A study in Iraq tested solar tracker pneumatic actuator design, resulting in efficiency increases of 62.3% and 66.4% on test panels for dual-axis solar trackers in harsh climates. The actuators, utilizing double-acting pneumatic cylinders, were found to be well-suited for urban, rural, and rugged isolated solar applications. Additionally, air spring actuation is being highlighted for its cost-effectiveness and simplicity, recommended for urban and rural solar projects in Australia as the country advances into the solar era.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Perovskite tandem PV for agrivoltaics
Researchers from Cornell University conducted a life-cycle assessment on integrating advanced perovskite tandem PV into agrivoltaic lettuce production in the US, comparing different technologies with conventional silicon PV. The study evaluated greenhouse gas emissions, water impacts, and potential benefits of agrivoltaics, showing that retrofitting US lettuce farmland with agrivoltaics could have significant environmental benefits. Next-generation agrivoltaics have the strongest potential in water-scarce regions like California's Southern Desert and Arizona, with responsible design transforming farmland into a platform for integrated food production, clean energy generation, and water conservation. The research, presented in a paper titled "Advancing Food-Energy-Water Sustainability with Scalable Perovskite Tandem Agrivoltaics" published in Nexus, highlights the potential of agrivoltaics to simultaneously produce food, generate clean electricity, reduce emissions, conserve water, and ease land-use competition.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/17/perovskite-tandem-pv-for-agrivoltaics/
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Chart of the Day: Farewell King Coal, long live King Solar (and wind and batteries)
In 2025, the world saw a significant shift towards renewable energy with 814 GW of new solar and wind capacity installed, surpassing the 158 GW of gross fossil fuel capacity. This transition has resulted in renewables overtaking coal in global electricity production for the first time, marking the end of the era of King Coal. Solar energy is leading the fastest shift in electricity generation in history, signaling the arrival of the age of King Solar, Wind, and Batteries. The trend towards renewable energy is still accelerating, highlighting the importance of continued investment and innovation in climate solutions.
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EVs Will Come Roaring Back, Rivian Edition
Rivian, a US startup, is making strides in the electric vehicle market by producing premium 100% battery-powered vehicles and announcing more affordable models to cater to a new wave of EV buyers. Their partnership with ChargeScape allows their EVs to serve as grid energy storage units, providing easier access to utility-based savings plans. With the expanding EV charging infrastructure and mainstreaming of vehicle-to-grid technology, Rivian's large battery capacity makes their EVs valuable assets for utilities. Despite potential changes in Georgia's electrification movement post-election, Rivian is moving forward with plans to build a new factory in Georgia with federal support, positioning themselves as key players in the climate solutions space.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/16/rivian-evs-us-plans-v2g-discounts-new-factory-georgia/
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BMW Reaches 2 Million Electric Vehicles, Focusing More & More On Smart Home Technology
BMW Group has reached a milestone by producing its 2 millionth fully electric vehicle, a BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan, at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. The factory now builds three electric BMW models and is expanding a partnership with SOLARWATT to integrate bidirectional charging, solar, and home energy storage for their vehicles. The market launch for this integration is planned for late 2026 in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, showcasing BMW's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
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Powering the Future: Why Energy Justice is a Youth Issue
The article discusses the barriers young people in South Africa face due to lack of access to affordable electricity, impacting their education, job-seeking, and overall opportunities. The country's reliance on coal-fired power stations leads to air pollution, high electricity costs, and unreliable service. The Free Basic Electricity (FBE) program aims to support vulnerable households but faces challenges in reaching eligible families. The article suggests investing in renewable energy to provide clean, affordable, and reliable power to communities, ultimately benefiting education, employment, public health, and economic opportunity for South Africa's young people. The section emphasizes the importance of ensuring that future generations have access to affordable energy, economic opportunity, and a healthy environment as a right. It highlights the need for action and power to create a better future, rather than just promises. The author calls for building a powerful climate movement with the belief in a safe climate and a better future for all, focusing on creating a just, prosperous, and equitable world through the collective power of ordinary people.
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Clean energy just hit record investment
The IEA's World Energy Investment 2026 report reveals that clean energy is outpacing fossil fuels in investment, with solar energy leading the way due to decreased costs. Countries like the Philippines, African nations, and India are rapidly adopting renewable solutions in response to energy crises. However, the money is not reaching the countries that need it most, as coal and gas investments are on the rise. The urgency for an energy transition is evident, as investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure locks in decades of emissions. Governments and individuals have the choice to combat the climate crisis by investing in renewables and stopping the enablement of polluters.
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Australian farmers call for on-farm electricification and clean tech support
The Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) report, Energy Sovereignty for Regional Australia, advocates for the switch to locally produced, lower cost energy and sustainable biofuels in the agricultural sector. It emphasizes the need for accelerating electrification of farm equipment, such as irrigation and processing machinery, to reduce costs and increase energy security. The report calls for sensible tax policy reform to drive electrification technology while protecting farmers and associated industries. Highlighting the feasibility of using solar PV and battery storage for electric tractors, the report suggests policy support and incentives to accelerate the shift towards more sustainable practices in agriculture. Overall, the shift towards clean energy and electric machinery is seen as a major opportunity to cut costs and increase resilience in the agricultural sector.
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Fraunhofer Wants Solar Cells On Vehicles — To Help The Grid
Fraunhofer ISE and the European research project SolarMoves are promoting the integration of solar cells into vehicles in Central and Southern Europe to reduce strain on the power grid and decarbonize the transportation sector. Companies like Sono Motors and Lightyear are exploring the production of solar-powered vehicles, which could generate up to 55-80% of their energy needs through Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics. Additionally, integrating solar panels on delivery vans, trucks, and trailers can significantly reduce fuel consumption and operating costs, with solar modules extending the range of electric trucks by up to 15 percent. The logistics sector stands to benefit greatly from the implementation of solar panels on vehicles with large roof spaces, as the investment costs could pay for themselves in less than two years for diesel trucks.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/13/fraunhofer-wants-solar-cells-on-vehicles-to-help-the-grid/