Solar Energy

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) – Here are some of the green energy good news stories of the past few weeks: 1. China put in a massive 21 gigawatts of new wind power in 2014, half of all the wind power installed in the entire world that year and four times as much as […]

Climate Change

New York: Solar Panels demand increasing despite drop in natural gas prices

contributors

CCTV America | – “The demand for renewable power resources such as wind and solar is not only holding steady, but growing. CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reported the story from Albany, New York.” CCTV America: “Solar demand increasing despite drop in natural gas prices”

Climate Change

iSolar! Apple putting nearly $1 Bn into Solar Farm to Power Corporate Campus

contributors

Bloomberg Business | — “Apple is embracing renewable energy with an $848 million commitment to obtain electricity from a solar farm that’s big enough to power its offices in California, along with 52 retail stores and a data center. Bloomberg’s Michael di Capua and Bloomberg Businessweek’s Brad Stone speak on “Bloomberg West.”” Bloomberg Business: “Apple […]

Climate Change

Abandoning Diesel: Battery-powered train brings low-carbon commuting to UK

contributors

Reuters | — “The first battery-powered passenger train to run on Britain’s tracks in over 50 years completes a five-week trial in a bid to prove the viability of more eco-friendly alternatives to diesel-powered locomotives. Mia Reakes went aboard.” Reuters: Battery-powered train brings low-carbon commuting to UK

Energy

Can Plants teach us how to make Better Solar Panels?

contributors

CCTV America | — “Even with the robust sales, solar panels aren’t terribly efficient, converting only about 10-15 percent of the sun’s rays into useable and storable energy. A group of scientists are hoping to improve that and they are inspired by nature. CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reported this story from Albany, New York.” CCTV: […]

Energy

As South Africa aims to get 1/2 of Power from Solar, US Firms Jump In

contributors

CCTV | – “Pretoria is promoting its growing solar industry, with predictions the sun will soon contribute about half of all South Africa’s new power generation. The ambitious approach is leading to major opportunities for solar power companies, including those attending an investor summit called “Powering Africa.” CCTV America’s Daniel Ryntjes reported the story from […]

Energy

In 10 Years, No One In Helsinki Will Even Want to Own a Car: 3 Simple Ideas That Are Making Cities Sustainable

contributors

By Shannan Stoll | (YES! Magazine | “Cities are Now”) An app that combines the affordability of ride sharing with the reliability of taxis. Playgrounds built as sponges for reusable greywater. From Finland to California, the cities of the future are here. 1. A bus that will pick you up anywhere in the city with […]

Bangladesh

Women Empowered by Solar Energy in Bangladesh

contributors

World Bank | — “Bangladesh has become the world’s fastest growing market for solar home systems, thanks in part to IDA – the World Bank’s fund for the poorest. Solar energy is not only replacing expensive fuels, it also has become a tool of social change, empowering girls and women.” World Bank from 18 months […]

Barack Obama

Obama, Modi and India’s Solar Future

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) In his visit to India, Barack Obama pressed unsuccessfully for India to set specific carbon limits. Nevertheless, he did get agreement from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the USA and India would pursue vigorously non-carbon energy sources, including nuclear and renewables such as solar. That was a better […]