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Trump promises to repeal power plant rule and slash energy costs
Former President Donald Trump, campaigning in Pennsylvania, pledged to cut energy costs by half within his first year in office, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris's energy policies, including her stance on fracking and power plant regulations.
In short:
- Trump vowed to repeal the Biden administration’s power plant regulations, labeling them as harmful to American energy.
- JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, echoed these sentiments, promising to prioritize domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
- Trump and Vance emphasized that their energy policies would benefit American workers and reduce costs.
Key quote:
“Kamala Harris cares more about climate change than about inflation. She prefers solar panels and wind turbines to American jobs.”
— JD Vance, U.S. Senator from Ohio and vice presidential candidate
Why this matters:
Energy policies will be a major focus in the 2024 election, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania. Trump’s promises aim to sway voters concerned about energy costs and job security.
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US wind and solar could surpass coal for the first time in 2024
Wind and solar power generation exceeded coal in the first seven months of 2024, positioning renewables to potentially outpace coal for the entire year.
In short:
- Wind and solar generated more electricity than coal in the U.S. from January to July, driven by increased solar output.
- The trend reflects the continued retirement of coal plants and rapid growth of renewable energy, particularly in Texas.
- Despite the rise in renewables, challenges remain in meeting increasing electricity demand, which might require new power sources.
Key quote:
“I think you’re seeing a solar surge and a coal decline and hence the lines are crossing.”
— Ric O’Connell, executive director of GridLab
Why this matters:
Wind and solar’s potential to overtake coal marks a significant shift in U.S. energy production, highlighting the ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources. However, balancing grid reliability as demand rises presents critical challenges.
Read more: Coal to solar switch could save 52,000 US lives per year.
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China's renewable energy surge could signal peak in emissions
China’s massive expansion of renewable energy in 2024, equivalent to the UK’s entire electricity output, might indicate that the country’s greenhouse gas emissions have peaked.
In short:
- China’s renewable energy growth in the first half of 2024 matches the UK’s total electricity output from 2023.
- Coal and gas electricity generation in China fell by 5% in July, suggesting a potential peak in emissions.
- Despite gains in clean energy, coal still accounted for 60% of China’s power in 2023, complicating long-term emissions reductions.
Key quote:
"China is leading against all of its competitors, when it comes to green technology."
— Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Policy Institute
Why this matters:
China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its progress in renewable energy could be crucial in global efforts to combat climate change. However, continued coal reliance poses a significant challenge to reducing emissions.
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Wind companies invest $93M in mid-Atlantic despite looming Trump opposition
The offshore wind industry showed resilience by committing $93 million in bids for mid-Atlantic projects, undeterred by the potential return of Trump to the White House.
In short:
- The Biden administration secured $93 million in bids for offshore wind projects off Delaware, Maryland and Virginia despite industry challenges and political uncertainty.
- Trump has vowed to target the offshore wind industry if reelected, but developers appear confident in the sector's long-term prospects.
- The Interior Department auction results reflect growing state-level commitments to offshore wind, with major projects planned for the mid-Atlantic.
Key quote:
“Today’s lease sale reflects the forward momentum we are seeing to power millions of American homes with clean energy and create good-paying, climate jobs.”
— Ali Zaidi, White House climate adviser
Why this matters:
The auction's success suggests continued confidence in offshore wind development, even as political threats and economic challenges loom. The projects are significant for meeting renewable energy targets and mitigating climate change.
Related: Trump's return could severely impact Biden's wind power initiatives
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Wind and solar now provide 30% of EU electricity
Wind and solar power have surpassed fossil fuels to generate 30% of the EU's electricity in the first half of 2024, reducing emissions by one-third since 2022.
In short:
- EU power generation from coal, oil and gas fell 17% in early 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- 13 EU member states, including Germany and Belgium, now produce more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels.
- Despite progress, the wind industry faces high inflation and political resistance, hindering faster growth.
Key quote:
"We are witnessing a historic shift in the power sector, and it is happening rapidly."
— Chris Rosslowe, analyst at Ember
Why this matters:
Transitioning to renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change. By harnessing natural resources, we can significantly decrease the carbon footprint of electricity production. This shift not only addresses the immediate concern of lowering carbon emissions but also promotes long-term sustainability by preserving non-renewable resources.
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Offshore wind development faces mixed progress in the Northeast
A broken turbine blade in Massachusetts, a new wind project in New York, and New Jersey research illustrate the mixed progress in the Northeast’s offshore wind industry.
In short:
- A wind farm in Nantucket, Massachusetts was temporarily shut down due to a turbine blade collapse, prompting an extensive cleanup effort.
- New York launched its largest offshore wind project, Sunrise Wind, which will power around 600,000 homes.
- New Jersey allocated nearly $5 million for research to mitigate environmental impacts from planned offshore wind farms.
Key quote:
“We’re making progress in the debris recovery efforts and mobilizing even more resources on the island to hasten the cleanup as quickly as possible.”
— Klaus Moeller, CEO of Vineyard Wind
Why this matters:
Offshore wind farms are celebrated for their potential to provide vast amounts of clean energy, significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, the collapse of a turbine blade raises questions about the structural integrity of these massive installations. Ensuring the durability and safety of wind turbines is paramount, not just for worker safety, but also to prevent environmental harm.
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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.
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