Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Transportation

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

  • 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/

  • 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.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/24/new-electric-heat-pump-chases-fossil-fuels-out-of-the-boiler-room/

  • The Important Role That Black Communities Play In Addressing Climate Change

    Black Climate Week, organized by The Solutions Project and NAACP, aims to support Black-led climate solutions and amplify success stories. Strategies such as agroforestry, zero-emission buildings, renewable energy sources, and plant-based diets are highlighted as steps towards a net zero future. Black-led organizations are securing policy victories and developing clean energy projects to reduce carbon emissions. The NAACP is advocating for renewable energy and financial responsibility for climate-related costs, while supporting youth through programs like the Young Black Climate Leaders Dream Lab. The Solutions Project, a nonprofit organization, supports grassroots climate organizations led by women and people of color with grants and communications support, while the NAACP advocates for civil rights for Black America, focusing on racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies for marginalized communities. Both organizations are committed to creating a world without racism and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/23/the-important-role-that-black-communities-play-in-addressing-climate-change/

  • Donut Lab Meant What They Said About That New EV Battery

    Donut Lab has developed a new solid-state EV battery with fast charging, high energy density, and improved safety features, set to be showcased in Verge Motorcycles. The battery offers longer range, faster charging, and greater safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, made from abundant materials with a long lifespan and cost-effective. Verge CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki announced the use of solid-state battery technology in motorcycles, lasting the entire lifetime of the vehicle and enabling faster charging without affecting the price. Donut Lab's advanced motors, like the Donut 2.0 motor, are 50% lighter while delivering the same power, supporting a wide range of vehicles for faster, more flexible EV development. Despite challenges, the EV market shows promise and growth, with newcomers like Slate Auto and Ford moving forward with production plans for affordable electric vehicles.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/23/donut-lab-meant-what-they-said-about-that-new-solid-state-ev-battery/

  • Deloitte urges India to align renewables with AI data growth

    India has the opportunity to become a leading data center hub by aligning policy, grid infrastructure, and renewable deployment. Key challenges include an energy supply gap, grid stability limitations, regulatory differences, and lack of a unified national framework. Recommendations include accelerating renewable integration, expanding green PPAs, upgrading transmission networks, and leveraging AI for energy optimization. Incentivizing decentralized renewable energy models, such as co-located solar and storage infrastructure, can increase access to clean energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and make communities more resilient to climate change impacts. Policymakers and stakeholders must support and invest in these sustainable energy solutions to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/23/deloitte-urges-india-to-align-renewables-with-ai-data-growth/

  • State Labor pledges huge renewables tender for land “twice the size of Kangaroo Island”

    The South Australia Labor government, before entering caretaker mode, announced plans to launch a major competitive tender for new solar, wind, and storage projects if re-elected. They have opened up over 11,000 km of land for renewable energy development under the state's Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act, aiming to power over half a million homes. The government is laying the foundation for a clean energy boom through a world-first regulatory framework, with parcels of land in key regions identified for potential investment. Extensive consultation with stakeholders is being conducted to ensure social, economic, and environmental considerations are taken into account, with a goal of optimizing renewable energy opportunities while protecting the natural environment and social capital of the regions.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/state-labor-pledges-huge-renewables-tender-for-land-twice-the-size-of-kangaroo-island/

  • Electric Vehicle Models Top 5 Vehicle Classes in California

    The success of electric vehicles in various segments in California is highlighted, with Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 leading the way. Other EVs like the BMW i4, Honda Prologue, Rivian R1S, and Cadillac Escalade electric version also performed well in their respective categories. The Mercedes EQB, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Hyundai IONIQ 5 were noted as top performers in different classes. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz ranks 5th in the minivan market, with potential for growth. For more detailed analyses and updates, readers can subscribe to CleanTechnica's newsletters and follow them on Google News.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/22/electric-vehicle-models-top-5-vehicle-classes-in-california/

  • 1854 Motors Picks Up The Electric Pickup Torch Dropped By Tesla

    Several US startups, including 1854 Motors, are focusing on electric pickup trucks to sustain the vehicle electrification movement following Tesla's Cybertruck flop. 1854 Motors is banking on sodium-ion batteries to release EVs from ethical and environmental complications associated with the cobalt supply chain, targeting socially conscious early adopters. The Pierce electric truck, powered by Na-ion batteries, offers advantages over traditional Li-ion batteries such as better performance in cold weather, longer lifespan, and lower cost. Inspired by the 1987 Chevrolet El Camino, the Pierce aims to dominate cold climate markets in the US with its sleek design. This development comes as Elon Musk faces troubles with controversial features in his ventures, highlighting concerns about privacy and ethics in technology.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/21/cultural-architects-trojan-horses-and-another-ev-startup-to-challenge-tesla/

  • Peak Fuel Cell Bus Deliveries in the EU Occurred in 2025

    Battery-electric buses are dominating new city bus registrations across the EU, surpassing expectations. However, Germany still has a 9% fuel cell bus share in 2024 and 2025, while the EU as a whole is around 4%. The presence of hydrogen buses in the data is due to procurement lag and decisions made years ago. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has transitioned to 100% zero-emission buses, primarily battery-electric, despite still showing roughly 4% fuel cell buses in 2025. The article suggests that Germany is lagging behind other European countries in acquiring battery electric buses due to a focus on hydrogen, and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing battery electric buses over hydrogen buses for more effective climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/21/peak-fuel-cell-bus-deliveries-in-the-eu-occurred-in-2025/

  • Taxing Fossil Fuel Profits

    A new study recommends implementing profit-based taxes on fossil fuel companies in the EU to finance the energy transition, protect consumers, and support energy savings and electrification. The goal is to redirect capital towards clean energy, strengthen Europe's energy security, and achieve climate goals. Measures include introducing a differentiated corporate tax framework, extending taxation of windfall profits, and establishing an EU-level methodology to monitor price pass-through. Additionally, there is a focus on protecting workers in the fossil fuel sector and recycling revenues from fossil fuel profit taxes into the energy transition to discourage further fossil fuel expansion and promote the transition to clean energy.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/20/taxing-fossil-fuel-profits/