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Ask a Scientist: How Close Are We to a Clean Energy Transition?

Union of Concerned Scientists

To decarbonize the power grid, we’re going to need tons of renewable energy from sources such as solar and wind. We’re also going to need a significant amount of energy storage to save some of that renewable energy for later. So, I’m really excited about energy storage right now. CWdL: That’s great news.

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2024 Year in Review: Clean Energy Progress Steeped in Solar and Storage

Union of Concerned Scientists

The end of every year is a great time for taking stock of what the year has broughtincluding in terms of clean energy in the power sector. As it turns out, 2024 has provided a whole lot of clean energy progress as fodder for that stock-taking. Cumulative US utility-scale battery power capacity.

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Walkable Neighborhoods and Public Transit are Part Of the Clean Energy Transition

Union of Concerned Scientists

By expanding public transportation and rail, and by planning our communities in ways that let people meet their needs with biking, walking, and shorter driving trips we can make the clean energy transition more achievable and affordable. In sum, the clean energy transition is achieved at less cost and with greater societal benefit.

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Minnesota Lawmakers Could Go Big on Clean Energy, or Go Small

Union of Concerned Scientists

Minnesota needs substantial investments now to build toward an equitable clean energy future. The bad news is, they have to find a compromise between two vastly different clean energy bills—by Monday. With such a wide gulf to cross, Minnesota could miss another opportunity to advance many key clean energy programs.

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Want Clean Energy? Then You Also Want Battery Recycling.

Union of Concerned Scientists

Since 2019, the Department of Energy’s ReCell Center has been researching effective and affordable battery recycling technology. Lithium-ion batteries from consumer electronics head to the shredder in a recycling facility. Source: Courtesy of Li-Cycle. The US government is also committed to bolstering domestic recycling.

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The Heinz Endowments: Nonprofits, Philanthropy Create Infrastructure To Help Bring Nearly $1 Billion In Regional, Statewide Clean Energy Funding To Pennsylvania

PA Environment Daily

This represents an unprecedented influx of state and federal support for clean energy in Pennsylvania, including a just-announced $303.5 million closed loan from the US Department of Energy for Eos Energy Enterprises, and has made the Pittsburgh region a clean energy gateway for the state. Kilgour of ORVI.

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Why the Climate Accountability Act Matters to Me—and Wisconsin 

Union of Concerned Scientists

planned capacity additions in 2025, with the bulk of these new plants planned for states without a current clean energy standard (the proposed Wisconsin plants wont show up in the EIA data unless they are approved by the state). Call me when we get to the nitty gritty!