Edition 5 | April 7, 2025 |
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A newsletter with 5 or more fascinating resources to inform and inspire action |
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01 | Solar Power Delivered from Space |
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Overview: Aetherflux is pioneering the collection of solar energy in space, aiming to beam it back to Earth using infrared lasers. This innovative approach seeks to provide continuous, renewable power to remote and hard-to-reach locations. Watch the video on their homepage for moreTakeaways: - 🛰️Utilizes a constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit to capture solar energy.
- 🔴Transmits collected energy to Earth via infrared lasers, enabling efficient power delivery.
- 🌍Aims to supply power to locations where traditional energy delivery is challenging, such as disaster-stricken regions and remote military bases.
- 💰Secured $50 million in Series A funding to advance their technology and plan a demonstration mission by 2026.
- 🛡️Will strengthen national security by providing reliable energy to critical operations.
Keywords: space-based solar power, renewable energy, infrared laser transmission, remote energy solutions, national security |
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02 | Battery Energy Storage System BESS |
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Overview: As extreme weather events and grid outages grow more frequent, U.S. homeowners are installing backup batteries at unprecedented levels. With growing incentives and falling costs, batteries are becoming the new “must-have” for solar households.
Takeaways: - 📈 U.S. home battery installations hit a record high in 2024
- 🌞 Homeowners with solar panels are increasingly pairing them with batteries to store excess energy for nighttime or cloudy days.
- 🏠 Backup power during outages, enhancing household resilience against grid failures.
- 💰 Federal and state programs are offering tax credits and rebates
Keywords: storage, resilience, electrification, solar, extreme weather |
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03 | Fungi-powered, Biodegradable Diapers |
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Overview: Hiro Technologies has introduced a fully compostable diaper made from fungi-based mycelium that breaks down in just 3 weeks. This first-of-its-kind innovation tackles one of the most polluting consumer products—baby diapers.
Takeaways: - 🌱 Diapers are crafted from mycelium, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable diapers
- ⏳ These diapers break down in approximately 21 days vs. centuries
- 🏭 No Industrial Composting Needed: They can be composted at home, eliminating the need for specialized facilities.
- 🗑️ Landfill waste reduction is substantial
- 🔄 Shift towards products designed with end-of-life biodegradability in mind
Keywords: biomaterials, waste, composting, circular economy, nature tech |
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04 | Indian Girls' School - Oval Architecture |
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Overview: The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls' School, designed by architect Diana Kellogg, stands as a beacon of sustainable design and female empowerment in Rajasthan's Thar Desert. Crafted from local sandstone, the oval-shaped structure remains cool despite extreme temperatures, providing education to over 400 girls in the region.
Takeaways: - 🏜️ The school's oval design symbolizes femininity and infinity, blending seamlessly with the desert landscape
- 🛠️ Constructed using hand-carved sandstone by local artisans, promoting traditional skills and sustainability.
- 🌞 The building's design ensures it stays cool even in 120+°F temperatures without air conditioning. Interior temps drop as much as 30°F
- 🎓 Provides education for over 400 girls from kindergarten to 10th grade, enhancing female literacy in the area.
- 🌍 Incorporates solar panels and rainwater harvesting, emphasizing eco-friendly design.
Keywords: architecture, sustainability, education, female empowerment, India |
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Watch the female architect's YouTube video HERE about her inspiration |
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05 | Five Planned Texas Gas Plants Pull Plug |
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Overview: Five planned gas plants in Texas have been scrapped amid soaring interconnection costs and permitting delays. It’s part of a broader slowdown in fossil infrastructure as economics increasingly favor clean energy. Texas’ legislature attempting to force (unsuccessfully) buildout of gas.
Takeaways: - ❌ Five planned gas plant projects terminated in early 2025 due to financial and regulatory challenges
- 💸 Interconnection expenses have surged,
- ⏳ Lengthy and complex permitting processes have deterred investment in fossil fuel infrastructure.
- ⚡ Renewable energy projects are becoming more attractive due to lower costs and streamlined approvals.
Keywords: gas, grid, interconnection, Texas, clean energy shift |
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