A mine in Bellevue ran for 155 consecutive hours using 100% renewable energy, demonstrating a possible future with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased sustainability. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the industry's shift towards cleaner energy sources. The operation was made possible by a combination of on-site renewable energy generation.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has set a new record for solar module efficiency at 34.4 percent with its III-V germanium solar PV module, further solidifying the ongoing march in solar power advancements. This achievement is notable as it surpasses previous records, highlighting significant progress in solar energy technology. The solar cells were developed by AZUR, a partner of ISE.
US solar growth is being hindered by delays in solar permitting, with the US Solar Market Insight report highlighting this issue. The state's slow permitting process is holding back the expansion of solar power, according to a warning from industry experts. Solar permitting reform is seen as crucial to unlocking the potential for solar energy in the US.
Wärtsilä has successfully operated a 100% hydrogen engine supplying electricity to Spain's national grid, marking the world's first demonstration of a large-scale engine running exclusively on pure hydrogen. The test is part of a larger effort by Wärtsilä to develop flexible, dispatchable generation needed to balance growing shares of wind and solar power. The demonstration supports the use of green hydrogen as long-duration energy storage and grid stability during periods of low renewable output.
New Jersey's Senate Environment and Energy Committee has advanced a bill creating an incentive program for customer-sited energy storage installations, specifically behind-the-meter (BTM) energy storage. The legislation aims to incentivize the development of these installations, which store energy on-site at individual homes or businesses. No further details are provided about the incentives or requirements of the proposed program.
China's power sector saw a decline in emissions for the first time in a decade in 2025, but this was followed by a rebound in coal-fired generation, raising doubts about whether the decline will last. China's renewable energy growth has been significant, but it appears that the country is still heavily reliant on coal. The recent increase in coal power output raises concerns that the decline in emissions may be temporary.
German research organization Fraunhofer is exploring the idea of integrating solar cells into vehicle designs to support grid stability and renewable energy integration. The concept aims to harness the power of electric vehicles to help stabilize the electrical grid, particularly during periods of low solar production or when renewable energy sources are not being utilized at full capacity. This innovative approach could potentially improve grid resilience and efficiency.
Solar power has overtaken gas power in Asia for the first time ever, becoming the continent's third-largest source of electricity, with its annual output increasing nearly fourfold since 2020 to reach 1,727 terawatt hours (TWh) in the 12 months to April 2026. Solar growth is driven by supply disruptions and relatively high gas prices, while gas output has stalled due to these factors as well as growing demand for clean alternatives. This marks a significant shift in Asia's energy landscape, with solar now pushing ahead of gas as a source of electricity.
Antaisolar has unveiled an upgraded version of its TAI-Universal 2P multi-drive solar tracker, featuring reinforced structures and supporting spans of up to 80 meters with wind resistance of up to 60 m/s. The system aims to reduce pile counts and lower the project levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for large ground-mounted solar plants in desert regions. Antaisolar also showcased its AT-Spark 1P flagship tracker and SmartTrail intelligent tracker control system, which deliver improved structural stiffness and stability.
A joint report by Core Power, Maersk, Lloyd's Register and the Port of Rotterdam aims to support the development of nuclear-powered ships with port calls, exploring steps for transition from concept to operational readiness. The report's goal is to create a wider understanding among key stakeholders in this emerging field.
Electrek