Henry Harrell"s Blog: October 10 Green Energy News

Headline News:

EPA head Scott Pruitt’s plan to repeal the Clean Power Plan is unlikely to stop Iowa’s nation-leading adoption of wind energy, say environmental advocates, electric associations, and a number of government leaders. Iowa’s attorney general said he and other states’ attorneys general plan to challenge Pruitt’s efforts in court. [DesMoinesRegister.com]

Iowa wind turbines (Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes | The Register)

In South Australia, a record was set with 47.8% of the state’s electricity demand being met by rooftop solar systems. This was a result of low grid demand, during a weekend with moderate early spring temperatures, with few air conditioners switched on, combined with excellent rooftop solar output, producing a stunning 538.54 MW. [CleanTechnica]
There is considerable opportunity for generating wind power in the open ocean, according to research from the Carnegie Institution for Science published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In wintertime, North Atlantic wind farms could provide sufficient energy to meet all of civilization’s current needs. [Science Daily]
The City of Cincinnati is updating its Green Cincinnati Plan, which was first adopted in 2008 and then revised and readopted in 2013. City officials met with residents at the Cincinnati Zoo, which is claimed to be the greenest zoo in America, to present and take new recommendations to help improve Cincinnati’s sustainability. [Soapbox Cincinnati]
If there were any remaining doubts, the age of coal is over and the era of natural gas and renewables is officially here. The decision by Luminant to shut its Monticello Power Plant, one of Texas’ largest and dirtiest coal-fired electricity plants, is a prime example of this shift. The plant is scheduled to be closed in January. [Dallas News]

Henry Harrell"s Blog