January 28, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Jackson, Mississippi, a city with a predominantly Black population, has become a symbol of environmental injustice due to its failing water infrastructure. Years of government
Are we entering the golden age of geothermal energy?
Summary
Geothermal energy is mostly utilized to heat swimming pools, buildings, greenhouses, and urban heating systems across the globe. Boreholes up to 5,000 meters deep are used to pump water with temperatures reaching 200 degrees Celsius. The heat is subsequently extracted, and the cooled water is reintroduced through a second hole. This technique of capturing heat is viable globally, affordable, and becoming more popular in places with little volcanic activity. According to Renewables Global Status Report estimates, the installed capacity of geothermal heat plants globally is presently 38 gigawatts — more than twice the capacity of geothermal power plants that produce electricity. China (14 GW), Turkey (3 GW), Iceland (2 GW), and Japan (2 GW) are now the leaders in generating deep geothermal energy, which is heating an increasing number of metropolitan areas and greenhouses. Six German research organizations found that producing heat with deep geothermal energy costs less than three euro cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Prior to Russia's invasion on Ukraine, several municipal utilities in Europe could produce heat at a lower cost than this. However, since Russia's invasion, dramatic increases in gas prices have increased that cost to more than 12 cents per kWh, making geothermal options more appealing.
January 28, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
This explainer distinguishes between environmental justice, climate justice, and energy justice, highlighting their interconnectedness in addressing systemic inequities.
January 27, 2025
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The World Bank, African Development Bank, and other lenders have pledged $35 billion to expand electricity access in Africa, focusing on solar minigrids and grid extensions.
January 24, 2025
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
A new study reveals that California provided 100% of its electricity demand with renewable energy for up to 10 hours on 98 of 116 days last year, demonstrating the reliability of
February 24, 2025
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
Kinder Morgan announced plans for the $1.7 billion Trident Intrastate Pipeline, a 216-mile project connecting Katy to Port Arthur. Once operational in early 2027, the pipeline
January 24, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Environmental activists Patrick Donnelly and Naomi Fraga are opposing a proposed lithium-mining project near Nevada’s Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, fearing it will harm
January 23, 2025
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
Despite federal policy shifts under the Trump administration favoring fossil fuels, community solar remains a growing success in the U.S. The model allows ratepayers to access sol
January 22, 2025
Economic Justice
Economic Justice
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo clarifying that President Trump’s executive order to pause Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
January 21, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
President Trump issued an executive order halting disbursements from two major Biden-era laws: the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act
President Trump signed executive orders prioritizing fossil fuels while rolling back renewable energy efforts. These orders aim to expand oil and gas production, halt funding for
January 20, 2025
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed executive orders reversing key climate policies from the Biden administration. He declared a “national energy emergency,”
January 18, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
A report by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) warns that the global economy could lose 50% of its GDP between 2070 and 2090 due to climate shocks like fires, flooding,
January 17, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Los Angeles wildfires have ravaged 40,000 acres and destroyed 12,000 structures since January 7, exposing residents to uniquely hazardous smoke. Unlike typical wildfires, these
January 17, 2025
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
California's electric truck depots are increasingly adopting microgrids powered by solar, batteries, and gas generators to address utility grid delays. Prologis’ Denker Avenue
A study in *Environmental Science & Technology* shows prioritizing the closure of coal-fired power plants in environmental justice communities could prevent up to 136 premature