Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Transportation

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

  • Suzlon to supply ArcelorMittal with 248.85MW of wind capacity

    Suzlon has secured a significant order from ArcelorMittal for 248.85MW of wind energy in Gujarat, India, as part of a 550MW hybrid project aimed at decarbonising steel production. This marks Suzlon's fourth wind order for green steel capacity in India, bringing their total contribution to approximately 1.16GW. The company is dedicated to supporting the transition towards low-carbon steel production through renewable energy partnerships. Suzlon's strategic focus on the EPC segment is aimed at increasing their share to 50% of their overall order book, further solidifying their commitment to sustainable solutions for the steel industry.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/suzlon-arcelormittal-248mw-wind-capacity/

  • Lessons from launching New Jersey’s largest utility-led EV program

    PSE&G's Clean Energy Future Electric Vehicle Program in New Jersey has successfully expanded EV-charging infrastructure, incentivized customers to go electric, and strengthened grid reliability to support the state's clean energy goals. The program's evolution and growth have required flexibility, creativity, and collaboration to meet challenges and scale the team. Key lessons learned include setting achievable goals, investing in people, building bridges between teams, persevering through setbacks, and celebrating progress. By serving as a model for successful electrification efforts, the program demonstrates the potential impact utilities can have in addressing climate change through electrification initiatives.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/lessons-new-jersey-utility-ev-program-PSEG/806472/

  • Pilot Co. expands electric semi-truck charging plans

    Pilot Company has partnered with Tesla to build electric semi-truck charging stations along interstates 5 and 10, targeting about 20 locations initially with plans to expand to charge heavy-duty vehicles from other manufacturers in the future. The stations will use Tesla's V4 cabinets to deliver up to 1.2 megawatts of power at each stall, allowing trucks to recharge for most of their 500-mile range in around half an hour. Construction is set to begin in the first half of the year, with the first locations expected to open this summer. Other travel center companies, like TravelCenters of America, are also exploring electric truck charging options.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/pilot-co-expands-electric-semi-truck-charging-plans/810813/

  • Mpumalanga’s Just Energy Transition Can Succeed—But Only With Communities at the Centre

    South Africa's transition to renewable energy in Mpumalanga, a coal-centric region, is gaining momentum with the Just Energy Transition Partnership promising investment and green jobs. However, research warns that without intentional design, benefits may not reach coal-affected communities. Renewable energy projects mainly offer short-term construction jobs, with few permanent roles filled by non-local workers due to skills gaps and distance from coal towns. To ensure a just transition, initiatives like local hiring, training, apprenticeships, and community involvement are crucial. Key actions include requiring community impact plans, strengthening training programs, supporting coal workers, and tracking outcomes to ensure shared prosperity and fairness in the transition.

    https://southsouthnorth.org/mpumalangas-just-energy-transition-can-succeed-but-only-with-communities-at-the-centre-2/

  • 8 reasons to celebrate on this International Day of Clean Energy

    The world is experiencing a significant shift towards clean, renewable energy, with investment surpassing that in fossil fuels and over 80 countries calling for a roadmap to phase out coal, oil, and gas. Investor behavior is changing towards sustainable investing, with big investors tightening rules for fossil fuel companies. Courts and legal standards are moving towards climate accountability, and even conservative energy authorities are advocating for no new oil and gas fields to be approved. The path forward involves stopping new fossil fuel expansion, building an alternative clean energy system, and holding decision-makers accountable for the transition.

    https://350.org/8-reasons-to-celebrate-on-this-international-day-of-clean-energy/

  • Nigerian Businesses, RMI, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet Collaborate to Empower Women and Youth Through Renewable Technology

    The Energising Women & Youth in Agri-Food Systems Programme (EWAS) in Nigeria, a collaboration between local businesses, RMI, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, aims to empower women and youth through solar-powered technology in the agricultural sector. By providing affordable finance, training, and commercial opportunities, the program seeks to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve incomes for smallholder farmers. With women and youth making up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and many communities lacking access to reliable power, solar-powered productive use of energy (PUE) technologies offer a pathway to inclusive growth and economic development. The initiative builds on the success of the Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP) and will support projects led by Nigerian enterprises deploying PUE solutions in rural and peri-urban communities. A total of 300 solar-powered refrigeration units with lithium-ion batteries are being integrated in Nigeria to help women and youth preserve perishable goods and stabilize income, while also democratizing access to solar energy and improving product quality and market competitiveness for women agriculture entrepreneurs. The EWAS project, part of a broader three-year program led by the Global Energy Alliance and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to create dignified jobs, improve livelihoods, and reduce emissions in Nigeria's agriculture sector, ultimately working towards providing affordable, reliable, clean electricity to improve lives and accelerate green economic opportunities. Through partnerships and community engagement, the initiative aims to reach 1 billion people with clean electricity, prevent 4 billion tons of carbon emissions, and create or improve 150 million jobs, contributing to sustainable development and climate solutions in Nigeria.

    https://rmi.org/press-release/ewas-initiative-to-empower-women-and-youth-through-renewable-technology/

  • Over 20 Million EV Chargers Operating In China Now

    China is leading in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and has the largest number of EV chargers, with over 20 million by the end of 2025. The country has built the world's largest EV charging network, supporting over 40 million new energy vehicles. China's motivation for switching to EVs is driven by the need to reduce toxic air pollution, which causes over one million premature deaths annually. Critics of EVs claiming they run on coal-generated electricity are refuted, as China is a leader in clean, renewable energy sources like solar power. China's advancements in solar power and battery manufacturing position it to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduce air pollution.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/25/over-20-million-ev-chargers-operating-in-china-now/

  • India Poised To Become World’s First Electrostate?

    China's economic growth was fueled by coal-fired thermal generating stations, leading to severe air pollution. Despite still relying on coal for electricity, China is now a leader in renewable energy technologies. In contrast, India is following a different path by embracing renewables to meet its growing energy needs. India aims to become the world's first electrostate, diverging from China's reliance on coal for industrial development. India is rapidly transitioning to a cleaner energy future with the help of cheap solar and batteries, avoiding the fossil fuel dependency seen in the West and China. Solar generation has increased significantly, with coal demand approaching its peak. The country is also leading in electric vehicle sales and reducing road oil demand. India's electrification rate is growing steadily, positioning the country to supply electrotech to the world. In contrast, the US is pushing for a more expensive and dirtier energy pathway. India is making significant progress in transitioning to clean electricity sources, outpacing China in electrification and reducing fossil fuel consumption per capita. The country is on track to achieve economic growth without relying heavily on coal generation. The availability of affordable solar panels and electric cars is driving this shift towards clean energy. India is moving towards becoming an "electrostate" that meets most of its energy needs through electricity generated from clean sources. Other developing countries are likely to follow suit as the cost of electricity technologies continues to decrease. Countries like Pakistan and South Africa are utilizing low-cost solar panels from China to transition away from fossil fuel electricity generation. China is also financing these transitions to expand its clean energy market. However, there are risks involved, such as India's reliance on Chinese equipment for lithium-ion battery production. The dominance of one country in clean energy industries, like China's control over rare earth materials, can impact the global transition to clean energy technologies. International trade dynamics play a significant role in the speed and success of electrification efforts.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/25/india-poised-to-become-worlds-first-electrostate/

  • Energy Transition and Critical Minerals in Morocco – PACJA – Panafrican Climate Justice Alliance

    The United Nations Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is addressing the projected increase in demand for these minerals by 2030 and 2040. The workshop in Morocco focused on fair policies for mineral extraction and renewable energy to mitigate negative impacts. The African Energy Chamber predicts a rise in renewables in Africa's power generation mix, with North Africa potentially exporting electricity and green hydrogen to Europe. Participants discussed guidelines for strengthening governance, financing, and regulation of value chains to promote low-carbon industrial development and emphasized the importance of Just Energy Transition and Responsible Governance. Key proposals included creating synergies between energy, mobility, and hydrogen storage through public-private partnerships and innovation to promote sustainable development.

    https://pacja.org/energy-transition-and-critical-minerals-in-morocco/

  • Solar generates record 13% of EU electricity in 2025

    Solar and wind energy in the EU have seen significant growth, surpassing coal and hydro in the energy mix and generating more energy than fossil fuels for the first time in history. With solar generation increasing by over 20% in 2025 and wind and solar together supplying a record 30% of EU power, renewable sources now account for 47.7% of the total energy mix. To further advance climate solutions, experts recommend removing barriers to battery deployment, collaborating on permitting for cross-border power lines, supporting investment in heat pumps and electric technologies, introducing policy for electrifying transport, heating, and industry, and banning Russian gas and LNG imports by 2027.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/23/solar-generates-record-13-of-eu-electricity-in-2025/