Renewable Energy

Main Ideas: Litigation may delay federal rulemaking on transportation emissions, but states can still take action. Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Author's Take: While federal rulemaking on transportation emissions may face delays due to litigation, states can continue to play a leading role in addressing this crucial issue. With transportation being the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, it is important for all levels of government to take action and implement policies that promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprint. Click here for the original article.

The Batteries Of Tomorrow Are In The Laboratories Of Today Cornell and Harvard researchers are working on improving batteries Main Ideas: Cornell and Harvard researchers are aiming to improve battery technology by addressing the issue of dendrites. Dendrites are needle-like structures that can form on the electrodes of lithium-ion batteries, reducing their performance and posing safety risks. The researchers are exploring different approaches, including using a polymer coating to prevent dendrite formation and developing solid-state batteries that are less susceptible to dendrite growth. This research is part of ongoing efforts to develop better batteries for applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Author's Take: Researchers at Cornell and Harvard are makin...

ORNL and NREL Modeling Finds Installing Geothermal Heat Pumps in About 70% of US Buildings Could Reduce Need for New ... [continued] According to a modeling analysis conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), installing geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) in around 70% of buildings in the US could significantly reduce the need for new power plants while also reducing carbon emissions. GHPs use the stable temperatures underground to heat or cool buildings, which makes them highly efficient and environmentally friendly. The analysis found that if GHPs were installed in 20% of homes and 40% of commercial buildings, the US would avoid the need for around 20 gigawatts of power generation capacity, resulting in a 64% reduction in carbon emiss...

First-Ever Regional Offshore Wind & Wildlife Science Plan Released Main Ideas: A group of researchers and stakeholders has created a comprehensive research plan to study the impacts of offshore wind on wildlife. The plan focuses on the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, which is a prime area for developing offshore wind energy. The plan aims to address concerns about how wind turbines can affect various species, such as birds, marine mammals, and fish. The researchers will use a variety of methods, including tagging and tracking devices, to gather data on wildlife behavior and interactions with offshore wind farms. The findings from this research will help inform the development of offshore wind projects in the region and ensure that they are designed to minim...

Pieces of Federal EV Charging Vision Coming Together Main Ideas: Two federal initiatives are being put in place to support the installation and expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released guidance on how states can use federal funding for EV charging projects, including design, construction, and maintenance. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has made $180 million available to support the purchase of electric buses and the development of charging infrastructure. These initiatives aim to accelerate the growth of EV adoption and address concerns about the availability and accessibility of charging stations. Author's Take: The federal initiatives released by the FHWA and FTA mark important steps towards supporting ...

Landmark Research Plan Established for Offshore Wind & Wildlife Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind releases first collaborative research plan Key Points: The Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind (RWSC) has launched the first research plan aimed at studying the interactions between offshore wind energy and wildlife. The collaborative research plan is designed to inform and guide future studies on the potential impacts of offshore wind development on wildlife, including birds, bats, and marine species. The research plan includes a comprehensive assessment of current knowledge, recommendations for filling data gaps, and strategies for cooperation between researchers, regulators, and stakeholders. The plan intends to facilitate a scienc...

Summary: California's hydrogen stations face operational challenges California's hydrogen stations are reportedly facing challenges in terms of operational hours and investment returns. A recent article on CleanTechnica highlights that hydrogen fueling stations in California are often being fixed for more hours than they are pumping hydrogen. The state has more than 40 hydrogen stations, but they are said to be operational around only 15% of the time. The article also points out that the capital expenditure per station is significantly high, at about 15% per year. Implications for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles These operational challenges and high costs could impact the adoption and viability of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Limited operational hours mean that there may be inadequate access ...

Researchers find Alberta tar sands emissions may be 64 times higher than reported Main ideas: New research suggests that emissions from Alberta tar sands may be significantly higher than previously reported. The study, conducted by scientists from the Environmental Defense Fund and the University of Toronto, analyzed air samples taken from over 100 tar sands oil and gas production sites. Results indicate that these emissions may be up to 64 times greater than what is officially reported to the government. The findings raise concerns about the accuracy of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions data and suggest that tar sands extraction is even more environmentally damaging than previously thought. Author's take: This research reveals a disturbing discrepancy in the reporting of emissions from ...

Renault aims to establish a presence in Europe's growing fuel cell mobility market Renault plans to introduce hundreds of hydrogen fuel cell electric vans in Europe, capitalizing on the increasing interest in fuel cell technology. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use hydrogen to generate electricity, providing a clean and sustainable transportation solution. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vans as a strategic move for Renault Renault is looking to leverage the growing demand for FCEVs in Europe by introducing a large fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric vans. These vans will target commercial customers, aiming to provide a more sustainable and efficient solution for their transportation needs. Europe shows interest in fuel cell mobility In recent years, Europe has seen an increase in...

Tesla 2023 IRA Document For Tax Credit — How To Get It Main Ideas: Tesla owners who purchased their vehicles in 2023 can apply for a tax credit from the US government. Owning a Tesla in 2023 still qualifies for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500. To claim the tax credit, owners need to fill out IRS Form 8936 and attach it to their tax return. Owners can also provide their IRA document, which is a factory invoice or dealer bill of sale, to support their claim for the tax credit. It is important to consult with a tax professional or advisor for more detailed information on claiming the tax credit. Author's take: Tesla owners who purchased their vehicles in 2023 still have the opportunity to claim a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. By filling out IRS Form 8936 and providing their IRA...