Opinion:
¶ “Climate Action: Are Democracies Better Than Autocracies?” • This week, The Guardian ran a piece on climate action and the role of autocratic governments in preventing a fully fledged climate meltdown that could endanger the lives of billions. If there is a takeaway, it is that growth is a more compelling narrative than survival. [CleanTechnica]
Patriotic statue in China (Oscar Schnell, Unsplash)
World:
¶ “‘Great British Energy solar panels’ for schools were made in China” • The first eleven schools in England to install what the government described as “Great British Energy solar panels” bought them from Chinese firms, the BBC learned. The schools involved in the GB Energy scheme bought solar panels from Aiko and Longi, two Chinese companies. [BBC]
¶ “The Rise Of Green Tech Is Feeding Another Environmental Crisis” • As the world transitions to more renewable energy sources, the demand for lithium soars. In 2021, about 95,000 tonnes of lithium were consumed globally. By 2024 the demand had risen to 205,000 tonnes, the International Energy Agency says. There are environmental costs. [BBC]
Atacama salt flats (Danielle Barnes, Unsplash)
¶ “Nearly 70% Of Rajasthan’s Power Capacity Comes From Renewable Energy: Pralhad Joshi” • Almost 70% of Rajasthan’s power capacity is now sourced from renewable energy, with over 35.4 GW installed, according to Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi. It includes 29.5 GW of solar and 5.2 GW of wind. [MenaFN]
¶ “Arctic Birders Combat Impact Of Climate Change And Avian Flu On Delicate Ecosystem” • The population of kittiwakes is down by 80% since the 1990s along Norway’s coast. The small seagull species is under siege from climate change, predation, local fisheries and the bird flu. So the people of Vardø, a town on the remote Vardøya Island, are helping. [ABC News]
Kittiwake (Mmo iwdg, CC-BY-SA 3.0, cropped)
¶ “Japan Sees Bright Future For Flexible Solar Panels” • Japan is investing heavily in a kind of ultra-thin, flexible solar panel that it hopes will help it meet renewable energy goals and challenge China’s dominance of the sector. A key component of pliable perovskite panels is iodine, something Japan produces more of than any country but Chile. [Digital Journal]
¶ “Grab Prototypes Autonomous Shuttle With Employees In Singapore” • Southeast Asian superapp Grab, in collaboration with Autonomous A2Z, a South Korean autonomous vehicle technology firm, is prototyping an autonomous electric shuttle bus pilot in Singapore. Insiders said the project is for a feasibility study for general transportation. [CleanTechnica]
Grab Autonomous bus and employees (Grab Singapore image)
¶ “Gorbea Solar Power Plant Completed In Under Eight Months” • Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi commissioned the 435-MW Gorbea Solar Project in Rajasthan. The plant was developed by Zelestra India and completed in under eight months. It has a 25-year PPA with the Solar Energy Corporation of India. [Swarajyamag]
¶ “The $200 Million Plan To Rebuild Ukraine’s Energy Sector” • The United Nations Development Program and the Government of Norway created a $200 million drive to transform Ukraine’s war-damaged energy sector and support increasing its renewable energy capacity. The initiative will focus on both current crisis response and long-term development. [OilPrice.com]
Perovo Solar Park (Activ Solar, CC-BY-SA 2.0, cropped)
¶ “Forest Fire Causes Smoke Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant: No Threat Detected” • On July 19, there was smoke in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The smoke came from a forest fire, and there is no threat to nuclear safety, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and the International Atomic Energy Agency report. [RBC-Ukraine]
US:
¶ “New 150-MW Solar Power Plant Greenlighted For New Mexico” • The 150-MW Santa Teresa solar power plant is slated for construction in Doña Ana County, in New Mexico. The plant is especially interesting as one more demonstration that the US solar industry can deliver more clean kilowatts, more quickly, than any other energy resource. [CleanTechnica]
DESRI solar plant in New Mexico (DESRI image)
¶ “The News About EVs Was Bright But Now The Future Is So Uncertain ” • The transition to electric mobility contributes to the reduction of pollution, which is also beneficial for public health and helps to reduce fossil energy consumption. Then why does the future for EVs so tenuous? There are barriers brought to you by Project 2025. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “What’s Different About A Net Zero Hotel?” • The hospitality sector plays a large role in greenhouse gas emissions, with yearly energy expenditures of over $1.7 billion and the release of more than 8 million tons of carbon emissions annually. An eight-story, net zero boutique hotel with a three-story parking garage is now underway outside Burlington, Vermont. [CleanTechnica]
Have a thoroughly grand day.
geoharvey 