U.S. researchers from Colorado University, National Laboratory of the Rockies, Colorado State University, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have developed a framework showing that wider spacing between solar PV rows can make agrivoltaic systems economically viable for large-scale mechanized farming. Their simulations in Colorado demonstrated that optimized row spacing maintains crop production while improving combined agricultural and energy revenues. The study found that wider-row agrivoltaic solutions can provide economic benefits over traditional utility-scale PV systems, with $200/acre in agricultural profit justifying spacing panels at least 9.662 m apart. The framework defines different PV row-spacing scenarios, determines installed PV capacity, incorporates agricultural equipment constraints, calculates crop revenues, estimates electricity generation and revenue, and calculates metrics such as net present value and levelized cost of energy. The team simulated a 160-acre project in Colorado with different crop scenarios and PPA prices, highlighting the sensitivity of results to equipment size.
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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Energy Department touts $1.9B for grid upgrades
The Energy Department is providing $1.9 billion in funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law to upgrade the U.S. power grid, known as SPARK. This initiative aims to increase grid capacity to meet growing electricity demand and ensure reliable power. Projects selected for funding must demonstrate the use of higher-capacity conductors and other technologies to optimize grid operations for rapid growth, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and stability.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/energy-department-touts-1-9b-for-grid-upgrades/
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First attempt to build solar modules using polycarbonate encapsulant
Canadian researchers have proposed an open-source solar module design using polycarbonate instead of traditional materials, allowing for easy disassembly and reuse of solar cells. The design enables local manufacturing with accessible DIY tools, reducing barriers for community-level fabrication and repair. The polycarbonate encapsulation technique is scalable, lightweight, and requires only mechanical separation for recycling. With a focus on low embodied energy and durability, the prototype module can generate 2.12 W under sunny conditions at a cost of $3.11/W, potentially reduced to $0.06-0.30/W with recycled materials and industrial-scale prices. Future work includes scaling the design, optimizing materials, and testing for long-term durability, as detailed in a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.
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Photovoltaics for cattle dung gasification
An international team of researchers has developed a solar PV system that efficiently converts cattle dung into syngas, reducing CO2 emissions and demonstrating a net energy recovery of 40.17%. The system has a payback period of 3.75 years and can generate annual revenue of 98,703 PKR ($352.1) at a processing capacity of 5 kg/day. Gasification at 800 C was found to produce optimal syngas yields and is scalable for larger CAFOs. The study highlights the importance of system utilization, operational factors, and maintenance in determining the overall feasibility of biomass energy systems. Further research will focus on scaling up the system, optimizing syngas yield, and evaluating its performance in different environmental conditions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/09/photovoltaics-for-cattle-dung-gasification/
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Small 24/7 clean power commitments could cut costs for long-duration storage
Early demand for 24/7 carbon-free electricity is driving the adoption of advanced energy technologies, reducing costs and making clean power commercially viable. Companies like Google are investing in this initiative, bridging the gap between early investment and commercial viability for emerging clean energy technologies. By committing to 24/7 clean power procurement, companies can incentivize the development of newer energy generation and storage technologies, leading to a virtuous cycle of investment and technological learning. This approach not only reduces emissions but also helps advanced technologies become more cost competitive, with studies showing significant cost reductions for technologies like lithium-ion batteries and iron-air batteries driven by carbon-free energy commitments.
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In Alaska, a Data Center Inside a Power Plant, Inside a Microgrid
Cordova Electric Cooperative in Alaska has successfully implemented a local microgrid powered by hydropower and battery energy storage, reducing diesel imports and increasing local energy supply. Inspired by this success, they are now piloting a modular data center powered by localized energy from a hydroelectric facility. The data center is designed for resilience and efficiency, with a focus on distributing data processing and storage assets around geography. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and demonstrate the capabilities of edge-based data centers in supporting remote populations. Surplus hydropower is being used to power a local data center in Cordova, Alaska, providing computing capacity for various purposes and bringing data "inside the fence" for business and artificial intelligence applications. Lessons learned from microgrid-data center setups can help streamline data center investments and avoid excessive costs, with the DOE Office of Electricity researching advanced microgrid technologies to facilitate affordable and reliable electricity delivery for data centers. ARIES analysis is being used to answer key questions for connecting computers to power in both small-scale and hyperscale projects, showcasing the potential for localized energy solutions in addressing climate challenges.
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China’s wind turbine giants just had their breakout year: BNEF rankings
Chinese wind turbine manufacturers dominated global wind installations in a record-breaking year, surpassing western OEMs and claiming the top five rankings. This shift highlights the growing influence and competitiveness of Chinese companies in the renewable energy sector. Climate solutions experts should take note of this trend as it underscores the importance of investing in and supporting domestic renewable energy industries to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Additionally, this development emphasizes the need for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between countries to drive innovation and scale up renewable energy deployment worldwide.
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Ragn-Sells får kvalificerad “klimatlösning” enligt ERI:s Climate Solutions Framework
Solvent Recycling Solutions (SRS) has been recognized as a "climate solution" by the Exponential Roadmap Initiative's Climate Solutions Framework, showcasing emission reductions of up to 81% in comparison to traditional solvent processes. This highlights the potential for SRS to significantly contribute to combating climate change through its innovative approach to solvent recycling. Experts in climate solutions should take note of SRS's promising impact on reducing emissions and consider incorporating this technology into their strategies for addressing climate change.
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Startup Aims To Help US Farmers With Green H2 & Wind Power
The global green hydrogen industry is facing challenges, but solutions are emerging, such as efforts in the US to replace imported ammonia fertilizer with a domestic product. Startups like TalusAg are developing solar-powered green hydrogen-to-ammonia systems for local deployment, with plans for widespread application in agriculture. Two facilities in Minnesota and northern Iowa will produce green ammonia using electrolyzers powered by Blue Earth Light & Water, benefiting farmers by reducing fertilizer costs and allowing them to participate in overseas carbon markets. The project is supported by organizations like PepsiCo and the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum, aiming to reduce curtailment, create revenue for rural counties, and strengthen industries while also reducing dependence on foreign supply chains. The initiative is seen as a valuable alternative to natural gas for fertilizer production, providing relief to farmers facing challenges such as rising fertilizer and fuel prices, trade wars, and labor shortages.