energy
Newsletter
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Coal stockpiles strain US power sector as demand wanes
Massive coal reserves are sitting unused at U.S. power plants, creating financial challenges amid lower demand for coal-fired energy.
In short:
- Power plants have amassed 138 million tons of coal, valued at $6.5 billion, due to declining coal consumption.
- Competition from cheaper natural gas and renewable energy has made coal-fired electricity less viable.
- U.S. coal-burning has halved since 2015, with further declines anticipated as more coal plants retire by 2025.
Key quote:
“No power producer wants that much money idly sitting around. But it has become much harder to burn that coal without losing money.”
— Report authors, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
Why this matters:
As renewable energy becomes more dominant, coal-fired power continues to decline. This shift impacts utilities, miners and the broader economy. Managing excess coal stockpiles could lead to reduced coal production, affecting jobs and energy markets.
Related EHN coverage:
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Wisconsin oil spill fuels doubts over Enbridge’s pipeline safety
A recent Enbridge oil spill in Wisconsin has intensified concerns about the safety of the company’s Line 5 pipeline project, despite state assurances of minimal risk.
In short:
- Enbridge’s Line 6 pipeline leaked nearly 70,000 gallons of oil in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, raising questions about spill detection and response.
- The spill occurred just days before state officials approved permits for the controversial Line 5 project.
- The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and environmental groups are challenging these permits, citing ongoing trust issues and environmental risks.
Key quote:
“The close to 70,000 gallons of leaking crude oil from Enbridge’s Line 6 in Jefferson County shows why we have challenged DNR’s approval of the Line 5 reroute and why we have specifically challenged DNR’s conclusion that the risk of a Line 5 spill is small.”
— Tony Wilkin Gibart, executive director of Midwest Environmental Advocates
Why this matters:
Oil spills threaten ecosystems, water sources and Indigenous lands. Recent incidents suggest pipeline safety measures are unreliable, raising broader concerns over fossil fuel infrastructure and environmental justice.
Read more: Why Indigenous women are risking arrest to fight Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline through Minnesota
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Australian government backs coal expansions
The Albanese government approved four coal mine expansions in New South Wales and Queensland, sparking outrage from climate groups over the potential release of 850 million tonnes of CO2.
In short:
- The expansions will produce coal primarily for steelmaking, with some thermal coal for power plants.
- Critics argue the move undermines Australia's climate goals and risks more extreme weather events.
- Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says the projects are essential for steel production and will create up to 3,000 jobs.
Key quote:
“Australia’s commitment to climate destruction makes a mockery of the ‘family’ they claim to call the Pacific.”
— Joseph Sikulu, 350.org Pacific
Why this matters:
Despite aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, Australia’s approval of these projects complicates its role as a climate leader. The emissions from burning coal overseas threaten Pacific nations already vulnerable to climate change. Environmental damage to endangered species’ habitats raises further concerns.
Related: Australia’s renewable energy aspirations face hurdles
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California secures emissions waiver as Trump plans reversal
The Biden administration approved California's authority to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards, just before Donald Trump takes office vowing to reverse the decision.
In short:
- The EPA granted California permission to enforce emissions rules stricter than federal standards for cars and heavy-duty trucks.
- Trump’s incoming administration plans to revoke these waivers, siding with the auto industry’s push for a single national standard.
- The waiver approval gives California legal leverage, but Trump could still initiate a lengthy process to undo it.
Key quote:
“Naysayers like President-elect Trump would prefer to side with the oil industry over consumers and American automakers, but California will continue fostering new innovations in the market.”
— Gavin Newsom, governor of California
Why this matters:
California’s ability to set higher emissions standards drives national policy, as other states often follow its lead. Reversing this authority could stall efforts to curb air pollution and reduce climate change impacts, affecting public health and environmental goals.
Read more: Trump’s return may derail California clean air rules
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Balcony solar panels gain popularity
Balcony solar panels are becoming a go-to option in Spain, offering easy installation and significant savings on electricity bills.
In short:
- Germany has installed 1.5 million balcony solar panels, inspiring similar adoption in Spain, where rooftop solar often faces regulatory hurdles.
- These DIY panels, costing €400-800, can cut household electricity bills by up to 30% and require no professional installation if under 800 watts.
- Cities benefit from the abundant vertical space for these panels, especially during low winter sun, making balcony solar a practical urban solution.
Key quote:
“Balcony power is another piece in the puzzle. They are another step towards using the built environment to generate electricity.”
— Raquel Paule, director of Fundación Renovables
Why this matters:
Balcony solar panels empower city dwellers to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on centralized energy grids. As energy costs rise and climate goals intensify, these solutions make renewable energy more accessible and democratized, fostering energy independence and sustainability.
More good news: Promising environmental advancements signal hope amid climate concerns in 2024
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New technology aims to capture CO2 from the ocean while producing hydrogen
A Los Angeles-based start-up, Equatic, is developing a process to remove CO2 from seawater and produce green hydrogen, but experts warn of potential environmental risks.
In short:
- Equatic's process captures CO2 from seawater, storing it as bicarbonate ions and mineral carbonates while generating green hydrogen.
- Critics fear large-scale ocean carbon removal could harm marine ecosystems and distract from cutting emissions.
- The technology has pilot plants in Singapore and LA, with plans for a larger facility in Quebec by 2026.
Key quote:
"At a scale to meaningfully impact the climate, marine CO2 removal would be inherently unpredictable and pose significant, new and unprecedented risks to the fragile ecosystems that sustain life on Earth."
— Mary Church, geoengineering campaign manager, Center for International Environmental Law
Why this matters:
Relying on the ocean for carbon capture offers promise but comes with risks of harming marine ecosystems. Solutions must balance innovation with environmental protection while prioritizing emissions reduction.
Learn more: New methods aim to enhance the ocean's ability to capture carbon dioxide
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World court weighs climate responsibility of wealthy nations
The International Court of Justice is reviewing requests from developing nations to define the legal obligations of wealthier countries whose emissions have driven climate change.
In short:
- Developing nations, led by Vanuatu, are asking the ICJ to clarify whether wealthy countries should face legal consequences for climate-related damages.
- Richer countries acknowledge their role in emissions but argue the Paris Agreement, not courts, should govern international climate action.
- The court’s advisory opinion, expected in 2025, could influence future national and international climate policies.
Key quote:
“If one uses, or allows their property to be used, in a manner to cause harm to another, that harm must be stopped and reparations paid in full.”
— Ernestine K. Rengiil, Palau Attorney General
Why this matters:
Developing nations suffer most from a climate crisis they didn’t cause. A legal precedent holding wealthier nations accountable could spur meaningful emissions cuts and climate reparations, reshaping global climate justice.
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