Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Transportation

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

  • A 15-Ton Rooftop Heat Pump Is Coming For Your Fossil Fuels

    Electric heat pumps are becoming a key player in the home electrification movement and are now scaling up to decarbonize commercial buildings. Carrier Global Corporation is leading the way in demonstrating the potential of heat pumps in the US, with a new 15-ton rooftop heat pump for commercial use in development. The Energy Department's programs are accelerating the development of next-generation heat pumps for both residential and commercial markets, with a focus on high efficiency and reducing energy costs. Innovations like the Boiler 2.0 industrial heat pump from AtmosZero are highlighting the growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions, aiming to decarbonize industries with high-efficiency electrified steam generators. Commercial-scale heat pumps, like those used at the Belgium Brewing facility in Fort Collins, Colorado, are set to be available in the US market within the next two years, with a goal of delivering zero-emission steam at a cost comparable to fossil-fueled boilers.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/27/a-15-ton-rooftop-heat-pump-is-coming-for-your-fossil-fuels/

  • Massive Solar Plus Storage Facility To Replace Coal And Gas, Too

    The article discusses the transition from coal power plants to cleaner energy solutions at the Sherco Energy Hub in Minnesota, where Xcel Energy is replacing coal with renewable energy sources. Xcel plans to retire all remaining coal power plants in the region and focus on leveraging renewable energy assets, including a large solar array and significant battery energy storage system. The company intends to offset costs for battery and solar projects, with construction on the battery storage projects starting in 2026. Xcel sees energy storage as a critical part of Minnesota's energy future, allowing for a diversified energy mix that excludes coal. Additionally, Xcel has incorporated solar grazing at the Sherco Energy Hub, with nearly 2,000 sheep helping to maintain the PV array and provide environmental benefits.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/27/massive-solar-plus-storage-facility-to-replace-both-coal-and-natural-gas/

  • Charting The Changes That Will Lead To Renewable Energy Dominance In 2026

    Bill McKibben, a climate realist, acknowledges the dire state of the planet due to global warming but sees hope in the increasing use of alternative energy sources like solar and wind power. He notes the significant progress made in countries like China and Australia in transitioning to renewable energy. McKibben emphasizes the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels towards clean energy solutions to combat the climate crisis. The article also touches on the challenges posed by the current capitalist system that benefits from the extraction and distribution of fossil fuels. The shift towards renewable energy is noted, with examples like China exporting more green technologies than fossil fuels, and the potential for a more sustainable and equitable energy future is emphasized.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/26/charting-the-changes-that-will-lead-to-renewable-energy-dominance-in-2026/

  • How climate change is threatening human rights

    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Professor Joyeeta Gupta emphasized the urgent need to protect people from climate change impacts, which are seen as a violation of human rights. The global consensus to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius is still dangerous, with small island States particularly vulnerable. Gupta's research suggests that crossing one degree Celsius has already violated the rights of over 100 million people, and breaching 1.5° Celsius by 2030 will have irreversible consequences. Climate justice and development are interconnected, and wealthy societies must reduce emissions more aggressively to create space for others to realize their rights. The ICJ has affirmed that continued fossil fuel use may be considered an internationally wrongful act, with states responsible for regulating emissions. Vehicle emissions, diesel generators, and burning of biomass contribute to poor air quality in Lagos Lagoon. Professor Gupta argues for recognizing a collective right to a stable climate, as climate instability undermines existing human rights. UN High Commissioner Türk warns that climate change is eroding fundamental rights and calls for a just transition away from environmentally destructive systems. Professor Gupta emphasizes the need for strong states and cooperation to address climate change as a public good problem.

    https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166649

  • Carmaker uses repurposed EV batteries to help power factory in Australia

    Nissan Australia has repurposed retired electric vehicle batteries to power part of its production facility in Melbourne and supply EV chargers through the Nissan Node project. This collaboration with Relectrify aims to increase battery cycle life, reduce energy storage costs, and promote a circular economy. The initiative is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 259 tonnes and save 128 MWh of energy each year, showcasing a sustainable future for end-of-life EV batteries.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/26/carmaker-uses-repurposed-ev-batteries-to-help-power-factory-in-australia/

  • Industrial Green Hydrogen Is Coming To Europe From The US

    The emergence of industrial green hydrogen as a key player in global decarbonization is highlighted in the article, focusing on using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to decarbonize the hydrogen supply chain. Electric Hydrogen, a Massachusetts startup, is leading the way in this space with support from major industrial stakeholders and climate tech investors. Their HYPRPlant electrolyzer production platform aims to reduce transportation and storage costs for large-scale operations, with projects in California and Texas, including the Project Roadrunner to become the largest efuels producer globally. Efforts to export green ammonia overseas and the potential for ammonia to serve as a transportation medium for green hydrogen are also discussed, showcasing US innovators' impact on global decarbonization despite federal energy policy changes.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/26/industrial-green-hydrogen-is-coming-to-europe-from-the-us-no-less/

  • Solar and storage program forecast to save all Massachusetts ratepayers $313 million per year

    A report from Synapse Energy Economics and the Solar Energy Industries Association highlights the potential benefits of solar plus storage in Massachusetts. By meeting deployment targets set by the SMART 3.0 incentive program, ratepayers could save $313 million per year by 2030. The program aims to push older, inefficient natural gas plants out of the auction, resulting in lower wholesale electricity prices. Solar and storage technologies can reduce the state's reliance on natural gas during winter months, leading to cost savings and emissions reductions. The planned expansion of solar and storage could avoid the use of 29 billion cubic feet of natural gas and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.6 million metric tons annually by 2030.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/24/solar-and-storage-program-forecast-to-save-all-massachusetts-ratepayers-313-million-per-year/

  • From Guns & Steel to Grids & Batteries: A History-Informed View of Climate Action

    The section emphasizes the importance of viewing decarbonization as a market creation challenge, influenced by institutions, culture, and material conditions. It highlights successful climate actions from the past year, such as transmission buildouts, electric vehicle mandates, and industrial policies focusing on scale. The text stresses the role of markets in driving technological innovation and societal change, using examples from history to illustrate the impact of inclusive versus extractive institutions on market development. Ultimately, it concludes that delay in climate action is a choice, not guaranteed success, and that supportive institutions are needed to enable the growth of clean energy markets and accelerate climate action.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/24/from-guns-steel-to-grids-batteries-a-history-informed-view-of-climate-action/

  • CATL Battery Factory in Spain, Lithium Mine in Yichun

    CATL, the largest EV battery producer in the world, is partnering with Stellantis to build a new carbon-neutral EV battery factory in Spain with a capacity of up to 50 GWh, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening the European battery value chain. In addition, CATL is expected to restart its lithium mine in China, impacting lithium carbonate prices. The rebound of lithium prices is discussed in the article, potentially leading to lower battery costs in 2026, which is a positive sign for the future of battery prices and the overall transition to sustainable energy solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/24/catl-battery-factory-in-spain-lithium-mine-in-yichun/

  • Washington carbon market generates billions for climate projects

    Washington state's carbon market has raised $4.3 billion in revenue over the past two years, with nearly $2.8 billion allocated to climate-focused programs such as hybrid ferries and free transit rides. More than half of the funded projects benefit residents with lower incomes or who face other disadvantages, emphasizing the importance of these funds to the transportation program. The state report educates legislators and residents on how carbon market revenues fund state programs, highlighting the significant and critical role these funds play in the state budget.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/washington-carbon-market-generates-billions-for-climate-projects/