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

  • TNO unveils 12.4%-efficient perovksite solar tile

    The Dutch research institute TNO has developed the world's first perovskite-based roof tile, achieving up to 13.8% efficiency on standalone modules and 12.4% on curved surfaces. The flexible modules were produced using TNO's experimental roll-to-roll platform, with plans to commercialize the solar tile through its spinoff company Perovion Technologies. This building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) tile based on perovskite solar cell technology is a significant development in the renewable energy sector. The use of roll-to-roll manufacturing for perovskite solar cells is seen as a promising pathway to lower production costs and high-volume manufacturing for emerging thin-film technologies, offering potential solutions for climate change mitigation.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/02/tno-unveils-12-4-efficient-perovksite-solar-tile/

  • Giant copper project signs deal for Australia’s biggest off-grid hybrid renewables facility

    Harmony Gold and Aggreko have partnered to develop a renewable power facility at the Eva copper mine project in Queensland, Australia. The facility will consist of a 118 MWp solar farm, a 250 MWh battery, and a 104 MVA thermal power plant, with the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2035. Future plans may involve incorporating wind energy and connecting to the grid through the Copperstring transmission project. This long-term commitment to renewable energy showcases a significant step towards sustainable practices in the mining industry.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/giant-copper-project-signs-deal-for-australias-biggest-off-grid-hybrid-renewables-facility/

  • Nigerians bet on solar power as global oil crisis hits wallets

    Africa, particularly Nigeria, is experiencing a surge in solar power installations as a response to soaring fuel prices and unreliable power supplies. The conflict in the Middle East has further accelerated the adoption of solar energy, with installations in Africa increasing by 54% in 2025. Businesses and consumers are recognizing the cost-saving benefits of transitioning to solar power, with calls for governments to adopt binding targets to phase out fossil fuels and invest in clean energy for a stable future. Lower-cost solar products are now available, making solar power a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources in Nigeria and across the continent.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/01/nigerians-bet-on-solar-as-global-oil-shock-hits-wallets-and-power-supplies/

  • Volvo, Toyota, & Daimler Truck Ink Memorandum For Fuel Cell Development

    Toyota Motor Corporation has joined cellcentric as an equal shareholder alongside Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG to develop fuel cell systems for heavy-duty transport, off-road machinery, and stationary uses. The collaboration aims to accelerate fuel cell technology and produce competitive solutions at scale, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing the transportation industry through hydrogen technology. Cellcentric is also focusing on industrializing fuel cell systems and building hydrogen infrastructure with industry partners, aiming to serve a broad customer base beyond shareholders. This move signifies a commitment to improving the entire value chain and advancing hydrogen technology in the transportation sector.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/31/volvo-toyota-daimler-truck-ink-memorandum-for-fuel-cell-development/

  • Major oil producers among 46 nations joining fossil fuel phase-out summit

    Forty-six countries, including major oil, coal, and gas producers such as Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Norway, will attend a conference in Santa Marta to accelerate the global shift from fossil fuels. The summit aims to create an international coalition committed to ending reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas, with a focus on prioritizing science and phasing out fossil fuel production and consumption. Notably absent are the United States and Saudi Arabia, while vulnerable nations like Palau and Sierra Leone are in attendance. The outcomes of the conference will inform discussions at COP31 and provide a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with campaigners seeing it as an opportunity to showcase credible transitions and build momentum for global action. Colombia views the current global energy shock as a chance to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/31/major-oil-producers-among-46-nations-joining-fossil-fuel-phase-out-summit/

  • DOE, Amazon team tap AI for mineral recycling effort

    The Department of Energy and Amazon are teaming up to utilize artificial intelligence in recovering and recycling minerals such as battery-grade graphite from discarded clothing and waste, with a focus on producing key ingredients for electric vehicle batteries. This partnership also includes exploring the recovery of critical minerals like gallium from used electronics hardware, aiming to transform the domestic critical materials supply chain and reduce reliance on China for raw materials. By tapping into waste streams, this initiative seeks to secure valuable minerals for sustainable solutions and advance towards a more environmentally friendly future.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/doe-amazon-team-tap-ai-for-mineral-recycling-effort/

  • Tongwei moves into hybrid heterojunction back contact solar cell technology

    Tongwei has partnered with GS-Solar and Golden Solar to establish a large-scale manufacturing facility for hybrid heterojunction back-contact (HBC) solar cells, focusing on technology development, manufacturing, and process optimization. The hybrid HBC technology aims to achieve high efficiency at lower production costs, streamlining processing. This collaboration could expedite the shift from laboratory-scale research to industrial production, broadening Tongwei's solar technology offerings. GS-Solar, positioning itself as a technology and equipment provider for hybrid HBC commercialization, has engaged in similar partnerships previously.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/30/tongwei-moves-into-hybrid-heterojunction-back-contact-solar-cell-technology/

  • An Update On Electric Vehicle Batteries And Innovations In The Sector

    The Republican-controlled US Congress rescinded a $7,500 federal EV tax credit, causing an initial drop in EV sales, but the US/Israel war against Iran has reignited demand for electric vehicles. Innovations in the EV battery sector, such as BYD's cell-to-body architecture, are driving rising consumer interest in EVs. Forecasts predict plummeting battery prices will make battery EVs cheaper than traditional vehicles in Europe within two to four years. Automakers are shifting to LFP batteries to avoid supply chain complexities and improve performance, while research is ongoing for massless and solid-state EV batteries. There is a growing market for used EV batteries to be repurposed for energy storage, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new mining of key minerals. Recycling EV batteries is crucial for a sustainable transportation system, with a focus on high mineral recovery rates and low environmental impact. Misinformation about EVs can hinder the transition to electric mobility, but advancements in battery technology and management systems are improving the longevity and performance of EV batteries. Real-world driving habits can significantly impact the lifespan of EV batteries, with proper use potentially extending their longevity by about a third. Researchers have found that actual driving situations can help extend the life of electric vehicle batteries, such as frequent acceleration, braking, and letting the batteries rest for hours at a time. Charging the vehicle with a low to medium charge level for long parking periods also decreases battery aging rates. The US Department of Energy is focusing on a Made-in-the-USA solution called DLE (Direct Lithium Extraction) using geothermal brine. In July 2023, the agency awarded funds to 10 innovators in the DLE field, including EnergyX, with a $5 million award.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/28/an-update-on-electric-vehicle-batteries-and-innovations-in-the-sector/

  • Industry 4.0 technologies raise cyber risks for smart renewables grids

    An international research team has developed a novel AI-enhanced intrusion detection system (MSIDS) to detect and mitigate cyber threats in smart renewable energy grids. The system outperforms traditional intrusion detection models by achieving high accuracy, precision, and recall rates, while maintaining a low false positive rate. It utilizes supervised and unsupervised learning for threat detection, addressing known and unknown attacks, and features a multi-layer architecture with automated feature extraction and decision fusion. MSIDS's ability to provide low-latency detection allows for swift response to potential threats, ensuring uninterrupted energy distribution and enhancing decentralized security within the grid when deployed on edge computing nodes and smart meters.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/27/industry-4-0-technologies-raise-cyber-risks-for-smart-renewable-energy-grids/

  • Judge upholds DC gas hookup ban

    A court ruling in Washington D.C. has upheld building code amendments that prohibit new gas hookups, allowing for new and modified buildings to be constructed to a net-zero energy standard by 2027. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act does not prevent local governments from regulating energy consumption in specific locations, supporting the city's environmental goals and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This decision sets a precedent for other cities looking to implement similar climate solutions and demonstrates the legal authority of local governments to address energy consumption and emissions.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/judge-upholds-dc-gas-hookup-ban-3/