Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Other Energy

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  • Environmental News Network – Turning Plastic Waste Into Clean Fuel Using Sunlight

    Scientists are exploring solar-powered technologies to convert waste plastics into valuable fuels and industrial chemicals, addressing plastic pollution and the need for clean energy. Led by Adelaide University PhD candidate Xiao Lu, the research highlights the potential for a sustainable, circular economy by repurposing plastics as a valuable resource. With over 460 million tonnes of plastic produced annually and millions leaking into the environment, this solution offers a way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while tackling plastic waste. The study, published in Chem Catalysis, emphasizes the carbon and hydrogen-rich nature of plastics as an untapped resource for fuel production.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77966-turning-plastic-waste-into-clean-fuel-using-sunlight

  • A $6.5B geothermal company? Industry eyes tipping point.

    Geothermal company Fervo Energy is aiming for a $6.5 billion valuation in a U.S. IPO, using enhanced geothermal systems technology to extract heat from previously inaccessible rock areas. Fervo is developing a 500-megawatt geothermal power plant in Utah, with plans to expand to 4.3 gigawatts, securing power purchase agreements with major buyers and aiming to deliver power by the end of 2022. Despite obstacles in gaining market traction, Fervo is working to lower costs and increase competitiveness with gas and nuclear power, while legislation supporting geothermal technology moves through Congress. This reflects a broader trend of institutional investors recognizing the financial risks of climate change and seeking opportunities in renewable energy and other climate-friendly sectors, emphasizing the growing importance of climate considerations in investment decisions.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/a-6-5b-geothermal-company-industry-eyes-tipping-point/

  • Huge home batteries inspire “made for Australia” rooftop solar panel, offering more power over less space

    Trina has launched the Vertex S+ 515W rooftop PV module in response to the increasing demand for solar panels in Australia, driven by the record rate of home battery installations. The module offers higher energy yield, greater system capacity, and flexibility in design, catering to the advanced technology needs of the Australian residential and commercial rooftop markets. This innovation coincides with the booming rooftop solar installations in Australia, with the module available for preorder and expected in the third quarter. The 31% increase in solar panels registered nationwide in April marks a positive trend for climate solutions, highlighting the importance of staying informed through sources like Renew Economy to promote accurate information and support for clean energy initiatives.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/huge-home-batteries-inspire-made-for-australia-rooftop-solar-panel-offering-more-power-over-less-space/

  • AI Data Centres Need Big Batteries But Lithium Isn’t Fit-For-Purpose

    The biggest constraint facing AI data centre expansion is storage and the unique way they use power, leading to unpredictability in drawing electricity from the grid. Traditional generation sources like coal and nuclear may still be necessary due to the volatile energy demand of AI data centres. Data centres require buffering capacity to reconcile intermittent supply with intermittent demand, with lithium-ion batteries degrading rapidly under constant cycling. Flow batteries offer a solution by allowing energy and power capacity to scale independently, enabling relentless cycling without degradation typical of lithium-ion systems. The world's renewable build-out is accelerating, but most large-scale batteries remain short-duration systems, highlighting the need for innovative storage solutions for AI-driven data centres. Investing in storage technologies designed for high-cycle operation can help harness renewable energy and prevent the reliance on fossil fuel backup, ultimately allowing AI data centers to contribute to a clean energy future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/06/ai-data-centres-need-big-batteries-but-lithium-isnt-fit-for-purpose/

  • Solar on canals reduces water evaporation by 70% and algae growth by 85%

    The Nexus pilot project in California successfully demonstrated that installing solar panels over irrigation canals can reduce water evaporation and algae growth by 85%. This public-private partnership aimed to generate empirical data on the feasibility of deploying PV systems on active irrigation canals, showing potential operational efficiencies in canal management. The project tested various design configurations and highlighted the scalability potential of covering California's extensive canal network, which could save billions of gallons of water annually and improve water quality. This innovative solution has the potential to be a significant climate solution, offering both water conservation and renewable energy benefits.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/04/solar-on-canals-reduces-water-evaporation-by-70-and-algae-growth-by-85/

  • Dominion to open nation’s biggest offshore wind farm next year

    Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the largest in the U.S., is moving forward with nine turbines already in the water and plans to have all 176 turbines operational by June 2027. Despite a temporary halt by the Trump administration, construction resumed in January, and the project's estimated cost was reduced to $11.4 billion after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs. Virginia ratepayers are expected to save $5 billion in fuel costs during the first decade of operations, highlighting the significant economic and environmental benefits of this renewable energy initiative.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/dominion-to-open-nations-biggest-offshore-wind-farm-next-year/

  • Dominion upbeat on offshore wind as cost estimate eases, sales rise

    Dominion Energy is prioritizing the completion of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the largest wind farm in the US, by June 2027. The project is 75% complete with 9 out of 176 turbines installed, with an estimated capital budget of $11.4 billion and expected fuel savings of $5 billion over 10 years. Dominion's focus on transmission and distribution infrastructure, along with the growth in data center capacity, is driving significant regulated investment needs. Additionally, Dominion's Virginia territory will see an increase in gas generation, solar, and energy storage spending, with more opportunities for regulated capital deployment in the early 2030s. A new Virginia law requires Dominion to petition for 20 GW of energy storage projects by 2040, up from 3 GW by 2035, which will be reflected in the company's capital update next year.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/dominion-upbeat-on-offshore-wind-as-cost-estimate-eases-sales-rise/819218/

  • Maritime Decarbonization Is Closer, Cheaper, And More Practical Than It Looks

    The International Maritime Organization's Net-Zero Framework is still pending formal adoption after MEPC 84, with the next decisive window at MEPC 85 in November-December 2026. The framework focuses on absolute emissions reductions and lifecycle accounting, with a global fuel standard and greenhouse gas pricing mechanism to incentivize lower emissions. The shift towards low-carbon alternatives like biomass, biofuels, and batteries is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new solutions for decarbonization. The article also addresses the challenges and costs of alternative fuels, the impact of fuel costs on shipping, and the need for realistic and sustainable solutions to reduce emissions in the shipping sector. The clock is ticking for the industry to transition to cleaner technologies, as the path is clear, the economics are manageable, and excuses are running out.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/02/maritime-decarbonization-is-closer-cheaper-and-more-practical-than-it-looks/

  • Türkiye’s COP31 presidency and IEA join forces on clean energy push

    Türkiye's COP31 presidency, in partnership with the International Energy Agency, is working to accelerate the global clean energy transition in response to the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war. The focus is on areas such as energy supply, electrification, and green industrialization, with an emphasis on expanding clean cooking solutions in developing countries and promoting waste recycling to reduce emissions. The IEA is organizing a summit in July to improve clean cooking access for Africans. Meanwhile, COP31 aims to address the lack of funding for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and supporting clean energy development outside of China, Europe, and the US. The presidency is prioritizing cutting emissions from garbage and developing a new mechanism to match climate projects with financing to ease access to funding for climate solutions.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/30/turkiyes-cop31-presidency-and-iea-join-forces-on-clean-energy-push/

  • Australian researchers develop vapour-based manufacturing process for lead-free perovskite solar

    University of Queensland researchers have developed a scalable, lead-free perovskite solar cell manufacturing process that achieves record indoor-light efficiency without toxic materials. The new method eliminates the need for hazardous solvents and lead, making it better suited for scalable manufacturing. The panels made using this process are thin, scalable, and can be integrated into a range of products, offering an alternative to batteries for low-power electronics. The technology has the potential to replace silicon with higher efficiencies and commercial potential, with applications in consumer electronics and environmental sensors. Further testing is needed to ensure protection from oxygen and moisture.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/01/australian-researchers-develop-vapour-based-manufacturing-process-for-lead-free-perovskite-solar/