Henry Harrell"s Blog: April 16 Green Energy News

Headline News:

Two more Massachusetts offshore wind energy leases are moving toward auction by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, as southern New England and Mid-Atlantic states are hastening their own planning for wind power. The two lease tracts totaling 390,000 acres are located south of Martha’s Vineyard. [WorkBoat]

Turbines off Block Island, (Photo: RI Department of Energy)

Scientists at Utrecht University have modeled a way to hit tough global climate targets without resorting to the extensive use of negative emissions technology. They found that by using more renewable power and reducing agriculture emissions the world can hit a 1.5° goal with less use of negative emissions technology. [www.businessgreen.com]
“‘It’s The Gulf Stream, Stupid!’ Climate Scientists Warn Tipping Point Is Near.” • Take away the heat of the Gulf Stream and Europe becomes up to 10º C cooler in winter, parts of Africa become more arid, and sea level rise along the eastern seaboard of the United States increases. Flow in the Gulf Stream is down 15% since 1950. [CleanTechnica]
Mexico’s Secretary of Energy, Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, said last week that renewable sources will likely produce 43% of the country’s electricity by 2024. The calculation is based on the results of the energy auctions carried out by the government so far, he said. 65 renewable power plants are to be built in the next three years. [Renewables Now]
Omaha Public Power District customers will soon be able to support local solar power. OPPD as early as next year will start selling shares of solar power to interested customers. The utility designed each share of solar power to represent roughly 10% of the electricity that an average residential customer uses each month. [North Platte Telegraph]

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