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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More Electrifying Stories
Bill Mollison, of permaculture fame, made a rather profound observation: “Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” Applying his words to the problem of climate change, climate scientists and millions of concerned individuals agree that the solution is simple: stop burning fossil fuels and switch everything to electric power. A simple solution but a massive global undertaking to make it happen. It is happening and so we bring you a few items that caught our attention in the months since our Spring issue. JFK Airport To Go Solar The largest rooftop solar array in New York City and on any U.S. airport terminal will…
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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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See No Evil
Fossil fuels dominate our lives We occasionally receive letters from readers calling our attention to the fact that wind turbines are not green because they kill birds, are an eyesore, and make noise. We also had a President that claimed windmills cause cancer and destroys the value of homes. And there have been many articles written claiming electric cars (EVs) are more damaging to the environment than gas-fueled cars. The claim is that the manufacturing processes used to build EVs and their batteries produce more CO2 and other side effects than are ever offset over their lifetime of use. This same issue is used against solar panels and wind turbines,…
- 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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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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An Exercise in Futility?
We can all hope Americans will accept personal responsibility for climate change and get on board with the electrification movement.
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More Americans Would Get Electric Vehicles
With gas prices taking a toll on people’s wallets, Consumer Reports (CR) has a new survey of what Americans think about battery electric vehicles
