Energy

By by Abrahm Lustgarten | – ( ProPublica ) – One of President Donald Trump’s most damaging strikes at the foundation of U.S. climate policy is buried deep in a sweeping Inauguration Day executive order focused on “Unleashing American Energy.” Half way through the lengthy document is a directive that would obliterate an obscure but […]

Iran

Can Israel Destroy Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty

By Kian Sharifi ( RFE/ RL ) – U.S. intelligence has concluded that the odds of an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear program in the next few months are high, according to major American media, but the jury is out on whether Israel can destroy its archfoe’s nuclear facilities on its own. Iran is widely […]

Asia

As Trump Shutters US Offshore Wind, Asia’s Renewables Promise Cheaper Manufacturing, Trade Surpluses

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – Trump has halted the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management from granting new offshore wind licenses. This move will gut the growing US offshore wind industry, though it does not necessarily affect already-granted licenses. Gavin Maguire at Reuters explains the outcome of this policy will be high energy costs for Americans, […]

China

China dominates Middle East Solar Sector as Trump hobbles Renewables in US

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – Chinese firms dominate the manufacture of photovoltaic solar panels, accounting for 80% of the global market (along with most elements of the supply chain). Volumes in China’s solar sector, including panels, batteries and EVs, expanded by a third in 2024, even though panel prices had plummeted. The Chinese will, however, […]

Donald Trump

Trump’s offshore Wind Energy Freeze: What States lose if the Executive Order remains in Place

The Conversation

By Barbara Kates-Garnick, Tufts University (The Conversation) – A single wind turbine spinning off the U.S. Northeast coast today can power thousands of homes – without the pollution that comes from fossil fuel power plants. A dozen of those turbines together can produce enough electricity for an entire community. The opportunity to tap into such […]

Climate Crisis

China’s Wind and Solar Soar by 357 Gigawatts, as Trump Mires us in backward, Planet-Wrecking Fossil Fuels

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – President Trump’s attempt to derail the wind and solar industries in the United States in favor of dirty fossil fuels is a threat to the health of the planet, of course. But it is also a threat to the US economy. Fossil fuels are sources of short term profits. As […]

Donald Trump

How Fossil Fuel Billionaires Are Cashing in on Trump

OtherWords

Fossil fuel billionaires are being rewarded for investing in Trump’s campaign. By Chuck Collins | – ( Otherwords.org ) – As he left office, President Biden warned of an emerging oligarchy in this country — rule by and for a small number of wealthy people and corporations. After donating heavily to President Trump’s campaign, the […]

Featured

New Solar Installations double to 24.5 Gigawatts in 2024 in India — World’s 5th Largest Economy

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – India installed 24.5 new gigawatts of solar power in 2024, along with 3.4 gigawatts of new wind. That represented a doubling of solar installations over 2023. This surge in renewables installations is unprecedented in the country’s history. In all, India has roughly 100 gigawatts of installed solar capacity. The United […]

Featured

How Solar Power could save Fossil Gas Giant Iran from its Energy Crisis

Juan Cole

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) – Iran has for weeks been in the midst of an energy crisis. It may seem paradoxical given that it has some of the biggest oil and gas fields in the world. Some 70% of Iran’s electricity is generated by fossil gas. Power blackouts have inflicted billions of dollars of losses […]