Energy

Australian grid operator backs grid-forming battery technology to bolster system strength

Australian grid operator Transgrid plans to deploy grid-forming battery storage technology to address system strength gaps as coal generation declines. The technology will support the growing integration of inverter-based renewable energy resources in New South Wales.

Energy

Chinese scientists achieve world record efficiency of 28.04% for perovksite-organic tandem solar cell

Chinese researchers have achieved a record 28.04% efficiency for perovskite-organic tandem solar cells using a photo-transformable molecule. The breakthrough improves perovskite film quality and device stability.

Energy

Google agrees to purchase 100% of power from largest solar-plus-storage project in U.S.

Google has agreed to purchase all power from the Steel River Energy Center, a major U.S. solar-plus-storage project developed with Cypress Creek Energy. The facility will provide 2.5 GW of solar capacity and 2.9 GW/GWh of battery storage.

England risks building new ‘death traps’ as experts warn of overheating crisis

England risks constructing buildings that overheat fatally unless cooling standards are tightened, with research showing only half of local authority plans require ventilation strategies despite 2,700 heat-related deaths.

Governments Knew the Risks of Global Warming as They Chose Fossil-Fueled Growth in the 1950s and ’60s

A new report reveals that the U.S. and other industrialized nations knew about global warming risks in the 1950s-60s while pursuing fossil fuel growth. The findings strengthen arguments for legal obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Heat Dome Broils the Western U.S.

A high-pressure ridge caused record-breaking temperatures across Montana, Utah, and Wyoming on July 12, 2026. The heat dome demonstrates intensifying extreme weather patterns in the western United States.

Wildlife

‘Bear-dar’ aims to give Arctic communities a heads-up on nearby polar bears

Polar Bears International and Spotter Global developed Bear-dar, an AI-powered radar system to detect approaching polar bears in the Arctic. The technology aims to reduce dangerous encounters between bears and Arctic communities.

Energy

New Zealand’s largest solar farm comes online

New Zealand's largest grid-connected solar farm has been successfully energized by UK-based Harmony Energy and Australian partner Igneo Infrastructure Partners. The project represents a significant renewable energy milestone for the country.

Energy

ISC Konstanz study highlights atomic layer deposition as a superior approach for TOPCon UV stability

ISC Konstanz researchers found that atomic layer deposition produces more UV-stable passivation layers for TOPCon solar cells than alternative methods. Testing showed 2-3% efficiency losses after high UV exposure, with layer uniformity identified as a key degradation factor.

Policy

Bay Program Delays Decision on Tribes’ Place in Chesapeake Agreement

Virginia's federally recognized tribes seek full signatory status in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Program leadership missed a July 1 deadline, rescheduling the decision on tribal inclusion to December.

Energy

Arctech tailors tracker solutions to the European market

Arctech is customizing solar tracker solutions for the European market amid rising competition. The company adapts its offerings to match varying terrains and regional regulations across Europe.

Energy

Grid tariff design key to renewable energy communities

Austrian research examines how grid tariff design in renewable energy communities can encourage prosumers to invest in flexibility measures. The study explores whether varying cost structures across multiple community memberships incentivize additional investments.