Articles tagged with "cleantech"
New 'sand-in-motion' battery offers 10x more heat transfer efficiency
Finnish cleantech startup TheStorage has launched its first industrial-scale thermal energy system at a brewery in January 2026, marking a significant advancement in industrial heat production. The system converts renewable electricity into heat stored in sand, which can then be used on demand for industrial processes. This "sand-in-motion" technology achieves up to 10 times higher heat transfer efficiency compared to traditional static storage methods, enabling energy cost reductions of up to 70% and carbon emission cuts of up to 90% for manufacturing facilities. The system is scalable, with storage capacities from 20 to 500 MWh and charging power between 1 to 20 MW, addressing the heavy-duty heat demands of various industries. The technology tackles a critical global issue, as industrial heat accounts for 20% of global energy use, with 80% currently derived from fossil fuels. By using cheap, abundant renewable electricity to heat sand to temperatures up to 800°C, the system stores thermal energy efficiently and delivers it
energyrenewable-energythermal-energy-storageindustrial-heatdecarbonizationcleantechenergy-efficiencySmash The Oiligarcy, The Future Is Now! - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the platform’s recent success in surpassing its $2,000 Kickstarter fundraising goal through donations and subscriptions, which are vital for supporting their cleantech journalism and initiatives. They are now focusing on new projects, including publishing their first full book—recommended as an engaging and well-researched resource for climate-conscious readers—and organizing their inaugural Electric Home Show. The article also promotes CleanTechnica-branded merchandise featuring cleantech-focused slogans such as “The Future Is Now” and the pun-inspired “Smash The Oiligarcy,” which critiques the US oil industry's resistance to clean energy progress. Additionally, the article reflects on the author’s experience presenting cleantech research globally, emphasizing the enduring relevance of spreading messages about clean technology and climate action. The merchandise serves both as a way to raise funds and foster community among readers, with the author sharing anecdotes of meeting fellow supporters in everyday settings. Readers are encouraged to engage further by subscribing to CleanTechnica’s newsletters
energyclean-technologyrenewable-energysustainabilityelectric-vehiclesclimate-changecleantechCleanTechnica on Kickstarter! - CleanTechnica
CleanTechnica, after 18 years of operation, is embarking on three new initiatives to expand its impact in the cleantech and sustainability space. First, the organization is hosting its inaugural in-person event in North America, specifically in Hawaii, a region known for its strong cleantech adoption and sustainability efforts. This event is intended to be the first of many similar gatherings worldwide. Second, CleanTechnica is launching a physical book authored by Scott Cooney, which covers climate, cleantech, and ecopsychology topics. The book has received endorsements from prominent figures such as Bill McKibben and Mark Z. Jacobson, highlighting its quality and relevance. Third, CleanTechnica has initiated a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to support these new projects and its broader mission. The campaign aims to engage supporters who want to contribute financially to CleanTechnica’s work. Additionally, the organization continues to offer subscriptions through Substack and payment options via Stripe for ongoing support. Zachary Shahan
energyrenewable-energycleantechsustainabilityelectric-vehiclesenergy-storagecrowdfundingMillions of People Are Dying from USAID Cuts - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the severe humanitarian consequences resulting from significant cuts to USAID (United States Agency for International Development) programs, actions linked to Elon Musk’s involvement with a political entity dubbed the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) during the Trump administration. These budget reductions have reportedly led to the premature deaths of hundreds of thousands, with projections estimating up to 14 million deaths over five years. The cuts have devastated critical aid efforts, including food assistance to refugee camps and global health initiatives such as HIV response programs, exacerbating suffering among vulnerable populations like the Rohingya children and refugees worldwide. The piece underscores the bipartisan support USAID historically enjoyed due to its vital role in saving lives and enhancing U.S. global standing. It criticizes the Trump-era political appointees and Musk’s actions for dismantling these programs, describing the resulting humanitarian crisis as “horrible” and “beyond words.” Various experts, journalists, and politicians cited in the article condemn the
energyclean-technologysolar-energyelectric-vehiclescleantechrenewable-energyenvironmental-impactOil & The Narco: A Radical Perspective Regarding Cleantech’s Role Amidst the War on Drugs - CleanTechnica
The article "Oil & The Narco: A Radical Perspective Regarding Cleantech’s Role Amidst the War on Drugs" explores the complex relationship between Colombia’s cocaine production, its ongoing internal conflict, and the potential impact of cleantechnology on this dynamic. Historically, cocaine production in Colombia has been deeply intertwined with armed groups, including paramilitaries and guerrillas like the FARC, who used coca cultivation and cocaine trafficking to finance their operations. Despite government efforts to combat drug production, including the takedown of notorious figures like Pablo Escobar and aerial herbicide spraying, cocaine production has surged again since 2013. This resurgence is attributed primarily to the ban on glyphosate spraying, which was harmful to local communities, and the economic effects of the global oil crisis that devalued the Colombian peso, increasing narco profits. The article highlights that cocaine production has reached unprecedented levels in the 2020s, driven by both an expansion in coca cultivation area and increased crop
energycleantechcoca-cropsdrug-warColombiasustainable-energyeconomic-impactPolicy Moving Forward: Reversing Protectionism Targeting Cleantech - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critiques the protectionist trade policies targeting cleantech in the United States, emphasizing the negative economic and environmental consequences of tariffs on renewable energy technologies. It highlights how tariffs increase the cost of cleantech products like solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs), making them significantly more expensive in the U.S. compared to countries like China. Despite subsidies such as those in the Inflation Reduction Act, these measures only partially offset the higher prices, which in turn slows adoption of clean technologies, prolongs reliance on fossil fuels, and undermines long-term environmental and economic benefits. Politically, the article points out that both President Biden and former President Trump have pursued notably protectionist policies, with Biden being the most protectionist Democratic president in modern history. This protectionism is framed as a simplistic "us vs. them" approach that ignores the benefits of international trade and value exchange. The article warns that such policies echo the mistakes of Herbert Hoover’s era, which worsened the Great
energycleantechrenewable-energytariffssolar-panelselectric-vehiclesclean-technologyThe Super Exciting Thing Michael Liebreich & I Are Loving These Days - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the shared enthusiasm of Michael Liebreich and Zachary Shahan for the rapid advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, particularly focusing on battery improvements and cost reductions. Both have closely followed cleantech developments and recently found excitement in the evolution of the Nissan LEAF, which has seen significant enhancements since its launch: doubling power capacity, tripling battery and charging capacity, quadrupling range, and reducing cost by about 33%. These improvements exemplify the broader trend of falling battery costs and rising performance that are transforming the EV market. Liebreich’s recent Substack post features a compelling slide illustrating these gains and projects a future where, within 15 years, a Nissan LEAF could potentially offer 500 miles of range, 375 kW fast charging, and a price around $25,000. This forecast underscores the article’s main takeaway: the EV revolution is far from over and is poised for even more dramatic advancements. The piece emphasizes that these
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologycleantechrenewable-energyenergy-storageelectric-car-marketThe Cleantech Revolution Will Not Be Led By Petrostates - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica argues that the global cleantech revolution will not be led by petrostates—countries whose economies are heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues—due to entrenched fossil fuel interests and political influence. While the U.S. has contributed significant early innovations in solar cells, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs), its progress is often undermined by powerful fossil fuel lobbying and political shifts, particularly from the fossil-fuel-aligned Republican Party. As a result, EV adoption in the U.S. remains below 10%, and clean energy progress is frequently stalled or reversed. In contrast, China and Europe, which are not dominated by oil and gas industries, have been able to accelerate their leadership in cleantech, especially in EV development. The article highlights that petrostates like Russia and Saudi Arabia use their influence to delay global climate initiatives, such as the recent postponement of the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework vote, driven by pressure from the U
energycleantechrenewable-energyelectric-vehiclesenergy-transitionfossil-fuelsclean-technologyWhy Nations Fail, Revisited: America’s Institutional Drift & China’s Cleantech Rise - CleanTechnica
The article revisits the 2012 book "Why Nations Fail" by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, which argued that inclusive political and economic institutions are essential for sustained prosperity. The authors originally positioned the United States as a model of such institutions, characterized by pluralism, rule of law, and a culture that embraces creative destruction, while portraying China as limited by extractive political institutions that would eventually hinder its long-term growth. However, the article notes that by 2025, this forecast appears inverted: America is experiencing institutional erosion, with political attacks on constitutional norms, civil service, universities, and scientific research, alongside protectionist economic policies that resist innovation and creative destruction. In contrast, China has aggressively invested in education and technology, producing a vast number of STEM graduates and maintaining strong support for research and development. This investment has enabled China to surge ahead in fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, challenging the earlier assumptions that its political system would stifle innovation. The article suggests that
energycleantecheconomic-institutionsinnovationtechnology-deploymenteconomic-prosperitypolitical-institutionsHow College Racing Can Solve Cleantech's Biggest Crisis: Talent - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a critical talent shortage in the cleantech industry, particularly in engineers skilled at integrating electric powertrains with autonomous vehicle systems. While battery technology and charging infrastructure have advanced, the bottleneck now lies in finding graduates who can seamlessly combine perception, planning, and control technologies in electric vehicles. This gap is constraining the rapid deployment of clean, autonomous transportation at scale. A significant breakthrough occurred at the 2025 Formula SAE Electric competition held at Michigan International Speedway, where over 80 university teams competed under new rules that made autonomous driving capabilities mandatory. This competition, which evolved from the traditional Formula SAE (focused on combustion engines since 1980) and launched its electric division in 2013, now requires students to build electric race cars capable of navigating courses without human input. The success of teams like Oregon State University, San Jose State, and Georgia Tech demonstrated that universities are now effectively training engineers with the multidisciplinary skills needed by cleantech companies such as Tesla and Rivian.
energyelectric-vehiclesautonomous-systemscleantechengineering-educationFormula-SAE-Electricelectric-powertrainsCould the “Faltering” US Dollar Create Global Clean Tech Investment Opportunities? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the recent significant decline of the US dollar, which has lost nearly 11% of its value against a basket of major global currencies in the first half of 2025—the worst performance since the era when the dollar was backed by gold. This weakening dollar has broad implications, including making US imports more expensive and affecting global trade dynamics. The article connects this currency shift to opportunities in global clean technology (cleantech) investments, especially as the US transition to renewables appears to be faltering while other countries accelerate their efforts. Key investment insights include favoring US companies with strong international sales, as revenues earned in stronger foreign currencies translate into higher dollar values. Emerging markets, particularly China, are highlighted as leaders in cleantech production and sales, surpassing the US and expanding influence in regions like Africa by removing tariffs and fostering local startups. This shift signals growing opportunities not only for Chinese firms but also for local cleantech ventures in developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin
energyclean-technologyrenewable-energyglobal-investmentcleantechemerging-marketselectric-vehiclesThe Huge Fraud of DOGE - CleanTechnica
The article "The Huge Fraud of DOGE" from CleanTechnica critically examines claims made by Elon Musk and associates regarding widespread government fraud uncovered by the so-called DOGE ("Department of Government Efficiency") initiative. Initially, DOGE alleged massive fraud within USAID, Social Security, the Pentagon, and other government sectors, including accusations that millions of deceased individuals were fraudulently receiving Social Security benefits. These claims were widely publicized and influenced policy decisions, including significant budget cuts to aid programs. However, upon investigation, these allegations were found to be largely baseless, with only two potential fraud cases identified out of an initially claimed ten million. No arrests or indictments have resulted from these claims, and no official investigations appear to be ongoing. The article highlights the severe consequences of these false claims, noting that cuts to USAID programs alone are projected to result in the deaths of 600,000 women and children, according to an inadvertent disclosure by Senator Marco Rubio’s Department of State. The
energycleantechTeslaelectric-vehiclessolar-energygovernment-fraudsocial-securityUS Not Ready To Give Up On Energy Storage -- UYet
The US energy storage sector has experienced significant growth alongside the expanding wind and solar industries since the early 2000s. Despite recent shifts in White House energy policy and partisan opposition to renewables, the US Department of Energy (DOE) continues to invest in next-generation energy storage technologies, recently releasing $15 million in funding for advanced storage projects. Energy storage is increasingly recognized as energy source-agnostic, benefiting not only renewables but also fossil fuel-based grid power. This broader appeal is driven in part by the data center industry's demand for reliable, resilient, and cost-saving energy solutions, including onsite storage that can replace traditional backup generators and reduce peak utility costs. A notable example of innovation in this space is Quino Energy, a US startup developing organic flow batteries using quinones instead of traditional vanadium. This approach allows deployment in existing oil storage tanks without corrosion, significantly lowering hardware costs. Quino recently secured $10 million from the California Energy Commission and an additional $5 million from the DOE
energy-storagerenewable-energyflow-batterycleantechUS-Department-of-Energygrid-improvementsenergy-fundingTesla Robotaxi Pilot, Big Tesla Sales Drop in Europe, BYD Growth & Profits — 15 Top Cleantech Stories of the Week - CleanTechnica
The article highlights several key developments in the cleantech sector over the past week. Tesla has initiated a small-scale robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas, which has generated enthusiasm among fans, though some skepticism remains. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales in Europe are declining despite local production of the Model Y at its German Gigafactory, raising concerns about the company's prospects in that market. In contrast, Waymo has launched robotaxi services in Atlanta exclusively through Uber, marking a notable partnership in autonomous ride-hailing. Ethiopia is reinforcing its commitment to electric vehicles by maintaining its ban on fossil-fueled vehicle imports, signaling a strong stance on clean transportation that could inspire other nations. The article also underscores the growing dominance of solar power combined with battery storage, with new reports suggesting that batteries are now affordable enough to enable nearly constant, cost-effective solar electricity supply in sunny regions. Chinese EV manufacturer BYD is thriving despite ongoing price wars, maintaining healthy profit margins and expanding aggressively into export markets like Thailand and Brazil
robotrobotaxiTeslaelectric-vehiclesenergy-storagesolar-powercleantechEU Rules Out Production Aid In Blow To Battery & Cleantech Industry - CleanTechnica
The European Commission’s newly published state-aid rules, known as CISAF, have been criticized as a setback for the EU cleantech and battery industry. The rules maintain a ban on production aid—subsidies tied directly to units produced—despite the US successfully using such aid to build a competitive battery sector. While CISAF allows governments to take equity stakes in cleantech companies, eases aid for projects approved by the EU Innovation Fund, and conditions foreign automotive investment aid on intellectual property and skills transfer, these measures are viewed as insufficient to address the EU’s lack of competitiveness in cleantech manufacturing. Critics, including green group Transport & Environment (T&E), argue that the EU missed an opportunity to implement simple, predictable, and bankable production aid similar to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was promised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. T&E highlights that although €1.8 billion remains earmarked for batteries under the Innovation Fund, and there
energycleantechbattery-industryEU-regulationshydrogenstate-aidInnovation-FundWhere to See Hope amidst Broad US Attack on Cleantech - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the challenging landscape for cleantech advocates in the United States amid political moves to reduce or eliminate production incentives and consumer subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) and solar technologies, particularly those established by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. These policy changes, driven by Republicans in Congress and the White House, threaten to increase production costs and consumer prices for EVs and solar power systems in the US, potentially slowing domestic cleantech growth. Despite these setbacks in the US, the article emphasizes global progress and reasons for optimism. Solar and wind power continue to dominate new power capacity additions worldwide, including in the US, due to their cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment. The EV market is rapidly expanding, especially in China—expected to see over 50% of new vehicle sales as plug-in vehicles by 2025—and Europe, which offers hundreds of electric car models. Policymaker mandates, rather than automaker initiatives alone, are driving this growth. Additionally, Chinese automakers
energycleantechelectric-vehiclessolar-powerwind-powerEV-marketrenewable-energySilicon Valley VC Approach Not The Best For Cleantech Investment, JPMorgan Says - CleanTechnica
energycleantechinvestmentclimatecapitalsustainabilityrenewable-energyEurope Needs a Cleantech State Aid Overhaul — Starting with Production Incentives - CleanTechnica
energycleantechproduction-incentivesEU-policyrenewable-energyindustrial-policyprivate-investment