Opinion:
¶ “Plug-in Hybrids: Are They Really A Solution To Reducing Emissions?” • Recently GM made headlines in saying they may restart production of plug-in hybrids after moving to battery EVs only in 2019. Are they moving backwards? Not necessarily. We need to move from gasoline to electricity quickly, and there may be a place for plugin-hybrids. [CleanTechnica]
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (IFCAR, public domain)
¶ “What’s Fueling The Commercial Fusion Hype?” • Recent White House and US DOE pronouncements on speeding up the “commercialization” of fusion energy are so over the top as to make you wonder about the scientific competence of some who are in government. It is not close enough to being market-ready even to talk about it. [Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists]
Science and Technology:
¶ “Tiny Shells Yield ‘Remarkable’ Increase In Organic Solar Cell Conversion Efficiency” • Last December a multi-school research team in Sweden reported a method for creating organic solar cells from kraft lignin, a common form of industrial wood pulp, instead of deploying plastic from petrochemicals. And its surface shape makes it more efficient. [CleanTechnica]
Organic active layer (Rendering by Hah via Eurekalert)
¶ “Revolutionizing Renewable Energy: Blockchain Technology And Microgrids Propel Solar Trading And Grid Integration” • As the world pivots towards sustainable energy solutions, a novel approach combining blockchain technology and advanced microgrid systems is set to transform solar energy trading and integration into utility grids. [BNN Breaking]
World:
¶ “Carmakers Failing To Deliver Affordable Electric Cars, Holding Back EV Adoption – Analysis” • Just 17% of electric cars sold in Europe are in the cheaper B segment, compared to 37% of new combustion engines, analysis finds. Carmakers are slowing EV adoption by prioritising sales of more costly large electric cars, the analysis shows. [CleanTechnica]
Panda Mini EV (Courtesy of Geely)
¶ “Chemical Pollution Victims’ Voices Ignored For A European Industrial Deal” • In October 2023, pollution victims from Italy, Belgium, and France requested an audience with Ursula von der Leyen to address the devastating health consequences of toxic PFAS chemicals. Despite their passionate plea, their voices are being ignored. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Kenyan Startup Roam Secures $24 Million in Funding to Accelerate Electric Mobility Solutions” • The transition to electric mobility is gaining momentum. The electric two-wheeler market has grown rapidly around the world over the past few years due to high fuel prices, rapid urbanization in developing countries, and the need to reduce air pollution. [CleanTechnica]
Roam Air electric motorcycle (Roam image)
¶ “SgurrEnergy Attains Milestone Of Over 100 GW In Renewable Energy Projects” • Renewable energy consultancy SgurrEnergy celebrates a major milestone, surpassing 100 GW of experience in renewable energy projects worldwide, with a portfolio built in over forty countries. India accounts for approximately 60 GW of its total capacity achieved. [SolarQuarter]
¶ “Oz Offshore Consultation Is Kicked Off” • The Government of Australia is seeking feedback on the benefits and effects of future offshore wind development in a proposed area in the Indian Ocean off the Bunbury region in Western Australia. The area is at least 20km from the coast, has quality wind resources and some relatively shallow waters. [reNews]
Offshore wind turbines (insung yoon, Unsplash)
¶ “Telis Energy Italy Ignites Renewable Revolution With 3-GW Development Plan” • In a move that signals a major shift towards renewable energy in Italy, Telis Energy Italy, a subsidiary of the British-based Telis Energy, has unveiled ambitious plans to develop 3 GW of battery storage and hybrid renewable energy projects in the country. [BNN Breaking]
¶ “Energy Democracy Takes Off In Greece” • Hyperion, the first democratic renewable-energy community in Athens, looks like one of Germany’s progressive energy cooperatives. And the idea behind it is also much the same as with those in Germany: to create a democratic collective that produces renewable energy for its members and the broader community. [DW]
Solar array (Hyperion image)
¶ “CleanCo Commences Construction On $330 Million BESS” • Construction has commenced on a $330 million battery project in Swanbank, Queensland, to be delivered by publicly owned CleanCo in partnership with Tesla and Yurika. It is expected to be one of Queensland’s biggest batteries, with capacities of 250 MW and 500 MWh. [Energy Magazine]
US:
¶ “An Ancient Lake That Reemerged At Death Valley National Park Will Stick Around” • Death Valley’s famed Badwater Basin began filling up with water in August due to heavy precipitation from Hurricane Hilary, which prompted the first tropical storm watch in California state history. Now, a series of atmospheric rivers will keep it filled a while. [ABC News]
Lake in Badwater Basin (Steve Gribble, Unsplash)
¶ “EV Charging Station Blues Banished By Fresh Flood Of Money” • If you noticed a torrent of news about EV charging stations over the weekend, it’s no accident. New federal funds for building out EV charging station network are starting to kick in. Star Charge, a Chinese firm, is setting up shop in Ohio to make 20,000 EV chargers per year. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “West Virginia House of Delegates Approves Expansion Of Renewable Energy Capacity” • The WV House of Delegates approved House Bill 5528 to increase the cap on the amount of renewable electricity a facility can generate. It also eliminates the sunset date on a state program aimed at promoting utility-scale renewable power. [Zelosos por Buenas Renovables]
Have an extraordinarily useful day.
geoharvey 