Green Energy Times

Headline News:

• “Mercedes-Benz Explores Pairing eSprinter Vans With E-Cargo Bikes For Last-Mile Deliveries” • A pilot program uses a special Mercedez-Benz eSprinter electric van as a mobile micro-depot to bring standardized container modules to transfer points. A container is off-loaded onto an ONO electric cargo bike which makes the last-mile deliveries. [CleanTechnica]

Delivery EVs (Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Vans)

• “CATL Claims Grid Battery Will Experience No Degradation In First Five Years” • CATL’s TENER is the first mass-producible energy storage system with zero degradation in the first five years of use. Featuring greater safety, five-year zero degradation, and a 6.25 MWh capacity, TENER will accelerate adoption of energy storage technologies. [CleanTechnica]
• “Wasting Renewables: Where Is Europe In The Race For Clean Energy Transition?” • Europe is not yet on track with its energy transition goals, but it is best positioned to succeed in reaching them, according to French multinational energy management company Schneider Electric. It needs to increase its renewable capacity to phase out of fossil fuels. [Euronews.com]
• “Queensland Passes Legislation To Deliver On Renewable Energy And Jobs” • The Queensland Government has passed the transformation of Queensland’s energy grid into law, which they have stated will create over 100,000 new jobs in manufacturing, renewable energy generation, power transmission, and industries of the future. [PACE Today]
• “Alaska Groups Awarded $125 Million For Solar Projects” • Several Alaska organizations are set to share in $125 million in federal funding so low-income and disadvantaged communities can be powered by solar projects. Awards are going the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Housing Finance Corp, and tribal solar projects. [Anchorage Daily News]

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Headline News:

• “Renewables To Thank For Weeks Of No Load-Shedding” • In the past three weeks there has been no load-shedding in South Africa. The good performance was due to deliberate plans by the government and utility Eskom to deal with power outages. The Energy Action Plan is starting to bear fruit, with the contribution of renewable energy projects. [ITWeb]

Wind farm in South Africa (NJR ZA, CC-BY-SA 4.0)

• “China Faces Huge Energy Transition Challenge” • China is proving itself a global green energy leader, but it is expected to depend heavily on fossil fuels in 2050. DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook China says the country’s build out of renewable energy is unrivalled, but fossil fuels will still make up 40% of its energy mix in 2050. [reNews]
• “High Interest Rates Are Challenging The Global Transition To Renewable Energy” • After a period of low interest rates from 2009 to 2022, central banks have sharply raised interest rates to fight inflation. The higher cost capital has profound implications for the energy and natural resource industries, said a report from Wood Mackenzie. [pv magazine USA]
• “Earth Day 2024 Report Card” • Earth Day offers an annual opportunity for citizens, experts, and lawmakers to celebrate the planet, examine our impact on the changing environment and demand a push toward a sustainable future. To make a united step forward, awareness of the mounting climate crisis is vital, one scientist told ABC News. [ABC News]
• “Biden Unlocks $7 Billion Solar Investment On Earth Day” • On Earth Day 2024, President Joe Biden announced $7 billion in grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All grant competition. The competition is a key component of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund of the Inflation Reduction Act. [CleanTechnica]

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Earth Day Poster by a fourth grade artist.

Headline News:

• “Europe’s First Commercial-Scale Floating Offshore Wind Farm Secures All Planning Approvals” • With onshore consent, Green Volt has all its planning approvals and remains on track to be Europe’s first floating offshore wind farm. Green Volt will include up to 35 floating wind turbines, providing up to 560 MW of capacity. [Offshore Wind]

Floating turbines (Green Volt Floating Offshore WindFarm)

• “Climate Advocates Want To Solve Their ‘Biggest Problem’ In The US: Turning Out Voters” • During a recent effort to turn out voters who care about climate change, a biology professor told ABC News she used to lobby lawmakers directly to take action on climate change, but they told her voters don’t care about it. Now she’s trying to prove them wrong. [ABC News]
• “Australia Targets 6 GW Of New Renewables In ‘Largest Ever’ Tender” • The Australian government said a new national Capacity Investment Scheme tender process will open in May seeking 6 GW of new variable renewable energy projects to replace aging coal power generation in the National Electricity Market. [pv magazine International]
• “Europe Is The Fastest-Warming Continent, At Nearly Twice The Average Global Rate” • Europe is the fastest-warming continent and its temperatures are rising at roughly twice the global average, two top organizations monitoring the climate said in a report. They warned of consequences for human health, glacier melt, and economic activity. [ABC News]
• “Largest Floating Solar Array In Australia Switched On” • The 350-kW system at Gippsland Water has 644 solar panels and floats on a treatment lagoon at the Drouin wastewater treatment plant. Gippsland Water said it is the largest floating solar array in Australia, and the solar panels result from the its commitment to renewable energy. [Energy Magazine]

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Headline News:

• “Queensland Looks To Cut Emissions By 75% In A Decade In Rare Show Of Bipartisanship” • Queensland is looking to harness its power as the Sunshine State for something more than the skin cancer capital of the world. Cutting emissions by 75% by 2035 and a renewable energy target of 80% by 2035 have been enshrined in law in a bipartisan vote. [ABC]

Queensland wind farm (Queensland government image)

• “Wind Farms Require Far Less Land Than Previously Believed” • Decision-makers have hesitated to embrace wind farms, partly because of a belief that the wind farms require vast tracts of land. However, a remarkable study conducted by researchers at McGill University reveals that this belief may be based on outdated and inaccurate information. [Earth.com]
• “Data Centers Fuel AI And Crypto But Could Threaten Climate, Experts Say” • Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency take a lot of power. At complexes, which typically span 100,000 square feet, the increased energy usage could jeopardize the fight to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change, experts told ABC News. [ABC News]
• “Tesla Model Y Cheaper Than Ever In USA” • A week ago, the Tesla Model Y had a base price below the average selling price of a new car in the US. In fact, taking the US EV tax credit into account, the Model Y was essentially $10,000 cheaper than the average selling price of a new car in the US, which is $47,244. Now the Model Y is even cheaper. [CleanTechnica]
• “’Uncharted Territory’: El Niño To Flip To La Niña In What Could Be The Hottest Year On Record” • El Niño is likely to give way soon, a NOAA scientist said. For the US, this climatological flip-flop will likely mean a greater risk of major hurricanes in the Atlantic as well as areas of drier-than-usual weather in southern portions of the country. [Live Science]

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Headline News:

• “Mexican Presidential Frontrunner Would Focus On Water And Renewable Energy” • Mexican presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum said that if she is elected, her administration would focus on water management and renewable energy as part of a plan to boost the country’s sustainability. She is strongly favored to win the June elections. [Yahoo News Canada]

Claudia Sheinbaum (Claudia Shein, public domain)

• “Nearly 200 Clean Energy Companies Urge Congress To Pass Siting, Permitting, And Transmission Reform Before The 2024 Election” • Nearly 200 solar and storage companies sent a letter to congressional leaders calling for legislation to improve project siting, permitting, transmission, and access to public lands for solar and solar plus storage projects. [CleanTechnica]
• “RTX Partners With ENGIE For Renewable Electricity In Texas Facilities” • RTX has announced an agreement with ENGIE North America to power 12 of RTX’s facilities in Texas with 100% renewable electricity. This deal is RTX’s largest renewable energy procurement to date, nearly doubling the company’s use of renewable electricity. [GreentechLead]
• “New York Cancels Three Offshore Wind Projects” • Provisional contracts for three New York Bight wind projects were cancelled, after it became impossible for developers to move forward, New York State energy planners announced. The cancellations are tied to General Electric’s decision not to proceed with building 18-MW turbines. [WorkBoat]
• “GM Picks Up The Electric Pickup Truck Torch Dropped By Cybertruck” • When you have a powerful electric pickup truck, do you really need to shell out for a home energy storage system as well? The launch began earlier this week with a focus on the new Chevy Silverado electric pickup truck and its bi-directional charging capability. [CleanTechnica]

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Headline News:

• “ER Visits For Heat Illness Rose In 2023 Amid Record-Breaking Temperatures: CDC” • Heat-related ER visits increased in 2023 in the US compared to previous years. Between January 1 and December 31, 2023, there were 119,605 ER visits for heat-related illnesses, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [ABC News]

Thirsty girl (Piotr Chrobot, Unsplash)

• “Save Thousands Of Dollars A Year Driving An Electric Car” • The US DOE has a new tool that enables drivers to calculate how much they can save on fuel costs by driving a fully electric or plug-in hybrid. Drivers can enter their ZIP code or state, along with other information. The tool then generates estimates of how much they can save. [CleanTechnica]
• “EIB Lends €150 Million For Renewables In Bhutan” • The European Investment Bank agreed to lend €150 million ($160.2 million) for renewables in Bhutan, to fund solar power along with small to mid-size run-of-river hydropower plants, especially in remote regions. Bhutan is one of only three net carbon-negative countries in the world. [pv magazine International]
• “Queensland Locks 80% Renewable Energy By 2035 Target Into Law” • The Queensland government has passed laws locking in 80% renewable energy generation by 2035, a move it expects will create more than 100,000 new jobs in manufacturing, renewable energy generation, power transmission and industries of the future. [pv magazine Australia]
• “Historic $8.8 Billion Home Energy Rebate Programs to Lower Utility Bills” • The US DOE announced approval of New York’s funding application for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Home Energy Rebates. It awarded the state an initial $158 million to implement its rebate program to help families save money on efficient electric appliances. [CleanTechnica]

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Headline News:

• “Alaska’s Wind, Wave, Tidal Resources Could Help State Meet Future Energy Needs” • A 131-page report by 11 researchers in eight different areas, recommends the Alaska office of BOEM assess the potential for ocean energy. Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf holds the potential to generate 3,800 GW of electricity from wind, wave, and tidal resources. [NREL]

Possible site for offshore energy (Levi Kilcher, NREL)

• “Renewable Energy’s Share In Rwanda Reaches 52%” • Rwanda has made notable progress in providing electricity to its people with 76% of them having access to it. The country is increasingly relying on renewable energy sources for power generation. The installed capacity for renewables has reached 52%, the Minister of Infrastructure announced. [The New Times]
• “Nissan Teases All Solid-State EV Battery For Itself, Renault, And Mitsubishi Motors” • Nissan hasn’t saying what goes into the solid state battery it is developing, but did give some details. It listed a reduction in charging time “to one-third,” while bringing the cost of battery packs down to $75.00/kWh by 2028, with the ultimate goal of $65.00. [CleanTechnica]
• “Fred Olsen Renewables Files Plans For Scottish Hybrid” • Fred Olsen Renewables submitted proposals for a 100-MW hybrid renewable energy project to the Scottish Government. Lees Hill Renewable Energy Park would consist of wind, solar, and battery storage in the Scottish Borders. The developer offered over £7 million in community benefit funding. [reNews]
• “Indigenous Peoples ‘Seek Energy Transition Rights’” • In a published statement, 87 indigenous peoples’ representatives from 35 countries in all regions set out demands for respect for indigenous peoples’ rights, social equity, inclusivity, cultural integrity, full and effective participation, and shared prosperity in the shift to renewable energy. [reNews]

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Headline News:

• “Seven Countries Generate 100% Of Their Electricity From Renewable Energy” • Seven countries generate nearly all of their electricity from renewable energy, data shows. Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo produced over 99.7% of their electricity using solar, wind, hydro or geothermal power. [MSN]

Punakha, Bhutan (Nihar Modi, Unsplash)

• “Dubai Sees Severe Flooding After Getting Two Years’ Worth Of Rain In 24 Hours” • Dubai was hit with severe flooding after 6.26 inches of rain fell in just 24 hours. Dubai receives 3.12 inches of rain per year on average, and typically just 0.13 inches of rain during the month of April. Climate change is making weather worse, scientists say. [ABC News]
• “This Boat Runs On 100% Renewables. Can It Help Clean Up Bigger Ships?” • The Energy Observer has sailed the world as a floating lab of zero-emission technologies. Now its owners want to apply what they’ve learned to dirty freighters. The boat’s fossil-free generators and storage can provide all the energy it needs for weeks on end. [Canary Media]
• “US DOE Report Highlights Ways To Address Significant Wind Energy Workforce Gap” • A report from the US DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory finds that while there is likely to be a significant shortage of wind energy workers in the coming decades, impactful opportunities exist to close the wind energy workforce gap. [CleanTechnica]
• “The Safest Truck In The USA Is The Rivian R1T” • EVs have innate safety advantages. It’s also easier to design them to be safe in multiple ways. CleanTechnica has a new report on the subject: The EV Safety Advantage. Apparently, it already needs updating, because the Rivian R1T just set a new high bar for safety among pickup trucks.[CleanTechnica]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

Headline News:

• “New Texas Fuel Cell Gigafactory Pours More Cold Water On Clean Power Foes” • In Texas, public officials have been pulling out all the stops to obstruct clean energy investment, but the hits just keep on coming. In the latest development, Ballard Power Systems is moving forward with plans to set up a 3-GW fuel cell factory in Rockwell. [CleanTechnica]

Fuel cell electric bus (Photo courtesy of Ballard)

• “UK Energy Production Hits Record Low – Biggest Drop Since 1948” • In 2023, UK energy production declined 9%, reaching its lowest level since records began in 1948. Government data show that production was down by 36% from 2010 and 66% from its peak in 1999. Oil production hit a record low, while production of gas hit its second lowest level. [Energy Live News]
• “Imminent Insect Demise Means Global Food Web Is On Verge Of Collapse” • Buried in the late Friday afternoon news cycle, the most recent annual assessment from the World Entomology Body on the health of insects indicates that loss of whole insect communities is imminent. This would have disastrous effects for the global food web. [CleanTechnica]
• “India Hydropower Output Records Steepest Fall In Nearly Four Decades” • India’s hydroelectricity output fell at the steepest pace in at least 38 years over the year ending March 31, a Reuters analysis of government data showed. Erratic rainfall and high demand forced further dependence on coal-fired power, a major water consumer. [The Globe and Mail]
• “Virginia Greenlights 764 MW Of Solar Sites” • The Virginia State Corporation Commission approved more than a dozen solar projects, with 764 MW of capacity. The projects will output enough energy to power nearly 200,000 homes at peak output. Four projects will belong to Dominion Energy Virginia, which will buy the output of and the others. [reNews]

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Headline News:

• “Farmers In Germany Ready To Embrace Agrivoltaics” • In Germany, researchers associated with the world renowned Fraunhofer ISE published a study designed to shed light on what factors make agrivoltaics – the practice of combining solar panels with farming – attractive to those who are actually engaged in farming. [CleanTechnica]

Agrivoltaics (Connexus image, cropped)

• “£16 Billion Of Scottish Wind Blown Away: Green Power Is Going To Waste Because It Can’t Be Sent South Of Border” • The UK may be a wind super-power, but there is a problem because there are not enough cables to take renewable electricity from Scotland, where most of the windpower is produced, to England, where most of it is needed. [This is Money]
• “Smart Siting Of Offshore Wind Protects Right Whales In Gulf of Maine” • The final Wind Energy Area identified for potential offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine is principally located away from habitats of higher importance to endangered North Atlantic right whales. Smart siting will help the industry advance responsibly. [CleanTechnica]
• “Tesla Seems To Be Focusing On National Park Access With Supercharger Network: Jennifer Sensiba” • In two other recent articles, I spotted some upcoming Tesla Supercharger stations that will greatly improve access to national parks. Now, after seeing a third, and then fourth, fifth, and sixth examples, I see a pattern in Tesla’s behavior. [CleanTechnica]
• “Columbia University Senate Approves New Master Of Science In Climate Finance” • The University Senate approved a Master of Science program in climate finance, a collaboration between the Climate School and Business School. The University Senate passed the proposal with 63 votes in favor, zero opposed, and three abstentions. [Columbia Daily Spectator]

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Headline News:

• “Significant Renewable Energy Gains In 2023 Put Global Goal Within Reach” • The world added 50% more renewable energy in 2023 than 2022, putting the global goal of tripling clean energy in the next six years within reach, experts have said. The IEA made the announcement after analysis of current policies and market developments. [Yahoo News UK]

Wind turbines (Bastian Pudill, Unsplash)

• “NatPower UK To Invest $12.8 Billion Into Battery Storage ‘Gigaparks’” • A renewable energy developer announced it would invest almost $12.8 billion into a massive battery storage project in the UK. NatPower, a UK startup, plans to submit planning proposals for three ‘gigaparks,’which it hopes to follow up with 10 more parks in 2025. [OilPrice.com]
• “The Real Value Of Electrifying Non-Powered Dams” • Some non-power dams are suitable for conversion to generate power, but few have been in the last 20 years due to the complexity and concerns about economics. Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory developed a way to calculate the economic value of a converted NPD. [CleanTechnica]
• “How Platte River Power Authority Is Accelerating Its Energy Transition” • Community-owned Platte River Power Authority is a wholesale electricity provider in northern Colorado. It has a policy goal to decarbonize by 2030. It was the first utility in the state to bring windpower online, and plans to grow its windpower sevenfold by 2025. [Longmont Times-Call]
• “Comprehensive Analysis Of Texas Solar Farm Hail Storm Aftermath” • On March 15, 2024, a powerful hailstorm hit Fort Bend County, Texas. It damaged thousands of solar panels at the Fighting Jays Solar Farm. One lesson is that storm damage is getting worse. But there are ways to take that into account when new projects are developed. [Microgrid Media]

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Headline News:

• “US Renewables’ Installed Generating Capacity Beats Coal” • Solar capacity additions hit the ground running in 2024, pushing renewables’ installed generating capacity past coal, US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission data shows. Solar accounted for 2,527 MW of new installed generating capacity in January of this year, 87.3% of the total. [Electrek]

Wind turbines (Waldemar, Unsplash, cropped)

• “Tropical Cyclone Makes Landfall In Northern Madagascar” • A tropical cyclone swept across Madagascar killing eighteen people. The island has been hit by ten strong tropical cyclones since the start of 2022. The southern part of the island is still getting over its worst drought in forty years. Parts of the island are facing a hunger crisis due to extreme weather. [ABC News]
• “Curbside EV Charging In NYC Is A Huge Success” • New York City has a goal of being “net-zero” by 2050. Clearly, that’s not going to happen with zillions of vehicles powered by infernal combustion engines on its roads. Curbside EV charging may help. FLO, a Canadian company, has run 100 curbside chargers in a pilot program since 2021. [CleanTechnica]
• “EPA Sets New Emissions Standards For Heavy-Duty Vehicles In Effort To Fight Climate Change” • The EPA announced its new emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The agency claims the new emissions standards will avoid 1 billion tons of GHG emissions by 2055. The standards will go into effect for vehicles being made in 2027-2032. [ABC News]
• “Made-In-The-USA Monocrystalline Solar Cells: Not A Dream Anymore” • When the US solar firm Suniva ceased operating in 2017, it looked like the end for monocrystalline manufacturing in the US. Nevertheless, if all goes according to plan, the US solar industry will finally get its hands on monocrystalline solar cells that are made in the USA. [CleanTechnica]

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Headline News:

• “China Files WTO Complaint Over US EV Incentives” • From the time President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, it was inevitable. The Chinese empire struck back by initiating dispute settlement proceedings against the US at the World Trade Organization to safeguard its interests in the EV industry, the Chinese mission said. [CleanTechnica]

BYD’s first cargo ship (BYD image)

• “Yellen Plans To Confront China For ‘Unfair’ Clean Energy Subsidies” • US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed that she intends to warn Beijing that its national underwriting for energy and other companies is creating oversupply and distorting global markets, when she pays the country an official visit. China filed a complaint at the WTO against the US. [OilPrice.com]
• “The EV Revolution Has Passed A Tipping Point” • By the end of last year, sales of electric cars reached 5% or more of the new car market in 31 countries. The trajectory laid out by countries that had reached that point in the past shows that EVs sales can grow from 5% to 25% of new cars in under four years, according to Bloomberg. [CleanTechnica]
• “UK Records ‘Highest Ever Share Of Electricity Generation By Renewables’” • The UK saw its highest ever share of electricity generation by renewables last year, at 51.5%, Government figures show. In energy trend data just released, the Energy Department said this came as fossil fuel electricity generation saw its lowest share on record. [Evening Standard]
• “Governor Proposes Alternative Plan For Reducing Carbon Emissions” • Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro has proposed a plan aimed at reducing power plant carbon emissions while requiring more electricity to come from renewable sources. Pennsylvania would become the first state to adopt its own carbon-pricing program, if the plan passes. [Bay Journal]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus to Host Day of Climate Resilience at State House with Press Conference, Photo Gallery, and Stream Table Demonstration on Thursday, April 4th   The Climate Solutions Caucus, in partnership with Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV), Vermont Natural Resource Council (VNRC) and Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG), will host a press conference on Thursday, April 4th at 12:00 p.m. out on the steps of the State House (or in the Cedar Creek Room if there is inclement weather). The event will include comprehensive updates from several Vermont legislators regarding future climate mitigation and adaptation needs, recent flood impacts, and relevant House and Senate bills in play. A photo gallery of Vermont climate impacts will be up for viewing during the press conference. Immediately following the press conference, folks will be asked to join VINS educators for an interactive stream table demonstration.    What: Day of Climate Resilience & Education at the Vermont State House    When: Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.    Where: Outside on the State House Steps, unless weather is inclement. If moved indoors, events will take place inside in the Cedar Creek Room. 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633    Who: Representative Gabrielle Stebbins, Representative Jonathan Williams, Representative Amy Sheldon, Senator Chris Bray, Senator Becca White, other Climate Solutions Caucus members, NOFA, VINS, VCV, VNRC, VPIRG    Why: To provide updates on key climate resilience legislation, to educate about Vermont’s local water table system and how our interactions with local geography can impact flood resilience, to provide an interactive experience with VINS educators

Headline News:

• “Last Coal Plants In New England To Close; Renewables Take Their Place” • The last coal producers in New England will shutter their doors permanently under an agreement reached with environmental groups and the EPA. Two plants in New Hampshire, Schiller and Merrimack, will voluntarily close down in 2025 and 2028, respectively. [The Hill]

Reddy Kilowatt on a booklet for visitors (Author unknown, public domain)

 

• “‘Historic Breakthrough’: China’s Installed Wind Turbine Cost Drops To One-Fifth Of The US In Green Energy Race” • Wind power is soaring ahead in China, with the installation price of turbines dropping nearly 45% thanks to economies of scale and technological advancements, according to government tender documents. [South China Morning Post]
• “Polar Ice Is Melting And Changing Earth’s Rotation. And It’s Messing With Time Itself” • One day in the next couple of years, everyone in the world will lose a second of their time. Exactly when that will happen is being influenced by humans, according to a study, as melting polar ice alters the Earth’s rotation and changes time itself. [CNN]
• “Massachusetts, Rhode Island, And Connecticut Receive Proposals For Offshore Wind Projects” • Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut received proposals for offshore wind projects as they hope to boost their reliance on the renewable source. They have an agreement allowing coordinated selection of offshore wind projects. [ABC News]
• “Heat Pumps Are Scaling Up And Taking On Big Industry” • Residential heat pumps deserve a lot of credit for driving the decarbonization train, but home-scaled systems are no match for industrial processes that require steam. The US DOE is on the prowl for a solution and just made a $145 million bet on heat pumps that generate steam. [CleanTechnica]

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Headline News:

• “Why Stumpy, DC’s Iconic Cherry Tree, Is Drawing So Much Attention” • A hallowed-out, small cherry tree in Washington, DC, is getting a major amount of attention ahead of its removal from the Tidal Basin because of climate change. Over the last century, sea levels in the Washington, DC, area have risen by over a foot, according to NOAA. [ABC News]

Cherry trees standing in salt water (Javier Robles, CC-BY-SA 3.0)

• “Renewables The Only Energy Solution That Can Avert Climate Disaster, Conference Told” • While it is the sovereign right and prerogative of nations to choose their energy mix, the arguments for adding new nuclear capacity are weak, according to the director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, Francesco la Camera. [Daily Maverick]
• “NOAA Calls For Urgent Geoengineering Investigation” • It is abundantly clear that we are not sufficiently slowing the pace of global heating. So the administrator of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said NOAA is starting to study the effects of likely techniques for geoengineering, including the ones involving the oceans. [CleanTechnica]
• “Offshore Wind Industry Wants To Shed Its Fossil-Fueled Workboats” • The offshore wind industry seems to want to go beyond producing carbon-free renewable energy. They are also replacing the fuels used by their working vessels. Electric power is on the menu as a long term solution, and alternative fuels are getting attention for now. [CleanTechnica]
• “Ørsted’s Sunrise Wind Offshore Project Gains US Government Approval” • The Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved the 924-MW Sunrise Wind offshore wind farm. Its developers, Danish energy company Ørsted and utility provider Eversource, have also taken a final investment decision on the project. [Power Technology]

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Utility partners nationally recognized for Sustained Excellence for their New Home Construction program for 11th consecutive year

The NHSaves utility partners Eversource, Liberty, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and Unitil are proud to receive the 2024 Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence – from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. This marks the 11th consecutive time that the utility partners have been honored for their leadership delivering energy efficiency programs for New Hampshire customers. 

“The NHSaves utility partners are extremely proud of the success of the ENERGY STAR Homes Program, connecting customers across New Hampshire with highly efficient new-build homes,” said Eversource Director of Residential Energy Efficiency Kate Peters. “Every year we are able to help homebuilders construct more energy-efficient homes, reducing energy use and mitigating the effects of climate change throughout the state. The Sustained Excellence award is the highest honor that ENERGY STAR can bestow, and it is a huge testament to the strength of our initiatives and partnerships throughout the state of New Hampshire.”

The New Hampshire utilities are leaders in guiding residential, commercial, industrial and municipal gas and electric customers toward energy savings through incentive-based programs, including the New Hampshire ENERGY STAR Homes Program for new construction. In 2023 the partners surpassed their ambitious targets of 35,350,664 lifetime kWh and 559,252 lifetime MMBTUs savings. 

Last year, the utility partners also facilitated ENERGY STAR certification and provided incentives for more than 946 households, contributing to a cumulative total of 11,674 homes since 2001. At the same time they grew the program’s market penetration from two percent to a robust 28-33 percent. These outcomes reflect an increasing awareness of the benefits of program participation for customers, driving engagement and demand.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda creates an unprecedented opportunity to build a clean energy economy, and private sector partners through programs like ENERGY STAR are leading the way,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate this year’s ENERGY STAR award winners for their innovation and leadership, in delivering cost-effective energy efficient solutions that create jobs, address climate change, and contribute to a healthier environment for all.”

In order to receive the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award, partners must be named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for two consecutive years. 

A complete list of 2024 winners and more information about the ENERGY STAR awards program can be found at www.energystar.gov/awardwinners.

Headline News:

• “Geothermal Advancements, Incentives Could Help NM Meet Renewable Energy Goals” • About 75 years ago in Animas, drillers going after water for irrigation stumbled upon extremely hot water naturally bubbling up out of the ground. The spot would later become the location of New Mexico’s first utility-scale geothermal power plant. [AOL.com]

Animas, New Mexico (BAlvarius, CC-BY-SA 3.0, cropped)

• “Trader Joe’s Just Increased The Price Of A Banana For The First Time In Over Twenty Years” • Trader Joe’s told CNN that it raised the price of a banana to 23¢, an increase of more than 20%. The grocer has sold bananas for 19¢ each for over two decades. World Banana Forum experts had warned that climate change can drive up banana prices. [CNN]
• “Renewable Power Makes 1-GW Italian Battery Pact” • Altea Green Power is partnering with Renewable Power Capital to develop 1 GW of battery storage in Italy. The partnership is focused on ensuring strong involvement of local municipalities and stakeholders. It aims to achieve ready-to-build status for the pipeline in the next 2 to 4 years. [reNews]
• “Adani Eyes 45 GW Of Renewable Energy Capacity By 2030” • Billionaire Gautam Adani’s group is building the world’s largest renewable energy park in Gujarat, as it eyes a massive 45 GW capacity to generate electricity largely from solar. He said his group’s renewable energy arm, Adani Green Energy, is leading an energy transition. [Press Trust of India]
• “The TELO Electric Pickup Is A Tiny Truck With Big Features” • If you want to buy an electric pickup truck, your options are still fairly limited, but they are available. However, if you want to buy a little truck, not your standard full-size pickup, you are almost out of luck. TELO Trucks, however, might be about to produce a solution for that. [CleanTechnica]

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