Hurricane Ian has many thinking about the resilience of the electric grid

Sep 28, 2022
There's no one-size-fits-all way to make the power infrastructure impervious to natural disasters.
One way to strengthen power grids against extreme weather is to put transmission lines underground. But that can be costly and may not help during storms with heavy rain.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

The EU wants Europeans to cut natural gas use 15% in case Russia limits supply

Jul 20, 2022
Several EU nations, including Germany, depend on Russian gas. The Nord Stream pipeline reopens Thursday, but supply is uncertain.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline brings Russian natural gas to Western Europe. The European Union is asking member nations to conserve gas to prevent a potential energy crisis.
Edouard Merlo/AFP via Getty Images

Some African countries are benefiting from EU members' search for new energy sources

Jul 19, 2022
South Africa has seen a boom in coal exports. But critics say European countries shouldn't keep feeding their coal habit.
The European Union will stop importing Russian coal in August. Above, coal storage for the coal-fired power plant of the German energy supplier Steag in Duisburg, Germany.
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images

What does "broad-based" inflation look like down the road?

Jul 13, 2022
Energy, food and rent were big drivers of the 9.1% inflation reading. Where are those numbers headed?
Food prices were up 10% year over year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Coal's comeback threatens global goals for fighting climate change

Countries are turning back to less expensive but carbon-heavy coal because of rising energy costs and Russia's war in Ukraine.
With the war in Ukraine restricting Europe's access to Russian energy, Germany is among the nations seeking alternative fuels for generating electricity, including more coal.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

The current coal boom doesn't mean the industry will fire up production anytime soon

Jun 10, 2022
The price of coal has risen due to a surge in global demand. Still, signs point toward a continued decline for the U.S. coal sector.
David Byrd looks out over a large pile of coal in his backyard. He sells the pieces to customers for heating or to blacksmiths who need a higher quality than what power plants typically use.
Justin Hicks/Louisville Public Media

Coal prices are way up and long-term commitments from customers are hard to find

Jun 2, 2022
Traditionally, when coal prices spike, many plants switch to natural gas. But with natural gas prices at record highs too, some power providers are at a loss.
A bird flies by emissions from a coal plant in Ohio in 2019. Coal prices in central Appalachia have already more than doubled over the past year.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

A 3-pronged approach to adopting clean power

In a new book, "Confronting Climate Gridlock," Rice University’s Daniel Cohan says technological innovation is only one piece of the puzzle.
In a new book, "Confronting Climate Gridlock," Rice University’s Daniel Cohan says technological innovation is only one piece of the puzzle.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Energy stocks are now the belle of the Wall Street ball

May 24, 2022
Energy investors have profited as prices climbed. But companies hesitate to boost production, even though costs weigh on consumers.
The sun rises behind an oil storage facility in Cushing, Oklahoma. High energy prices raise costs across the economy.
Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. coal isn't counting on Europe for a comeback

May 17, 2022
The coal industry's decline over the last decade has made scaling up tough, even as prices surge.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images