Houston the latest American city to pledge to go fully renewable

Houston pledges to get 100 percent of its energy from renewable solar power and, importantly, estimates the change will save more than $65 million over seven years. Michael Thomsen describes the latest developments in an article on the Daily Mail website. Houston pledges to get its energy from 100 percent renewable sources The mayor … Continue reading Houston the latest American city to pledge to go fully renewable →

Solar PV and onshore wind now considered cheapest technologies in areas that count for 2/3 of the world’s population

The cost improvements in renewable energy technologies in recent years is staggering and now the cheapest energy options in most of the world according to new research. Giles Parkinson explains in an article on the Renew Economy website. Solar, wind and battery storage now cheapest energy options just about everywhere Further cost reductions in … Continue reading Solar PV and onshore wind now considered cheapest technologies in areas that count for 2/3 of the world’s population →

This year’s EU Responsible Islands Prizes go to . . .

Recognising achievements in local renewables production for power, heating, cooling and transport, prizes are awarded to discover and reward European islands that were taking real steps towards building proper sustainable communities. This year’s winners were announced in a news item on the Renews website. Danish islands and Orkney take EU sustainability prize The Danish … Continue reading This year’s EU Responsible Islands Prizes go to . . . →

France’s energy transition: planning for 40 per cent renewables in the power sector by 2030

For a country that has relied on nuclear power for decades, it is interesting to see how its energy transition has evolved. France has recently submitted its final 2030 National Energy and Climate Plan to the European Commission, with an aim for 1/3rd renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030. Ayush Verma explains in … Continue reading France’s energy transition: planning for 40 per cent renewables in the power sector by 2030 →

Coal power developers risk wasting hundreds of billions of pounds as new renewable sources are now cheaper than new coal plants

Roger Harrabin discusses the results of a new report by Carbon Tracker in an article on the BBC website, showing how renewables are now cheaper than new coal plants. Coal power developers 'risk wasting billions' Coal power developers risk wasting hundreds of billions of pounds as new renewable sources are now cheaper than new … Continue reading Coal power developers risk wasting hundreds of billions of pounds as new renewable sources are now cheaper than new coal plants →

“Scotland has huge renewables potential, but it is vital we harness that for the public good”

For decades, Scotland has been a major fossil fuel producer. That is coming to an end and renewable energy, particularly from wind energy, is the future. Many say that Scotland should learn from the UK’s past failures to capitalise on the country’s oil revenues and aim to set up a wind fund by investing in … Continue reading “Scotland has huge renewables potential, but it is vital we harness that for the public good” →

Concerns have been raised in Scotland about finding a balance between green energy and sustaining forests

Many windfarms have been built in Scotland in place of trees. It’s not all concern because the Scottish Government has pledged to cover more than one fifth of Scotland’s land area with trees by 2032 in a bid to help tackle the clime emergency. It is difficult, however, to find the right balance. Tom Gordon … Continue reading Concerns have been raised in Scotland about finding a balance between green energy and sustaining forests →

Pumped thermal electricity storage is expected to be competitive with other storage technologies

One promising storage option is pumped thermal electricity storage. This relatively new technology has been around for about ten years, and is currently being tested in pilot plants. Antoine Koen, PhD Candidate in Pumped Thermal Energy Storage and Pau Farres Antunez, Postdoctoral researcher in Energy Storage, University of Cambridge write about recent developments in an … Continue reading Pumped thermal electricity storage is expected to be competitive with other storage technologies →

Generating electricity from rain

There are many innovations in our low-carbon energy transition. It is hard to believe that a generator can briefly light up 100 LED bulbs with a single drop. Jon Fingas explains in an article on the engadget website. Rain may soon be an effective source of renewable energy There have been numerous attempt to … Continue reading Generating electricity from rain →

Fukushima transforms itself into a renewable energy hub

Known for the 2011 nuclear meltdown, Fukushima has now vowed to power the region with 100% renewable energy by 2040, compared with 40% today. Justin McCurry explains in an article in The Guardian. Fukushima unveils plans to become renewable energy hub Fukushima is planning to transform itself into a renewable energy hub, almost nine … Continue reading Fukushima transforms itself into a renewable energy hub →