A New Zealand-founded, Australia-based company, Aquila Earth, has set two world records by powering a moving warehouse robot for 24 hours straight using a laser to beam electricity through space via infrared light. The laser delivered a steady 4 kilowatts of wireless electricity to the robot, allowing it to travel 25 kilometers on light alone. Aquila Earth's CEO, Ruby Jones, envisions a future where drones and robots can be powered indefinitely without relying on battery technology. The company's power beaming technology has the potential for commercialization, offering a new solution for autonomous machines to operate continuously without the need for frequent recharging. Aquila is also working on making laser technology for sending and receiving electricity more economically feasible, with plans to target commercial laser power by 2027 through partnerships with drone companies aiming for long-lasting flights.
Category: Other Energy
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Environmental News Network – A New Method to Unlock Vast Lithium Stores
Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly way to extract lithium, a critical mineral in high demand for electric vehicles and clean energy sources. The new method uses a temperature-sensitive solvent to extract lithium directly from brines found in deposits worldwide, allowing for more efficient extraction even from low concentrations and contaminated sources. This innovation could shorten processing time, unlock untapped reserves, and reduce environmental impact in the production of lithium for clean energy technologies.
https://www.enn.com/articles/78019-a-new-method-to-unlock-vast-lithium-stores
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The grid is in better shape this summer. Thank solar and batteries.
Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, have shown significant growth and contribution to the grid, overshadowing new fossil gas generation. Solar power, in particular, has proven to be a valuable asset during peak summer demand, with batteries playing a crucial role in storing excess solar power for later use. The combination of solar and batteries has helped reduce the risk of blackouts in regions like California and Texas. The report emphasizes that renewables are cost-effective and can be built quickly, making them essential in meeting high energy demand during extreme heat periods. Overall, renewables, especially solar and batteries, are key solutions in reducing grid risk and ensuring reliable energy supply.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/grid-better-shape-this-summer
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RWE secures CIS Tender 7 for 1.1GW Theodore Wind Farm
RWE has secured a contract for the 1.1GW Theodore onshore wind project in Central Queensland, which aims to establish a wind farm with up to 170 turbines and a battery storage facility to provide electricity for around 500,000 homes in Queensland. Construction is set to begin later this year, pending approvals, and will employ up to 500 workers during peak times. This project is part of the Australian government's support for 19 new renewable energy initiatives, with the goal of providing cleaner, more affordable, and reliable power for four million households by 2030.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/rwe-cis-tender-7-theodore-wind-farm/
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Fujiyama Power to set up 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in India
Fujiyama Power Systems is planning to establish a 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, India, to enhance its presence in the on-grid rooftop solar segment. The facility, set to commence commercial production in the first quarter of fiscal year 2028, will be financed through debt and internal accruals. This expansion is aimed at reducing cost volatility, securing DCR-compliant solar cell supply, improving margins, and solidifying the company's position in India's rooftop solar market. Being included in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's ALMM-II list positions Fujiyama Power Systems to benefit from the increasing demand for DCR solar panels under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
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California Affirms 25 GW Goal For Offshore Wind, Trump Or Not
California has 200 gigawatts of offshore wind potential, with a goal of 5 gigawatts by 2030 and 25 gigawatts by 2045. Despite Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind projects, federal judges have affirmed that work can continue on existing projects. Governor Newsom supports offshore wind development as a clean energy source for California. The Trump administration's halt to approvals for new onshore wind projects has put $50 billion in investments and 150,000 jobs at risk, with 150 projects impacted in Texas alone. Offshore wind stakeholders in California are still moving forward with plans despite federal energy policy changes, participating in the global industry and making strides in infrastructure investments and workforce training.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/23/offshore-wind-california-global-agreements/
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Environmental News Network – UCSB Scientists Bottle the Sun With Liquid Battery
Chemists at UC Santa Barbara have developed a bio-inspired molecule called pyrimidone, part of the Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) energy storage system, that captures solar energy and releases it as heat on demand, surpassing lithium-ion batteries. This innovation allows for the storage of sunlight within chemical bonds, addressing the issue of saving solar power for when it is needed without relying on bulky batteries or electrical grids. Pyrimidone is reusable and recyclable, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy technology and offering a promising solution for climate experts seeking efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.
https://www.enn.com/articles/78009-ucsb-scientists-bottle-the-sun-with-liquid-battery
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Another first for renewables: Wind and solar outgenerate gas in April
In April, wind and solar energy surpassed natural gas in global electricity production for the first time, marking a significant shift from just five years ago. Last year, solar alone met 75% of new electricity demand, leading to a decline in fossil-fuel power generation. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has underscored the importance of renewable energy as disruptions in natural gas exports caused supply shortages and price spikes. Although coal still produces more electricity globally, its share is decreasing, signaling a shift towards renewable energy sources.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/wind-solar-outgenerate-gas-april
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DeBriefed 22 May 2026: UN adopts landmark resolution | Trump takes on ‘RCP8.5’ | Climate migration
The UN has adopted a resolution supporting a world court opinion stating countries have a legal obligation to address climate change, urging transitioning away from fossil fuels and enhancing multilateral cooperation. The UK Climate Change Committee highlighted the need for investing in adaptation to produce long-term savings. Countries are aiming to cut emissions by 87% by 2040 and focusing on electrifying everything to decarbonize electricity generation. The future of mobility is seen as a part of the solution to climate change, with migration being a key aspect of adaptation, emphasizing the need for sustainable recovery plans post-pandemic to ensure long-term emission reductions and the role of renewable energy in driving down emissions.
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Solar and wind generated more electricity globally than gas power for the first time in April
In April 2026, a new global record was set as electricity generated from wind and solar reached 531 TWh, surpassing gas-fired power plants supplying 477 TWh for the first time. This milestone, with wind and solar accounting for 22% of global electricity generation compared to gas at 20%, is reshaping the global power mix and weakening the case for imported gas. The sustained growth in renewable energy is increasing pressure to accelerate deployment, even amidst recent energy crises. This shift highlights the importance of prioritizing renewable energy solutions to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.