Cost of meeting the world’s energy needs will reach new heights by 2035 Accommodating the world’s energy needs is expected to become a very expensive problem, according to a special report from the International Energy Agency. Energy costs are growing more expensive at a rapid pace and energy consumption is also on the rise. Despite countries taking steps to embrace energy efficiency and cut down on their use of fossil-fuels, the cost of electricity continues to grow and this cost may become unmanageable by some countries in the future. More…
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Breakthrough in energy storage made at the University of Florida
Energy storage remains a very significant problem without a clear solution Energy storage is a problem. This problem becomes more pronounced when renewable energy is factored into the equation. Conventional storage methods are designed for traditional forms of energy production that are largely based on the use of fossil-fuels. Unfortunately, many of the storage technologies that are still used today were developed decades ago, making them outdated and inefficient by today’s standards. When it comes to renewable energy, efficient and effective storage is even more of a problematic issue, as…
Read MoreNew energy efficiency and sustainability standards could spark economic growth in the US
New standards aim to promote economic prosperity throughout the US Renewable energy has become synonymous with economic progress in the U.S. Much o the world revolves around the use of fossil-fuels, and this has created a problematic environmental situation that is expected to become quite costly in the coming years. While climate change itself is a controversial issue that many wish to avoid, the economic implications of a changing climate are not something that can be easily ignored. In the U.S., new standards regarding the mitigation of the effects of…
Read MoreAlternative energy policies supported by North Carolina voters
New survey reveals clean energy matters to the citizens in the U.S. state. A statewide North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) survey, designed to determine where the average election voter stands in regard to energy efficiency policies, discovered that improved energy policies and alternative energy support is a priority for voters in North Carolina. 90% of survey respondents support using solar energy. In addition to the poll revealing that the vast majority of voters are in favor of solar power, 82% are for onshore wind energy and 88% support the…
Read MoreFive energy efficient building materials for 2014
2014 is expected to be the deciding year for green building industry The ongoing expansion of green commercial real estate construction will be more apparent this year. Energy efficient homes will become the norm, inundating the real estate industry like never before. The growing stress to build energy efficient homes will obviously have a telling effect on the demand of energy efficient building materials. Here are the six cutting edge building materials that will remain in-demand in 2014. Its been a year or more since green building hit the mainstream.…
Read MoreMassachusetts moves to embrace a smart grid
State agency issues order to utilities The Department of Public Utilities in Massachusetts has issued an order to the state’s largest energy providers concerning their adoption of a smart grid. A smart grid is a modernized energy infrastructure that makes use of better information and communications technologies and is more accommodating of renewable energy. The state’s current infrastructure is often considered inefficient due to the changing ways people consumer energy and the new sources from which that energy is coming from. Smart grid program could be a boon for renewable…
Read MoreEnergy efficiency could help people save money
Report highlights financial aspects of energy efficiency The Consumer Federation of America has released a new report concerning the economic possibilities of energy efficiency. The U.S. has been growing increasingly focused on renewable energy in recent years, partly to reduce its production of carbon emissions and to take advantage of the economic prospects associated with the abandonment of fossil-fuels. The country’s progress in adopting renewable energy has been sluggish, but it has been augmented by energy efficiency policies that are promoting clean forms of power and discouraging the rampant consumption…
Read MoreEmissions drop in the US thanks to renewable energy, efficiency, and economic strain
Renewable energy helps US reduce emissions The U.S. has been making efforts in recent years to cut down on the emissions it is responsible for by reducing its consumption of energy. This endeavor has been slow-going, but the country has managed to make some progress by supporting different forms of renewable energy. The U.S. remains strongly focused on the use of fossil-fuels, however, which is somewhat counterproductive to the country’s emissions reduction goals. A new report from the Energy Information Association, however, shows that the U.S. has made significant progress…
Read MoreNew energy storage project launched in Europe
Europe largest energy storage initiative begins S&C Electric Europe, Samsung SDI, and Younicos have launched the largest energy storage project in Europe. Energy storage is becoming a major issue as the world begins focusing more on renewable energy. Conventional energy grids are not designed to accommodate the electrical power produced by renewable energy systems. As such, much of the electricity that these systems produce is lost, making renewable energy somewhat inefficient. Modernizing energy grids has become a popular focus throughout Europe. Project aims to modernize energy infrastructure The energy storage…
Read MoreRenewable energy companies come together to spur action in the EU
Companies call for more action concerning renewable energy Several renewable energy companies have come together to co-sign an open letter to the European Union. In the open letter, industry leaders are calling for more aggressive action on the issue of energy. This action is outlined in what the letter calls the Climate and Energy Framework for 2030. The European Union has been an advocate of renewable energy for several years, but the governing body has somewhat loose requirements when it comes to the clean power adoption of its member states.…
Read MoreCost of renewable energy continues to fall in the US
Price continues to be a topic of interest when it comes to renewable energy Renewable energy has managed to attract a great deal of support around the world in recent years. As more countries become conscious of their impact on the environment, as well as the economic implications of a reliance on fossil-fuels, they are looking for ways to incorporate renewable energy more effectively. While clean power has been winning acceptance among many, that does not mean it is free from criticism. On the subject of renewable energy, cost is…
Read MoreGreen buildings are becoming more common in the US
Green buildings show strong growth throughout the country The U.S. Green Building Council has released a new report concerning the growing prevalence of green buildings throughout the country. Green buildings are those designed to be environmentally friendly, boasting of several energy efficiency features and built using renewable sources. By 2016, the report suggests that approximately half of all commercial and institutional construction will be comprised of green buildings throughout the country. This could be good news for the country’s energy efficiency goals and its plans to reduce consumption of fossil-fuels.…
Read MoreNew energy efficiency set to finally launch in the US
Delayed energy efficiency standards may soon go live The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that previously delayed energy efficiency standard will be enacted throughout the U.S. in the coming months. These standards involve metal halide lamps, commercial refrigeration equipment, and walk-in coolers and freezers. The standards will go into effect in November with various provisions associated with these energy efficiency standards being introduced over the next few years. The standards are currently 18 months overdue and the Department of Energy was pushed into action due to a coalition of…
Read MoreReport claims climate change is important to corporations
New report suggests that corporations could be facing hard future due to climate change A new joint report from the World Wildlife Fund and the Carbon Disclosure Project has been released an aims to provide some insight on the economic aspects of climate change. Climatic phenomena have been the subject of controversy for decades, largely due to scientists suggesting that climate change is the fault of mankind’s reliance on fossil-fuels. In the business sector, many large corporations have come to oppose any strong action on the matter of climate change.…
Read MoreComplete reliance on renewable energy is possible
Renewable energy continues to be the target of controversy Renewable energy has been a tricky subject around the world. In some parts of the world, renewable energy is a controversial matter due to its association with environmentalism and the concept of climate change. In other parts of the world, renewable energy is too much of an economic gamble to warrant aggressive support. The controversy and skepticism that surrounds renewable energy may be dispelled soon, however, due to a new report that suggests that several countries can meet the entirety of…
Read MoreFrench public shows support for renewable energy
France may be on the verge of a transition to renewable energy The European Climate Foundation and the French Economic, Social Affairs, and Environmental Council have released the results of a new survey concerning public opinion on renewable energy and breaking away from fossil-fuels. France is one of several European countries that are considering making a major transition toward renewable energy. Government officials have been somewhat wary of such a transition due to the economic impact it could have on the country, but the French public appears to be enthusiastic…
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