News
Britain’s Historic Transition: The End of Coal Power and the Path to Sustainable Energy
This week, the closure of Britain’s last operating coal power plant marks the end of over 140 years of coal-fired electricity, showcasing that major economies can effectively transition away from this fossil fuel. Dave Jones from Ember highlights the symbolic nature of this achievement, as Britain was the first country to rely heavily on coal…
Read MoreFDA Launches Long-Awaited Medical Device Surveillance System
The FDA is finally launching a long-awaited surveillance system to monitor medical device safety, 12 years after it was mandated. This system will utilize real-world evidence (RWE) from electronic health records and billing claims to identify safety issues in near real-time. Currently, the FDA relies on inconsistent reports from manufacturers and healthcare providers, leading to…
Read MorePickleball Poised to Replace Golf as the Go-To Venue for Corporate Events
Pickleball is emerging as a popular alternative to golf for corporate events, offering a more inclusive and accessible experience. Corporate bookings at pickleball clubs in the U.S. surged in June, with operators reporting significant increases in event requests. Take for example the Ace Pickleball Club, which is experiencing a growing demand even before opening new…
Read MoreUS Dominates Climate-Tech Financing in 2024 Amid Global Funding Slowdown
In the first half of 2024, the U.S. led global climate-tech financing with $6.7 billion, mainly for clean power and energy storage sectors. China followed with $5.1 billion, and Canada was third with $1.8 billion. Overall climate-tech funding dropped significantly from $44 billion in early 2023 to $22 billion this year, with fewer deals completed…
Read MoreNatural Gas Microgrids: A Solution for Data Centers Awaiting Nuclear Power
Natural gas is becoming a crucial power source for data centers, with microgrid technology offering a solution to meet their growing energy demands. Enchanted Rock, a supplier of natural gas microgrids, views this technology as a temporary solution until modular nuclear reactors become viable in 5-10 years. Microgrids powered by natural gas can either fully…
Read MoreTragic Heat-Related Deaths Highlight Critical Need for Better Cooling Access and Energy Equity
Energy equity is a problem finally being addressed by some states with new laws. Recently, Avelino Vazquez Navarro, a 61-year-old Mexican farm worker, died in Washington state last month during a heatwave, lacking air conditioning in his motor home. His death, attributed to heat exposure and alcohol, underscores the dangers faced by those without adequate…
Read MoreOhio research project to explore how solar and farming can co-exist through agrivoltaics
Research at Madison Fields, a solar farm in Madison County, is investigating the viability of agrivoltaics, where farming is conducted between solar panels. Spanning 1,900 acres and generating 180 MW, this agrivoltaics project is one of North America’s largest tests of this approach. It aims to address concerns about large solar projects taking prime farmland…
Read MoreBaltimore High School Students Delve into Clean Energy at Constellation’s Weeklong UMBC Camp
The Youth Energy Summit hosted by Constellation Energy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), which brought together nearly 70 high school students from across the nation. The weeklong camp for students focused on various aspects of climate, environment, and STEM, particularly renewable energy, energy efficiency, and microgrids. Students participated in hands-on activities like…
Read MoreMerck Partners with America’s Largest HBCU to Launch Collaborative Biotechnology Learning Center
Merck has partnered with North Carolina A&T State University, the largest historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the U.S., to establish the Merck Biotechnology Learning Center. This HBCU collaboration aims to enhance biotechnology education and career training for students, fostering talent for Merck and the broader biotechnology industry. The 4,025-square-foot facility near Merck’s manufacturing…
Read MoreEnergy News Roundup: Great Lakes Shipping Industry Calls for Decarbonization Funding
In the Great Lakes region, shipping ports are striving to cut carbon emissions to meet global climate targets, yet ships docking there feel neglected by government incentives aimed at environmental improvements. With only one U.S. freighter meeting top EPA marine engine standards, shipping companies face decisions on adopting new fuels and technologies, underscoring the need…
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