Zambia is implementing the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative to diversify its energy mix and improve electricity access. With 87% of its grid powered by renewables, the country is focusing on solar energy to combat electricity rationing caused by dwindling water levels in hydropower plants. The initiative aims to deploy 2MW solar PV power plants with battery storage in all 156 constituencies, totaling 359 MWp capacity. This innovative approach could serve as a model for other countries in the South African Development Community and beyond, benefiting national development and providing localized energy resilience.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Germany backs Moll Batterien sodium-ion battery plant with over €22 million
Germany is investing over €22 million in public funding to support Moll Batterien's sodium-ion battery plant in Bavaria, part of a larger €103 million investment. Set to begin operations in 2026 with an initial capacity of 1 GWh per year, the project is expected to create 126 jobs and training positions. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and the European Union's European Regional Development Fund are the primary sources of public funding for this initiative.
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US Misses The Offshore Wind Boat And Aquaculture, Too
The US offshore wind industry faced setbacks under President Trump, but projects in Rhode Island, New York, and Virginia are still moving forward. Chile is emerging as a leader in offshore wind energy, with collaborations with Norway and Denmark. The aquaculture industry in Chile is benefiting from clean power solutions, including offshore wind turbines and floating solar technology. These sustainable energy sources are reducing diesel consumption, lowering costs, and improving working conditions for workers in the aquaculture industry. Offshore wind and solar companies are exploring opportunities in aquaculture, with projects in Chile and China combining renewable energy with fish farming. China's Fuxi 1 offshore facility, powered by wind turbines, can farm multiple species of fish, crustaceans, and algae simultaneously. In Norway, a project is assessing the co-location of aquaculture and offshore wind turbines, with benefits including reduced risk of sea lice and oxygen deficiency for fish health. Research shows that offshore wind farms can enhance ecosystem productivity and create a more complex food web, supporting marine ecosystems. The collaboration between offshore wind stakeholders and the global aquaculture industry is highlighted, with mentions of missed opportunities in the US and new developments in Sweden.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/22/us-misses-the-offshore-wind-boat-and-aquaculture-too-shocker/
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Hyundai Motor Highlights WFP Partnership Achievements in Films on IONIQ 5’s Role in Sustainable Humanitarian Operations
Hyundai Motor Company has partnered with the UN World Food Programme to showcase the use of Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric vehicles in humanitarian operations in the Philippines and other countries. The deployment of IONIQ 5s, along with EV charging and solar PV infrastructure, aims to reduce emissions, achieve carbon neutrality, and support aid efforts. Hyundai Motor's donation of IONIQ 5 vehicles and support for energy efficiency initiatives demonstrate a commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable humanitarian activities, providing lower-emission mobility solutions, saving operating costs, and enabling more access to renewable energy for food-insecure communities in climate-affected locations. The EVs feature advanced technologies to ensure efficient and sustainable transportation of supplies, showcasing Hyundai's dedication to innovative and sustainable humanitarian solutions.
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EVs At 65.4% Share In Sweden – Incentive Scheme Incoming
In November, plugin EVs dominated auto sales in Sweden, with BEVs at 40.4% and PHEVs at 25.0%. Despite a slight decrease in BEV volume, the overall market saw a 15% decrease in auto volume. The Volvo EX40 led the BEV sales, with the Volkswagen ID.7 and Kia EV3 following closely behind. New government incentives for BEV purchases in H1 2026 are expected to further boost the market. Combustion-only vehicles accounted for 21.8% of sales, with the overall market down over 30% YoY. The upcoming entry of Mercedes CLA into the top 20 rankings and positive macroeconomic trends in Sweden are also discussed, highlighting the potential impact of the incentive scheme on the EV transition.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/20/evs-at-65-4-share-in-sweden-incentive-scheme-incoming/
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EVs Take 32.9% Share In France – Renault 5 Record Volume
In November, plugin EVs accounted for 32.9% of auto sales in France, with BEVs experiencing nearly a 50% year-on-year growth. The Renault 5 emerged as the top-selling BEV, achieving record sales volume. This surge in BEV sales is attributed to the Social Leasing program and the production ramp-up of affordable new models, leading to a steep decline in diesel and petrol vehicle sales. Renault and Hyundai Inster are gaining market share for electric vehicles, with BEVs and some HEVs seeing growth while combustion-only vehicles are facing losses. Despite a weak macroeconomy, the focus in France remains on transitioning to electric vehicles, with questions about BEV market share in December and the potential impact on Tesla's market position.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/20/evs-take-32-9-share-in-france-renault-5-record-volume/
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Will Sustainable Aviation Ever Take Off?
Christina Beckmann discusses the impact of air travel on the climate and suggests being mindful of where and why you travel, supporting local economies, and considering more efficient flight options. She also mentions the Tomorrow's Air project for carbon removal. Greg Dalton highlights the importance of considering trains as an alternative to flying. The conversation emphasizes the need to address transitions in society to decarbonize aviation and combat the climate emergency.
https://www.climateone.org/audio/will-sustainable-aviation-ever-take
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Solar, wind and storage: stable prices, stable grid
Australia's rapid expansion of solar and wind energy has not increased wholesale electricity prices since 2016, making it a global renewable energy leader. Solar and wind are displacing coal and gas, meeting all growth in demand, with stable grid infrastructure and high rooftop solar adoption rates contributing to falling wholesale prices. Rooftop solar systems in Australia cost $6,000 and last 20 years, with an annual electricity output of 1200-1400 kWh per kW, driving widespread adoption at a low cost of 3 US-cents per kWh. All-electric solar homes in Australia have zero gas and petrol bills, with large energy storage options available, and the quick installation and high resilience of Australian rooftop solar systems make them a promising solution for climate experts.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/19/solar-wind-and-storage-stable-prices-stable-grid/
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38 Coastal, Remote, & Island Communities To Pursue Energy Reliability via Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project
The Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) is supporting various coastal, remote, and island communities across the United States in addressing their unique energy challenges. Through strategic energy planning, communities are working on projects to strengthen energy systems against extreme weather events, explore new local generation options, and design microgrids for outage protection. The program focuses on improving energy efficiency, lowering costs, incorporating renewable energy sources, and aligning with traditional values. ETIPP continues to expand its regional presence and assist communities in developing reliable and affordable energy systems to enhance resilience and security.
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AMEA Power and Kyuden partner with IFC for solar battery storage project in Egypt
AMEA Power, Kyuden International Corporation, and Hover Energy are leading the way in climate solutions with innovative projects and technologies. AMEA Power's 1GW solar PV plant in Egypt, in collaboration with IFC, aims to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions, creating over 4,000 jobs during construction. Hover Energy's AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM has won three awards for its contribution to rebuilding the grid for a more flexible and resilient energy future. These initiatives are crucial in the transition to renewable energy and cutting down CO2 emissions.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/amea-power-kyuden-partner-ifc/