology's heat exchanger, adapted from automotive applications, enables high energy efficiency exceeding 80% and can be used in various applications from homes to industrial facilities. The company's integrated electricity and heat generation technology reduces the need for multiple energy technologies and supports the electrification of building climate systems. It has the potential to reduce geothermal costs by capturing heat for ground regeneration, lowering installation expenses. Sunmaxx aims to expand internationally and position itself as a European player in hybrid renewable heating solutions as Europe phases out fossil fuels in the heating sector.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/inside-pv-manufacturing-la-fabrica-de-paneles-pvt-de-sunmaxx-en-alemania/

  • Capital and carbon: Australian green finance pioneer Martijn Wilder honoured in King’s birthday awards

    Martijn Wilder, a leader in sustainable finance and climate law, is focused on unlocking green capital through innovative financial tools. He has been recognized for his work in sustainable finance and is currently leading climate investment firm Pollination, playing key roles in public finance institutions to grow renewable energy in Australia. Despite global geopolitical challenges, Wilder remains optimistic about Australia's transition to a more innovative and resilient economy in the face of climate change.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/capital-and-carbon-australian-green-finance-pioneer-martijn-wilder-honoured-in-kings-birthday-awards/

  • Halocell Energy secures grant for perovskite PV scale-up

    Halocell Energy has received a grant to expand its perovskite PV manufacturing capabilities in Wagga Wagga, Australia, with the goal of increasing production of indoor perovskite PV modules from 7,000 to 100,000 units per year. The funding will be utilized to upgrade equipment, optimize production processes, and expand the workforce. Halocell's lightweight and flexible PV modules are specifically designed for high-value applications, boasting high power density, low-light performance, and radiation tolerance, making them a promising solution for advancing renewable energy technologies.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/halocell-energy-secures-grant-for-perovskite-pv-scale-up/

  • Siemens Energy buys Camlin Group, maker of transformer monitoring software

    Siemens Energy is set to acquire Camlin Group in order to enhance grid monitoring and digitalization for integrating renewables into electricity grids. This acquisition will bring advanced sensor-based monitoring technology for transformers, enabling predictive maintenance and improving reliability. With a €220 million investment to expand its transformer factory, Siemens Energy is responding to the growing demand for stabilizing power grids. Together, the two companies aim to support utilities in managing power flows and maximizing renewable asset availability, while also working with international renewable energy companies to strengthen portfolio performance and enable earlier detection of risks.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/05/siemens-energy-buys-camlin-group-maker-of-transformer-monitoring-software/

  • Steel’s Future Starts With Demand, Scrap, And Electricity, Not Hydrogen

    The transition of the steel industry to cleaner practices involves understanding steel demand, utilizing old steel scrap, expanding electric arc furnaces, and reducing new iron needs. While hydrogen may play a role, the focus should be on shifting towards electric arc furnaces, clean electricity, and decreasing blast furnace use to reduce emissions. Factors like regional growth patterns, construction practices, and the interplay between steel and cement demand will influence the future of steel production. Supporting changes in production, implementing standards, using clean electricity, and improving scrap quality are crucial for decarbonizing the steel industry. The focus is on realistic, evidence-based solutions to address the complexities of achieving zero-carbon steel production.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/05/steels-future-starts-with-demand-scrap-and-electricity-not-hydrogen/

  • Carbon Clean recognised in Deloitte EMEA Technology Fast 500 for the third consecutive year

    Carbon Clean has been ranked 300th in the Deloitte EMEA Technology Fast 500 list, with revenue growth of 581%. The company focuses on scalable carbon capture solutions to help industries reduce emissions while maintaining competitiveness, with their modular carbon capture technology being deployed across sectors like cement, steel, chemicals, and power generation. Carbon Clean aims to make carbon capture scalable, cost-effective, and accessible to support the transition to lower-carbon industry, showcasing innovation in the region.

    https://www.carbonclean.com/en/press-releases/deloitte-emea-fast-500

  • Solar recycling: State tips $17.8 million into waste PV and battery collection, processing

    Western Australia has allocated $17.8 million towards establishing collection and recycling pathways for end-of-life solar panels and batteries, following a federal pilot program and parliamentary inquiry into solar stewardship. The investment aims to reduce waste, recover valuable materials, and create a local recycling industry while supporting a more sustainable future. The state government believes this initiative will prepare them for the increasing use of solar panels and batteries, ultimately benefiting local jobs, businesses, and the environment.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-recycling-state-tips-17-8-million-into-waste-pv-and-battery-collection-processing/

  • Google to fund 100-MW virtual power plant in PJM in ‘first-of-its-kind’ deal

    Google is funding a three-year, 100-MW virtual power plant in the PJM Interconnection to meet data center demand, partnering with VPP operator Voltus to aggregate distributed energy resources. The company aims to make its data centers flexible and cost-effective by paying customers to shift electricity usage, addressing rising electricity costs and aggressive load growth from AI data centers in PJM. The pressure to meet rising demand is leading to increased utility capital spending on new gas-fired power plants, potentially impacting climate goals. The article highlights the need for a market overhaul to address peak demand driving up costs, with the partnership providing a repeatable path for other large energy users to follow and encouraging collaboration and transparency with utilities to build a multidirectional grid system.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/google-virtual-power-plant-vpp-pjm-voltus/821838/