Energy
Coal’s Decline Continues with 13 Plant Closures Announced in 2020
The fuel is increasingly uncompetitive with cheaper natural gas and renewable energy
Energy3134 articles archived since 1845
Fossil Fuels
Methane Leaks Erase Some of the Climate Benefits of Natural Gas
The switch from coal to gas has driven down CO2 emissions, but leaks negate much of those gains in the short term
Energy
Rooftop Wind Power Might Take Off by Using Key Principle of Flight
A new device could open more areas to wind production by using stationary airfoils instead of twirling turbines
Fossil Fuels
Can Coal Survive the Coronavirus?
Diminished energy demand and the high price of coal is putting pressure on the struggling industry
Energy
Solar Cells Only Good for Rural Phone Systems
Originally published in June 1954
Energy
2019 Was a Record Year for U.S. Solar Power
California saw major growth; Pennsylvania and Colorado could be the next markets to take off
Energy
Could Our Energy Come from Giant Seaweed Farms in the Ocean?
A U.S. agency is funding projects to help create a bioenergy industry based on macroalgae
Energy
Floating Panels Buoy Predictions of Global Solar Growth Spurt
Solar panels floating in reservoirs and other water bodies could meet substantial energy demand
Energy
Gas Companies Want to Recycle Your Manure
Methane can be captured from human and animal waste and energy and heating
Energy
Longer Turbine Blades Have Slashed Wind Energy Costs
Though such turbines are more efficient, they can still encounter local opposition
Energy
Lead-Trapping Coating Could Make Cheaper, More Efficient Solar Cell Viable
Pervoskite solar cells can produce more energy than their silicon counterparts but have risked leaching lead into the environment
Climate Change
Can India Save the Warming Planet?
Energy decisions that India makes in the next few years could profoundly affect how hot the planet becomes this century
Energy
Solar and Wind Power Could Ignite a Hydrogen Energy Comeback
Hydrogen, produced from water by surplus electricity, could power industry and the grid
Environment
California Can Be Carbon Neutral in 25 years—with Drastic Action
To meet its ambitious goal, the state will have to pull carbon from the atmosphere and tackle emissions from agriculture and landfills, a new report says
Energy
Hawaii Is a Test Bed to See if Renewables Can Meet Peak Energy Demands
More agile solar and storage installations could help replace fossil fuel-burning peaker plants
Environment
What Is Chernobyl Like Today?
Eerie images from the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster still haunt us 30 years later
Energy
This Material Could Squeeze More Energy from Solar Panels
Perovskite may be more efficient, and cheaper, than traditional silicon, but durability remains an issue
Energy
To Store Renewable Energy, Try Freezing Air
Such energy storage technology could help relieve congested transmission lines in places like Vermont
Energy
Can Diesel Finally Come Clean?
Fuel injection through Bunsen burner–inspired tubes could cut soot emissions
Policy
Switching to Renewables Can Hurt Vulnerable Groups—Unless Utilities Plan Ahead
Charging more for electricity during peak hours could strain finances and negatively affect health for some disadvantaged populations
