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.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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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.
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Bridging the Methane Gap: Financing Abatement in China
Methane emissions in China account for a significant portion of global warming, and the country's updated NDC now includes all greenhouse gases, showing a stronger policy focus on addressing methane alongside carbon dioxide. While there are feasible solutions to reduce methane emissions in various sectors, the lack of structured financial support is hindering the scaling of abatement projects. To close the methane finance gap, the report recommends incorporating methane into future NDCs, enhancing monitoring systems, and mobilizing finance to turn abatement projects into bankable initiatives. China's experience in addressing methane challenges can offer valuable lessons for other emerging economies and countries in the Global South, emphasizing the importance of investing in energy, agriculture, and waste projects to reduce methane emissions.
https://www.climatebonds.net/news-events/blog/bridging-methane-gap-financing-abatement-china
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UN climate chief attacks “delusional” fossil fuel investments
UN climate chief Simon Stiell warns against doubling down on fossil fuels in response to spikes in oil and gas prices caused by the Iran war, emphasizing the economic irrationality of new investments compared to the benefits of renewable energy. The current crisis is seen as a crucial moment to ramp up pressure against fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy investments. Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports is highlighted as a vulnerability, but the rollout of new wind and solar power capacity since the Green Deal in 2019 has saved billions of euros. This shift towards renewables is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
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Foresight to acquire NZ Clean Energy platform
Foresight Group has acquired NZ Clean Energy in New Zealand, investing over A$500m in late-stage solar projects starting in 2026 and 2027. The acquisition provides a platform for developing solar and battery energy storage projects, with a pipeline exceeding 2GW across 15 locations in New Zealand. This move aligns with the country's transition towards low-emission energy solutions, driven by increased electricity demand and the growth of electric vehicles and data centers. Foresight aims to support decarbonization efforts and create a diversified renewable energy portfolio in the region.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/foresight-to-acquire-nz-clean-energy-platform/
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Powerful new rooftop solar panel promises system sizes “previously out of reach”
Chinese solar manufacturer Aiko has launched a new, high-powered solar panel approved by the Clean Energy Council for sale in Australia. The ABC 60-cell module offers up to 545 kW of generating capacity, enabling homeowners to maximize system capacity on small rooftops, especially as they incorporate batteries, EV charging, and other electric loads. This innovative panel not only increases output and energy yield but also has the potential to boost electricity revenue for commercial rooftops. Aiko's design reduces the number of modules required, resulting in cost and installation time savings for users looking to enhance their renewable energy solutions.
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Scaling Energy & Electric Solutions
The global supply chain is rapidly embracing decarbonization through innovative partnerships and sustainable practices, with a focus on solutions like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and electric vehicles (EVs). Large corporations play a crucial role in unlocking capital for climate solutions, driving investment in scalable technologies for the energy transition. Partnering with existing initiatives and speaking the language of stakeholders is key to securing buy-in and demonstrating long-term cost savings, Scope 3 abatement, and operational benefits. Sustainability is becoming a cost advantage in the logistics sector, aligning with the growing corporate demand for in-sector solutions to propel the decarbonization of the supply chain. Strategic investments in next-generation solutions are needed now to drive the transition to a more sustainable future.
https://www.twelve.co/post/scaling-energy-electric-solutions
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In Alaska, a Data Center Inside a Power Plant, Inside a Microgrid
Cordova Electric Cooperative in Alaska has successfully implemented a local microgrid powered by hydropower and battery energy storage, reducing diesel imports and increasing local energy supply. Inspired by this success, they are now piloting a modular data center powered by localized energy from a hydroelectric facility. The data center is designed for resilience and efficiency, with a focus on distributing data processing and storage assets around geography. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and demonstrate the capabilities of edge-based data centers in supporting remote populations. Surplus hydropower is being used to power a local data center in Cordova, Alaska, providing computing capacity for various purposes and bringing data "inside the fence" for business and artificial intelligence applications. Lessons learned from microgrid-data center setups can help streamline data center investments and avoid excessive costs, with the DOE Office of Electricity researching advanced microgrid technologies to facilitate affordable and reliable electricity delivery for data centers. ARIES analysis is being used to answer key questions for connecting computers to power in both small-scale and hyperscale projects, showcasing the potential for localized energy solutions in addressing climate challenges.
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Women’s leadership is key to unlocking the global phaseout of fossil fuels
Women around the world, such as Osprey Orielle Lake, Nemonte Nenquimo, and Sharon Lavigne, are leading efforts to stop fossil fuel expansion and implement just transitions. The Fossil Fuel Treaty, founded by Tzeporah Burman, is a key cornerstone for upcoming government convenings on fossil fuel phaseout. Research shows that countries with higher representation of women in parliament are more likely to ratify environmental treaties and see decreased CO2 emissions. Despite persistent gender inequality, women are indispensable leaders in climate solutions, defending land, water, climate, and health. Bold and transformative solutions are needed to address the increasing climate crisis and hold long-term warming below the critical 1.5°C threshold. An all-women team in Cape Town, South Africa is producing high-quality solar panels, highlighting the urgent need for a global phaseout of fossil fuel extraction and production, as fossil fuels are a primary driver of the climate crisis. Despite historic but nonbinding agreements to transition away from fossil fuels at the U.N. Climate Summit, implementation has been hindered. In response to stalled progress, Colombia and the Netherlands are convening the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to advance cooperation towards a managed phaseout, recognizing women's leadership as vital in ensuring a healthy and equitable outcome in transitioning away from fossil fuels.