Clean energy

Marine transport

This boat runs on 100% renewables. Can it help clean up bigger ships?

The Energy Observer has sailed the world as a floating lab of zero-emission technologies. Now its owners want to apply what they’ve learned to dirty freighters.

By Maria Gallucci . 17 April 2024

Aerial photo of the Energy Observer, a boat powered by hydrogen and other renewable energy sources, — (Pitcha Dangprasith/Getty Images)

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 Stephen Lacey . 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
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 Shayle Kann . 44 min . 21 September 2023