President Biden announced $7 billion in federal grants for solar projects in low- and middle-income communities, targeting Republicans who reject climate change policies. The grants will fund rooftop solar and community solar gardens, aiming to reduce emissions and save households money. Biden also expanded the green jobs training program American Climate Corps, mirroring the New Deal’s Civilian Conservation Corps.
Venture capitalist Sam Altman and Andreessen Horowitz are investing $20 million in Exowatt, a company developing solar-powered modules that can store energy for up to 24 hours. The move underscores the growing need for low-carbon energy sources to support the surge in AI data centers and the electrification of the economy.
Exeger, a Swedish startup, has developed Powerfoyle, a patented solar cell material that harnesses both natural and artificial light to power electronic devices. This innovative technology mimics photosynthesis, converting light energy into electricity through a dye-sensitized process. With its ability to seamlessly integrate into various products, Powerfoyle reduces e-waste and promotes more sustainable electronic solutions.
Exowatt, a startup developing energy-efficient modules for AI data centers, has secured $20 million in funding. The modules store solar energy as heat and produce electricity for up to 24 hours, benefiting from cost reductions and avoiding the need for fossil fuels.
In 2013, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg built the Solar Impulse, a solar-powered plane, to demonstrate the possibility of flying using clean energy. The plane had built-in solar panels covering its 60-meter-long wingspan, allowing it to absorb energy while flying, enabling night flights. During a journey across the United States, the Solar Impulse broke several world records for solar-powered flight.
India is investing heavily in renewable energy, with plans to build 45 GW of capacity by 2030. The country’s coal-fired power plants contribute significantly to air pollution and carbon emissions, making the transition to renewables crucial. However, the rapid growth in energy consumption and barriers to solar development pose challenges to achieving these ambitious targets.
