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.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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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
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88 New Fast EV Charger Ports Coming To Brooklyn
A new EV charging hub with 88 fast charging ports backed by energy storage in the form of batteries is being launched in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, allowing for electricity to be stored during off-peak times and used to charge EVs during peak times. The chargers can deliver electricity at up to 300 kW and each charger has two ports. The comparison between the cost of EV charging and filling up a gas vehicle at a gas station is misleading, as it does not account for the full cost of fossil fuels, which includes health, environmental, and geopolitical costs. The article also discusses the social costs of road accidents and congestion, highlighting that the true cost of gasoline or diesel is higher than what is reflected in market prices. Tesla has also opened an EV charging hub powered by solar power and battery storage, with 164 charging stalls, showcasing the potential for clean energy solutions in the transportation sector.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/10/88-new-fast-ev-charger-ports-coming-to-brooklyn/
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2025 Ends with an Uptick in Australian Plugin Vehicle Sales
In December 2025, Australia experienced a record high EV penetration rate, with electric vehicles (EVs) accounting for 8.3% of the total car market. The market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) has been steadily increasing, with BEVs reaching 9% and PHEVs reaching 4.6% in 2025. Chinese brands like BYD and Zeekr are dominating the market, with more models expected to be launched in 2026. The increasing adoption of EVs is expected to bring significant changes to the petrol car ecosystem and have an impact on the national Balance of Payments. The future looks promising for electric vehicles in Australia as we move into 2026.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/10/2025-ends-with-an-uptick-in-australian-plugin-vehicle-sales/
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India’s smart metering boom reshapes grid through decentralized IoT
India's power system in India is rapidly decentralizing through the expansion of rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and distributed generation, driven by the smart metering rollout under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. The focus is on achieving financial sustainability for distribution companies, reliability for consumers, and supporting renewable energy ambitions. Decentralized RF mesh networks are crucial in connecting millions of devices reliably and affordably, while the ecosystem model promotes collaboration among multiple vendors, making the system more resilient and responsive. India's approach to smart metering, focusing on interoperability and transparent performance validation, sets global benchmarks and shows that decentralization is a practical path towards a resilient grid in the transition to a high-renewables grid.
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US Startup Envisions Hassle-Free EV Charging At Gas Stations
The challenges facing the vehicle electrification movement, such as high costs of fast-charging stations and grid limitations, are being addressed by innovative solutions like ElectricFish's AI-assisted charging-plus-storage system. Their modular "350Squared" and new "400Squared" charging stations offer quick top-offs for EV drivers and can strengthen the grid with fast charging capabilities. ElectricEra is also entering the market with customizable EV charge kiosks and a quick installation timeline for their 400-kilowatt charging stations. These advancements in fast-charging technology are crucial for the continued growth and adoption of electric vehicles in the US.
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Maldives microgrid project with floating solar becomes model for island renewables projects
The Soneva Secret resort project in the Maldives, designed by Canopy Power, features a 2 MWp floating solar PV plant and a 3 MWh battery storage system, aiming to increase renewable energy penetration to 75-80% on the island and reduce diesel reliance. This sustainable energy solution, utilizing Ocean Sun's floating solar technology, is projected to save 900,000 to 1,000,000 liters of diesel per year and cut over 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions. With a focus on longevity and minimal maintenance, the system is built to last two decades and offers affordable and reliable power for islands, fostering economic growth and improving the lives of island communities worldwide.
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Panasonic’s AI Strategy Enters the Implementation Phase: Real-World Impact for Better Future Showcased at CES 2026
At CES 2026, the Panasonic Group showcased a range of AI and advanced technology solutions, focusing on workplace, wellness, and environmental solutions. These included innovations such as a smart aging-care solution, RizMo biorhythm monitoring device, and perovskite solar cells for renewable energy generation. The company also introduced an automatic home appliance disassembly system to improve recycling efficiency, demonstrating their commitment to building a sustainable future through innovative technology solutions. Panasonic's comprehensive manufacturing capabilities are being leveraged to support the evolving needs of AI infrastructure, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact in data centers.
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New European solid-state battery business targets commercial production
Axens Group, Syensqo, and IFP Energies nouvelles have joined forces to establish Argylium, a company dedicated to developing high-performance sulfide solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries in Europe. Utilizing technology from Syensqo's Paris laboratory, Argylium aims to industrialize next-generation sulfide solid electrolyte materials for all-solid state batteries. With a solid-state battery pilot line in La Rochelle, France, the company's goal is to commercialize these materials and contribute to the advancement of climate-friendly energy storage solutions.
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XCharge North America and Energy Plus Partner to Build One of the Largest Battery-Backed EV Charging Depots in the U.S.
XCharge NA and Energy Plus have partnered to create a large battery-backed EV charging depot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, set to go live in Q2 2026. The site will feature 44 XCharge NA GridLink units providing 9.46 MWh of energy storage for 88 parking spaces, aiming to strengthen local resiliency and mitigate electricity costs. This partnership demonstrates a model for public and private companies to accelerate the clean energy transition in urban areas, with plans to expand the Eplug model to other major U.S. cities. XCharge NA specializes in high-power EV charging and battery-integrated solutions tailored to the North American electrical grid, working towards establishing a global green future through improved grid resilience and new revenue streams.