An international research group has developed a novel solar module passive cooling system that integrates a three-dimensional oscillating heat pipe (3D-OHP) with different combinations of nanofluids based on hybrid graphene oxide (GO) and a two-dimensional titanium carbide known as MXene (Ti3C2Tx). The system was tested in real outdoor conditions and showed temperature reductions of over 24°C, a 14.9% increase in power output, and an improvement in efficiency. Despite a 31% increase in viscosity, the hybrid nanofluid maintained stability and delivered strong exergy performance while remaining economically competitive. The system has potential for use in urban PV cooling and further research includes optimization of geometry and concentration, integration with PV-battery systems, and comparisons with other advanced nanofluids and surface treatments.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Renewables hit 80 pct share in Australia’s most coal dependent grid for first time
Queensland's grid has reached 80% renewables, driven by solar power, wind, and hydro, despite heavy coal dependence. New projects are fueling the growth of renewables, with households and businesses embracing rooftop solar and batteries. The state government plans to continue burning coal for another two decades, but grid scale batteries are being built throughout the state. Meanwhile, NSW has a slightly higher coal capacity but posted new battery storage records, indicating a shift towards cleaner energy solutions.
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France Moved First, But Markets Everywhere Are Signaling Electrification
France has announced a significant increase in state support for electrification, aiming to replace imported molecules with domestic electrons. The package includes a ban on gas heating systems in new buildings, a phaseout of gas heating in social housing units, and subsidies for electric vehicles and trucks. Other European countries are also showing movement towards electrification, with a notable increase in battery electric vehicle registrations in Germany and the UK. The European market is showing increased interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and other clean energy solutions, with rising inquiries and orders for EVs, heat pumps, and solar panels. The section discusses how different regions like Australia, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America are responding to fuel insecurity and the transition towards electrification. Countries with low-carbon power mixes may struggle to convert this into electrification advantages due to grid and market framework issues. The importance of building infrastructure fast enough to meet rising electric demand and avoiding overreading weak signals in the energy transition is emphasized, with electrification seen as a practical language of resilience in the face of repeated fossil fuel shocks.
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A Tale of Four Cities on Infill, Emissions, & Political Nerve
The section discusses how four cities – Calgary, Edmonton, Minneapolis, and Vancouver – are approaching the challenge of accommodating more people in existing neighborhoods while reducing infrastructure costs, transport emissions, and building energy use. Calgary initially made a citywide move to allow for more housing diversity but later reversed it due to political backlash. The most effective emissions reductions come from adding homes in location-efficient, transit-supportive, walkable neighborhoods. The article emphasizes the importance of building energy-efficient, compact, mixed-use developments close to transit and amenities to reduce vehicle miles traveled, energy use, and CO2 emissions. Edmonton's zoning bylaw renewal focused on compact growth and climate implications, resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Minneapolis implemented zoning reform in 2019 allowing up to three units on low-density lots as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Vancouver has a more aggressive approach, allowing up to six dwelling units on a single lot and requiring zero-emissions equipment for heating in new buildings. The overall message is that comprehensive and integrated policies are needed to ensure low-carbon and politically durable urban development, with a focus on infill development, zero-emissions buildings, and strong transport policy.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/10/a-tale-of-four-cities-on-infill-emissions-political-nerve/
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Wired for Security: The EU’s Post-2030 Climate Architecture
The EU's 2040 climate target focuses on electrification powered by domestically generated renewable energy to reduce energy insecurity and dependence on imported fossil fuels. The post-2030 framework should prioritize clean electrification, with legislation like the Renewable Energy Directive and Energy Efficiency Directive playing key roles. The emphasis is on resilience and reducing exposure to global fossil fuel markets and geopolitical crises. Additionally, the EU Climate Law should be amended to include a legal obligation covering non-CO2 aviation effects to ensure sector-specific accountability and clear linkage to the 2040 trajectory. Carbon markets should complement national climate action, with revenues funding clean mobility and building renovation.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/09/wired-for-security-the-eus-post-2030-climate-architecture/
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Sodium-ion battery study claims zero thermal runaway breakthrough
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a polymerizable non-flammable electrolyte for sodium-ion batteries, achieving "zero thermal runaway" and eliminating fire and explosion risks. This breakthrough in battery safety could accelerate the commercial use of sodium-ion technology, potentially revolutionizing the field of battery technology. The new electrolyte provides active thermal blocking, making it a game-changer in the quest for safer and more efficient energy storage solutions.
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Made in the shade: How electric vehicles could be the perfect partner to rooftop solar in tropical cities
New research suggests that electric vehicles (EVs) could help manage distributed solar generation in tropical cities prone to thunderstorms by using parked EVs to store solar energy and act as temporary grid capacity during cloudy periods. This approach could mitigate the need for costly infrastructure upgrades to handle fluctuations in electricity generation caused by tropical thunderstorms, allowing for more efficient use of the existing grid and integration of more solar photovoltaics without the need for additional transmission line capacity. The research focuses on a decentralized electric vehicle charging strategy in Singapore that aligns with urban mobility patterns, showing potential for large-scale photovoltaic integration in tropical cities through decentralized EV charging even in car-light environments.
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Merino Energy Comes Out Of Stealth With $3,800 Heat Pump System
Merino Energy, a climate hardware company based in San Francisco, has launched the Merino Mono, a professional-grade home heat pump solution priced at $3,800 including installation. The system delivers 7,500 BTU of capacity for spaces up to 350 square feet, rivaling conventional mini-splits without the need for infrastructure. Designed to address barriers to widespread heat pump adoption, the Merino Mono can be installed in under an hour by certified technicians, offering a more accessible and efficient solution for households without outdoor space or electrical capacity for traditional systems. With a focus on customer and installer convenience, the transparent flat-rate pricing and quick installation process aim to increase proposal acceptance and expand installer capacity, crucial for home electrification goals such as California's aim for 6 million heat pump installations by 2030.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/10/merino-energy-comes-out-of-stealth-with-3800-heat-pump-system/
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100% Of Copenhagen’s City Buses Are Now Electric
Copenhagen has successfully transitioned all city buses to electric, showcasing the benefits of cleaner public transportation. Electric fleet vehicles are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and contribute to a healthier environment by reducing air pollution. Denmark is working towards a fossil fuel-free electricity system by 2030. Despite challenges like the pandemic and opposition from conservative politicians and the fossil fuel industry, the electrification of transportation has continued to expand. CleanTechnica provides detailed analyses and summaries on clean tech topics, offering valuable insights for climate solutions experts.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/03/100-of-copenhagens-city-buses-are-now-electric/
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Balcony Solar Is Here, And It’s Not Just For Balconies
Lawmakers in states like Utah, Virginia, and Maine are introducing legislation to promote the use of balcony solar panels, which plug into household outlets and reduce electricity usage from the grid. The movement has faced hurdles in the US due to utility and landlord restrictions, safety concerns, and aging housing stock, but efforts are being made to address these issues. In Maine, where electricity rates have increased by 68% over the past five years, the potential benefits of balcony solar systems are being highlighted. Non-profit organization Bright Saver is advocating for balcony solar in the US, with kits already available in California, and supermarket chain Lidl is planning to carry plug-in solar panels at its UK stores. The Biden-era federal tax credits for household renewable energy improvements are seen as a helpful incentive for investing in solar energy. Companies are establishing a presence in solar-friendly states on the East Coast, using balcony solar kits to generate clean electricity and reduce monthly utility bills.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/03/balcony-solar-is-here-and-its-not-just-for-balconies/