Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Other Energy

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  • Datang plans 14.6 GW renewables cluster in China

    A massive renewable energy complex is planned in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to deliver clean electricity to Jiangsu province. The project, led by Datang (Ordos) Energy Development Co., Ltd., includes 8 GW of solar, 4 GW of wind, 2.04 GW/8.16 GWh of energy storage, and 2.64 GW of coal-fired power, with a total installed capacity of 14.64 GW and a planned investment of about CNY 58.1 billion. Scheduled for phased development from 2026 to 2030, the project aims to reduce renewable curtailment to below 1%, with the first batch of wind and solar capacity expected to be connected to the grid in 2027. By 2030, the project is expected to deliver over 40 TWh of electricity annually to Jiangsu, with renewable power accounting for more than 60% of the total.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/14/datang-plans-14-6-gw-renewables-cluster-in-china/

  • JinkoSolar, Masdar sign 2GW PV module supply agreement

    JinkoSolar and Masdar have signed a supply agreement for 2GW of Tiger Neo photovoltaic modules for Abu Dhabi's round-the-clock renewable energy project, which combines a 5.2GW solar PV plant with a 19GW-hour battery energy storage system to deliver continuous renewable energy output. The collaboration aims to address the challenge of intermittency in renewable energy and support the UAE's clean energy goals, providing large-scale baseload renewable energy at competitive rates and serving as a benchmark for global zero-carbon power production. This agreement further develops their strategic relationship in the Middle East's renewable energy market, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable and reliable energy solutions.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/jinkosolar-masdar-sign-pv-agreement/

  • Environmental News Network – UC Irvine Team Identifies Where Renewable Hydrogen Delivers the Greatest Social Benefit

    Renewable electrolytic hydrogen, produced from wind and solar sources, has been identified as most beneficial for decarbonizing hard-to-electrify industries such as steelmaking, transoceanic shipping, and heavy-duty trucking. A study by UC Irvine researchers shows that transitioning to clean energy in these sectors can significantly reduce climate damage, improve air quality, and enhance human health. Policymakers and industry leaders can utilize this data-driven framework to prioritize hydrogen investments for maximum public benefit. Despite barriers such as high production costs, energy requirements, and limited supply, the potential of renewable hydrogen to decarbonize these sectors remains promising. This study underscores the importance of renewable hydrogen in addressing the challenges of climate change in hard-to-electrify industries and transportation.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77986-uc-irvine-team-identifies-where-renewable-hydrogen-delivers-the-greatest-social-benefit

  • Continuous-wave infrared laser technology enables damage-free backsheet removal in end-of-life solar modules

    Researchers from the University of Virginia have developed a laser-based method to remove backsheets from end-of-life solar modules without damaging the glass or silicon wafers. The process involves controlled heating of the silicon-EVA interface through the front glass, enabling clean mechanical delamination with preserved device performance. This method offers a lower-energy, lower-cost alternative to conventional thermal or chemical recycling methods. The IR-CW laser technology allows for precise thermal activation of the silicon-EVA interface while minimizing stress on surrounding materials. The research team confirmed that the silicon and metallization layers remain intact, with no significant degradation in device performance after laser treatment. This sustainable photovoltaic recycling method supports circular economy strategies for end-of-life solar modules and has low energy consumption and efficient operation, with equipment amortization and electricity costs totaling $0.22 per module.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/13/continuous-wave-infrared-laser-technology-enables-damage-free-backsheet-removal-in-end-of-life-solar-modules/

  • Santa Marta was a learning moment for how to shape inclusive just transitions

    The Global Conference on Transitioning away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta emphasized the need for science-based evidence and practical action to address the impacts of fossil fuel dependence. Recommendations included stronger collaborative governance, support for local actors, and redesigning regulatory frameworks to prioritize social and justice programs. The event highlighted the importance of transitioning to renewable energy while ensuring financial resources are directed where they are most needed. The section also emphasized the importance of including local communities, social dialogue, and public participation in Just Transition strategies, with a focus on concrete action, binding commitments, and finance prioritizing people and the planet to achieve socially just and locally relevant transition strategies.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/05/11/santa-marta-was-a-learning-moment-for-how-to-shape-inclusive-just-transitions/

  • Hybrid tidal-photovoltaic system for modular renewables deployment in estuarine channels

    Researchers in Brazil have developed a hybrid tidal-PV floating farm concept for estuarine channels, analyzing wake effects, turbine spacing, and energy trade-offs. Integrating PV with hydrokinetic turbines improves energy yield by offsetting wake-related losses and optimizing farm configurations. The study focused on the Boqueirão Channel, with tidal ranges above 6m and current velocities exceeding 2.5m/s. Results show that greater turbine spacing allows for better wake recovery and higher energy yield, but creates a trade-off between energy yield and installed capacity. To address this, solar panels were installed on top of each turbine on a floating platform to maximize energy production. Simulation studies showed that increasing the number of columns in the farm layout resulted in higher energy generation and varying levelized costs of energy. The integration of photovoltaic generation helped compensate for energy losses from downstream turbines, improving overall productivity. The study concludes that hybrid systems are a technically feasible and economically promising solution for renewable energy deployment in estuarine channels.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/11/hybrid-tidal-photovoltaic-system-for-modular-renewables-deployment-in-estuarine-channels/

  • Adani adds 150 MW solar capacity to Khavda 30 GW renewable energy park

    Adani Green Energy has commissioned a 150 MW solar project at the Khavda renewable energy complex in Gujarat, as part of their goal to reach 30 GW by 2029. The park in Khavda aims to be the largest globally, integrating utility-scale solar and wind generation with advanced battery energy storage infrastructure. Despite facing logistical challenges due to the region's saline desert terrain, extreme temperatures, and remote location near the India-Pakistan border, developers stress the importance of extensive transmission infrastructure, high-voltage evacuation systems, and climate-resilient engineering to support the mega-scale deployment.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/11/adani-adds-150-mw-solar-capacity-to-khavda-30-gw-renewable-energy-park/

  • Workforce installs last of 609,522 panels at major new solar and battery project

    The Broadsound solar farm and big battery project in central Queensland, located on Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala People land, is nearing completion with all 609,522 solar panels installed. The project includes a 377 MW solar component and a 180 MW/360 MWh battery, part of Iberdrola Australia's plan to invest between €2 and €3 billion into Australia's clean energy transition. The company aims to build a 4 GW renewable energy portfolio, with additional onshore wind and solar farms in Australia, including the 3 GW Aurora Green Offshore Wind project in Victoria. This project highlights the significant progress being made in transitioning to renewable energy sources to combat climate change.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/workforce-installs-last-of-609522-panels-at-major-new-solar-and-battery-project/

  • US Startup Crosses The Bridge Between SAF & Powdered Milk

    The global fuel crisis sparked by the Iran War has led to a surge in demand for alternative fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Texas-based startup Syzygy Plasmonics has developed a light-operated biogas reactor to produce synthetic fuels from biogas without combustion, renewing interest in producing fuels from renewable feedstocks for national defense and economic security. Syzygy's focus on sustainable and resilient fuel production includes a project in Uruguay aiming to produce SAF with significantly lower emissions than conventional fuel, with plans to scale up production and establish a competitive business model within the SAF field. The company has also signed agreements to license its bio-based solutions for significant fuel production volumes, with federal energy policymakers open to renewable resources like biomass, geothermal energy, and hydropower. The Iran war has contributed to closing the cost gap between sustainable aviation fuels and traditional fuels, making Syzygy's biogas-to-fuel SAF system increasingly attractive in the market.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/11/us-innovator-crosses-the-bridge-from-powdered-milk-to-saf/

  • Firm solar and storage costs fall to $54/MWh, says IRENA

    IRENA's new report highlights the economic and strategic advantages of round-the-clock solar and wind paired with battery storage, showing that they are cheaper than new fossil fuel generation in high-quality resource regions. Firm levelized costs of electricity for solar-plus-storage range from $54/MWh to $82/MWh, compared to $70/MWh to $85/MWh for new coal in China and over $100/MWh for new gas globally. The decreasing capital costs have made dispatchable "anytime" solar electricity commercially viable in regions with high PV potential, allowing for more reliable and consistent renewable energy generation. These advancements in renewable energy systems emphasize their reliability, resilience, and ability to optimize grid connections while reducing price volatility, making them key solutions in the fight against climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/06/firm-solar-and-storage-costs-fall-to-54-mwh-says-irena/