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

  • Adani secures Japanese funding for India’s green energy corridor

    Adani Energy Solutions (AESL) has secured funding from Japanese banks for a 950km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project in India, aimed at transporting renewable energy from Rajasthan to the national grid with an evacuation capacity of 6,000MW by 2029. This project will enhance grid stability, integrate renewable energy into major urban and industrial areas, and strengthen financial and industrial ties between India and Japan. Part of Adani Group's clean energy platform, the project aligns with India's Make in India initiative, focusing on developing resilient transmission infrastructure for India's energy transition.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/adani-japanese-funding-green-energy/

  • Vestas lands turbine order for landmark wind and green hydrogen refuelling network in New Zealand

    New Zealand's Kapuni green hydrogen project has reached financial close and ordered four 6.4 MW wind turbines from Vestas, integrating wind energy, renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale. The project includes a 25.6 MW wind farm and a 5 MW hydrogen electrolyser, supporting a national green hydrogen refuelling network. Located in Taranaki, the project will supply renewable electricity to the national grid and create economic opportunities through decarbonizing industry and building low-emissions energy systems. This initiative showcases a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions and demonstrates the potential for green hydrogen to play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a cleaner energy future.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/vestas-lands-turbine-order-for-landmark-wind-and-green-hydrogen-refuelling-network-in-new-zealand/

  • AI Startup That Does EV-Related Materials Science Discovery Raises $8M

    The section discusses the investment in clean, renewable technologies in countries outside the US, such as the UK-based startup Polaron raising $8 million. It highlights the importance of developing enhanced materials to improve electric vehicle efficiency, with examples like the electric MINI Countryman SUV increasing its range without increasing battery size. Polaron's CEO explains how early deployments have improved battery electrode energy density by more than 10% through manufacturing process optimization. The use of AI technology by EV makers and battery manufacturers for R&D and process engineering is also discussed, with AI being used for characterisation and design to improve performance and accelerate work on fast charging, energy density, and battery lifetime. The new funding will be used to scale the team, expand industrial deployment, and integrate with large industrial customers, with the approach being applicable to other EV components beyond battery electrodes to improve performance based on internal structure shaped by manufacturing.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/08/ai-startup-that-does-ev-related-materials-science-discovery-raises-8m/

  • China maximises battery recycling to shore up critical mineral supplies

    China's rapid increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales has led to a surge in spent batteries, with nearly 400,000 tonnes generated last year and projected to rise to one million tonnes per year by 2030. To address this waste issue, the Chinese government has launched new policies mandating end-of-life recycling for EVs and their batteries, with manufacturers responsible for recycling. This strategy not only addresses the waste problem but also aims to secure critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Chinese companies like CATL's Brunp subsidiary and Botree are leading the way in battery recycling, offering higher prices to EV owners and expanding into foreign markets to meet demand.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/02/09/china-maximises-battery-recycling-to-shore-up-critical-mineral-supplies/

  • The Hydrogen Stream: Verna completes first two hydrogen pilot wells in Canada

    Vema Hydrogen has completed two pilot hydrogen wells in Quebec, Canada, while Advait Greenergy and InSolare Energy are progressing on hydrogen projects in India. Canada and South Korea are discussing potential collaboration in auto manufacturing for Hyundai/Kia in Canada, with a focus on hydrogen energy. The University of Cagliari and the Indian Institute of Technology are collaborating on a research project on hydrogen energy systems. Hiringa Energy has reached Financial Close on the Kapuni Project in New Zealand, integrating wind, industrial renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale. These developments highlight the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy support and investment in renewable energy technologies are crucial to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet global electricity demand with clean energy solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/06/the-hydrogen-stream-verna-completes-first-two-hydrogen-pilot-wells-in-quebec/

  • Bill targets oil refineries’ use of ‘exceptionally hazardous chemical’

    California Rep. Maxine Waters has introduced a bill to ban oil refineries from using hydrofluoric acid in gasoline production due to its high toxicity, giving existing plants five years to find alternatives. The chemical is exceptionally hazardous and could cause mass casualties in the event of an accident, with violators facing fines of up to $37,500 per infraction. With approximately 40 refineries currently using hydrofluoric acid, over 14 million people are at risk, especially those in communities burdened by environmental issues. The legislation was prompted by a 2015 refinery explosion in Torrance, California, highlighting the urgent need for safer alternatives in the industry.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/bill-targets-oil-refineries-use-of-exceptionally-hazardous-chemical/

  • Could Light Be Used To Drive Enzymes for Efficient Ammonia Production?

    Researchers are exploring the use of nanocrystal-nitrogenase biohybrids to reduce energy costs in ammonia production by harnessing light to convert N2 gas to ammonia. By studying electron delivery efficiency and hole scavenging in the CdS:MoFe complex, they aim to optimize the process and potentially lower energy costs. This innovative technology could lead to localized production near agricultural sites, reducing transportation costs and offering applications in fuel, feedstock, and energy storage. The research, highlighted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science Basic Energy Sciences program, provides valuable insights into biological nitrogen fixation and electron transfer pathways, with implications for sustainable climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/06/could-light-be-used-to-drive-enzymes-for-efficient-ammonia-production/

  • New Solution For Critical Minerals: Recycling, Not Conflict Zones

    A new US startup, Supra Elemental Recovery, has developed a sponge-like filter to extract high-purity critical minerals from industrial waste, offering a more secure and sustainable solution compared to overseas mining. The University of Texas has contributed to the funding and development of the cartridge, which is designed to be reusable and environmentally friendly. The technology has shown promising results, with investors backing the project. This innovative approach could potentially revolutionize the extraction and refining of critical minerals needed for EVs and solar cells. The Supra team is working on a commercial-level demonstration later this year, aiming to provide U.S.-based manufacturers with a sustainable source of critical minerals.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/05/the-solution-for-us-critical-minerals-geopolitical-minefield-vs-recycling/

  • Why regional manufacturing will power the next clean economy

    The section discusses the importance of manufacturing in the clean energy transition, highlighting how regions like New York, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles are leading the way in integrating industry and climate goals. New York's success in creating a foundation for climate manufacturing through initiatives like Industrial Action Plans and incentives for advanced industries demonstrates the potential for aligning industrial infrastructure, policy, and programs to drive the clean energy transition and economic growth. Similarly, Los Angeles is working towards becoming a durable climate manufacturing hub through coordinated programs and the development of a "Climate Manufacturing Compact" to align stakeholders around climate action and industrial growth. The Great Lakes corridor is also transitioning to become the nation's "Battery Belt," but faces challenges that can be addressed through a cohesive regional strategy with shared metrics and investments in climate manufacturing ecosystems. By working together, government, industry, and investors can create a "Climate Manufacturing Commons" where ideas, talent, and production flow across borders, proving that rebuilding industry and addressing climate change are interconnected projects of national renewal.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/regional-manufacturing-clean-economy/808016/

  • Over 85% silver extraction efficiency achieved in solar panel recycling test

    Iondrive, an Australian recycling developer, has achieved over 85% silver extraction efficiency in initial bench-scale testing with their IONSolv platform, which uses deep eutectic solvents to selectively dissolve and extract targeted metals. The company plans to optimize the process further before applying it to end-of-life PV materials, aiming to prevent valuable materials like silver and silicon from ending up in landfills. This development is crucial for improving recovery of materials from solar panels and advancing sustainable solutions for recycling in the renewable energy industry.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/05/over-85-silver-extraction-efficiency-achieved-in-solar-panel-recycling-test/