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More mining is needed for the energy transition. It's also a threat.

In his book "The War Below," Ernest Scheyder explores the tension between intrusive mining and powering our energy transition.
"Are there some places too special to mine? And if we decide to have mining, what are the standards by which we would allow mining in those places?" asks writer Ernest Scheyder.
Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images

Wait, how much will the Inflation Reduction Act's climate provisions cost?

Mar 13, 2024
We break down the role of uncapped tax credits in the IRA's climate provisions with John Bistline of the Electric Power Research Institute.
Many of the IRA's tax credits are not capped and last for at least 10 years, creating variability in the total projected cost.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

To put more renewable power to use, utilities are doubling down on battery storage

Jan 16, 2024
Giant batteries can extend the reach of wind and solar power — which accounted for 22% of electricity generated last year, the EIA says.
Rows of lithium ion batteries that store renewable energy. The EIA expects utility battery storage to nearly double by the end of 2024.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

What to expect from COP28, the annual U.N. climate summit

The two-week United Nations summit on climate change will kick off on Nov. 30 and take place in Dubai this year.
Sultan Al Jaber, the head of the United Arab Emirates' state-owned oil company, is serving as president of COP28.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bloomberg Philanthropies

UAW win highlights concerns over risks for workers in clean energy transition  

Nov 13, 2023
The UAW fought for protection if factories shut down. But workers in other carbon-intensive industries could find themselves displaced.
With an eye toward the eventual electrification of vehicle production, the United Auto Workers worked with GM to bring battery manufacturing under its contract. 
Scott Olson/Getty Images

The Biden administration is investing in hydrogen hubs, but roadblocks remain

Oct 24, 2023
The promise of hydrogen fuel is that it could cut emissions in industries that have proven difficult to decarbonize. It’s a lot of pressure for an industry that’s barely off the ground.
Inflation is pushing the costs of infrastructure, like production plants, to support the hydrogen fuel economy. Above, a hydrogen production plant in Germany.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Biden administration announces $7 billion for hydrogen hubs

Oct 13, 2023
It's part of the White House's plan to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen.
The Biden administration says the proposed seven hubs across 16 states will eliminate 25 million metric tons of CO2 emissions each year.
Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

The clean energy revolution needs green workers, fast

Oct 9, 2023
If there aren’t people ready to build, install, and maintain the solar panels and electric cars that money is paying for, billions in federal funding dollars could go to waste.
A Qcells employee takes part in hands-on training with Georgia Quick Start. To make the transition to green energy, new workers will need to be trained for specialized manufacturing jobs.
Courtesy Georgia Quick Start.

Fossil fuels built Houston into an energy capital. Can it lead the clean energy transition?

Sep 13, 2023
With the aid of workers, technology and cash from the oil and gas industry, new companies offer a glimpse of a post-fossil fuels future.
An oil refinery in operation with the Houston skyline in the background. Fossil fuels continue to enrich the Texas economy, but some see the need to respond to the climate crisis.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The clean energy transition is underway. But where will the workers come from?

Aug 29, 2023
Finding and training workers to install solar panels and maintain electric vehicle charging stations is a massive undertaking.
Language written into the Inflation Reduction Act prioritizes trades with apprenticeships for subsidies. This means  worker scarcity is unlikely in higher-paid, higher-skilled fields.
Mario Tama/Getty Images