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Coal prices are way up and long-term commitments from customers are hard to find

Jun 2, 2022
Traditionally, when coal prices spike, many plants switch to natural gas. But with natural gas prices at record highs too, some power providers are at a loss.
A bird flies by emissions from a coal plant in Ohio in 2019. Coal prices in central Appalachia have already more than doubled over the past year.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

A 3-pronged approach to adopting clean power

In a new book, "Confronting Climate Gridlock," Rice University’s Daniel Cohan says technological innovation is only one piece of the puzzle.
In a new book, "Confronting Climate Gridlock," Rice University’s Daniel Cohan says technological innovation is only one piece of the puzzle.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Energy stocks are now the belle of the Wall Street ball

May 24, 2022
Energy investors have profited as prices climbed. But companies hesitate to boost production, even though costs weigh on consumers.
The sun rises behind an oil storage facility in Cushing, Oklahoma. High energy prices raise costs across the economy.
Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. coal isn't counting on Europe for a comeback

May 17, 2022
The coal industry's decline over the last decade has made scaling up tough, even as prices surge.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
States are increasingly using LIHEAP fund to buy air conditioners for low-income families as heat waves and high temperatures become more common.
James Andrews/Getty Images

Energy is getting more expensive. More middle-income families are struggling to pay.

May 16, 2022
Between a quarter and a third of U.S. households are said to be energy insecure, and many don't qualify for aid.
Energy costs should take up about 6% of household income, energy experts say. But many low- and middle-income families are spending  multiple times that.
Photo illustration by George Frey/Getty Images

Should utilities rethink the power transmission model?

May 9, 2022
Some say lawmakers are trying to solve 21st century problems with 20th century solutions.
Electricity providers in some parts of the country with hot weather are warning consumers that demand may outpace supply.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

What does the current energy crisis mean for the clean energy transition?

Apr 28, 2022
The war in Ukraine is forcing the U.S. to reconsider its dependence on oil.
"We have seen this scenario time and time again, where oil is proving to be an unstable factor in our economy," said Mark Brownstein at the Environmental Defense Fund. "And now we have the opportunity to move to a different future."
David McNew/Getty Images

War in Ukraine could affect food and energy prices through 2024, World Bank says

Wheat prices could increase more than 40% and energy more than 50% this year, according to the bank's president, David Malpass.
Commodity prices are rising, and "it’s hitting people in the poorest countries hardest," World Bank President David Malpass says. Stagflation is also a risk.
Louai Beshara/AFP via Getty Images

Coal, the dirtiest of the fossil fuels, is in high demand

Apr 26, 2022
While coal is having a resurgence as a fuel source, the spike in its use may not last.
People line up for ice cream in Cheswick, Pennsylvania, near a coal-burning power station. Existing coal plants in the U.S. are being used more, though that’s likely only temporary.
Jeff Swenson/Getty Images