I recently had the opportunity to test drive the Tesla Model S P85, the high-performance version of the highly acclaimed all-electric luxury sedan. Like many drivers of the Model S, I was thoroughly impressed by the performance of this machine and after examining the engineering I am increasingly convinced that electric vehicles (EVs) are the… Keep reading →
Over the weekend, an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people gathered in New York City for a rally organized by Peoples Climate, a coalition of more than 1,500 organizations that demand world leaders take action to combat climate change. For all of the media coverage and billboards protesting a plethora of topics such as fracking, the… Keep reading →
Quick Take: When I talk at industry conferences and private events, I often remind utility leaders that they now have new allies. Climate groups that previously saw utilities as carbon-spewing monopolists now understand the essential role they play in integrating renewables. As a result, organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Defense… Keep reading →
In an increasingly fast-paced and mobile world, consumers are interested in being able to use technology wherever, whenever — with as little hassle as possible. Taking a cue from some smartphones that can charge wirelessly, automakers, federal researchers and equipment manufacturers have recognized an opportunity for plug-in electric vehicles, known as PEVs. Wireless charging has… Keep reading →
Do you love science? The Department of Energy does. In fact, the Department is the single largest funder of basic research in the physical sciences in the nation. This research spans the Energy Department’s 17 National Labs. The National Labs are a national treasure. They perform groundbreaking scientific research — from game-changing advancements in solar energy to supercomputer simulations… Keep reading →
My mom is a pro at shopping for good deals. She taught me the importance of timing my purchases during the off-peak season to get the most value for my dollar. Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity pricing reminds me of the lessons my mom taught me, and it can help empower families to take control of their… Keep reading →
Quick Take: Italian energy giant Enel has long been a trail blazer in the utility space. For example, it was years ahead in deploying smart meters. For instance, earlier this year it launched an innovative renewable energy storage system. So what’s next for the pioneering utility? Scroll down to learn about three more intriguing initiatives Enel is… Keep reading →
Speaking this morning at the American Energy and Manufacturing Competiveness Summit in Washington DC, US Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz extolled the numerous benefits precipitating from the country’s newfound energy wealth. One of the main messages he drove home to the audience is that increasing energy production along with energy efficiency growth are positively… Keep reading →
A climate researcher recently discovered some of the darkest snow and ice on record in Greenland and the findings have potentially alarming climate-change implications. “There are several potential explanations for what’s going on here. The most likely is that some combination of increasingly infrequent summer snowstorms, wind-blown dust, microbial activity, and forest fire soot led… Keep reading →
Mega Cities of the Future Require Local Electricity Production – Solar ‘Roof Energy’ is the Answer
By Sven LindströmSeven billion people will live and work in urban areas by 2050 and the demand for energy for all these people will be huge. Local production of energy will be needed with building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) key to make cities at least partially self-sufficient with energy. Rapid development in thin film solar cell efficiency strengthens the… Keep reading →