World:
¶ “‘Electrifying Everything’ Is Key To Europe’s Future, IEA Chief Says” • Europe must electrify “everything” in the coming years, Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, said during a Euronews panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos. His vision is of a continent powered by clean power rather than fossil fuels. [Euronews]
Fatih Birol (IAEA Imagebank, CC BY-SA 2.0)
¶ “BYD Flourishes In Mexico” • Writing for Bloomberg, Lisa Stillman said sales of electric cars, particularly those made by BYD, are surging, despite the Mexican government raising tariffs. She said, “Mexico City is abuzz with cheap, battery-powered compacts made by the likes of China’s BYD.” BYD has about 70% of the Mexican market. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “CATL Has Begun Commercial Production Of Sodium-Ion Batteries” • CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, announced that it is producing sodium-ion batteries for light commercial vehicles. They can be plugged in and charged in extreme cold, down to -30°C (-22°F). Even at -40°C, the battery retains 90% of its usable capacity, CATL claims. [CleanTechnica]
CATL sodium battery announcement (Screenshot via CnEVPost)
¶ “India Plans 100 GW Of Pumped Storage Capacity By 2035–36 To Boost Renewable Energy And Grid Stability” • India unveiled a formal roadmap to develop 100 GW of hydro pumped storage projects by 2035–36. Long term storage will be a cornerstone of the country’s electricity system with rapid growth in solar and wind capacity. [Indian Masterminds]
¶ “North Sea Nations Plan 100-GW Offshore Wind Push” • Nine countries, including the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, will pledge to jointly develop 100 GW of offshore wind in the North Sea and strengthen protection of infrastructure, Bloomberg reported. Energy ministers are expected to sign a declaration in Hamburg next week. [reNews]
Jack-up (Cadaler image)
¶ “Fortescue’s Pilbara Wind Farm Is Revolutionizing Its Mining Decarbonisation Strategy” • The Fortescue Pilbara wind farm decarbonisation initiative is pivotal for demonstrating how large renewable energy integration can reshape mining operations while maintaining efficiency. It is a critical testing ground for renewable energy integration. [Discovery Alert]
¶ “Aussies Award 4 GW Of Offshore Wind Licences” • Australia offered final feasibility licences to three offshore wind projects that could deliver around 4 GW into Western Australia’s South West Interconnected System. Acceptance of the offers will allow detailed investigations and consultation under the feasibility licence framework, the ministers said. [reNews]
Offshore wind areas (Australian government image)
¶ “Safety Concerns Remain As TEPCO Restarts Nuclear Power Plant In Japan” • Is TEPCO qualified as a nuclear power plant operator? As Japan presses ahead with a return to nuclear power, doubts among local residents and other members of the public remain unresolved. And after the Fukushima Disaster, a number of TEPCO’s deficiencies were found. [MSN]
US:
¶ “Solar And Storage: The Key For Energy Affordability In Virginia” • Electricity demand in Virginia is rising quickly, and ratepayers are feeling the impact as utility bills rise. Solar and energy storage technologies are the fastest and cheapest new sources of electricity to build, allowing power to come online in months rather than years. [CleanTechnica]
Please click on the image to enlarge it (SEIA image)
¶ “US Presidents Come And Go, But Energy Efficiency Lasts Forever” • Regardless of the U-turn in federal energy policy, the DOE continues to pursue advanced energy efficiency and storage technologies that will help cement the transition to renewable energy in place. Sixteen DOE projects aim for impacts on the nation’s energy profile. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “DOE Cancels $83 Billion In Clean Energy Loans” • The DOE announced that it is pulling the plug on $83.6 billion of Biden-era loans slated for clean energy projects. This is the latest action taken to reprioritize federal support for fossil fuel sources, as the DOE’s Loan Programs Office is replaced by the Office of Energy Dominance Financing. [Solar Power World]
Solar farm (NextEra Energy image)
¶ “Michigan Sues Big Oil ‘Cartel’ For Conspiracy Against Clean Energy” • Several states and municipalities have sued fossil fuel companies in different ways, but Michigan chose a new one. It launched an antitrust lawsuit against four industry giants and their trade association, accusing them of operating as a “cartel” to impede a transition to clean power. [Common Dreams]
¶ “Return Of Nuclear Power Generation To Kewaunee Takes Important Step” • A report from World Nuclear News says that EnergySolutions, the owner of the Kewaunee Power Station site in the Town of Carlton, confirmed plans to submit an application for a major licensing action for new nuclear generation by June 2028. [Door County Daily News]
Have a clearly superior day.
geoharvey 
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