renewable energy
Newsletter
Credit: leungchopan/Big Stock Photo
TVA faces pressure for greener and more transparent operations
The Tennessee Valley Authority faces community backlash and legislative scrutiny over plans for a new gas power plant and its slow adoption of renewable energy.
In short:
- Cheatham County residents oppose TVA's proposed gas plant, feeling it is inappropriate for the area.
- Bipartisan legislation aims to increase TVA’s transparency and accountability in planning and executive pay.
- Environmentalists criticize TVA for lagging behind other utilities in renewable energy adoption.
Key quote:
“Back when it was created in the 1930s, TVA was on the cutting edge of transforming a region of the country and investing in a lot of infrastructure to create that transformation. We‘re just not seeing that happen now.”
— Amanda Garcia, attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the future of energy in the region, with critics arguing that the TVA is missing a crucial opportunity to invest in cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the call for renewable energy solutions has never been louder. Despite this, the TVA maintains that the new gas plant is essential for meeting the area's energy needs and ensuring reliable power supply.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Peter Beukema/Unsplash
China leads global wind and solar project construction
China is constructing nearly double the wind and solar power of the rest of the world combined, according to a new report.
In short:
- China has 339GW of wind and solar power under construction, compared to 40GW in the US.
- By 2024, China will reach 1,200GW of installed wind and solar capacity, six years ahead of schedule.
- Despite renewable growth, China’s coal consumption and new coal plant approvals continue to rise.
Key quote:
“It is obviously important for China to keep on adding more renewable energy to meet its targets. But it’s not as simple as you just keep building and it will be solved … [because] there is no sign that the country is trying to steer away from its coal consumption.”
— Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Policy Institute
Why this matters:
China's rapid renewable energy expansion sets a global precedent, but rising coal use and geopolitical tensions challenge its environmental goals.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Raphael Cruz/Unsplash
Ohio solar projects emphasize community engagement to overcome opposition
Ohio solar developers are engaging with local communities early in project planning to mitigate opposition and improve project approval chances.
In short:
- Vesper Energy and Open Road Renewables are holding listening sessions in Greene and Logan counties to address community concerns.
- State law and fossil fuel interests have fueled opposition to solar projects, making community engagement crucial.
- Feedback from these sessions aims to shape project designs and enhance public acceptance.
Key quote:
“We’ve been putting a very heavy emphasis on public engagement and, more importantly, listening to concerns from as many stakeholders as we can in the community.”
— Doug Herling, a vice president for Open Road Renewables
Why this matters:
Community input can help solar projects address local concerns, potentially easing approval processes and fostering support for renewable energy initiatives. This collaborative effort is crucial as Ohio continues to navigate the transition to renewable energy sources, balancing environmental benefits with local stakeholder interests.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Photo by Pedro Henrique Santos on Unsplash
The cultural legacy of coal mining and its relevance to renewable energy
Coal mining, while hazardous and polluting, fostered strong community bonds and cultural pride that could be emulated in the renewable energy sector.
In short:
- Coal mining in the UK has ended, leaving a significant cultural and community legacy.
- Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, may not require as many local workers but still offer opportunities for community identity.
- Community Energy projects enable local involvement and benefits from renewable energy production.
Key quote:
“They were tough men. And they were proud of it, proud of every minute of it. It ruined people, it broke people. And one of those people was my grandad.”
— Kate Rusby, Yorkshire folk-singer
Why this matters:
Transitioning to clean energy must consider the social and cultural impacts on communities historically dependent on coal. Embracing community-driven energy projects can preserve the sense of pride and belonging once found in coal mining towns.
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
Credit: Abby Anaday/Unsplash
Labour's plan to lead a green energy shift in Britain
Keir Starmer's new Labour government pledges to fast-track the green energy transition, aiming for zero-carbon electricity by 2030 despite significant challenges.
In short:
- Labour's win marks the end of 14 years of Conservative rule, with a strong focus on climate promises including zero-carbon electricity by 2030.
- Reducing reliance on gas and halting new North Sea oil licenses are major goals, but achieving these will be politically and logistically challenging.
- Broad political consensus on climate action in Britain is fracturing, with rising far-right opposition to net-zero targets.
Why this matters:
The Labour Party's vision for a greener future includes a comprehensive strategy to overhaul the UK's energy infrastructure. This means ramping up investments in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal power, while simultaneously phasing out fossil fuels. The aim is not only to reduce the nation's carbon footprint but also to set a global example in combating climate change.
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
Trump may repeal Biden's climate law, risking billions in US investments
Former President Donald Trump criticizes President Biden's renewable energy policies, which experts say could inadvertently benefit China by jeopardizing $488 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments.
In short:
- Trump has labeled Biden's renewable energy policies as a ploy to enrich China, as China controls many parts needed for green technology.
- Experts argue repealing these policies would hurt U.S. manufacturing, boosting China's edge in clean energy technologies.
- The Inflation Reduction Act has spurred $488 billion in U.S. investments, creating significant job growth in renewable energy sectors.
Key quote:
"If America chooses as a matter of political decision to go backward on the green transition, it won’t stop the global process because that’s already underway."
— Stuart P.M. Mackintosh, economist and author of the book "Climate Crisis Economics"
Why this matters:
Proponents of Biden's policies argue that the long-term benefits of renewable energy outweigh the risks. They emphasize that investing in green technology can spur innovation, create sustainable jobs and reduce dependency on foreign energy sources. Moreover, the environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy are seen as vital steps in addressing the climate crisis.
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
Credit: Alex Eckermann/Unsplash
Biden administration allocates funds for rural renewable energy projects
The Biden administration announced $375 million to support renewable energy projects in rural areas through the Inflation Reduction Act.
In short:
- $275 million will be allocated through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, which promotes clean electrification in rural areas such as Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky and Nebraska.
- The USDA will provide $100 million in grants and loans via the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) across 39 states and Puerto Rico.
- Notable projects include $100 million for battery storage systems in Alaska and $82,000 for an energy-efficient grain dryer in New York.
Key quote:
“We are excited to partner with hundreds more family farms and small businesses as well as rural electric cooperatives and local clean energy developers to address the impacts of climate change, grow the economy and keep rural communities throughout the country strong and resilient.”
— Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Why this matters:
According to the Biden administration, the $11-billion IRA funds it promised in 2023 is the most significant investment in rural electrification since the 1930's New Deal. Investing in rural renewable energy projects helps combat climate change while supporting the economic stability and resilience of rural communities. This funding represents a significant effort to modernize rural energy infrastructure, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
Keep reading...Show less
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
