Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 22, 2024

When it comes to the transition to clean energy, 2023 was quite a year for progress: record-breaking amounts of solar installed in the United States, a solid drop in carbon emissions from the US power sector, more than one million electric vehicles sold in the country for the first time, “breakneck” growth in renewable energy globally, and more.

Clean Energy 220

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity 2024 220

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 22, 2022

Minnesotans are facing concurrent crises of climate change, high energy prices and inflation, and the inequitable public health impacts of fossil fuel air pollution. Renewable energy will help with all of that—but we need a grid that is designed for wind and solar instead of having to rely on expensive coal and gas plants.

Renewable Energy 363

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Solar Power Electricity 363

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 30, 2023

And I love hearing about new renewable electricity records as spring unfolds. A few recent examples for that last love: California scored a new record for total generation from renewable energy in mid-April and a new record for solar production in mid-May. Spring tends to be a time when there is lower electricity demand.

Renewable Energy 245

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Climate Change Electricity 245

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 3, 2025

And how would that approach compare to using renewable energy? Like the fact thatspoiler alertusing solar panels or wind turbines directly is three times more efficient than an approach involving hydrogen production and gas plants. Electrolysis involves using electricity to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Renewable Energy 183

Renewable Energy Electricity Carbon Dioxide Carbon Emissions 183

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 3, 2023

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. Illinois legislators and clean energy advocates celebrate CEJA’s signing in September 2021.

Electricity 246

Electricity Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Waste 246

A Greener Life

APRIL 21, 2025

By Shadia Haq Earth Day 2025 focuses on the theme Our Power, Our Planet and urges a global shift to renewable energy. 2025 The theme “Our Power, Our Planet” calls for tripling renewable energy by 2030. 2025 The theme “Our Power, Our Planet” calls for tripling renewable energy by 2030.

Earth Day 54

Earth Day Renewable Energy 2025 Fossil Fuels 54

Legal Planet

APRIL 29, 2024

Climate policy has been boosted by dramatic changes in the economics of clean energy. Perhaps the most important development of the past decade has been the dramatic decline in the cost of renewables. Wind power costs fell by half from 2008 to 2021. Prices for battery storage have declined even more sharply.

Fossil Fuels 279

Fossil Fuels 2008 2010 Clean Energy 279

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 25, 2022

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.

Solar Power 312

Solar Power Clean Energy Carbon Emissions Electricity 312

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 16, 2022

The Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) is one of the go-to sources for reliable information about the US power sector. They just released their 2022 “Annual Energy Outlook” (AEO), which is a big deal: it tells us where electricity is headed over the next 30 years.

Natural Gas 290

Natural Gas Renewable Energy Climate Change Electricity 290

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 19, 2023

The results include two developers cancelling their offshore wind power contracts with states and utilities, another cancelling two projects altogether, and hesitation elsewhere. The good news-bad news balance, though, would seem to tip decidedly in favor of a whole lot more offshore wind. The US offshore wind map.

Electricity 309

Electricity Fossil Fuels Wind Power Renewable Energy 309

Enviromental Defense

JANUARY 9, 2025

Attacks on nature, clean energy, and livable communities filled the headlines. The world is moving away from fossil fuels in favour of things like new and improved heat pumps and renewable energy sources. Solar and wind energy has become much cheaper and solar is now the cheapest source of electricity on the planet.

2025 98

2025 Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Cooling 98

A Greener Life

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

The United States supports Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) partners in meeting their clean energy goals. Above, wind turbines turn in Sidenreng Rappang, Indonesia. Dat Bike is one of numerous partners the US government works with to meet this rapidly growing demand for clean energy.

Clean Energy 103

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity Wind Power 103

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 12, 2023

What happens when promise of electricity reliability fails in bad weather? How can gas power plant owners claim to be reliable but fail to make adequate efforts to purchase fuel? We know that consumers pay for electricity reliability and bear the cost when supplies are tight.

Fossil Fuels 256

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Electricity Regulations 256

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 22, 2022

Batteries are key to enabling the renewable energy transition. When the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing, batteries help store clean energy to continue supplying electricity to the grid and to customers consistently and reliably. A fossil fuel energy grid extracts and expends finite resources.

Renewable Energy 204

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Recycling 204

Law Columbia

JUNE 11, 2024

Local opposition has proven to be a significant barrier to the rapid expansion of renewable energy facilities across the United States. The report also identifies 395 local restrictions across 41 states, along with 19 state-level restrictions, that are so severe that they could have the effect of blocking a renewable energy project.

Renewable Energy 111

Renewable Energy 2023 Government Natural Resources 111

Legal Planet

OCTOBER 19, 2023

Here’s more: “California’s climate ambitions will be met only by deploying clean energy and transportation on an unprecedented scale, and China has a lot to offer on that score. China is also a world leader on offshore wind energy production, an area Newsom has sought to emphasize in California.

Wind Power 195

Wind Power Clean Energy Electricity Carbon Emissions 195

Legal Planet

MARCH 30, 2023

I sometimes ask students to guess what state produces the most wind power. Which seems a little hard to square with the state’s reliance on renewable energy. Which seems a little hard to square with the state’s reliance on renewable energy. Instead, Texas is doubling down on renewables.

Wind Power 130

Wind Power Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Natural Gas 130

Enviromental Defense

MARCH 22, 2022

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.

Solar Power 131

Solar Power Wind Power Renewable Energy Electricity 131

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 12, 2022

To learn about the current lifecycle and a more sustainable solution for the rare earth elements in wind turbine generators, read How Are Wind Turbines Made? A wind turbine includes a foundation, a tower, electrical wiring, a nacelle between the blades, and the blades themselves. Blade materials are special.

Recycling 280

Recycling Wind Power Technology Technology 280

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 11, 2023

While it is a heavily polluting fossil fuel that is set to continue declining as a fuel source for US electricity generation over the next decade, coal still accounted for roughly 20 percent of the country’s generation in 2022. Fuel transport – Spring floods can hinder the transportation of fuels like coal.

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Fossil Fuels 2011 Climate Change Nuclear Power 246

A Greener Life

JUNE 18, 2024

This was recently the case with a new law to boost renewable energy in the alpine country. The government had grown concerned that as the demand for electricity in Switzerland was increasing, supply was not. The increased demand was partly due to the increase in electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Renewable Energy 56

Renewable Energy Wind Power Law Electricity 56

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 12, 2022

The wind is in our sails on the voyage towards a clean energy future. Wind energy is currently the largest renewable energy source in the US, and the industry is growing fast. The permanent magnets are mostly used to increase power generation and reduce maintenance in larger offshore wind turbines.

Recycling 147

Recycling Renewable Energy Technology Technology 147

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 2, 2024

Spring is a glorious time for renewable energy. Whatever the weather in March and beyond—in-like-a-lion blustery or out-like-a-lamb sunny—spring tends to be a season of strong electricity production from solar and wind in particular. And, this spring, that clean energy production is looking more impressive than ever.

Electricity 157

Electricity 2013 2023 Clean Energy 157

A Greener Life

AUGUST 3, 2023

By Anders Lorenzen China continues to set renewable energy records and has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the sector. In a groundbreaking move, China installed the largest wind turbine ever erected, solidifying its position as a global leader in the renewable energy sector.

Renewable Energy 97

Renewable Energy Clean Energy Electricity Wind Power 97

Acoel

MAY 18, 2021

Yet Mainers are questioning whether to accept a new 145-mile electric transmission line that will bring hydropower from Quebec into the New England power grid, removing 3.0 Million tons of regional CO2 per year, and providing energy cost savings to Mainers ($40 million per year in savings) and others in New England. What gives?

Renewable Energy 76

Renewable Energy Electricity Fossil Fuels Wind Power 76

A Greener Life

APRIL 7, 2023

By Anders Lorenzen Tenders for 250 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2028 are set to be unveiled by the Indian government, according to a government memo. Wind power is set to play a key part in the target of 50 GW of new green energy tenders each year at 10 GW. Photo credit: Reuters / Amit Dave. in 2019 to 72.8%

Clean Energy 52

Clean Energy 2028 Wind Power Renewable Energy 52

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 22, 2024

Josh Shapiro joined Department of General Services Secretary Reggie McNeil, Constellation President & CEO Joseph Dominguez, and Lightsource bp Senior Vice President Alyssa Edwards to unveil the Commonwealth’s renewable energy initiative, the Pennsylvania Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy (PA PULSE). Josh Shapiro. “We

Electricity 84

Electricity Government Clean Energy Renewable Energy 84

Enviromental Defense

JUNE 17, 2024

Alberta: Speak Up For a SAFE Climate: Take Action Here How Climate Action Makes Life More Affordable Renewable energy, including solar and wind power, is much cheaper and less polluting than burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal. In the last three fiscal years, the government of Alberta has provided $4.8

Climate Change 111

Climate Change Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Wind Power 111

Legal Planet

FEBRUARY 22, 2022

Energy prices have been much in the news over the past several months, occupying a prominent place in mainstream discussions of inflation. In the early days of the current price shocks, fossil fuel boosters blamed clean energy and climate policy. Two policy choices in particular have contributed to the current energy crisis.

Natural Gas 130

Natural Gas Electricity Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 130

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 9, 2023

On August 9, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority announced it would be committing to the purchase of wind power and the use of clean energy to support the production and operations of water services. PWSA holds the largest share at 30% of the total, underlining our strong commitment to sustainable energy practices.

Wind Power 75

Wind Power Clean Energy 2029 Fossil Fuels 75

A Greener Life

OCTOBER 10, 2022

Australia’s new pro-climate action government has meant an acceleration in clean energy interest and capacity. To meet that target, 96 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity is needed. Offshore wind developers, Orsted , Shell and Equinor have already shown a strong interest in helping.

Clean Energy 96

Clean Energy Government Renewable Energy Electricity 96

Cresforum

JANUARY 16, 2024

Introduction One of the main messages coming out of the recent COP28 meetings in the UAE concerns the role that nuclear power can play in the future of clean energy development around the world. The hope is that this encourages international financial institutions to include nuclear energy in loans for energy projects.

Nuclear Power 111

Nuclear Power Electricity Clean Energy Technology 111

Ocean Conservancy

AUGUST 23, 2023

As people around the world grapple with climate change, scientists and engineers are exploring new and exciting ocean-based solutions to generate renewable energy. Tidal energy is emerging as another clean energy source alongside offshore wind farms and wave energy technology. What is tidal energy?

Ocean 87

Ocean Renewable Energy Clean Energy Electricity 87

Environmental Progress

APRIL 20, 2021

Advocates of renewable energy have argued since the 1970s that the variable, weather-dependent nature of sunlight and wind is a modest obstacle at best to relying on 100 percent renewables. Some have argued that weather-dependent energies would, paradoxically, make electricity even more reliable.

2021 108

2021 Renewable Energy Electricity Natural Gas 108

Law Columbia

DECEMBER 22, 2023

On November 16, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) published a proposed rule to expedite the environmental review process for certain renewable energy infrastructure projects through the use of categorical exclusions.

Clean Energy 64

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Greenhouse Conservation 64

A Greener Life

APRIL 7, 2022

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (left) visits a hybrid power plant where “green” hydrogen is made using wind power and fed into the gas grid. Germany is not doing all it can to cut back energy use and increase economic pressure on Russia, argues Arne Jungjohann. Germany will be fully renewable by 2035.

Fossil Fuels 98

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Natural Gas Nuclear Power 98

Law Columbia

JULY 27, 2020

On Monday, July 27, the Sabin Center filed comments with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in support of the proposed Vineyard Wind energy facility offshore Massachusetts on behalf of the group Win with South Fork Wind (“Win with Wind”).

Renewable Energy 40

Renewable Energy Greenhouse 2030 Electricity 40