Science and Technology:
¶ “DuraMAT Forecasts How New PV Module Technologies Might Perform Over 20, 30, Or 50 Years” • The photovoltaic industry is innovating so quickly that the future performance of today’s fielded modules is no longer always reliable. To address this state of affairs, DuraMAT introduced a new focus on forecasting PV reliability in 2023. [CleanTechnica]
DuraMAT researchers conducting test (Courtesy of NREL)
World:
¶ “It’s So Hot In Mexico, Howler Monkeys Are Falling Dead From The Trees” • At least 138 howler monkeys, known for their loud vocal calls, were found dead in the state of Tabasco since May 16, according to the Biodiversity Conservation of The Usumacinta group. Temperatures as high as 47°C (117°F) result partly from climate change. [ABC News]
¶ “UN Maritime Tribunal Says Countries Are Legally Required To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Pollution” • A UN maritime law tribunal, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, found that countries are legally required to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, a victory for small island nations that are on the front lines of climate change. [ABC News]
Sunrise in the Maldives (Saud Edum, Unsplash)
¶ “EV Transition Targets Out Of Reach Without More Copper Mines: IEF Secretary General” • Targets for 100% EV adoption by 2035 cannot be achieved without an unprecedented acceleration in copper mining, according to Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum. More copper must be mined than has been in history. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Cityshuttle’s Six-Wheeled E-Cargo Bike System Is Like A Pedal-Powered Semi Truck” • It looks like a tiny semi-truck and trailer, with the driver sitting in an enclosed cab, but instead of burning fossil fuels for power, the Cityshuttle ePack is pedaled. This zero emission light goods vehicle could have an important place in a low-carbon future. [CleanTechnica]
Cityshuttle ePack 4 e-cargo bike (Courtesy of Cityshuttle)
¶ “Uzbekistan Is To Get Central Asia’s First Renewable Energy Facility With Utility-Scale Battery Storage” • The World Bank announced that it will support a 250-MW solar PV plant with a 63-MW battery energy storage system in Uzbekistan. It will be central Asia’s first utility-scale renewable energy facility with a battery storage component. [ETN News]
¶ “India to Boost Wind Energy Capacity by 25 GW by 2028” • India is on track to add nearly 25 GW of wind capacity in fiscal years 2025 through 2028, compared to about 9 GW added 2021 through 2024, according to Crisil Ratings. This expansion is expected to involve capital investments of up to to ₹2 lakh crore (₹2 trillion, $24 billion). [Construction World]
Indian wind turbines (Iamvrt46, CC-BY-SA 4.0)
¶ “Large-Scale Nuclear Power Station Planned For Anglesey In Wales” • UK ministers have earmarked north Wales as the site of a large-scale nuclear power plant, as part of plans to resuscitate Britain’s nuclear power ambitions. Wylfa on Anglesey has been named as the preferred site for the UK’s next major nuclear power plant [The Guardian]
¶ “Saudi Arabia Sets World Record For Lowest Cost Of Electricity From Wind Power” • Saudi Power Procurement Company signed two power purchase agreements with a consortium led by Japan’s Marubeni Corporation for a total of 1.1 GW of wind projects. One PPA set a record low cost of wind energy with a levelized cost of energy at 1.565¢/kWh. [ZAWYA]
Wind turbines (ArticCynda, CC-BY-SA 4.0)
US:
¶ “SolarEdge’s Annual Sustainability Report Highlights That 40 Million Metric Tons of CO₂e Are Avoided Annually” • SolarEdge Technologies, Inc released its 2023 Sustainability Report. One of its highlights is the fact that that 40 million metric tons CO₂e are avoided annually through the use of SolarEdge DC-optimized PV systems. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Swap Your Lawn For A Garden And Feed Your Neighbors” • In Los Angeles, Crop Swap LA is teaching urbanites how to replace their lawns with gardens. Once that process is complete, they can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables themselves or share them with neighbors. Many live in “food deserts” where fresh produce is not easily available in stores. [CleanTechnica]
Garden vegetables (CropSwap image)
¶ “Maryland Energy Administration Announces Bold Effort To Help More Marylanders Cut Energy Bills And Carbon Pollution Through Solar Energy” • The Maryland Energy Administration announced the launch of an important new program to provide major incentives for income-eligible Maryland households to install solar panels. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “California Exceeds 100% Of Energy Demand With Renewables Over A Record 30 Days [Update]” • May 21 update: Stanford professor Mark Z Jacobson is tracking California’s renewables performance. Jacobson reports that California has exceeded 100% of energy demand with renewables at times over a record 45 days straight, and 69 out of 75. [Electrek]
Solar on Palm Desert Walmart (Walmart Corporate, CC BY 2.0)
¶ “WoodMac: $1 Trillion At Risk For Clean Energy Investments Under Trump” • A second Trump presidency could place a huge part of renewable energy investments at risk, increase carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes more by 2050 and delay peak fossil fuel demand by 10 years, energy analytics firm Wood Mackenzie has predicted. [OilPrice.com]
¶ “Climate Funding Helps US Farmers Reduce Their Energy Bills” • After reeling from soaring energy costs in 2022, when diesel prices in the US hit a record high, American farmers are taking advantage of provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act from the same year that help small farms install solar power at virtually no cost. [OilPrice.com]
Have a playfully casual day.
geoharvey 