Energy
Transitioning to a world powered by renewable energy is key to tackling climate change. Here you can find the latest good news related to our clean energy transition, covering wind, solar, green hydrogen, hydropower, and more.
This recycling breakthrough brings EV batteries closer to circularity
In a recent Optimist View, we discussed how battery recycling must become an integral part of the electric vehicle transition. Most lithium batteries rely on heavy metal extraction which takes its own toll on the environment. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are cheaper to produce and have a longer Read More...
Clean energy revolution: Philippines to stop building new coal power plants
Currently, coal is the dominant source of energy in the Philippines, with more than 41 percent of the country’s economy relying on dirty fossil fuel. That may soon change though, as the Filipino government recently announced that it will no longer accept proposals to build new coal power plants, Read More...
Battery efficiency solution: Just add a dash of potassium salt
Lithium-metal batteries are lighter and have a higher energy storage capability than their lithium-ion counterparts, but their use has been restricted due to safety concerns. The inclusion of an electrode made of lithium makes the batteries more prone to short-circuiting. That problem, however, may Read More...
San Francisco becomes latest city to ditch gas in new buildings
We recently discussed how Ojai, California is banning gas in new construction. Now, a much bigger city is tossing their hat in the gas-free ring. San Francisco’s board of supervisors unanimously voted this week to ban gas in new buildings, making it the second-largest city in the country to do so Read More...
Clean energy hit record growth in 2020, despite Covid-19
When it comes to new electricity generation in 2020, the fossil fuels sector had a terrible year. Fortunately, the same can’t be said about the renewables sector. According to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), 90 percent of new electricity generation is coming from Read More...
New power plant uses liquid air to store renewable energy
While batteries are great for short-term energy storage, they are still too expensive to do long-term energy storage. Plus, batteries require minerals that are becoming increasingly scarce as the world moves towards power systems based on variable renewable energy. Fortunately, there is a promising Read More...
Ojai, CA is the latest city to ban gas in new buildings
We recently discussed the benefits of an all electric home, including lower costs, reduced emissions, and better air quality. In a timely turn of events, the city of Ojai, California has banned gas in all new buildings with the exception of restaurants and pools. The city had already banned Read More...
Dutch brewery produces beer using clean energy generated by iron fuel
As an increasing number of industries are looking to break ties with fossil fuels and transition towards greener fuels to power their industrial processes, a strange candidate has recently gotten under the spotlight: iron. At least that’s what a brewery in the Netherlands recently tried out, by Read More...
This startup produces rocket fuel using captured carbon
The fuel needed to launch a rocket into space creates a whole lot of emissions. In fact, each SpaceX launch is estimated to emit 715 tons of CO2, which is roughly as much as 10 cross-country flights on a 747. As spaceflights become more common, there is a need for a more sustainable source of fuel. Read More...
South Australia powered itself with 100% solar to set global record
Solar energy is gaining momentum across the globe, but some of the world’s sunniest places have already adopted solar as a primary energy supplier. One of these areas leading by example in the field of renewables is the state of South Australia which just became the world’s largest region to Read More...