Articles

Clean energy

What's the trick to keep grids humming along on solar, wind and batteries alone?

A Department of Energy program is testing a new type of "grid-forming" inverter that could make it possible.

By Jeff St. John . 29 September 2021
Climatetech finance

Newsletter: A palate cleanser from cleantech SPAC mania

Grid storage veteran Fluence is going public with real products and revenue.

By Julian Spector . 29 September 2021
Climatetech finance

Energy storage leader Fluence preps for old-school IPO, bucking SPAC trend

The grid-scale battery sector is poised for massive growth. Fluence is playing a major role — but it has a lot of competition.

By Jeff St. John . 28 September 2021
Clean industry

Steelmakers forge ahead on cleaning up their notoriously dirty industry

From miners to automakers, steel industry players are starting to come together to make "green steel" the new norm.

By Ingrid Lobet . 28 September 2021
ENN

A Detroit law promised residents a voice in redevelopment projects. Many say their concerns remain unheard

Detroit’s Community Benefits Ordinance aimed to help level the playing field surrounding large redevelopment sites. But residents, including some Neighborhood Advisory Council members, say developers still have the upper hand.

By Rukiya Colvin . 28 September 2021
ENN

In Illinois, energy law’s coal-to-solar commitments spark hope, skepticism

The state’s sweeping new energy law offers grants and other incentives to develop solar and storage on the site of retired power plants. Some local officials aren’t banking on new jobs and tax revenue yet, though.

By Kari Lydersen . 28 September 2021
ENN

Entergy resisted upgrading New Orleans’ power grid. When Ida hit, residents paid the price

The power company failed to build a stronger system after hurricanes repeatedly pummeled Louisiana. Then Ida knocked out power for more than a week.

By Max Blau / ProPublica, Annie Waldman / ProPublica, and Tegan Wendland / WNLO . 28 September 2021
Air travel

Newsletter: High-flying electric aviation startups enthrall investors

But is a whole new category of transportation the best way to help the climate?

By Julian Spector . 28 September 2021
Transportation

Uber and Lyft are hurting, not helping, the climate and society

If you care about livable cities and a livable climate, ride-hailing is not the answer, according to a new study.

By David Roberts . 27 September 2021
Climatetech finance

Are electric flying cars ready for takeoff?

Would you believe three recent IPOs for battery-electric air travel? And investors are still bullish on earthbound battery applications too.

By Eric Wesoff . 27 September 2021