"Despite the low marks in the eyes of many environmentalists, the caucus represents an evolution for many Republicans on climate change. The group—one of a growing number of conservative organizations weighing in on climate issues—says it believes that the climate is changing and that the global industrial era is contributing to it."
Lamenting the “obscene” energy demands artificial intelligence (AI) will command, a recent New Yorker article asks, “How can the world reach net zero if it keeps inventing new ways to consume energy?” The energy needs of cryptocurrency mining and clean-tech manufacturing have also raised concerns that the world will not meet climate targets. The reality...
"For African countries, the biggest obstacle to building out the solar industry is that the financing tricks used in China, Europe, and the U.S. to clear the way for widespread solar adoption — government subsidies and utility payments to solar-equipped customers — can’t work in places where states, utilities, and households are all chronically strapped for cash. At the same time, supply chain problems and the widespread perception by financial institutions that investments in Africa are high-risk mean that the cost of solar is far higher than in other places — the same solar system costs twice as much in Ghana as in the U.S. Bringing down the cost of capital requires a stronger track record of profitable investments than what the industry has been able to show so far. That means new business models are needed to make solar affordable for a broader base of customers."
"The Fusion Industry Association reports that at least 25 companies 'think the first fusion plant will deliver electricity to the grid before 2035.' It notes: 'Companies are increasingly confident of meeting their ambitious goals. That will require focus on mid-term milestones, embracing risk and parallel pathways, new partnerships, and (crucially) more resources.' So far, at least one company, Type One Energy Group, has announced a potential site for its stellarator fusion prototype at Tennessee Valley Authority’s Bull Run Fossil Plant in Clinton, Tennessee, a shuttered coal plant."
"The BLS inflation data released yesterday is 'especially damning,' said Paul Cicio, chair of the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition. While electricity generation costs have fallen due to low natural gas prices, 'transmission costs continue to accelerate,' he said."
By reforming the broken Nuclear Waste Policy Act, engaging with communities, and investing in innovation, the U.S. can more efficiently handle its spent fuel and address one of the biggest roadblocks to unleashing a nuclear energy revolution.
"The MOC will supersede earlier bilateral agreements between the entities. These include separate memoranda of understanding (MOU) for cooperation and exchange of information 'in nuclear regulatory matters' between the NRC and the CNSC, signed in March 2023; an MOU between the NRC and the ONR, signed in October 2020, and an MOU between the CNSC and the ONR, signed in October 2020."
"Keurig Dr Pepper said that it would begin beta testing of the new Alta system, which will take the compostable pods, as early as this fall. The company plans to refine the product further before wide release of the Alta."
"We can all agree that if the climate changes, then most businesses will suffer consequences. But to ask each firm to assess the material impact of climate risks on its 'business strategy, operations, and financial conditions' would require firms to become experts in how and when such risks will manifest. This is beyond the scope of firms to assess and beyond the scope of the SEC to require."
Enhanced weathering offers a promising pathway to mitigate climate change while simultaneously improving soil health and agricultural productivity.
