Following a decades-long lull, nuclear power in the United States growing again with the construction of new reactors. At an industry conference, advocates argued that nuclear energy is a great solution for climate change, but noted that current technology isn't up to the job.
Playing Defense
Despite political wrangling, the U.S. Department of Defense has long understood climate change as a "threat multiplier." As a result, the military is undertaking steps to improve resilience in its facilities and to increase energy efficiency, driven by demands to maintain strategic advantages in a changing world.
Renewables in China
A Chinese think tank recently found that China could shift most of their energy production toward renewables in an affordable way while creating jobs. Such a path could avert drastic changes in the climate by cutting greenhouse gases from the world's largest emitter.
The perfect blend
Researchers have recently made a solar cell that combines a conventional silicon layer with a mineral called perovskite. The two materials stand to improve efficiency in solar cells at lower costs than multi-junction cells.
Only Locally sourced, organic, fair trade hydrocarbons
It turns out oil isn't a monolith when it comes to its carbon footprint. Different sources and production pipelines have differing environmental impacts. A think tank recently put together a report that quantifies the climate change impacts of different oil sources, from tar sands to sea beds.
CO2 Dynamo
The Department of Energy recently allocated funds for a 10-megawatt demonstration system of a turbine generator using supercritical carbon dioxide. Compared to conventional steam generators, supercritical turbines are much smaller and more efficient.
Stored Danger
Energy storage is rapidly expanding as a grid resource. Batteries, flywheels and pumped hydropower are important ways to soak up and release electrons on demand. However, many people, especially first responders, are concerned about the safety risks of stored energy and worry these installations are cropping up faster than regulations can keep up.