Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Transportation

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

  • On Heat Pumps, Colorado Hits The Ground Running

    Colorado is launching a rebate program offering up to $14,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, including heat pumps, to accelerate the transition to clean, all-electric systems and reduce carbon emissions. Zero Home is expanding statewide in Colorado, focusing on cold-climate heat pumps covered by the new rebate program, with up to $8,000 in rebates available. Heat pump sales have increased significantly in recent years, surpassing gas furnaces, with a new wave of cold-climate technology entering the market. Biden-era initiatives are supporting the development of commercial-scale heat pumps, heat pump clothes dryers, and water heaters, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/03/on-heat-pumps-colorado-hits-the-ground-running/

  • One Step Closer To The Compostable EV Battery Of The Future

    Flint, a Singapore-based startup supported by Shell and OPPO Research Institute, has developed a bio-based paper battery made from cellulose fibers found in plant cell walls. This innovative battery is cost-effective, durable, sustainable, fire-resistant, rechargeable, and offers a lifespan comparable to traditional batteries. It is 1.8 times cheaper per kWh compared to lithium-ion batteries and can naturally biodegrade. WH-Power has also introduced a new energy storage technology with a quasi solid-state electrolyte for stable operation with Li anodes and cathodes, high ion conductivity, and fast-charging capability. These advancements in plant-based and solid-state battery technologies aim to improve the sustainability profile of electric vehicles and other applications, offering promising solutions for the future of energy storage.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/02/one-step-closer-to-the-compostable-ev-battery-of-the-future/

  • BYD New Global BEV Sales Leader, Displacing Tesla

    In 2025, BYD surpassed Tesla as the top electric car manufacturer, selling 2.26 million electric vehicles globally. BYD's success is attributed to its production of both fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, allowing it to meet consumer and regulatory demands. With plans for new factories in Hungary and Turkey, BYD's export business is growing, and analysts predict total sales could reach 5.3 million units in the following year. BYD has unveiled a technology platform to boost competitiveness, focusing on electric buses and heavy-duty trucks, with sales doubling in 2025 to 57,000 units. Despite its lower stock valuation compared to Tesla, BYD's progress in the EV market could potentially change the dynamics of the industry.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/02/byd-new-global-bev-sales-leader-displacing-tesla/

  • 2025 Highlight: Guangzhou Shows a Potential Future of Clean City Living

    Guangzhou, part of the Pearl River Delta megalopolis, showcases innovative urban planning strategies that prioritize sustainability and quality of life. The city's advanced urban design features vertical greenery, parks over shopping malls, and well-landscaped public spaces, contributing to a pleasant and livable environment. With a focus on sustainable transportation, renewable energy sources, and efficient land use, Guangzhou serves as a model for reducing emissions and promoting green living. Despite facing challenges like scooter traffic and the need for more electrification, embracing clean technology can lead to a cleaner and better future in this vibrant and technology-driven city.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/01/2025-highlight-guangzhou-shows-a-potential-future-of-clean-city-living/

  • Green Hydrogen Startup Has A Message For Texas: Hold My Beer

    Oklahoma is emerging as a new player in the green hydrogen industry, with startup Tobe Energy receiving a $1.8 million investment for their membrane-free electrolysis system. This technology aims to simplify the production process, reduce costs by up to 75%, and cut waste heat, with a focus on large-scale use in industries like energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Tobe Energy's innovative approach using LED technology in electrolysis has attracted interest from investors and is seen as a promising development in the decarbonization movement. Oklahoma's strong renewable energy profile and focus on attracting new businesses through renewable energy further solidify its position in the US energy transition, with the state actively promoting renewable energy as a way to drive economic growth and sustainability.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/01/a-green-hydrogen-innovator-in-oklahoma-has-a-message-for-texas-hold-my-beer/

  • Nuvve Selected for 40 MWh of Battery-as-a-Service Projects from Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in New Mexico

    Kit Carson Electric Cooperative has partnered with Nuvve New Mexico to deploy battery energy storage systems in northern New Mexico, providing peak load mitigation, grid resiliency, and market participation. This Battery-as-a-Service model allows KCEC to access grid infrastructure without upfront capital investment, supporting healthcare operations and enhancing community services. Nuvve's technology turns batteries, electric vehicles, and buildings into grid resources, enabling bidirectional charging and load optimization for a more resilient and sustainable grid. The collaboration aims to explore future opportunities for grid modernization and advance flexible energy solutions globally.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/30/nuvve-selected-for-40-mwh-of-battery-as-a-service-projects-from-kit-carson-electric-cooperative-in-new-mexico/

  • Growing agri-PV tomatoes while producing hydrogen for smart windows

    Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a concept for a residential building in the UK that combines rooftop agrivoltaics with onsite hydrogen production. The electricity generated by the solar system is used to produce hydrogen for hydrogen vehicles and smart windows, with the system able to meet the annual demand of the smart windows and support up to 64.23 km of driving per day. The study also discusses the thermal performance of vacuum gasochromic windows and the potential of small rooftop areas to support building-scale hydrogen applications. The impact of agrivoltaics on home insulation and the use of produced hydrogen for home heating are areas of future research, as detailed in the publication in Energy and Buildings titled "Rooftop agrivoltaic powered onsite hydrogen production for insulated gasochromic smart glazing and hydrogen vehicles: A holistic approach to sustainable residential building."

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/30/growing-agri-pv-tomatoes-while-producing-hydrogen-for-smart-windows/

  • Credo Releases 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report

    Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd has released its 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, highlighting its progress in providing secure, high-speed connectivity solutions that are energy efficient. The company's focus on responsible growth and long-term value creation includes advancing connectivity solutions that support reduced waste and energy-efficient growth of AI data centers. Credo's commitment to building products with lower power consumption reflects its vision for sustainable connectivity in the face of increasing energy demands. The company's efforts in product innovation and partnerships contribute to education, health, and local community needs, showcasing its integrity and commitment to improvement.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/30/credo-releases-2025-environmental-social-and-governance-esg-report/

  • Vestas gets 390MW wind turbine order in South Korea

    Danish wind turbine maker Vestas has secured a 390MW contract for the Shinan-Ui offshore wind project in South Korea, where they will supply 26 of their V236-15.0MW offshore wind turbines. The project, expected to enter commercial operation in 2028, aligns with South Korea's clean energy transition plans and marks Vestas' first offshore wind contract in the country. Additionally, networked microgrids are being implemented to create a more flexible and resilient energy future, rebuilding the grid for better management of energy resources. These microgrids have the potential to improve overall efficiency and reliability of the energy system, contributing to climate solutions by driving large-scale deployment of offshore wind in South Korea.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/vestas-wind-turbine-south-korea/

  • Red States Pitch The Wireless EV Charging System Of The Future

    Michigan, Florida, and Indiana are leading the way in implementing in-road wireless EV charging infrastructure, with Michigan and Florida focusing on wireless inductive power transfer technology and Indiana developing dynamic charging systems for heavy-duty trucks and smaller vehicles. These advancements aim to make charging on the go a reality for electric vehicles, while also reducing the size, weight, and cost of batteries. Despite a recent decrease in EV sales, there is a continued push for conventional charging stations, and several companies are planning to introduce new EV models to the US market by 2026. General Motors has also reaffirmed its commitment to making more affordable EVs available in the US in the future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/29/with-ev-wireless-charging-two-red-states-make-a-great-case-for-electric-mobility/