EU Leaders Agree To Tough Carbon Regulations to Spur Renewable Energy Development and Fight Climate Change
European Union leaders backed the most-ambitious carbon emissions goals of any major economy, in a bid to crank up pressure on the U.S. and China ahead of climate talks in December.
Are Environmental Regulations Causing US Utility Bills to Surge?
U.S. electricity markets face years of higher prices as clean-air regulations shut more coal-fired power plants than earlier forecast, cutting supply and forcing producers to rely more on natural gas.
UN Sees Irreversible Damage to Climate Caused by Fossil Fuels
Humans are causing irreversible damage to the planet from burning fossil fuels, the biggest ever study of the available science concluded in a report designed to spur the fight against climate change.
Demand Management to Aid Renewable Energy Expansion
As more intermittent renewable capacity is added to grid networks around the world, the need for greater system flexibility in order to cope with the variable supply is growing. In parts of the Europe, grid operators complain that balancing the system is becoming more and more difficult as new renewable sources are added, requiring ever more complex management techniques, as well as repeated use of polluting and inefficient standby capacity. Surges of solar and wind power are often not fully utilised, causing some to question the wisdom of adding further variable renewable capacity.
New York Seeks to Reform the Energy Vision: Shift from Monopoly Model to "Utility 2.0"
New York State is pushing its utility industry to shift away from a century-old business model into a system that can accommodate more power from solar and wind.
Climate Change, Asia and Renewable Energy Infrastructure Investment
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns the world must triple its use of renewable energy AND develop nuclear power to avoid the worst ravages of climate change. OK. But what’s the optimal percentage of each to develop?
Obama May Consider Power Plant Rule That Tests Clean Air Act
The Obama administration is considering cutting greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants by reaching beyond the plants themselves — an unusual approach that could run afoul of anti-pollution laws.
Why New Nuclear Technology Hurts the Case for Renewables
Does nuclear energy deserve a seat at the table alongside renewable energy technologies in weaning us off of fossil fuels and transitioning into a cleaner energy world? A new report published yesterday suggests not only will newer small modular reactor (SMR) technology be at least as expensive as larger reactors, it won't fit the needs of a more flexible grid system, and its development will siphon away funding from the truly renewable energy options that need it.
Obama Bid to Cut Greenhouse Gases Divides Utility, Coal Industries
Bracing for greenhouse-gas rules from the Obama administration, two industries are staking out different positions. Coal companies are pledging to sue. Electric utilities are ready to talk.
US Midyear Elections Offer Opportunities and Challenges for Renewable Energy