Seven Pacific island nations are advocating for heftier levies on global shipping emissions to be included in the International Maritime Organization's Net-Zero Framework. The United States and Saudi Arabia are leading efforts to make changes to the deal, with the US threatening sanctions on non-compliant governments. Liberia's proposal for transitional fuels like natural gas and biofuels has US support, while the Pacific countries are pushing for a universal levy on all ship emissions to fund a just transition to a greener shipping industry. Greece and Cyprus initially abstained from a vote on a new shipping emissions levy, but Greece later expressed support after meetings with the US and Saudi Arabia. The International Maritime Organization warns that without a universal levy, there could be a patchwork of regional levies on pollution, making a universal levy the most credible way to meet climate goals and distribute revenues for green investments globally.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Hyundai Motor Group to Establish Innovation Hub to Lead Robotics, AI, & Hydrogen Energy in Korea
Hyundai Motor Group has signed an MOU with the South Korean government and Jeonbuk State to invest nearly KRW 9 trillion in the Saemangeum area of Gunsan City starting in 2026. The investment will focus on advancing Korea's transition to robotics, AI-driven, and energy-centric future through projects such as an AI Data Center, Robotics Manufacturing Cluster, PEM Electrolyzer Plant, Solar Power Infrastructure, and AI Hydrogen Smart City. The initiative aims to generate KRW 16 trillion and create approximately 71,000 jobs in economic effect. Saemangeum was chosen for its abundant renewable energy resources and comprehensive transportation infrastructure. Hyundai Motor Group is investing in AI data centers, robotics manufacturing clusters, and a PEM electrolyzer plant to advance physical AI, robotics manufacturing, and Korea's hydrogen economy. The AI data center will support autonomous driving and robotics with GPU computing power and massive storage. The robotics cluster will manufacture 30,000 units annually and train robots at a dedicated center. The PEM electrolyzer plant will produce clean hydrogen at scale, supporting hydrogen supply infrastructure and diverse mobility solutions. These investments aim to accelerate Korea's transition to a hydrogen economy and strengthen the domestic robotics industry. A group is planning to expand electrolyzer capacity to 1 GW domestically, with a focus on green hydrogen production. They are also developing a gigawatt-scale solar power capacity by 2035 to power their initiatives sustainably. The group aims to create an AI Hydrogen Smart City integrating AI, hydrogen, and robotics technologies. The investment in Saemangeum is expected to generate significant economic benefits and promote regional development. The group's broader strategy includes leading the Physical AI industry through collaborations with industry leaders and contributing to Korea's position as a global innovation hub.
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Solar, storage to lead record 86 GW of US capacity in 2026
Solar and battery storage are set to account for 79% of 86 GW of new utility-scale capacity planned in the United States in 2026, with analysts projecting one in eight American homes will have solar, many with storage for self-consumption. Distributed small-scale solar generation is increasing, with a focus on integrated energy systems and high battery attachment rates. Renewables and storage are expected to make up 93% of new utility-scale capacity this year, with a significant growth in solar generation. The key focus now is on how quickly the infrastructure can be interconnected to the grid to ensure grid stability and maximize the benefits of these climate solutions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/26/solar-storage-to-lead-record-86-gw-of-us-capacity-in-2026/
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Company behind Australia’s largest thermal storage project wins Arena funding
MGA Thermal has secured $3.25 million in funding from Arena to advance its thermal energy storage technology, utilizing Miscibility Gap Alloy material for large-scale, long-duration energy storage with high efficiency. The funding will support up to five front-end engineering design studies aimed at decarbonizing industrial process heat and enabling the shift to net zero emissions in Australia. CEO Mark Croudace is enthusiastic about collaborating on TES projects with leading industrial companies, while climate journalist Joshua S. Hill continues to report on clean energy news, focusing on climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles. Stay updated with the latest clean energy news by subscribing to the free daily newsletter.
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Massachusetts’ least-cost 2050 peak power mix is combustion-free: report
A report by Synapse Energy Economics for the Massachusetts Clean Peak Coalition suggests that Massachusetts can fully decarbonize peak generation by 2050 at a lower cost than continuing to run fossil-fuel peaker plants. The report recommends a portfolio of clean peaking resources including demand-side resources, energy storage, and wind generation. Challenges remain in fully decarbonizing the electricity system, particularly with the shift to a winter-peaking system and the current design of ISO New England's capacity market favoring fossil-fuel generators. The coalition is unsure if recent changes to the grid operator's capacity accreditation model will benefit decarbonization efforts in Massachusetts, but a peak generation portfolio combining wind, energy storage, and demand response could serve winter peaks at a lower cost than the current combustion-dominated generation mix. Regulators and policymakers need to focus on energy efficiency, longer-duration energy storage, addressing community concerns around wind siting, and considering climate and public health impacts to build this portfolio cost-effectively and explore alternatives to fossil peakers and combined heat and power plants.
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Tesla Planning 64 New Megacharging Sites Across 15 States?
Tesla is expanding its network of Megachargers across the country, with plans for additional charging sites in various states to support the electrification of overland shipping and reduce harmful air pollution. The new chargers will deliver 1.2 MW of power and are designed for Tesla Semis, with potential for compatibility with other electric "big rig" trucks in the future. Electric vehicles offer benefits such as cost savings, efficiency, and reduced exposure to diesel fumes and toxic air pollution. While there is skepticism about the timely installation of all proposed sites, the expansion of charging infrastructure is a crucial step towards sustainable freight transportation and combating climate change.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/25/tesla-planning-64-new-megacharging-sites-across-15-states/
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Con Ed eyes $38B in capital spending through 2030
Consolidated Edison is planning $38B in utility capital investments over five years to support building and transportation electrification, with a focus on solar generation. They are seeing a significant increase in electric vehicle charging and electric heat requests, aiming to invest proactively to meet New York's clean energy goals. To address reliability challenges, Con Ed plans to add 22 new substations by 2034 and grow their investment base by 8.6% annually through 2030. Additionally, they are exploring joint ownership of large-scale renewable generation to advance the state's clean energy standard, with a decision expected by May.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/con-ed-capital-spending-rates-earnings/812981/
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Investors pour capital into Africa’s fast-growing e-mobility market
Electric vehicle transport financing is on the rise in Africa, with Spiro securing $50 million to expand its battery-swapping network, along with other e-mobility firms like Arc Ride and Gogo Electric receiving funding for clean transport solutions. Spiro intends to use the capital to extend its battery-swapping stations and advance technology for a greener future in Africa. Development financiers view electric mobility as both a climate solution and an industrialization opportunity on the continent, highlighting the potential for sustainable growth and reduced emissions in the region.
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How to protect animals from lightning in agrivoltaics
Researchers in Germany and Costa and her colleagues have identified key lightning risks in livestock-integrated agrivoltaic systems, emphasizing the need for animal-specific earthing designs and protection measures to prevent economic losses for farmers. The studies establish safe step and touch voltage limits under lightning conditions and propose mitigation strategies to reduce hazards to animals. The importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, is highlighted as a key climate solution, with government policies and incentives playing a crucial role in promoting adoption. The overall goal is to maintain public acceptance of agrivoltaic concepts by quantifying potential risks and implementing optimized design to limit the impact on the cost of energy.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/24/how-to-protect-animals-from-lightning-in-agrivoltaics/
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New Electric Heat Pumps Chase Fossil Fuels Out Of Boilers
AtmosZero, a US startup, is leading the way in developing electric heat pump boilers to replace traditional steam boilers in commercial and industrial operations. These heat pumps are more energy efficient and cost-effective than conventional heating systems. AtmosZero has partnered with companies like R.F. MacDonald and received a grant from the US Department of Energy to further develop their technology. The company has opened a new manufacturing campus and is rapidly expanding its market reach to help accelerate commercial and industrial decarbonization efforts. Quilt is also making strides in the residential heat pump field, attracting numerous partners and expanding into new markets. SHS has partnered with Quilt to offer software-first climate systems, aligning with the trend towards electrification and energy efficiency in the HVAC industry. Gradient is another US innovator in the heat pump field to watch.