Articles

Solar

North Carolina regulators slash payments to rooftop-solar owners

Two new rulings pare down net metering and deny proposed customer incentives that would have softened the blow. But a new pilot program could boost battery adoption.

By Jeff St. John . 27 March 2023
Video

Video: Why don't we all use solar water heaters?

Climate journalist Michael Thomas explains why these appliances are widespread in other countries — and practically nonexistent in the U.S.

By Michael Thomas . 27 March 2023
Hydrogen

Test shows hydrogen blending slightly reduces gas power plant emissions

The hydrogen revolution isn’t here quite yet — but now we know what happens when a certain type of gas plant burns a small amount of hydrogen.

By Julian Spector . 24 March 2023
Transportation

NYC adopts e-bike rules with focus on fire safety and equity

The new policies aim to make it easier for low-income residents to access high-quality models, without banning the zero-emissions devices many workers depend on.

By Maria Gallucci . 24 March 2023
Clean energy

Chart: How much clean energy has been added globally since 2017?

Short answer: A lot. Solar has led the growth in renewable capacity around the world — especially in China.

By Eric Wesoff, Maria Virginia Olano . 24 March 2023
ENN

Ohio higher-ed bill would require instructors to teach ‘both sides’ on climate change

Climate science is among a wide range of “controversial matters” included in the Higher Education Enhancement Act, which seeks to police classroom speech on abortion, immigration, diversity, and other issues.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 23 March 2023
Clean energy supply chain

New South Carolina plant could process enough lithium for 2.4M EVs a year

Chemicals giant Albemarle said it will build a $1.3B lithium plant — a big step toward the Biden admin goal of beefing up the domestic supply chain.

By Julian Spector . 23 March 2023
ENN

‘Reversing’ coal mining: Minnesota startup uses plants to trap carbon emissions

Carba says it’s developed an inexpensive and energy-efficient method for capturing carbon emissions, using a portable reactor that converts plant waste into a charcoal-like substance called biochar.

By Frank Jossi . 23 March 2023
Wind

Speeding boats, not offshore wind, likely culprit in recent whale deaths

Still, offshore wind developers are bolstering efforts to safeguard marine life. Here's how Dominion Energy will handle whale safety as it preps for a 2.6 GW project.

By Elizabeth McGowan . 23 March 2023
Fun stuff

Cartoon: Heat pump party

By Climatoonist . 23 March 2023