China's electric grid is the world's largest emitter of sulfur hexafluoride, a potent greenhouse gas used in high-voltage equipment, despite the country's renewable energy leadership. The climate impact of this super-pollutant undermines gains from renewable expansion.
Chinese battery maker Sunwoda has unveiled a flash charging system capable of charging EV batteries from 10-97% in under 10 minutes at room temperature. The technology can add approximately 100 km of range per minute of charging.
Harvard economists project EV sales will reach 32-38% of US market by 2030, showing continued growth despite recent federal policy changes. The forecast suggests electric vehicle adoption will accelerate despite headwinds from shifting government energy priorities.
Tesla's $10.1 billion solar gigafactory in Texas received approval for property tax incentives from a local school district. The facility will produce solar cells and modules as part of a vertically integrated operation.
BASF and Siemens Energy are integrating a green electricity-powered electrolyzer into the world's largest chemical plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. This demonstration shows how green hydrogen can replace fossil fuel-based hydrogen in industrial chemical production.
Climate-vulnerable countries spend 25 times more on debt repayment than climate action, according to ActionAid. The report highlights how debt and climate crises are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
Over 3,100 sea dragons, pipefishes and seahorses died in South Australia's worst recorded mass mortality event for the fish family, caused by a harmful algal bloom.
China's EV market share reached 65% in August, with BEVs comprising 45% of sales. The record was driven by declining ICE vehicle sales rather than exceptional EV growth.
A study examines the origins and networks behind wildlife crime in Zambia, focusing on ivory and pangolin scale trafficking. Researchers trace how criminals recruit participants and establish supply chains to buyers in urban centers.
Australia has activated its longest-duration grid battery, featuring 144 Tesla Megapacks that can discharge for eight hours. RWE's Limondale battery in New South Wales is the first project of its kind in the country.
EVE Energy and Fluence signed a five-year battery supply agreement totaling 206 GWh, with 16 GWh committed for 2027. The deal supports energy storage expansion in the US market.
Singapore researchers developed an artificial leaf technology for hydrogen production from contaminated seawater. Multiple hydrogen infrastructure projects launched across Europe, including production facilities and refueling stations.
Five infant orangutans discovered in India's Odisha state were likely trafficked across international borders and must now navigate complex legal systems to return to Indonesia. Conservationists highlight the dangers of wildlife trafficking and the challenges of repatriating endangered primates.
NOAA Fisheries released 34 deregulation priorities under the Trump administration that could harm marine ecosystems. Environmental experts warn the move threatens vital ocean health and fish populations.
Lake Powell has reached record-low water levels due to snow drought and unusually warm temperatures in the Colorado Basin during 2026. The declining reservoir storage reflects ongoing water stress in the U.S. West.
NASA Earth Observatory · Sep 18, 2026 · relevance 8/10
SMA opened a 60 GW inverter factory near Kassel, Germany, with highly automated production for utility-scale solar, battery storage, and hybrid systems. The facility represents a major manufacturing expansion for renewable energy conversion technology.
Germany is testing grid-forming inverters to connect large-scale battery storage systems at the distribution grid level. This technology is essential for enabling renewable energy to become the backbone of regional energy systems.
Environmental and public health groups are suing the Trump EPA over its plan to revoke Biden-era greenhouse gas emissions limits for fossil fuel power plants. The agency finalized the rule elimination in the Federal Register this week.
A five-year multinational study reveals that microplastics in soil transport pollutants, pesticides, and bacteria through ecosystems. The research highlights how these particles act as vectors for toxins, amplifying contamination risks.
A new report reveals private jets pollute up to 14 times more than commercial planes while owners avoid paying fair aviation taxes. Despite wealthy owners averaging $190m in wealth, the US tax system fails to capture proportionate fees for private aircraft operations.
Drone footage reveals the Araguaia River severely drying up as drought grips parts of Brazil. The Tocantins-Araguaia basin faces critical drought conditions ahead of anticipated El Niño impacts in late 2026-27.
Scientists are transferring vast U.S. climate data to German repositories due to concerns the Trump administration could alter critical climate information. The move aims to preserve data for the next U.N. climate assessment.
Three endangered African wild dog brothers traveled over 2,500 miles across Zambia in eight months, setting a record for the longest single journey by any African mammal. The siblings were forced to leave their pack and establish new territory, navigating hazards including vehicles, hunters, and snares.
China has designated perovskite solar and next-generation batteries as strategic priorities in its 2026-30 industrial roadmap. The plan includes measures to regulate manufacturing capacity and price competition in these sectors.
Global residential energy storage capacity is projected to reach 46.1 GWh in 2026, with Europe, Oceania, and Asia leading growth. Fox ESS, Sigenergy, and Deye are the top three suppliers by shipment volume in early 2026.