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Fire-prone Samsung phone relies on technology used in energy storage
Lithium-ion is likely to remain the king of energy storage and expand its kingdom as companies like Tesla work to make batteries a common household appliance alongside its electric cars. Batteries in these roles consist of dozens of smaller lithium-ion cells in packs that store much more electricity than mobile phones, so the potential harm from a thermal runaway is much greater. On the other hand, large battery packs mean that a single failing cell doesn’t have to take out the entire system, and with sophisticated power management systems, vehicle, household and grid batteries can be made even safer. [ read more … ]
Green Energy Boom Picks Up Speed Even as Investment Stagnates
Investors in wind and solar power are getting more capacity for their money as the cost of the technology tumbles, making alternatives to fossil fuel more competitive. That’s the conclusion of Bloomberg New Energy Finance, which found dramatic improvements in wind and solar technology is helping to boost the amount of power generated from each plant — and the cash they yield. That allowed installations to grow by almost 70 percent in the last five years even as investment flat lined. [ read more … ]
Renewable energy rises to 23% of global production — report
Rapidly rising investment in renewable energy has allowed for a “decoupling” of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions across much of the world, but the future will continue to be shaped by dynamic and sometimes volatile energy markets, according to findings released yesterday by the World Energy Council. In its latest resources report issued yesterday, the council said the past 15 years have witnessed “unprecedented change in the consumption of energy resources worldwide,” and that “most countries have achieved a more diversified energy mix” thanks to steeply falling costs for nontraditional energy fuels and technologies, including renewables.
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CO2 released at lowest levels in 25 years
The release of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions in the first half of this year sank to their lowest level since 1991, the Energy Information Administration said yesterday. The agency attributed the decline to a warm winter, slumping use of coal-fired electricity, and strong growth in renewable and hydroelectric power. It was the first time in 25 years that emissions during the first six months of any year were that low. [ read more … ]
We’re placing far too much hope in pulling carbon dioxide out of the air, scientists warn
In the past decade, an ambitious — but still mostly hypothetical — technological strategy for meeting our global climate goals has grown prominent in scientific discussions. Known as “negative emissions,” the idea is to remove carbon dioxide from the air using various technological means, a method that could theoretically buy the world more time when it comes to reducing our overall greenhouse-gas emissions. [ read more … ]
GE acquires Danish blade manufacturer
LM Wind Power, a blade manufacturing company, has been acquired by General Electric Co. GE struck a €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal with the manufacturer’s owner, Doughty Hanson & Co., and has announced that it will be incorporated as a stand-alone unit, adding in a statement that it intends to support industry customers “with the aim of expanding these relationships.” [ read more … ]
Ken Bone was right: Energy must be a priority for next president
“What steps will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs, while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly and minimizing job loss for fossil power plant workers?” Like it or not, the next president will need an answer to this question, posed by audience member Ken Bone in the second presidential debate, in the early days of his or her administration. [ read more … ]
Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.