Only 18% of energy investment in renewables despite >50% of new power capacity being renewables is, to me, a sign that the carbon bubble is still growing, but it’s also a giant Post-it note telling investors that it’s time to shift focus and put money into the future … if they want the future to be kind to them.
Renewable energy is now the cheapest option, on average, for new electricity capacity around the world — developed countries like the US as well as developing countries. As I noted the other day, we need to keep channeling this message to the broader public, and especially decision-makers, but there are other things to do in order to increase renewable energy growth.
Got robots? The US Energy Dept. is seeking computer-driven, automated systems to ramp up ocean based macroalgae production for biofuel.
Electricity generated by renewables has accounted for 25% of the UK’s total electricity generation for the third quarter, according to government figures.
All the customers of Cape Light Compact, in the 21 communities on Cape Cod and the island of Martha’s Vineyard, will get 100% of their electric power from renewable sources by the end of January 2017.
The numbers fluctuate. At 10:19 AM Pacific Time, on December 13, wind turbines fed 434 megawatts (MW) into the grid. There have been days when they produced 140% of the nation’s need. Then there is solar energy and biomass. According to the Danish Energy Agency, combined, renewables produce 56% of Denmark’s domestic electricity consumption.
The Dutch government has presented a long-term energy plan that stipulates that no new cars with combustion engines may be sold from 2035 on. In addition, in the Netherlands – for over 50 years the largest natural gas producer in the EU – all houses will be disconnected from the gas grid by 2050. The plan has broad parliamentary support – in fact, many political parties believe it does not go far enough.
According to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, a total renewable energy capacity of 42.6 gigawatts (GW) is to be added to the grid between April 2017 and March 2019.
A potential £369 million refit of Buckingham Palace, one of the world’s most iconic buildings, could see the inclusion of numerous solar panels in an attempt to make what has been dubbed the UK’s lease energy efficient home a little more green.
The levelized cost of renewable electricity in the United Kingdom has continued to fall, and recent figures published by the UK Government show that they are lower than ever.
