Policy Research

ChatGPT generated panoramic image with a descending spiral of natural gas distribution pipes representing the "utility death spiral"

How China’s Sinopec Is Escaping The Gas Utility Death Spiral — And Why The West…

When Sinopec, China’s sprawling petroleum giant, decided to start drilling geothermal wells instead of oil wells, it was initially greeted with skepticism. Geothermal? Renewable energy? Surely not the first place you’d expect an oil-and-gas colossus to stake its future. But Sinopec wasn’t dabbling. True to form, the company went straight … [continued]

Potential Impacts of Electric Vehicle Tax Credit Repeal on US Vehicle Market & Manufacturing

The re-election of President Donald J. Trump has created considerable uncertainty regarding the future of the U.S. automotive industry and the nation’s transition to electrified vehicles. Through executive orders, President Trump has indicated intentions to eliminate federal regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, repeal subsidies … [continued]

ChatGPT & DALL-E generated panoramic image of an electric cement truck covered in circuitry delivering cement to a construction site.

Cement Decarbonization Policy Makers Need To Understand All Levers

The global cement industry, long recognized as a backbone of infrastructure development, faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Responsible for approximately 7–8% of global carbon emissions, cement production is one of the most carbon-intensive industrial processes. Yet, as climate policies tighten and innovation accelerates, the industry stands at … [continued]

ChatGPT generated panoramic image showing a dramatic contrast between a small, cute piggy bank on one side labeled 'H2 Cost Projections' and a massive, heavily fortified bank vault

Hydrogen Electrolysis Cost Projections from Major Organizations Low by 60% to 300%

For years, major organizations like the IEA, IRENA, BNEF, the Hydrogen Council and CSIRO have been projecting future costs for hydrogen electrolysis systems and the future cost of green hydrogen that don’t stand up to scrutiny. As a result, their projections of future costs increase every year, yet real-world data … [continued]

Photo: New solar cell factory coming to Colorado, to supply domestic components for Meyer Burger’s PV module factory in Arizona (photo courtesy of Meyer Burger).

Energy Companies & Investors Mobilize Lobbying Blitz on Clean Energy Tax Credits

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A broad coalition of energy groups and their member companies are joining forces to hold over 100 meetings with members of Congress and staff from both parties about the critical role of clean energy tax credits for supporting a robust American energy and manufacturing economy. Participating groups … [continued]

"Steel Wool Prius" by wgreenephoto is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Toyota Promoted Its Hybrid While Funding Climate Deniers

What do you think of what you’re presented with an image of the Toyota Prius hybrid? Like most people, your associations are probably connected with protecting nature and reducing resource depletion. You’re also somebody who recognizes that our climate has been altered by humans through fossil fuel use and their … [continued]

ChatGPT generated panoramic image of an agricultural combine labelled H2 overshadowed by large corporate logos of JCB, Cummins and Volvo as well as British pounds signs

UK Engine Manufacturers Report Hydrogen Engines Essential For Solving Climate Change

The hydrogen for transportation community is all abuzz about a late-year report from a working group of the UK’s Hydrogen Delivery Council and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. The working group, made up almost entirely of professionals whose entire career, livelihood, and indeed the future of the … [continued]

Midjourney caricature generated from headshot of Michael Barnard in front of wall-sized decarbonization dashboard

2024 Was A Productive Year For My Decarbonization Efforts

It’s the time of year when people publish retrospectives on the year and start thinking about the year ahead. As so much of my work ends up in CleanTechnica, I thought it would be useful to provide my retrospective here. On a purely personal note, I’ve been told over and … [continued]

All-electric Volkswagen ID.4, with free charging this year thanks to VW & Electrify America. Image by Shannon Lynn.

EV Model Year 2024 Efficiency Ranges From 53 To 140 MPGe

Due to cost reductions, efficiency, and new technology, many people are being brought into the electric vehicle stream. One can improve ecological issues while cutting their energy bills in multiple ways nowadays. Some begin with a few solar panels, then add more, and then add one or two battery storage … [continued]