Henry Harrell"s Blog: January 29 Green Energy News

Headline News:

Tiny airborne particles can have a stronger influence on powerful storms than scientists previously predicted, a study published in the journal Science found. Scientists have known that aerosols may play an important role in shaping weather and climate, but the study shows that the smallest of particles have an outsized effect. [Daily News & Analysis]

Powerful storm

“Natural gas killed coal – now renewables and batteries are taking over” • Over the past decade, coal has been increasingly replaced by cheaper, cleaner energy sources. US coal power production has dropped by 44%. It has been replaced by natural gas, which is up 45%. But in the same time, renewables are up 260%. [The Guardian]
According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, 48% of the air pollution in the Wasatch Front region comes from vehicles. In response, Rep Patrice Arent filed HB101, a bill that would require emissions testing on diesel vehicles in Utah. Diesel exhaust, though it is not a huge portion of emissions, is still significant. [Universe.byu.edu]
“Renewable Energy Is Much Faster To Install & More Scalable Than Nuclear Power” • Myth: We need to build more nuclear power if we want to cut electricity emissions quickly and turn off coal and natural gas power plants. Short answer: Renewables can grow fast because they can be installed practically everywhere rapidly and simultaneously. [CleanTechnica]
In an effort to reduce energy waste, Petroleum Development Oman invited bids for solutions to convert gases that are now being flared into power. Flaring is done at a number of stages of development and production of hydrocarbons, mostly to dispose wasteful gases that are either unusable or uneconomical to recover. [ZAWYA]

Henry Harrell"s Blog