Clean energy

Climatetech finance

Chart: How much are oil and gas firms spending on clean energy? Not much

Fossil fuel companies accounted for just 1% of global climatetech funding last year — while continuing to invest lavishly in their planet-warming products.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 1 December 2023

An oil pumpjack next to a solar array. A graphic overlay reads "chart of the week."

Clean energy

Kauai became a clean energy leader. Its secret? A publicly owned grid

Making the island’s utility a cooperative resulted in cheaper and cleaner power. It could hold lessons for communities around the country debating local utility control.

By Julian Spector . 7 November 2023
Podcast

Inflation plagues clean energy. How bad is it?

Grid constraints, financing costs and supply-chain snags are causing problems for developers. When will it be resolved?

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By 60 min . 3 November 2023
Podcast

The Volts crossover episode

Thermal storage, small modular reactors, onshoring and more with David Roberts, host of Volts.

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By 70 min . 3 November 2023
Guest essay

Here’s how foundations are bringing solar to lower-income communities

Charitable foundations are using a variety of strategies to get solar panels onto the roofs of health centers, schools and other community buildings.

By Greg Horner, Vero Bourg-Meyer . 31 October 2023
Utilities

Utilities still moving way too slow on clean energy

Despite historic wind, solar and battery subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. utilities remain hooked on fossil fuels.

By Jeff St. John . 16 October 2023
Clean energy manufacturing

Chart: Is climatetech manufacturing on track for net-zero goals?

The International Energy Agency's latest update finds some technologies surging and others struggling to keep pace with the trajectory needed for a decarbonized future.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 13 October 2023
Politics

How IRA funds help break through climate-action barriers in Wisconsin

A new injection of federal money is jump-starting local and state initiatives that advocates hope will gain significant ground despite legislative inertia.

By Kari Lydersen . 12 October 2023
Podcast

Can California pull off its clean energy ambitions?

A discussion with three influential people at the forefront of California climate policy.

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By 68 min . 6 October 2023
Clean energy

Chart: The world is approaching a peak in electricity emissions

Electricity production is the biggest source of CO2 emissions in the world, but a new report suggests the grid’s dirtiest days will soon be behind it.

By Dan McCarthy . 6 October 2023
Hydropower

Hydropower out of whack thanks to record heat and precipitation

In California, hydropower output is expected to double this year. But in the hydro-dependent Northwest, abnormal heat could cause it to shrink by 19%.

By Julian Spector . 5 October 2023