With so much going on in the world, Marketplace is here for you. Support public news for public good. Donate Today!

As Europe uses more renewable energy, U.S. lags behind

Meanwhile, China is outpacing everyone when it comes to building new solar and wind energy projects.
"Nuclear is still the largest [single] source of electricity generation within Europe. Many people forget that," said Dave Jones, insights director at Ember.
Sebastien Berda/AFP via Getty Images

Energy transition progress report: We're 10% of the way there

So what will it take for the other 90%? A lot of sweeping physical transformation.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

To put more renewable power to use, utilities are doubling down on battery storage

Jan 16, 2024
Giant batteries can extend the reach of wind and solar power — which accounted for 22% of electricity generated last year, the EIA says.

Sustainable fuel for planes is closer than you may think

Feb 17, 2022
Still, it will take greater regulation to popularize its use. "Voluntary goals don't work," one expert told us.
Carl Court/AFP via Getty Images

Grid operators struggle with volume of connection requests from renewables

Feb 7, 2022
The number of proposed solar projects has spiked as costs have declined, but the transmission system can't accommodate them.
Energy experts say grids are not prepared for the tidal wave of renewable energy coming their way.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

One year in, Biden's clean energy and climate agenda are in the balance

Jan 19, 2022
The bipartisan infrastructure bill’s passage was a win for the administration’s climate agenda, but many think Biden's commitment to climate policy lies at the feet of the Build Back Better bill.
President Joe Biden speaks during the World Leaders' Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow on Nov. 1, 2021.
Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Maine judge quashes Hydro-Quebec power line plan for now

Dec 17, 2021
The transmission line, in the works for years, would start in Quebec and bring hydro power through Maine to Massachusetts.
A view of Hydro-Quebec's Romaine 4 hydroelectric dam floor in the Côte-Nord Administrative Region of Quebec, Canada, on Oct. 5, 2018. Hydro-Quebec's plans for a hydro energy transmission line that would run through Maine into Massachusetts were put on hold by a judge.
LARS HAGBERG/AFP via Getty Images

Oil supply may finally catch up with demand. But what about emissions?

Dec 14, 2021
There's a disconnect between the ongoing demand for fossil fuels and White House messaging about reaching net-zero emissions.
Despite wanting and needing to reduce oil consumption, many countries are still largely fossil-fuel dependent. Above: An oil refinery operates in Houston, Texas.
Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

The first great shock of the energy transition

Nov 4, 2021
Vijay Vaitheeswaran, editor at The Economist, on what energy shortages and rising fuel prices mean for the transition to clean energy.
An aerial view of a crude oil storage facility is seen on May 5, 2020 in Cushing, Oklahoma. Rising demand for crude oil along with rising gas prices has led to an "energy shock" as the world attempts to transition to clean energy.
Photo by JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images