For a long time, society has adopted green energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. But what happens when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow? Nature can be unpredictable, which presents a problem. Humanity needs a consistent energy supply to go about their day. Are there other, more reliable options? What Are Sand Batteries? Sand batteries serve as thermal energy storage units. They use low-grade sand as a medium to store thermal energy generated by renewable energy sources like solar or wind. These energy sources heat the sand to high temperatures — at around 500 degrees Celsius or 932 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot sand can then hold the…
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Decarbonize Your Life (Part 3)
Heat pump water heaters are one example of low-hanging efficiency fruit as they are 2-4x more efficient than other water heaters. This is the third article in a four-part series showing how, with modest steps and a middle-class income, a family has dramatically reduced emissions and is sequestering what remains through a small reforestation project. Their life is better for it. Decarbonize Your Life (part 1) Decarbonize Your Life (part 2) Many organizations have charted a path to a decarbonized world by 2050 and broken down required action into four areas or “pathways.” In past issues, we discussed the first two pathways–Decarbonizing Electricity and Electrifying Everything–and how individuals can take…
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Decarbonize Your Life (part 2)
Scientific consensus tells us that to stabilize the climate, we must achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 (27 short years) so that any remaining carbon emissions are balanced with carbon removal. Despite the enormity of this unprecedented challenge, there is a known and achievable way to get there.
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Decarbonize Your Life (part 1)
Scientific consensus tells us that to stabilize the climate, we must achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 (27 short years) so that any remaining carbon emissions are balanced with carbon removal.
- Electric Vehicles, ENERGY, Energy Conservation, Fossil Fuels, Go Electric, Go Electric, Heating & Cooling
Top 12 Climate Developments of 2022
2022 should be celebrated for some amazing climate developments that will make a difference for years to come.
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The Joys of Laundry
Want to harvest some solar energy without having to apply for government subsidies or understanding what it means to make your electric meter run backward? Try hanging your laundry.
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What’s In the Inflation Reduction Act for Me?
The Inflation Reduction Act represents a huge opportunity for you to build your electric future.
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Solar Oregon Hosts Free Educational Event
This event is part of a series of showcases of new and retrofit buildings across the state that demonstrate novel clean energy technology applications
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What is Energy Star?
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions.
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Building Energy & Controls Apprenticeship Program
Our world demands more energy efficient and resilient buildings, but we need people to manage those buildings and keep them efficient.
