Researchers at the San Diego Supercomputer Center have utilized the Expanse supercomputer to design sodium-based batteries for large-scale energy storage, which could serve as a reliable backup for solar and wind power. By studying the battery's cathode and testing the addition of lithium and titanium, scientists aim to enhance performance and create batteries capable of delivering sufficient power over numerous charge-discharge cycles. The abundance and affordability of sodium make it a promising option for sustainable energy solutions, highlighting the potential for advancements in renewable energy technology.
Category: Other Energy
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State creates $1.4 billion fund to connect more wind and solar ahead of coal power exit
Western Australia's Labor government is establishing a $1.4 billion Clean Energy Fund to facilitate the transition from coal to renewables by the end of the decade. The fund will support network extensions like the Clean Energy Link (CEL) – East, enabling the integration of more wind and solar projects into the grid. This initiative is expected to add 3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and generate 800 local jobs during construction. The state government is fast-tracking the replacement of coal with new battery projects, wind farms, and grid expansions, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources.
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Renewables rising, Part 1: How four countries are reshaping energy security
The disruption of oil and gas supplies in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the vulnerability of the global energy system tied to fossil fuels. UN Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of transitioning to renewables for energy security and economic resilience. Countries like Norway, Paraguay, Nepal, and Ethiopia are leading the way in renewable energy adoption, with a focus on hydropower and a gradual shift away from fossil fuels in various sectors. Renewables offer stable, domestic, and cheaper power, while also cutting emissions, reducing pollution, creating jobs, and lowering long-term costs. Nepal and Ethiopia are reducing their dependence on imported fossil fuels by focusing on hydropower, expanding rural electrification, and developing decentralized renewable systems to achieve universal electricity access and support economic development. Challenges in financing and infrastructure remain, but the transition to renewables is seen as unstoppable and beneficial for the future.
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The Santa Marta Conference on Fossil Fuel Transition Can Be a Turning Point
Colombia and the Netherlands are hosting a conference in Santa Marta to discuss transitioning away from fossil fuels, addressing economic and national security risks. The failure of COP 30 has led to the creation of a "coalition of the willing" to work on practical steps for a global energy transition, including phasing out fossil fuels. Clean energy adoption is becoming more cost-effective, offering greater energy security and protection from global shocks. The conference aims to provide a concrete course of action for transitioning away from fossil fuels, addressing challenges such as fossil fuel subsidies and industry lobbying. It emphasizes the importance of developing taxonomies aligned with net zero scenarios and committing to phasing out fossil fuel use for a sustainable future.
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A 650-Megawatt Wind Farm Is Rising In Ukraine, Putin Or No Putin
Ukraine's leading energy provider, DTEK Group, is expanding its wind energy profile with a new 650-megawatt project supported by a grant from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. The move towards wind energy is driven by the resiliency of wind farms during wartime, as demonstrated by the Tyligulska Wind Power Plant near the Black Sea. DTEK is positioning its renewable energy ventures as key to Ukraine's energy resilience and European integration, with plans for further expansion in the future. Norway is providing aid to Ukraine for the Poltavska renewable energy project, which aims to decentralize the country's energy system and integrate with EU standards. Western Ukraine has ideal conditions for the production of green hydrogen due to its wind and PV resources, water availability, and access to gas infrastructure, with plans to export to European markets and partner with Austria for investment and production capacity.
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Maldives’ largest floating solar array goes online
Swimsol has successfully installed a 2.4 MW floating solar array at the Cheval Blanc Randheli resort in the Maldives, enabling the property to operate solely on solar power during daylight hours. The project utilizes the durable SolarSea platform, designed to withstand marine conditions with specially engineered anchors, high-quality components, and battery storage for optimized energy production and grid stability. This installation is expected to save the resort approximately $1.5 million annually in diesel costs, with a break-even point for SolarSea systems ranging between $0.65 and $0.85 per litre. With multiple SolarSea projects completed or in progress in the Maldives, Seychelles, and other island nations, this innovative solution is proving to be a sustainable and cost-effective option for transitioning to renewable energy sources in coastal regions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/22/maldives-largest-floating-solar-array-goes-online/
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To phase out fossil fuels, developing countries need exit route from “debt trap”
At COP30, over 80 governments are proposing an initiative to address the debt crisis in the Global South by financing the transition to renewables with public grants instead of loans. The current debt architecture traps developing countries in a cycle where fossil fuel revenues are needed to service debt, hindering efforts to phase out coal, oil, and gas. Policy recommendations include debt cancellation and ending international finance for fossil fuel expansion to address climate challenges. Proper funding for renewable energy and diversification is crucial, as many countries in the Global South lack support for making the energy transition. The broken debt system must be fixed to confront future climate shocks and ensure a successful transition to renewable energy sources.
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Puerto Rico Is Now A Perovskite Solar Cell Powerhouse
Solar cell innovators in the US, such as Solx and Caelux, are teaming up to manufacture new tandem perovskite technology in Puerto Rico, aiming to offer a more economical alternative to traditional silicon cells with high-volume manufacturing potential. The Government of Puerto Rico is emphasizing the importance of solar energy as a solution to the island's weak infrastructure and dependence on imported fossil fuels. Solx's partnership with Caelux and Suniva seeks to revolutionize the American energy industry with a fully U.S.-based solar supply chain, highlighting the potential of U.S. manufacturers and technology leaders aligning to build a sustainable energy future and strengthen domestic energy security. This collaboration showcases the commitment to reshoring critical manufacturing capability and advancing solar technology in the face of challenges posed by current federal energy policies.
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The world added 605 GW of new PV capacity in 2025, says IEA
The International Energy Agency's latest report highlights the significant increase in solar PV electricity generation in 2025, with a total generation of around 2,800 TWh. Solar's share of global electricity generation has surpassed 8%, with solar covering 605 GW of new renewables capacity. Solar met more than 25% of the higher global energy demand, marking the first time a modern renewable source contributed the largest share of energy demand growth. Battery storage is identified as the fastest growing power technology, with lithium-iron phosphate batteries dominating the market and an increasing number of projects being deployed for longer durations to provide flexibility in systems with rising shares of PV.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/21/the-world-added-605-gw-of-new-pv-capacity-in-2025-says-iea/
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Environmental News Network – Hot Spring Microbiomes Could Transform Industrial CO2 Waste into Valuable Products, Manchester Researchers Find
Researchers at The University of Manchester have discovered that microbial communities from terrestrial hot springs have the potential to convert industrial CO2 emissions into valuable products, providing a new avenue for a circular, low-carbon economy. Industrial activities such as steel and cement production produce significant amounts of CO2-rich waste gases, creating environmental issues. The study, published in Environmental Microbiome, highlights the possibility of utilizing these emissions as a valuable resource. Microbiomes in terrestrial hot springs are well-suited to conditions found in industrial waste streams, offering a promising solution for mitigating CO2 emissions.