Clean Energy, Electricity and Wind Power - Environmental Professionals Connection

How Will DTE’s Long-Term Plan Impact Michigan’s Clean Energy Future?

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 1, 2022

DTE’s proposal, known as an integrated resource plan, describes how the utility intends to fulfill its customers’ electricity needs over the next 20 years. These types of long-term energy plans include forecasting the amount of electricity customers will need and examining different options for supporting that need.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy 2028 2025 Electricity

This Leap Year, Some Clean Energy Leaps to Watch For

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 22, 2024

When it comes to the transition to clean energy, 2023 was quite a year for progress: record-breaking amounts of solar installed in the United States, a solid drop in carbon emissions from the US power sector, more than one million electric vehicles sold in the country for the first time, “breakneck” growth in renewable energy globally, and more.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity 2024

How Are Lithium-ion Batteries that Store Solar and Wind Power Made?

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 22, 2022

The renewable energy transition involves harnessing epic forces of nature. Sleek solar panels forged from silver and silica from the depths of the Earth translate the sun’s blindingly fiery light energy into electricity. Batteries help store surplus energy. Source: UniEnergy Technologies / Wikimedia Commons. Source: UCS.

Wind Power

Wind Power Renewable Energy Electricity Clean Energy

5 Powerful Facts for Global Wind Day

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 15, 2022

We at the Union of Concerned Scientists think a lot about wind power. In honor of Global Wind Day , here’s a roundup of what we’re seeing and what we’ve been thinking—five facts about wind energy to keep in mind as you celebrate, or at least make note, on June 15. Wind power is big, and getting bigger.

Wind Power

Wind Power Fossil Fuels Electricity Climate Change

UCS Expert Testifies on the New Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 21, 2024

Earlier this month, the US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service hosted a public hearing on their recent proposed rules governing implementation of the Section 45Y Clean Electricity Production Credit and the Section 48E Clean Electricity Investment Credit. My testimony is copied below.

Electricity

Electricity Wind Power Greenhouse Clean Energy

Power Moves: Billions in Benefits for the Midwest’s Transmission System

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 12, 2024

For its part, the transmission advocacy group Clean Grid Alliance calls MISOs action the biggest regional grid upgrade ever in the United States. This round of upgrades will help unlock vast amounts of clean energy and strengthen the reliability and resilience of the power grid. This is enough to power more than 3.5

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Wind Power Electricity Fossil Fuels

Want Clean Energy? Then You Also Want Battery Recycling.

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 22, 2022

Lithium-ion batteries are essential for decarbonizing transportation through electric vehicles and building a resilient, renewable energy grid through energy storage batteries. By 2050, battery recycling could supply 22 to 27% of lithium, 40 to 46% of nickel, and 45 to 52% of cobalt needed for electric vehicles in the US.

Recycling

Recycling Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity

Renewables Have Pulled Ahead of Coal. What’s Next?

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 24, 2023

There’s good news in the recently released official data on electricity generation in the United States in 2022: renewable energy has continued to grow, coal power has continued to drop, and renewables are now firmly ahead of coal for the first time ever. They offer a lot of good news about clean energy progress.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Solar Power

Ask a Scientist: Two Dozen States Can Meet 100 Percent of Electricity Demand with Renewables by 2035

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 12, 2022

Nearly all of the alliance members have a renewable electricity standard (RES), which requires utilities in their jurisdiction to increase their use of renewable energy to a particular percentage by a specific year. We found that states have technically feasible and highly beneficial ways to achieve 100-percent renewable energy.

Electricity

Electricity Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Nitrogen Oxides

Illinois Has No Time to Waste in Building Its Carbon-Free Electricity Future

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 3, 2023

Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) sets a bold goal for the state—no carbon pollution from electricity generation by 2045, which means zero global warming emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. Illinois legislators and clean energy advocates celebrate CEJA’s signing in September 2021.

Electricity

Electricity Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Waste

Boosting Michigan’s Energy Future with Regional Transmission Upgrades

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 25, 2022

Today, the regional entity overseeing much of the electric power grid in the Midwest—the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)—approved a set of major new transmission system upgrades that will bring billions of dollars in benefits to the region while better enabling states and utilities to pursue transitions to clean energy.

Solar Power

Solar Power Clean Energy Carbon Emissions Electricity

Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

The legislation committed nearly $400 billion to support, among other things, wind and solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies that will make a significant dent in US heat-trapping emissions. How is that going to happen? Their report, however, comes with a warning.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2030

Building a Better Power Grid for Minnesota

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 22, 2022

Unfortunately, the Minnesota Legislature failed to act on climate and clean energy investments this session, leaving progress toward a more affordable, equitable, healthy Minnesota on the table. Most Minnesotans are familiar with their local electricity utility, since that’s who bills them for electricity they provide.

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Solar Power Electricity

Climate Policy and the Audacity of Hope

Legal Planet

APRIL 29, 2024

Climate policy has been boosted by dramatic changes in the economics of clean energy. Wind power costs fell by half from 2008 to 2021. The Department of Energy estimates the cost of an electric vehicle lithium-ion battery pack declined 89% between 2008 and 2022.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2008 2010 Clean Energy

Five Factors are Driving Offshore Wind

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 19, 2023

The results include two developers cancelling their offshore wind power contracts with states and utilities, another cancelling two projects altogether, and hesitation elsewhere. The good news-bad news balance, though, would seem to tip decidedly in favor of a whole lot more offshore wind. The US offshore wind map.

Electricity

Electricity Fossil Fuels Wind Power Renewable Energy

Good News—and Bad—about Fossil Fuel Power Plants in 2023

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 23, 2023

With the clean energy transition already under way, the US electricity mix is set to continue changing this year. Solar power is expected to make up about half of all additions of US electric generating capacity in 2023, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2023 Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides

The EIA Just Released a 30 Year Energy Outlook. It’s… Not Great

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 16, 2022

The Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) is one of the go-to sources for reliable information about the US power sector. They just released their 2022 “Annual Energy Outlook” (AEO), which is a big deal: it tells us where electricity is headed over the next 30 years.

Natural Gas

Natural Gas Renewable Energy Climate Change Electricity

Analysis: Bolstering Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition

A Greener Life

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

The United States supports Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) partners in meeting their clean energy goals. Above, wind turbines turn in Sidenreng Rappang, Indonesia. Dat Bike is one of numerous partners the US government works with to meet this rapidly growing demand for clean energy.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity Wind Power

The Netherlands is busy building hybrid clean energy technologies at sea

A Greener Life

AUGUST 30, 2022

The combination of offshore wind turbines, floating solar panels and green hydrogen are some of the hybrid clean energy technologies currently under development off the Dutch coast. . The low-lying European country is using its expertise in water engineering to build up its next wave of clean energy infrastructure.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Technology Technology Fossil Fuels

What Happens to Wind Turbine Blades at the End of Their Life Cycle?

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 12, 2022

To learn about the current lifecycle and a more sustainable solution for the rare earth elements in wind turbine generators, read How Are Wind Turbines Made? A wind turbine includes a foundation, a tower, electrical wiring, a nacelle between the blades, and the blades themselves. Blade materials are special.

Recycling

Recycling Wind Power Technology Technology

Gov. Newsom Goes to China to Talk Climate

Legal Planet

OCTOBER 19, 2023

Here’s more: “California’s climate ambitions will be met only by deploying clean energy and transportation on an unprecedented scale, and China has a lot to offer on that score. China is also a world leader on offshore wind energy production, an area Newsom has sought to emphasize in California.

Wind Power

Wind Power Clean Energy Electricity Carbon Emissions

Rebutting 33 False Claims About Solar, Wind, and Electric Vehicles

Law Columbia

APRIL 3, 2024

In a new report , the Sabin Center identifies and examines 33 of the most pervasive false claims about solar energy, wind energy, and electric vehicles, with the aim of promoting a more informed discussion. jobs ( it does not ).

Electricity

Electricity Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Radiation

Fossil Fuels vs. Renewables: A Price on Reliability?

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 12, 2023

What happens when promise of electricity reliability fails in bad weather? How can gas power plant owners claim to be reliable but fail to make adequate efforts to purchase fuel? We know that consumers pay for electricity reliability and bear the cost when supplies are tight.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Electricity Regulations

Three Reasons Why Spring is a Great Time for Renewable Energy

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 30, 2023

And I love hearing about new renewable electricity records as spring unfolds. A few recent examples for that last love: California scored a new record for total generation from renewable energy in mid-April and a new record for solar production in mid-May. Spring tends to be a time when there is lower electricity demand.

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Climate Change Electricity

PennEnvironment: Pennsylvania Ranks 48th In US For Renewable Energy Growth

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 24, 2024

Using an interactive online dashboard-- Renewables on the Rise 2024 -- documents the growth of six key clean energy technologies across the United States over the past decade and ranks states accordingly for solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations.

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Clean Energy Solar Power Electricity

A Handy New Chart Shows Clean Energy’s Remarkable Progress

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 2, 2024

Whatever the weather in March and beyond—in-like-a-lion blustery or out-like-a-lamb sunny—spring tends to be a season of strong electricity production from solar and wind in particular. Spring is also a glorious time for taking stock, since the official data on the previous year’s US electricity generation become available.

Electricity

Electricity 2013 2023 Clean Energy

Gov. Shapiro Announces Commitment To Get 50% Of Electricity For State Government From Solar Energy Facilities In Pennsylvania

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 22, 2024

By next year, Pennsylvania will get 50 percent of its electricity from ten new solar arrays around the Commonwealth – making Pennsylvania the first state in the country to commit to getting half of its energy from solar power.

Electricity

Electricity Government Clean Energy Renewable Energy

Tornadoes and More: What Spring Can Bring to the Power Grid

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 11, 2023

While it is a heavily polluting fossil fuel that is set to continue declining as a fuel source for US electricity generation over the next decade, coal still accounted for roughly 20 percent of the country’s generation in 2022. Fuel transport – Spring floods can hinder the transportation of fuels like coal.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2011 Climate Change Nuclear Power

India prepares to ramp up clean energy capacity

A Greener Life

APRIL 7, 2023

By Anders Lorenzen Tenders for 250 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2028 are set to be unveiled by the Indian government, according to a government memo. Wind power is set to play a key part in the target of 50 GW of new green energy tenders each year at 10 GW. Photo credit: Reuters / Amit Dave. in 2019 to 72.8%

Clean Energy

Clean Energy 2028 Wind Power Renewable Energy

Ways of Price Making, Inflation, and Energy Price Shocks

Legal Planet

FEBRUARY 22, 2022

Energy prices have been much in the news over the past several months, occupying a prominent place in mainstream discussions of inflation. How then do we explain what is currently happening with energy prices? In the early days of the current price shocks, fossil fuel boosters blamed clean energy and climate policy.

Natural Gas

Natural Gas Electricity Fossil Fuels Clean Energy

Statement on the IESO’s Proposed Clean Electricity Supply for Ontario

Enviromental Defense

DECEMBER 11, 2023

Statement by Keith Brooks, Programs Director Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – We are very happy to see the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) proposal to procure 5,000 megawatts (MW) of non-emitting renewable electricity in the coming years.

Electricity

Electricity Wind Power Solar Power Climate Change

Gas Generators Get Caught with their Plants Down

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 6, 2023

Windfarms outperform While American buildings have not been particularly well built for energy efficiency in this kind of weather, the growing deployment of windfarms to convert wind to electricity helped fill the demand.

2014

2014 2016 2022 Electricity

Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority To Buy More Wind Energy From Western PA Energy Consortium

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 9, 2023

On August 9, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority announced it would be committing to the purchase of wind power and the use of clean energy to support the production and operations of water services. PWSA holds the largest share at 30% of the total, underlining our strong commitment to sustainable energy practices.

Wind Power

Wind Power Clean Energy 2029 Fossil Fuels

Clean Hydrogen: How It’s Produced and What We Can Do with It

Law and Environment

MAY 4, 2023

The gold standard—so-called “ green ” hydrogen—is hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity from wind or solar. When water and electricity are introduced to the electrolyzer, water splits at the anode into oxygen and positively charged hydrogen ions. What’s with the colors? Steelmaking.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Nuclear Power

The Atomic Energy Advancement Act: Preparing the Way for Advanced Nuclear Power Plants

Cresforum

JANUARY 16, 2024

Introduction One of the main messages coming out of the recent COP28 meetings in the UAE concerns the role that nuclear power can play in the future of clean energy development around the world. The hope is that this encourages international financial institutions to include nuclear energy in loans for energy projects.

Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power Electricity Clean Energy Technology

China sets new record by installing the world’s largest wind turbine

A Greener Life

AUGUST 3, 2023

In a groundbreaking move, China installed the largest wind turbine ever erected, solidifying its position as a global leader in the renewable energy sector. The achievement marks another milestone in the country’s effort to be a clean energy leader. kWh of energy into the Chinese power system.

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Clean Energy Electricity Wind Power

Just and Sustainable Solutions for the Mining and Recycling of Rare Earth Elements in Wind Turbines

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 12, 2022

The wind is in our sails on the voyage towards a clean energy future. Wind energy is currently the largest renewable energy source in the US, and the industry is growing fast. The permanent magnets are mostly used to increase power generation and reduce maintenance in larger offshore wind turbines.

Recycling

Recycling Renewable Energy Clean Energy Technology

What is Tidal Energy?

Ocean Conservancy

AUGUST 23, 2023

As people around the world grapple with climate change, scientists and engineers are exploring new and exciting ocean-based solutions to generate renewable energy. Tidal energy is emerging as another clean energy source alongside offshore wind farms and wave energy technology. What is tidal energy?

Ocean

Ocean Renewable Energy Clean Energy Electricity

Australia eyes offshore wind deployment

A Greener Life

OCTOBER 10, 2022

Australia has become the latest country to jump on the wave of offshore wind development. Analysts expect the country could soon see a big boom in offshore wind. Australia’s new pro-climate action government has meant an acceleration in clean energy interest and capacity.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Government Renewable Energy Electricity

DOE Proposes to Expand the Fast-Track Lane for Certain Clean Energy Projects–But Excludes Wind

Law Columbia

DECEMBER 22, 2023

This proposal would bring real benefits, because large-scale clean energy projects , including all three categories of projects included in the proposal–solar, transmission, and storage–are necessary to meet the United States’ goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Greenhouse Conservation

Carbon-neutral ports push

A Greener Life

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Weifang Port’s “zero-carbon” certification was primarily achieved by transitioning away from fossil fuel use, according to China Electric Power News (CEPN). It has built a wind power system to provide green energy for its operations and deployed hydrogen-powered vehicles to replace fossil-fuel-powered trucks.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Wind Power Solar Power

Editorial: Our view on the UK General Election – Labour is best placed to tackle the climate crisis and unleash a golden area of innovation and clean energy opportunities

A Greener Life

JULY 4, 2024

In the past 14 years much has happened in the space of climate change as well as the advancement of clean energy , but it has also become clear how hard it is to say goodbye to fossil fuels. These are symbolic and cultural attachments as much as it is the challenge of putting a proper energy transition in place.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Climate Change Conservation

Observer-Reporter Guest Essay: Why Politicians Want You To Pay More For Natural Gas

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 18, 2024

And, unfortunately for them, the energy market is pointing in the opposite direction. Fracked gas companies are seeing less build-out of new natural gas power plants because solar and wind power are so cheap. We will pay and the companies will eat the profits. It’s time to stop falling for this grift.

Natural Gas

Natural Gas Toxic Substances Control Act Fossil Fuels 2019

Unraveling LA’s Hydrogen Combustion Experiment

Legal Planet

MARCH 6, 2023

Hydrogen’s supply-side has been buttressed by incentives from state and federal governments, refineries and utilities looking to extend the life of fossil fuel infrastructure, and renewable energy companies seeking to take advantage of the huge amounts of clean energy needed to produce green hydrogen.

Natural Gas

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Carbon Dioxide

How Will DTE’s Long-Term Plan Impact Michigan’s Clean Energy Future?

This Leap Year, Some Clean Energy Leaps to Watch For

Trending Sources

How Are Lithium-ion Batteries that Store Solar and Wind Power Made?

5 Powerful Facts for Global Wind Day

UCS Expert Testifies on the New Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Power Moves: Billions in Benefits for the Midwest’s Transmission System

Want Clean Energy? Then You Also Want Battery Recycling.

Renewables Have Pulled Ahead of Coal. What’s Next?

Ask a Scientist: Two Dozen States Can Meet 100 Percent of Electricity Demand with Renewables by 2035

Illinois Has No Time to Waste in Building Its Carbon-Free Electricity Future

Boosting Michigan’s Energy Future with Regional Transmission Upgrades

Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Building a Better Power Grid for Minnesota

Climate Policy and the Audacity of Hope

Five Factors are Driving Offshore Wind

Good News—and Bad—about Fossil Fuel Power Plants in 2023

The EIA Just Released a 30 Year Energy Outlook. It’s… Not Great

Analysis: Bolstering Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition

The Netherlands is busy building hybrid clean energy technologies at sea

What Happens to Wind Turbine Blades at the End of Their Life Cycle?

Gov. Newsom Goes to China to Talk Climate

Rebutting 33 False Claims About Solar, Wind, and Electric Vehicles

Fossil Fuels vs. Renewables: A Price on Reliability?

Three Reasons Why Spring is a Great Time for Renewable Energy

PennEnvironment: Pennsylvania Ranks 48th In US For Renewable Energy Growth

A Handy New Chart Shows Clean Energy’s Remarkable Progress

Gov. Shapiro Announces Commitment To Get 50% Of Electricity For State Government From Solar Energy Facilities In Pennsylvania

Tornadoes and More: What Spring Can Bring to the Power Grid

India prepares to ramp up clean energy capacity

Ways of Price Making, Inflation, and Energy Price Shocks

Statement on the IESO’s Proposed Clean Electricity Supply for Ontario

Gas Generators Get Caught with their Plants Down

Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority To Buy More Wind Energy From Western PA Energy Consortium

Clean Hydrogen: How It’s Produced and What We Can Do with It

The Atomic Energy Advancement Act: Preparing the Way for Advanced Nuclear Power Plants

China sets new record by installing the world’s largest wind turbine

Just and Sustainable Solutions for the Mining and Recycling of Rare Earth Elements in Wind Turbines

What is Tidal Energy?

Australia eyes offshore wind deployment

DOE Proposes to Expand the Fast-Track Lane for Certain Clean Energy Projects–But Excludes Wind

Carbon-neutral ports push

Editorial: Our view on the UK General Election – Labour is best placed to tackle the climate crisis and unleash a golden area of innovation and clean energy opportunities

Observer-Reporter Guest Essay: Why Politicians Want You To Pay More For Natural Gas

Unraveling LA’s Hydrogen Combustion Experiment

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