News & Articles on Renewable Energy
My specialty is wind energy, but I have worked with all forms of renewable energy. Over the years I’ve written about a number of renewable technologies, including solar and geothermal energy. In recent years I’ve focused on comprehensive renewable energy policies that develop a mix of renewable resources. I’ve also written about our use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Renewable Energy, Climate Change and the Democratic Party Platform 2016
By
Paul Gipe
The Democratic Party Platform calls for a global summit to solve the climate crisis within the first 100 days of the new administration and a WWII-level mobilization to combat climate change. If that’s not enough to antagonize the Koch Brothers, there’s more. It also calls for the United States to meet 50% of its electricity consumption from clean energy sources within a decade. And therein lies the rub. Just what are the Democrats talking about?
Exponential Growth and the Renewable Surprise
By
Paul Gipe
Critics of renewable energy have a full quiver of objections of why we shouldn’t bother developing wind and solar energy. One of my favorites is when they say, “Well renewables are nice, but they can’t scale.” That is, we can never develop enough wind turbines and solar panels to ever make a difference, so we shouldn’t bother.
Renewables will always need support
By
Craig Morris
These days, more and more people, especially market analysts, are talking about the success of renewables without “subsidies.” But wind and solar, at least, will always require policy support.
Bad news about low renewable prices
By
Craig Morris
One major concern in renewable energy auctions is that big players might bid low today to scare away competition tomorrow. Once a small number of companies has scared away the competition, they can raise prices later.
Will Germany reach its 2020 target for renewable power this year?
By
Craig Morris
n the first half of 2016, 36.4 percent of the electricity produced in Germany was renewable according to preliminary data. The target for 2020 is only 35 percent – and that figure does not include power exports. Renewables seem to be cutting into both coal power and nuclear; gas is up.
Was Nuclear a Winner in Japan’s July 10 Elections?
By
On July 10, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), under PM Abe Shinzo, won a massive majority in the Upper House elections. A couple of years ago, that result would have been read as heralding a rush to nuclear restarts and corresponding diminution of support for renewables and efficiency.
