A new report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace projects that China's battery manufacturing capacity could exceed global demand by 2030, with estimates between 5,862 GWh and 6,720 GWh compared to expected global demand of 4,000 GWh to 5,100 GWh. The report highlights China's cost advantage in battery production, with Chinese-made batteries priced lower than locally produced alternatives in Europe. It also identifies LFP batteries as a key vulnerability for Western economies due to most global production capacity being in China. The report recommends selective cooperation between OECD economies and Chinese companies, as well as increased support for sodium-ion manufacturers outside of China to address these challenges.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Interview: COP31 president says electrification is ‘surest way to protect citizens’
COP31 president-designate Murat Kurum has launched a target for 35% of the world's final energy to come from electricity by 2035, aiming to keep the 1.5C Paris Agreement target within reach. The urgency for renewables and electrification is highlighted due to the ongoing Hormuz crisis, with countries like the EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, and Ethiopia welcoming the target. This initiative focuses on electrification as a key action agenda to drive progress in reducing global emissions, particularly in critical sectors like buildings, transport, and industry. Financial support for developing countries and investment in grids and infrastructure are crucial, with the target aiming to triple renewable energy capacity and take advantage of falling costs. Turkey is also taking ambitious steps, planning to reach 120GW of renewable capacity by 2035, with the target expected to be central to discussions at COP31 to align global efforts and send a clear market signal.
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Green10 meeting with European Commission President von der Leyen
The Green 10, representing 50 million Europeans, met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to urge for action on climate change, environmental protection, and health impacts of pollution. They called for a swift phase-out of fossil fuels, prioritization of health and environment protection, and public financing to drive necessary changes. The group emphasized the need for the EU to lead in phasing out harmful chemicals, implementing regulations, and championing a green, social, and sustainable transition to address the climate-nature-pollution crisis and secure a fair future for future generations.
https://www.env-health.org/green10-meeting-with-european-commission-president-von-der-leyen/
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Ask a Scientist: How is Rural California Anticipating and Building Resilience to Climate Change?
Residents in Allensworth, California are facing the impacts of climate change daily, with water scarcity, pollution, and extreme heat and drought affecting their community. Dr. Ranyee Chiang, an expert in environmental policy, discusses the importance of using science to help rural communities like Allensworth build resilience and adapt to climate change. The town is advocating for a transformation towards sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions to manage water shortages and increase ecological resilience. Nature-based solutions, such as capturing flood water and creating buffer zones, offer a powerful approach to address climate challenges and promote economic opportunities, water sustainability, and public health. Low-income, rural communities in California's Central Valley, like Allensworth, face challenges such as political underrepresentation, underinvestment, and environmental issues caused by intensive industrial monoculture. Allensworth's transformation into a model community includes restoring native habitats, transitioning to a healthy and sustainable farming system, and pursuing energy independence through agrivoltaics. Agroecology, which promotes farmworker well-being, biodiversity, and climate resilience, is a key part of this transformation. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) sees opportunities to make an impact in California by sponsoring legislation to address gas prices, promoting clean transportation options for low-income families, and empowering communities with successful solutions like those implemented in Allensworth.
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Environmental News Network – Beyond Lithium: New Battery Tech Starts to Break Through
The demand for batteries has surged with the increase in electric cars and the need for energy storage from renewables like solar. Electric vehicle sales hit 20 million in 2025, making up a quarter of all global car sales. The battery market is rapidly evolving, with a strong emphasis on innovation and research in battery technology. While lithium-ion batteries are currently the norm, new technologies like sodium batteries and solid-state batteries are emerging as potential challengers. Researchers are exploring various battery chemistries in search of new solutions for future energy storage demands.
https://www.enn.com/articles/78143-beyond-lithium-new-battery-tech-starts-to-break-through
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Peak Energy to build US sodium-ion storage factory in Sacramento
Peak Energy has selected Sacramento, California, as the location for the US' first manufacturing facility for grid-scale sodium-ion energy storage systems. The facility is expected to produce up to 4GWh of battery systems annually, with over 6GWh of customer commitments already in place. With a capital investment of up to $71m, the project is set to create 239 new local positions. By using sodium-ion batteries made with domestic materials, the facility aims to lower energy storage costs while creating high-quality jobs in the region, with plans to begin shipping batteries in the first quarter of 2027.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/peak-energy-build-us-storage-factory/
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With blue economy boom, coastal communities seek to benefit
At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, governments and institutions pledged billions for offshore wind, cleaner shipping, and marine protection to promote the blue economy as a source of jobs and climate action. Inclusivity and community involvement are emphasized to ensure sustainable development pathways that respect indigenous knowledge systems and harmony with nature. Lessons from failed blue economy projects highlight the importance of community involvement, rigorous environmental impact assessments, and transparent processes. Blue carbon schemes and offshore wind projects can bring climate and conservation benefits, but must be carefully planned to avoid disrupting marine ecosystems and small-scale fishers' access to the sea. Stronger safeguards and legal frameworks are needed to ensure sustainable ocean-based development.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/07/08/blue-economy-coastal-communities-mombasa-ocean-finance/
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50+ High Tech Sailing Ships Will Produce Green Hydrogen At Sea
DRIFT Energy, in collaboration with Commenda Capital Partners, is developing wind energy-harvesting sailboats equipped with underwater generators to produce green hydrogen at sea through water electrolysis. With plans for over 50 vessels, the goal is to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional maritime fuels and help coastal communities overcome energy challenges. Additionally, Incat Crowther and SWITCH are partnering on a project to create a hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry, supported by a New York State grant, to reduce emissions and provide passengers with a quieter and cleaner experience. These initiatives showcase the growing adoption of green hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell technology in the maritime industry, offering promising solutions for a more sustainable future.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/08/green-hydrogen-wind-power-sailing-vessels/
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Free online calculator shows Irish homeowners how to save with solar
Irish homeowners are increasingly adopting solar panels with the help of government subsidies, driving Ireland's total installed PV capacity to 2.7 GW. To help homeowners understand the financial benefits of different system configurations, AirPV has created a solar and battery calculator tool. The tool aims to empower homeowners to make informed decisions about their home energy systems, with founder Scott McKechnie starting a microgeneration campaign to encourage more communities to switch to solar and batteries through group installation deals. The updated solar calculator tool includes battery arbitrage and the 5 kW inverter size limit for Irish home solar systems, allowing users to determine the optimal number of solar panels and battery storage for cost savings and payback time. McKechnie's emphasis on using tools like AirPV to avoid misinformation and ensure sensible decision-making when installing solar systems is further supported by the tool's ability to provide tailored quotes from installers based on user input, allowing homeowners to compare options and submit their contact details for installation. Additionally, McKechnie has developed a building energy rating (BER) calculator to show how solar and battery systems can impact a home's energy efficiency.
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CATL unveils new ultra-fast charging battery for light commercial vehicles, with million kilometre warranty
CATL has unveiled the Tectrans II battery, an ultra-fast charging battery for light commercial vehicles that can restore 80% charge in under 7 minutes. This 8C rated battery offers improved low-temperature performance and reduced heat generation during fast charging, making it a game-changer for the logistics and commercial vehicle sector. In addition to the battery innovation, CATL plans to deploy 4,000 integrated charging and battery swap stations across China this year, showcasing their commitment to sustainable solutions in the transportation industry. With significant advancements in battery technology and sustainability initiatives, CATL is leading the way in climate-friendly solutions for the future.