In November, Norway registered over 10,000 new electric vehicles (EVs), maintaining a remarkable 93.6% EV market share for new car registrations. This success builds on previous months and surpasses November 2022’s figures, indicating the country’s EV transition is nearing completion. Tesla’s Model Y led sales, while the Volvo EX30 secured second place, highlighting the growing EV model diversity. Norway’s achievement stems from government incentives, though these have been adjusted recently to promote alternative transportation methods and address the high cost of luxury EVs.
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In a new decree, France mandates solar canopies for large parking lots exceeding 1,500 square meters, furthering its renewable energy goals. This initiative, exempting certain locations, aims to increase solar energy’s contribution to France’s already relatively clean electricity grid. The canopies offer added benefits, including car shade, and despite higher upfront costs, are economically viable due to optimal panel placement and efficient energy production. Non-compliance will result in penalties.
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President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to retire all Indonesian fossil fuel power plants and install over 75 gigawatts of renewable energy within 15 years, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal, a decade ahead of previous commitments, involves leveraging Indonesia’s substantial geothermal resources and other renewable energy sources. Experts welcome the announcement but emphasize the need for immediate, concrete actions to phase out coal plants and secure necessary investment. Currently, Indonesia heavily relies on coal, emitting significant carbon dioxide, underscoring the scale of the transition required.
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The escalating power demands of AI and cloud computing are causing data center campuses to consume electricity comparable to that of entire cities or even U.S. states. This explosive growth necessitates securing vast amounts of land and power, potentially exceeding a gigawatt for individual facilities, which is roughly twice Pittsburgh’s residential electricity use. Meeting this demand will likely require a combination of renewable and natural gas energy sources, thus impacting carbon emission targets. Consequently, the availability of suitable land and existing utility infrastructure is becoming increasingly constrained, prompting expansion into new markets beyond traditional hubs like northern Virginia.
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From being the kickstarter of the Coal Revolution to now shutting all coal plants. The evolution is insane. Straight up put 1 turbine in the Bolton Strid and the entire country will be powered forever. This achievement is nothing short of incredible. Britain has become the first G7 nation to completely end coal power with the closure of its last plant. It’s a monumental milestone that showcases the country’s commitment to a sustainable future.
The statistics from 2023 are impressive. Wind power accounts for 37.4%, nuclear power for 17.3%, biomass for 7.1%, and gas for 13%. The fact that coal now stands at 0% in the energy mix is a remarkable feat.… Continue reading
Germany hammers Trump over debate barbs about Berlin’s energy transition.
Germany’s Foreign Office recently took aim at former US President Donald Trump over comments made during a debate about Berlin’s energy transition. Trump, known for his controversial statements, insinuated that Germany was “going back” to wind and solar energy. However, the German Ministry swiftly responded, highlighting that their energy system is fully operational with over 50% renewables and that they are phasing out coal and nuclear plants.
The response from the German Foreign Office was not just a mere rebuttal; it was a strong hammering of the misinformation put forth by Trump.… Continue reading
Monday breaks the record for the hottest ever day on Earth. The old record stood for just one day before being shattered by scorching temperatures that sparked concerns and fears about the future of our planet. As I read the headlines and absorbed the news, a sense of foreboding crept over me. We are witnessing the consequences of climate change unfolding before our very eyes, yet it seems we are still hesitant to take the necessary steps to address this global crisis.
Every year, we see reports of record-breaking temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation on a scale that is both alarming and disheartening.… Continue reading
China is on track to reach its clean energy targets this month, a whopping six years ahead of schedule. As someone who has always been concerned about the environment and the impact of climate change, this news is incredibly uplifting. The fact that China is making such significant strides towards transitioning to a cleaner energy society should be applauded and used as an example for other countries to follow.
It’s mind-boggling to see the amount of skepticism and doubt surrounding China’s achievements in the realm of clean energy. While some may argue that the numbers are exaggerated or question the validity of the data, the reality is that these efforts exist and are making a tangible impact.… Continue reading
China is making massive waves in the energy industry by installing the wind and solar equivalent of five large nuclear power stations per week. I recently witnessed the extent of their efforts while in the Yangtze River delta region, where solar panels covered not just houses or buildings, but the entire roof of a coal-fired power plant. This sheer scale of renewable energy infrastructure development is awe-inspiring and sets a benchmark for investing in sustainable solutions.
The contrast between China’s ambitious approach and the skepticism and inaction prevalent in other parts of the world, like Alberta or the United States, is stark.… Continue reading
Electricity prices in France are turning negative as renewable energy floods the grid, a phenomenon that raises both eyebrows and concerns. The concept of negative prices arises from an algorithm that essentially begs renewable sources to turn off due to an excess of generated electricity that the transmission lines can’t handle. This results in renewable energy having to pay for its surplus production, which is far from an optimal outcome.
While negative electricity prices might seem beneficial to consumers in the short term, they present a challenge for further investment in renewables. The issue lies in the fact that as more wind farms or solar panels are added to the grid, the likelihood of negative prices increases, impacting existing renewable sources and discouraging future investments in clean energy.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker