Science and Technology:
¶ “With A Technology License From MIT And NREL In Hand, Comstock Fuels Aims To Produce Jet Fuel From Lignin” • It is an ideal complement to Comstock Fuels’ own technologies: just one refining step to upgrade lignin from biomass into the aromatic hydrocarbon molecules needed to produce “drop-in” synthetic aviation fuel (SAF). [CleanTechnica]
Poplar, lignin oil, and aromatic-rich SAF (Photo by NREL)
¶ “NREL-Led Research Effort Adds Salt, Boosting Performance Of Perovskites” • Using an ionic salt to replace the fullerene layer in perovskite solar cells boosted performance, efficiency, and durability, according to a global research effort led by scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Their findings appear in the journal Science. [CleanTechnica]
World:
¶ “China’s EV Revolution Left US Automakers Behind, And Trump Just Sped It Up” • From 2015 on, automakers in China grew more confident, capable, and focused on EVs. Meanwhile, American brands pushed trucks, SUVs and combustion engines, liabilities in China. Then Chinese national pride was magnified by Trump’s trade war. [CleanTechnica]
BYD Song DM (Jengtingchen, CC-BY-SA 4.0, cropped)
¶ “SolarDuck Earns Quality Mark” • Floating PV developer SolarDuck achieved ISO 9001 certification, the leading standard for quality management systems. The the certification awarded by Bureau Veritas is a step in its journey to achieve operational excellence, the company said. Offshore solar is attracting interest in multiple sectors. [reNews]
¶ “Berwick Bank ‘Key For Climate Fight'” • SSE Renewables has insisted that the 4,100-MW Berwick Bank offshore wind farm is key to tackling climate change, after conservation charities called for the project to be refused. Conservation groups led by RSPB Scotland argued that the project would threaten seabirds and offshore wind in Scotland. [reNews]
Offshore wind farm (SSE Renewables image)
¶ “Germany’s Solar Power Set To Overtake Lignite In 2025” • In Germany, solar power output is expected to surpass electricity generation from lignite for the first time this year, according to the German Solar Industry Association. The group forecasts that new solar systems with a combined capacity of 17.5 GW will be connected to the grid in 2025. [MSN]
¶ “Senvion India Bags 84-MW Turbine Order” • Senvion India has secured a repeat order from KP Energy Limited for twenty of its flagship wind turbines. The 4.2M160 wind turbines will be installed in the Bharuch district of Gujarat, with deliveries to come in the fourth quarter of 2026. The 4.2M160 is Senvion’s largest turbine offering. [reNews]
Renewable energy (Senvion image)
¶ “Polls Open In Australian Vote Swayed By Inflation, Trump And Climate Concerns” • Australians began voting on Saturday in a bitterly contested general election, deciding a contest shaped by living costs, climate anxiety, and the tariffs of US President Donald Trump. One central issue is whether Australia will build nuclear power plants. [NZ Herald]
US:
¶ “Hawaiian Lawmakers Raise State’s Hotel Tax To Help Islands Cope With Climate Change” • Hawaiian lawmakers passed novel legislation that will increase the state’s lodging tax to raise money for environmental protection and strengthening defenses against natural disasters fueled by climate change. Governor Josh Green indicated he will sign the bill. [ABC News]
Resident of Hawaii (Sajith T S, CC-BY-SA 2.0)
¶ “California’s Energy Revolution: Sunrun Quadruples Virtual Power Plant Ahead Of Summer” • As California prepares for yet another summer of extreme heat, wildfire risks, and electricity demand, Sunrun is scaling up its CalReady distributed power plant significantly. The project now links together 75,000 home solar batteries. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “US Offshore Wind Industry Lives To Fight Another Day” • US offshore stakeholders suffered a blow from President Trump, who abruptly suspended the federal offshore lease program on taking office. But the winds will blow across the waters of the US long after Trump leaves office, and the industry gearing up for another crack at it already. [CleanTechnica]
Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (Dominion Energy image)
¶ “Mack Trucks Muscles Into The Class 8 Electric Truck Market” • Just as Tesla gears up for full production of its Class 8 Semi electric truck, it’s running up against a bulldog of a competitor. The legacy truck maker Mack Trucks just announced plans to produce an all-electric version of its newly launched Pioneer Class 8 diesel truck. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Trump’s Budget Cuts And The Environment” • President Trump’s first hundred days included a wide range of attacks on environmental and climate initiatives. His proposed budget does the same. The document looks to curtail or cut billions of dollars for everything from drinking water and clean energy to national parks and emergency management. [ABC News]
Meadow in Jackson, Wyoming (Holly Mandarich, Unsplash)
¶ “Clearway Signs 335-MW Power Purchase Agreement With Microsoft” • Clearway Energy Group signed a long-term power purchase agreement with Microsoft for the 335-MW Mount Storm wind farm in West Virginia. Mount Storm will support Microsoft’s sustainability and environmental goals by generating clean energy. [Renewable Energy Magazine]
¶ “Energy Storage Industry Commits $100 Billion Investment in American-Made Grid Batteries” • The American Clean Power Association announced a commitment to invest $100 billion into American-made grid batteries. It hopes the investment will fuel creation of 350,000 jobs and turn the US into a world leader for battery making. [Renewable Energy Magazine]
Have an enjoyably civilized day.
geoharvey 