Perrine Fournier from Fern highlights the threat mining poses to ecosystems and the urgent need to declare some areas off-limits for mining, driven by the demand for minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium for clean energy technologies. The expansion of mining in Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as efforts in Europe to secure minerals, are threatening fragile ecosystems and Indigenous peoples, impacting climate change by releasing stored carbon. To prevent mining from undermining human rights and climate goals, a global and precautionary approach is needed, with protected areas off-limits to mining. Diversifying economies, reducing mineral demand, and promoting policy choices such as efficient vehicles, alternative battery technologies, public transport, and recycling are crucial steps in addressing these issues. Europe could potentially meet half of its critical mineral needs through recycling by 2050, highlighting the importance of a framework to restrict mining in sensitive areas to protect the environment.
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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MIT-WPU researchers develop solar thermal battery for hot water supply after sunset
Researchers at MIT World Peace University have developed a solar thermal energy storage system using a phase change material-based thermal battery to provide hot water even after sunset. The system combines a Scheffler solar concentrator with a thermal storage capsule containing paraffin wax, capable of storing and releasing large amounts of heat. This technology aims to reduce dependence on electricity and fossil fuels for water heating applications, reaching Technology Readiness Level 7. Seeking collaborations for pilot deployment and commercialization, the next phase involves field trials, performance optimization, and scale-up for various sectors including residential water heating, industrial process heating, and off-grid rural communities.
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Sunrun, Renew Home, & Tesla Team Up to Deliver More Than 16 Gigawatts of Fast, Flexible Power for Data Centers and Large Loads
Sunrun, Renew Home, and Tesla have partnered to deliver over 16 GW of flexible energy capacity to meet growing electricity demand from data centers and AI growth, creating the largest distributed power plant in the country. This collaboration aims to provide cost-effective solutions for data centers, lower energy bills for American households, and unlock latent capacity in home batteries, HVAC systems, and EVs. The companies have capacity available in Virginia and plan to expand nationwide, urging hyperscalers to engage immediately to secure local energy resources. By utilizing existing resources in American homes, this joint framework can provide national coverage, support economic growth, and offer sustainable energy solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
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Pilot study targets solar and battery access for apartments
UNSW Canberra, Voltval, and JT Solar Technology are collaborating on a pilot study in Sydney to test an AI-powered modular power portal system aimed at improving energy flow between apartments. The project, supported by a grant from the Australian Department of Education, seeks to address the lack of rooftop solar access for apartment dwellers and regulatory hurdles for balcony solar systems. By increasing the use of renewable energy and lowering operating costs for participating buildings, the initiative aims to contribute to a more resilient and inclusive energy future. The advanced AI layer developed by UNSW Canberra researchers will make the platform smarter and more efficient, ultimately benefiting the environment and advancing sustainable energy solutions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/26/pilot-study-targets-solar-and-battery-access-for-apartments/
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UN secretary general urges AI giants to disclose environmental impact
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres proposed a framework for AI companies to disclose their environmental impacts and commit to powering data centers with renewables by 2030, emphasizing the need for transparency in measuring emissions, water, and land usage. The plan calls for a global shift from fossil fuels, with G20 countries leading the transition to reach global net-zero emissions by 2050, promoting clean energy projects, eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, and supporting those most at risk from climate change adaptation. The UN is also calling for AI companies to commit to environmental disclosures and clean energy for data centers, amidst a push for a national data center moratorium due to concerns about electricity and water use, impacts on Indigenous lands, rising costs, and job losses.
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Egypt and SANY sign MoU for 2GW wind farm and turbine plant
China's SANY Renewable Energy, the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), and the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) have signed an MoU to establish a wind turbine manufacturing facility and develop a 2GW wind farm in the Gulf of Suez. The agreement aims to support localizing renewable energy technologies and increasing Egypt's clean energy output, with a goal of reaching 45% renewable energy in the electricity mix within the next two years. The facility will not only meet domestic wind energy project needs but also export excess production to neighboring markets, promoting technology transfer, boosting the use of locally made components in renewable projects, and strengthening Egypt's position as a regional exporter of electrical equipment.
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Can the circular economy win over big business?
The European Commission is set to adopt the Circular Economy Act to support the EU's goal of becoming a world leader in circularity by 2030, aiming to reduce dependency on imports of critical raw materials and achieve greater self-sufficiency. Businesses like Signify are leading the way in emphasizing resilience and circular practices, showing that the life cycle of products can be extended through refurbishing and remanufacturing. Lawmakers are urged to support reforms to address barriers facing circular products, with proposals for a secondary materials platform, digital product passports, and new industrial hubs. Experts believe that electrification and fossil energy price spikes will help circular products compete with the extractive economy, as the current geopolitical environment supports growth in the circular economy. A future where circularity is widespread and influences global supply chains towards more sustainable practices may be on the horizon.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/06/25/can-the-circular-economy-win-over-big-business/
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New White Paper Calls on AI Hyperscalers to Align with Planetary Limits
The article emphasizes the importance of companies using clean energy to accelerate the next generation energy system, making AI more resource efficient and transparent, and prioritizing Exponential Solutions for gigatonne scale climate impact. The shift towards Earth-aligned AI requires coordinated efforts across the ecosystem, with three proposed tracks for implementation: clean power and energy system acceleration, AI efficiency and transparency standards, and scaling Exponential Solutions. The message is to aim for better aligned ambition, with Hyperscalers playing a key role in shaping an Earth-aligned economy through clean energy and net-positive climate impact.
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Two Microgrids With Solar Power Being Developed For Tribal Community In California
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and OATI are partnering to develop two microgrids for the tribal community in Northern California, bringing renewable energy onto tribal lands for energy independence and cost reduction. The project includes a 4.5 MWac solar power array and 21 MWh battery energy storage system, with funding from the California Energy Commission and FEMA. The microgrid will power on-reservation facilities and sell excess electricity to the grid, providing resiliency and substantial energy cost savings for the Paskenta community. This initiative will allow Paskenta to self-generate a significant amount of electricity, leading to significant cost savings and a more sustainable energy future.
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Climate crisis: UN chief lays out solutions blueprint for clean energy transition
The UN Secretary-General emphasized the interconnectedness of protecting nature, shifting to renewable energy, and addressing climate change for the well-being of both humanity and the environment. He called for managing the transition to a sustainable future to avoid chaos and inequality, highlighting the need for fair finance to support developing countries in phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to green energy. Additionally, the Secretary-General urged support for science, truth, and early warning systems to combat climate misinformation and delay tactics, while also emphasizing the importance of investing in nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis and protect those most at risk from climate change.