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renewable energy

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Shell sells Dutch solar farms in retreat from renewables
2 months ago
- Shell is selling all its Dutch solar farms and a combined wind and solar park to TotalEnergies, covering its entire onshore wind and solar portfolio in Europe.
- The Dutch sites have a combined capacity of up to 254 megawatts, enough to power tens of thousands of homes, and are located in Moerdijk, Heerenveen, Emmen, Sas van Gent, and Koegorspolder.
- The sale, which requires regulatory approval, is expected to close by the end of 2026 and marks Shell's retreat from renewable energy as it refocuses on oil and gas.
- Shell's CEO Wael Sawan has shifted investment back to fossil fuels, while TotalEnergies is expanding its renewable assets; Shell retains its North Sea wind farms, hydrogen plant, and carbon capture projects in the Netherlands.
- The move comes amid legal battles over emissions, including a Supreme Court appeal by Milieudefensie over Shell's 700 oil and gas projects.
Utah produced more power from solar than any other source in May, a new first
2 months ago
- In May 2026, solar power became the leading source of electricity in Utah for the first time.
- Wind and solar generation are growing rapidly in Utah's energy mix.
- Experts expect this trend to continue despite reductions in federal clean energy incentives.
Largest battery storage in Germany set for partial commissioning
2 months ago
- The battery storage system in Förderstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, will be Germany's largest with a final capacity of 300 MW and storage capacity of 716 MWh.
- The first 100 MW section is scheduled for connection to the grid and operation by the fourth quarter of 2026.
- Construction began in November 2025, and 200 battery containers (192 installed) house 1,536 racks and 638,976 cells.
- The system stores excess renewable energy and feeds it back during low production periods, generating revenue through price arbitrage.
- Full 300 MW capacity is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2027.
- Competitors are planning even larger systems, including EnBW's 400 MW/800 MWh plant in Philippsburg and a 900 MW/1800 MWh facility in Waltrop expected by 2028.
In a first, wind and solar overtake fossil power in germany
2 months ago
- In 2023, Germany generated 44% of its electricity from wind and solar, surpassing fossil fuels at 43% for the first time.
- This milestone advances the Energiewende, Germany's national push to expand renewables and phase out gas, coal, and nuclear power.
- Germany shut down its last nuclear plants in 2023, aims to end coal by 2038 (likely sooner), and targets net zero emissions by 2045 using green hydrogen.
- Permitting for renewable projects has been simplified through digitization, streamlined approvals, and a designation of 'overriding public interest' to protect against legal challenges.
- Germany's shift has influenced the EU, where wind and solar also overtook fossil fuels in 2025 (30% vs 29%).
Waarom we nu WEL zuinig moeten doen, en door moeten met groene energie - Bert Hubert's writings
2 months ago
- The International Energy Agency advises saving energy due to Middle East conflicts, but Dutch ministers claim no shortages exist, drawing parallels to past crisis denial.
- Energy storage of gas in the Netherlands functions as a giant battery, with winter consumption drawing 40 GW non-stop, requiring refilling in spring and summer.
- Using less gas in spring and summer frees more for storage, preventing winter shortages; renewable energy like solar and wind reduces gas use for electricity.
- Efficient electricity use matters: running appliances during sunny or windy periods saves gas, while nighttime or calm usage consumes more.
- Installing more solar panels (especially westward-facing) and wind turbines helps meet demand longer and during winter, with additional batteries spreading supply.
- Electric vehicles and bikes save energy dramatically; an e-bike uses only 50 W, while replacing car trips cuts thousands of watts, and EVs are efficient even on gas-generated electricity.
- Heat pumps recycle heat, being 4-5 times more efficient than gas boilers; smart ones heat water when solar power is abundant.
- Home batteries are becoming more viable as electricity prices fluctuate, reducing gas use by storing daytime solar for evening use.
- Coal use is limited in the Netherlands but may increase in winter; the plan to attract AI factories is questioned due to high electricity demand.
- Policies should push solar panels, heat pumps, wind turbines, insulation, and electric transport to secure energy independence and reduce reliance on fossils.
UK households free to install plug-in balcony solar panels from end of August
2 months ago
- UK households can buy plug-in solar panels from August 27 after a law change, allowing major retailers to sell them.
- These 'balcony solar panels' plug into a standard wall socket, generating cheap electricity for flats or rented homes without rooftop access.
- Retailers including Currys, B&Q, Asda, Screwfix, Wickes, and Amazon will sell DIY setups expected to cost at least £400 and save up to £110 annually on energy bills.
- The plug-in systems have a capacity of 800 watts, taking 4–7 years to recoup the initial cost, and can reduce bills by £70–110 per year.
- The law change supports consumer energy independence, especially for renters and flat owners, but requires a sunlit balcony and possibly landlord permission.
- Record numbers of UK solar installations were completed in 2023, and the government may also consider bulk-buying plug-in batteries for low-income homes.
Idaho just switched on a big solar farm and a much larger one is next
2 months ago
- Idaho's 125-megawatt solar farm, Pleasant Valley Solar 2, has come online, and construction has started on the larger 400 MW Blacks Creek Energy Center.
- rPlus Energies has now developed over 1 GW of solar and storage in Idaho, including operating, under construction, or under contract projects.
- Idaho, though a hydropower state, has 1,301 MW of installed solar as of June 2026, supplying 9.01% of its electricity and attracting $2 billion in investment.
- The two projects represent a combined investment of over $750 million, creating hundreds of construction jobs and permanent onsite jobs upon completion.
- The projects will generate ongoing revenue via Idaho's 3.5% solar energy tax and support local businesses through construction and operations spending.
- Pleasant Valley Solar 2's partners contributed $375,000 in workforce development scholarships for students at Boise State University and College of Western Idaho.
World shift to clean energy is unstoppable, IEA report says
2 months ago
- The world is on an unstoppable shift towards renewable energy, but the phase-down of fossil fuels is not happening quickly enough.
- Renewables are predicted to provide half of the world's electricity by 2030, yet emissions remain too high to prevent a 1.5°C temperature rise.
- Investment in fossil fuels needs to be cut in half, while current levels are double what they should be.
- Clean energy growth is impressive, with electric car sales rising from 1 in 25 in 2020 to 1 in 5 in 2023.
- Oil and gas will continue to play a role, but new oil fields like Rosebank are criticized as inconsistent with climate goals.
- World leaders at COP28 may agree to phase out unabated fossil fuels, but abatement technologies are not yet scalable.
- Rising tensions in the Middle East add uncertainty to energy markets, drawing parallels to the 1973 oil crisis.
- Expansion of solar and wind energy offers a long-term solution to energy volatility.
A 600-acre AI data center could cost some Wisconsin residents their land
2 months ago
- A 600-acre AI data center project in Port Washington, Wisconsin threatens private land through eminent domain for power lines.
- Tom Uttech, an 83-year-old artist, faces losing his 52-acre property, which inspires his work, to a transmission line for the data center.
- The data center is part of a $15 billion Stargate partnership under the Trump administration, aiming to advance AI and compete globally.
- AI data centers are highly energy-intensive, with single facilities potentially using as much electricity as a large U.S. city.
- Local officials, like Mayor Ted Neitzke, support the project for expected job creation, tax revenue, and community transformation.
- Residents and activists protest over eminent domain concerns, potential electricity bill increases, and environmental impacts.
- OpenAI and Oracle pledge to cover energy costs and use renewable sources to avoid raising local electricity prices.
- The final transmission line route will be decided by Wisconsin's Public Service Commission, with alternatives minimizing landowner impact.
- Uttech is legally challenging the project with a conservative law firm to protect his property rights and land's natural beauty.
Switzerland turned its train tracks into solar power plants
2 months ago
- Sun-Ways installed the world's first removable solar panels on an active railway in Buttes, Switzerland in April 2025.
- Over a year into a three-year pilot, the panels have endured over 11,000 trains at speeds up to 55 mph, remaining stable, safe, and productive.
- The installation has generated over 16,000 kWh of electricity, enough for 3-4 Swiss households annually, despite operational pauses.
- The pilot proves unused railway space can generate renewable energy without land purchase or tree removal, and without interfering with trains or maintenance.
- Sun-Ways aims for final approval to expand, with interest from Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, France, and Italy for potential pilot projects.
- Switzerland's rail network could generate up to 2% of the country's electricity, powering about 300,000 households.
Australia is offering free daytime electricity
2 months ago
- Starting July 1, 2026, households in NSW, South-East Queensland, and South Australia can access at least 3 hours of free daytime electricity daily through the Solar Sharer Offer by opting in with their retailer and having a smart meter.
- A key change after public consultation is the addition of a 24 kWh daily usage cap during the free window to ensure the scheme's financial sustainability and fairness.
- Savings range from $100 to $1,100 per year based on how much energy use is shifted into the free period, with estimates from the DCCEEW.
- The scheme is especially beneficial for those home during the day, households with schedulable appliances, and renters or apartment dwellers who previously lacked solar access.
- Solar and battery owners can charge batteries for free during the window, and EV owners can schedule charging to reduce costs, though high-draw activities may approach the cap.
Britain's biggest community solar farm forced to shut over grid overload fears
2 months ago
- Britain's largest community solar project in north Devon was forced to shut down during its first summer to prevent overloading the local grid with renewable energy.
- The shutdown, ordered by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) due to concerns of thermal overload from rooftop solar, will cost the cooperative's nearly 10,000 members about £2m in lost revenue.
- The shutdown was unexpected and enforced with no warning, occurring just before a heatwave, and will substantially impact the scheme's finances and near-term member payments.
- The problem arises from managing voltage surges from rooftop solar during sunny summer days; necessary equipment upgrades, delayed since 2023, are now due to be completed in September 2024.
- The project does not expect compensation for the lost revenue; it was funded by £20m from cooperative members and a £22m bank loan.
- Originally launched through Ripple Energy, which aimed to create a blueprint for consumer-owned solar parks, the project faced delays and Ripple's bankruptcy before being revived under a volunteer board.
- National Grid confirmed curtailing generation to keep the system secure after Neso's directive and is working with Neso on solutions for temporary constraints.
UNIGRID's sodium-ion home battery debuts in Europe, US is next
2 months ago
- Sodium-ion home battery storage is emerging as an alternative to dominant lithium-ion systems.
- UNIGRID's Na+Casa battery is being installed in Europe, with U.S. installations expected by late 2026.
- The battery offers a 25-year lifespan, matching typical rooftop solar systems.
- It eliminates thermal propagation risks for enhanced safety and operates in extreme temperatures (-40°F to 140°F).
- With 9.25 kWh capacity, it's compatible with hybrid inverters and competitively priced against lithium-ion.
- Sodium-ion advantages include abundant materials, lower cost, and avoidance of critical mineral supply chains.
- UNIGRID plans to scale production from 200 MWh/year to 2 GWh/year by 2027 via Asian partnerships.
- Sodium-ion suits stationary storage due to lower energy density, making it less ideal for EVs.
China's giant Gobi solar plant runs after dark on salt, not batteries
2 months ago
- China Three Gorges Corporation launched a 1-gigawatt hybrid solar plant in Xinjiang's Gobi Desert, combining PV panels with concentrated solar power using molten salt for thermal storage.
- The plant can generate power for up to eight hours after sunset without lithium batteries, with the 100 MW CSP unit providing dispatchable evening output.
- It features a linear Fresnel design for improved efficiency and has supplied over 6.54 million kWh to the grid since its 2025 connection, aiming for 2.07 TWh annually.
- The project surpasses Dubai's Noor Energy 1 as the world's largest CSP-PV hybrid, supporting China's renewable goals and reducing CO2 emissions by about 1.63 million tons per year.
- While CSP thermal storage offers large capacity and long discharge cycles, its cost competitiveness against falling lithium battery prices remains a key challenge for future scalability.
- China plans to expand hybrid solar capacity, including a 3 GW second phase at Hami, highlighting its focus on industrializing molten-salt storage at utility scale.
Germans turn to battery storage to shield against fossil fuel price shocks
2 months ago
- German households increasingly combine solar power with battery storage to protect against fossil fuel price shocks and enhance energy independence.
- Germany leads in plug-in solar adoption with over one million kits installed from 2022 to 2025, driven by government incentives and VAT elimination, potentially covering up to 2% of electricity demand by 2045.
- Outdated European grids and renewable bottlenecks threaten Germany's renewable boom, with over 120 GW of renewables at risk without infrastructure improvements, and surplus solar causing negative electricity prices.
- Battery storage systems are key to balancing uneven supply and demand, storing daytime solar for evening use, reducing grid strain, and preventing energy waste, with Germany's capacity growing 37% to 29.83 GWh by June 2025.
- Home storage systems dominate Germany's battery capacity (almost 22 GWh), driven by interest in energy independence amid fossil fuel market volatility, and the EU's battery storage has seen record growth but remains insufficient for future needs.
Tiny data centre used to heat public swimming pool
2 months ago
- A small data center is used to heat a public swimming pool in Devon.
- The data center is free for the council-run leisure center, with electricity costs refunded.
- Heat is captured via oil and transferred to the pool water, saving thousands of pounds.
- Other pools have signed up, addressing rising energy costs that have led to pool closures.
Tribe in Colorado brings utility scale solar project online
2 months ago
- The Ute Mountain Ute tribe in Colorado has successfully launched a utility-scale solar project despite political challenges, including the Trump administration's opposition to renewable energy.
- The project, located on tribal land in New Mexico, will include 270 megawatts of solar panels and 180 megawatts of battery storage, aiming to power homes and businesses.
- Tribal leaders emphasized stewardship of the land and perseverance through challenging times, noting climate change impacts like drying springs on their reservation.
- Historically reliant on declining oil and gas revenue, the tribe began planning for solar energy over 15 years ago, starting with small projects like residential solar and a one-megawatt array.
- The project, called Foxtail Flats, benefits from existing transmission infrastructure and strategic location near multiple energy markets, facilitating connections to states like Texas and California.
- Recent federal policies, such as the elimination of tax credits and increased permitting red tape, have stalled many renewable projects, but this project secured permits just before changes took effect.
- Key customers include Los Alamos County and a new Meta data center in New Mexico, with demand driven by rising energy prices and the need for clean power.
- Experts advise tribes to focus on long-term planning during political "winter" periods, as land and authority remain for future development when conditions improve.
Liquid transforms into an energy-rich gel that stores power for months
3 months ago
- Northwestern University scientists have created a liquid material that merges energy harvesting, storage, and use into a single system, drawing inspiration from the dynamic cytoskeleton of cells.
- The material transforms from a yellow liquid to a black gel after absorbing energy from sources like sunlight, electricity, or X-rays, storing energy for months, and resets to liquid when exposed to air, enabling repeated recharge cycles.
- It enables 'dark photocatalysis' by using stored energy to drive chemical reactions without an immediate energy source, with potential applications in renewable energy storage, environmental remediation, and adaptive soft electronics.
Investment risk for energy highest for nuclear plants, lowest for solar
3 months ago
- Average energy projects cost 40% more and take nearly two years longer to build than planned.
- Nuclear power plants have the highest investment risk with average cost overruns of 102.5%, adding $1.56 billion extra.
- Solar and grid transmission projects perform best, often finishing under budget or ahead of schedule.
- Hydrogen, carbon capture, and natural gas thermal plants show significant overruns, raising scalability concerns.
- Wind farms also show favorable financial risk with lower construction delays.
- Large projects over 1,561 MW face higher cost escalation risks, suggesting benefits of smaller, modular approaches.
- Study analyzed 662 projects across 83 countries from 1936 to 2024, totaling $1.358 trillion in investment.

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renewable energy

Shell sells Dutch solar farms in retreat from renewables

Utah produced more power from solar than any other source in May, a new first

Largest battery storage in Germany set for partial commissioning

In a first, wind and solar overtake fossil power in germany

Waarom we nu WEL zuinig moeten doen, en door moeten met groene energie - Bert Hubert's writings

UK households free to install plug-in balcony solar panels from end of August

Idaho just switched on a big solar farm and a much larger one is next

World shift to clean energy is unstoppable, IEA report says

A 600-acre AI data center could cost some Wisconsin residents their land

Switzerland turned its train tracks into solar power plants

Australia is offering free daytime electricity

Britain's biggest community solar farm forced to shut over grid overload fears

UNIGRID's sodium-ion home battery debuts in Europe, US is next

China's giant Gobi solar plant runs after dark on salt, not batteries

Germans turn to battery storage to shield against fossil fuel price shocks

Tiny data centre used to heat public swimming pool

Tribe in Colorado brings utility scale solar project online

Liquid transforms into an energy-rich gel that stores power for months

Investment risk for energy highest for nuclear plants, lowest for solar