Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Transportation

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

  • Solar-to-X could redefine Iran’s energy future

    Iran has the potential to transition to a fully renewable energy system by 2050, with solar PV playing a key role. A recent study by LUT University shows that such a transition is technically possible and economically attractive. Solar PV could become the backbone of Iran's energy system, driving change across power, heat, transport, industry, and desalination sectors. In the most ambitious scenario, solar PV would dominate the power sector, accounting for 81% of installed capacity and 93% of electricity generation by 2050. Solar PV electricity is becoming the central energy platform in Iran, with direct electrification and heat pumps meeting 80% of heat demand by 2050. In transport, direct electrification is preferred, while Solar-to-X fuels are used for aviation and shipping. The industrial sector in Iran could benefit from transitioning to renewable electricity, hydrogen, and Power-to-X products. Solar PV can support cleaner production in energy-intensive industries and help address water scarcity issues by avoiding water consumption in thermal power plants. System integration of renewable energy can also support defossilisation and water security in the country. The section discusses the importance of storage in Iran's energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy sources like solar PV. By 2050, electricity storage output and capacity are expected to increase significantly. The transition to renewables is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also about creating a cost-effective and efficient energy system. Iran has the opportunity to use its energy strengths to build a sustainable future, including the export of e-fuels and e-materials. The country can follow Norway's example of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to shape its long-term economic model. Research at LUT University focuses on power-to-X technologies, including solar energy, as a key aspect of their work in various sectors such as power, heat, transport, industry, desalination, and carbon dioxide removal. This article highlights the importance of connecting renewable electricity with industrial strategy, export potential, energy security, and water solutions in a single framework for Iran's future energy development.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/18/solar-to-x-could-redefine-irans-energy-future/

  • “Grow your own and buy local”: Networks seek change and flexibility to manage a 100 pct renewable grid

    Andrew Bills, chair of Energy Networks Australia, is advocating for regulatory change and more flexibility for homes and their power assets to support the transition towards 100% renewables in Australia. South Australia is on track to become the first gigawatt-scale grid in the world to reach 100% "net" renewables, with a significant amount of rooftop solar capacity. The networks are looking to become distribution system operators (DSOs) to better integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, incentivizing customers to be flexible with their energy usage. Households are upgrading their systems and trialling home energy management technologies to reduce load, starting with EVs. The focus is on creating a marketplace for participants to bid for response to network constraints, with regulatory and policy changes necessary to support this transition towards a more efficient energy market dominated by clean energy resources.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/grow-your-own-and-buy-local-networks-seek-change-and-flexibility-to-manage-a-100-pct-renewable-grid/

  • Regulators will have to be nimble to deal with home battery boom and bigger solar systems, says Kean

    Australia's energy regulators and market operators are urged to quickly adapt to the rise in battery storage, rooftop solar systems, and the shift towards electrification. The success of home battery installations and the growth of rooftop solar systems demonstrate the community's appetite for new energy solutions. Regulators must prepare for the increasing adoption of home energy storage, EVs, and advanced load shifting technologies to balance demand peaks and ease strain on the grid. Despite challenges like grid bottlenecks and increased prices for infrastructure, with the right regulatory framework and incentives, the transition to green energy is manageable and beneficial for all stakeholders. Integrated and complex planning is emphasized as crucial for a successful and reliable transition to clean energy.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/regulators-will-have-to-be-nimble-to-deal-with-home-battery-boom-and-bigger-solar-systems-says-kean/

  • As Fossil Fuel Costs Rise, Renewable Energy And Storage Shine

    Renewable energy and energy storage are dominating new utility-scale power generation capacity in the US, providing opportunities for energy consumers to buffer against fossil fuel price spikes. New York and New Jersey are leading the way in developing robust renewable energy profiles, with a focus on incentives for homeowners and innovative projects like floating solar power plants. Virtual power plants are being utilized to coordinate demand and supply among small devices, helping utilities avoid costly new gas plant construction. States like Massachusetts are setting ambitious targets for offshore wind projects and new solar and storage capacity by 2035, aiming to achieve significant savings through renewable energy initiatives. Despite uncertainties surrounding factors like natural gas costs and federal energy policy changes, US states are continuing to promote renewable energy transitions with incentives for energy storage, virtual power plants, and new wind and solar projects.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/17/as-fossil-fuel-costs-rise-renewable-energy-storage-shine/

  • Ebikes & Bikes for Everything, + Much of What I’ve Learned Riding Bikes for 75 Years (Part I)

    The section discusses the use of bikes and ebikes as a sustainable transportation option in conjunction with public transportation in places like Utah, highlighting the benefits of last-mile transportation and commuting to work. Emphasizing the importance of dedicated bike paths and safe roads, the article also mentions the convenience of using bike racks on buses and trains. Additionally, it discusses the practicality of riding in various weather conditions, the benefits of ebikes for transportation and recreation, and the positive impact of biking on mental and physical health. The section also addresses options for old and handicapped individuals to use special bikes for transportation, providing tips on preventing flat tires and focusing on practical solutions for individuals facing mobility challenges while cycling.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/17/ebikes-bikes-for-everything-much-of-what-ive-learned-riding-bikes-for-75-years-part-i/

  • Iceland’s utility commissions solar-plus-storage for EV charging

    ON Power, a subsidiary of Reykjavík Energy, has deployed a hybrid solar-plus-storage facility in Reykjavík to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The project, known as Peaker Plant, combines solar PV, a lithium-ion battery system, and fast chargers to reduce peak demand, improve grid stability, and lower operational costs. The system is testing dynamic control strategies and has shown promising results in aligning solar generation with charging demand, even during winter conditions. ON Power views the project as more than a pilot and believes hybrid energy hubs can play a meaningful role in optimizing grid interaction and operational economics, especially in countries like Iceland with limited solar capacity.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/17/icelands-utility-commissions-solar-plus-storage-for-ev-charging/

  • Tesla, Schmesla: Let’s Talk About Workhorse Electric Trucks

    Workhorse, a US auto maker, has quietly logged over 20 million miles on its zero emission electric vehicles, including vans, shuttles, buses, and trucks. The company aims to scale up its operation to produce 60,000 units a year and bring down the up-front price of its electric trucks to parity with gasoline and diesel. With a focus on depot-based charging and grid management programs, Workhorse is providing fleet owners with a software-defined vehicle that offers cost savings and autonomous driving capabilities. The recent merger with Motiv Electric Trucks has provided Workhorse with scalable manufacturing capabilities and financial support, positioning the company as a key player in the growing demand for electric trucks in the transportation sector.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/16/tesla-schmesla-lets-talk-about-workhorse-electric-trucks/

  • How Australia’s most populous state can quit household gas, while also cutting electricity demand

    Efforts to accelerate residential electrification in New South Wales should focus on implementing minimum efficiency standards for rental properties, phasing out inefficient appliance installations, and providing support for hard-to-upgrade households. By broadening policies to target electrification for renters and hard-to-upgrade dwellings while phasing out inefficient appliances, NSW can achieve significant consumer benefits and avoid negative impacts on electricity system reliability. The state's Gas Decarbonisation Roadmap and Energy Security Safeguard reforms present opportunities to support a balanced uptake of electrification and energy efficiency, with Victoria's experience showing significant consumer interest and a decline in residential gas consumption. Strategies like flexible electrification of hot water, particularly with heat pump systems, can help reduce residential gas consumption and electricity demand, while efficient electric appliances have lower running costs than gas appliances.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/how-australias-most-populous-state-can-quit-household-gas-while-also-cutting-electricity-demand/

  • When Fossil Fuel Supplies Falter, Interest In Renewables Increases

    Cuba has rapidly transitioned to solar and wind power with assistance from China, increasing solar energy generation to over 20 percent in just 12 months to address US sanctions cutting off oil supply from Venezuela. The country aims to achieve energy independence by 2028 with up to 600 megawatts of battery storage, rendering the US oil blockade economically irrelevant. This transition showcases one of the fastest energy transitions achieved by a developing nation and could serve as a model for other countries facing energy crises. The conflict in the Middle East has also led to an increase in interest in personal renewable energy solutions, such as solar installations, home batteries, and EV chargers, signaling a potential tipping point for the world to embrace renewables.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/15/when-fossil-fuel-supplies-falter-interest-in-renewables-increases/

  • Dennis Schroeder / Department of Energy 16 Mar 2026 UN Climate Chief in Brussels: fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, but renewables turn the tables UN Climate Speech

    UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasizes the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependency on national security, sovereignty, and economies, advocating for a shift to renewable energy for a more cost-effective, secure, and sustainable solution. Europe has a unique opportunity to lead in climate action and attract investment by embracing green growth, transitioning away from fossil fuels, upgrading grids, and supporting the Emissions Trading Scheme. The EU has been driving ambition at COPs and urges continued support for the process, with significant commitments made at COP30 and plans to continue progress at COP31 in Türkiye. Companies are coming to COPs to secure agreements that tackle the climate crisis and benefit their bottom lines, while the EU is building new partnerships to invest in value chains in partner countries and strengthen alliances for peace and prosperity in the face of climate change.

    https://unfccc.int/news/un-climate-chief-in-brussels-fossil-fuel-dependency-is-ripping-away-national-security-and