Sure, California can swear off fossil fuels and shut down its nuclear plants, powering itself entirely with wind, water, and sun.Â
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DETROIT (AP) — Making electric vehicles and their batteries is a dirty process that uses a lot of energy. But a new study says that EVs quickl…
The United Nations reports a global shift toward renewable energy, calling it a "positive tipping point." Tuesday's U.N. reports reveal that 92.5% of new electricity capacity in 2022 came from renewables, with wind and solar leading the way. Renewables like solar and wind are now significantly cheaper than fossil fuels, driving investment to $2 trillion last year. However, officials warn the transition is not happening fast enough, especially in regions like Africa. Despite booming renewables, fossil fuel production continues to rise due to increasing energy demands. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls on tech firms to power data centers completely with renewables by 2030.
California's offshore wind industry could be a casualty if President-elect Donald Trump makes good on his promise to sign an executive order to "end" the offshore wind industry. While he cannot do it with a stroke of a pen, California's offshore wind plans rely on a federal policy that offers billions of dollars in grants, subsidies and tax incentives. The technology is well on its way to being deployed in the ocean off California, which is counting on the clean energy source to meet its goals to scrub fossil fuels from the electric grid. Wind developers say they need certainty from state and federal partners that environmental policies will remain in place to reassure investors.
Fossil fuels are still a large source of electricity, but California has made progress with renewables while keeping the lights on. The state recently hit a milestone: 100 days this year with 100% carbon-free, renewable electricity for at least a part of each day. The state notched the milestone while avoiding blackouts and emergency power reductions this year, even with the hottest July on record. That's according to Stanford University engineering Professor Mark Z. Jacobson. Energy experts say the progress is largely due to the substantial public and private investments in renewable energy. But California still has a long way to go to stop burning fossil fuels. Natural gas remains its single largest source of electricity.
The Department of Energy on Tuesday announced $2.2 billion in funding for eight projects across 18 states to strengthen the electrical grid against increasing extreme weather, advance the transition to cleaner electricity and meet a growing demand for power. The money will help build more than 600 miles of new transmission lines and upgrade about 400 miles of existing lines so that they can carry more current. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the funding is important because extreme weather events fueled by climate change are increasing, damaging towers and bringing down wires, causing power outages. The department says the investments will provide more reliable, affordable electricity for 56 million homes and businesses.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it will help develop up to seven offshore wind farms on the East and West …
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ramping up wind power in America would also dial up the nation's temperatures, a new study out of Harvard found.
BOSTON — President Donald Trump has courted coal miners and cast doubt on whether fossils fuel contribute to climate change, but that hasn’t t…
