The U.S. Commerce Department is expected to make a preliminary decision on whether to impose tariffs on solar panels from four Southeast Asian countries. Solar companies say the threat of tariffs alone is a nationwide project freeze. Solar advocates say the move will delay projects and hurt progress on climate change. A final decision is expected in May.
Amazon has announced the first wind-solar hybrid project in India with Vibrant Energy, a subsidiary of Macquarie Green Investment Group. The two projects represent 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity and will be located in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Amazon owns three solar farms in Rajasthan and currently has five utility-scale renewable energy projects in the country. It aims to use 100% renewable energy worldwide by 2025.
Construction on one of Australia's largest wind farms is set to begin after developers secure funding. The first phase of the Golden Plains project involves a 756 MW wind farm, which will begin generating electricity in the first quarter of 2025. For the first time, a renewable energy development in Australia is funding the project before it attracts customers.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Jodhpur have developed nanocomposite catalytic materials for artificial photosynthesis to produce high-purity hydrogen. In the patented method, the researchers harness natural sunlight to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen using a highly recyclable catalyst. The team has now developed a series of catalysts that can efficiently produce hydrogen under ambient conditions.
India has presented its long-term low-emissions development strategy at COP27, outlining plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Leaders of India's clean energy transition met at EnergyScape to discuss the way forward. The conclave specifically promoted the use of electric vehicles, major climate investments and green hydrogen production.
India added 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of rooftop solar between January and September 2022, an 11% drop compared to the same period last year. The decline in installations was mainly due to rising solar module costs and uncertainty over the list of approved modules and manufacturers during the period.