Clean Energy Good News

[EdEarl]

 

While the news about climate change seems to get worse every day, the rapidly improving technology, declining costs, and increasing accessibility of clean energy is the true bright spot in the march toward a zero-carbon future. 2013 had more clean energy milestones than we could fit on one page, but here are thirteen of the key breakthroughs that happened this year.

1. Using salt to keep producing solar power even when the sun goes down.

2. Electric vehicle batteries that can also power buildings.

3. The next generation of wind turbines is a gamechanger.

4. Solar electricity hits grid parity with coal.

5. Advancing renewable energy from ocean waves.

6. Harnessing ocean waves to produce fresh water.

7. Ultra-thin solar cells that break efficiency records.

8. Batteries that are safer, lighter, and store more power.

9. New age offshore wind turbines that float.

10. Cutting electricity bills with direct current power.

11. Commercial production of clean energy from plant waste is finally here.

12. Innovative financing bringing clean energy to more people.

13. Wind power is now competitive with fossil fuels.

While a few of these seem to be a stretch to have 13 on the list for 2013, the list includes some important milestones. One of my favorites is pumping ocean water using wave power through a reverse osmosis filter to make fresh water; I hope it is an economic and technical success. If so, perhaps wave power can be used to pump water to make electricity.

 

[sona_p]

Great information. Do you mind if I share it on my FB page?

[EdEarl]

By all means, share it on FB. My source was http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/18/3060131/13-clean-energy-breakthroughs-2013-2/

Edited February 15, 2014 by EdEarl

[EdEarl]

Does someone have a concern about the voracity of thinkprogress.org (See post #3, which received a -1)?

[Professor Blue]

A very interesting article I will also share it thanks especially the wave power making fresh water ! That is cool!