"U.S. government scientists said on Wednesday they have taken an important step in the long trek toward making nuclear fusion - the very process that powers stars - a viable energy source for humankind."
Articles from Around the Web
Vistra Adding More Storage to Moss Landing, World’s Largest BESS
"The additional storage will complement the existing 400-MW/1,600-MWh of storage already at Moss Landing. Vistra on Monday said it has entered into a 15-year resource adequacy agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) for the new capacity. Vistra in a Jan. 21 filing asked the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to approve the contract."
Rising power plant emissions threaten New England climate goals
"The increase follows the closure of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in 2019 and reflects the slow pace of utility-scale wind and solar development in New England. A transmission line bringing more hydropower into the region from Quebec via Maine was halted by Maine voters."
Europe’s Crazy War on Natural Gas
"Most remarkable is that the critics of nuclear and natural gas are ignoring the current economic and political crisis wrought by their policies. Vladimir Putin is the main beneficiary of Europe’s climate obsessions and hostility to fossil fuels and nuclear power. He has energy leverage over the Continent that no dictator should be able to have. Brussels is belatedly trying to correct this blunder by encouraging smarter energy investments."
GM to invest historic $7 billion in 4 facilities across Michigan, creating 4,000 jobs
"GM calls it the 'single largest investment announcement in GM history,' saying the move will create 4,000 jobs and retain 1,000 others."
6 electric aviation companies to keep on your radar
"Universal Hydrogen also landed a partnership with Connect Airlines in December to help it become the first zero-emission U.S.-based airline. The airline is purchasing 24 of Universal Hydrogen’s green hydrogen conversion kits to transition to an actual zero-emission operation. Universal Hydrogen has signed various other letters of intent with airline operators interested in purchasing its conversion kits."
Got Energy? Geopolitical Tension Might Change That…and the Shape of the Energy Transition
"Policy decisions will not be uniform, and the path of the energy transition will undoubtedly be bumpy with fits and starts along the way. Coming out of COP26, policymakers pledged to strengthen 2030 emissions targets by the end of 2022 rather than waiting for the formal 'stock taking' process, but a greater focus on reducing methane leakage is likely an indication that governments are growing skeptical that fossil fuels can be displaced quickly. Additionally, midterm elections in the US could derail the Biden Administration’s environmental agenda, proving all politics, even international environmental politics, are local."
The Real-World Conflicts in Yellowstone Can Be Solved by Markets, Not Drama
"Even as it exaggerates conflict on the screen, Yellowstone frequently alludes to the underlying institutions that are supposed to help settle conflicts over water, land, and other resources. While the show often chooses violence, we shouldn't have to in the real world."
This Startup Produces Blocks out of Difficult-to-Recycle Plastics
"ByFusion now has a full production unit in L.A. that can tackle up to 450 tons of plastic per year. It is estimated that the firm has recycled 103 tons of plastic to date and has ambitions to recycle 100 million tons by 2030. To achieve this impressive goal, 12 more Blockers are expected to be installed soon across the United States."
Europe’s energy reliance on Russia is a crucial shield for Putin
"A Russian invasion of Ukraine and the U.S. and an allied country response would have ripple effects beyond Europe, exacerbating inflation and roiling global energy markets."