Articles

Fossil fuels

Gas plants without the emissions? This startup says it's cracked the code

North Carolina–based NET Power uses a novel combustion cycle that captures its own emissions. Now it's building a 300MW plant in Texas to prove it works at scale.

By Julian Spector . 8 November 2022
Heat pumps

Heat pumps now required for new homes in Washington state

New-build residences will have to install energy-efficient heat pumps starting in July as part of Washington’s ambitious efforts to curb carbon emissions.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 November 2022
EV charging

This new 'smart' cord lets everyone cash in on utility EV-charging perks

Smartenit has bundled smart-charging tech into a cord that plugs into standard outlets. That’s useful for people who can't easily install chargers at home.

By Jeff St. John . 8 November 2022
ENN

‘We are scarred’: Nuclear communities sidelined in just transition debate, even as industry subsidies flow

The town of Zion, Illinois, went into an economic spiral after the sudden closure of a nuclear power plant 25 years ago. Today, it’s still trying to recover and offers a cautionary tale for the country’s energy transition.

By Kari Lydersen . 8 November 2022
Utilities

Hawaii moves to time-varying 'smart' rates for most utility customers

The first-in-the-nation statewide plan will nudge residents to shift their energy use to times that best align with Hawaii's increasingly solar-powered grid.

By Julian Spector . 8 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27 climate talks kick off: Here's what people are talking about

Our first dispatch from the U.N. climate conference in Egypt spotlights energy and equity issues in Africa, plus political progress and uncertainty in the U.S.

By Adam Aston . 7 November 2022
Climatetech finance

What challenges will confront DOE loan program for energy retrofits?

It takes more than money to retool dirty energy infrastructure to be clean. Can utilities, regulators and communities agree on how to spend it?

By Jeff St. John . 7 November 2022
ENN

North Dakota’s ‘cleanest crypto’ claim ignores state’s fossil fuel-powered grid

State officials are touting North Dakota as a destination for the “cleanest crypto on the planet.” But despite its wind energy resources, its electric grid emits more carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour than the national average.

By Frank Jossi . 7 November 2022
Clean energy

Chart: Clean energy installations slowed way down in Q3

On the bright side, energy storage had its best quarter ever, and analysts expect solar and wind to bounce back soon thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 7 November 2022
Climate crisis

What to watch at COP27: Climate justice, clean technology and money

Will breakthroughs happen at the U.N. climate summit in Egypt? RMI CEO Jon Creyts shares thoughts on the urgency of the moment and opportunities to make gains.

By Jeff St. John . 4 November 2022