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Solar and wind to account for a third of global electricity by 2030

Edouard Stenger

Not so long ago solar photovoltaic and wind power were just accounting for less than ten percent of the global electricity production. Indeed, according to new research by the Rocky Mountain Institute, these two energy sources will account for a third of global electricity generation by the end of the decade.

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Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Union of Concerned Scientists

The legislation committed nearly $400 billion to support, among other things, wind and solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies that will make a significant dent in US heat-trapping emissions. How is that going to happen? Below is an abridged version of our conversation.

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Illinois Has No Time to Waste in Building Its Carbon-Free Electricity Future

Union of Concerned Scientists

Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) sets a bold goal for the state—no carbon pollution from electricity generation by 2045, which means zero global warming emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. CEJA also extends the state’s successful energy efficiency programs and expands the savings goals utilities must meet.

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The European Energy Transition is well underway and accelerating

Edouard Stenger

First off, some facts and figures from Ember, which recently stated that both fossil fuels generation and CO2 emissions from the European electricity sector fell 19 percent last year alone. Renewables now account for 44% of the EU electricity mix and wind power is now producing more electricity than natural gas.

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Boosting Michigan’s Energy Future with Regional Transmission Upgrades

Union of Concerned Scientists

Today, the regional entity overseeing much of the electric power grid in the Midwest—the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)—approved a set of major new transmission system upgrades that will bring billions of dollars in benefits to the region while better enabling states and utilities to pursue transitions to clean energy.

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Building a Better Power Grid for Minnesota

Union of Concerned Scientists

However the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, the Midwest’s regional grid manager, has stepped up to approve long-awaited upgrades that will improve the reliability of the electricity system across the region, including Minnesota as well as Illinois and Michigan. That’s not a Minnesota utility…is it? Source: MISO LRTP Report.

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Ontario could easily phase out polluting fossil gas – if it wanted to

Enviromental Defense

We all know that to successfully address climate change we need to phase out fossil fuels and switch to electric power. A s we transition our homes and vehicles to electric power, it’s imperative that the electricity sector be clean. Take Action: Tell Ontario to phase out polluting gas power.