MIT discovery resurrects potential of molten salt batteries for grid level power storage New Atlas, January 22nd, 2018 One of the primary problems with renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, is that power gets generated when the wind or sun is available, rather than when it’s most needed. This problem would more or less disappear if … Read more
Beer Maker Sierra Nevada Lauded for Energy Efficiency Energy Manager Today, January 19, 2018 Beer giant Sierra Nevada runs its massive brewing operations with energy from a $4 million unit that delivers solar energy and natural gas, with a slight draw from utility reserves. According to chicoer.com, the Chico, California-based company made its mark when it installed … Read more
New Report Details Benefits of Energy Efficiency for Low-Income Americans Environmental Defense Fund, February 13, 2018 Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) released a new report today outlining the widespread benefits of low-income energy efficiency programs and concrete steps that states can take toward energy efficiency for all as they continue to step up on climate action. “All Americans … Read more
Dubai to build world’s largest waste-to-energy plant News Atlas, January 31, 2018 What do you do when you have too much garbage but not enough energy? Convert one into the other. That’s the thinking behind the waste-to-energy plants that are beginning to pop up around the globe, and now the Government of Dubai has announced plans to … Read more
Americans Are Staying Home More. That’s Saving Energy. New York Times, January 29, 2018 Despite what you may have learned as a child, sloth isn’t always a sin. A new study in the journal Joule suggests that the spread of technologies enabling Americans to spend more time working remotely, shopping online — and, yes, watching … Read more
Ryan Pollin, ERS, for Zondits There are lots of things we can say about Bitcoin, and its underlying blockchain technology. Given the cryptocoin’s recent explosion in value (real or perceived), a commensurate explosion in “mining” has caused startling growth in energy demand in data centers. Bitcoin’s blockchain technology uses a proof-of-work model to establish trust … Read more
Xcel solicitation returns ‘incredible’ renewable energy, storage bids UtilityDRIVE, January 8, 2018 Dive Brief: An Xcel Energy resource solicitation received more than 400 individual proposals, the utility reported last month, including what may be record-low prices for renewable energy paired with energy storage. The median price bid for wind-plus-storage projects in Xcel’s all-source solicitation was … Read more
This nonprofit has helped make 20,000 apartments more energy efficient Yale Climate Connections, January 1, 2018 Improving energy efficiency not only helps prevent global warming pollution. It can lower utility bills, and provide much-needed savings for low income people. Elevate Energy is a Chicago-based nonprofit that helps make affordable housing developments more energy efficient. The … Read more
Low temps, high energy: Cost-cutting tips The Jackson Sun, January 2, 2018 A tight power supply situation on the TVA system eased Tuesday morning, following an appeal by the Tennessee Valley Authority for customers to reduce their energy use amid extreme cold temperatures. In a press release, the TVA announced cooperation by more the 8.5 … Read more
Gita Subramony, ERS, for Zondits Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State address indicated that New York is committing to energy storage and wind in a big way. The governor set a goal for 2.4 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Cuomo also called for 1,500 MW of storage capacity by 2025, building on legislation … Read more