Today, the U.S. has about six times as much renewable energy as it did ten years ago, and some states aim to be 100% renewable by 2050. Julia Pyper explores a new report about the American democratization of renewables, energy storage and electric vehicles.
Archives
Devil in the detail of Europe’s 2050 transport model
As the EU puts together a mid-century climate strategy, Carlos Calvo Ambel explains how the European Commission’s choice of modelling could be severely underestimating what emission cuts can be gained from the transport sector.
A climate-friendly response to Trump’s protectionism
Rather than allowing itself to be dragged into Donald Trump’s destructive trade games, the European Union should turn them on their head, by introducing a CO2 levy, including border adjustment. Such a response would help protect the environment and boost the EU’s own international clout. Barbara Unmüßig and Michael Kellner take a look.
Blockchain and energy: we sifted hype from reality so you don’t have to
As we move away from coal and nuclear to renewable energy, the electrical grid will need to adapt. Varun Sivaram and Madison Freeman go in-depth on how blockchain could help.
Southeast Asia’s sustainable development path under threat
The latest hydropower dam collapse raises questions about the proliferation of large-scale energy projects. With extreme weather from climate change, what is the future of hydropower for southeast Asia? ask Lars Blume from GreenID Vietnam and Michael Simon from International Rivers.
Under pressure from Trump, Germany plans to import fracked gas
While Europe swelters through unprecedented heat, Germany has agreed to build its first terminal for liquefied natural gas. Probably because of pressure from Washington, says L. Michael Buchsbaum.
Six charts show mixed progress for UK renewables
The UK’s energy transition picks up speed: onshore and offshore wind power rose by 34% last year in the UK compared to 2016, new government statistics show. Jocelyn Timperley takes an in-depth look at the data.
Can tenders help democratize the energy transition in Latin America?
Throughout Latin America, tenders and auctions have been a particularly popular mechanism to push the development of renewables. But communities who could benefit from local renewable energy projects are often excluded, says Maximiliano Proaño.
Lignite: new beginnings, old problems
Recent announcements by the Polish government are unambiguous: the Polish power industry will continue to be based on coal. But unless the energy industry transitions to renewables, Poland will face shortages, Michał Olszewski warns.
Spain’s new government commits to massive clean energy build-out
Spain’s conservative government tried to stop the transition away from coal, but has been replaced by a coalition which will focus on reinvigorating the economy with clean energy. From scrapping unpopular taxes on solar to creating a Green Fund, the future of renewables looks bright, says L. Michael Buchsbaum.