New York City will get its first offshore wind power delivered to the city's grid starting in 2027, thanks to the securing of $3B in financing by Norwegian energy firm Equinor for the Empire 1 offshore wind facility. Contracted (maximum) capacity will be 810 MW, more than 4X all the offshore wind currently operational in the US. In-depth coverage can be found on Utility Dive and Renewable Energy World.
The United States is trailing China and its own goals in wind power: China has, by my calculation, 200X more offshore wind power capacity currently operational (nearly 38 GW) than the US (174 MW). But the US has 50% more under development than China currently has deployed. "Under development" is a huge grey area, given challenges with purchase agreements, interconnection, supply chain, and Trump. And all of these numbers pale at even energy demand growth, which continues to blow past estimates (see Visual of the Day below).
Effective execution will be essential, across a whole ecosystem of offshore wind related work. Equinor says "the redevelopment of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and construction of Empire Wind 1 will create more than 1,000 union jobs in the construction phase." But just look at wind power project management software companies like Shoreline, Lautec, and Kraken. Those three companies employ around 500 more people in total, for example.
It's a striking scale of operational challenges and work to be done.
Ok, that's the top story in green tech and renewables today, let's dig into your personal recommendations.
-Marshall Kirkpatrick
Earth Catalyst: Boosting your impact, with my experience, network, and technology.
Today and every day, our system scans over 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:
A Visual of the Day
A digest-style Table of Contents for 120 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world
(If you subscribe by email) 3 personalized selections just for you and your work
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Visual of the Day
Canary Media's Jeff St. John has published a big overview titled Lots of demand, too little grid: The state of the US power sector. It includes data and perspective from 8 different consultancies, government agencies, and other organizations.
Today's Updates

Table of Contents
Agriculture (1 story) - Veganuary campaign shows lasting impact on participants' meat reduction habits
Carbon (5 stories) - Arctic reforestation backfires on albedo effect; Antarctic ice reveals Ice Age fire patterns; seaweed carbon storage questioned; US oil hits 13.2M bpd record; 2025 temps to surpass 2016
Circular (1 story) - County building project salvages marble and granite, achieves 15,000-ton waste diversion through material reuse
Ecosystems (14 stories) - Whales' 130-year lifespans revealed as Dr. Earle and Goodall join conservation efforts; wildlife corridors planned for Latin American cats; radium found in PA mussels; Florida manatee origins traced; Arctic sanctuary proposed for 2037
Efficiency (3 stories) - Mass Save targets rentals; Bavaria museum installs 560kW sewer heat exchanger; water treatment detention time optimization studies
Finance (6 stories) - GFANZ's $5T deployment plan, IRA's $2.7T impact, Asian agtech dominance with SAEL and Scigene leading rounds, plus mixed energy forecasts through 2025
Grid (15 stories) - Utilities expand storage and microgrids amid record demand: Con Edison seeks 310MW batteries, Ann Arbor launches SEU, UK hits clean power milestone, China adds nuclear capacity, while US grid constraints persist
Indigenous (8 stories) - Indigenous fire practitioners and tribal knowledge guide prescribed burns from Montana to California, while Spanish-language training and StoryMaps expand cultural burning networks
Industry (4 stories) - Hydrogen projects span four continents as HIUV plans India expansion; Midwest Hub draws $22.2M amid reliability concerns at ND ammonia plant
Policy (20 stories) - Global temperatures breach 1.5°C threshold as Trump policies threaten clean energy jobs, while NY demands $75B from fossil fuel companies and IRA incentives save Americans $8.4B in 2023
Renewables (25 stories) - Major solar expansions by Qcells ($1.45B), Meijer, and Amazon, while Oregon hits $415M clean funding milestone; DOE grants $200M for geothermal research as global efficiency records climb with heterojunction cells reaching 26.50%
Transport (17 stories) - BYD surges in EV and bus sales while Tesla sees first decline; Waymo leads SF autonomy; structural battery breakthroughs at Swedish labs; China's CR450 train targets 450km/h; NYC defends congestion pricing
Agriculture
Veganuary campaign shows lasting impact on participants' meat reduction habits
Does taking part in Veganuary put people off meat in the long term? Here’s what the evidence shows (The Conversation) - New data reveals 80% of Veganuary participants maintain reduced meat consumption six months after completing the month-long plant-based challenge.
Carbon
Arctic reforestation backfires on albedo effect; Antarctic ice reveals Ice Age fire patterns; seaweed carbon storage questioned; US oil hits 13.2M bpd record; 2025 temps to surpass 2016
In the Arctic, planting more trees actually makes the world warmer (The Conversation) - Scientists warn Arctic reforestation efforts worsen climate change, as trees reduce snow reflection by 50 percent while releasing ancient carbon trapped beneath frozen soil.
Increased wildfire activity may be a feature of past periods of abrupt climate change (ScienceDaily) - Analysis of Antarctic ice cores shows increased global wildfire activity aligned with sudden climate shifts during the last Ice Age.
Kelp Carbon Storage (Energy Central) - Scientists warn that proposals to store carbon by sinking seaweed to ocean depths could damage marine ecosystems while achieving minimal carbon capture results.
U.S. Energy Sector Shines in 2024 with Record-Breaking Oil Production (Energy Central) - U.S. oil output soared to an unprecedented 13.249 million barrels daily in 2024, exceeding last year's record of 12.9 million barrels per day.
Will 2025 Be Another Year of Extreme Heat? (Heatmap News) - Global temperatures in 2025 are projected to hover 2.3-2.7°F above pre-industrial levels, exceeding 2016's El Niño record despite an expected La Niña cooling phase.
Circular
County building project salvages marble and granite, achieves 15,000-ton waste diversion through material reuse
How a California demolition project kept 15,000 tons of waste out of the landfill (Yale Climate Connections) - A Martinez demolition project diverted 15,000 tons of waste from landfills by salvaging marble, repurposing granite, and recycling materials for a new county building.
Ecosystems
Whales' 130-year lifespans revealed as Dr. Earle and Goodall join conservation efforts; wildlife corridors planned for Latin American cats; radium found in PA mussels; Florida manatee origins traced; Arctic sanctuary proposed for 2037
‘Extraordinary longevity’: great whales can live a lot longer than we thought – if we leave them alone (The Guardian) - Scientists have discovered great whales can naturally survive beyond 130 years, though centuries of industrial hunting has masked their true lifespan potential.
‘The Lorax by Dr. Seuss,’ Presented by CDL and its award-winning story tellers (YouTube) - Award-winning storytellers bring Dr. Seuss's environmental tale to life alongside renowned conservationists Dr. Sylvia Earle and Dr. Jane Goodall.
Conservation corridors provide hope for Latin America’s felines (Mongabay) - New research shows biological corridors could save five endangered wild cat species across eight Latin American nations, where habitat loss, hunting and feral dogs threaten their survival.
Elevated Levels of Radium Found in Western Pennsylvania’s Freshwater Mussels (Inside Climate News) - Scientists report freshwater mussels near Pennsylvania's former fracking sites contain radium levels 100 times higher than control specimens, indicating potential food chain contamination in the Allegheny River.
Embankment of 18th-century canal in Cheshire collapses after flooding (The Guardian) - The 250-year-old Bridgewater Canal's embankment near Dunham Massey has collapsed amid severe flooding, prompting evacuations and closure of the M56 motorway.
Florida’s manatees are actually relative newcomers, historical research suggests (The Guardian) - New research indicates Florida's manatees first migrated to the region in the late 1700s when waters warmed, challenging long-held beliefs about their historical presence.
Grieving killer whale who carried calf’s body spotted again with dead baby (The Guardian) - A grieving orca mother in Puget Sound has been seen carrying her second dead female calf since 2018, highlighting ongoing challenges for the endangered species.
LiveEO | Guide to Designing Ecological Corridors (LiveEO) - Experts unveil strategies for ecological corridors linking fragmented habitats through powerline infrastructure, focusing on native plants and wildlife movement to boost species survival rates.
New evidence spells massive trouble for world’s sharks, rays and chimaeras (Mongabay) - Global shark, ray and chimaera populations have plummeted 50% since 1970, with one-third of species now facing extinction due to overfishing, trade and habitat destruction.
Researchers seek to expand ‘citizen scientist’ testing of UK river quality (The Guardian) - Scientists plan to integrate data from 7,000 volunteer testers who monitored 4,000 UK freshwater sites into official water quality assessments.
The Need For More Wilderness Preservation (The Wildlife News) - Despite only 3% of US land being designated Wilderness, millions of eligible acres await protection under the 1964 Wilderness Act to safeguard biodiversity, watersheds, and natural processes.
To Combat Phoenix’s Extreme Heat, a New Program Provides Sustainable Shade (Inside Climate News) - Phoenix officials launch a $5 million tree-planting initiative to shield vulnerable neighborhoods from extreme temperatures while creating green jobs across Arizona's largest city.
Why we need to transform the Arctic Ocean into a North Pole marine reserve (The Conversation) - Experts urge creation of Arctic Ocean marine sanctuary by 2037 to shield wildlife from industrial threats, as warming temperatures endanger ice-dependent species.
Live ones go in paper bags, dead ones in the freezer: the volunteers saving birds that fly into windows (The Guardian) - Dedicated volunteers in Toronto rescue hundreds of birds from building collisions each year, while tracking thousands of window-strike deaths through FLAP Canada's monitoring program.
Efficiency
Mass Save targets rentals; Bavaria museum installs 560kW sewer heat exchanger; water treatment detention time optimization studies
Massachusetts shifts gears: New Mass Save plan targets rental units for green upgrades (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts' Mass Save program pivots toward rental properties in a strategic shift to address energy efficiency needs, despite ongoing funding constraints.
Passive Heat from City Sewer Used to Heat and Cool Museum (POWER) - A new wastewater heat exchange system at Bavaria's History Museum harnesses city sewer temperatures to deliver 560 kW of heating and 1,000 kW of cooling capacity.
Optimizing Water Treatment Systems for Better Water Quality with Detention Time (KETOS) - Water quality experts say detention time in treatment systems directly impacts contaminant removal rates through chemical reactions, sedimentation, and filtration, requiring precise monitoring for optimal results.
Finance
GFANZ's $5T deployment plan, IRA's $2.7T impact, Asian agtech dominance with SAEL and Scigene leading rounds, plus mixed energy forecasts through 2025
2025: NEW YEAR UPDATE FROM GFANZ SECRETARIAT (GFANZ) - Financial alliance GFANZ shifts focus to deploying $5+ trillion yearly for low-carbon initiatives through public-private partnerships, marking major transition from planning to implementation phase.
Must-have sustainability software for corporate climate teams in 2025 (Optera Climate) - Leading sustainability software provider forecasts that corporate climate teams will require integrated carbon tracking and supplier engagement tools to meet stricter regulations by 2025.
Redefining Energy 2025 Predictions: Transportation, Energy, Electricity, & Investments (CleanTechnica) - Energy analysts forecast dramatic shifts by 2025, including plummeting US oil output, $40-per-barrel prices, hydrogen sector failures, unprecedented renewable energy growth, and ESG investment label phase-outs.
Reviewing My 2024 Energy Sector Predictions (EnergyCentral) - Energy analyst Robert Rapier's 2024 sector predictions hit the mark on U.S. oil output but fell short on WTI pricing, SPR levels, gas costs, and market performance.
The IRA will deliver a fourfold return on taxpayer investment, says ACP (Utility Dive) - The Inflation Reduction Act will generate $2.7 trillion in economic benefits and create 1.2 million annual jobs through 2035, yielding four times its $656 billion cost.
What were the top 15 agtech deals of 2024? (AgFunderNews) - Asian agtech firms claimed six of 2024's largest funding rounds, including India's SAEL at $299M and China's Scigene at $232M, while US firms retained 47% of global upstream investment.
Grid
Utilities expand storage and microgrids amid record demand: Con Edison seeks 310MW batteries, Ann Arbor launches SEU, UK hits clean power milestone, China adds nuclear capacity, while US grid constraints persist
2025’s Energy Crossroads: 6 Trends Redefining the Global Power Sector (POWER Magazine) - Global electricity demand is set to double by 2050, amid rising electrification and clean energy shifts, while fossil fuel markets face oversupply and China maintains market dominance.
A Michigan city’s ‘sustainable energy utility’ got the green light from voters. What now? (Utility Dive) - Ann Arbor residents voted to establish a new sustainable energy utility that will deploy solar panels, battery storage and microgrids while maintaining DTE service.
Analysis: UK electricity reached 'cleanest ever' level in 2024 (BusinessGreen) - UK electricity generation from fossil fuels plunged to 44 percent below 2014 levels last year, delivering the nation's cleanest power mix on record.
Australia needs better ways of storing renewable electricity for later. That’s where ‘flow batteries’ can help (The Conversation) - Australian engineers have installed the nation's first grid-scale vanadium flow battery, signaling a shift toward longer-duration storage solutions for renewable energy.
Central Theme for Energy’s Future: Decentralizing Power Generation (POWER Magazine) - Growing adoption of distributed energy resources has surged 47% across U.S. utilities, with Texas and Massachusetts programs leading virtual power plant development for enhanced grid resilience and cost reduction.
Con Edison, O&R issue 310-MW energy storage RFP with eye to longer-duration batteries (Utility Dive) - Con Edison and Orange & Rockland Utilities seek 310 MW of energy storage systems with four-hour discharge capabilities, aiming for grid integration by 2030.
Government pledges 'root and branch' upgrade for UK energy storage market (BusinessGreen) - The UK government has vowed to fast-track grid connections and tackle obstacles facing long-term energy storage projects as part of sweeping market reforms.
Lots of demand, too little grid: The state of the US power sector (Canary Media) - Grid constraints are forcing US utilities to revert to fossil fuels despite soaring electricity demand, with data centers driving an expected 128GW load increase by 2029.
POWER Digest [January 2025] (POWER Digest) - China's first 1.1-GW Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou Nuclear Plant joins the grid, advancing domestic nuclear goals toward a 200-GW capacity target by 2035.
Restoration Efforts Continue Following Complete Blackout of Puerto Rico’s Power Grid (POWER Magazine) - After a total blackout struck Puerto Rico's power grid on December 31, LUMA Energy battled system failures to restore electricity to 99% of customers within two days.
The Growing Human Footprint on Earth, as Seen from Space (Yale E360) - Satellite imagery shows Earth's rapid transformation through China's greenhouse boom, Asian urbanization, coastal forest die-offs, and California's massive solar buildout.
The Solid-State Shift: Reinventing the Transformer for Modern Grids (POWER Magazine) - Engineers report solid-state transformers offer smarter, more compact alternatives to traditional power grid equipment, despite current cost and reliability challenges limiting deployment.
UK electricity cleanest ever in 2024, with record 58% from low-carbon sources (The Guardian) - Britain's electricity reached unprecedented cleanliness in 2024, with wind and solar driving low-carbon sources to 58% while gas remained the largest individual contributor at 28%.
Zoisa North-Bond: 'We need people who challenge the status quo' (BusinessGreen) - Award-winning storytellers bring Dr. Seuss's environmental tale to life alongside renowned conservationists Dr. Sylvia Earle and Dr. Jane Goodall.
‘Take all appropriate actions’: NERC rings in 2025 with winter storm warning (Utility Dive) - A severe winter storm threatens power reliability across the eastern United States through January, with natural gas supplies at risk in mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, grid officials warn.
Indigenous
Indigenous fire practitioners and tribal knowledge guide prescribed burns from Montana to California, while Spanish-language training and StoryMaps expand cultural burning networks
Burning for Better in Southwest Montana (Fire Networks) - Montana agencies and landowners have united to conduct a 1,300-acre prescribed burn in Mill Gulch, aiming to protect sagebrush habitat and reduce wildfire threats.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - Network marks decade-long milestone with 680-plus published stories from global practitioners, researchers and indigenous communities sharing wildfire resilience strategies.
Community Weaving for Eco-Cultural Restoration: Partnering with Tribes in Lake County, CA (Fire Networks) - Local tribes and scientists unite in Lake County, California, combining traditional Pomo knowledge with modern research to protect Clear Lake's watershed and reduce wildfire risks.
Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - Fire-prone communities in Trinity County are embracing prescribed burn initiatives through trauma-informed workshops, strategic facilitation, and sustained follow-up efforts, reports The Watershed Center.
Escape Into the Story: Three Longform Reads for Your Weekend (Fire Networks) - Interactive narratives delve into wilderness fire management, Texas wildfire resilience, and Fire Learning Network partnerships through three new StoryMaps.
The Warmth That Keeps Us Coming Back (Fire Networks) - Despite mounting health risks and losses in 2024, fire leader Lenya Quinn-Davidson emphasizes the vital role of human connection and hospitality within fire management culture.
Untrammeling the Wilderness (Fire Networks) - Scientists urge federal wilderness managers to embrace prescribed and Indigenous burning practices, citing data showing 120 years of fire suppression has damaged natural ecosystems.
Voces del Fuego (Voices of Fire) (Fire Networks) - Fifty fire practitioners from 27 organizations across eight countries unite in California's first Spanish-language prescribed burn training, captured in the film "Voces del Fuego."
Industry
Hydrogen projects span four continents as HIUV plans India expansion; Midwest Hub draws $22.2M amid reliability concerns at ND ammonia plant
Green Hydrogen Technologies for System Transformation (Energy Central) - Global experts showcase fourteen green hydrogen projects across four continents, highlighting successful implementations in Paraguay, Malaysia, Mauritania, and Jordan as models for developing nations.
HIUV Taking Module Encapsulation Solutions To India With Local Manufacturing (TaiyangNews) - Chinese encapsulant manufacturer HIUV will establish local production in India through partnerships by 2025, while advocating EPE-EVA combinations for TOPCon solar modules.
Midwest Wins Funding for a New Hydrogen Hub. Not Everyone Is Convinced It’s ‘Clean.’ (DeSmog) - Federal funding of $22.2M for a four-state Midwest Hydrogen Hub ignites controversy between industry backers and environmentalists over its true environmental impact.
Marnie Surfaceblow: Know What You Know and Know What You Don’t (POWER Magazine) - Engineering consultants identified reliability issues at a North Dakota ammonia facility, including hydrogen embrittlement and faulty CO probes, while showcasing thermal imaging methods for underground pipe detection.
Policy
Global temperatures breach 1.5°C threshold as Trump policies threaten clean energy jobs, while NY demands $75B from fossil fuel companies and IRA incentives save Americans $8.4B in 2023
1.5 Degrees in the Rear View Mirror (EnergyCentral) - Global temperatures are set to surpass the critical 1.5°C warming threshold next year, after reaching 1.49°C above pre-industrial levels in late 2023.
5 Climate Books for Your 2025 Reading List (Greenpeace) - Five new books tackling climate change through literary activism, female environmental leadership, and comedic education have earned spots on next year's essential reading recommendations.
Clean energy experts warn new Trump tariffs could produce ‘chilling effect’ on green jobs (Acadia Center) - Experts warn Trump's proposed tariffs on imported equipment could jeopardize Massachusetts' goal of adding 34,000 clean energy jobs by 2030 while raising costs for green projects nationwide.
Climate news to watch in 2025 (Yale Climate Connections) - Global temperatures hit record highs in 2024 despite clean energy gains, as U.S. climate policies face uncertainty following Trump's election victory.
Community Wildfire Defense Grants: A Round Three Application Primer (Fire Networks) - US Forest Service launches $200 million grant program, enabling communities and Tribes to mitigate wildfire risks through February 2025.
Easing the Permitting Process for Clean Industrial Projects in California (RMI) - California's complex industrial permitting system requires urgent streamlining to accelerate clean technology projects while upholding environmental standards, experts say.
Illinois confident it can continue clean energy progress under Trump, but path expected to be harder (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Illinois leaders remain optimistic about clean energy advancement through state initiatives, despite concerns that a second Trump term could reduce federal funding by up to 30 percent.
Inside the Mind of Energy Nominee Chris Wright (Heatmap) - Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright accepts climate science but rejects swift carbon cuts and green subsidies, marking a stark departure from traditional fossil fuel executives.
Korea Has a Carbon-Neutral Point System For People To Earn Cash For Making Green Lifestyle Choices (Energy Central) - South Korea's eco-incentive program has distributed $10 million to citizens who reduced their utility consumption, marking a significant shift in climate policy.
New York Passes Climate Change Superfund Act, Seeking $75 Billion from Top Fossil Fuel Companies (EnergyCentral) - New York's landmark climate law demands $75 billion from top fossil fuel companies over 25 years to fund climate mitigation, based on their historical emissions.
Start the new year learning about the Inflation Reduction Act! (Clean Energy News) - Americans saved $8.4 billion in 2023 through Inflation Reduction Act tax incentives for electric vehicles and home energy upgrades, while reducing carbon emissions nationwide.
State lawmakers pass bill that could change the way millions of Americans heat and cool their homes: ‘The gas system is not here forever’ (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts lawmakers approved legislation that limits natural gas expansion and expedites renewable energy projects by capping legal challenges at 15 months and creating a new siting board process.
The Biggest Energy Stories of 2024 (Energy Central) - U.S. oil output reached historic peaks while global temperatures soared 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, as EV sales jumped 32% and California set a 60% renewable power target.
Trump Won’t Confront the Climate Crisis. He’ll Feast Off It. (ClimateDesk) - Trump aims to profit from climate disasters while blocking climate action, based on campaign statements showing plans to capitalize on extreme weather events.
War and Nuclear Energy: Risks Are Enormous for Power Industry and World (POWER Magazine) - Russia's year-long occupation of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has sparked global security fears, leading to constant IAEA monitoring of Europe's largest nuclear facility.
Weatherwatch: The need to wake up to sea level rise in the UK (The Guardian) - UK sea levels have surged to 3.6mm annual rises since 2015, with experts forecasting a 2.2m increase by 2100, while decision-makers persist in treating coastlines as unchanging.
Weatherwatch: The need to wake up to sea level rise in the UK (The Guardian) - UK sea levels have surged to 3.6mm annual rises since 2015, with experts forecasting a 2.2m increase by 2100, while decision-makers persist in treating coastlines as unchanging.
Year in Review: Climate Litigation Campaign Closes Out Not With Not a Bang, But a Whimper (Energy Central) - Scientists have discovered great whales can naturally survive beyond 130 years, though centuries of industrial hunting has masked their true lifespan potential.
Factors Affecting the Power Industry in 2025 and Beyond: Trump and Data Centers Among Key Influences (POWER Magazine) - Trump's potential second term, surging data center power needs, and solar sector growth emerge as pivotal forces steering the U.S. power industry through 2025.
Indian Ocean tsunami anniversary: A call to safeguard future generations (UNDRR) - Twenty years after the Indian Ocean tsunami claimed 230,000 lives, UN officials emphasize enhanced warning systems while cautioning about escalating climate threats to coastal regions.
Renewables
Major solar expansions by Qcells ($1.45B), Meijer, and Amazon, while Oregon hits $415M clean funding milestone; DOE grants $200M for geothermal research as global efficiency records climb with heterojunction cells reaching 26.50%
2024 Year in Review (Oregon Department of Energy) - Oregon's clean energy sector marked a milestone year with $415M in combined funding and approval of the state's largest solar installation, capping five decades of environmental stewardship.
2024: The Year Humanity Engineered a Cleaner Tomorrow (Energy Central) - Clean energy advancements surged worldwide in 2024, with significant developments across electrical systems, renewables, electric vehicles, and energy storage technologies.
A gut-punch Colorado doesn't need (Colorado Farm & Food Alliance) - Federal investments totaling $156M in Solar for All and rural development initiatives across Colorado face elimination under new leadership, endangering vital support for rural communities.
A Successful Solar Project at Meijer Sycamore, IL Store (Station A) - The 2,397-panel rooftop solar installation at Meijer's Sycamore supercenter marks early success in the retailer's carbon reduction timeline.
All About HJT – The Secret of Heterojunction Solar Cell Technology (TaiyangNews) - Heterojunction solar cells now reach 26.50% efficiency in mass production through a 4-step process, delivering superior bifacial generation and temperature performance versus PERC and TOPCon alternatives.
Amazon Supports Three New Wind Farms in Greece (POWER Magazine) - Tech giant Amazon has inked power agreements for three Greek wind farms, totaling 109.3 MW, which will energize AWS operations and bolster the national grid by 2026.
Asia Pacific Solar PV News Snippets: Joint Venture For 400 MW Solar Farm In New Zealand & More (TaiyangNews) - New Zealand's Meridian Energy and Nova Energy have partnered equally to construct the $660 million Te Rahui Solar Farm, planning 400 MW capacity in two phases.
Aslan Energy Capital Seeking Solar Power Suppliers in Indonesia (TaiyangNews) - Energy firm seeks suppliers for 1.2 GW solar project in Indonesia's Riau Islands, requiring bidders with $50M net worth and 50MW Asian installation experience.
DAS Solar Wins EqualOcean 2024 GoGlobal Emerging Brands Top 30 Award (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer DAS Solar has secured a coveted spot among EqualOcean's Top 30 Emerging Brands for 2024, reflecting its growing global market presence.
Efficiency Trends And Technology Shifts In TOP SOLAR MODULES (TaiyangNews) - Solar module efficiency rankings peaked at 57 products in early 2024, dropping to 53 by year-end as manufacturers shift from PERC to advanced IBC, TOPCon, and HJT technologies.
Equinor Shields Self Against Trump Offshore Wind Threat, Nails $3 Billion For New Wind Hub In Brooklyn (CleanTechnica) - Norwegian energy giant Equinor has secured $3 billion for its Brooklyn offshore wind hub, advancing Empire Wind 1's 2026 power goals despite Trump-era policy concerns.
Fossil Fuel Interests Ramp Up Their “Solar Makes Electricity More Expensive” Falsehood (CleanTechnica) - Ten of eleven US states with the highest renewable energy usage boast among the lowest electricity prices, according to a new Stanford study challenging fossil fuel industry claims.
Geothermal Research Funding Opportunity in USA (CleanTechnica) - The Department of Energy is offering $200 million in research grants to small businesses exploring geothermal technologies, with applications closing February 26, 2025.
Leaders of Egypt’s Rees Tech and Sudan’s AFKAR Co. Visit JA Solar Headquarters (TaiyangNews) - Leaders from Egypt's Rees Tech and Sudan's AFKAR Co. explored PV technology partnerships and African market expansion during their visit to JA Solar's headquarters.
New Year begins with more solar records, as PV takes bigger bite out of coal’s holiday lunch (RenewEconomy) - Victoria's rooftop solar met 69.6% of electricity demand on New Year's Day, pushing total grid demand to a record low of 1,400.1 MW.
North American manufacturer pausing plan for US solar cell plant amid IRA uncertainty (Renewable Energy World) - Canadian solar manufacturer Heliene has halted its $200M Minnesota solar cell plant plans due to uncertainty surrounding IRA tax credits under the Trump administration.
Qcells finalizes $1.5B DOE loan guarantee for Georgia solar plant (Utility Dive) - South Korean solar manufacturer Qcells secured a $1.45B federal loan guarantee to build a Georgia facility producing 3.3 GW annually and creating 1,650 jobs by 2025.
Solar growth soared in 2024 (Environment America) - Solar installations across America surged to 8.6 GW in Q3 2024, marking a 21% increase from last year, with Texas and Florida outpacing California's growth.
South Texas coal-fired power plant to switch to clean energy after receiving more than $1 billion in federal money (Renewable Energy World) - Federal funding of $1.4 billion will transform San Miguel Electric Cooperative's coal plant into a solar and battery facility, cutting 1.8 million tons of annual emissions in South Texas.
Southwest utility seeking nearly 1 GW of new resources, eyeing 500 MW by 2030 (Renewable Energy World) - New Mexico's PNM utility aims to secure 900 MW of clean energy resources by 2032, including 500 MW within six years, as it shifts away from coal-powered generation.
TaiyangNews PV Price Index – 2024 - CW52 (TaiyangNews) - Solar component prices ended 2024 with mixed results as wafers, cells, and modules increased while glass fell 7-9%, marking a year of modest declines versus 2023's dramatic 50% drop.
The US government announced a ‘historic’ nuclear energy deal (The Verge) - The US Department of Energy will supply federal buildings with 10 million megawatt-hours of nuclear power through an $840M deal with Constellation, marking the government's largest energy procurement.
Trump Must Learn The Nation Needs Renewables—Backed Up By Natural Gas (Forbes) - Natural gas remains vital to America's renewable energy expansion, with gas plants currently providing backup power for 90% of wind and solar operations nationwide.
Two Energy Stories To Start 2025 (Energy Central) - South Korean scientists have created a dual-purpose material that both harvests and stores energy, combining piezoelectric properties with solar capabilities in a wearable format.
Vineyard Wind 2 appears dead in the water (Renewable Energy World) - Vineyard Offshore terminates its 1,200 MW offshore wind project after Connecticut's rejection of 400 MW left Massachusetts' 800 MW commitment insufficient for financial viability.
Transport
BYD surges in EV and bus sales while Tesla sees first decline; Waymo leads SF autonomy; structural battery breakthroughs at Swedish labs; China's CR450 train targets 450km/h; NYC defends congestion pricing
🔮 Unlimited AI, the race to robotaxis and other powerful predictions for 2025 (Exponential View) - Tech analyst Azeem Azhar forecasts unlimited AI potential, Waymo's dominance over Uber in San Francisco, intensifying climate events, and surging EV adoption by 2025.
BC3 participa en un diagnóstico de la vulnerabilidad y pobreza en el transporte en España (BC3) - A new study shows up to 1.8 million Spaniards struggle with transport poverty, particularly impacting rural communities and those with lower incomes.
BYD Bus & Commercial Vehicle Sales Explode — Charts (CleanTechnica) - BYD's commercial vehicle division reports an 18.6% rise in electric bus sales and 138% growth in other commercial EVs, with December seeing a staggering 6,556.7% surge.
BYD Car Sales Rose 60% in December, 41% in 2024 (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker BYD saw plugin vehicle sales climb 60% in December and 41.3% in 2024, with plugin hybrids soaring 102% while pure electric sales increased 9%.
China Plans 48,000 Kilometers Of High Speed Rail By 2030 (CleanTechnica) - China aims to expand its high-speed rail network to 60,000 kilometers by 2030, introducing the CR450 train that reaches speeds of 450 km/h, surpassing all commercial trains globally.
Early phase-out of full hybrid vehicles may be a political risk too far for UK ministers | Nils Pratley (The Guardian) - Ministers may extend hybrid vehicle sales to 2035, despite EV industry pushback, following concerns from Toyota's Burnaston plant and emissions data analysis.
EV Sales Growth Slump Of 2024 Was Overblown, Now Let’s Do 2025 (CleanTechnica) - Global electric vehicle sales maintained upward momentum through 2024, with Tesla delivering 1.79 million EVs despite a 1.1% decline while retaining its lead over BYD.
India’s EV transformation: Policies, funding trends, and the rise of tier-2 adoption (Energy Central) - Tier-2 cities lead India's electric vehicle surge, with policy backing and tech advances driving adoption despite infrastructure gaps and price barriers.
New York and New Jersey Advocates File Amicus Defending Congestion Pricing (EDF) - Transportation and environmental advocates across New York and New Jersey submitted legal briefs defending NYC's pioneering congestion pricing plan, countering New Jersey's bid to block its January rollout.
Next-Gen “Massless” EV Batteries Could Weigh Nothing At All (CleanTechnica) - Swedish researchers have engineered carbon fiber EV batteries that serve as structural components, promising 70% more driving range while matching aluminum's 70 GPa stiffness.
NIO & XPENG Sales Trends Across 5 Years — Charts! (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automakers NIO and XPENG have tracked similar growth trajectories since 2020, with both hitting peak deliveries in Q4 2024 and NIO consistently edging ahead in sales figures.
Rebirth of the PHEV? What Do BYD’s and Tesla’s 2024 Vehicle Sales Tell Us? (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker BYD's plug-in hybrid sales soared 73% to 2.48M vehicles in 2024, while Tesla saw its first-ever annual decline, with electric vehicle sales dropping 1% to 1.79M units.
Tesla Cybertruck, Hyundai & Kia EVs Now Qualify for US EV Tax Credit — But For How Long? (CleanTechnica) - Several EVs, including Tesla's Cybertruck and select Hyundai-Kia models, now qualify for $7,500 US tax credits, while Nissan, Rivian, and VW lose eligibility amid uncertain political future.
Tesla Realism vs. Illogical Hate (CleanTechnica) - Tesla's vehicle sales fell for the first time in company history during 2024, defying earlier growth forecasts amid rising market competition and weakening demand.
Tesla Sales Are Low Key Falling Off (Heatmap News) - Tesla's global deliveries fell for the first time since 2012, reaching 1.79M units in 2024, narrowly outpacing rival BYD's 1.76M electric vehicle sales despite strong fourth-quarter performance.
When EVs Become Vehicles for Terror (Heatmap News) - Authorities express growing alarm after two separate New Year's Day attacks involving rented electric pickup trucks killed multiple people in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
The Musk–Trump Effect Weakens As Tough Competition Softens Tesla’s 2024 Annual Sales (CleanTechnica) - Tesla's global deliveries fell for the first time ever in 2024, with 1.79 million vehicles shipped, marking a 19,355-unit decline as rivals intensify their electric vehicle push.
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