Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Transportation

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

  • European Commission launches $6.06bn clean transition funding opportunities

    The European Commission has launched three new funding opportunities under the Innovation Fund, backed by €5.2bn sourced from EU Emissions Trading System revenues, focusing on net-zero technologies, low-carbon hydrogen, and decarbonising industrial process heat. The aim is to advance EU's 2030 climate and energy targets and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while boosting industrial competitiveness and resilience. The funding supports projects that use innovative technologies with significant greenhouse gas reduction potential, including clean hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels in heavy industry and transport. Initiatives include the allocation of funds for renewable fuels production, decarbonisation of industrial process heat, and support for electrified and direct-renewable heat production in various industrial sectors. Hover Energy has won three 2025 Power Technology Excellence Awards for their innovative microgrid technology, including their AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM and networked microgrids, contributing to a more flexible and resilient energy grid for the future.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/european-commission-clean-transition-funding/

  • Sulfur battery innovator clears key milestone to commercialisation – and to compete with li-ion

    Gelion, an Australian energy storage innovator, has achieved a key milestone in its sulfur battery technology, demonstrating stable cycling and high energy density performance in coin cells. This advancement brings the technology closer to commercialization and competitiveness with lithium-ion batteries, offering advantages such as operating at high temperatures without air-conditioning, dischargeable to zero volts, and being more energy dense and longer-lasting than lead-acid batteries. The company has raised funds, acquired patents, and formed partnerships to further develop its sulfur battery technology for applications in e-aviation, electric mobility, and stationary storage. This development has the potential to revolutionize energy storage in various industries, including automotive, industrial, and consumer technology, making it a promising solution for a sustainable future.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/sulfur-battery-innovator-clears-key-milestone-to-commercialisation-and-to-compete-with-li-ion/

  • Offshore wind farms could be used as charging hubs for electric and hybrid ships

    Two Danish companies are exploring the integration of offshore wind with marine electrification to reduce vessel-related greenhouse gas emissions. Stillstrom, a leader in marine technology, aims to provide offshore power and charging solutions for battery powered vessels. A joint white paper with the Port of Roenne on the Danish island of Bornholm will explore how offshore wind can support charging solutions for electric ferries and cargo vessels. Bornholm, designated as an energy island, is central to one of the busiest shipping corridors in Europe and plans to build offshore wind farms to support maritime electrification. The concept of "energy islands" as hubs for offshore power transmission is discussed, with estimates of 17 terawatt-hours of electricity needed for battery-powered vessels. This transition could save €2 billion in oil imports and reduce marine gas oil emissions. The Port of Roenne sees itself as well-positioned to contribute to the infrastructure needed for maritime electrification, including ferry and cruise vessel charging. Energy Island Bornholm is seen as a valuable opportunity to understand future maritime energy needs and support the wider transition to clean energy in Europe's shipping corridors.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/offshore-wind-farms-could-be-used-as-charging-hubs-for-electric-and-hybrid-ships/

  • Vertical PV system at Japanese parking lot operating under PPA

    As climate solutions experts, it is crucial to stay informed on the latest developments in addressing climate change. This includes advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, as well as initiatives to reduce carbon emissions from industries and transportation. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals is key to implementing effective climate solutions and achieving global climate goals. It is important to prioritize sustainable practices and policies that will lead to a more resilient and environmentally-friendly future.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/04/vertical-pv-system-at-japanese-parking-lot-operating-under-ppa/

  • Environmental News Network – Climate-Friendly Metals From Deep-Sea Ores

    Manganese nodules found in the deep sea could provide critical metals needed for the energy transition with low CO2 emissions, as the demand for metals increases with the electrification of industrial processes, transport, and heat generation. Deep-sea mining of manganese nodules offers a more sustainable solution compared to land-based mining, which has negative environmental impacts. A new process developed by the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials utilizes hydrogen for reduction, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods. This innovative approach to sourcing critical metals could play a key role in advancing climate solutions and promoting a more sustainable energy transition.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77529-climate-friendly-metals-from-deep-sea-ores

  • Army Of Meter Socket Adapters Is Coming For Your Fossil Fuels

    ConnectDER, a US startup, is retrofitting electricity meters to make clean tech like rooftop solar, home energy storage, and EV charging stations more affordable for older homes. Their meter socket adapters allow devices to plug directly into the meter socket, bypassing costly electrical upgrades. By creating virtual power plants that connect energy-producing and consuming devices, ConnectDER is helping to reduce peak demand on the grid and the need for new infrastructure. With approvals from utilities like ComEd and Ameren in Illinois, ConnectDER's products are streamlining the installation process for distributed energy resources, enabling homeowners to participate in the energy transition and sell stored energy back to the grid. This innovative approach by ConnectDER and other green businesses is accelerating the adoption of clean technology and making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for households across the US.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/04/an-army-of-meter-socket-adapters-is-coming-for-your-fossil-fuels/

  • Johannesburg Accelerates Net-Zero Vision through C40 Cities’ CAI Africa Programme

    The City of Johannesburg is making significant progress in implementing its Climate Action Plan towards achieving net-zero emissions and climate resilience by 2050. Key achievements include advancements in the Energy and Waste sectors, financial integration of the CAP, and institutional alignment for integrated climate considerations. The city aims to divert 100% garden waste from landfill sites by 2040, reduce CO2eq emissions, create jobs, and drive community engagement through micro-grids in informal settlements. The UCAP CAI programme in Joburg is serving as a model for replicable, scalable solutions with real impact, inspiring progress in cities across Africa and beyond. Strong engagement with young people, funding strategies for scaling successful pilots, and the urgent need for accelerated and collaborative climate action are also highlighted as COP30 approaches.

    https://www.c40.org/news/johannesburg-accelerates-net-zero-vision-through-c40-cities-cai-africa-programme/

  • Australian solar innovator 5B wins biggest order yet to help power Kalgoorlie’s giant “super pit” gold mine

    Australian solar innovator 5B has secured its largest order yet to supply solar components for a major renewable energy and battery project in Western Australia's Goldfields region, led by Northern Star Resources. The project will combine wind, solar, and battery storage to power mining operations, with 5B's prefabricated Maverick PV units reducing installation time and costs. The company received funding from the Solar Sunshot program to scale up production and lower costs, making the project a blueprint for modern, cost-effective, and clean mining energy systems. Northern Star's Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) operations will be powered by a hybrid renewables project, with solar accounting for 70% of electricity demand, and a vanadium flow battery proposed to address the grid's vulnerability. Zenith Energy will build, own, and operate the project under a 25-year power purchase agreement, with AVESS Energy showing interest in delivering the battery system.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-solar-innovator-5b-wins-biggest-order-yet-to-help-power-kalgoorlies-giant-super-pit-gold-mine/

  • Memo to LNP: AEMC says slowing renewables, sweating coal, a recipe for 20 pct power price hike

    The latest report from the Australia Energy Market Commission (AEMC) shows that electricity prices are set to fall by 5% over the next five years due to the increase in renewable energy resources, but delays in wind generation and transmission projects could lead to a 20% increase in household electricity prices after 2030. The AEMC warns against prolonging the life of coal-fired power stations, as it could add up to 5% to prices. Transitioning to wind energy can lower costs and reduce reliance on expensive gas generation, with the potential to reduce electricity prices by 10% by 2035. The AEMC recommends better coordination of consumer energy resources, doubling rooftop solar by 2035, and a nationally consistent regulatory framework for renewable energy to lower costs and reduce network investment.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/memo-to-lnp-aemc-says-slowing-renewables-sweating-coal-a-recipe-for-20-pct-power-price-hike/

  • Energy Storage Exists, & It’s Coming For Your Fossil Fuels

    Energy storage, particularly in the form of concentrating solar power systems, is gaining traction in commercial and industrial applications. Startups like 247Solar are innovating in the CSP field, combining it with heat-storing batteries for longer-lasting energy storage solutions. 247Solar has developed a source-agnostic battery system that can run on alternate fuels in case of solar availability issues, offering round-the-clock electricity and a combined heat and power option for industrial processes. The company is focusing on reducing carbon emissions and energy costs, with estimates of up to a 95% reduction in carbon footprint and a 25% or more cut in energy costs. They offer an Energy-as-a-Service business model that allows businesses to upgrade their energy systems without upfront costs, and plan to deploy Series B funding to establish a new 3.5-megawatt module, expanding from their current size of 400 kilowatts. Solar power is highlighted as a fast, abundant, and economical way to increase the nation's power profile.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/02/energy-storage-exists-its-coming-for-your-fossil-fuels/