January 3 Green Energy News

Headline News:

“One Step Closer To The Compostable EV Battery Of The Future” • Singapore-based startup Flint introduced a “paper battery.” The new, compostable battery aims to elevate the sustainability profile of energy storage systems for EVs, along with other applications, by eliminating toxic materials and supply chain complications. [CleanTechnica]

Biodegradable battery (Courtesy of Flint Labs, cropped)

“China’s BYD Overtakes Tesla As Global EV Leader With 2.26 Million Sales, While Tesla Slips To 1.64 Million” • In 2025, Tesla delivered about 1.64 million vehicles, a 8.6% decrease from 2024 and its second straight annual decline. But China’s BYD surged ahead, selling around 2.26 million battery EVs. Including plugin hybrids, BYD sold 4.6 million cars. [The Tech Portal]
“UK Renewables Hit Record High In 2025” • UK renewables set records in 2025, though electricity generation from gas still rose as coal plants went offline. Nuclear power declined and demand grew, analysis shows. The assessment from climate and energy publication Carbon Brief shows electricity demand rose slightly, after years of declining demand. [Nation.Cymru]
“Donald Trump Illegally Extends Life of the Coal-Fired Craig Unit 1, Driving Up Electricity Bills and Increasing Pollution” • A recent by Grid Strategies shows that forcing Craig Unit 1 to keep running past the date its owners had agreed on will cost about $85 million per year. Colorado and neighboring states will be forced to pay for that. [CleanTechnica]
“Kansas Solar Farm Growth To Explode Over AI” • Some solar industry leaders say Kansas is on the verge of a major shift as developers increasingly look to the state for utility-scale solar projects, despite Kansas historically lagging behind most states in installed solar capacity. In Plains states, solar is emerging as a complement to wind. [Oklahoma Energy Today]