Innovation in Energy Solutions

Blockchain Can Be a Game-Changer for Climate Action - do you know how? As crypto markets are warming back up, at Climate Collective we're getting questions about the role of blockchain for climate again - below are some examples and a link to a primer I wrote last year. Transparent Carbon Trading and Retiring: Blockchain can revolutionize carbon credit markets by ensuring secure, transparent tracking of emissions reductions. This eliminates double-counting and increases data integrity, fostering trust and boosting participation. ~ imagine a world where you have access to all underlying data of a carbon credit, like how co-benefits have been distributed to local communities and who has owned/traded that credit before you. Issued under a digital protocol/standard would also have removed layers of intermediaries, saving costs and time. Peer-to-Peer Renewable Energy Trading: Electricity is a complicated sector - to better manage demand and supply we need more dynamic interactions between distributed generation and consumption. Blockchain can facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading, empowering individuals to participate in a clean energy future and making efficiency gains instant. ~ imagine a world where you use a automated smart contract to decide when your electric vehicle fleet will charge up from solar panels on your factory roof - or when it will share electricity back to cover a peak-load moment, depending on price and alternative demand sources. Empowering Sustainable Supply Chains: Tracking the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle is a challenge. Blockchain can provide a secure, tamper-proof record of a product's journey, promoting sustainable sourcing and ethical practices. ~ personally I think that could act as a catalyst for more harmonization of disclosure and reporting standards. Strengthen Trust and Ambition in Climate Negotiations: International climate policy/collaboration is an incredibly complex coordination challenge, where competing incentives of hundreds of individual state actors (and an army of industry lobbyists) have to be managed. Blockchain can offer a transparent tracker of climate pledges and National Determined Contribution progress, matched against actual real world measures of GHG emissions and methane in the atmosphere. ~imagine a 'pledges vs impact ledger' that help to solve fundamental accountability and incentive issues endemic to global climate negotiations - #greenaccountability.  These are just a few examples of how blockchain can empower climate action. By leveraging its core principles of transparency, traceability, and security, we can accelerate progress towards climate goals and ensure a more just transition, together. #climateaction #blockchain #sustainability #climatetech #digital #refi Sheila Warren Xiaochen Zhang Evîn Cheikosman Joseph Lubin Rene Reinsberg Sandra Ro 🇺🇦 Elizabeth Li Robert Opp Bernhard Kowatsch Mercina Tillemann Perez Alexandre Maaza

The energy grid is under immense strain from extreme weather, wildfires, and rising electricity demand. As these pressures increase, so does the need for smarter, more resilient and reliable energy grids.   Utilidata, a company that is part of Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund portfolio, is redefining energy delivery through its AI platform, Karman. This technology empowers utilities to optimize energy delivery and make better decisions about how to manage the grid by, for example, storing electricity in batteries during off-peak hours and distributing it when it's needed. As a result, electric vehicles and solar panels become flexible, valuable assets that help meet grid demand.   Embedding AI directly into the grid infrastructure helps utility decision-makers make more informed decisions and better serve customers. This innovation highlights the power of AI to modernize critical infrastructure and transform the energy sector.

Are we doing enough to make energy affordable and sustainable? As we tackle the demand for energy in a growing world, there’s a pressing question we can’t ignore: How do we ensure that everyone has access to clean, affordable energy without compromising the environment? Sustainable Development Goal #7 is all about addressing this need—ensuring reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for everyone. Take a closer look at how smart technology is transforming the energy landscape. The rise of IoT in renewable energy, for example, has been nothing short of remarkable. Through IoT sensors, we’re not just generating solar or wind power—we’re monitoring, optimizing, and even predicting energy use in real-time. These sensors allow businesses to adjust based on demand, helping to make renewable energy sources more resilient and cost-effective. Consider a business using solar panels or wind turbines to generate its own electricity. With smart grid tech, they can manage power locally, rather than depending solely on a centralized grid. The result? Reduced costs and improved energy efficiency. And it’s not just about generating power; AI and machine learning models help organizations identify peak hours to tap into energy sources efficiently, saving both money and resources. Measuring impact is essential. For many companies, tracking the real-time effects of their energy choices is critical. IoT sensors can monitor energy usage continuously, allowing organizations to prove their progress toward sustainability. By using data instead of manual reports, they can also show customers and employees that they’re taking meaningful action. And then there’s the financial side: How to allocate resources effectively. Data from these smart systems enables leaders to make thoughtful decisions about where to focus their budget. If a particular renewable project shows a greater impact, they can prioritize that effort, optimizing both sustainability and cost efficiency. It’s easy to talk about sustainability, but taking measurable steps—and having the data to back it up—makes a difference. As more organizations embrace these tools, we’re seeing a shift in how companies approach energy, balancing their environmental responsibilities with practical, business-focused strategies. Where do you see your organization on this journey?

Across the globe, climate change is revealing critical vulnerabilities in energy systems— particularly in countries that depend heavily on hydropower, as the frequency and intensity of droughts continue to increase. Nowhere is this challenge more pressing than in Africa, where prolonged droughts are putting at risk the reliability and resilience of power systems. Yet, there is also opportunity. Countries such as Kenya have demonstrated that bold investments in solar, wind, and geothermal energy can drive lasting change. The call to action is continent-wide. Zambia is a powerful case in point. In 2024, the country faced its worst drought in over four decades. With more than 80% of its electricity sourced from hydropower, the resulting energy shortfall disrupted healthcare, education, food systems, and livelihoods. Power outages lasting up to 21 hours a day impacted millions—highlighting the urgent need for change. That’s why Zambia’s shift toward a diversified, renewable energy mix is not just a climate strategy: it’s a lifeline. With support from UNDP and partners, Zambia is promoting productive uses of energy through solar-powered distributed renewable energy systems, reaching rural and remote communities with minigrids and crucially, making the energy transition inclusive for women and underserved groups. When women gain access to reliable, clean energy, they gain the power to lead businesses, feed communities, and strengthen resilience where it’s needed most. The energy transition must work for everyone. Read how Zambia is lighting the path forward in our new blog by Chibulu (Lulu) Luo, Ph.D. & Liza Kiwara: https://go.undp.org/3vv UNDP Climate UNDP Africa UNDP Zambia

A recent The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) blog post by Roxana Ayala unveils innovative strategies for improving energy efficiency in owner-occupied homes, with a focus on low-income and homeowners of color. Traditionally, cities’ energy efficiency programs gravitate towards larger buildings, leaving a significant portion of residential areas underserved. #Energyefficiency in these homes, however, offers a plethora of benefits — from improving residents' health and financial stability to mitigating climate change emissions. Milwaukee’s pioneering Energy Efficiency Program (Me2) offers low-interest loans for homeowners, requiring no down payment, home equity, or minimum credit score. These loans cover upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and efficient appliances, leading to a 30% average reduction in energy use. Philadelphia’s approach involves neighborhood energy centers (NECs) that serve as hubs for energy efficiency information and resources. Services include bill assistance, budget counseling, and weatherization assistance, making these crucial resources more accessible. These local policies serve as a testament to the positive ripple effects that can be achieved when cities are proactive about addressing energy efficiency. Sharing these models across cities can accelerate progress towards equitable energy deployment, fostering healthier homes, and reduced utility bills for all households. https://lnkd.in/g78xzzWf #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateChange #Sustainability #Housing #ACEEE #Innovation

AI has an insatiable appetite for energy. But, can AI help energy companies cook up a buffet? GE Vernova just acquired Alteia, the energy sectors first major acquisition to aimed at simultaneously powering the AI revolution and using AI to manage the resulting grid complexity. The acquisition will enable GE Vernova to, rather than building generic AI capabilities, develop visual intelligence specifically for energy infrastructure – enabling utilities to "see" their grids through AI-powered damage assessment, vegetation management, and asset inspection. Their GridOS® platform represents an AI-native approach to grid management, designed from the ground up for renewable energy integration rather than simply adding AI features to existing systems. GE Vernova's $9B commitment through 2028 represents one of the most aggressive AI investment strategies in the energy sector, far exceeding most competitors' disclosed AI-specific spending. This signals that leading energy companies view AI as fundamental infrastructure for future competitiveness, not just a technology add-on. Meanwhile, competitors across energy’s competitive landscape are taking their own approaches to AI. Siemens Energy leads with the most comprehensive strategy among traditional competitors, launching an industrial foundation model with Microsoft and pursuing workforce transformation (AI-powered learning for 250k+ employees), autonomous manufacturing (targeting 30% productivity gains), and AI-driven sales optimization. Schneider Electric, ABB, and Honeywell focus on partnerships and smaller acquisitions for IoT integration, predictive maintenance, and building automation. Notably, while some competitors have broader industrial AI portfolios, none match GE Vernova's strengthend, specific focus on AI for grid asset management; a critical differentiator as AI and visual data analysis become increasingly important for grid reliability. Every major energy company has embraced cloud partnerships (Microsoft Azure, AWS, NVIDIA) to support AI ambitions, but GE Vernova's sector-specific partnerships like its Chevron joint venture for AI data center power infrastructure demonstrate how companies are creating entirely new revenue streams. Traditional energy companies appear to be lagging in AI adoption, creating market share opportunities for AI-forward competitors. GE Vernova's is looking to win with a strategy of building proprietary AI capabilities through strategic acquisitions, rather than relying solely on partnerships. The companies that successfully integrate AI into their core operations – rather than treating it as an add-on – will likely capture disproportionate value as the energy sector digitizes.

91% of new utility-scale renewable capacity delivered power at a lower cost than the cheapest fossil alternative in 2024. A closer look at the numbers: In 2010, new utility-scale solar PV cost 4x more than electricity generated via fossil fuels. In 2024, solar PV was 41% cheaper than fossil electricity. That same story plays out for onshore wind: 23% more expensive than fossil in 2010 to 53% cheaper in 2024. Combining these numbers with energy storage becoming 93% cheaper over the last 15 years, it’s clear renewables are winning in the marketplace. Markets are building something stronger in place of old energy playbooks. Global investments in new energy technologies have doubled that of fossil fuels. But this momentum isn’t enough. We need to speed up slow and burdensome permitting processes and address grid infrastructure limitations. By deploying renewables as quickly as possible, we’ll unlock cheaper electricity for all. Source: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Had a fascinating conversation with a climate tech founder yesterday that sparked an insight: The best climate solutions often suffer to gain traction not because of their technology, but because of their analogies. Think about it: - Solar panels became mainstream when we started saying 'like a power plant on your roof' instead of explaining photovoltaic cells - Battery storage took off when we stopped talking about chemical reactions and started saying 'like a piggy bank for energy' - Protecting forests and wetlands makes sense when we describe it as “a sponge for greenhouse gases”' rather than dynamic carbon sequestration areas Here's what I've learned helping climate companies tell their stories: The right analogy isn't just a communication tool - it's the bridge between innovation and understanding. The most successful climate companies don't just solve complex problems. They make complex solutions feel familiar. At Climate Hive, we help climate innovators find their perfect analogy. Because sometimes the most technical solutions need the simplest explanations. What's your favorite analogy for explaining a climate solution? Share below 👇 #ClimateInnovation #Storytelling #CleanTech

Virginia's Bold DER Experiment Could Reshape Clean Energy Economics 📊 The electric grid wasn't built for solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. Now, schools and businesses trying to install clean energy are getting hit with shocking bills - up to $450,000 just to connect to the power grid. Why? Imagine a busy highway that needs a new lane. Currently, we're asking the last car that causes traffic to pay for the entire expansion, even though everyone uses it. That's exactly what's happening with our electric grid - and it's killing clean energy projects. But Virginia might have cracked the code with a novel solution that's turning heads in the energy world. Let's break down why this matters: 1. The Problem - Current rules force single projects to pay for entire grid upgrades - Schools canceling solar installations due to surprise $450k+ connection fees - System blocks affordable clean energy despite strong demand - No way to fairly share modernization costs 2. Virginia's Innovation - Proposed "DER tariff" spreads costs across all grid users - Small, predictable fees replace massive one-time charges - Regular public review ensures transparency - First state to attempt this systematic approach 3. The Bigger Picture - Model could unlock nationwide clean energy adoption - Makes projects viable for schools and public buildings - Creates predictable costs for business planning - Blueprint for other states to follow Here's the key insight: We're not just fixing a pricing problem - we're reinventing how we pay for and build tomorrow's electric grid. This shift could finally align the interests of utilities, developers, and customers. Question for energy leaders: Could this approach be the breakthrough needed to accelerate clean energy adoption? What challenges do you see in implementing this model more broadly? #GridModernization #CleanEnergy #MarketSignals #EnergyPolicy