Empowering the Green Transition - Week 38

Explore how countries are intensifying their investments in eco-friendly technology, lithium's crucial role in the shift toward sustainable energy, and the ever-increasing impact of renewables on global electricity production. Stay ahead of the game with “Empowering the Green Transition” and join our growing community by connecting with us on LinkedIn.

Germany on Track to Surpass 50% Renewable Energy Generation in 2023

According to Economy Minister Robert Habeck, Germany is poised to generate more than half of its electricity from renewable sources this year. This significant milestone underscores the country's commitment to a sustainable energy transition. However, the minister also emphasized the need for Germany to accelerate its efforts in renewable energy adoption as the decade progresses.

Gigantic Photovoltaic Farm Launched Near Kalisz, Poland

One of Central and Eastern Europe's potential largest solar installations has been inaugurated in Przykona, near Turku. Spanning an area equivalent to 375 soccer fields, the farm was constructed on a former lignite mine site. With 308,000 double-sided panels, it can power over 100,000 homes annually. Developed by EDP Renewables, the facility aims to reduce CO2 emissions by over 208,000 tons yearly. Dive deeper into this solar milestone - read more here (in Polish).

The first shipment of 80-meter-long blades for Australia's largest wind farm, the Golden Plains project, has arrived at Geelong Port. The 1.3 GW project, valued at $2 billion, will utilize 122 Vestas 6.2 MW turbines and is set to begin delivering power to the grid by 2025. The project has overcome legal challenges and secured $175 million from the Clean Energy Finance Council, marking the single largest investment in a wind farm by Australia's federal green bank.

Stellantis Gears Up for EV Offensive with Jeep, Dodge, and Ram

Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and other brands, is set to launch its first electric vehicles for four of its brands next year. The Ram 1500 REV electric pickup aims to outperform competitors in range, towing, and payload, offering two battery options with targeted ranges of 350 and 500 miles. Jeep is also entering the electric market with models like the Recon and Wagoneer S, featuring impressive off-road capabilities and range. Dodge will introduce the Charger Daytona SRT, an electric muscle car with an 800 V propulsion system.

First Solar Breaks Ground on Massive 3.5 GW Factory in Louisiana

First Solar, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the U.S., has commenced construction on a $1.1 billion factory in Louisiana. The facility, expected to begin commercial shipments by 2026, will add 3.5 GW to First Solar's manufacturing capacity, reaching a total of 25 GW globally. The investment is expected to create over 700 new jobs in the local area and is considered the largest capital investment in the region's history.

Hyundai's Electric Vehicle Sales Surge in August 2023

Hyundai Motor Company reported a 3.2% year-over-year increase in global vehicle sales for August 2023, with electric vehicle (EV) sales exceeding 18,000 units. Notably, around 70% of these sales were from the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models. The South Korean automaker's plug-in electric car sales have grown by 19% year-over-year, with a total of 21,547 units sold in August. The data also indicates a 23% year-over-year increase in all-electric car sales, reaching 17,460 units.

World's Northernmost Solar Farm Set to Go Live in Norway's Arctic Region

Norway has installed the world's northernmost solar farm and battery storage in the Svalbard archipelago, near the North Pole. The solar farm, developed by state-owned energy company Store Norske Energi, is expected to reduce emissions at Isfjord Radio by 70%, replacing nearly 200,000 liters of diesel used annually. The project faced challenges such as Arctic conditions and permafrost foundations but aimed to pilot emission-free hybrid energy systems in off-grid Arctic communities.

Spain Activates Its First Floating Offshore Wind Turbine

Spain has successfully connected its first floating offshore wind turbine to the grid, marking a milestone in the country's renewable energy sector. The 2-megawatt DemoSATH project, developed by Saitec Offshore Technologies in collaboration with Germany's RWE Offshore Wind and Japan's Kansai Electric Power, is now supplying power equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 2,000 Spanish households. The project aims to gather data for the next two years to inform future large-scale projects.

Zinc-Bromine Flow Batteries: From Exxon's Early Research to Current Innovations

Zinc-bromine flow batteries are emerging as a promising solution for long-duration energy storage, capable of supporting renewable energy systems. Exxon was among the early researchers in this technology back in the 1970s. Today, the technology is receiving significant investment from the U.S. Department of Energy and is being applied in various sectors, including the U.S. military's green initiatives.