SoftBank Group is piloting AI-controlled cellular base stations powered by solar panels and a 3 kW wind turbine in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. The system reduces energy use while maintaining service quality by storing excess power in batteries and switching to the grid when needed. AI manages the station's "sleep" mode to lower power consumption during low communication traffic, making it suitable for deployment in remote areas. The compact design and AI analysis allow for a broader selection of cells without compromising communication quality. SoftBank plans to expand testing of the wind- and solar-powered base stations in the future.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Happy Hour Clean Technology Special: Pubinno Smart Tap at CES
Pubinno's smart beer tap system offers a resource-conserving way to serve draft beer, reducing waste and increasing keg yield. The system has saved over 1.4 billion liters of water and has received industry sustainability awards. It operates without special glassware, adjusts foam levels based on preference, and works well in self-service or with inexperienced bartenders. The system also works with nitrogenated beer and sodas, reducing emissions and water usage associated with packaging and transportation of beverages. Being eco-friendly can save venues money and make business sense, as incremental changes towards sustainability can have a significant positive impact on the environment.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/16/happy-hour-clean-technology-special-pubinno-smart-tap-at-ces/
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Jackery Brings Creativity & Design To Solar & Energy Storage
Jackery showcased their new solar-integrated home batteries and innovative solar products at CES, including the HomePower 3600 Plus, solar roof tiles, and the Solar Gazebo. The gazebo, with 2 kW of panels, offers roughly 10 kWh of energy production per day and can be combined with storage systems for backup power, priced in the $12-15,000 range. While not a replacement for utility-scale generation, these products offer creative solutions for specific consumer needs and drive mass adoption through innovation and design. The potential of electrification in products like solar garages and EV charging stations is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of catering to different needs to accelerate clean electrification adoption.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/16/jackery-brings-creativity-design-to-solar-energy-storage/
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Australian households add record amounts of rooftop PV, as home battery installations top 4.3 GWh
In December, Australian households and small businesses saw a surge in rooftop solar capacity and home battery installations, adding a record 4.3 gigawatt hours of storage capacity in 2025. The market was booming for both residential and commercial scale rooftop systems, with a record monthly capacity of 328 megawatts added in December alone. The home battery market thrived, with 42,000 new systems registered in December and a total of 184,000 installed in 2025. Changes to battery rebates are expected to impact demand in early 2026, as the average size of rooftop solar systems has increased to 9.64 kW, reflecting a trend towards self consumption.
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India deploys 37.9 GW of solar in 2025
In 2025, India achieved its highest annual renewable energy additions with a record 37.9 GW of solar and 6.3 GW of wind capacity. Solar installations saw a significant increase of 54.7%, mainly driven by utility-scale projects. The growth was fueled by the commissioning of delayed projects, accelerated construction efforts, and a rise in domestic manufacturing capacity. Additionally, government initiatives played a key role in driving rooftop solar installations. These developments highlight India's progress towards achieving its renewable energy goals and reducing carbon emissions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/14/india-deploys-37-9-gw-of-solar-in-2025/
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Handbook for Livable and Resilient Cities : Integrating Hazard and Risk Information into Urban Planning
Rapid urbanization has led to environmental, social, and economic challenges in cities worldwide, including increased exposure to extreme weather events and pollution. Governments must work together to improve urban livability and resilience through risk-informed urban planning. Livable and resilient cities promote green urban growth, social inclusion, and shared prosperity while focusing on reducing the impacts of natural hazards and climate change. Planned and sustainable growth in these cities ensures access to healthy environments, affordable housing, basic services, and low-carbon transportation.
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Ford’s $30,000 Midsize Electric Pickup Truck Will Offer Level 3 Autonomy
Ford is working on developing electric vehicles in Southern California with a team led by Doug Field, aiming to design vehicles that outperform Chinese offerings and are price competitive. The Universal EV Platform will be used for a new midsize electric pickup truck, offering impressive range and the ability to power a home during a grid outage. Ford is focusing on efficiency, fewer components, and democratizing technology to make it accessible to a wider audience. The company is prioritizing technology that solves real problems and is attainable for more customers, aiming for a more capable and affordable EV future.
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BLUETTI Targets Circular Economy & High-Speed Mobile Charging — CES 2026 Launch
BLUETTI is making strides in hardware decarbonization and slow-charging issues for road trips through material science and deep vehicle integration. The Charger 2, powered by alternator and solar energy, offers universal compatibility and bi-directional utility. The Bio-Based Elite 100 V2 power station reduces CO2 emissions with bio-circular plastics, while the Elite 300 and Elite 320 models provide high energy density and home resilience capabilities. With a focus on sustainable material sourcing and efficiency, BLUETTI is leading a positive shift towards clean energy solutions in the industry.
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Governments defend energy transition as US snubs renewables agency
The United States' withdrawal from IRENA has raised concerns about funding, but discussions are ongoing to fill the potential financial gap. The global transition to clean energy is driven by economic, national security, and strategic reasons, with significant investments being made in renewable energy. However, more support is needed for African countries and small island developing states to access clean energy finance. IRENA aims to triple renewable energy capacity by the end of the decade and is working on a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels, to be presented at COP31 in November. They are also considering a target for electrification consistent with this plan.
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Putting solar panels on land used for biofuels would produce enough electricity for all cars and trucks to go electric
The article explores the potential of repurposing land currently used for biofuels for solar panels to power electric vehicles, highlighting the shift in focus from biofuels to electric cars for low-carbon transport. Estimates suggest up to 112 million hectares are used for biofuels, with a conservative estimate of 32 million hectares. By utilizing 32 million hectares for solar power generation, it could produce enough electricity to meet the world's current consumption levels, emphasizing the efficiency and sustainability of solar power in decarbonizing transportation. The article stresses the importance of thoughtful land use for climate solutions, proposing a mix of biofuels and solar power or allowing some land to return to nature as potential solutions.
https://ourworldindata.org/biofuel-land-solar-electric-vehicles