A new report suggests that countries have a chance to limit global warming to 2C by the end of the century if they take serious action towards achieving net zero goals, with solar energy projected to become the world's largest generator of electricity by 2032. This shift towards solar energy is seen as a key step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, as countries move towards energy self-sufficiency.
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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How High-Performance Computing and AI Accelerated Applied Energy Research in 2025
The National Laboratory of the Rockies' Kestrel supercomputer has supported over 500 energy modeling and simulation projects in 2025, with upgrades enhancing its AI capabilities. These projects cover materials science, energy systems, manufacturing, and fluid dynamics, enabling research on cost-effective alternatives for battery metals, optimized bioreactor designs, and improved electricity load forecasting. NLR's advanced computing capabilities are crucial for tackling complex energy challenges and facilitating scientific discovery in applied energy research, providing valuable insights for climate solutions experts.
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Geothermal emerges as scalable energy source for India
A new study on geothermal energy in India highlights its potential to meet future power, industrial heat, and cooling demand. The technical potential for geothermal energy in India is estimated at 450GW of electricity generation, 1.5TW of cooling capacity, and 11TW of industrial heat. Geothermal systems could reduce pressure on India's electricity network and provide continuous baseload energy independent of weather conditions. The report emphasizes the opportunities for direct-use applications like industrial process heat and district cooling systems, which could reduce electricity consumption by 30-40%. Improved drilling technologies and policy support are improving the prospects for commercial-scale geothermal development in India.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/geothermal-emerges-as-scalable-energy-source-for-india/
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A new mega-utility is at ground zero for AI. Here’s what could happen.
NextEra Energy, a Florida-based power giant, is embracing renewables, batteries, and gas facilities as key solutions to meet energy demands and accelerate the transition to a greener power system. Their proposed merger with Dominion Energy in Virginia has the potential to lower utility bills, increase deployment of cheaper resources, and bring new resources online faster and more efficiently. NextEra's focus on battery storage development under Virginia's new legislation could help them gain support in the state and form a coalition of stakeholders critical of Dominion's reliance on fossil fuels. The success of the merger will depend on winning over utility regulators, especially in Virginia where Dominion is influential.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/a-new-mega-utility-is-at-ground-zero-for-ai-heres-what-could-happen/
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JUSTIFI Tool Could Unlock Value in Energy Productivity Projects
The National Laboratory of the Rockies and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a free software tool called JUSTIFI to help manufacturers assess the full value of energy improvement projects, including productivity gains and safety improvements. By quantifying these benefits, businesses can strengthen the business case for projects, reduce payback periods, and align with strategic objectives. The tool has been well-received, with over 1,000 users trying it since its beta release in April 2025. Users can access JUSTIFI to build a complete business case for their energy productivity projects without needing formal training.
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Australia’s biggest solar battery hybrid projects lock in finance in landmark deal to power heavy industry
Two of the biggest solar and battery hybrid projects in Australia, Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap, have reached financial close with the backing of 14 lenders. These projects will provide 600 MW of solar and 600 MW and 2,400 MWh of battery storage to help power aluminium smelters and refineries in Queensland as part of Rio Tinto's plan to transition to green energy and storage by 2029. The federal government's Capacity Investment Scheme is supporting the projects, which are crucial for reaching renewable energy targets and improving reliability as aging thermal generation retires. Edify is also developing the Hill wind farm in South Australia and the Jinbi solar farm in Western Australia, with strong community support and a focus on creating up to 800 jobs during construction, local procurement, and skills training. The financing package for these projects is a first for Australia and will set a foundation for future renewable energy projects, leaving a positive legacy in the region through a community benefits program.
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NLR Partners With Colorado School of Mines and University of Utah To Scale Up US Critical Minerals Capacity
The National Laboratory of the Rockies has signed memorandums of understanding with the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Utah to strengthen America's energy and material supply chains through critical minerals innovation, commercialization, and workforce development. The partnerships aim to scale up technologies for stronger supply chains and energy security, enabling integrated research and facility sharing to support concept-to-commercialization scalability of critical minerals innovations and build a skilled domestic workforce. The collaboration includes launching new facilities for critical minerals research and innovation in Colorado, focusing on advancing technologies related to materials supply chains, critical minerals, advanced materials, and manufacturing using AI-enabled science workflows and high-performance computing. These partnerships aim to accelerate innovation, education, and workforce development in the field of climate solutions, leveraging the capabilities of academic institutions to address challenges in energy resilience and critical minerals research.
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Ingeteam delivers 200MW battery storage hub for Italy
Ingeteam has partnered on Italy's large battery energy storage project, a 200MW/800MW-hour facility aimed at enhancing grid stability and flexibility as part of Italy's energy transition program. The project, a milestone for the European storage sector, utilizes power stations, inverters, transformers, and control systems with machine-learning capabilities for predictive analysis. By absorbing renewable energy fluctuations, managing peak demand, and improving grid resilience, the project contributes to a more secure and decarbonized power network.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/ingeteam-delivers-200mw-battery-storage-hub-for-italy/
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Upcycling silicon from end-of-life solar modules via palladium nanoparticles
Italian researchers have developed a Pd/Si catalyst for upcycling silicon from end-of-life PV panels, achieving performance comparable to commercial catalysts over six cycles. The system involves palladium nanoparticles supported on recovered silicon, allowing for stable recycling. The method aims to manage the increasing global waste of EoL solar panels and expand the use of silicon in various catalytic processes. The process involves removing the front glass of discarded PV modules, purifying the silicon cells, and preparing the Pd/Si catalyst. The catalyst showed promising results in a benchmark reaction, indicating its potential as a sustainable and efficient catalyst for various applications. Researchers have developed a new recycling process using a Pd/Si catalyst to upcycle silicon from End-of-Life photovoltaic panels for the Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reaction. The catalyst was used in five recycling cycles with a 97% isolated yield and an E-factor of 9. The process was successful in synthesizing 22 substrates from various iodoarenes and olefins, including intermediates for important compounds. The study was published in Green Chemistry and involved researchers from Italy's Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, University of Perugia, and the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA).
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Women’s leadership is everywhere in Ukraine
The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation has been established to enhance energy resilience in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of decentralized renewable energy systems like solar panels and battery storage. Programs such as "100 Solar Schools" and "50 Solar Hospitals" aim to provide long-term energy independence and support critical infrastructure. The focus on localized energy systems highlights the shift towards energy security and independence. European support for Ukraine's transition to sustainable energy, including decentralized solar power plants and smart grids, can contribute to a more resilient energy future. Empowering women in the energy sector and engaging communities in sustainable energy solutions are key to achieving a sustainable and secure energy future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/15/womens-leadership-is-everywhere-in-ukraine/