Leaders of 23 EU member states and the European Commission have signed a Solar Charter.
The charter pledges to step up financing opportunities, skills capacity, and address unfair competition in the bloc during an Energy Council.
The signatories include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The goal is to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in the EU, with a view to reaching the bloc’s binding commitment to provide at least 42.5% renewable energy by 2030.
Member states are also considering innovative forms of solar energy deployment such as agriculture-PV, floating solar, and PVs integrated with infrastructure, vehicles or buildings.
Australia’s biggest energy utility, Origin Energy, has bought a giant wind and battery project in the south-west of New South Wales.
This is part of Origin’s rapid expansion of its pipeline of renewable and energy storage projects.
The latest purchase is the 1.5 gigawatt (GW) Yanco Delta wind farm near Jerilderie in the Riverina district of NSW.
This would be the biggest on Australia’s main grid if built now.
The project will also include an 800 MWh battery, and is strategically located next to key transmission infrastructure.
Let’s celebrate Origin Energy’s commitment to a cleaner and sustainable future! π
CSIRO survey reveals:
9 in 10 Australians want faster clean energy transition.
Energy affordability, self-reliance, emissions reductions are top priorities.
Over 80% are comfortable living within 10km of renewable energy infrastructure.
Let’s speed up our shift to renewable energy!
Australia’s renewable energy capacity has experienced significant growth, with solar and wind installations proliferating across the country.
However, progress is hindered by a critical challenge: effectively integrating renewables into the grid.
The intermittent nature of solar and wind power necessitates robust storage solutions and grid enhancements. To take three steps forward, we must align government policies with renewable energy targets.
Incentivizing investment in battery storage, smart grids, and interconnection infrastructure is crucial. Yet, despite capacity expansion, the share of renewables in the electricity mix remains insufficient. Coal-fired power plants still dominate, emitting greenhouse gases and impeding the transition.
This milestone is recognized globally, with the airport obtaining ACA Level 5 for its decarbonization efforts. πΏπ
VINCI Concessions, part of French group Vinci SA, inaugurated a rooftop solar power system at Toulon Hyères airport. This system generates 690 MWh per year and supplies green electricity to the airport.
To address residual emissions, the airport funds reforestation efforts in Le Lavandou forest, collaborating with local authorities and communities.
The airport’s environmental plan, initiated by VINCI Airports, reduced direct CO2 emissions by 92.5% between 2018 and 2022. Measures included energy efficiency policies, LED lighting, and renewable energy contracts.
Some EU countries have already met their 2030 targets for renewable energy and emissions. This is great for the planet and for the future of clean energy. π
But there is still more work to be done. The EU aims to reduce emissions by 55 % by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. All member states need to invest more in renewable energy, efficiency, and innovation.
In an inspiring move, the town of Cluny in France has transformed its cemetery into a solar energy hub. By installing photovoltaic panels on the graves, they’re harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean electricity. πΏ
This innovative project not only honors the departed but also contributes to a sustainable future. Imagine a serene resting place where loved ones rest under the same sun that powers our homes and businesses. ππ‘
Let’s celebrate Cluny’s forward-thinking approach and encourage more communities to embrace renewable energy solutions. Together, we can create a brighter, greener world! ππ±
Finnish researchers have unveiled the world’s first fully operational “sand battery”. This ingenious invention can store green power for months at a time, addressing the perennial challenge year-round energy supply βa critical issue for sustainable energy systems.
Here’s how it works: Using low-grade sand, the battery is charged with heat generated from affordable electricity sourced from solar panels or wind turbines. The sand stores this heat at a toasty 500Β°C.
When winter arrives and energy costs soar, the stored warmth can be harnessed to heat homes and buildings. π π₯
Traditional lithium-based batteries are costly, bulky, and have limited capacity. But in the town of KankaanpÀÀ, a team of visionary Finnish engineers has achieved a commercial breakthrough.
Their sand battery offers a low-cost, low-impact solution for energy storage. When surplus green electricity surges, this technology swiftly channels it into storage, ensuring a steady supply when needed most. πΏβ‘