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

  • New York Build Expo: Heat Pumps Take Center Stage

    The New York Build Expo showcased a focus on heat pumps, with big names like Midea, GE/Haier, and Daikin presenting various types for windows, interior use, and hot water. Challenges of integrating heat pumps into existing buildings were discussed, along with industry consolidation and limitations in very cold weather. The section also highlighted solar solutions in the context of climate solutions, including insights on New York City's Local Law 97 and the importance of tax credits and incentives. Additionally, creating a market for recycled plastic and sustainable materials like mass timber and foamed glass aggregate were emphasized, showing a shift towards a more environmentally friendly built environment in NYC.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/20/new-york-build-expo-heat-pumps-take-center-stage/

  • Solar-to-X could redefine Iran’s energy future

    Iran has the potential to transition to a fully renewable energy system by 2050, with solar PV playing a key role. A recent study by LUT University shows that such a transition is technically possible and economically attractive. Solar PV could become the backbone of Iran's energy system, driving change across power, heat, transport, industry, and desalination sectors. In the most ambitious scenario, solar PV would dominate the power sector, accounting for 81% of installed capacity and 93% of electricity generation by 2050. Solar PV electricity is becoming the central energy platform in Iran, with direct electrification and heat pumps meeting 80% of heat demand by 2050. In transport, direct electrification is preferred, while Solar-to-X fuels are used for aviation and shipping. The industrial sector in Iran could benefit from transitioning to renewable electricity, hydrogen, and Power-to-X products. Solar PV can support cleaner production in energy-intensive industries and help address water scarcity issues by avoiding water consumption in thermal power plants. System integration of renewable energy can also support defossilisation and water security in the country. The section discusses the importance of storage in Iran's energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy sources like solar PV. By 2050, electricity storage output and capacity are expected to increase significantly. The transition to renewables is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also about creating a cost-effective and efficient energy system. Iran has the opportunity to use its energy strengths to build a sustainable future, including the export of e-fuels and e-materials. The country can follow Norway's example of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to shape its long-term economic model. Research at LUT University focuses on power-to-X technologies, including solar energy, as a key aspect of their work in various sectors such as power, heat, transport, industry, desalination, and carbon dioxide removal. This article highlights the importance of connecting renewable electricity with industrial strategy, export potential, energy security, and water solutions in a single framework for Iran's future energy development.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/18/solar-to-x-could-redefine-irans-energy-future/

  • China’s new five-year plan deepens shift toward focus on renewables system

    China's 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes clean electricity as a key driver of economic growth, aiming to meet incremental electricity demand with incremental clean power generation while peaking fossil fuel consumption. The plan includes a "new energy system" concept that expands beyond wind and solar to include hydropower, offshore wind, nuclear, and more, with non-fossil energy expected to account for 25% of total energy consumption by 2030. Aligning renewable energy policy with wider industrial and regional development strategies, the plan sets targets for wind and solar capacity doubling by 2035, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration to combat climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/18/china-five-year-plan-deepens-shift-toward-renewables-system-focus/

  • Europe’s first 110MW data centre microgrid launches in Dublin

    Pure DC and AVK have launched Europe's first large-scale on-site data centre microgrid in Dublin, Ireland, designed to provide dispatchable power during early development phases. The microgrid includes three interconnected 30MW energy centres blending combined heat and power with heat recovery, battery energy storage system integration, rainwater harvesting, and future hydrogen blending. This innovative system supports AI-driven data centre demand, hybrid grid-renewable operations, and potential district heating links, addressing power shortages for hyperscale cloud and AI facilities. Positioned as a model for the energy-as-strategic-asset approach in the data centre industry, this project showcases sustainable solutions for reliable and efficient power generation.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/europes-first-110mw-data-centre-microgrid-launches-in-dublin/

  • CO2 Mineralization in Concrete and Its Future Impact

    Concrete producers are under pressure to deliver lower carbon materials while maintaining performance. CarbonCure's webinar discussed how CO2 mineralization can help achieve these goals by storing carbon dioxide in concrete, improving microstructure, and reducing cement costs. The demand for lower carbon concrete is driving innovation in the industry, with global deployment resulting in significant CO2 savings and improved concrete performance. Producers are finding ways to operationalize CO2 mineralization through cement screening, laboratory validation, and batching trials to optimize CO2 dose and achieve cement reduction with equivalent performance, ultimately delivering lower carbon concrete at scale.

    https://www.carboncure.com/blog/concrete-corner/operationalizing-co%E2%82%82-mineralization-in-ready-mix-concrete-webinar-highlights/

  • New Jersey announces 355-MW storage procurement, solicits 645 MW more

    The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved incentives for three transmission-connected battery energy storage projects totaling 355 MW, with plans for an additional 645 MW of standalone storage or solar-plus-storage. This fulfills the state's goal of procuring 1 GW of bulk energy storage by summer and 2 GW by 2030, with projects set to participate in PJM Interconnection's capacity auction next year. The projects, located at operating or retired fossil power plants, aim to save ratepayers over $169 million by moderating wholesale electricity prices during peak demand. New Jersey's push for energy storage is driven by strong market fundamentals and high capacity prices, with support from political leadership and plans to use funds from the regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program for ratepayer bill credits.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/new-jersey-announces-355-mw-storage-procurement-solicits-645-mw-more/814971/

  • Dennis Schroeder / Department of Energy 16 Mar 2026 UN Climate Chief in Brussels: fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, but renewables turn the tables UN Climate Speech

    UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasizes the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependency on national security, sovereignty, and economies, advocating for a shift to renewable energy for a more cost-effective, secure, and sustainable solution. Europe has a unique opportunity to lead in climate action and attract investment by embracing green growth, transitioning away from fossil fuels, upgrading grids, and supporting the Emissions Trading Scheme. The EU has been driving ambition at COPs and urges continued support for the process, with significant commitments made at COP30 and plans to continue progress at COP31 in Türkiye. Companies are coming to COPs to secure agreements that tackle the climate crisis and benefit their bottom lines, while the EU is building new partnerships to invest in value chains in partner countries and strengthen alliances for peace and prosperity in the face of climate change.

    https://unfccc.int/news/un-climate-chief-in-brussels-fossil-fuel-dependency-is-ripping-away-national-security-and

  • Why cheap waste management is key to stopping plastic pollution

    Improving waste management in low- and middle-income countries is crucial to cutting global plastic pollution by 98%, as high-income countries produce 100 times less plastic pollution per person due to better waste management systems. The main sources of plastic pollution in rich countries are littering, while in poorer countries, uncollected waste and poorly managed disposal sites are the main contributors. Investing in basic waste management infrastructure in low- and lower-middle-income countries is crucial for reducing plastic pollution, as research shows that each dollar spent on upgrading systems in these countries can prevent significantly more plastic pollution compared to spending the same amount in high-income countries. Focusing on waste collection and controlled landfills is more effective and affordable than options like incinerators and recycling plants, highlighting the importance of prioritizing cost-effective waste management solutions to address the plastic pollution crisis and potentially reduce global plastic pollution levels to just 2% of their current levels.

    https://ourworldindata.org/why-cheap-waste-management-is-key-to-stopping-plastic-pollution

  • Bridging the Methane Gap: Financing Abatement in China

    Methane emissions in China account for a significant portion of global warming, and the country's updated NDC now includes all greenhouse gases, showing a stronger policy focus on addressing methane alongside carbon dioxide. While there are feasible solutions to reduce methane emissions in various sectors, the lack of structured financial support is hindering the scaling of abatement projects. To close the methane finance gap, the report recommends incorporating methane into future NDCs, enhancing monitoring systems, and mobilizing finance to turn abatement projects into bankable initiatives. China's experience in addressing methane challenges can offer valuable lessons for other emerging economies and countries in the Global South, emphasizing the importance of investing in energy, agriculture, and waste projects to reduce methane emissions.

    https://www.climatebonds.net/news-events/blog/bridging-methane-gap-financing-abatement-china

  • UN climate chief attacks “delusional” fossil fuel investments

    UN climate chief Simon Stiell warns against doubling down on fossil fuels in response to spikes in oil and gas prices caused by the Iran war, emphasizing the economic irrationality of new investments compared to the benefits of renewable energy. The current crisis is seen as a crucial moment to ramp up pressure against fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy investments. Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports is highlighted as a vulnerability, but the rollout of new wind and solar power capacity since the Green Deal in 2019 has saved billions of euros. This shift towards renewables is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/16/un-climate-chief-to-use-iran-crisis-to-hit-out-at-delusional-fossil-fuel-supporters/