Environment | Energy
First LookBiden gives Massachusetts Vineyard Wind project new breezeA large wind farm project off the coast of Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind, had been at a standstill for years. It could now be approved as soon as next month as part of President Joe Biden’s plan to double offshore wind production by 2030.
How Fukushima turned a nuclear advocate into an antinuclear championNaoto Kan, Japan's former prime minister, was devoted to the idea of nuclear power. But after his country's nuclear disaster in 2011, he turned into an improbable activist against atomic energy. Can he persuade the pro-nuke French?
First LookAs clean energy prices fall, rural communities in Asia, Africa benefitAs renewable energy becomes cheaper and more commercially used, unplugged communities in Asia, Africa, and other corners of the world will soon have to access to modern energy. Places in Mauritius and Rwanda are already outfitting homes with solar systems.
First LookFrance looks to speed up wind power projectsFrance will announce steps this week to accelerate the installation of wind turbines. To date, only half of the authorized French onshore wind projects have been installed due to legal opposition from activists.
First Look20 countries agree to end coal use by 2030Twenty countries and two US states have banded together through the Powering Past Coal alliance to phase out coal and cut carbon emissions by 2030 in an effort to keep to the Paris Agreement target for lowering emissions.
First LookBooming US crude oil exports raises questions about infrastructure capabilityPort officials and exporters say current pipelines, ports, and shipping lanes will be unable to handle further growth. Since the export ban was lifted less than two years ago, shipments are hitting a record of 2 million barrels a day.
Las Vegas shines as a model for solar powerLong known for its extravagance, Vegas is quickly becoming a paragon of conservation, thanks to an upswing in solar energy.
Evaporation: the overlooked alternative energy source?So-called evaporation engines could add another stream of renewable power to a diversified energy strategy, researchers say. But the technology has a way to go – and some questions to answer – before it can be deployed.
First LookUS solar companies ask for protection from foreign importsThe US International Trade Commission is hearing proposals from US based solar companies that would like tariffs imposed on foreign panel makers. While the cheaper foreign panels have benefited customers, the low prices have hit domestic solar manufacturers hard.
Using outer space to help cool buildings on EarthUsing a phenomenon known as radiative sky cooling, a team of Stanford researchers has developed rooftop panels that could be used to passively cool buildings.
First LookHarvey hits refineries, stopping nearly one-quarter of US fuel outputHurricane Harvey has forced a number of refineries in Texas and Louisiana to slow or stop operation, resulting in increased gas prices across the nation.
First LookEurope still wants American coal, boosting exports to new highsEuropean and Asian demand for coal has spiked, causing US coal exports from January to May to increase by 60 percent compared to the same time period in 2016.
First LookWind, solar do not harm power grid reliability, new study reportsA recent draft of the US Department of Energy study on renewable energy states that 'significantly higher levels of renewable energy can be integrated without compromise of system reliability.'
First LookPakistan continues initiative to increase reliance on wind powerAfter a Chinese investment in renewable energy, Pakistan opens a new wind farm to bolster energy production and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
Five-star ‘Flow’ and chatty ‘Moana 2’ offer eye-widening animated delights
The Monitor's ViewThanksgiving as forgiving
How century-old fashion is helping Ukrainians escape the grind of war
The Monitor's ViewBuilding peace by disrupting lies
Trump’s Mideast team: A familiar look for a transformed region
