☀️ US’ largest solar project, ‘real' Santa Claus’s coffin, China's record-breaking quantum computer

The state of Oregon has advanced its sustainability efforts by approving the Sunstone Solar project, which will span about 10,000 acres in Morrow County.

Set to be the largest of its kind in the U.S., the project will use nearly 4 million solar panels to generate 1,200 megawatts of power—enough to provide clean, emission-free electricity to around 800,000 homes annually. Delve deeper into our Must-Read.

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☀️ US’ largest solar, energy storage project with 2.4 GW capacity gets green light

According to Ben Catt, CEO of Pine Gate Renewables, Oregon’s energy facility permitting process is among the most rigorous in the nation. The state has strict rules about where solar panels can be installed to protect the best farmland. However, projects like Sunstone Solar can obtain special permission if they demonstrate clear benefits to the area.

Having this in mind, Catt pointed out that the recent unanimous permit approval reflects the collaborative efforts between the project team and stakeholders to create a solution that benefits both Oregon and the Morrow County community.

The energy company plans to begin construction in 2026 and will invest over $1,000 per acre to support local agriculture. This initiative will contribute approximately $11 million to a fund aimed at benefiting the region’s wheat farmers, while enhancing the long-term sustainability of Morrow County’s wheat farms.

⚰️ Sarcophagus of ‘real Santa Claus’ found in a Turkish church annex

Archaeologists have recently discovered a limestone sarcophagus at the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Antalya, Turkey. Experts believe it to be the burial site of the Greek bishop Saint Nicholas, who played a major role in the legend of Santa Claus.

Led by associate professor Ebru Fatma Findik from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, the find is part of a project called ‘Legacy of the Future’, initiated by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The sarcophagus is around 2 meters long and researchers say that it was perhaps buried between 1.5-2 meters underground. The stone coffin had a raised lid and a pitched roof, resembling the style commonly found in the region.

🖥️ China develops record-breaking 504-qubit quantum computer powered by Xiaohong chip

China has reached a new milestone in quantum computing with the development of Tianyan-504, a powerful 504-qubit quantum computer.

The Tianyan-504 quantum computer will be incorporated into the Tianyan quantum computing cloud platform, providing global access to users. Wang Zhen, deputy general manager of China Telecom Quantum Group, stated that the company plans to collaborate with QuantumCTek to advance a quantum computer using the new chip, enabling researchers across various fields to work more efficiently and speeding up the practical use of quantum computing.

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