Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Other Energy

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  • Q&A: Five key climate questions for China’s next ‘five-year plan’

    China's upcoming 15th five-year plan in China will have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, influencing clean energy growth and meeting climate commitments. The plan is crucial for aligning with Paris Agreement goals, setting clean-energy targets, capping coal consumption, and preventing emission rebounds. China faces challenges in meeting its climate targets, with a marked slowdown in carbon intensity reduction. To achieve the required reduction in carbon intensity, China would need to increase the share of non-fossil energy and reduce coal consumption. Policymakers are working on implementing a "dual control of carbon" system to manage emissions and face a choice between slowing down the clean-energy boom or retiring older coal-power plants to address challenges.

    https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-five-key-climate-questions-for-chinas-next-five-year-plan/

  • AEMO draft plan confirms essential role for long-duration storage in Australia

    The Draft 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP) by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) underscores the critical role of hydropower, pumped storage, grid-scale batteries, and renewable energy in Australia's future electricity system. With a focus on long-duration storage technologies to manage low wind and solar output, the plan outlines the need for 12GW of pumped storage, 32GW of batteries, and 120GW of new wind and solar by 2035. The forecasted closure of two-thirds of the remaining coal fleet by 2035 highlights the transition towards cleaner energy sources. Stakeholders have until February to provide input on the plan, offering an opportunity for businesses to stay informed and adapt to the evolving climate landscape.

    https://www.waterpowermagazine.com/news/aemo-draft-plan-confirms-essential-role-for-long-duration-storage-in-australia/

  • Small islands, big impact: the role of solar PV for the tropics

    Many island nations are vulnerable to climate change and reliant on costly fossil fuels, creating economic pressures. Renewable energy pathways are feasible and economically viable on islands, but research gaps remain. Studies highlight pathways for islands to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through high electrification and rapid renewable energy adoption. Solar PV dominates electricity generation in tropical islands, with offshore technologies providing a scalable pathway to a sustainable energy future. Wave power enhances energy system diversity and complements solar PV and wind power generation. The concept of a Solar-to-X Economy in tropical islands, where low-cost solar PV electricity is used to produce e-fuels, e-chemicals, and e-materials, enables deep defossilization of hard-to-abate sectors. Importing e-fuels can play a key role in cost-effective renewable energy systems on islands like the Caribbean and the Maldives. Integrating solar PV-driven solutions within a Solar-to-X Economy provides environmental and economic benefits, with key elements for defossilization including low-cost renewable electricity, energy storage, electrification, e-fuel imports, sector coupling, and grid interconnections. Power-to-X technologies are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality, energy security, and economic growth in island nations, with solar energy being a key focus in research at LUT University.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/12/small-islands-big-impact-the-role-of-solar-pv-for-the-tropics/

  • The Way Things Are Is Not the Way They Have to Be

    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.

    https://drilled.media/news/DrillingDeep-Natasha

  • 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/

  • 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.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/10/africas-largest-off-grid-solar-plus-storage-project-comes-online-in-angola/

  • 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.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/09/waya-electric-motorcycles-daily-use-in-kenyas-tsavo-conservation-area-takes-e-mobility-to-where-it-is-needed-most/

  • 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/

  • 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.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/05/worlds-first-high-power-aluminum-ion-battery-system-for-energy-storage/

  • 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.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/05/hyundai-is-still-determined-to-push-the-fuel-cell-mobility-envelope-in-the-us-no-less/