Germany is heavily investing in nuclear fusion technology, allocating €1.7 billion to build the world’s first fusion reactor. This ambitious plan is part of the country’s energy transition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and secure its energy supply, phasing out fossil fuels and nuclear power. Proponents believe fusion can provide clean, safe, and reliable energy in the future, fostering innovation and technological sovereignty, however, critics suggest the funding would be better spent on existing renewable projects. Despite the debate, experts predict the technology could become commercially viable within the next two decades, if sufficient investment continues.
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A coalition of over 20 states has filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency, contesting the agency’s decision to cancel the $7 billion “Solar For All” program. The program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act to expand solar power access for low-income households, was intended to deploy rooftop and community solar projects, aiming to reduce carbon pollution and lower energy costs. The lawsuit claims that the EPA’s cancellation of the program violated the Administrative Procedures Act and overstepped its constitutional authority. This legal action follows a similar suit filed by nonprofits and solar installers and represents a two-pronged effort by states to challenge cuts to clean energy programs.
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US Pressuring Other Countries To Abandon Clean Energy & Climate Goals is a deeply unsettling situation. It’s like watching a once-respected leader descend into actions that seem actively harmful, not just to their own nation, but to the entire world. The core of the issue feels rooted in a desire to cling to the past, to a system that benefits a select few at the expense of everyone else. It’s the familiar story of powerful interests resisting change, even when that change is clearly in the best interest of humanity.
The core concept of the problem, as I understand it, stems from this administration seemingly prioritizing fossil fuels and attempting to slow down or even reverse the global shift towards clean energy.… Continue reading
Canada looks to Germany to offset Trump tariff agenda, and it’s definitely a move that makes a lot of sense right now. It seems like Prime Minister Mark Carney is focusing on strengthening ties with Germany, particularly in areas like clean energy, critical minerals, and defense, to create some economic stability in the face of potential U.S. tariff pressures. That’s a good strategic move, really.
This isn’t just about Germany, though. It’s also about diversifying Canada’s trading partners. The focus is shifting away from the US, because the situation is increasingly unpredictable. Canada has the resources that countries like Germany need, and it seems like they’re keen on finding new, dependable trading partners.… Continue reading
Governor Gretchen Whitmer replaced a clean energy advocate on the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) with an individual seen as an industry ally, sparking concerns from environmental groups. This decision, made amid debates over rate increases and the state’s clean energy transition, is alleged to be influenced by utility giant DTE Energy, who was reportedly unhappy with the previous board member’s stance. Critics argue that the new appointment, coupled with the governor’s prior actions, reflects a pattern of prioritizing utilities over the public interest. The MPSC’s decisions are crucial as they shape billions of dollars in infrastructure and influence the state’s climate goals, making this change a significant development.
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The article highlights the hurdles to rooftop solar adoption in the United States, contrasting it with more efficient processes in other countries. Despite the decreasing cost of solar panels, bureaucratic red tape and local permitting processes significantly inflate costs and delay installations. These delays and added costs, coupled with political opposition, hamper the growth of rooftop solar, despite its potential for economic and environmental benefits, putting the US at risk of missing out on the global solar boom. The article emphasizes the need to streamline permitting, promote innovative solutions like SolarAPP+, and mobilize communities to advocate for rooftop solar to combat these challenges and embrace clean energy.
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Senator Murkowski had co-sponsored an amendment to extend tax credits for solar and wind energy projects in Alaska’s Railbelt, aiming to mitigate an impending energy crisis. This amendment was intended to provide a 12-month window for clean energy projects. However, a subsequent executive order from Trump aimed to eliminate these tax credits, thus disrupting the agreement. Murkowski has since expressed feeling misled by the administration regarding the executive order.
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The Wendelstein 7-X stellarator in Germany recently set a new record for plasma duration in a nuclear fusion reactor, sustaining fusion reactions for 43 seconds. This marks a significant breakthrough, achieving the “triple product” performance level crucial for viable nuclear fusion. Stellarators, unlike tokamaks, can sustain plasma with less power, offering design flexibility and easier plasma control. Using hydrogen ions, fusion reactors avoid toxic waste production unlike fission reactors.
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Spain recently achieved a remarkable milestone: the first weekday where 100% of its national grid electricity came from renewable sources. This achievement is a significant step towards a greener future, highlighting the potential of renewable energy to power entire nations. While some may dismiss this as a fleeting moment, the sheer fact that it happened at all on a typical weekday, rather than a holiday with lower energy demand, signals a significant leap forward in Spain’s renewable energy infrastructure and management. The fact that the renewable energy production even slightly exceeded demand underscores the potential for surplus clean energy.
This success stands in stark contrast to some other nations’ approaches to renewable energy.… Continue reading
China has achieved a significant breakthrough in clean energy with the successful refueling of its operational thorium molten salt reactor, marking the first sustained operation of this technology. This experimental 2-megawatt reactor, located in the Gobi Desert, utilizes thorium—a plentiful and safer alternative to uranium—dissolved in molten salt as both fuel and coolant. The achievement places China at the forefront of global thorium reactor development. Experts suggest this technology could revolutionize energy production, potentially providing a long-term, sustainable energy solution for China and beyond.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood