US President Donald Trump Makes Surprise Move Into Algae Biofuel

cleantechnica.com Jun 21, 2026

US President Donald Trump Makes Surprise Move Into Algae Biofuel

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 21, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

US President Donald Trump has made a surprise move into algae biofuel by transforming the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, into a breeding ground for green algae. This move supports the domestic algae biofuel industry, which is a key part of the "American Energy Dominance" policy. Algae biofuel has the potential to replace conventional crops and produce 10-100 times more fuel per acre. Companies like BRK Technology and Mazda are working on commercializing algae biofuel, with applications in heavy equipment and sports cars. The industry still faces challenges, but recent breakthroughs and investments suggest a promising future. Trump's move highlights the potential of algae biofuel as a sustainable energy source.

💡 Why It Matters

· Algae biofuel operations can achieve carbon negativity by absorbing CO₂ and recovering exhaust gases, making them a potentially game-changing technology in the fight against climate change.
· The US government's support for algae biofuel could also drive innovation and investment in the industry.

Capsules Energy

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Sunshine & Heat Pumps — How Greece Does Net Zero

Greece is embracing net zero technologies, particularly heat pumps and solar energy, to achieve a resilient and renewable future. The country's mild climate makes heat pumps an ideal choice for space conditioning, and they are widely used for cooling. Solar energy is harnessed through photovoltaic panels, solar water heating, and clothes drying, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Greece has seen significant growth in solar power, with 17% of its electricity coming from solar in 2025. The use of solar water heating is especially prevalent, with 35% of homes having a solar water heater, providing essentially free fuel to heat water.

💡 Greece's approach to net zero technologies offers a unique model for other countries with similar climates. The widespread adoption of solar water heating, in particular, highlights its potential as a cost-effective and efficient solution for reducing energy consumption.

techtimes.com · Jun 21

FERC Mandates Fast-Track Data Center Grid Access, Shielding Ratepayers from Costs

Federal regulators have issued orders to six major US grid operators to eliminate bottlenecks preventing AI data centers from connecting to the power grid, with developers bearing the connection costs. The orders, approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, cover grid operators serving 200 million Americans and aim to integrate large energy loads into the bulk electric grid while protecting consumers. The rules require grid operators to submit reliability reports and reform pricing structures within 60 days. This move addresses AI power demand as a national infrastructure crisis requiring federal coordination, shielding ratepayers from costs.

💡 By shielding ratepayers from AI infrastructure costs, FERC's orders protect household electricity customers from shouldering the financial burden of data center connections. FERC's move sets a standard for responsibly integrating large energy loads into the grid.

cleantechnica.com · Jun 21

Perovskite-Silicon Solar Cells Meet Matrix Shingled Interconnection Collaboration between Oxford PV &…

Oxford PV and Fraunhofer ISE have collaborated to combine perovskite-silicon solar cells with Matrix Shingle interconnection technology, achieving a 25.6 percent efficiency rate. The new module design will be showcased at The Smarter E / Intersolar trade fair. Oxford PV's perovskite-silicon tandem technology and Fraunhofer ISE's Matrix Shingle technology work well together, increasing productivity and reducing resistive losses. The tandem modules are glass-glass modules with edge sealing, protecting the moisture-sensitive solar cells. The collaboration has resulted in two module variants, a 491-watt rooftop module and a 546-watt bifacial module.

💡 The integration of perovskite-silicon solar cells with Matrix Shingle technology reduces operating costs by minimizing copper connector usage. This collaboration also paves the way for higher efficiency limits in photovoltaics, potentially rising to 43.3 percent.

cleantechnica.com · Jun 21

India Needs 10 GWh of Battery Storage Now to Stop Coal’s Inflexibility…

India requires approximately 10 gigawatt-hours of battery storage to prevent renewable energy curtailment when coal-based power plants cannot ramp down below their technical minimum. Coal plants are unable to operate below 55% of rated capacity, forcing grid operators to curtail clean electricity to keep them online. This resulted in the curtailment of around 2.1 terawatt-hours of renewable generation in the fiscal year 2025-26. Battery storage can absorb surplus energy during the midday solar window, providing downward reserves and avoiding curtailment. India's solar capacity has grown, with 24 GW added between October 2025 and April 2026, exacerbating the need for battery storage.

💡 India's inability to integrate renewable energy without curtailment threatens to constrain its next phase of renewable energy growth. Deploying battery storage can unlock the full potential of solar and wind power, enabling the country to reduce its reliance on coal and meet its clean energy goals.

cleantechnica.com · Jun 21

BYD Battery Production Ramps Up In Brazil

BYD is ramping up battery production in Brazil as part of its strategy to focus on localized production in regional markets. The company aims to reach 50% domestic content in its Brazilian-made cars by 2027. BYD has already become a top five auto brand in Brazil, with plugin vehicles reaching 13.5% of the market. The company is investing in its flagship plant and expanding production lines for bus batteries and battery energy storage systems. This investment is part of a broader plan to invest 5.5 billion reais in Brazil. BYD's vehicle exports have grown 65% this year.

💡 Localized production helps BYD reduce reliance on international supply chains. Investing in battery energy storage systems also supports Brazil's grid stability, fostering a positive relationship with the local market.

cleantechnica.com · Jun 20

Historic Graph: Solar Electricity Surpasses Coal Electricity In USA

In a historic milestone, solar electricity surpassed coal electricity in the US for the first time in May 2026. According to Ember, solar provided 12.8% of the US total electricity generation, while coal provided 12.2%. This shift marks a significant decline in coal power, down 11% year-over-year, and a substantial increase in solar power, which has more than doubled its share of the electricity mix over the past five years. Solar is now the third-largest source of electricity in the US, behind gas and nuclear.

💡 The rise of solar electricity in the US signals a fundamental shift in the country's energy landscape, with renewable energy sources becoming increasingly dominant. As solar power continues to set new records, markets across the US are betting on it to meet rising power needs, underscoring the need for a more sustainable energy future.