Renewable Energy

EV Sales Rise to 7.2% of US Auto Sales, Tesla 4.3% of Auto Sales Main Ideas: Full electric vehicle (EV) sales in the US reached 7.2% of total auto sales in 2021. Tesla accounted for 4.3% of all auto sales in the US in 2021. In 2019, full electric vehicle sales were only 1.4% of US auto sales. 2020 witnessed a rise in EV sales to 1.7% of US auto sales. Increasing consumer demand, expanded EV models, and improvements in charging infrastructure are contributing factors to the growth of EV sales in the US. Author's take: The US is experiencing a steady increase in the adoption of electric vehicles, with 7.2% of auto sales being electric in 2021. Tesla continues to dominate the EV market, accounting for 4.3% of all auto sales in the US. This growth in EV sales can be attributed to factors su...

A Route To Immediate & Impactful Decarbonization With Short-Term PPAs Summary Short-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) can provide an effective way for businesses to decarbonize their energy use quickly and generate immediate environmental benefits. This article explores how short-term PPAs work and how they can contribute to the decarbonization efforts of businesses. Main Points Short-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) can help businesses decarbonize their energy use quickly. Unlike long-term PPAs that typically span over 10 years, short-term PPAs have a duration of 1-5 years. Short-term PPAs offer flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt their energy consumption to changes in their operations or market conditions. By entering into short-term PPAs, businesses can support renewable...

AstraZeneca, Atlassian, and Philips take different approaches to helping suppliers lower emissions AstraZeneca AstraZeneca has pledged to work with suppliers to set science-based targets to lower emissions. The company believes that by working together, they can help reduce carbon emissions throughout the supply chain. AstraZeneca's approach involves collaborating closely with suppliers to understand their emissions profile and identify areas for improvement. The company aims to engage suppliers in long-term relationships and provide them with the tools and resources needed to reduce their carbon footprint. Atlassian Atlassian is committed to supporting its suppliers in setting science-based targets for emissions reductions. The software company recognizes the importanc...

Transforming the Power Grid for a Clean Energy Future Summary: The transformation of today's power grid is necessary for achieving a clean energy future. The collaboration and partnership of businesses, utilities, and governments is essential in making this transformation happen. Achieving a cleaner and more sustainable power grid will require the integration of renewable energy sources. This transformation will create new opportunities for innovation and technological advancements in the energy sector. Author's Take: The shift towards a clean energy future demands the transformation of the existing power grid, and this can only be accomplished through the joint efforts of businesses, utilities, and governments. By integrating renewable energy sources, we can make significant progress to...

Grand River Transit Introduces Electric Buses for Zero-Emission Pilot Summary: Grand River Transit is set to launch its first electric buses next month as part of its zero-emission bus pilot program. The program aims to transition the transit system to a fleet entirely composed of electric buses by 2040. The initial phase will see the deployment of four electric buses on regular routes, with charging infrastructure to be installed at the transit facility. The move towards electric buses aligns with the commitment of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The pilot program will help to evaluate the benefits and challenges of electric bus adoption on a larger scale. Electric Buses for a Sustainable Future Autho...

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 ...