Google has signed a deal with Cypress Creek Energy to invest in and receive energy from the largest solar facility in the United States, the Steel River Energy Center. The project includes 2.5 GW/2.9 GWh of solar and storage capacity, with Google acting as an anchor investor and offtaker. Expected to create 700 construction jobs during each phase, the project will be built in three phases and fully online by 2029. Solar panels made entirely in the U.S. and steel from Mississippi County facilities will be used, showcasing a commitment to domestic production and renewable energy solutions.
Category: Other Energy
Cut Emissions:
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
-
6 Records Solar & Storage Have Crushed in the First Half of 2026
Solar and storage technologies are dominating new electricity generation capacity in the US, with solar making up 91% of new grid capacity added in Q1 2026 and surpassing coal as America's largest source of new electricity generation. California's battery fleet discharged a record 12.99 GW of power, covering 44% of demand, while setting a solar generation record of 23 GW covering 72% of afternoon demand. Texas has set multiple records, including renewables meeting 79% of electricity demand and batteries supplying 20% of evening electricity demand. Major grid operators like SPP, ISONE, MISO, and PJM are also setting new records for solar generation, showcasing how solar energy is not only reducing prices but also ensuring energy reliability and meeting rising electricity demand.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/16/6-records-solar-storage-have-crushed-in-the-first-half-of-2026/
-
What ‘mother of all co-location projects’ raising $5bn means for 24/7 clean power
The milestone $5 billion co-location project for 24/7 clean power by gigascale firm green power, such as the Masdar plant, is a significant step forward in achieving continuous clean energy production. This project stands out as an outlier in the industry and showcases the potential for large-scale clean energy solutions. Experts view this development as a positive sign for the future of sustainable energy production and a model for other companies to follow in the transition to clean power.
-
UN uses AI to curb methane emissions
The United Nations is utilizing artificial intelligence to rapidly detect methane emissions and notify governments and businesses for prompt action. Over the past two years, AI models have identified 80-85% of methane releases for potential repair, with the Methane Alert and Response System uncovering leaks equivalent to the annual emissions of 24 million cars. This use of AI is considered a crucial tool in combating climate change by swiftly pinpointing and resolving significant methane leaks to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/un-uses-ai-to-curb-methane-emissions/
-
Insane “Gigascale” 5.2GW, 19GWh Solar + Storage Project Moves Forward
Masdar has achieved financial close on the world's first gigascale Round-the-Clock renewable energy project, with a 5.2 GW solar power installation and a 19 GWh battery storage installation, providing 1 GW of continuous clean power supply 24/7. The $6.1 billion investment, with Masdar funding $1 billion of equity, sets a new benchmark for financing reliable, utility-scale clean energy projects. Additionally, Masdar is on track to reach 100GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, focusing on delivering reliable and affordable clean power through energy storage and hybrid solutions, despite being funded by the oil industry. This project showcases Masdar's foresight in investing in renewable energy projects to meet growing electricity demand globally.
-
Google agrees to purchase 100% of power from largest solar-plus-storage project in U.S.
Google has signed a VPPA for the Steel River Energy Center in Arkansas, the largest solar-plus-storage project in the US, with plans to scale up to 2.5 GW of solar PV and 2.9 GWh of energy storage. The project will help Google offset its grid-based emissions by paying a fixed price for clean energy output. Tech companies are turning to VPPAs to meet decarbonization targets and inject renewable capacity into local systems. The Steel River project is prioritizing domestic manufacturing to secure financing and navigate trade policies.
-
TotalEnergies’ floating turbine hits the water in boost to big oil’s green ambitions
TotalEnergies' floating turbine, developed by Ocergy, is set to be deployed in the North Sea off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland, aiming to boost big oil companies' green ambitions with a faster-to-build offshore wind solution. The successful integration of the hull, tower, and turbine on the Culzean floating offshore wind platform in Norway highlights advancements in offshore wind technology and its potential to contribute to climate solutions. This development showcases the growing importance of innovative offshore wind solutions in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
-
Renewables, Led By Solar, Were Largest Source of Energy Supply Growth Globally in 2025
In 2025, the US accounted for 47% of the world's CO2 emissions growth due to fossil fuel-biased policies and AI infrastructure, while renewables, particularly solar power, saw significant growth in total energy supply. Despite fossil fuels dominating global energy supply, positive trends include the growth of solar and wind power, decline in China's oil and diesel use, and Europe's reduction in fossil fuel dependence through renewable energy expansion. The EU's accelerated deployment of wind and solar power has led to a decrease in coal and gas generation, with wind and solar generating more power than coal, gas, and oil combined by 2025. This shift has saved the region €72bn in fossil fuel imports between 2022 and 2025, driven by the cost-effectiveness, stability, and ability of solar power to reduce fossil fuel dependency globally.
-
‘Australian first’ compressed CO2 battery project takes shape
Victoria's State Electricity Commission (SEC) is partnering with Energy Dome to deploy a 10-hour duration compressed CO2 battery energy storage system near Morwell in the Latrobe Valley, marking Victoria's first long-duration energy storage facility and Australia's first commercial compressed CO2 battery. This technology aims to ensure around-the-clock reliability of supply for renewable energy generation from wind and solar, supporting Victoria's transition to clean energy and helping meet its 2030 clean energy targets. Additionally, stakeholder and community consultation has begun for the new SEC Energy Works energy innovation precinct in the Latrobe Valley, which will focus on developing new energy infrastructure and storage technologies to further support the state's future energy system. Projects at SEC Energy Works will contribute to the government-owned renewable energy company's portfolio, including the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub and the SEC Renewable Energy Park, emphasizing the importance of energy innovation, early investment, and confidence building for new energy technologies.
-
Orlen and Northland send historic first offshore power to Polish grid
Orlen and Northland have successfully sent the first offshore power to the Polish grid from their Baltic Power array, a historic moment for Poland's renewable energy sector. The 1.2GW array, expected to be fully commissioned in the autumn, will play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in the country's energy mix. This achievement highlights the progress being made towards sustainable energy solutions in Poland.