2016 was officially the hottest year on record. In response, numerous countries announced plans this week to fight climate change. Additionally, research has led to revelations that could help investors promote clean energy and help developers to better measure their impact. Finally, we are so proud of IVYS for creating a solution to fossil-fuel burning vehicles and earning the Energy Department’s H2 Refuel H-Prize!
What news have you been reading this week? Share with us @GreentownLabs!
The Washington Post: US scientists officially declare 2016 the hottest year on record. That makes three in a row.
2016 was officially the hottest year on record, for the third straight year in a row. At Greentown Labs we are committed to breaking this trend in 2017 and are continually inspired by the brilliant entrepreneurs who dedicate their lives to fighting climate change.
“No doubt about it anymore — humans, mainly by burning fossil fuels, are cooking the planet,”
VOX- China’s War on Coal Continues
China’s energy policy is perhaps the most important in the fight against climate change because of its population and massive manufacturing capabilities. This weekend, the government canceled over 100 coal-fueled projects, accounting for 120 gigawatts of capacity.
“China’s coal use is falling- and this may be a lasting shift”
ABC (Australia)- Melbourne tram network to use solar energy by the end of 2018, Government says
Australia has stepped up in the fight against climate change. Officials recently announced that the busy Melbourne tram network will exclusively use solar energy by 2018. They have committed to building 75 megawatts of solar farms in that time frame.
“The world is moving to clean energy, we made a commitment as a Government, we continue to uphold that commitment to grow renewable energy”
Renewable Energy World- Costa Rica Sets Carbon Neutral Goal
Like many other nations, Costa Rica is taking steps to combat climate change. During Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, President Solis announced a goal to become completely carbon neutral by 2021. While this may seem like a lofty goal, the nation is already a shining example of responsibility and already uses 98% renewable energy.
Vox- Why more and more countries are taking an interest in geothermal energy
Countries around the world are starting to identify Geothermal power as a highly effective energy solution. While geothermal power is not possible in many places around the globe, it represents one of the most reliable forms of energy in nations with access and expertise. Several countries have committed to increasing their use of geothermal in the next few years because of its low emissions, costs and outages.
“Geothermal electricity generation might not have the high-tech flashiness of solar, or the romance of wind and wave, but it’s the solid, steady workhorse of the renewable energy race. “
Microgrid Knowledge- Boston Calls for Microgrid Development as Climate a Strategy
After a year- long climate study, Boston officials are proposing the use of microgrids in several local neighborhoods. The report determined that the use of microgrids will limit power outages and promote low-carbon energy
“The city should pursue community energy solutions, such as district energy systems or microgrids, that increase energy reliability and decrease greenhouse gas emissions”
CEMAC- Benchmarks of Global Clean Energy Manufacturing
CEMAC’s Benchmark of Global Clean Energy Manufacturing is the first of its kind to evaluate the entire supply chain of producing clean energy. The tool will enable standardization for measurements between clean energy and fossil fuels.
“Benchmarks of Global Clean Energy Manufacturing provides a point against which we can compare over time as the clean energy revolution unfolds”
Solar Industry Mag- World Bank Launches Online Tool Mapping Solar Potential
The world bank recently publicized research that maps the potential for solar power across the globe .This atlas will save money for governments and help solar developers find areas with the most potential.
“We hope that the Global Solar Atlas will help inform the crucial planning and investment decisions that will need to be taken over the next decade to shift to more sustainable forms of energy”
Energy.gov- Energy Department Announces SimpleFuel Winner of the $1 Million H-2 Refuel H-Prize
We are so proud of our member company IVYS for winning the Energy Department’s H-2 Refuel H-Prize in collaboration with Team Simple Fuel. The well deserved honor is attributable to their home scale refueling appliance that can provide a 1 Kg fill in under 15 minutes. Congratulations!