Articles

Clean energy

Virginia’s bold plan to turn old coal mines into clean data centers

Data Center Ridge is the first phase in a state-endorsed plan to advance test sites for solar, wind, pumped hydro, small nuclear, and other clean energy innovations.

By Elizabeth McGowan . 13 September 2024
Clean energy

Chart: Texas plans to build the most clean energy of any state

The state has more wind and large-scale solar than any other, and batteries are booming. The growth is set to continue — but its grid is still far from clean.

By Dan McCarthy . 13 September 2024
Clean aluminum

Cans to car parts: Inside the complex, crucial world of aluminum recycling

Recycling aluminum involves a vast supply chain, from trash pickers to factories that melt scrap. It’s also crucial to slashing the metal’s carbon emissions.

By Maria Gallucci . 12 September 2024
Clean energy

How $7.3B will help rural co-ops build clean power—and close coal plants

This Inflation Reduction Act program is offering 16 rural electric co-ops financing to overcome the up-front costs of shifting from dirty coal to clean power.

By Jeff St. John . 12 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Massachusetts cities embrace voluntary green building codes

Since state lawmakers approved an optional stretch code early last year, 45 municipalities covering about 30% of the state’s population have adopted the guidelines.

By Sarah Shemkus . 11 September 2024
Virtual power plants

Here’s a blueprint for building virtual power plants in every state

Utilities could save billions by tapping customers’ solar systems, EVs, and electric appliances. These firms and advocates have a plan to make it happen.

By Jeff St. John . 11 September 2024
Clean aluminum

A new green aluminum plant could bring jobs — and clean energy — to Kentucky

The coal-rich state wants to land the first new U.S. smelter in 45 years. But the deal won’t happen unless Kentucky can furnish lots of clean energy.

By Maria Gallucci . 10 September 2024
Virtual power plants

California could cut utility bills with distributed energy. Why isn’t it?

Rooftop solar, batteries, EVs, and smart thermostats could help rein in rising grid costs — if only California could pass policies to make it happen.

By Jeff St. John . 10 September 2024
EV charging

NYC looks to kick its curbside EV-charging plans into second gear

The city won a $15M federal grant to build 600 curbside EV chargers throughout its streets. It’s part of a broader push to build 10,000 curbside chargers in NYC by 2030.

By Carrie Klein . 9 September 2024
Solar

US solar manufacturing capacity has quadrupled thanks to climate law

The Inflation Reduction Act has sparked a boom in domestic solar panel manufacturing, though the U.S. still depends on China for certain steps of the supply chain.

By Eric Wesoff . 9 September 2024

Articles

Virginia’s bold plan to turn old coal mines into clean data centers

Chart: Texas plans to build the most clean energy of any state

Cans to car parts: Inside the complex, crucial world of aluminum recycling

How $7.3B will help rural co-ops build clean power—and close coal plants

Massachusetts cities embrace voluntary green building codes

Here’s a blueprint for building virtual power plants in every state

A new green aluminum plant could bring jobs — and clean energy — to Kentucky

California could cut utility bills with distributed energy. Why isn’t it?

NYC looks to kick its curbside EV-charging plans into second gear

US solar manufacturing capacity has quadrupled thanks to climate law