wind power
Newsletter
Global wind power expansion lags behind climate targets, report says
A new report reveals that the U.S., India, Russia and Japan are falling short of their commitments to triple wind power by 2030, posing a significant challenge to meeting global climate goals.
In short:
- The report by Ember shows that global wind power is set to double by 2030, falling short of the tripling target set at the U.N. COP28 climate conference.
- The U.S. ranks worst in meeting its wind power targets, with a shortfall of 100 gigawatts, enough to power over 30 million homes.
- Brazil and Finland are among the few countries on track to exceed their wind energy goals, while countries like Russia and Japan have barely tapped into their wind potential.
Key quote:
"Governments are lacking ambition on wind, and especially onshore wind. Wind is not getting enough attention."
— Katye Altieri, electricity analyst at Ember
Why this matters:
The slow pace of wind power development undermines efforts to combat climate change and shift toward renewable energy. Countries failing to meet wind power targets risk missing out on crucial opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a sustainable energy future.
Related:
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Newsletter
US southwestern tribes seek UN support as green energy project advances on their lands
Tribes in southwestern Arizona are reaching out to the United Nations for assistance after a U.S. court allowed a major green energy project to proceed through Indigenous lands.
In short:
- A U.S. judge denied Indigenous nations' plea to halt a $10 billion wind-transmission line under the name of SunZia which would affect tribal lands in Arizona.
- Despite supporting green energy, the tribes criticize the lack of due process and community involvement from Pattern Energy, the Canadian-owned parent company of the project.
- Pattern Energy claims the project is the largest in U.S. history, aiming to power millions across multiple states by 2026.
Key quote:
“They are doing the same thing as fossil fuel. It’s just more trendy.”
— Andrea Carmen, member of the Yaqui tribe.
Why this matters:
Many lands in the Southwest that are proposed for renewable energy projects, like solar and wind farms, belong to Native American tribes. The development of large-scale renewable energy projects on these lands can lead to the destruction or desecration of sacred sites, burial grounds, and other culturally important locations and violate the right to self-determination of these communities.
LISTEN: What would a just energy transition look like for US tribes?
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Newsletter
Trump's return could severely impact Biden's wind power initiatives
A potential Trump presidency poses a significant threat to the progress of the offshore wind industry and clean energy transition.
In short:
- Trump's previous presidency saw a stagnation in offshore wind development, raising concerns about future setbacks.
- His criticism of wind power, including unfounded health claims and economic impacts, could hinder clean energy progress.
- The Biden administration's efforts to boost offshore wind projects face potential reversal under Trump's influence.
Key quote:
“If you have a windmill anywhere near your house, congratulations your house just went down 75 percent in value.”
— Donald Trump, 2020 speech
Why this matters:
Trump's potential return to office could dramatically alter the course of the U.S.'s energy future, impacting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources.
Be sure to read Peter Dykstra’s 2022 piece: Headwinds remain for clean energy
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Stalled coastal wind power projects imperil Biden’s climate agenda
A grim financial outlook for the country’s offshore wind power industry is threatening President Joe Biden’s most important energy plans.
‘Memorial to all who suffered’: survivors protest wind farm near Japanese American incarceration site
About 13,000 people were held at the Minidoka camp during the second world war. Now, a green energy project threatens the ‘sacred’ place.
Danish wind pioneer keeps battling climate change
Henrik Stiesdal helped design the first modern wind turbines. A thousand patents later, he’s a green tech entrepreneur rolling out new innovations.
Britain and the Netherlands Agree on a North Sea Power Link
The undersea connection between a Dutch wind farm and Britain could be a step toward more renewable energy to counter Russia and tackle climate change.
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