June 2026 Update

6/14/26 UPDATE: Iran War Spurs Cleantech

Re: Chapter 3.5.D A RACE AGAINST TIME

Solar electric system installation on the Minneapolis Convention Center. Photo by U.S. DOE, via Flickr.

The Iran war has created economic hardship around the world as supplies of oil, gas, and synthetic fertilizer (made from gas) run short and prices skyrocket. But it also accelerated the transition to renewable energy sources. Countries are increasing their commitment to solar and wind power, battery storage, and electric vehicles in order to diminish dependence on oil and gas. Half the gas shipments that had been passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which was blocked by the war, was headed for Asia, which experienced the worst price shocks.

South Korean president Lee Jae Myung declared the conflict a "great opportunity to rapidly and comprehensively transition to renewables."[1] 

Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s largest electric vehicle market, has targeted 47% renewable electricity generation by 2030.[2] Thailand has advanced its net zero target by 15 full years, to 2050. And in Europe rooftop solar demand has more than doubled since the Iran War began in February.[2]

References

1. Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis. “Impact of Middle East Crisis on Global Energy Markets.” May 2026. https://ieefa.org/impact-middle-east-crisis-global-energy-markets.

2. Kennedy, Danny. “Elite Cognitive Dissonance and the Asian Energy Disruption.” ProElectrica, May 28, 2026. https://proelectrica.substack.com/p/elite-cognitive-dissonance-and-the.

May 2026 Update, Part 2

5/28/26 UPDATE: POPs

Re: Chapter 8.5. WHAT ARE POPs?

Some more good news:

Levels of some of the most dangerous PFAS “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have dramatically fallen in Canadian seabird eggs, showing that regulation has been effective.

Gannet cradling egg with foot. Source: Wiki

Starting from 2006, the US Environmental Protection Agency had worked with major chemical manufacturers to phase out the most common and toxic compounds PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) by 2015.[1]

Researchers have analyzed eggs collected from a large gannet colony on Canada’s remote Bonaventure Island, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence,[2] and found that PFAS levels rose to toxic level for the birds as the widely used chemicals drifted through the atmosphere and entered the birds’ food chain. But the levels dropped by 40–74% by 2024. Manufacturers shifted to smaller PFAS molecules, which do not accumulate as much in wildlife, although they may still be toxic.

References

1. EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Risk Management for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Under TSCA.” March 26, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-management-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas.

2. Fournier, Anaïs, Anaïs Kerric, and Raphaël A. Lavoie. “Half a Century of Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Northern Gannet Eggs: Impact of Regulations.” Journal of Applied Toxicology, March 27, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.70175.

May 2026 Update

5/18/26 UPDATE: THERMAL BATTERIES

Re: Chapter 3.5A STORING ENERGY WHEN THE SUN HIDES AND THE WIND DIES DOWN

Thermal batteries made of bricks that are heated electrically are gaining interest as an alternative to chemical batteries. If they reach high enough temperatures (~1,800 °C), they can deliver hot gas to run electrical turbines (instead of burning natural gas). So excess electricity can be stored for later use. High-temperature thermal batteries can also supply industrial heat, e.g. for steel, glass, and cement making. Industrial heat accounts for approximately one-fifth of global energy consumption, with 89% generated by burning fossil fuels. MIT spin-off startup Electrified Thermal Solutions has developed a superhot (up to 1800 °C) battery with electrically heated metal oxide firebricks. San Antonio has the first commercial installation.¹ 

Storing heat at lower temperatures can also save energy. A 'sand battery' (electrically heated crushed rock) is being developed by Polar Night Energy to supply district heating in Pornainen, Finland, using grid electricity during low demand times.²

References

1.        Electrified Thermal Solutions. “Industrial Heat Goes Electric: Electrified Thermal Solutions Turns on First Commercial-Scale Joule Hive^TM Thermal Battery.” PR Newswire, January 23, 2026.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/industrial-heat-goes-electric-electrified-thermal-solutions-turns-on-first-commercial-scale-joule-hive-thermal-battery-302668926.html.

2.        Berdugo, Sophie. “We Went to Finland to Hear About the New 'Sand Battery' That Will Turn Stored Renewable Energy Back Into Power for the Electrical Grid.” Live Science, April 6, 2026. https://www.livescience.com/technology/engineering/we-went-to-finland-to-hear-about-the-new-sand-battery-that-will-turn-stored-renewable-energy-back-into-power-for-the-electrical-grid.