Electricity, Solar Power and Technology - Environmental Professionals Connection

These Are the Critical Issues to Track with the New “Tech-Neutral” Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 21, 2024

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included a major—forthcoming—refresh for one of the biggest policy drivers of the nation’s clean energy transition to date: tax credits subsidizing the deployment of clean electricity resources. These incentives aren’t just historically important.

Electricity

Electricity Clean Energy Greenhouse Technology

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

Do We Really Need New Technology to Fight Climate Change?

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 13, 2022

I was invited to speak at a panel discussion last Wednesday as part of The Economist ’s annual Sustainability Week, titled “What technologies are needed to avert a climate disaster?” True to the theme, I was asked about which technological innovations would be necessary to save our planet. And yet, we aren’t. Clean energy on hold.

Technology

Technology Technology Climate Change Fossil Fuels

We Need Large-Scale Solar. A New Agreement Points the Way Forward

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 16, 2023

But solar’s growth, especially in large arrays, has made it much more visible in communities and landscapes across the country, sparking a lot of conversations about land use, technology options, community engagement, and how best to site the many more megawatts of solar we need. Single projects can be hundreds of megawatts.

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity Fossil Fuels Technology

Building a Better Power Grid for Minnesota

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 22, 2022

However the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, the Midwest’s regional grid manager, has stepped up to approve long-awaited upgrades that will improve the reliability of the electricity system across the region, including Minnesota as well as Illinois and Michigan. That’s not a Minnesota utility…is it?

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Solar Power 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. percent of the country’s electricity supply (up 1.1 It supplied 10.5

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Solar Power

Reevaluating the Role of Fossil Gas in a Decarbonizing Grid

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 12, 2024

Fossil gas power plants currently provide the largest source of electricity generation and capacity in the United States. However, as we replace fossil fuels with clean electricity for heating and transportation to meet our climate goals, these peak demands will increasingly shift to the winter in many parts of the country.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Electricity 2030 Clean Energy

After The Lights Go Out, Then What?

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 4, 2024

A new North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) review of power outages and gas industry failures reveals the potential for prolonged and deadly power outages. What Happened in Texas?

Electricity

Electricity 2021 Renewable Energy Natural Gas

How Are Solar Panels Made?

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 19, 2022

The US solar industry was valued at $33 billion in 2021, employed more than 230,000 people, and continued to grow in power capacity at an average rate of 33 percent per year. Solar panels generated almost 4 percent of electricity in the US in 2021, up from less than 1 percent in 2015. Meet your solar panel.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide Electricity Carbon Dioxide Renewable Energy

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. It also will save US consumers money because they will spend less on fossil fuels.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2030

Biden Announces New Initiative on “Game-Changing” Technologies for Achieving Net-Zero Emissions

Law and Environment

NOVEMBER 7, 2022

On November 4, 2022, the White House announced a new initiative to support research and development projects on 37 “game-changing” technologies to advance the Biden Administration’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We will be tracking future funding announcements under this initiative.

Technology

Technology Technology Biofuels Solar Power

In Climate Talks, Plans to Keep Planet from Overheating Should Not Ignore Water

Circle of Blue

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Coal power, from mining to generation, is among the thirstiest and most polluting ways to produce electricity. Wind turbines and solar power, two sturdy and growing sources of renewable energy, require negligible amounts of water. But other low-carbon technologies do not tread as lightly. It is already 1.1

Biofuels

Biofuels Carbon Emissions Cooling Fossil Fuels

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). I’ll start off with the good.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2023 Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides

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

Solar device generates electricity and desalinates water with no waste brine

Physics World

JUNE 28, 2021

A device that can generate electricity while desalinating seawater has been developed by researchers in Saudi Arabia and China, who claim that their new system is highly efficient at performing both tasks. The device uses waste heat from the solar cell for desalination, thereby cooling the solar cell.

Electricity

Electricity Waste Cooling Solar Power

Energy Storage Can Help People with Disabilities Through Extreme Weather Events

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 11, 2023

Fortunately, solutions like energy storage and clean energy technologies can provide safe, reliable, and equitable power during severe weather conditions. People receiving medical support at home often require the use of various electric-powered equipment for their care. Energy storage could have saved Robert’s life.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Solar Power Electricity Technology

Solar-powered water purifier is inspired by pufferfish

Physics World

APRIL 19, 2021

These are best achieved through passive purification technologies, which use solar energy to separate water from contaminants such as heavy metals, oils, and harmful microbes. The post Solar-powered water purifier is inspired by pufferfish appeared first on Physics World. The research is described in Advanced Materials.

Solar Power

Solar Power Cooling Electricity Technology

These 3 energy storage technologies can help solve the challenge of moving to 100% renewable electricity

Environmental News Bits

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

by Kerry Rippy (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) In recent decades the cost of wind and solar power generation has dropped dramatically. This is one reason that the U.S. Department of Energy projects that renewable energy will be the fastest-growing U.S. energy source through 2050. And since renewable… Read more →

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Solar Power Technology Technology

These 3 energy storage technologies can help solve the challenge of moving to 100% renewable electricity

Environmental News Bits

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

by Kerry Rippy (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) In recent decades the cost of wind and solar power generation has dropped dramatically. This is one reason that the U.S. Department of Energy projects that renewable energy will be the fastest-growing U.S. energy source through 2050. And since renewable… Read more →

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Solar Power Technology Technology

PUC Publishes Final Policy Statement On Use Of Electric Storage To Enhance Grid Reliability, Resilience And Reduce Energy Costs

PA Environment Daily

MAY 31, 2024

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the June 1 PA Bulletin making available the final policy statement establishing guidelines for the use of electricity storage by electric distribution companies (EDC). Photo: Pittsburgh-based EOS energy storage facility paired with solar energy.) M-2020-3022877.

Electricity

Electricity Solar Power Radiation Renewable Energy

Bolivia has high solar power potential but faces challenges scaling up

A Greener Life

MAY 20, 2022

The new 100 MW Oruro solar plant is a boost to Bolivia’s energy transition, but there are obstacles to harnessing the radiation potential of its western highlands. Perched at 3,730 metres above sea level in the community of Ancotanga, the Oruro solar power plant is one of the flagship projects in Bolivia’s energy transition.

Solar Power

Solar Power Fossil Fuels Radiation Natural Gas

Why Energy Bills Will Be Even Higher This Winter

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 20, 2022

US ratepayers very likely will pay even more for electricity and heating this winter compared to the already-expensive winter of 2021-2022. However, make no mistake: Technological advancement did not create the production boom by itself. A smaller percentage of homes are heated by other sources, such as electricity or propane.)

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Electricity Natural Gas

Solar Could Supply Nearly Half of US’s Electricity Needs by 2050: DOE

Environmental Leader

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

The US Department of Energy released a study last Wednesday that suggests solar power could provide 35% of the nation’s electricity supply by 2035 and 45% by 2050. The scenario assumes continued technological innovation to….

Electricity

Electricity Solar Power Technology Technology

Electric Vehicles Combat Climate Change

Global Green

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Chris Johnston is co-author of The Arrival of the Electric Car – An Overview of the EV Revolution Happening Now. The fastest way to shift the transportation sector to environmental sustainability is to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). This makes EVs two to three times more efficient than gas-powered vehicles.

Electricity

Electricity Climate Change Fossil Fuels 2030

The Supreme Court’s Latest Decision Is a Blow to Stopping Climate Change

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 3, 2022

The majority 6–3 decision sharply curtails the EPA’s authority to set standards based on a broad range of flexible options to cut carbon emissions from the power sector—options such as replacing polluting fossil fuels with cheap and widely available wind and solar power coupled with battery storage.

Climate Change

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Nitrogen Oxides

Solar Could Supply Nearly Half of US’s Electricity Needs by 2050: DOE

Environmental Leader

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

The US Department of Energy released a study last Wednesday that suggests solar power could provide 35% of the nation’s electricity supply by 2035 and 45% by 2050. The scenario assumes continued technological innovation to….

Electricity

Electricity Solar Power Technology Technology

Progress Possible at COP 28 Despite Fossil Fuel Industry Deception

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 10, 2023

Standing in Dubai among ExxonMobil billboards that praise new technological solutions designed to keep oil and gas in play, it’s easy to see that major oil and gas companies are greenwashing , exaggerating their climate commitments and investments in clean energy.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Climate Change Paris Agreement

Storm Elliott Knocked Out Fossil-Fuel Power. We’ve Been Here Before.

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 24, 2023

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT): Unlike PJM and MISO, ERCOT—which is the grid operator for most of the Lone Star State—hasn’t yet published any preliminary reports on Winter Storm Elliott. See my colleague Julie McNamara’s blog for caveats about hydrogen.)

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2014 Climate Change Electricity

Energy Efficiency Home Retrofits Can Protect You During Extreme Temperature Events

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

Sealing air leaks can be as easy as caulking around your windows or installing foam gaskets around areas where plumbing and electrical enters walls. Federal tax credits are available for specific installations of energy efficient technology and building envelope upgrades.

Cooling

Cooling Climate Change Regulations Solar Power

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

Something Stinks: California Must End Manure Biomethane Accounting Gimmicks in its Low Carbon Fuel Standard

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

A quick glance at the latest data from CARB shows there are three large and growing sources of credits: bio-based diesel, biomethane and electricity. Bio-based diesel, biomethane and electricity are the largest and fastest growing sources of LCFS credits in recent years.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Regulations Renewable Energy Carbon Dioxide

PUC To Invite Public Comment On Proposed Policy Statement On Use Of Electric Storage To Enhance Grid Reliability And Resilience

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 24, 2023

This action follows the review and analysis of two rounds of public comment on matters related to electric storage, received from more than 30 organizations, advocates, utilities, state agencies, customer groups, and other interested parties. The PUC voted 5-0 to publish the proposed policy statement for public comment. M-2020-3022877.

Electricity

Electricity Solar Power Technology Technology

The Carbon Capture Boondoggle Begins To Unwind

Enviromental Defense

MAY 7, 2024

CCS is a multi-billion dollar boondoggle that doesn’t come close to the hype, has significant safety risks, and is a substantial distraction from real climate solutions, such as building more renewable energy, increasing electricity transmission infrastructure, and developing and using storage technology. Want proof?

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Renewable Energy Solar Power

The Missing Piece of the Renewable Energy Revolution

HumanNature

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University There is a renewable energy revolution happening all over the world: costs for renewable energy have dropped significantly in the last 10 years and the world is starting to adopt the technology at a very fast pace. per watt [6], so the 25 watts would cost $85.50.

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy 2009 Solar Power 2023

Offshore wind dominates the agenda as the UK government announces £265 million renewables subsidy scheme

A Greener Life

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is the preferred government method to incentivise investment in renewables and other low-carbon energy technologies. The government hopes that this will double the renewable energy electricity capacity which was secured in the scheme’s third round. Big emphasis on offshore wind.

Government

Government Renewable Energy Technology Technology

Analysis: Water crisis pushes Brazil’s rural producers to switch to solar energy

A Greener Life

AUGUST 27, 2021

The installation of solar panels in Brazil is increasing amidst the water crisis. With fears of energy rationing and rising electricity bills, farmers and livestock breeders opt for sustainability and self-sufficiency. This brings with it the possibility of severe electricity rationing. photo credit: Björn Wylezich / Alamy.

Solar Power

Solar Power Deforestation Electricity Clean Energy

Analysis: Could electric vehicles feed China’s grid?

A Greener Life

MAY 23, 2024

A solar-powered charging station in Yibin, south-west China. Two-way charging could give vehicles like these the potential to stabilise power supplies by discharging stored electricity back to the grid. million “new energy” vehicles on the road, the vast majority of which require electricity.

Electricity

Electricity Solar Power Renewable Energy Carbon Emissions

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Earthava

APRIL 20, 2021

If we consider a home in an undeveloped region with no access to the electricity grid, solar panels are worth of million smiles with a sense of development and upbringing. For developed regions, solar panels are a sign of positive climate action and sustainability. Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity Technology Technology

The next generation of solar energy collectors could be rocks

Environmental News Bits

JULY 6, 2023

The next generation of sustainable energy technology might be built from some low-tech materials: rocks and the sun. Using a new approach known as concentrated solar power, heat from the sun is stored then used to dry foods or create electricity. Read the full story from the American Chemical Society.

Solar Power

Solar Power Electricity Technology Technology

This shipping container uses water and solar power to capture CO2 from the air

Environmental News Bits

DECEMBER 12, 2023

city of Sheffield, new technology uses water and renewable electricity to pull CO2 out of the air. But the startup that designed the system, Mission Zero Technologies, wanted to find … Continue reading This shipping container uses water and solar power to capture CO2 from the air

Solar Power

Solar Power Climate Change Technology Technology

Ontario: Now is the time to increase renewable energy, not fossil gas

Enviromental Defense

OCTOBER 6, 2022

Ontario recently re-contracted four gas-fired power plants to generate electricity for the province and appears poised to contract more in the near future. . Take Action: Tell Ontario To Stop Using Fossil Gas Power. Yes, Ontario needs new electricity generation. But there are loopholes.

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Electricity Wind Power 2009

Analysis: Bolstering Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition

A Greener Life

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

By Leigh Hartman When Son Nguyen lived in the US, he saw rapidly advancing electric vehicle technology and heard stories from back in Vietnam about air pollution. The company sells electric motorbikes in Danang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is exploring the reuse of electric batteries and how to power its factory with green energy.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity Wind Power

Analysis: Bhutan ramps up its solar ambitions

A Greener Life

JUNE 22, 2022

Sharma said the ADB has instructed the ministry to choose the three best sites to begin installing solar farms. “We The Himalayan country currently depends on hydropower for nearly all its electricity generation. Solar energy has become competitive. Solar power is seen as a quick way to meet the growing demand for electricity.

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Solar Power Electricity Fossil Fuels

PUC To Host March 28 Meeting Of PA Sustainable Energy Board

PA Environment Daily

MARCH 22, 2024

and Pennsylvania Electric Co. SEF will discuss 2023 grant approvals for energy efficiency and solar projects, in addition to outlining priorities for 2024. The meeting will provide updates from the regional Sustainable Energy Funds (SEFs) and update Commonwealth agencies and other interested groups on the funds’ activities.

2003

2003 Solar Power 2024 Sustainable Development

These Are the Critical Issues to Track with the New “Tech-Neutral” Clean Electricity Tax Credits

UCS Expert Testifies on the New Clean Electricity Tax Credits

Trending Sources

Do We Really Need New Technology to Fight Climate Change?

We Need Large-Scale Solar. A New Agreement Points the Way Forward

Building a Better Power Grid for Minnesota

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

Reevaluating the Role of Fossil Gas in a Decarbonizing Grid

After The Lights Go Out, Then What?

How Are Solar Panels Made?

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

Biden Announces New Initiative on “Game-Changing” Technologies for Achieving Net-Zero Emissions

In Climate Talks, Plans to Keep Planet from Overheating Should Not Ignore Water

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

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

Solar device generates electricity and desalinates water with no waste brine

Energy Storage Can Help People with Disabilities Through Extreme Weather Events

Solar-powered water purifier is inspired by pufferfish

These 3 energy storage technologies can help solve the challenge of moving to 100% renewable electricity

These 3 energy storage technologies can help solve the challenge of moving to 100% renewable electricity

PUC Publishes Final Policy Statement On Use Of Electric Storage To Enhance Grid Reliability, Resilience And Reduce Energy Costs

Bolivia has high solar power potential but faces challenges scaling up

Why Energy Bills Will Be Even Higher This Winter

Solar Could Supply Nearly Half of US’s Electricity Needs by 2050: DOE

Electric Vehicles Combat Climate Change

The Supreme Court’s Latest Decision Is a Blow to Stopping Climate Change

Solar Could Supply Nearly Half of US’s Electricity Needs by 2050: DOE

Progress Possible at COP 28 Despite Fossil Fuel Industry Deception

Storm Elliott Knocked Out Fossil-Fuel Power. We’ve Been Here Before.

Energy Efficiency Home Retrofits Can Protect You During Extreme Temperature Events

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

Something Stinks: California Must End Manure Biomethane Accounting Gimmicks in its Low Carbon Fuel Standard

PUC To Invite Public Comment On Proposed Policy Statement On Use Of Electric Storage To Enhance Grid Reliability And Resilience

The Carbon Capture Boondoggle Begins To Unwind

The Missing Piece of the Renewable Energy Revolution

Offshore wind dominates the agenda as the UK government announces £265 million renewables subsidy scheme

Analysis: Water crisis pushes Brazil’s rural producers to switch to solar energy

Analysis: Could electric vehicles feed China’s grid?

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

The next generation of solar energy collectors could be rocks

This shipping container uses water and solar power to capture CO2 from the air

Ontario: Now is the time to increase renewable energy, not fossil gas

Analysis: Bolstering Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition

Analysis: Bhutan ramps up its solar ambitions

PUC To Host March 28 Meeting Of PA Sustainable Energy Board

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