A rare earths mining project in South Africa, the Zandkopsdrift project, aims to challenge China's dominance in global supply chains by producing magnet rare earths and battery-grade manganese for clean energy technologies at a lower cost. The project aligns with South Africa's goal to become a key supplier of critical minerals for the clean energy transition, focusing on responsible mining practices and meeting higher standards through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance. While promising, the untested processing route and concerns over past environmental abuses have left some locals wary of who will truly benefit from the economic promises of the project. Steps such as water-recycling systems, local procurement targets, and involving local communities in ownership are being taken to address these concerns and ensure a sustainable and responsible approach to mining critical minerals for clean energy solutions.
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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Zero waste is the real climate solution, not waste incineration
The negative impacts of waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration on the climate, environment, and public health are highlighted in the article, emphasizing how it accelerates climate pollution, releases toxic air pollution and hazardous ash, and hinders the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. The industry's portrayal of criticism as emotional rather than science-based is criticized, along with the disproportionate placement of incinerators in marginalized communities, raising environmental justice concerns. Wealthier neighborhoods tend to avoid incinerators, leaving poorer communities to bear the pollution and risks, while zero waste systems create more jobs and economic benefits. Governments and cities are shifting towards circular, low-carbon waste systems, recognizing the benefits of zero waste solutions for climate action, public health, and economic justice, ensuring a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition to a low-carbon world.
https://350.org/zero-waste-is-the-real-climate-solution-not-waste-incineration/
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UK government issues open call for experts to shape AI energy policy
The UK government is seeking AI and energy specialists to identify datasets that can enhance the efficiency, security, and digitization of the energy system. Access to high-quality data is essential for leveraging AI to drive efficiencies and transform operations, with applications such as grid optimization and predicting renewable generation. The call aims to address barriers to accessing data for AI applications in the energy sector, focusing on reducing costs, improving energy security, and supporting economic growth. Companies developing AI and digital products for the energy sector are encouraged to apply and share their expertise to drive innovation and sustainability in the industry.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/03/uk-government-open-call-for-evidence-ai-energy-policy-data/
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CHN Energy switches on 2 GW solar plant at coal-mining subsidence area
China Energy Investment Corp. has completed the Phase II 2 GW photovoltaic project at its Lingwu mining-subsidence renewable base in Ningxia, part of a 6 GW solar cluster. The project repurposes coal mining subsidence zones and underutilized land to deliver clean electricity through an ultra-high-voltage direct current line. The Lingwu base features a hybrid grid architecture with an energy storage system and a "solar-coal-storage-hydrogen" export base, focusing on land reuse, grid integration, and long-distance transmission. This project sets a precedent for future large solar bases in western China, showcasing innovative solutions for utilizing renewable energy in areas with coal mining history.
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Renewable energy is a clear solution to the fossil fuel cost chaos: Statement from UN Climate Change Executive Secretary
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell stressed the urgent need for a transition to renewables due to the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependence on economies and people. Despite renewables becoming cheaper and faster-to-market, the transition is still too slow, particularly in developing nations that require more support. Stiell emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation and protecting civilian lives, highlighting the critical role of accelerating the shift to renewable energy sources globally.
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Premier Energies unveils India’s first zero-busbar TOPCon solar cell
Premier Energies unveiled India's first zero-busbar (0BB) TOPCon solar cell at Intersolar India, marking a shift from traditional architectures and reducing silver consumption. The new design delivers higher power output, enhances mechanical flexibility, and improves resistance to micro-cracks, ensuring superior performance in Indian climates. Premier Energies aims to strengthen performance economics and sustainability in solar manufacturing by lowering silver usage while enhancing efficiency and durability. The company is investing in scaling up its solar manufacturing capacity and expanding into related areas like inverters and battery systems.
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Global energy transition hits a hardware bottleneck
Demand for transformers and grid-connection infrastructure is surging due to the massive electrification of industry and transport, integration of renewable energy, and growth of AI data centers. Hitachi Energy is investing $1.5 billion to expand transformer manufacturing capacity to meet the increased demand, as lead times for large transformers have doubled since 2019. Global investment in grids is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2026, with companies like Kaufmann Electric and Waaree Energies investing in transformer manufacturing to address constraints in grid infrastructure construction. To speed up project realization, companies are focusing on standardization and closer collaboration with manufacturers through framework agreements, aiming to ensure timely delivery of grid connection equipment and support the growth of renewable energy projects.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/27/global-energy-transition-hits-a-hardware-bottleneck/
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CarbonCure Celebrates 2026 Sustainability in Concrete Scholars
CarbonCure Technologies has announced the recipients of its 2025-2026 Sustainability in Concrete Scholarship, supporting student leaders in advancing sustainability in the industry. The scholarship has been awarded to five U.S. undergraduate students and one Canadian undergrad, each receiving a $2,000 scholarship. The recipients highlighted practical solutions to reduce embodied carbon in concrete, such as mix optimization and the use of supplementary cementitious materials. Mario Melo, Brandon Cruz Campero, Iyanna Lloyd, Kate Connor, Kate, and Evan are all committed to promoting low-carbon practices in the concrete industry to reduce emissions and make sustainable concrete technologies the standard. The focus is on creating a sustainable, stronger, and more resilient concrete industry, with a growing momentum behind lower-carbon concrete solutions in North America.
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Hyundai Motor Group to Establish Innovation Hub to Lead Robotics, AI, & Hydrogen Energy in Korea
Hyundai Motor Group has signed an MOU with the South Korean government and Jeonbuk State to invest nearly KRW 9 trillion in the Saemangeum area of Gunsan City starting in 2026. The investment will focus on advancing Korea's transition to robotics, AI-driven, and energy-centric future through projects such as an AI Data Center, Robotics Manufacturing Cluster, PEM Electrolyzer Plant, Solar Power Infrastructure, and AI Hydrogen Smart City. The initiative aims to generate KRW 16 trillion and create approximately 71,000 jobs in economic effect. Saemangeum was chosen for its abundant renewable energy resources and comprehensive transportation infrastructure. Hyundai Motor Group is investing in AI data centers, robotics manufacturing clusters, and a PEM electrolyzer plant to advance physical AI, robotics manufacturing, and Korea's hydrogen economy. The AI data center will support autonomous driving and robotics with GPU computing power and massive storage. The robotics cluster will manufacture 30,000 units annually and train robots at a dedicated center. The PEM electrolyzer plant will produce clean hydrogen at scale, supporting hydrogen supply infrastructure and diverse mobility solutions. These investments aim to accelerate Korea's transition to a hydrogen economy and strengthen the domestic robotics industry. A group is planning to expand electrolyzer capacity to 1 GW domestically, with a focus on green hydrogen production. They are also developing a gigawatt-scale solar power capacity by 2035 to power their initiatives sustainably. The group aims to create an AI Hydrogen Smart City integrating AI, hydrogen, and robotics technologies. The investment in Saemangeum is expected to generate significant economic benefits and promote regional development. The group's broader strategy includes leading the Physical AI industry through collaborations with industry leaders and contributing to Korea's position as a global innovation hub.
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New model reveals pathway for land-efficient U.S. solar expansion
McGill University researchers utilized deep-learning computer vision to analyze 719 solar projects in the Western U.S., setting a new "land-sparing" benchmark for developers. The study revealed a link between geographic irradiance and land efficiency, showing that sunnier regions and compact system designs result in higher energy density. A global study further emphasized the potential for rooftop solar integration, indicating that targeted policy could make it more cost-effective than ground-mounted systems. These findings underscore the importance of strategic land management and integrating solar into the built environment to help achieve net-zero targets and minimize environmental impact.