Heat pumps

Clean industry

How heat pumps can turn wasted energy into low-carbon whisky

A century-old Scottish distillery has halved its CO₂ emissions with waste-heat recovery tech. Others could follow suit — if regulations and economics align.

By Jeff St. John . 24 June 2024

glass of whisky — Tastes great, less CO₂. (haveseen)

Heat pumps

This NYC high-rise is using heat pumps and waste heat to cut fossil fuels

The cutting-edge, state-backed project at 345 Hudson could be a model for other big buildings sprinting to comply with the city’s building decarbonization law.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 June 2024
Electrification

Electric lawn equipment, solar could be home-electrification ‘gateways’

People with firsthand home electrification experience are much more interested in cutting fossil fuels from other areas of their lives, per a new survey.

By Alison F. Takemura . 6 June 2024
Electrification

Helping low-income families electrify could save Americans $96 billion

If U.S. policymakers pursue equitable electrification strategies, the societal benefits would be vast, says new report.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 May 2024
Heat pumps

A call to replace air conditioners with heat pumps in California

Advocates want new building codes to include a heat-pump provision that could benefit consumers and the climate. But regulators have cooled on the proposal.

By Alison F. Takemura . 28 May 2024
Utilities

Can California's new fixed rates really help the energy transition?

Amid rising electricity rates, regulators add flat charges and drop power prices to try to boost EVs and heat pumps. But underlying utility costs are a problem.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Need help electrifying your home? This startup has an app for that

Zero Homes aims to make electrification easier and cheaper by quoting projects — to install heat pumps, EV chargers, and more — without setting foot in your house.

By Alison F. Takemura . 9 May 2024
Clean energy

Clean energy in rural America gets another big boost of federal funding

The Biden administration announced $78 million — the latest from a $1 billion program — to install solar, batteries, and more in rural communities.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 May 2024
Electrification

Need help breaking up with fossil fuels? Ask an ‘electric coach’

Electrification is hard. That’s why Rewiring America is training 1,000 coaches this year to guide neighbors through getting heat pumps, solar and more.

By Alison F. Takemura . 25 April 2024
Heat pumps

Better heat pumps for commercial buildings are coming soon

The Department of Energy is convening manufacturers and customers like IKEA and Amazon to get next-gen heat pumps ready for commercial rooftops by 2027.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 April 2024
Heat pumps

Will a heat pump save you money? It depends

There’s no doubt that heat pumps are planet-friendly, but whether they make pure financial sense is a more complex — and personal — question. Here's what to consider.

By Alison F. Takemura . 4 April 2024