Science and Technology:
¶ “These Record-Breaking New Solar Panels Produce 60% More Electricity” • Commercially available solar panels convert about 20% to 22% of sunlight into electrical power. However, research published in Nature has shown that future solar panels could reach efficiencies as high as 34% by exploiting a technology called tandem solar cells. [WIRED]
Solar panels (Chelsea, Unsplash, cropped)
¶ “How Climate Change Is Intensifying Storms Like Hurricane Helene” • The proportion of hurricanes that fall into categories 4 and 5 is expected to increase as the planet heats up, according to the most recent report from the IPCC, a well-respected climate science authority from the UN. Peak hurricane wind speeds are expected to increase. [DC News Now]
World:
¶ “100 Electric Buses for Uruguay – Thanks, BYD” • BYD (Build Your Dreams) continues to help electrify the world. We have news this week that BYD has delivered 100 electric buses to CUTCSA, the largest transit operator in Uruguay. In South America, BYD has already delivered electric buses in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. [CleanTechnica]
Electric buses in Montevideo (BYD image)
¶ “More Companies In Kenya Adopting Electric Motorcycles For Deliveries” • The move towards EVs in Africa, especially electric motorcycles, is mainly driven by the private sector, led by small startups. Most of the change has been concentrated along what is known as the “boda belt” from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to the outskirts of Dakar, Senegal. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “A Green Corridor For Chinese Investors” • Pakistan has the potential to add 23,801 MW, around 31.5% of renewable energy capacity by 2030, as confirmed by the World Bank’s Variable Renewable Energy Locational Study. However, it currently has a mere 7% contribution from renewable energy in its energy mix. That is a great opportunity. [The News International]
Solar array (World Bank image)
¶ “BIPV Philippines Launches Pampanga Factory, Paving The Way For Renewable Energy Innovation” • BIPV Philippines achieved a major milestone when it opened its first factory in Pampanga. A result of the joint venture of BIPV Korea and AC Ong Consulting Inc, the factory marks a key moment in the country’s shift to renewable energy. [Philstar Life]
¶ “Egypt: Renewable Energy To Supply 42% Of Energy Mix By 2040” • Egypt’s goals to have renewable energy provide over 42% of Egypt’s energy mix by 2040 were outlined during the BRICS Energy Ministers Conference held in Moscow this week. Egypt also targets to capture 5-8% of the global green hydrogen market by the same year. [The North Africa Post]
Egypt (Mariam Soliman, Unsplash)
¶ “Steps Afoot For Renewable Energy Sources: Leghari” • At the closing session of the first day of the Asia Energy Transition Summit, Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Awais Leghari said Pakistan will have to adopt creative ways to ensure transition from anti-environment-friendly energy sources to renewable energy. [The News International]
US:
¶ “Electrify America Opens Thousandth Charging Station” • A couple of days back, Electrify America announced the opening of its latest large charging station. While a new station with a large number of stalls is welcome and news by itself, this station was even more special because it is the company’s thousandth charging site! [CleanTechnica]
Charging site (Image by Electrify America)
¶ “The Hydrogen Economy In America Faces A Number Of Challenges” • While the US struggles to find ways to reduce its carbon and methane emissions, hydrogen keeps coming up as a great way to do that. But if it isn’t made from renewable sources, it creates huge amounts of carbon emissions, making the cure worse than the disease. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Solar Power And Batteries Help Texas Through Sweltering Summers And Record Energy Demand” • This summer, while electricity demand hit record highs, Texas’ use of solar power and batteries increased. The result? A more stable grid that’s keeping the lights on and air conditioners humming, according to Canary Media. [Yahoo]
Dallas (Zack Brame, Unsplash, cropped)
¶ “Puget Sound Energy Advances Renewable Energy Efforts” • In a significant development for Washington’s renewable energy landscape, Puget Sound Energy announced the commencement of two pivotal projects. They are a 124-MW solar PV project by Qcells and a 200-MW, 800-MWh battery project by Brightnight and Cordelio Power. [Microgrid Media]
¶ “Hurricane Helene Floods Retired Duke Nuclear Plant In Florida” • Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene have swamped the Crystal River plant, a retired Duke Energy Corp nuclear power plant that closed in 2013, according to a filing with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. An escape of spent fuel seems unlikely. [Yahoo Finance]
Have an exceptionally easy day.
geoharvey 