Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Transportation

Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels

  • Jet Fuel with 10-Year Price Predictability

    Power-to-Liquid fuels offer a sustainable alternative to traditional jet fuel by converting electricity, CO2, and water into a synthetic e-fuel, reducing dependency on oil and creating a stable pricing model based on electricity and CO2. This shift reduces airlines' exposure to fuel price volatility and allows for decentralized production, reducing reliance on concentrated supply regions. The E-Jet® SAF fuel is compatible with existing infrastructure, delivering up to 90% lower emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Partnerships with airlines and other industries demonstrate a shift towards manufacturing fuel from CO2, offering a more diversified, predictable, and distributed fuel system for the long haul.

    https://www.twelve.co/post/jet-fuel-with-10-year-price-predictability

  • Rivian EV Batteries To Be Used For Stationary Energy Storage At Rivian Factory

    Electric vehicle battery packs are being repurposed for a second life as stationary energy storage, showcasing the sustainability of EVs over traditional vehicles. Nissan Leaf batteries have already been utilized in a data center in France, and Rivian plans to create a 10 megawatt-hour energy storage system in Illinois using over 100 EV batteries. Despite common misconceptions, EV batteries can last up to 20 years and have potential for further use in energy storage systems. This innovative practice highlights the potential for EVs to contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/17/rivian-ev-batteries-to-be-used-for-stationary-energy-storage-at-rivian-factory/

  • Word on the STReet: What Folks Are Saying About Transportation Policy

    The section emphasizes the importance of transitioning to a people-oriented and science-based transportation system in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization in Congress. It highlights the benefits of more transportation choices like walking, biking, and public transit, including energy savings, reduced public health costs, and economic development. Various organizations and experts advocate for evidence-based policymaking, prioritizing community needs, and increasing investment in public transportation to create a cleaner, more prosperous, and just transportation future. The push for more sustainable and equitable transportation options is essential for stewarding the climate, reducing household costs, and supporting vibrant neighborhoods, ultimately aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

    https://blog.ucs.org/kshen/word-on-the-street-what-folks-are-saying-about-transportation-policy/

  • North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and business community showcase leadership in advancing a competitive, clean economy

    Business leaders in North Carolina, including companies like American Airlines and Duke Energy, are discussing ways to strengthen the state's clean energy economy and reduce emissions. They are seeking greater access to clean energy to meet their targets while managing costs. The roundtable focused on how public and private sector leaders can work together to strengthen North Carolina's leadership in the clean energy economy, keep costs down, and create high-quality jobs statewide. Companies like SAS Institute, Scout Motors, and Sierra Nevada Brewing are investing in clean energy and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of modernizing the state's energy system. Ceres, a nonprofit organization advocating for clean energy and a resilient energy grid in North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of smart policies to maintain the state's competitiveness and inspire investors and companies to address sustainability challenges. Their efforts aim to transform industries, create new business opportunities, and promote innovation and job growth in support of a cleaner, more just economy. North Carolina has the opportunity to lead on energy affordability and economic growth by expanding access to clean, reliable energy.

    https://www.ceres.org/resources/news/north-carolina-gov-josh-stein-and-business-community-showcase-leadership-in-advancing-a-competitive-clean-economy

  • Energy Insiders Podcast: Batteries take centre stage as world wrestles with fuel crisis

    The article delves into the rapid expansion of battery storage for electric vehicles and the grid, emphasizing their role in maintaining energy security. It explores different battery chemistries and highlights Fortescue's push towards achieving true zero emissions, including the development of large-scale wind projects. The discussion, part of the Energy Insiders series hosted by Giles Parkinson and David Leitch, also touches on potential actions by Albanese in the current climate landscape. This comprehensive overview provides valuable insights for climate solutions experts looking to stay informed on key developments in renewable energy and emissions reduction efforts.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/energy-insiders-podcast-batteries-take-centre-stage-as-world-wrestles-with-fuel-crisis/

  • Maryland regulators weigh investor-owned utilities’ flexible load proposals

    Maryland utilities are working to aggregate up to 440 MW of flexible load resources, such as residential thermostats, distributed batteries, and electric vehicles, to support state-mandated virtual power plants and load management programs. The Distributed Renewable Integration and Vehicle Electrification Act requires utilities to develop vehicle-to-grid charging and VPP plans. Utilities like BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, and Potomac Edison are implementing time-of-use tariff proposals and pilot programs to increase customer participation in grid flexibility initiatives. The Maryland Public Service Commission has accepted modified time-of-use tariffs but rejected pilot proposals, ordering utilities to refile them for further clarity. The goal is to integrate customer-owned devices into utility operations while providing incentives and maintaining customer control, ensuring the success of demand-side management programs and distributed energy resource integration efforts in reducing peak load in a locationally relevant manner.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/maryland-regulators-weigh-investor-owned-utilities-flexible-load-proposals/817585/

  • Batteries included: Amazon makes record haul of hybrid renewable PPAs to power Australian AI push

    Amazon has made its largest ever renewables investment in Australia, signing nine new wind, solar, and battery storage power purchase agreements, including utility-scale solar-battery hybrids. The projects will have a combined capacity of 990 MW, enough to power over half a million households a year. Amazon's focus on projects with storage reflects the market's interest in hybrid solar and batteries, with plans to continue investing in solar and wind projects to support its expanding data centre infrastructure. The company is expanding its cloud and AI infrastructure powered by carbon-free energy and battery storage, aiming to reach net-zero carbon across its operations by 2040 as part of the Climate Pledge goal. Amazon is committed to not contracting fossil fuels and has become the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in Australia, focusing on reaching power offtake deals with partners to accelerate the clean energy transition.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/batteries-included-amazon-makes-record-haul-of-hybrid-renewable-ppas-to-power-australian-ai-push/

  • Mova unveils all-in-one plug-in solar and storage solutions

    In 2026, Mova will release the LumeGret series featuring smart tariff optimization, compatibility with smart meters, and the innovative FluxCharge direct EV charging concept. With a focus on clean solar energy, the product offers a 2.5 kW charging capacity for maximum efficiency. Available in Europe in Q2 2026, the entry price is around €1,000, making it an accessible option for those seeking sustainable solutions for electric vehicle charging.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/15/mova-unveils-all-in-one-plug-in-solar-and-storage-solutions/

  • Distributed batteries get legislative, utility lift in California

    Ava Community Energy launched a $11.25 million incentive program in California for residential customers to install solar and battery storage systems, allowing customers to share up to 80% of their home batteries. The program offers rebates for both income-qualified and non-income qualified customers, aiming to make electrification more affordable and maintain grid stability. California legislators are advancing a bill to update state resource adequacy rules to include distributed energy devices like residential batteries and electric vehicles, with monthly participation payments provided to customers who participate. Despite funding cuts for the Demand Side Grid Support program, a successful large battery-based virtual power plant, changes will not impact the SmartHome Battery program.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/distributed-batteries-get-legislative-utility-lift-in-california/817466/

  • Find The Lego: How Indonesia Can Turn Diesel Generator Retirement Into A Scalable Program

    Indonesia is strategically shifting towards replacing remote diesel generation with solar and batteries to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency. The estimated capital cost for this transition is around $2.5 billion to $3.4 billion, with a payback period of 3 to 6 years. The country's challenge lies in the complexity of institutional economics and the geographical spread of its population across 17,000 islands. The focus is on creating repeatable infrastructure systems for diesel replacement, rather than custom engineering solutions, to drive down costs and increase efficiency in the renewable energy transition. The goal is to establish a durable and scalable deployment system that will lead to measurable reductions in diesel usage and improved performance across the board.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/14/find-the-lego-how-indonesia-can-turn-diesel-generator-retirement-into-a-scalable-program/