Uruguay successfully transitioned its entire economy to rely on renewable energy sources in just two years, slashing poverty rates and showcasing the economic benefits of clean energy. The shift towards green energy was driven by crises and challenges, leading to long-lasting solutions and the ability to export excess energy to neighboring countries. The country's approach, framed as an economic opportunity rather than a climate change issue, highlights the financial incentives of transitioning to clean energy. The article emphasizes the importance of public ownership in ensuring equitable access to resources and the redistributive potential of energy distribution as a tool for social justice. The discussion also touches on the potential for other countries to lead in climate solutions and the need for a just green transition globally.
Category: Other Energy
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NYPA adopts 5.5-GW renewable plan amid concerns over affordability, policy changes
The New York Power Authority has approved an update to its renewables plan, adding 2.5 GW of planned capacity for a total of 5.5 GW, which includes solar, wind, distributed energy storage, and compressed air storage projects. NYPA aims to help the state meet its clean energy targets, focusing on developing 15 GW of renewables to supplement private sector energy development in New York. The plan emphasizes the importance of delivering clean, affordable electricity as electric demand grows, while also addressing challenges such as increased costs and power shortages. NYPA's updated renewables strategic plan is focused on developing clean energy projects to strengthen grid resiliency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure affordability and equity in the state's clean energy transition.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/nypa-renewable-energy-plan/807542/
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Africa’s largest off-grid solar-plus-storage project comes online in Angola
Africa's largest off-grid solar-plus-storage project, the Cazombo Photovoltaic Park in Angola, has been successfully launched with 75.26 MWh of battery storage and 25.40 MW of solar power. This project aims to provide electricity to over 136,000 people in the region by relying on solar energy during the day and battery storage at night, completely eliminating the need for fossil fuels. Part of Angola's Rural Electrification Project, the focus is on developing solar power plants with battery storage in off-grid areas. The financing for this innovative project came from British Standard Chartered Bank and German export agency Euler Hermes.
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Waya Electric Motorcycles’ Daily Use In Kenya’s Tsavo Conservation Area Takes E-Mobility To Where It Is Needed Most
Kenya's electric motorcycle sector has experienced significant growth, particularly in the context of the motorcycle taxi industry. Companies like Waya Electric have entered the market with a focus on heavy-duty, rural, and B2B applications, designing motorcycles to handle tough conditions like long distances, heat, and steep terrain. These electric motorcycles are being utilized in wildlife conservation areas like the Tsavo Conservation Area, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness in various applications. The use of electric motorcycles in remote and challenging terrains is proving to be reliable and relevant, showing the potential for electric mobility in similar areas across Africa. Solar-powered charging solutions for electric motorcycles are highlighted as a key innovation to address the unique challenges faced in African markets.
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Construction begins on Engie’s Pelican Point BESS in South Australia
Sungrow and Engie are constructing the Pelican Point grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Australia, set to be operational in H2 2027. The 200MW/400MWh BESS will enhance the region's renewable-rich power grid, providing storage, grid stability services, and system resilience for over 29,400 homes. Utilizing Sungrow technologies, the project will support South Australia's energy transition, enabling greater renewable integration and grid flexibility. Additionally, AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and networked microgrids are being implemented to rebuild the grid for a more flexible, resilient, and sustainable energy future.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/construction-engies-pelican-point-bess/
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World’s first high-power aluminum-ion battery system for energy storage
The INNOBATT project led by the Fraunhofer Institute has developed a lithium-free, high-power aluminum-graphite-dual-ion battery system for energy storage applications. This rechargeable aluminum-ion battery technology offers stability, fast response, and recyclability, with energy densities of 160 Wh/kg and power densities exceeding 9 kW/kg. The system uses easily obtainable materials like aluminum and graphite, providing a cost-effective and non-flammable solution for grid applications. Climate solutions experts can benefit from this new battery system's ability to allow rapid charging and discharging at high C-rates, contributing to sustainable energy storage solutions.
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Hyundai Pushes The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Mobility Market
Hyundai is expanding its presence in the global fuel cell market with a range of vehicles and power stations. The company is focusing on transitioning the hydrogen supply chain from fossil fuels to renewable resources for a sustainable future. Hyundai is targeting the hydrogen fuel cell market in the US, Korea, and Europe, with a focus on electrifying public transportation, fleets, and port logistics. The growth of the fuel cell market is driven by various stakeholders promoting the hydrogen economy of the future. Hyundai and Air Liquide are partnering to build a sustainable energy ecosystem that includes hydrogen production and utilization, supporting an accelerated timetable for bringing new hydrogen technologies to the market.
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Great British Energy unveils five-year strategy to boost UK renewable power
Great British Energy (GBE) has unveiled a strategic plan to deliver a minimum of 15GW of clean energy generation and storage assets by 2030, aiming to supply power to around ten million households. The company plans to mobilize £15bn in private finance and support over 1,000 community energy projects to increase public participation in the domestic energy system, creating over 10,000 jobs, particularly in regions traditionally reliant on oil and gas industries. The plan includes investments in GBE Local, Onshore Energy, and Offshore Energy to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in the UK, focusing on the use of intelligent microgrids and distributed renewables to rebuild the energy grid for a more flexible and resilient future. The article highlights the use of an AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and strategic partnerships to create networked microgrids, aiming to create a more sustainable energy system that can better withstand climate-related challenges.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/great-british-energy-five-year-strategy/
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Sulfur battery innovator clears key milestone to commercialisation – and to compete with li-ion
Gelion, an Australian energy storage innovator, has achieved a key milestone in its sulfur battery technology, demonstrating stable cycling and high energy density performance in coin cells. This advancement brings the technology closer to commercialization and competitiveness with lithium-ion batteries, offering advantages such as operating at high temperatures without air-conditioning, dischargeable to zero volts, and being more energy dense and longer-lasting than lead-acid batteries. The company has raised funds, acquired patents, and formed partnerships to further develop its sulfur battery technology for applications in e-aviation, electric mobility, and stationary storage. This development has the potential to revolutionize energy storage in various industries, including automotive, industrial, and consumer technology, making it a promising solution for a sustainable future.
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“Solar Glitter” Makes Its Mark On The Space Solar Race
The space solar race is heating up, with innovators aiming to beam solar energy down to Earth by 2030. Efforts to improve efficiency and reduce weight in space solar technology continue, with Lockheed Martin Ventures recently investing in mPower to support the scaleup of their DragonSCALES modules for space applications. Various space industry stakeholders, including Airbus, Blue Origin/Honeybee, Firefly Aerospace, Lynk Global, and Gravitics, are deploying DragonSCALES technology. Ascent Solar Technologies has announced new developments in space solar innovation, with collaborations with the US Air Force, Germany's DLR, and Defiant Space to develop space solar opportunities for defense, security, and commercial initiatives. Aetherflux, a US space solar startup, has received significant funding and plans to demonstrate an orbiting system next year, while mPower has launched new photovoltaic technology for space solar applications.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/04/solar-glitter-makes-its-mark-on-the-space-solar-race/