Union of Concerned Scientists
DECEMBER 22, 2022
Lithium-ion batteries are essential for decarbonizing transportation through electric vehicles and building a resilient, renewable energy grid through energy storage batteries. Increasing the reuse and recycling of batteries at their end of life is essential to increasing the sustainability of batteries and creating a circular economy.
Union of Concerned Scientists
DECEMBER 22, 2022
Sleek solar panels forged from silver and silica from the depths of the Earth translate the sun’s blindingly fiery light energy into electricity. Wind turbines with blades each the size of a 12-story building punctuate the skyline of wind-swept fields and help power entire cities. Batteries help store surplus energy.
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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. Can wind turbine blades be recycled?
Environmental News Bits
AUGUST 23, 2022
Wind power is an increasingly popular form of renewable energy. However, when it’s time to replace the huge turbine blades that convert wind into electricity, disposal is a problem. See also the story in The Guardian.
Union of Concerned Scientists
DECEMBER 12, 2022
“ One component of wind turbines that I haven’t explored yet are the small but mighty rare earth elements. Rare earth elements, or REEs, are important parts of a wind turbine’s permanent magnets , located in the center of the blades in the electrical box (called the nacelle). Recycling rare earth elements.
E2 Law Blog
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
The changes are designed to support a renewable energy grid, make buildings more energy efficient, support the use of electric vehicles, and reduce waste and stormwater runoff. This will provide greater flexibility for electric equipment such as heat pumps. The proposal will now advance to the City Council for final approval.
Union of Concerned Scientists
FEBRUARY 22, 2023
Most studies show that achieving these targets will require an unprecedented increase in wind and solar power to decarbonize the power sector and meet the increased demand for zero- carbon electricity to replace fossil fuels in building, industrial and transportation sectors. Map courtesy NREL: Denholm et al.
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