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."

Energy storage

Grid batteries have never been more abundant — or more useful

This summer, batteries bolstered the heat-battered grids of Texas and California, underscoring the tech’s value as a low-carbon way to keep the lights on.

By Julian Spector . 2 October 2023
Utilities

These 25 utilities are united by one big goal: 80% less CO2 by 2030

Dealing with climate change means removing fossil fuels from the power grid ASAP. A diverse and growing group of utilities is leading that effort.

By Julian Spector . 28 September 2023
Podcast

Fixing interconnection

ERCOT is connecting power generators faster than any other electricity market in the country. Could we fix the U.S. interconnection bottleneck Texas-style?

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By 44 min . 21 September 2023
Podcast

New frontiers of clean energy emerge

This week: a look at how the business of clean energy is evolving. Plus, the battery-recycling boom and Hawaii’s coal gambit.

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By 67 min . 21 September 2023
Solar

He couldn't install solar at home, so he helps nonprofits do it instead

This solar champion shows community groups how to tap Inflation Reduction Act incentives so they can afford solar panels.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 September 2023
Clean energy manufacturing

Charts: Which states will benefit most from the Inflation Reduction Act?

The climate law has sparked a wave of clean energy manufacturing investment and job creation, mostly in the Southeast’s burgeoning Battery Belt.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 8 September 2023
Nuclear

Nuclear startup Oklo looks to rebound with backing from Sam Altman

The microreactor pioneer has a SPAC deal, signed customers and potential sources for its specialized fuel. Now it needs an OK from regulators.

By Eric Wesoff . 8 September 2023
Clean energy manufacturing

Another US EV-battery recycler just raised a massive funding round

Ascend Elements attracted $542 million in investment to make cathodes from spent EV batteries, just a week after Redwood Materials raised $1 billion.

By Jeff St. John . 6 September 2023
Solar

The fight over California community solar: 'It's everyone vs. utilities'

Α broad and unlikely coalition has united behind a proposal that would finally let community solar flourish in California. Utilities are trying to stop it.

By Jeff St. John . 5 September 2023
Clean energy

Chart: Renewables are on track to keep getting cheaper and cheaper

A new report says that ongoing improvements in solar and wind tech will keep driving steep cost declines that make them even more competitive against fossil fuels.

By Alison F. Takemura . 1 September 2023