Laatste nieuws in green
AI Could Fast-Track Europe's Renewable Energy Goals Despite Global Slowdown
Brussels, Thursday, 22 January 2026.
While renewable energy deployment faces headwinds globally, artificial intelligence emerges as a game-changer for Europe’s clean energy transition. With renewables already powering nearly half of European electricity in 2024, AI technologies are optimizing grid management and energy distribution to overcome critical bottlenecks. The technology enables real-time demand forecasting and seamless integration of intermittent solar and wind power, potentially unlocking hidden capacity in existing infrastructure and accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels at lower costs.
Wind and Solar Power Surpass Fossil Fuels in European Union for First Time
Brussels, Thursday, 22 January 2026.
Europe reached a historic energy milestone in 2025 as renewable sources generated 30% of electricity compared to fossil fuels’ 29%. Solar power drove this breakthrough with remarkable 20% annual growth for four consecutive years, now providing over one-fifth of electricity in countries like the Netherlands and Spain. This shift occurred across 14 EU member states, with coal falling to just 9.2% of generation. However, infrastructure challenges persist as outdated power grids force renewable operators to waste electricity during peak production periods.
AI Data Centers Could Boost US Carbon Emissions by 29% Within a Decade
United States, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
AI systems now match New York City’s carbon footprint and consume water equivalent to global bottled water usage annually. Without policy intervention, data center emissions could surge 19-29% over the next ten years as electricity demand skyrockets 60-80% by 2050.
Europe Awards €270 Million to Six Hydrogen Projects That Will Cut Millions of Tonnes of CO2
Brussels, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
The European Commission has finalized grant agreements with six renewable hydrogen projects, injecting €270.6 million from emissions trading revenues into clean energy infrastructure. These facilities, located across Spain, Finland, and Norway, will collectively produce 500,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually over the next decade. The projects represent a breakthrough in commercial-scale hydrogen production, with installations ranging from 5 to 200 megawatts of electrolyser capacity. Most significantly, these initiatives will eliminate 3.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over their operational lifetime, equivalent to removing hundreds of thousands of cars from European roads permanently.
Dutch Students Create Electric Car That Owners Can Fix Themselves
Netherlands, Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
University students in the Netherlands have developed a revolutionary electric vehicle called Aria that eliminates expensive mechanic visits through user-friendly design. The car features a diagnostic app that connects via USB-C to smartphones, using 3D models to guide owners to broken components. Most remarkably, the modular battery system can be removed by hand, while exterior parts like bumpers snap off easily for replacement. This innovation directly addresses the growing complexity and repair costs of modern electric vehicles, potentially transforming automotive maintenance from specialist-dependent to owner-empowered.
Dutch Venture Capital Undergoes Major Shift Toward Deep Tech and Green Innovation in 2026
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
The Netherlands emerges as Europe’s sustainability tech hub as venture capital firms pivot dramatically from traditional investments to deep tech and green innovation. With €150 million funds launching specifically for water technology and 35% of the ecosystem now focused on quantum computing, AI, and biotech, Dutch VCs are capitalizing on favorable 2.25% ECB rates and robust government backing through Invest-NL to position the country at the forefront of climate solutions and advanced technology development.
Dutch University Ditches iPhones for Sustainable Fairphones in Cost-Cutting Move
Nijmegen, Monday, 19 January 2026.
Radboud University becomes the first major institution to standardize on Fairphones, citing both environmental and financial benefits. Starting February 1, 2026, all employees will receive modular, repairable smartphones instead of traditional Samsung or iPhone devices. The decision reflects a growing trend among European organizations prioritizing sustainable technology procurement over premium brands.