Science and Technology:
¶ “Brighter, Whiter Snow Could Help Offset Global Warming. PNNL Scientists Study Why” • While research has shown that global warming is leading to a decline in snowpacks, a study by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suggests the news may not be as grim as originally thought. Expectations for cleaner snow is one reason. [CleanTechnica]
Ford F-150 Lightning in snow (Ford image)
¶ “Electric Aircraft Offer Major Climate Benefits” • Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, did the world’s first life cycle assessment of an existing, two-seat, all-electric aircraft, comparing it to an equivalent plane powered by fossil fuel. After just one quarter of the expected lifespan of the electric aircraft, its climate impact is lower. [CleanTechnica]
World:
¶ “New Coffee Genetic Map Promises Better Brews” • The most complete genetic map yet of Arabica coffee was pieced together by researchers in Italy. Arabica coffee is the world’s most popular drink. The new insights into the plant’s genetic code will help in breeding new coffee crops. And they may lead to coffee plants that can cope better in a warming world. [BBC]
Coffee beans (Michael Burrows, Pexels)
¶ “Extreme Waves That Hit Marshall Islands Highlight Dangers Of Climate Change” • A series of extreme waves that wreaked havoc on a US military base in the Marshall Islands could be indicative of more dangerous coastal behavior in the future, according to experts. The Marshall Islands are considered at the very front lines of climate change. [BBC]
¶ “Even More Bad News For Fossil Fuels: Solid State Battery Gigafactories Are Here” • Solid state batteries were not supposed to happen until the end of the decade, but it looks like they are here already. Solid state offers more range, fast charging, long lifecycle, improved safety, less supply chain risk, and enhanced recycling opportunities. [CleanTechnica]
Solid state battery manufacturing (Courtesy of Prologium)
¶ “Fewer Markets Are Importing Russia’s Coal” • Russia’s reliance on four countries to import its coal has increased since some countries implemented sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine, according to Global Trade Tracker data. This trade shift corresponds with increased coal exports from the US to Europe and EU sanctions. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “European Energy Signs 1.3-GW Oz Solar PPA” • European Energy has taken a significant step towards realizing Australia’s largest solar farm by signing a PPA with global mining and materials company Rio Tinto. This agreement ensures that all energy generated from the 1-300-MW Upper Calliope Solar Farm will be supplied to Rio Tinto. [reNews]
Solar farm (European Energy image)
¶ “Nuclear Power Output Expected To Break Global Records In 2025” • Nuclear power generation is likely to break records in 2025 as more countries invest in reactors to fuel the shift to a low-carbon economy, according to an International Energy Agency report. Also, renewable energy is likely to overtake coal as a power source early next year. [The Guardian]
¶ “UK Government Approves Planning Application For BECCS At Drax Power Station” • Claire Coutinho, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, approved the Development Consent Order for Drax Power Limited’s plans to convert two of its biomass units at Drax Power Station to bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. [Renewable Energy Magazine]
Drax power station (Courtesy of Drax)
¶ “DTEK Toasts First Power At Romanian Renewables Projects” • DTEK Group achieved first power at its debut projects outside Ukraine. The two Romanian projects, one wind and one solar, are the first in a portfolio spanning Italy, Poland, Romania and Croatia. These are being developed by a DTEK subsidiary, DTEK Renewables International. [reNews]
¶ “Hinkley Point C Nuclear Plant Costs Could Rise To £46 Billion, Delayed To End Of Decade” • In 2022, the cost of the plant in Somerset was estimated at £26 billion in 2015 prices. Now EDF, which is developing the plant, has raised its estimate to £31-35 billion in 2015 prices, which could be as much as £46 billion in today’s prices. [Construction Briefing]
Lifting a 245-tonne roof into place (EDF image)
¶ “Sizewell Opponents Apply To Supreme Court As Government Commits £1 Billion” • The government announced an additional £1.3 billion to support Sizewell C nuclear plant. Opponents of the power plant are applying to the UK Supreme Court for the right to appeal against the dismissal of their legal challenge, which is based on the plant’s water supply. [BBC]
US:
¶ “More Internet Access From Elon Musk’s Starlink Can Enhance Sustainable Agritech” • The rise of precision agriculture could boost yields and profit margins while reducing reliance on fertilizer and other inputs, among other benefits. A hitch is that 30% of farm acreage in the US does not possess reliable WiFi access. Starlink can handle that. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Tesla Cybertruck Towing Range Updates – Range Issues? Misleading Concerns?” • Tesla Cybertrucks are rolling out quite quickly at the moment, per reports from the Tesla gigafactory in Texas and even based on local delivery info here in Southwest Florida. As it starts to get out to market, we’re getting a better sense of how the truck operates. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “High-Speed Rail Project Will Create Thousands Of Jobs And Provide An Efficient Way To Travel Between Los Angeles And Las Vegas” • A new high-speed train that can whisk travelers between Los Angeles and Las Vegas will get $3 billion in federal funding, the Biden administration announced. It is expected to take half as much time as a trip by car. [CleanTechnica]
Have a excitingly lovely day.
geoharvey 