Articles tagged with Energy Policy
A new study suggests that transitioning to a decarbonized energy system by 2050 can save the world at least $12 trillion compared to continued fossil fuel use. The study shows that rapidly transitioning to clean energy results in lower energy system costs, provides more energy to the global economy, and expands energy access.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that participating in Mission Innovation and intensifying technology competition from China are the strongest drivers of funding for clean energy RD&D. Despite growing public investment, the pace of transformation is not fast enough to facilitate rapid decarbonization.
A study by University of Cambridge and University of California, Berkeley finds that competition with China drove significant increases in clean energy investment between 2000 and 2018. The share of RD&D funding for clean technologies grew from 46% to 63%, while fossil fuel funding remained relatively unchanged.
A new study finds that public-private partnerships and energy initiatives can partially address technology transfer deficits but are insufficient. China's success in attracting technology transfer through foreign direct investment is seen as an alternative model for developing countries.
Thirty-eight Chinese cities have reduced their CO2 emissions for at least five years, while 21 cities have cut emissions due to economic decline or population loss. The study recommends individualized emission targets considering cities' resources and development goals.
A new study finds that adapting to climate change will require more energy than previously estimated, leading to higher energy investments and costs. Ambitious mitigation policies can cut the increase in energy system costs induced by adaptation, resulting in net gains.
A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.
The research team aims to develop a new approach to managing spent nuclear fuel by engaging community members in the design and construction process. This 'community-first approach' involves simulating the engagement of local stakeholders before designing a facility, taking into account their wishes and needs for future storage sites.
A new study finds significant disparities in pollutants from electricity generation within environmental justice communities in RGGI states. Environmental justice communities face disproportionate exposure to harmful co-pollutants due to power plant siting and operation.
A team of experts presents a new framework for understanding the complex relationship between AI and climate change, suggesting ways to better align AI with climate goals. The study highlights the need for holistic evaluation of AI's impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Research by Duke University shows the US is still indirectly buying Russian crude through highly globalized supply chains. The analysis highlights three ways to mitigate exposure: Buy American, Made in America, and secure supply chains through renewable energy investments.
A new study provides a roadmap for the US to reach its 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2030, with rapid decarbonization in power and transportation sectors crucial. The study, based on six leading energy models, suggests that tripling historic carbon reductions is achievable through collaboration across all sectors.
A new study suggests achieving a 50% reduction in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is possible through increasing renewable capacity and transitioning to electric vehicles. This would limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, aligning with the UN's climate target.
A new article in BioScience argues that incremental changes are insufficient to address planetary emergencies, and calls for broader system-wide changes to governing interactions between climate, biodiversity, and society. The authors hope their work will inform the setting of biodiversity objectives and targets.
A UNIGE team found that car owners systematically underestimate electric driving ranges to meet their daily needs. To overcome this, researchers suggest providing personalized information to increase drivers' willingness to adopt electric vehicles.
Researchers have identified over 2.4 million households in 49 countries as being below a certain economic threshold, based on the percentage of unlit settlements detected using nighttime light satellite images. The study found a clear association between increasing percentages of unlit communities and decreasing economic wellbeing levels.
Current mining practices can be improved through effective policies and stakeholder involvement. A more sustainable extractive industry can supply key raw materials for renewable energy technologies and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this, diverse stakeholders must participate in governance at different levels.
The EuropaBON project aims to develop a unified approach to monitoring Europe's biodiversity and ecosystems. A list of 15 essential variables has been identified for harmonization across countries, but most are not currently being monitored adequately.
The study explores how countries can reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with continued economic growth through 2100. The results suggest that stringent public policies and rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies are necessary to achieve this goal, with the global economy projected to be five times its size in 2100.
A recent study of Australian suburbs found that tree-inclusive gardens provide up to a 30-metre buffer during summer heatwaves, reducing energy costs. Researchers recommend incorporating deciduous trees into housing designs for better energy efficiency and urban aesthetics.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that private investments in California's solar energy industry increase climate vulnerabilities. Large-scale infrastructure needed to attract private investment makes the system more vulnerable to climate extremes, including heat waves and droughts.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors could lead to higher food prices and potentially negative impacts on food security. The study found that a decarbonization scenario would increase international food prices by about 27%, affecting around 420 million people at ri...
In the 1990s, Massachusetts activists drafted model legislation for community choice aggregation, which has been adopted by 1,800 communities in six states. The program allows cities and towns to purchase renewable energy, reducing reliance on utility companies.
New research suggests nuclear power can provide low-cost energy and replace natural gas as a backup source, enabling faster decarbonization in countries with poor wind resources. The analysis found that nuclear is the cheapest way to eliminate all electricity-system carbon emissions nearly everywhere.
A new study suggests that China's pursuit of carbon neutrality could lead to significant water savings, with 24% of industrial water use expected to be saved by 2060. However, some provinces may struggle to meet their water-use targets, and coordinated climate-water strategies are needed to address these challenges.
A team from UNIGE and Empa recommends a domestic generation mix of wind and photovoltaic energy to reduce Switzerland's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The scenario would enable the country to reduce its footprint by an estimated 45%.
The American Roentgen Ray Society has awarded two 2022 ARRS Scholarships to Sean Woolen and Bradley Allen, providing a total of $180,000 in funding for their radiological research projects. The scholarships aim to advance emerging scholars and prepare them for leadership positions.
A new report identifies ten key facts about global land use and details opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the importance of considering trade-offs and acknowledging the rights of marginalized groups in policymaking.
A new online tool tracks e-bike purchase incentive programs in the US and Canada, providing a point of reference for future policy development. The tracker reveals that most programs set incentive levels fairly arbitrarily, with little thought given to their potential impact on specific groups or income brackets.
A study analyzing major US electric utility pledges suggests that if implemented, these reductions could lower power sector emissions by 30% by 2050. However, about one-seventh of the pledged cuts are redundant and would be required under existing state regulations.
Scientists developed an all-season smart-roof coating that automatically switches between cooling and heating, outperforming commercial cool-roof systems in energy savings. The technology uses vanadium dioxide to regulate its rate of radiative cooling, overcoming the problem of overcooling in winter.
A new study reveals that disabled households in the European Union consume 10% less energy than other households while being 5% more likely to experience energy poverty. The research highlights the need for greater consideration of disabled people's needs in planning for sustainable energy policies.
The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that spending revenues on climate projects increases social acceptability of carbon taxes. The research also revealed that providing information on carbon taxes can increase acceptability, while the perception of fairness is a stronger factor in acceptability than effectiveness.
A new international study by IIASA reveals that rapid emissions cuts in the next few decades can avoid temperature overshoot, plateauing global temperatures around the time of net-zero emissions. This approach also yields long-term economic benefits, with projected GDP increases of up to 2% in scenarios that avoid overshoot.
A team of scientists from GIST developed an AI-based approach to analyze and extract user behavior data, estimating the optimal demand response management for each household. The study showcases how AI can improve electricity consumption, leading to lower prices and a smaller carbon footprint.
A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.
A study by Technical University of Munich found that major tech companies significantly underreported CO2 emissions from their value chain, with 50% of emissions omitted in 2019. The researchers developed a method to identify reporting gaps and estimated the omitted emissions at 751 megatons carbon dioxide equivalents.
Researchers found that bigger connections between the two grids can increase transmission capacity and provide significant value through sharing generation resources and flexibility across regions. The study suggests that a macrogrid could pay for itself in three primary ways: by helping different parts of the country meet their peak d...
Researchers at Lancaster University examine the use of AI in the food sector, highlighting the need for trusted data collaboration to reduce waste and increase sustainability. They also warn about potential ethical issues and unexpected consequences of new technology.
A new study models the viability and impact of window-integrated photovoltaics at a city scale, showing that buildings in Melbourne could provide up to 74% of their own electricity needs through comprehensive adoption of existing rooftop PV technology. The researchers also highlight the potential for emerging solar windows and building...
Expanding the EU's Emissions Trading System to cover road transport and heating fuels could be a cost-effective way to reduce emissions, but may affect consumers. Thoughtful policy design is crucial to relieve burdens and ensure equitable distribution of costs.
Researchers explore harnessing China's wind energy to produce carbon-free green hydrogen at a lower cost than coal-derived black hydrogen. Shifting from black to green hydrogen could reduce 100 million tons of CO2 emissions per year by 2030.
A new study reveals that by 2040, between 64 and 100 million households in India, Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia will face cooling challenges, leading to potential discomfort. The study highlights the importance of considering household characteristics beyond income and climate in predicting air-conditioning adoption.
The new US fusion energy website usfusionenergy.org provides centralized resources for all audiences, featuring the latest news, articles, events, and jobs. The site aims to recruit a diverse workforce and engage the public in the fusion movement towards a clean energy future.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a plant that can produce carbon-neutral liquid fuels from sunlight and air. The technology has been tested successfully and is now mature enough for industrial applications.
The green transition is already underway, with countries facing unique risks and opportunities based on their degree of competitiveness in fossil fuel markets. Diversifying economies towards low-carbon exports can mitigate negative impacts, while supporting innovation and job creation are key to maintaining long-term competitiveness.
A new study published in Science assesses updated climate pledges and finds they could limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius with a 34% chance. Even more ambitious targets would increase the likelihood of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Global Carbon Project predicts an increase of 4.9% in global carbon emissions in 2021, with fossil carbon emissions set to grow more than they fell in 2020. The report highlights the need for immediate global action on climate change as world leaders meet at COP26 in Glasgow.
The study finds that universal access to clean cooking services might not be achieved by 2050, despite progress on other SDGs. Low-income households in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia are most at risk of not being able to afford clean cooking.
A new study by University of Oxford and Edinburgh suggests that imposing a carbon takeback obligation on the fossil fuel industry could provide an affordable route to net zero emissions. The policy requires extractors and importers to dispose safely and permanently of CO2, with the fraction rising to 100% by 2050.
A new study reveals that methane emissions from US cities are 2-10 times higher than recent estimates, with Boston's emissions being six times higher due to pipeline and end-use emitters. The research found that seasonal consumption-based emissions account for 56% of total natural gas emissions in Boston.
Historical analysis found no precedent for the rate of coal and gas power decline required to limit climate change to 1.5°C. Rapid declines in fossil fuel use occurred in response to energy security threats, but such cases are less relevant to climate scenarios where continental-size regions are involved.
Researchers found four main drivers of CO2 reduction: subsidised renewable investment, regulation-driven coal closure, rising carbon prices, and energy efficiency measures. Building renewable sources and setting a stronger carbon price were key contributors to the UK's success in reducing emissions.
Deploying honeybees on solar parks in the UK could raise crop yields and financial returns, with soft fruits and oilseed benefiting the most. The study found that prioritizing these crops within a 1.5km honeybee foraging radius around solar parks could boost values by £80 million annually.
A new study by PSE Healthy Energy reveals that over 16 billion barrels of oil and gas wastewater were disposed of in unlined pits, contaminating regional aquifers with salts and toxins. The Tulare Basin, home to four million people, is at risk due to a lack of regulatory protections for groundwater near these disposal sites.
Researchers find that most countries are not growing wind and solar power fast enough to meet global warming targets of 1.5°C or 2°C. The study analyzes data from 60 countries and finds that only a few countries, like Portugal and Ireland, have seen rapid growth in onshore wind and solar power.
A Stanford University study found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, likely worsening negative health outcomes for nearby residents. The research reveals that wells emit toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, posing a risk to residents' health.
A new study examines alternative scenarios and their potential impact on climate mitigation targets. The research suggests that retaining low-energy practices in lifestyle and business could reduce climate mitigation challenges, while missing these opportunities would lead to a more difficult energy transition.
A new model, developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers, identifies coal- and natural gas-fired electricity generation plants suitable for carbon capture technologies. The tool takes into account various factors like plant age, efficiency, location, and technology to explore optimal CO2 reduction strategies at an affordable cost.