Integrating Reliable Renewable Energy into the U.S. Electrical Grid
Even as renewables provide increased diversity and reliability, there are some uncommon challenges associated with integrating them onto the grid.
Energy
Energy, Health, Issue Areas
The Localized Health Impacts of Fossil Fuels
From extraction to combustion, fossil fuel operations put human health at serious risk Environmental harm is often accepted as the necessary exchange for jobs and other benefits provided by the fossil fuel industry. But this often doesn’t take into account …
Energy
The Fight to Put a Value on Rooftop Solar Power
Advancements in technology have enabled consumers to install solar panels on their roofs more cheaply than ever before. This presents utility companies—which have for decades monopolized the energy markets—with new challenges.
Energy
What’s Driving the Decline of Coal in the United States
The U.S. coal industry is declining in the face of lower-cost natural gas, renewable energy and regulations designed to protect public health.
Energy
Which Way for Nuclear Energy?
Last updated: February 27, 2017 The United States generates about one fifth of its electricity from nuclear power, making it the country’s largest zero-emissions energy source. The national rate of nuclear power consumption has remained relatively constant since around 1990. …
Energy
Federal Changes to Coal Cleanup Funding
Coal use across the U.S. has declined, causing large coal companies to declare bankruptcy. In light of this, environmental groups have joined community organizations living near mines to hold coal companies accountable for the cost and cleanup of closed sites to …
Energy
Geoengineering Basics
Human Intervention and Climate Change The final installment of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) focuses on solutions and strategies for mitigating climate change. Some coverage of the report (called Working Group III or WGIII) has drawn attention to strategies …
Energy
Energy Efficiency
Improving the Building Sector Buildings in the U.S. consume a great deal of energy, yet much of that energy is wasted through inefficency – windows or building ducts that leak heated or cooled air, lights and electric equipment that lose …