Tootfinder

"Ford is retreating from EVs — but embracing grid batteries"
#Ford #Batteries #Energy

Ford is retreating from EVs — but embracing grid batteries
Amid its $20B EV failure, the storied automaker will retool a Kentucky plant to try and break into the booming energy storage sector.

This article just cited the Finnish Michaux study. There are others. The whole "industrial renewable energy capture systems" wager has inadequate foundations, which is why the only way is to use much less energy. Hence #degrowth See my article and linked report for the UK case.
Is There Enough Metal to Replace Oil? - CounterPunch.org

Is There Enough Metal to Replace Oil?
A key issue for the accomplishment of renewables is power storage because of the impact of wind and solar intermittency, both of which are highly intermittent. Most studies assume gas will be the buffer for intermittency. Other than using fossil fuel such as gas as a buffer, an adequate power storage system to handle intermittency will require 30 times more material than what electric vehicles require with current plans, meaning the scope is much larger than the current paradigm allows.

Big milestone for Australia's energy transition: Hanwha Energy just got approval for a massive 100 MW battery in southeast Queensland.
This isn't just storage—it'll capture surplus solar, power 15,000 homes during peak demand, and provide critical grid stability services.
A major step toward a more resilient, renewable-powered grid.

Korean company secures grid connection approval for its first big battery in Australia
A two-hour, 100 megawatt battery energy storage system has received approval to connect to the south-east Queensland grid and help stabilise it.

LiFePO4 Battery Integration with Off-grid Solar PV - How I parallelled a lithium-iron battery with my lead-acid system for years. #storage #microgen -

LiFePO4 Battery Integration with Off-grid Solar PV
How I parallelled a lithium-iron battery with my lead-acid system for years. #storage #microgen

Ford plans to repurpose its US battery manufacturing capacity to launch a battery energy storage business for data centers, amid a shift away from large EVs (TechCrunch)
https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/15/ford-is-starting-a-bat…

Ford is starting a battery storage business to power data centers and the grid  | TechCrunch
Ford will invest about $2 billion into the new business over the next two years.

"US energy storage installations surpass 2024 total by Q3 2025"
#US #USA #America #Energy

US energy storage installations surpass 2024 total by Q3 2025
US energy storage deployments exceeded full-year 2024 levels within nine months, led by utility-scale projects and sustained residential growth, according to industry data.

🌊 Offshore Pumped Hydro Could Solve Clean Energy's Biggest Problem
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Offshore-Pumped-Hydro-Could-Solve-Clean-Energys-Biggest-Problem.html

Offshore Pumped Hydro Could Solve Clean Energy's Biggest Problem
An Italian startup is developing an offshore pumped hydro storage system that avoids the environmental and geographical constraints of traditional land-based dams, offering a potentially disruptive solution for long-duration energy storage and grid stability.

Australia's coal heartland is getting a clean energy makeover.
Flow Power just secured financing for a massive 100MW battery in Victoria's Latrobe Valley—right where the old Hazelwood coal plant once stood. The project pairs large-scale solar and wind with storage to deliver reliable renewable power by 2028.
It's a powerful symbol of the energy transition taking root in coal country.

Flow Power reaches financial close on its first stand-alone big battery, in Victorian coal country
Australia renewables gentailer reaches financial close on its first "battery only" project – and its largest project of any sort, to date – in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.

The emerald waters of Qarhan Salt Lake on the Tibetan Plateau
beckon tourists
—and hold a bounty of lithium,
a critical ingredient in batteries for cars and renewable energy storage.
Brines in the 160-kilometer-wide lake yielded more than 50,000 tons of lithium carbonate last year,
enough for hundreds of thousands of electric cars.

Big Tech, business groups and the governor successfully gutted State Sen. Steve Padilla's attempt to protect consumers from the costs, emissions & unintended consequences of the AI data center frenzy. Big money wins again! https://

Big Tech blocked California data center legislation, leaving only a study requirement
Tools that power artificial intelligence devour energy. But attempts to shield regular Californians from footing the bill in 2025 ended with a law requiring regulators to write a report about the issue by 2027.

"This startup wants to build pumped hydro storage in the ocean"
#Hydrogen #Energy
https://www.

This startup wants to build pumped hydro storage in the ocean
Sizable Energy raised $8M to build a demonstration plant that stores energy for long durations by pumping brine between inflatable reservoirs in the sea.

Revealed: Europe’s water reserves drying up due to climate breakdown
Scientists find large swathes of southern Europe are drying up, with ‘far-reaching’ implications
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/20

Germany is making a big bet on the future of energy storage.
The country is putting €22 million into Moll Batterien's new sodium-ion battery plant in Bavaria—part of a €103 million total investment. Why sodium-ion? It's a promising alternative to lithium batteries.
The plant launches in 2026 with 1 GWh capacity and will create 126 jobs.

Germany backs Moll Batterien sodium-ion battery plant with over €22 million
Moll Batterien has secured more than €22 million ($25.8 million) in public funding for a 1 GWh sodium-ion battery plant in Bavaria, part of a roughly €103 million investment scheduled to come online in 2026.

On Website Technicals (2025-02) - Tech updates: FOSDEM, archive bandwidth, grid 2026 intensities, GBGI, L hours, BIND died, data purge, storage CoP up, Pagefind, kgCO2-to-date, Thermino. - https://m.earth.org.uk/note-on-site-technicals-93.html

On Website Technicals (2025-02)
Tech updates: FOSDEM, archive bandwidth, grid 2026 intensities, GBGI, L hours, BIND died, data purge, storage CoP up, Pagefind, kgCO2-to-date, Thermino.

GeoStruXer and Bentley used AI with satellite data to cut materials and embodied carbon in a Saudi grain warehouse retrofit—no performance lost.
Regeneration International launched training and standards to help farmers adopt regenerative practices at scale.
Sign up for the For People And Planet climate solutions digest:

Weekly Climate Solutions Digest
Welcome Frost writes tiny runes on windows in the north, while far south, cicadas tremble the air and ripe fruit perfumes the shade. It all feels measured, like a held breath. This week shares that feeling of poised energy. We track power. A 25 year solar plus storage pact in

"India’s energy storage market set for breakout year in 2026"
#India #Energy #Renewables

India’s energy storage market set for breakout year in 2026
After a record year for energy storage tenders in 2025, projects awarded since mid-2023 are expected to begin commissioning in 2026, reflecting typical development timelines of 18 to 24 months.

Ein klimaneutraler Pfad könnte den #Fossilenergiebedarf in der EU bis 2050 um 90 Prozent senken.
Laut einer neuen Studie des #PIK ist dieser Rückgang durch den raschen Ausbau erneuerbarer #Energien

From net-zero to zero-fossil in transforming the EU energy system - Nature Communications
This scenario study investigates how the EU net-zero target can be reached with varying levels of residual fossil fuels. Reducing fossils by only 90% relies on substantial carbon storage, while a full fossil phase-out requires a rapid scale-up of expensive carbon-neutral e-fuels.

Very interesting article on thermal storage. Touches on many points:
https://www.euractiv.com/news/bricks-and-sand-are-the-next-big-thing-in-europes-energy-transition/

🥵 Reservoir thermal energy storage offers efficient cooling for data centers
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-12-reservoir-thermal-energy-storage-efficient.html

Reservoir thermal energy storage offers efficient cooling for data centers
The rise of artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, and data processing is driving a steady increase in global data center electricity consumption. While running computer servers accounts for the largest share of data center energy use, cooling systems come in second—but a new study by researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly known as NREL, offers a potential solution to reduce peak energy consumption.

Jackery is making solar power actually beautiful. At CES, they unveiled solar roof tiles, a home battery system, and even a Solar Gazebo with 2 kW of panels that generates 10 kWh daily.
The gazebo runs $12-15K and pairs with battery storage for backup power. It's not utility-scale, but it's the kind of creative design that could make clean energy irresistible to everyday consumers.

Jackery Brings Creativity & Design To Solar & Energy Storage - CleanTechnica
While walking the floor at CES, Jackery attracted my attention. Jackery started as a portable battery power company 14 years ago. There are many competitors in that space now offering high-quality products. Increasingly, they blur the line between portable battery storage and home storage, with solar-integrated scalable home batteries that can be taken with you when you need them. Jackery’s new HomePower 3600 Plus is a great example.

On Website Technicals (2023-03) - Tech updates: reducing storage writes from logging, slow random. - https://m.earth.org.uk/note-on-site-technicals-70.html

On Website Technicals (2023-03)
Tech updates: reducing storage writes from logging, slow random.

Google says it plans to invest $40B through 2027 in three new data centers in Texas, including one co-located with a new solar and battery energy storage plant (Bloomberg)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-14/google-to…

"Finnish Town Pioneers Renewable Energy Storage Solutions with World’s Largest Sand Battery"
#Finland #Energy #Renewables

Finnish Town Pioneers Renewable Energy Storage Solutions with World's Largest Sand Battery | Happy Eco News
Finland's renewable energy storage solutions using the world's largest sand battery cut emissions by 70% in Pornainen. The system stores 100 megawatt-hours of thermal energy from solar and wind sources, heating the entire town for weeks while eliminating oil dependence and reducing costs.

The battery is often the first thing to fail with electronic medical implants, so... https://spectrum.ieee.org/nuclear-battery-revival IEEE Spectrum: The unlikely revival of nuclear batteries.

Nuclear Batteries: Energy Storage for Decades
Nuclear batteries that last decades are being developed to power drones, sensors, remote devices and medical implants. Energy storage at its extreme.

This week: Scatec locked in a 25-year deal for Africa's largest solar-plus-storage project in Egypt. Vattenfall greenlighted Germany's largest 1.6 GW offshore wind cluster. Brooklyn is building a 9.46 MWh battery-backed EV charging depot.
Real progress, happening now.
Sign up for the For People And Planet climate solutions digest:

Weekly Climate Solutions Digest
Welcome Frost writes tiny runes on windows in the north, while far south, cicadas tremble the air and ripe fruit perfumes the shade. It all feels measured, like a held breath. This week shares that feeling of poised energy. We track power. A 25 year solar plus storage pact in

🥫 Artificial proteins offer new path for fast, sustainable and biocompatible energy storage devices
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-11-artificial-proteins-path-fast-sustainable.html

Artificial proteins offer new path for fast, sustainable and biocompatible energy storage devices
Researchers have managed to modify a class of proteins to give them the ability to transport and store electricity. These proteins can be used to create sustainable, efficient and biocompatible conducting materials. These materials are highly stable and easy to process, which means they can be incorporated into industrial processes.

Das Startup Sizable Energy hat 8 Mio. $ für ein neuartiges #Energiespeicher-System unter dem Meer erhalten.
Mithilfe von salzhaltigem Wasser nutzt die Technik die #Meerestiefe, um Strom über lange Zeiträume zu speichern.
Erste Tests liefen erfolgreich, ein Pilotprojekt vor

This startup raised $8M to store clean energy under the sea
Ocean energy startup Sizable Energy raises $8M to scale its offshore gravity battery for long-duration power storage – here's how it works

A breakthrough for renewable energy storage: Italian company GES has developed a manganese-hydrogen battery that could reshape the grid.
It costs just €0.02 per kWh per cycle—dramatically undercutting lithium-ion—while lasting 10,000 cycles at 75% efficiency. Commercial rollout expected in 2027.

GES rolls out manganese-hydrogen battery with significant cost edge over lithium-ion
The Italian company said the manganese-hydrogen battery it has developed represents an advanced solution for long-duration energy storage. The technology enables energy to be stored for many hours or even days, overcoming the structural limitations of lithium-ion batteries.

LiFePO4 Battery Integration with Off-grid Solar PV - How I parallelled a lithium-iron battery with my lead-acid system for years. #storage #microgen -

LiFePO4 Battery Integration with Off-grid Solar PV
How I parallelled a lithium-iron battery with my lead-acid system for years. #storage #microgen

"Spain awards 133 energy-storage projects totaling 2.4 GW and 10 GWh"
#Spain #Energy #Renewables

Spain awards 133 energy-storage projects totaling 2.4 GW and 10 GWh
Spain’s Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy confirmed €827 million ($961.4 million) in European Regional Development Fund co-financing for 133 energy-storage projects with a combined capacity of about 2.4 GW and 10 GWh.

A case, as @… Carli observes, for passive homes that are grid connected but also energy independent… battery storage, solar, geothermal, wind, smart panels, dc generator, dc appliances & lighting. (Our house isn’t passive, but it is PV battery. So…)

Why Your Electric Bill is a Bank Bailout
THE WAR ON ILLUSION: EPISODE 4 - THE VAMPIRE GRID

"Germany eases rules to accelerate battery heat and hydrogen storage"
#Germany #Batteries #Hydrogen #Energy

Germany eases rules to accelerate battery heat and hydrogen storage
Germany is preparing to ease planning rules for battery, heat, and hydrogen storage systems built outside urban zones.

Oman just hit a major renewable energy milestone.
Masdar's Ibri III project combines a 500MW solar plant with a 100MWh battery system—the country's first large-scale solar-plus-storage facility. It'll power 33,000 homes and cut CO2 emissions by over 500,000 tonnes yearly, pushing Oman closer to its 30% renewable electricity target by 2030.

Masdar achieves financial close for Ibri III power project in Oman
Masdar, alongside its consortium partners, has achieved the financial close for the Ibri III Solar Independent Power Project in Oman.

“Bidirectional charging, where your car’s battery provides backup power to the grid or your home, is on the cusp of transforming how EVs interact with the electricity network. The technology turns your car into a mobile energy storage unit [..] allowing electricity to flow both ways.”
https://www.…

Domestic Hot Water (#DHW) periodic #pasteurisation of storage to prevent #Legionnaires' disease is hard to do with a heat pump (getting up to ~60C), so I do something a bit differerent:

Eddi Solar PV Diverter Top-up Dataset
Various stats for PV diversion and low-carbon-grid top-up of Sunamp Thermino. #heatBattery #microgen #dataset

China just unveiled a game-changing energy storage breakthrough: the world's first 560°C "Carnot battery" that stores electricity as ultra-high-temperature heat and cold.
SPIC's pilot system has completed seven full cycles at 1 MW/4 MWh, offering a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for long-duration storage.

World-first 560 C Carnot battery unveiled as SPIC launches ultra-high-temperature heat storage
Chinese state-owned power group SPIC has launched a 1 MW / 4 MWh pilot, showcasing a long-duration energy storage alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries and compressed air energy storage (CAES).

"India may need 230 GWh of energy storage by 2030 as peak demand rises"
#India #Energy #Renewables

India may need 230 GWh of energy storage by 2030 as peak demand rises
India could require nearly 230 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2030 as peak power demand approaches 300 GW and electricity consumption grows at 6% to 7% annually, according to a former government official.

"Spain allocates funding for 9.4 GWh of large-scale storage projects"
#Spain #Energy #Batteries

Spain allocates funding for 9.4 GWh of large-scale storage projects
Spain has awarded more than €818 million ($956.3 million) in European Union funding to 126 energy storage projects totaling 2.2 GW of power and 9.4 GWh of capacity.

America's power grid is going through a massive shift. Solar and wind will jump to 21% of electricity generation by 2027, while fossil fuels drop to 72%.
Utility-scale solar is leading the charge, especially in Texas, paired with expanding battery storage to smooth out fluctuations. Coal's taking the biggest hit—down 5% annually.

Solar Power Generation Drives Electricity Generation Growth Over The Next Two Years - CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. Electricity generation by the U.S. electric power sector totaled about 4,260 billion kilowatthours (BkWh) in 2025. In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), we expect U.S. electricity generation will grow by 1.1% in 2026 and by 2.6% in 2027, when it reaches ... [continued]

Hithium just made a bold move into long-duration energy storage with three major launches: a massive 1,300Ah battery cell, a 6.9 MW/55.2 MWh system, and a lithium-sodium hybrid specifically designed for power-hungry AI data centers.
The goal? Solve renewable energy's intermittency problem while meeting AI's exploding electricity demands.

Hithium pushes into long-duration storage and AI data centres with 1,300Ah cell, 6.9 MW/55.2 MWh system, and lithium-sodium hybrid
Chinese battery maker Hithium unveils 1300Ah cell, integrated long-duration system, and lithium-sodium LDES solution for AI data centers.

"Greece struggling to connect grid-scale battery storage projects"
#Greece #Batteries #Energy

Greece struggling to connect grid-scale battery storage projects
Greece has awarded permits for about 900 MW of standalone, front-of-the-meter battery storage through three auctions, but no projects have yet been connected to the grid.

"Energy storage could cut Brazil’s electricity system costs 16% in 2029"
#Brazil #Energy #Batteries

Energy storage could cut Brazil’s electricity system costs 16% in 2029
Storage is essential to expand renewables penetration and ensure grid flexibility, according to a study by consultants PSR. Regulatory and tax barriers still limit the sector, however, and new revenue sources are needed to make projects viable.

"Brazil eyes April 2026 for first battery storage auction"
#Brazil #Batteries #Energy

Brazil eyes April 2026 for first battery storage auction
A 20-day public consultation is anticipated to open in November to define the guidelines for the auction, which aims to contract 2 GW of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The initiative could unlock around R$10 billion ($1.85 billion) in investments.

"Poland allocates subsidies to 14.5 GWh of energy storage projects"
#Poland #Energy
https:/…

Poland allocates subsidies to 14.5 GWh of energy storage projects
Poland has awarded public support to 172 large-scale battery storage projects totaling 14.5 GWh, with construction required to be completed by the end of 2028.

South Australia is getting a major energy upgrade.
Engie and Sungrow just broke ground on the Pelican Point battery storage system—a massive 200MW/400MWh facility that'll power over 29,400 homes while stabilizing the renewable-rich grid.
Expected online in late 2027, it's a key piece of the region's clean energy transition.

Construction begins on Engie’s Pelican Point BESS in South Australia
Sungrow and Engie have started construction on the Pelican Point grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) project in South Australia, marking a key step in the state’s clean energy transition.

New York just doubled down on clean energy in a big way.
The state's Power Authority approved an ambitious update: 5.5 GW of renewable capacity including solar, wind, and innovative compressed air storage. That's 2.5 GW more than previously planned.
The goal? Help develop 15 GW total to hit climate targets while keeping costs down as demand surges.

NYPA adopts 5.5-GW renewables plan amid concerns over affordability, policy changes
Developers with major solar, wind and storage projects in the New York Power Authority’s updated plan include AES, EDF Renewable Energy, Forward Power and Orenda.

"Building sustainable sodium-ion batteries from wood industry by-products"
#Batteries #Energy
https://

Building sustainable sodium-ion batteries from wood industry by-products
In light of the growing demand for energy storage for the energy transition, there is an urgent need for cost-effective, safe and resource-efficient battery technologies. Sodium-ion batteries based on locally available and environmentally friendly materials offer a promising approach. Fraunhofer researchers and their project partners are working on a sodium-ion battery system based on lignin, a by-product of the wood and pulp industry.

Northern Europe is getting a massive energy storage boost. EVE Energy and Vimab BESS just signed a deal to deploy 1.48 gigawatt-hours of battery storage across Sweden and neighboring countries.
Why it matters: As wind and solar capacity grows in the Nordics, large-scale storage is crucial for grid stability and reliable power supply.

1.48 GWh partnership to drive energy transition forward
EVE Energy and Vimab BESS are to roll out 1.48 GWh of energy storage in Northern Europe to support the region’s clean energy transition.

"Saudi Arabia connects 7.8 GWh battery storage project to grid"
#SaudiArabia #Batteries #Energy

Saudi Arabia connects 7.8 GWh battery storage project to grid
Saudi Electricity Co. has completed a massive storage project across three sites, enhancing grid stability and renewable integration. Once fully operational, the installation will become the world’s largest battery energy storage system (BESS).

The fossil fuel era is ending faster than you think.
Startups like 247Solar are combining concentrating solar power with heat-storing batteries that deliver 24/7 electricity—even when the sun isn't shining. Their systems can slash carbon emissions by 95% and cut energy costs by 25% or more.
The best part? Businesses can upgrade with zero upfront costs through Energy-as-a-Service.

Energy Storage Exists, & It's Coming For Your Fossil Fuels - CleanTechnica
With an assist from energy storage, concentrating solar power gets a reboot for commercial and industrial applications.

"Residential installations lead Dutch storage boom"
#Netherlands #Energy #Batteries

Residential installations lead Dutch storage boom
The phasing out of net-metering for solar installations is incentivizing a growing number of citizens to install residential battery storage systems in the Netherlands. Analysts are predicting the upward trend will accelerate in the coming years.

Brooklyn is getting one of the largest battery-backed EV charging depots in the U.S.
XCharge NA and Energy Plus are building a massive site in Williamsburg with 88 charging spaces and 9.46 MWh of energy storage. It'll strengthen grid resilience while cutting electricity costs.
Goes live Q2 2026, with plans to expand the model to other major cities.

XCharge North America and Energy Plus Partner to Build One of the Largest Battery-Backed EV Charging Depots in the U.S. - CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. XCharge North America (“XCharge NA”), the North American subsidiary of XCHG Limited (NASDAQ: XCH, “XCharge”) and provider of high-power EV charging and battery-integrated solutions designed to strengthen the North American electrical grid, announced today that it has partnered with Energy Plus, a ... [continued]

"Poland shortlists 183 energy storage projects for EU funding"
#Poland #EU #EuropeanUnion #Energy

Poland shortlists 183 energy storage projects for EU funding
Poland’s state environmental fund says developers sought PLN 28 billion ($7.7 billion) for 20 GW and 122 GWh of storage projects – nearly seven times the program’s budget, with 183 projects eligible for funding.

Details of the MOU as reported by CBC. Hot Take:
It's a sh_t show of oil soaked hopeium and climate defeatism.
- Shovels in Ground by 2029 *(may this be forever extended)
- Tanker Ban will be lifted if the project is approved by MPO *(Coastal First Nations setting rhetorical fire to MPO in 3-2-1)
- July 1, 2026 deadline for submission to MPO *(OIL CANADA DAY)
- 75% methane emissions cut on 2014 levels from methane by 2035 *(*shaking head* We are VERY GOOD at hitting 10 year targets *shaking head*)
- "both sides commited to net-zero by 2050” (implied via CCS) *(carbon capture and storage? should be Carney Can't Stop -- Emissions)
- industrial carbon price of $130 -- down from $170
*(Oil Industry - Very Poor)
- Alberta exempt from fed O&G emissions cap and clean electricity regulation *(Woop Coal! Let's Mine the Rockies!)
- No private proponents have been announced. *(Hear No Evil)
- No pipeline path/route has been announced. *(See No Evil)
#TMX #EndFossilFuels #ClimateSellout #ClimateEmergency #CdnPoli #CanPoli #BCPoli #ABPoli
Since multiple Ottawa CBC reporters seem utterly incapable of understanding what First Nations groups are what in BC here are some facts about the Coastal First Nations. It has existed since 2003.
https://coastalfirstnations.ca/about/
"The Great Bear Initiative Society (a non-profit society under the BC Societies Act), also known as Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative (CFN), is an alliance of First Nations on the North Pacific Coast that includes the Gitga’at, Gitxaała, Haida, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Metlakatla, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv First Nations. " Their territories span on the mainland coast of BC from the top of Vancouver Island to the Alaska Border including Haida Gwaii.

Neighbors with solar panels can now trade energy directly with each other, thanks to a breakthrough cloud-based system from Washington State University.
The platform lets communities share power locally, cutting energy costs by up to 12% in testing. It's a glimpse of how neighborhoods could become mini power grids, keeping solar energy local instead of sending it back to utilities.

Community-based energy trading system for home solar-plus-storage
A research team led by Washington State University has developed a cloud-based system for trading and sharing energy from solar panels and batteries within a neighbourhood. The concept displayed potential energy cost savings of around 12% over a five-day test period.

"Nearly half of solar capacity will be co-located with storage by 2060, says DNV"
#Batteries #Energy #SolarPower

Nearly half of solar capacity will be co-located with storage by 2060, says DNV
DNV's Energy Transition Outlook 2025 report also predicts that distributed generation solar should begin outpacing utility-scale installations in some parts of the world by 2060. It adds that the levelized cost of electricity for solar is beginning to plateau and is expected to slow to an annual drop below 1% by the 2050s.

This week, public power is stepping up.
Great British Energy is targeting 15 GW of wind, solar and storage by 2030. New York's NYPA is building 5.5 GW of renewables. Bolivia launched its first Indigenous protected area with forest monitoring. Tennessee turned a former farm into Middle Fork Bottoms State Park, reconnecting floodplains to reduce flooding.
Sign up for the For People And Planet climate solutions digest.

Weekly Climate Solutions Digest
Welcome This week feels like work and wonder at once. Night comes early in the north and the Geminids begin to stitch bright threads across the cold sky. Far south, heat lifts and cicadas test their summer chorus. In that split screen of seasons, our stories settle on two steady

"Four-year testing finds heat pumps run efficiently even in older homes"
#HeatPumps #Energy

Four-year testing finds heat pumps run efficiently even in older homes
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have tested various types of heat pumps in existing buildings across Germany over four years, finding that the systems achieved seasonal performance factors between 2.6 and 5.4. The team also showed that PV-driven heat pumps can boost self-consumption rates, particularly when paired with battery storage.

Minnesota is making energy history at the Sherco Energy Hub. Xcel Energy is retiring all remaining coal plants and replacing them with massive solar arrays and battery storage systems—proving renewables can handle the heavy lifting once done by fossil fuels.
Construction starts in 2026. Plus, nearly 2,000 sheep are maintaining the solar panels through grazing.

Massive Solar Plus Storage Facility To Replace Coal And Gas, Too
Sheep graze among the panels at the Sherco Solar power plant in Minnesota, which is slated for a major solar plus storage expansion.

China just flipped the switch on something remarkable: the world's largest liquid air battery.
The facility cools air to -194°C, liquefies it, and stores it in tanks. When power is needed, the liquid expands and drives turbines. It's paired with a massive solar plant in the Gobi Desert, turning thin air into a 600 MWh energy storage solution.

China powers up world’s largest liquid air storage project
The 60 MW/600 MWh storage project is co-located with a 250 MW photovoltaic plant allowing for a high level of green energy self sufficiency.

"Tennet to grant grid access to 6 GW of Dutch battery projects"
#Netherlands #Batteries #Energy

Tennet to grant grid access to 6 GW of Dutch battery projects
After unlocking more than 9 GW of high-voltage grid capacity through flexible off-peak contracts, Dutch transmission system operator Tennet is set to allocate roughly two-thirds of the connection rights to battery energy storage systems.

Weekly Climate Solutions Digest #18!! 💖🌊✨
https://www.forpeopleandpla.net/weekly-climate-solutions-digest-18/?utm_source=bri-mastodon&utm_medium=social&src=mstdn

Weekly Climate Solutions Digest
Welcome Frost writes tiny runes on windows in the north, while far south, cicadas tremble the air and ripe fruit perfumes the shade. It all feels measured, like a held breath. This week shares that feeling of poised energy. We track power. A 25 year solar plus storage pact in

Massachusetts is about to see major savings from clean energy. A new analysis shows the state's SMART 3.0 solar-plus-storage program could save ratepayers $313 million annually by 2030.
The key? Pushing out inefficient natural gas plants, cutting reliance on fossil fuels during winter, and slashing 1.6 million metric tons of CO2 per year.

Solar and storage program forecast to save all Massachusetts ratepayers $313 million per year
Solar plus storage can also offer winter reliability improvements and limit gas consumption, finds a report from Synapse Energy Economics and the Solar Energy Industries Association.

BLUETTI just dropped something big at CES 2026: a road trip charger that runs on your alternator and solar, plus power stations made from bio-circular plastics that slash CO2 emissions.
The Charger 2 solves slow-charging headaches with universal compatibility and bi-directional power. Meanwhile, their new Elite series brings sustainable materials to high-density energy storage.

BLUETTI Targets Circular Economy & High-Speed Mobile Charging — CES 2026 Launch - CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. The “spec war” in portable power is officially shifting toward material science and deep vehicle integration. Monitoring the latest from CES 2026, it’s clear that BLUETTI is moving beyond the simple “more kilowatt-hours” race to tackle two of the industry’s ... [continued]

Australia can slash energy bills AND cut emissions—it's not either/or.
As aging coal plants need replacement, renewables with storage are now the cheapest option. Gas has become uncompetitive, and it's actually coal/gas prices driving bills up, not renewables.
The path forward: faster approvals, better competition, and switching homes to electric heat pumps and solar.

Australia doesn’t have to choose between energy affordability and emission reductions 
Emissions reduction targets are often cast as incompatible with energy affordability, the latest example being the Liberal Party dumping its net zero target. IEEFA has found that this is not the case.  

ArcelorMittal is betting big on India's clean energy future with $900M in new projects.
The steel giant is building a 250MW wind farm, 300MW solar facility, and massive battery storage in Gujarat—cutting 1.59 million tons of CO2 annually. Combined with projects in Brazil and Argentina, they're adding 3.3GW of renewable capacity.

ArcelorMittal announces $900m renewable energy projects in India
ArcelorMittal has unveiled three new renewable energy projects with a combined nominal solar and wind capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW) in India, representing an total expenditure of about $900m.

Brooklyn's getting a massive EV charging upgrade.
A new Williamsburg hub is launching with 88 fast charging ports—each delivering up to 300 kW. The game-changer? Battery storage that captures off-peak electricity and deploys it during rush hours, making charging cheaper and greener.
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88 New Fast EV Charger Ports Coming To Brooklyn - CleanTechnica
XCharge North America has partnered with Energy Plus on the Williamsburg, Brooklyn EV charging hub which will be backed by 9.6 MWh of batteries.

"Renewable energy project approvals hit record high in GB in 2025, data shows"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #Energy #Renewables

California is turning drought-stricken farmland into a massive solar opportunity.
The Westlands Water District in the San Joaquin Valley plans to generate 21 gigawatts of solar energy on fallowed agricultural land. It's a win-win: preserving what farmland remains viable while putting dry, empty fields to work producing clean energy.
The project includes battery storage and community benefits too.

21 Gigawatts of Solar for California Land That Can No Longer Be Used for Agriculture - CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. There’s a water district in San Joaquin Valley in California where there’s empty land that “can no longer sustain irrigated agriculture.” The Westlands Water District board of directors have decided on a plan for this land. They are going to ... [continued]

"Massachusetts awards 1.3 GW in first large-scale energy storage tender"
#US #USA #America #Massachusetts

Massachusetts awards 1.3 GW in first large-scale energy storage tender
The US state of Massachusetts has selected four battery projects totaling 1.3 GW under its first major procurement round to meet a statutory target of 5 GW of energy storage by 2030.

Huawei just launched FusionSolar 9.0, and it's a game-changer for renewable energy grids.
The platform combines solar-plus-storage with AI-driven management and grid-forming inverters that actively support weak grids instead of just feeding into them. It includes real-time optimization and fault detection, transforming solar plants into stability assets for grids with high renewable penetration.

Huawei unveils FusionSolar 9.0 platform with AI, grid-forming tech
Huawei's FusionSolar 9.0 is a new integrated solar-plus-storage platform featuring smart inverters, AI-driven management, and grid-forming capabilities to turn solar plants into active grid-support assets. It boosts efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances stability in weak grids with high renewable penetration, according to the company.

"The loophole that could give clean heat a boost under Trump"
#US #USA #America #Energy

The loophole that could give clean heat a boost under Trump
The OBBBA killed tax credits for heat pumps, but kept them for commercially leased geothermal and thermal storage systems — a path to keep home clean heat…

Colorado just released a roadmap for coal communities facing an uncertain future.
The state's new report shows how carbon capture, geothermal, hydrogen, and battery storage could replace lost coal jobs and tax revenue in rural areas. Wind and solar are already cost-effective, while emerging tech could create new economic opportunities.

Colorado outlines how clean energy could benefit coal communities
Emerging technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen combustion could help replace the economic activity lost after coal plants close, according to a

This week: MIT cuts carbon capture energy costs, transparent window insulation slashes building heating use, and battery prices drop enough to make solar-plus-storage competitive at $65/MWh.
In South Australia, a 200 MW battery will help stabilize the grid for more renewables. Progress is happening now.
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Weekly Climate Solutions Digest
Welcome The week tilts toward the solstice. In the north, frost feathers windows at dawn; in the south, warm tides thread quietly through mangrove roots while pelicans skim bright water. We are keeping what matters and letting the rest go. MIT chemists teach carbon capture to sip, not gulp, energy,

South Australia just hit a major clean energy milestone: 100% renewable power for an entire week, and 90% over the last month.
The state's wind and solar mix is proving that reliable renewable grids aren't just possible—they're happening now. With new transmission links and battery storage, they're on track for 100% net renewables by 2027.

South Australia averages 100 pct wind and solar over week, 90 pct over last 28 days
Wind and solar production beat state demand needs over last week in South Australia, and provide an average 90 pct over the last month.

"New Zealand approves 200 MWh solar-plus-storage project"
#NewZealand #SolarPower #Energy #Remewables

New Zealand approves 200 MWh solar-plus-storage project
A 179 MW solar-plus-storage project near Auckland has secured approval from an independent panel, allowing a commercial decision if the project remains viable under the imposed build and operating conditions.

Western Australia just hit a major milestone: solar and wind powered 100% of demand on its isolated grid.
Battery storage made it possible, keeping the system stable while renewables did all the work. With coal plants set to retire by decade's end, the state is proving large-scale grids can run entirely on clean energy.

Solar and wind reach 100 pct of demand in biggest isolated grid, as batteries allow it to keep its thermals on
Wind and solar meet all of "net demand" in W.A., host of world's biggest isolated grid, as growing fleet of big batteries give market operator room to keep its thermals on.

"Xcel doubles down on plan to swap coal for clean power in Minnesota"
#US #USA #America #Minnesota

Xcel doubles down on plan to swap coal for clean power in Minnesota
With demand rising and tax credits expiring, the utility wants to rapidly expand the batteries and solar it’s building near the shuttering Sherco coal…

"China commissions world’s largest 1 GW open-sea offshore solar project"
#China #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

China commissions world’s largest 1 GW open-sea offshore solar project
China has brought a 1 GW offshore solar power plant online off the coast of Dongying, Shandong province, combining PV with energy storage and aquaculture in what is now the world’s largest open-sea solar project in commercial operation.

Researchers just cracked a major clean energy challenge: producing hydrogen at scale without using precious land or freshwater.
The University of Exeter team simulated a floating solar system in Oman that desalinates seawater and generates 1,755 kg of hydrogen daily at $9.5/kg. It's a game-changer for hot-climate regions.

Off-grid floating PV-desalination system for hydrogen production
Scientists have simulated a solar-powered hydrogen production system comprising 32,050 photovoltaic panels, a pumping system, a seawater reverse-osmosis desalination unit, an electrolyzer, and a hydrogen storage tank. Operation of the system in Oman could potentially yield a levelized cost of electricity of $0.05/kWh and a levelized cost of hydrogen of $9.5/kg.

"Korean bank backs Guam’s largest solar project"
#Korea #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Korean bank backs Guam’s largest solar project
The Export-Import Bank of Korea is investing in a 132 MW solar plus 325 MWh battery energy storage project in Guam, under development by a consortium of Korean developers.

"Report: UK must build energy storage to tackle renewables cannibalisation risk"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #Energy #Renewables

"US battery capacity rises 59% with 14 GW added in 12 months, says EIA"
#US #USA #America #Batteries

US battery capacity rises 59% with 14 GW added in 12 months, says EIA
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says that battery storage capacity grew by 13,809 MW in the past 12 months and is projected to expand by another 22,053 MW as solar continues to dominate new utility-scale additions.

"France adds 4.2 GW of solar in first nine months of 2025"
#France #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

France adds 4.2 GW of solar in first nine months of 2025
Statistics from Enedis show that 4.2 GW of solar connected to France’s grid in the January-September period, including 82 MW paired with storage, marking a slight decline from 2024.

"Mexico targets up to 9.5 GW of solar and wind by 2030"
#Mexico #WindTurbines #SolarPower #Energy

Mexico targets up to 9.5 GW of solar and wind by 2030
Mexico’s Secretaría de Energía (Sener) plans to add 6.4 GW to 9.5 GW of renewable capacity while keeping state-owned CFE’s share above 54%, integrating storage and efficiency measures to stabilize the grid.

"Carmaker uses repurposed EV batteries to help power factory in Australia"
#Australia #EV #ElectricVehicles #Cars

Carmaker uses repurposed EV batteries to help power factory in Australia
Repurposed electric vehicle batteries are being used in the energy storage component of a solar and battery system supplying operations at Nissan Australia’s aluminum casting plant in Victoria.