Taxes slow India’s solar power rollout but boost manufacture
January 30, 2023 GMTBENGALURU, India (AP) — In May last year Fortum India, a subsidiary of a Finnish solar developer, won the bid for a solar power project in the state of Gujarat. The project was due to be completed three months ago and would have generated enough electricity for 200,000 homes.
A fridge too far? Living sustainably in NYC by unplugging
January 26, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — There are those for whom recycling and composting are not nearly enough, who have reduced their annual waste to almost zero, ditched their clothes dryer or given up flying, and are ready to take the next step in exploring the frontiers of sustainable living.
Clean energy gains a foothold in India, but coal still rules
January 23, 2023 GMTBENGALURU, India (AP) — For six years, Pravinbhai Parmar's farm in Gujarat state in western India has been lined with rice, wheat and solar panels.
The 36-year-old is among a handful of farmers in his native Dhundi village who have been using solar power to irrigate crops.
IEA: Renewables could top coal as electricity source by 2025
December 6, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — The expansion of renewable power generation picked up sharply in 2022 and within three years it could pass coal as the top source of electricity, The International Energy Agency said in a new report published Tuesday.
Arizona company adds $1B solar power parts plant in Alabama
November 16, 2022 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Arizona-based First Solar Inc. has selected Alabama as the site of a more than $1 billion factory that will manufacture modules that generate solar power, the company announced Wednesday.
India-led alliance bats for diverse solar energy market
October 18, 2022 GMTBENGALURU, India (AP) — For countries to transition away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner energies like solar power, supply chains for components need to be more geographically diverse, officials said during a conference on solar energy in New Delhi said on Tuesday.
Germany hopes to get key raw materials from Mongolia
October 14, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Friday that his country wants to strengthen ties to Mongolia, citing the country's wealth of key commodities such as copper and rare earth metals.
Speaking after a meeting in Berlin with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, he said the two leaders had agreed to “deepen and also expand cooperation between our two countries.”
Tiny Oregon town hosts 1st wind-solar-battery ‘hybrid’ plant
September 28, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A renewable energy plant in Oregon that combines solar power, wind power and massive batteries to store the energy generated there officially opened Wednesday as the first utility-scale plant of its kind in North America.
France’s Macron seeks ‘massive’ boost for renewable energy
September 22, 2022 GMTSAINT-NAZAIRE, France (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called for a “massive acceleration” of renewable energy development in his country, including offshore wind farms and solar power, via a new plan that seeks to bring lagging France closer to the energy policies of its European neighbors.
California faces weather threats from fires to floods
September 9, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Forces were beginning to collide in California on Thursday as wildfires threatened communities, an epic heat wave stressed the electrical grid and as moisture from a tropical storm was expected to bring thunderstorms and floods along with cooling.
FAA will switch Okla. facility to solar power for $4 million
September 8, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration will pay nearly $4 million for its largest solar-power project yet, updating an air-traffic control and training center in Oklahoma.
The agency said Thursday that the project will help it meet President Joe Biden's order that government buildings use 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030.
Summer of ’22 brought record heat, solar power to Europe
September 8, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Europe smashed previous temperature records this summer, with long periods of sunshine causing sweltering conditions and droughts across much of the continent but also helping boost much-needed solar power, according to data published Thursday.
Sweet return: German farmer gets both solar power and apples
September 1, 2022 GMTGELSDORF, Germany (AP) — It's picking season at Christian Nachtwey's organic orchard in western Germany and laborers are loading their carts with ripe red Elstar apples, ready to be shipped to European supermarkets.
Missouri halts solar tax break as federal incentives expand
August 16, 2022 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — As the U.S. government expands incentives for renewable energy, a decision by the Missouri Supreme Court is moving the state in the opposite direction by halting a solar energy tax break that has been on the books for nearly a decade.
Biden vows ‘strong’ climate action despite dual setbacks
July 16, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is promising “strong executive action” to combat climate change, despite dual setbacks in recent weeks that have restricted his ability to regulate carbon emissions and boost clean energy such as wind and solar power.
Granholm, actor Robert Downey Jr. boost clean energy jobs
July 6, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Energy Department is teaming with actor Robert Downey Jr. to recruit up to 1,000 new workers focused on climate change and clean energy.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday released a video with the “Iron Man” actor encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds to join the department's “clean energy corps” and take on jobs aimed at accelerating deployment of clean energy such as wind and solar power.
EU prepares emergency plan to do without Russian energy
July 1, 2022 GMTPRAGUE (AP) — The European Union’s executive arm on Friday pledged to draft an emergency plan this month aimed at helping member countries do without Russian energy in the wake of the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.
To avoid blackouts, California may tap fossil fuel plants
July 1, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Looking to avoid power blackouts, California may turn to the one energy source it's otherwise desperate to get rid of: fossil fuels.
A sweeping energy proposal Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Thursday puts the state in the business of buying power to ensure there's enough to go around during heat waves that strain the grid.
Florida utility aims to eliminate carbon emissions by 2045
June 15, 2022 GMTFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s largest electricity provider has announced plans to eliminate its carbon emissions by 2045 by halting its fossil fuel usage and greatly increasing its reliance on solar energy, including using it to turn water into hydrogen to power its generating plants.
Off-grid living beckons more than just hardy pioneer types
June 8, 2022 GMTLiving off-grid conjures images of survivalists in remote places and a rustic, “Little House on the Prairie” lifestyle with chores from morning to night. Yet only a tiny fraction of people living off-grid do it like that, and fewer still live more than an hour from any town.
SC police department gets new ‘E-bikes’ and other tools
April 16, 2022 GMTCAYCE, S.C. (AP) — A city in central South Carolina is using a new type of vehicle to help with patrols.
The Cayce Police Department on Thursday unveiled three new E-bikes it added to its fleet, The State reported.
Commerce inquiry imperils solar industry, advocates say
March 28, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — In a decision that could dramatically undercut President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate goals, the Commerce Department said Monday it is investigating whether imports of solar panels from Southeast Asia are circumventing anti-dumping rules that limit imports from China.
Japan lifts power outage warning, but supply outlook fragile
March 23, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan's government lifted a warning of potential blackouts for the Tokyo region Wednesday as weather and conservation efforts improved, but the supply outlook still appears fragile with several coal-fired plants offline.
Will NJ wave hello to a new source of energy from the ocean?
March 18, 2022 GMTATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Some New Jersey lawmakers want to harness the power of the ocean's waves to create a new source of clean electricity, and several companies say they are eager to build projects there.
Maine utility proposes settlement with regulator on solar
January 10, 2022 GMTAUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine power company said Monday it has proposed a settlement with a state regulator in which it pledges to reduce delays in hooking up solar projects.
Central Maine Power said the settlement would allow it to improve deployment of solar power generation across its service area.
TVA fights proposed solar cooperative in West Tennessee
January 1, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Valley Authority says a new solar power cooperative in West Tennessee is illegal, while supporters of the project accuse TVA of trying to maintain a monopoly.
University of Minnesota asks state for nearly $1 billion
December 27, 2021 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota is asking legislators for almost $1 billion in funding next year.
Biden administration moves to expand solar power on US land
December 22, 2021 GMTBILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. officials announced approval Tuesday of two large-scale solar projects in California and moved to open up public lands in other Western states to potential solar power development, as part of the Biden administration’s effort to counter climate change by shifting from fossil fuels.
$7M solar farm will power six commercial customers in Maine
December 20, 2021 GMTCARIBOU, Maine (AP) — A $7 million solar farm in Caribou, Maine will power six large commercial customers in the state, following a statewide initiative to develop renewable energy projects in the last three years.
Maine potato companies to invest in solar power systems
December 13, 2021 GMTFORT KENT, Maine (AP) — A pair of potato companies in northern Maine is receiving help from the federal government to install solar power systems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture money is part of more than $24 million coming to the state in the form of grants and loans to build green infrastructure in rural communities in the state.
Nevada solar project racks up big fines for blowing dust
November 23, 2021 GMTBOULDER CITY, Nev. (AP) — A solar power project in the southern Nevada desert has been fined nearly $220,000 since April for failing to control dust during construction, county officials said.
Official: Israel to sign solar power deal with Jordan in UAE
November 21, 2021 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel is set to sign a declaration of intent with neighboring Jordan on building a major solar power plant in the kingdom that will be used to generate electricity for Israel, as well as power a desalination plant there to send water onto Jordan, an Israeli official said Sunday.
Kauai to use old irrigation system to store electric power
November 12, 2021 GMTLIHUE, Hawaii (AP) — Kauai’s electric utility plans to use an irrigation system dating to sugar plantation days to help store solar power for use at night.
Entergy Mississippi to increase renewable energy sources
November 10, 2021 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — One of the largest electricity providers in Mississippi said Wednesday that it intends to shut down some aging natural gas power generating plants over the next five years and expand its use of renewable energy sources such as solar power.
CenterPoint approved to acquire Posey County solar project
October 31, 2021 GMTEVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — CenterPoint Energy has received approval from state regulators to acquire a 300-megawatt solar power development that will be built in southern Indiana's Posey County.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Thursday also approved CenterPoint to purchase another 100-megawatts of power from a solar energy development planned in nearby Warrick County.
Iraq, UAE sign contract to build 5 solar power stations
October 7, 2021 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq has signed a contract with a United Arab Emirates-based renewable energy developer to build five solar power plants in the oil-rich country with a chronic energy problem, the company said Thursday.
US energy official to visit New Mexico amid renewable push
August 16, 2021 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The head of the U.S. Energy Department is scheduled to visit New Mexico as the Biden administration looks to promote its renewable energy initiatives.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm will be accompanied by Democratic U.S.
Plans for largest US solar field north of Vegas scrapped
July 23, 2021 GMTOVERTON, Nev. (AP) — The push to transition from carbon-emitting fuel sources to renewable energy is hitting a roadblock in Nevada, where solar power developers are abandoning plans to build what would have been the United States' largest array of solar panels in the desert north of Las Vegas.
Proposal to lay cables under Columbia met with skepticism
July 23, 2021 GMTCan slicing a 100-mile trench into the bed of the Columbia River be good for the environment? The answer is a big yes, says a team of energy developers that proposes submerging power cables in the riverbed.
Lawsuit says Alabama blocking solar power with unfair fees
July 14, 2021 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The fees imposed by the Alabama Power company on customers who generate their own electricity with rooftop or on-site solar panels are now the subject of a federal lawsuit against the state's regulators.
Sponsors defend NC energy bill goals while Cooper pans it
June 17, 2021 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Negotiators of a wide-ranging North Carolina energy bill to retire Duke Energy coal-fired electricity plants, expand solar power production and keep nuclear power defended their goals on Thursday despite current opposition to the measure from interest groups and Gov.
US pledges funding to help Egypt move to solar power
June 16, 2021 GMTCAIRO (AP) — The United States is planning to increase funding to Egypt to help it convert to solar energy and move away from fossil fuels, U.S. special envoy for climate John Kerry said in Cairo on Wednesday.
Danville School to remove wind turbine, add solar
May 31, 2021 GMTDANVILLE, Vt. (AP) —
The wind turbine at the Danville School is coming down but renewable energy will soon be a bigger part of the school.
Biden’s solar ambitions collide with China labor complaints
May 24, 2021 GMTBEIJING (AP) — The Biden administration’s solar power ambitions are colliding with complaints the global industry depends on Chinese raw materials that might be produced by forced labor.
A big hurdle is polysilicon, used to make photovoltaic cells for solar panels.
Xcel Energy offers solar option for New Mexico customers
May 7, 2021 GMTROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Xcel Energy says customers in New Mexico now have the option to purchase electricity generated from a solar power plant near Clovis that came online just weeks ago.
A typical residential customer would pay about $10...
Studies: Renewable electricity can slash Cascadia pollution
April 22, 2021 GMTNew research shows that renewable electricity can move Washington, Oregon and British Columbia off of fossil fuels, do so at an affordable price, and create jobs along the way...
Large solar arrays proposed for small Massachusetts town
March 11, 2021 GMTSHUTESBURY, Mass. (AP) — A Canadian company is proposing a massive solar power project on about 200 acres in a small western Massachusetts town...
Congress takes aim at climate change in massive relief bill
December 21, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The huge pandemic relief and spending bill includes billions of dollars to promote clean energy such as wind and solar power while sharply reducing over time the use of potent coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators that are considered a major driver of global warming...
BrightLight High Review - Wireless Solar Powered Light With Motion Sensor Technology
November 24, 2020 GMTNew York, NY (
One half of the ‘Property Brothers’ praises solar in doc
November 16, 2020 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — As half of HGTV's “Property Brothers,” Jonathan Scott is all about transforming interior spaces...
Five years on, Israelis see few benefits from major gas deal
October 12, 2020 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Five years after Israel signed a landmark agreement to develop large offshore gas fields over the objections of antitrust authorities, environmentalists and consumer advocates, ordinary Israelis have yet to see the windfall promised by the government...
World’s First High-Frequency Decentralized Energy Market Helps Drive Port of Rotterdam’s Energy Transition
October 5, 2020 GMTROTTERDAM, Netherlands and LONDON, Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The first high-frequency decentralized energy trading platform was successfully piloted at the Port of Rotterdam. Jointly developed by S&P Global Platts and BlockLab, Distro is a new microgrid electricity trading platform that leverages both Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain's distributed ledger technology.
UN chief urges India to quickly move to clean solar power
August 28, 2020 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — India should commit to carbon neutrality by ending fossil fuel subsidies and investing in clean solar power as it mobilizes trillion of dollars to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, the U...
Dem climate plan would end greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
June 30, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a plan to address climate change that would set a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while pushing renewable energy such as wind and solar power and addressing environmental contamination that disproportionately harms low-income and minority communities...
Cranberry farmers want to build solar panels over their bogs
November 27, 2019 GMTCARVER, Mass. (AP) — Plummeting cranberry prices and the country's ongoing trade wars have America's cranberry industry eyeing a possible new savior: solar power.
Some cranberry farmers in Massachusetts, the nation's second largest grower after Wisconsin, are proposing to build solar panels above the bogs they harvest each fall.
Cranberry farmers want to build solar panels over their bogs
October 30, 2019 GMTCARVER, Mass. (AP) — Plummeting cranberry prices and the country's ongoing trade wars have America's cranberry industry eyeing a possible new savior: solar power.
Some cranberry farmers in Massachusetts, the nation's second largest grower after Wisconsin, are proposing to build solar panels above the bogs they harvest each fall...
Power to the people — community solar works
March 12, 2019 GMTSolar power is a success story for New Mexico.
It’s reducing energy costs, cutting carbon emissions and spurring economic development across our state. In the past half-decade, the costs of installing solar have declined 43 percent — making solar cheaper than most fossil fuels.
Sen. Feinstein debates children over climate change
February 23, 2019 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and a group of San Francisco Bay Area students squared off over climate change in a sometimes tense exchange captured on video and widely shared on social media...
McConnell wields Green New Deal as bludgeon against Dems
February 13, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate will vote on the Green New Deal, a moonshot plan by Democrats to combat climate change, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday, announcing a move designed to force Senate Democrats — including a cast of presidential candidates — into a political bind...
Democrats seek Green New Deal to address climate change
February 7, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats launched a sweeping plan Thursday to transform the U.S. economy to combat climate change and create thousands of jobs in renewable energy, signaling its likely elevation as a central campaign issue in 2020 despite President Donald Trump's failure to mention climate change in his State of the Union address...