Category Archives:Solar trade war

15
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.15.13

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone XL decision seen as climate change test for Obama abroad (via InsideClimate News)

Canada’s tar sands could blow its 2020 climate target (via RTCC)

Railway chief says Keystone XL pipeline would cut freight revenues (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Building energy management market worth “$5.6 billion by 2020” (via Energy Manager Today)

Americans spend $2,000 on home energy costs annually (via Mother Nature Network)

LEDs still gaining efficiency (via Navigant Research)

How time-of-use pricing works to cut power bills (via Renew Economy)

Texas develops statewide “PACE in a box” (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Global cleantech industry growing despite challenging conditions (via CleanTechnica)

EU-China trade settlement leaves many Chinese solar firms in the dark (via ClimateWire)

Global offshore wind market to grow 32% year-on-year (via BusinessGreen)

How real is the South African PV market? (via Greentech Media)

New analysis shows India’s “huge” offshore wind power potential (via Renewable Energy World)

Intermittent nature of green power is challenge for utilities (via New York Times)

Iowa will add 1.05GW new wind energy capacity by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

BLM approves new solar, geothermal development plan in California desert (via Greenwire)

Rhode Island amends FIT to require bids for small solar projects (via Renewable Energy World)

Arizona fights for its solar energy rights (via Renewable Energy World)

Biofuels on the verge (via Greentech Media)

CLIMATE 

Heat waves to quadruple by 2040, regardless of emissions cuts (via RTCC)

As Northeast Asia bakes, climate scientists predict more extreme heat waves on the horizon (via Time)

UN officials warn talks on 2015 climate deal must “shift gear” (via RTCC)

Obama reframes his approach to climate change (via Washington Post)

DOE’s Moniz heading to Brazil for climate talks (via The Hill)

EPA’s McCarthy: “Responsible” gas production key to climate strategy (via The Hill)

Interactive map supports climate change adaptation planning in Great Lakes region (via Phys.org)

NUCLEAR 

Vogtle nuclear project could face more delays (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Appeals court blocks attempt by Vermont to close nuclear plant (via New York Times)

GRID 

Japan solar energy soars, but grid needs to catch up (via National Geographic)

High-speed monitors keep watch over today’s complicated grid (via EnergyWire)

BLM seeks input on proposed TransWest transmission project (via Renew Grid)

PSEG’s 2013 sustainability report focuses on grid infrastructure (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY POLICY 

IBM expert says utilities should become “energy malls” (via Midwest Energy News)

How Big Box going solar could impact utilities (via EarthTechling) 

OIL 

Gulf oil spill settlement payment offers rise to $4.4 billion (via Houston Chronicle)

California regulators take up offshore fracking (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US gas prices falling – does it matter for green cars? (via Green Car Reports)

Could outmoded phone booths become EV charging stations? (via New York Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Great Barrier Reef dredging could be more damaging than thought (via The Guardian)

China’s environmental future: The power of the people (via Council on Foreign Relations)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US green investors secure near-record corporate climate commitments (via BusinessGreen)

Sierra Club ranks greenest US universities (via Breaking Energy)

Princeton Review announces green honor roll (via Environmental Leader)

OPINION 

“War on Coal” gains steam amid wars on terror, crime, drugs, science, Christmas (via Bloomberg)

Are fracking proponents wrestling enough with the environmental risks? (via Washington Post)

The futility of “just the facts” climate science (via Grist)

Why Australian rooftop solar PV prices are cheaper (via Renew Economy)

“No” is really not an option on Yucca Mountain (via Houston Chronicle)

Can extreme weather make climate change worse? (via Climate Central)

Posted:   |   Categories: adaptation, arizona, australia, biofuels, blm, BNEF Railway, Brazil, Building energy management, california, canada, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, DOE, Electric Vehicle, Energy Efficiency, environment, EPA, Ernest Moniz, EU, European Union, ev, EV charger, Extreme weather, feed-in tariff, FIT, fracking, Gasoline, Georgia, geothermal, Gina McCarthy, global warming, Great Barrier Reef, Great Lakes, green business, grid, Gulf of Mexico, ibm, india, Iowa, japan, Keystone XL, LED, natural gas, News, nuclear, offshore wind, oil, oil spill, PACE, Pipeline, Princeton Review, PSE&G, renewables, rhode island, sierra club, solar, solar pv, Solar trade war, South Africa, Synchrophasors, tar sands, texas, Time of use pricing, transmission, Transportation, vermont, Vermont Yankee, Vogtle, War on Coal, wind, Yucca Mountain
0
13
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.13.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China will spend roughly the GDP of Hong Kong to fight air pollution (via Washington Post)

Dumping Australia’s carbon price would drive up power bills (via Renew Economy)

US 2013 carbon emissions up 4% - nearly double EIA projections (via Facts of the Day)

Electric co-ops come out swinging against Obama emissions plan (via The Hill)

Carbon offsets plan stirs up controversy in California (via Grist)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Environmental, First Nations groups question safety of TransCanada’s Energy East pipeline (via The Globe and Mail)

College students, clergy denounce Keystone XL at State Department (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Solar module market looking up due to Japan (via Reuters)

India may decide on solar dumping case next week (via Bloomberg)

100% of new Australian power plants are wind or solar (via Renew Economy)

HyRef technology revolutionizes renewable energy forecasting (via CleanTechnica)

NanoTags used to site offshore wind turbines away from bird populations (via Sustainable Business)

Iowa approves MidAmerican 1.05GW wind energy plan (via Recharge)

Environmental attacks on wind power keep coming, with New England the eye of the storm (via Facts of the Day)

The intermittency of wind and solar: is it only intermittently a problem? (via CleanTechnica)

OIL 

Mexico president submits bill to end country’s oil monopoly (via Houston Chronicle)

China looks to further open crude oil import market (via Reuters)

BP sues US government over suspension from new federal contracts (via Houston Chronicle)

My week in oil boom country (via National Journal)

Water demand falls in North Dakota shale oil patch (via Dickinson Press)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

DOE commits to unleashing delayed efficiency standards (via Greentech Media)

Columbia University saves $700,000 a year via energy efficiency (via Energy Manager Today)

Tips to save power (and money) in the summer heat (via Houston Chronicle)

COAL 

Japan’s Tepco doubles coal consumption in July after starting new units (via Bloomberg)

Patriot Coal and union reach a deal on cutbacks (via New York Times)

Do Illinois coal-fired plants have a future? (via Chicago Tribune)

ENERGY POLICY 

Push to form a Minneapolis public utility slows down (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)

GRID 

UK government to announce new energy storage “catapult” (via BusinessGreen)

DoD spars with BLM over SunZia transmission route, possible impacts to New Mexico missile range (via Greenwire)

Everything you ever wanted to know about electricity storage (via Breaking Energy)

CLIMATE 

What the melting Arctic means for the world’s economy (via GreenBiz)

New map reveals how prepared UK cities are for climate change (via Phys.org)

Timing a rise in sea level (via New York Times)

Cutting soot and methane may not give hoped-for climate help (via Reuters)

Flood insurance prices surge (via Wall Street Journal)

Typhoon Utor swamps Philippines, heads for southern China (via Washington Post)

Meet the companies that are going to get rich from global warming (via The Verge)

UK farmers report increase in extreme weather (via RTCC)

OFA: “Gravity exists. The Earth is round. Climate change is happening.” (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

Elon Musk unveils plans for hyperloop high-speed train (via New York Times)

Will 2040 see all non-hybrids banned from British roads? (via Green Car Reports)

EV charger manufacturer Ecototality says may file for bankruptcy (via Reuters)

What if everyone plugs in their cars at once? (via Seattle Times)

OPINION 

How bright is renewable energy’s future? (via National Journal)

Bureaucrats, not Big Oil, stand in the way of a solar future (via Quartz)

A hyperloop might be far more expensive than Elon Musk thinks (via Washington Post)

Hyperloop faces technical hurdles (via Navigant Research)

Why do Californians use less electricity than everyone else? (via Washington Post)

Cuomo: Look beyond fracking in New York State (via Albany Times-Union)

Posted:   |   Categories: Andrew Cuomo, arctic, australia, blm, BP, Bureau of Land Management, california, cap and trade, carbon offsets, Carbon price, China, climate, Climate Change, Defense Department, DoD, DOE, Electric Vehicle, Elon Musk, emissions, Energy East, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, Enrique Pena Nieto, ev, Extreme weather, Flood, Flood insurance, fracking, grid, high speed rail, Hong Kong, hybrid, Hyperloop, Illinois, india, intermittency, Iowa, japan, Keystone XL, methane, mexico, MidAmerican, Minneapolis, New Mexico, new york state, News, north dakota, offshore wind, oil, Oil exports, Patriot Coal, Philippines, Pipeline, renewables, Sea level rise, Shale oil, solar, Solar trade war, Soot, tar sands, TransCanada, transmission, Transportation, uk, united kingdom
0
13
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.13.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China will spend roughly the GDP of Hong Kong to fight air pollution (via Washington Post)

Dumping Australia’s carbon price would drive up power bills (via Renew Economy)

US 2013 carbon emissions up 4% - nearly double EIA projections (via Facts of the Day)

Electric co-ops come out swinging against Obama emissions plan (via The Hill)

Carbon offsets plan stirs up controversy in California (via Grist)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Environmental, First Nations groups question safety of TransCanada’s Energy East pipeline (via The Globe and Mail)

College students, clergy denounce Keystone XL at State Department (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Solar module market looking up due to Japan (via Reuters)

India may decide on solar dumping case next week (via Bloomberg)

100% of new Australian power plants are wind or solar (via Renew Economy)

HyRef technology revolutionizes renewable energy forecasting (via CleanTechnica)

NanoTags used to site offshore wind turbines away from bird populations (via Sustainable Business)

Iowa approves MidAmerican 1.05GW wind energy plan (via Recharge)

Environmental attacks on wind power keep coming, with New England the eye of the storm (via Facts of the Day)

The intermittency of wind and solar: is it only intermittently a problem? (via CleanTechnica)

OIL 

Mexico president submits bill to end country’s oil monopoly (via Houston Chronicle)

China looks to further open crude oil import market (via Reuters)

BP sues US government over suspension from new federal contracts (via Houston Chronicle)

My week in oil boom country (via National Journal)

Water demand falls in North Dakota shale oil patch (via Dickinson Press)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

DOE commits to unleashing delayed efficiency standards (via Greentech Media)

Columbia University saves $700,000 a year via energy efficiency (via Energy Manager Today)

Tips to save power (and money) in the summer heat (via Houston Chronicle)

COAL 

Japan’s Tepco doubles coal consumption in July after starting new units (via Bloomberg)

Patriot Coal and union reach a deal on cutbacks (via New York Times)

Do Illinois coal-fired plants have a future? (via Chicago Tribune)

ENERGY POLICY 

Push to form a Minneapolis public utility slows down (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)

GRID 

UK government to announce new energy storage “catapult” (via BusinessGreen)

DoD spars with BLM over SunZia transmission route, possible impacts to New Mexico missile range (via Greenwire)

Everything you ever wanted to know about electricity storage (via Breaking Energy)

CLIMATE 

What the melting Arctic means for the world’s economy (via GreenBiz)

New map reveals how prepared UK cities are for climate change (via Phys.org)

Timing a rise in sea level (via New York Times)

Cutting soot and methane may not give hoped-for climate help (via Reuters)

Flood insurance prices surge (via Wall Street Journal)

Typhoon Utor swamps Philippines, heads for southern China (via Washington Post)

Meet the companies that are going to get rich from global warming (via The Verge)

UK farmers report increase in extreme weather (via RTCC)

OFA: “Gravity exists. The Earth is round. Climate change is happening.” (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

Elon Musk unveils plans for hyperloop high-speed train (via New York Times)

Will 2040 see all non-hybrids banned from British roads? (via Green Car Reports)

EV charger manufacturer Ecototality says may file for bankruptcy (via Reuters)

What if everyone plugs in their cars at once? (via Seattle Times)

OPINION 

How bright is renewable energy’s future? (via National Journal)

Bureaucrats, not Big Oil, stand in the way of a solar future (via Quartz)

A hyperloop might be far more expensive than Elon Musk thinks (via Washington Post)

Hyperloop faces technical hurdles (via Navigant Research)

Why do Californians use less electricity than everyone else? (via Washington Post)

Cuomo: Look beyond fracking in New York State (via Albany Times-Union)

Posted:   |   Categories: Andrew Cuomo, arctic, australia, blm, BP, Bureau of Land Management, california, cap and trade, carbon offsets, Carbon price, China, climate, Climate Change, Defense Department, DoD, DOE, Ecototality, Electric Vehicle, Elon Musk, emissions, Energy East, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, Enrique Pena Nieto, ev, Extreme weather, Flood, Flood insurance, fracking, grid, high speed rail, Hong Kong, hybrid, Hyperloop, Illinois, india, intermittency, Iowa, japan, Keystone XL, methane, mexico, MidAmerican, Minneapolis, New Mexico, new york state, News, north dakota, offshore wind, oil, Oil exports, Patriot Coal, Philippines, Pipeline, renewables, Renewables forecasting, Sea level rise, Shale oil, solar, Solar trade war, Soot, tar sands, TransCanada, transmission, Transportation, uk, united kingdom
0
07
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.7.13

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

CLIMATE 

NOAA: 2012 shows climate change in record sea-level rise, Arctic melting, heated oceans (via Washington Post/AP)

Study questions nature’s ability to “self-correct” climate change (via Phys.org)

NOAA report says Arctic sea ice disappearing at unprecedented pace (via The Guardian)

2012 one of 10 warmest years on record, report says (via Los Angeles Times)

Investors see climate change as risk that influences decisions (via Bloomberg)

Climate change softens up already-vulnerable Louisiana (via USA Today)

EMISSIONS 

EU carbon tops €4.50 on strong auction results (via Reuters Point Carbon)

NUCLEAR 

Japanese government to help stabilize nuclear plant after leaks (via New York Times)

RENEWABLES 

Grid-parity era now underway for global solar markets (via Renewable Energy World)

EU won’t impose provisional duties on Chinese solar panels (via Reuters)

Index shows global PV market upswing in June (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Europe explores floating wind turbines to expand offshore power (via ClimateWire)

Britain opens world’s second-largest offshore wind farm (via Reuters)

Rollercoaster policy threatens US wind energy’s record-setting pace (via CleanTechnica)

More homeowners going solar for electricity, but uncertainty and cost stops others (via Washington Post/AP)

GE abandons plans for largest US solar panel plant near Denver (via Denver Post)

East Bay cities announce streamlined process for solar permits (via San Jose Mercury News)

COAL 

China’s carbon goal shows coal growth has peaked (via Reuters)

Kosovo groups ask for US help to stop coal power project (via Reuters)

Report: Plenty of growth for coal sector – in power plant decommissioning (via BusinessGreen)

The coal export bubble (via Sightline)

Wyoming dominates sales of coal produced from federal and Indian lands (via US EIA)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico’s energy debate approaches fever pitch (via Forbes)

BIOFUELS 

EPA gives refiners more time to meet renewable mandate (via Bloomberg)

EPA slashes this year’s cellulosic targets (via Greenwire)

Almost eight months late, EPA sets 2013 biofuel blend requirement (via The Hill)

EPA lowers target for cellulosic biofuels in gasoline (via Houston Chronicle)

US refiners, plagued by RINsanity, see “half step” on biofuels (via Reuters)

OIL 

Interior Secretary tours Bakken Shale (via Grand Forks Herald)

Interior Secretary commends efforts to cut pollution in booming Bakken (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Your car’s “big data” is worth $1,400 a year (via Autoblog)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Methane leaking in Utah suggests higher national rate (via Climate Central)

How much does a shale gas well cost? “It depends” (via Breaking Energy)

Controversial coal-to-gas plant shuts down six days after opening (via Indianapolis Star)

Chesapeake drops energy leases in fracking-shy New York State (via Reuters)

GRID 

Smart meters to save Pakistan 100MW of electricity (via The Nation)

Utility executives: Major cyberattack on power grid is inevitable (via Houston Chronicle)

KEYSTONE XL 

Keystone contractor probe energizes pipeline opponents (via Houston Chronicle/Bloomberg)

Inquiry into State Department’s environmental contractor could jeopardize Keystone XL decision timeline (via EnergyWire)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Are investors confident enough to invest billions in efficiency projects? (via Greentech Media)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Will sustainability reporting standards change the way business does business? (via The Guardian)

Los Angeles gets first chief sustainability officer (via Sustainable Industries)

ENVIRONMENT 

California governor struggles to win support for water plan (via Los Angeles Times)

OPINION 

Trouble in fracking paradise (via SmartPlanet)

Bold leadership needed from US insurers to tackle climate change (via The Guardian)

Wind energy: curtailment by any other name would be ordinary (via Energy Collective)

Posted:   |   Categories: arctic, Bakken Shale, biofuels, Britain, Carbon market, Chesapeake, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, Coal export, Coal-to-gas, colorado, Curtailment, CurtailmentClimate, Cyberattack, denver, emissions, Energy Efficiency, environment, EPA, EU, EU ETS, European Union, fracking, fukushima, GE, global warming, green business, grid, Grid Parity, japan, Jerry Brown, Keystone XL, los angeles, Louisiana, methane, Methane leakage, mexico, natural gas, new york state, News, noaa, nuclear, offshore wind, oil, pakistan, Renewable Fuels Standard, renewables, Sally Jewell, Sea ice melt, smart meters, solar, Solar permitting, Solar trade war, State Department, Transportation, uk, united kingdom, utah, wyoming
0
02
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.2.13

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

As Keystone stalls, TransCanada OKs bigger East Coast line (via Reuters)

TransCanada to build $300 million New Brunswick tar sands export terminal (via Reuters)

Enviros target Keystone in new pipeline spill video (via Politico)

CLIMATE 

Study: hotter temperatures lead to hotter tempers, more conflict (via AP)

Heat-related deaths in Australia set to quadruple by 2050 (via Climate Progress)

Greenland hits highest temperature ever, almost 80 degrees (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES 

EU approves China solar deal, no state votes against (via Reuters)

Solar PV about to enter “third growth phase” – Deutsche Bank (via CleanTechnica)

Cuba’s first solar farm a step toward renewables (via Phys.org)

UK bets on offshore wind boom (via Recharge)

Azerbaijan aims to boost renewable energy output to 9.7% total demand (via Renewable Energy World)

ARPA-E announces different path for solar innovation (via Innovation Files)

Matching renewable power, worth billions, to load (via Navigant Research)

Solar energy could supply one-third of power in US West (via Phys.org)

2.8 acres of land generate 1GWh of solar energy per year, says NREL (via Energy Manager Today)

Utility Xcel wants to grow wind portfolio by 30% (via Renew Grid)

Deepwater Wind wins America’s first offshore wind competitive lease sale (via CleanTechnica)

Arizona mulls solar tax (via Sustainable Business)

COAL 

Moniz: coal commitment is part of US national energy strategy (via Huffington Post/AP)

Lummi Nation’s stance could stop proposed Washington coal terminal (via Bellingham Herald)

Scope of Gateway Pacific analysis is bad news for coal industry (via Sightline Daily)

Southern Company vows to continue Mississippi “clean coal” plant despite mounting losses (via ClimateWire)

Will another Illinois coal plant bite the dust? (via Midwest Energy News)

EFFICIENCY 

Japan’s appetite for demand response awakens (via Energy Collective)

America’s most unpopular way of saving energy is one of Europe’s favorites (via Outlier)

EPA to publish companies’ water data (via Environmental Leader)

Washington DC wants to lead the nation in energy efficiency (via Greentech Media)

Washington DC launches real-time building energy data project (via GigaOm)

NUCLEAR 

Duke Energy shelves major nuclear project in Florida (via Reuters)

Exelon not yet bailing on any of its nuclear reactors (via Crain’s Chicago Business)

Two Missouri universities set to research small modular nuclear reactors (via AP)

GRID 

Companies launch Europe’s largest energy storage trial (via Renew Grid)

Germany rejects EU smart meter recommendations on cost concerns (via Bloomberg)

Connecticut funds statewide microgrid pilot program (via Energy Manager Today)

OIL 

US oil reserves rise to highest level since 1985 (via Washington Post)

Interior Department meets with oil execs about Gulf accidents (via Houston Chronicle)

Decades-old defect caused Exxon’s Arkansas oil spill (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

During domestic drilling boom, why are gas prices still high? (via StateImpact Texas)

Chevy Volt sales drop to 1,788, Nissan Leaf up to 1,864 in July (via Autoblog Green)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Ernest Moniz: natural gas helps battle climate change – for now (via The Hill)

Insurance issues loom over shale gas development (via EnergyWire)

Scientists, industry, regulators struggle with suspect math of natural gas leaks (via ClimateWire)

Natural gas price increase jumps wholesale electricity prices up to 101% (via Facts of the Day)

EMISSIONS 

Australian emissions target should be 15% by 2020, says Climate Change Authority (via The Guardian)

Japan’s power companies miss their CO2 pledge (via Reuters Point Carbon)

How data centers make high returns from low carbon (via GreenBiz)

Climate Catch-22: how a carbon tax could save coal (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico president to present energy reform next week (via Reuters)

ENVIRONMENT 

70% of Nebraska now in considerable drought (via Omaha World-Herald)

To avoid killing birds with wind turbines, researchers track flight patterns off Maine coast (via Bangor Daily News)

POLITICS 

Right’s new attack on clean energy detailed (via EarthTechnling)

Carbon tax vote looms in House of Representatives (via The Hill)

US lawmakers vote to thwart EPA move on social cost of carbon (via The Hill)

Sally Jewell doesn’t want any climate deniers at Interior (via Grist)

OPINION 

A Republican case for climate action (via New York Times)

How clean energy victory bonds can power our future (via Renewable Energy World)

Posted:   |   Categories: arizona, Arkansas, ARPA-E, australia, Azerbaijan, canada, carbon tax, chevy volt, China, clean coal, climate, Climate Change, coal, Coal export, Connecticut, Cuba, data center, deepwater wind, Demand response, Deutsche Bank, drought, duke energy, emissions, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, EPA, Ernest Moniz, EU, European Union, Exelon, Exxon, Florida, fracking, germany, global warming, greenland, grid, Gulf of Mexico, Illinois, interior department, japan, Keystone XL, Maine, Methane leakage, mexico, Microgrid, Mississippi, Missouri, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, natural gas, Nebraska, New Brunswick, News, nissan LEAF, NREL, nuclear, offshore wind, oil, Oil exports, oil spill, Pipeline, renewables, Small modular nuclear reactor, smart meter, Social cost of carbon, solar, solar pv, Solar trade war, Southern Company, tar sands, Transportation, uk, united kingdom, Washington DC, Washington State, wind, xcel
0
02
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.2.13

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

As Keystone stalls, TransCanada OKs bigger East Coast line (via Reuters)

TransCanada to build $300 million New Brunswick tar sands export terminal (via Reuters)

Enviros target Keystone in new pipeline spill video (via Politico)

CLIMATE 

Study: hotter temperatures lead to hotter tempers, more conflict (via AP)

Heat-related deaths in Australia set to quadruple by 2050 (via Climate Progress)

Greenland hits highest temperature ever, almost 80 degrees (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES 

EU approves China solar deal, no state votes against (via Reuters)

Solar PV about to enter “third growth phase” – Deutsche Bank (via CleanTechnica)

Cuba’s first solar farm a step toward renewables (via Phys.org)

UK bets on offshore wind boom (via Recharge)

Azerbaijan aims to boost renewable energy output to 9.7% total demand (via Renewable Energy World)

ARPA-E announces different path for solar innovation (via Innovation Files)

Matching renewable power, worth billions, to load (via Navigant Research)

Solar energy could supply one-third of power in US West (via Phys.org)

2.8 acres of land generate 1GWh of solar energy per year, says NREL (via Energy Manager Today)

Utility Xcel wants to grow wind portfolio by 30% (via Renew Grid)

Deepwater Wind wins America’s first offshore wind competitive lease sale (via CleanTechnica)

Arizona mulls solar tax (via Sustainable Business)

COAL 

Moniz: coal commitment is part of US national energy strategy (via Huffington Post/AP)

Lummi Nation’s stance could stop proposed Washington coal terminal (via Bellingham Herald)

Scope of Gateway Pacific analysis is bad news for coal industry (via Sightline Daily)

Southern Company vows to continue Mississippi “clean coal” plant despite mounting losses (via ClimateWire)

Will another Illinois coal plant bite the dust? (via Midwest Energy News)

EFFICIENCY 

Japan’s appetite for demand response awakens (via Energy Collective)

America’s most unpopular way of saving energy is one of Europe’s favorites (via Outlier)

EPA to publish companies’ water data (via Environmental Leader)

Washington DC wants to lead the nation in energy efficiency (via Greentech Media)

Washington DC launches real-time building energy data project (via GigaOm)

NUCLEAR 

Duke Energy shelves major nuclear project in Florida (via Reuters)

Exelon not yet bailing on any of its nuclear reactors (via Crain’s Chicago Business)

Two Missouri universities set to research small modular nuclear reactors (via AP)

GRID 

Companies launch Europe’s largest energy storage trial (via Renew Grid)

Germany rejects EU smart meter recommendations on cost concerns (via Bloomberg)

Connecticut funds statewide microgrid pilot program (via Energy Manager Today)

OIL 

US oil reserves rise to highest level since 1985 (via Washington Post)

Interior Department meets with oil execs about Gulf accidents (via Houston Chronicle)

Decades-old defect caused Exxon’s Arkansas oil spill (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

During domestic drilling boom, why are gas prices still high? (via StateImpact Texas)

Chevy Volt sales drop to 1,788, Nissan Leaf up to 1,864 in July (via Autoblog Green)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Ernest Moniz: natural gas helps battle climate change – for now (via The Hill)

Insurance issues loom over shale gas development (via EnergyWire)

Scientists, industry, regulators struggle with suspect math of natural gas leaks (via ClimateWire)

Natural gas price increase jumps wholesale electricity prices up to 101% (via Facts of the Day)

EMISSIONS 

Australian emissions target should be 15% by 2020, says Climate Change Authority (via The Guardian)

Japan’s power companies miss their CO2 pledge (via Reuters Point Carbon)

How data centers make high returns from low carbon (via GreenBiz)

Climate Catch-22: how a carbon tax could save coal (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico president to present energy reform next week (via Reuters)

ENVIRONMENT 

70% of Nebraska now in considerable drought (via Omaha World-Herald)

To avoid killing birds with wind turbines, researchers track flight patterns off Maine coast (via Bangor Daily News)

POLITICS 

Right’s new attack on clean energy detailed (via EarthTechnling)

Carbon tax vote looms in House of Representatives (via The Hill)

US lawmakers vote to thwart EPA move on social cost of carbon (via The Hill)

Sally Jewell doesn’t want any climate deniers at Interior (via Grist)

OPINION 

A Republican case for climate action (via New York Times)

How clean energy victory bonds can power our future (via Renewable Energy World)

Posted:   |   Categories: arizona, Arkansas, ARPA-E, australia, Azerbaijan, canada, carbon tax, chevy volt, China, clean coal, climate, Climate Change, coal, Coal export, Connecticut, Cuba, data center, deepwater wind, Demand response, Deutsche Bank, drought, duke energy, emissions, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, EPA, Ernest Moniz, EU, European Union, Exelon, Exxon, Florida, fracking, germany, global warming, greenland, grid, Gulf of Mexico, Illinois, interior department, japan, Keystone XL, Maine, Methane leakage, mexico, Microgrid, Mississippi, Missouri, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, natural gas, Nebraska, New Brunswick, News, nissan LEAF, NREL, nuclear, offshore wind, oil, Oil exports, oil spill, Pipeline, renewables, Small modular nuclear reactor, smart meter, Social cost of carbon, solar, solar pv, Solar trade war, Southern Company, tar sands, Transportation, uk, united kingdom, Washington DC, Washington State, wind, xcel
0
31
Jul

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.31.13

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

ENERGY MARKETS 

US oil and gas projected to surge for years (via Houston Chronicle)

JPMorgan Chase to pay $410 million penalty in electricity pricing scheme (via Washington Post)

Could utilities’ future be selling light instead of electrons? (via Midwest Energy News)

GRID 

$23 million energy storage research center launched in New York State (via CleanTechnica)

EMISSIONS 

British Columbia’s carbon tax after five years (via Energy Collective)

California and Australia bolster carbon trading ties (via BusinessGreen)

GHG plan could cost “less than 0.5% of total airline revenue” (via Environmental Leader)

RENEWABLES 

Trade fight over solar benefits a bystander – Taiwan (via New York Times)

Claims of faulty data in EU-China solar trade case now under investigation (via Renewable Energy World)

Europe’s biggest solar projects threatened by China deal (via Bloomberg)

Largest solar project in southern hemisphere gets go-ahead from Australia (via BusinessGreen)

Renewables workers wages “growing faster than oil and gas pay” (via BBC News)

Congress eyes change to US biofuels mandate, EPA targets loom (via Reuters)

US biodiesel production reached record output in May 2013 (via US EIA)

BP shelves sale of 2.6GW wind energy arm (via BusinessGreen)

BP wins as US refiners suffer under biofuel mandate (via Reuters)

Virginia seeks research lease for offshore wind energy test project (via Richmond Times-Dispatch)

COAL 

Southern Company absorbs $450M in additional losses for over-budget Mississippi coal plant (via Star-Tribune/AP)

Despite slowdown, global coal remains a planet-destroying monster (via Grist)

CLIMATE 

Calgary facing “well over” $3 billion in flood damage costs (via Calgary Herald)

US investors signal new interest in climate-related risks (via RTCC)

McCarthy: Climate change poses economic threat (via Politico)

A nation on fire: climate change and the burning of America (via Climate Progress)

Congressional task force links worsening wildfires to climate change (via National Journal)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Gulf natgas blowout could tip regulator focus to shallow water (via Houston Chronicle)

Crews to start relief well Thursday at Gulf blowout site (via Houston Chronicle)

Ohio state forest fracking plan halted, for now (via Columbus Dispatch)

ENVIRONMENT 

Something in the air: how global warming is spreading toxic dust (via ClimateWire)

The crucial question for the American West: how long will the water hold out? (via Mother Jones)

Which energy resources are gulping down our water? (via GreenBiz)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Sponsors pare back energy efficiency bill ahead of Senate debate (via The Hill)

Philadelphia enforces building energy benchmarking in October (via Energy Manager Today)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

McCarthy: EPA will be “honest commenter” on Keystone XL review (via The Hill)

EPA: Enbridge nearly tripling oil spill dredging (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

NUCLEAR 

Fukushima cleanup turns toxic for Japan’s Tepco (via Reuters)

Japanese utility and public in dark about crippled nuclear plant (via Reuters)

POLITICS 

Obama calls out GOP for wasting time on Keystone (via Climate Progress)

New EPA head McCarthy outlines ambitious agenda in Harvard speech (via Washington Post)

Kochs tap ex-Cantor aide to lobby on anti-carbon tax measure (via The Hill)

OPINION 

The world needs more Energiewende (via WRI Insights)

Can Washington find agreement on biofuels mandate? (via National Journal)

Posted:   |   Categories: australia, barack obama, battery, biodiesel, biofuels, BOEMRE, BP, british columbia, calgary, california, Carbon market, carbon tax, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, emissions, Enbridge, Energiewende, Energy benchmarking, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, environment, EPA, EU, European Union, fracking, Gina McCarthy, global warming, green jobs, grid, Gulf of Mexico, Jean Shaheen, JPMorgan Chase, Keystone XL, Koch Brothers, michigan, Mississippi, natural gas, new york state, News, offshore wind, Ohio, oil, oil spill, philadelphia, Renewable Fuels Standard, renewables, RFS, Rob Portman, solar, Solar trade war, Southern Company, Taiwan, tar sands, virginia, Water scarcity, wildfires, wind
0
30
Jul

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.30.13

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

COAL 

Goldman Sachs says coal-export terminals are a bad investment (via Grist)

EMISSIONS 

UK government unveils next steps to zero carbon homes (via BusinessGreen)

Study: Energy efficiency drove US emissions decline, not natural gas (via InsideClimate News)

Report: Carbon markets offer “cheap” aviation emissions cuts (via BusinessGreen)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

State Department: Keystone XL jobs impact “negligible” (via The Hill)

Analysts say Obama “headed toward yes” on Keystone pipeline (via Politico)

RENEWABLES 

China’s renewable energy spending may total $300 billion through 2015 (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

New solar homes: Japanese builders helping fight for energy independence (via Renewable Energy World)

Saudi Arabia “committed” to 54GW green revolution (via RTCC)

Chinese solar eyes US market after EU agreement (via Environmental Leader)

Wind developers ready US offshore bids (via Recharge)

RMI: New insights into the real value of distributed solar (via Greentech Media)

Algae-to-crude company Sapphire Energy pays of US government loan guarantee (via Green Car Congress)

UCLA scientists double efficiency of novel solar cell (via Phys.org)

ENERGY POLICY 

Senate nears first big energy bill since 2007 (via The Hill)

Deloitte: Energy deals tumble 30% from 2012 activity (via Houston Chronicle)

FERC says JPMorgan manipulated power prices in 2010-2011 (via USA Today)

GRID

Demand response could double to 155.4GW worldwide by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Natural gas plants account for 53% of new generation capacity in 2013 (via Facts of the Day)

North Dakota natural gas flaring equivalent to 1 million cars per year (via Climate Progress)

Federal government begins probe of Gulf gas well blowout (via Houston Chronicle)

BLM will lease rights for natural gas development in Ohio forest (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

CLIMATE 

Study: Global warming puts South American water supplies at risk (via United Press International)

2013 shaping up to be one of Australia’s hottest years ever (via Renew Economy)

Study: sea-level rise threatens 1,400 US cities (via USA Today)

Cornell opens climate change and agriculture center (via Environmental Leader)

OIL 

Shale threatens Saudi economy, warns prince (via Wall Street Journal)

Saudi prince says global oil markets are “in decline” (via RTCC)

Texas will continue to lead US oil boom (via Houston Chronicle)

Oil industry works to reduce flaring in North Dakota (via The Oklahoman)

Oil industry fights safety retrofit of older rail cars (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

BP’s Deepwater compensation fund running dry (via The Guardian)

As Texas drilling expands, so do fights over land rights (via StateImpact Texas)

TRANSPORTATION 

Japanese carmakers partner to double public EV fast chargers (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla sets sights on fledgling China EV market (via TriplePundit)

Ford data shows its PHEV owners operate in electric mode 60% of the time (via Green Car Congress)

DOE Inspector General: Grants to EV charging company were “overly generous” (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Commercial LED lighting revenue will reach $25 billion annually by 2021 (via Navigant Research)

DOE invests in energy efficiency for small buildings (via GreenBiz)

ENVIRONMENT 

A smaller-than-predicted Dead Zone is still toxic for the Gulf of Mexico (via Time)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Research says green corporate policies tied to brand strength (via Environmental Leader)

POLITICS 

Some Republicans, not all, clamor for a vote against a carbon tax (via ClimateWire)

EPA chief takes climate push on the road (via The Hill)

Political ad targets Cuccinelli fight with climate scientist (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

The consequences of affordable green energy options (via Washington Post)

Flood, rebuild, repeat: Are we ready for a Superstorm Sandy every other year? (via Grist)

Renewables only marginally more expensive (via Breaking Energy)

How fit are feed-in tariffs? (via Renewable Energy World)

How bracing for superstorms will reshape New York City (via Forbes)

Posted:   |   Categories: algae, arra, australia, biofuel, blm, BP, carbon tax, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, Coal export, Cornell University, Dead Zone, deepwater horizon, Demand response, department of energy, Distributed solar, DOE, Electric vehicle charger, emissions, Energy Efficiency, environment, EU, European Union, EV charger, feed-in tariff, FIT, Ford, Gina McCarthy, global warming, Goldman Sachs, green business, grid, Gulf of Mexico, japan, Jean Shaheen, Ken Cuccinelli, Keystone XL, natural gas, Natural gas flaring, New York City, News, north dakota, offshore wind, Ohio, oil, oil spill, Pipeline, renewables, Rob Portman, Rocky Mountain Institute, Sapphire Energy, saudi arabia, Sea level rise, Shale oil, Solar cell efficiency, Solar homes, Solar trade war, State Department, stimulus, Superstorm Sandy, Tesla, texas, Transportation, UCLA, uk, united kingdom, Water scarcity
0
29
Jul

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.29.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Merkel’s green shift backfires as German pollution jumps (via Bloomberg)

Climate change divestment campaigns go on offense in Australia (via The Guardian)

Court tosses Texas, industry challenge to EPA greenhouse gas permitting (via The Hill)

Boulder, Colorado eyes carbon neutrality by 2050 (via Daily Camera)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Elevated levels of metals found in water near fracking wells in Texas (via Houston Chronicle)

Internal EPA report suggests fracking contaminated Pennsylvania drinking water (via Los Angeles Times)

Effort to speed up North Carolina fracking derailed (via News Observer)

Colorado Congressman Polis pulls lawsuit to stop fracking near his property (via The Hill)

Crews ready to drill relief well at blowout site (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

China announces subsidy for small-scale distributed solar (via PV Tech)

Grumbling all around after EU-China solar panel deal (via New York Times)

Europe and China agree to settle solar panel fight (via New York Times)

India plans to reintroduce wind power tax break and fiscal incentives (via Live Mint)

Czech government aims to scrap aid for renewables in 2014 (via Recharge)

With EU sales likely capped, China solar firms will need new markets (via Reuters)

Thailand solar feed-in tariff rates announced for 1GW of solar PV (via CleanTechnica)

Dazzling Dozen US states illuminate path to solar energy future (via CleanTechnica)

The US will be the world’s largest residential PV monitoring market in 2013 (via Greentech Media)

On rooftops, a solar rival for utilities (via New York Times)

States take a shine to solar energy (via USA Today)

Distributed solar power generation to jump in next five years (via Houston Chronicle)

Solar and wind get higher capacity values from ERCOT (via Greentech Media)

Fight against solar net metering in Arizona gets controversial support (via Renewable Energy World)

Massive solar plant a stepping stone for future projects (via NPR)

OIL 

Federal rule to boost safety standards for rail cars carrying oil delayed for a year (via Washington Post/AP)

Could Alaska end tax breaks for Big Oil? (via Christian Science Monitor)

On the road in Texas, where oil is king again (via Christian Science Monitor)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Obama’s Keystone comments give opponents reason for hope (via Washington Post)

Alabama, Mississippi to assess tar sands resources in their states (via Green Car Congress)

55 arrested at Keystone XL pipeline protest (via Washington Post)

CLIMATE 

Ocean’s iron impact could alter climate predictions (via Climate Central)

Atmospheric rivers grow, causing worse floods ahead (via Climate Central)

Many species will have to evolve 10,000 times faster to adapt to climate change, says study (via Climate Progress)

Small business owners see extreme weather as tightrope without net (via ClimateWire)

NOAA scientists to study ocean acidification effects off US West Coast (via Los Angeles Times)

Timeline: a look at extreme weather and climate events (via WRI Insights)

Alaska forest fires “worst for 10,000 years” (via RTCC)

Outrage as New York homeowners prepare for higher flood insurance rates (via New York Times)

COAL 

Facing tough market at home, US coal giant pushes overseas (via Yale e360)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

UK government set to unveil path to zero carbon homes (via BusinessGreen)

Philadelphia buildings must report energy, water usage (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

NYC gets first net zero energy school (via Sustainable Business)

TRANSPORTATION 

Japan automakers team up to add electric chargers (via Bloomberg)

UPS cut emissions 2.1% in 2012 while shipments rose (via Autoblog Green)

California plug-in rebate program running out of money (via Plugin Cars)

POLITICS 

Congress’s climate skeptics could snarl GOP’s strategy (via Politico)

After delayed vote, EPA gains a tough leader to tackle climate change (via New York Times)

GOP lawmaker warns DOI fracking rule could lead to cascade of new federal regulations (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Wind, the “workhorse” of renewable energy (via San Jose Mercury News)

Why Hawaii just became an even better market for solar (via Forbes)

Why it finally makes political sense to talk about climate change (via National Journal)

The five most important names in renewable energy you’ve never heard of (via Grist)

Battery storage: the numbers don’t add up – yet (via Renew Economy)

Divestment: can investors actually make more money going fossil free? (via Greentech Media)

 

Posted:   |   Categories: Alabama, alaska, Angela Merkel, arizona, Atmospheric River, australia, barack obama, Barnett Shale, battery, Boulder Colorado, california, Capacity market, Carbon neutrality, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, colorado, Concentrating solar power, Czech Republic, Distributed solar, Divestment, Electric vehicle charger, emissions, Energy benchmarking, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, EPA, ERCOT, European Union, EV charger, Extinction, Extreme weather, feed-in tariff, Flood, Fossil fuel divestment, fracking, germany, Hawaii, india, interior department, japan, Jered Polis, Keystone XL, Mississippi, natural gas, Net metering, New York City, News, noaa, North Carolina, Ocean acidification, oil, pennsylvania, philadelphia, renewables, Rooftop PV, solar pv, Solar trade war, Subsidy, tar sands, texas, Thailand, Transportation, uk, united kingdom, ups, wind
0
26
Jul

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.26.13

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Fossil fuels to dominate world energy use through 2040 (via Climate Central)

White House to focus comprehensive energy review on infrastructure (via The Hill)

White House aides, utility reps huddle on power plant carbon regulations (via The Hill)

OIL 

European oil demand continues to shrivel in 2013 (via Reuters)

Halliburton to plead guilty to destroying evidence in BP oil spill (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Solar, wind could replace all fossil fuels in Australia by 2040 (via Renew Economy)

Philippines plan shift to 100% renewables in 10 years (via Renew Economy)

EU seeks last-minute China PV deal (via Recharge)

Floating wind farms could provide EU with 40GW by 2020 (via RTCC)

India faces short-term setback in renewable energy investment (via Panchabuta)

Scotland could receive roughly 50% its electricity from tidal energy (via CleanTechnica)

Sao Paulo sets 70% renewables target (via Renewable Energy World)

Dominion watching first US wind energy lease sale (via Richmond Times Dispatch)

Big geothermal getting bigger at Ball State (via EarthTechling)

COAL 

Coal market fundamentals changed, yet spot prices remained stable (via US EIA)

Buffett says coal’s decline in U.S. to be gradual yet permanent (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

GOP launches bid to block environmental restrictions on mountaintop coal removal (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Global warming and the future of storms (via The Guardian)

Norway issues shipping warning as Arctic sea lanes open (via RTCC)

NASA climate change video: This is the U.S. in 2100 (via Mother Nature Network)

Dems’ recess game plan: Push climate message (via Politico)

Maryland governor unveils strongest US plan to fight climate change (via CleanTechnica)

A climate action plan for affordable multifamily housing (via Center for American Progress)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

DOE official: Chinese natural gas could “wreak havoc” on markets (via The Hill)

Wyden floats fracking regulation framework (via The Hill)

Republicans launch legislative assault on BLM fracking rules (via Greenwire)

UPS says natural gas “game changer” for cutting emissions (via Bloomberg)

Antitrust probe targets Halliburton’s fracking business (via Bloomberg)

Colorado congressman files lawsuit to prevent fracking near his property (via Houston Chronicle)

EMISSIONS 

Trading halt could show UN carbon market in jeopardy (via Bloomberg)

Europe’s carbon problem is now Australia’s, too (via Environmental Leader)

Investment firms call for more carbon accounting (via Environmental Leader)

The positive economic impact of a carbon tax in 10 charts (via Grist)

O’Malley releases greenhouse gas reduction plan at climate change summit (via Washington Post/AP)

ENVIRONMENT

Russia’s weather to limit crops again after last year’s drought (via Bloomberg)

What cities are doing to become water smart (via EarthTechling)

GRID 

FERC order increases opportunity for energy storage (via Breaking Energy)

Forward operating solar: military microgrids lead the way (via Solar Industry Magazine)

States weigh compact to bolster energy grid (via Stateline)

MISO uses real-time synchrophasor tech to improve grid reliability (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

31 states now support utility energy efficiency investments (via Energy Manager Today)

A closer look at the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill (via WRI Insights)

More states join the regulatory push for utility efficiency (via Greentech Media)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric cars could be cost-competitive with gas-powered in 2017 (via Los Angeles Times)

Which EV model will be the first to break into top 10 of global auto sales? (via CleanTechnica)

100% increase in electric car sales in 2013 (via CleanTechnica)

RINs ethanol credits below $1, U.S. gasoline future fall 7 cents (via Reuters)

Plug-in electric vehicle buyers very satisfied with cars: report (via Green Car Reports)

OPINION 

EIA’s most important insights about our energy future (via Climate Central)

Can renewables grow fast enough to make a difference? (via Greentech Media)

The great Texas wind rush (via Huffington Post)

Posted:   |   Categories: arctic, australia, Ball State University, Brazil, Bureau of Land Management, cap and trade, Carbon accounting, carbon tax, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, colorado, Dominion Virginia, drought, eia, Electric Vehicle, emissions, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, environment, ethanol, EU, europe, European Union, ev, Extreme weather, FERC, fracking, gas prices, geothermal, global warming, green building, grid, Gulf of Mexico, Halliburton, india, Jared Polis, Jean Shaheen, Martin O'Malley, maryland, Microgrid, MISO, Mountaintop coal removal, NASA, natural gas, Natural gas exports, News, norway, offshore wind, Ohio, oil, oil spill, Philippines, renewables, RIN, Rob Portman, Ron Wyden, Russia, Scotland, Sea ice melt, Severe weather, solar, Solar trade war, Synchrophasor, texas, Transportation, UN, united nations, United Postal Service, ups, virginia, warren buffett, Water scarcity, wind
0