Energy and Environment News Roundup – 12.26.14

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

OIL 

Oil’s swift fall raises fortunes of U.S. abroad (via New York Times)

TRANSPORTATION 

Is Europe leaving electric vehicle range anxiety behind? (via CleanTechnica)

Nissan Leaf may overtake Chevy Volt on cumulative sales in 2015 (via Autoblog)

EMISSIONS 

China on pace to beat 2014 energy intensity reduction target (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Germans balk at plan for wind power lines (via New York Times)

Japan to build world’s biggest floating solar farm (via Greentech Media)

America’s place in the Sun: Energy Department report sets goal (via Phys.org)

CASE says U.S. solar sector harmed by decision to impose PV tariffs (via Solar Industry Magazine)

India announces 1.3GW solar projects to support domestic manufacturers (via CleanTechnica)

GRID 

Investment in microgrid technologies expected to exceed $155 billion through 2023 (via Solar Industry Magazine)

New transmission replaces retiring coal plants (via Navigant Research)

Largest behind-the-meter energy storage system deployed in LA (via Energy Manager Today)

Flywheels get their spin back with Beacon Power’s rebound (via IEEE Spectrum)

Orix offers energy storage twist on solar leasing (via CleanTechnica)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Why the LEED Dynamic plaque is the way to go (via GreenBiz)

Ameren Missouri energy efficiency plan to save customers $260 million (via Energy Manager Today)

ENVIRONMENT 

Brazil appoints agribusiness advocate as agriculture minister (via The Guardian)

OPINION 

An open Cuba is poised for a green future (via Navigant Research)