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Renewable energy

A Warmer World

As weather gets less predictable, hydropower dams look to new forecasting techniques

by Amy Scott and Sarah Leeson
Oct 24, 2023
"Forecast-informed reservoir operations" may help planners deal more effectively with flood or drought conditions.
Dams were built during a much different climate regime from the conditions we're experiencing and expecting. Operators of the facilities are seeking ways to adapt.
Lars Hagberg/AFP via Getty Images
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How the 1973 oil embargo changed the way the U.S. thinks about energy

by Henry Epp
Sep 21, 2023
Fifty years ago this fall, Arab members of OPEC cut off their oil exports to the United States.
Above, an oil pumpjack in California. Then-President Richard Nixon, in a 1973 speech addressing the oil embargo, expressed the need for U.S. energy independence.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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An electrical transformer shortage has big implications for housing, renewables

by Justin Ho
Sep 19, 2023
You may not think much about electrical distribution transformers, but not having them can delay entire housing developments and grid updates.
"Typically on a utility pole they’re round, and they’re at the top of the pole," said John Kirk, managing director at Embrey, a multifamily developer based in San Antonio.
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
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Solar a bright spot in slow progress toward U.S. renewable energy goals

by Samantha Fields
Aug 30, 2023
Shipments of solar panels reached a record high last year, though most were imported. They're also getting cheaper.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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A Warmer World

Clean energy industry faces economic headwinds

by Daniel Ackerman
Aug 1, 2023
Inflation and rising interest rates are making it harder for some projects to get off the ground.
A ship carries wind turbine components to the Port of New Bedford.
Daniel Ackerman/Marketplace
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In the California desert, old EV batteries now store solar power

by Caleigh Wells
Jul 14, 2023
It's a small market so far, but using the excess supply of used batteries could help meet the high demand for stored clean energy.
Used electric vehicle batteries are pulled out of cars and plugged into systems in these trailers to begin their second careers as clean energy storage devices.
Caleigh Wells for Marketplace
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The Inflation Reduction Act will generate more than 1 million wind and solar jobs by 2035

by Elizabeth Trovall
Jun 12, 2023
How to staff up the slew of renewable energy projects ushered in under the legislation is a pressing question within the industry.
As renewable energy projects get underway, new jobs will be created in construction and especially in manufacturing. Above, wind turbine blades in New Mexico.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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A Warmer World

As Texas uses more renewable power, it bets on batteries to keep the lights on

by Elizabeth Trovall
Jun 8, 2023
They help when the sun isn't shining and the wind isn't blowing but everyone's AC is on full blast.
A wind energy plant in Dawson, Texas. As the state leans into renewable sources of energy, it's also been expanding its battery capacity.
Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images
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Energy security and access headline Houston conference

by David Brancaccio , Alex Schroeder and Jarrett Dang
Mar 10, 2023
Access to energy when it's most needed seemed to be on everyone's mind at CERAWeek in Houston, research fellow Andy Uhler says.
Haitham Al Ghais, right, secretary general of OPEC, speaks with Carlos Pascual of S&P Global Commodity Insights during the CERAWeek conference.
Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images
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War and oil profits mean more investment in fossil fuels — and green energy

by David Brancaccio and Jarrett Dang
Feb 24, 2023
Oil giants are going to invest in more oil while also preparing for a greener future, says The Economist's Vijay Vaitheeswaran.
David McNew/Getty Images
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