Latest news with #cleanenergy
The Independent
31 minutes ago
- General
- The Independent
In words and photos, rural Alaska residents reflect on their village's sustainable practices
In rural central Alaska, a village is in the midst of a clean energy transformation that locals say will boost savings, build resilience and provide jobs. Galena wants to curb its reliance on expensive, imported diesel that when burned is one of the largest contributors of planet-warming emissions. Nearly 10 years ago, the village started harvesting trees to fuel a biomass plant to heat its bustling boarding school, offsetting about 100,000 gallons (about 380,000 liters) of diesel annually. The local Louden Tribe is encouraging people to collect floating logs from the Yukon River that can be used for firewood and siding for the sustainable homes they're building for members. And soon a 1.5-megawatt solar farm will allow the city to turn off its diesel engines and run on 100% clean, renewable energy on sunny summer days, with excess power stored in a battery for later use. That will save another 100,000 gallons annually. The Associated Press talked to residents about their village's sustainable and renewable energy projects. Here are some of their reflections: Tim Kalke, 46, general manager at Sustainable Energy for Galena Alaska 'We're just ensuring that our critical infrastructure has redundancy and protection built into it, so that every time there's a power outage, it doesn't turn into tens of thousands of dollars in repairs in its wake.' Jade Thurmond, 20, a Galena resident working on the solar farm 'I'm really excited for when we are using it and how we'll reduce our diesel usage. I think that would be pretty fun to see and to hear about in the future, and see what comes along.' Jake Pogrebinsky, 54, a sawmill operator for Louden Tribe and driftwood collector 'Instead of having to make money to pay for barge freight or to buy materials, you are spending your time out on the river. For a young person, as a lesson, as a skill-building activity, it cannot possibly be compared to.' Brad Scotton, 54, a Galena city council member 'What (the biomass plant) has done is stabilize (costs), and it's created a local workforce and a job base that we never used to have. So it's keeping the money that used to go outside within the community and providing pretty meaningful jobs for people.' Will Kramer, 29, an applied mechanics instructor at Galena Interior Learning Academy 'We are just at the whim of whatever somebody else that wants to make all the money off of us is saying and doing. And being able to install and integrate these systems in these communities, it kind of gives the freedom back to the communities.' Phil Koontz, 74 , a retired environmental engineer for the Louden Tribe 'It would be very hard to live here without outside resources. I see fuel as probably the main outside resource that we use. It provides most of the electricity, it provides most of the transportation, it provides most of the heat. I don't know what we're going to do without those things. One of the solutions I see is efficiency, reducing the need for energy to produce the same result, better insulated houses, better vehicles, better energy sources.' Aaren Sommer, 19, a Galena resident helping install the solar array The array is 'going to reduce the diesel usage a whole bunch over at the power plant, which is going to help us out.' ___ Pineda reported from Los Angeles. ___
Associated Press
36 minutes ago
- General
- Associated Press
In words and photos, rural Alaska residents reflect on their village's sustainable practices
GALENA, Alaska (AP) — In rural central Alaska, a village is in the midst of a clean energy transformation that locals say will boost savings, build resilience and provide jobs. Galena wants to curb its reliance on expensive, imported diesel that when burned is one of the largest contributors of planet-warming emissions. Nearly 10 years ago, the village started harvesting trees to fuel a biomass plant to heat its bustling boarding school, offsetting about 100,000 gallons (about 380,000 liters) of diesel annually. The local Louden Tribe is encouraging people to collect floating logs from the Yukon River that can be used for firewood and siding for the sustainable homes they're building for members. And soon a 1.5-megawatt solar farm will allow the city to turn off its diesel engines and run on 100% clean, renewable energy on sunny summer days, with excess power stored in a battery for later use. That will save another 100,000 gallons annually. The Associated Press talked to residents about their village's sustainable and renewable energy projects. Here are some of their reflections: Tim Kalke, 46, general manager at Sustainable Energy for Galena Alaska 'We're just ensuring that our critical infrastructure has redundancy and protection built into it, so that every time there's a power outage, it doesn't turn into tens of thousands of dollars in repairs in its wake.' Jade Thurmond, 20, a Galena resident working on the solar farm 'I'm really excited for when we are using it and how we'll reduce our diesel usage. I think that would be pretty fun to see and to hear about in the future, and see what comes along.' Jake Pogrebinsky, 54, a sawmill operator for Louden Tribe and driftwood collector 'Instead of having to make money to pay for barge freight or to buy materials, you are spending your time out on the river. For a young person, as a lesson, as a skill-building activity, it cannot possibly be compared to.' Brad Scotton, 54, a Galena city council member 'What (the biomass plant) has done is stabilize (costs), and it's created a local workforce and a job base that we never used to have. So it's keeping the money that used to go outside within the community and providing pretty meaningful jobs for people.' Will Kramer, 29, an applied mechanics instructor at Galena Interior Learning Academy 'We are just at the whim of whatever somebody else that wants to make all the money off of us is saying and doing. And being able to install and integrate these systems in these communities, it kind of gives the freedom back to the communities.' Phil Koontz, 74 , a retired environmental engineer for the Louden Tribe 'It would be very hard to live here without outside resources. I see fuel as probably the main outside resource that we use. It provides most of the electricity, it provides most of the transportation, it provides most of the heat. I don't know what we're going to do without those things. One of the solutions I see is efficiency, reducing the need for energy to produce the same result, better insulated houses, better vehicles, better energy sources.' Aaren Sommer, 19, a Galena resident helping install the solar array The array is 'going to reduce the diesel usage a whole bunch over at the power plant, which is going to help us out.' ___ Pineda reported from Los Angeles. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP's environmental coverage, visit
Sustainability Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'$14 Billion Wiped Out': Massive Wave of Hydrogen, Battery, and Solar Projects Cancelled or Delayed Across the U.S. in Energy Collapse
IN A NUTSHELL 💡 Over $14 billion in green energy projects have been canceled or postponed in the U.S. due to political uncertainties. in green energy projects have been canceled or postponed in the U.S. due to political uncertainties. 🔧 The cancellations have resulted in the loss of 10,000 potential jobs in the renewable energy sector. in the renewable energy sector. 🏛️ Proposed tax reforms by Republicans threaten the tax credits established by the Inflation Reduction Act . . 🌍 Republican-led states, despite benefiting from clean energy, are the most affected, jeopardizing both economic growth and environmental goals. The green energy sector in the United States is facing unexpected challenges, with over $14 billion in projects either canceled or postponed this year alone. Political uncertainty, largely influenced by proposed tax reforms, is the primary culprit. Ironically, many of the states most affected are Republican-led, which have historically benefited from advancements in renewable energy. This situation highlights the complex interplay between politics and the burgeoning clean energy industry, creating a ripple effect that impacts employment and economic growth across the nation. Visible Impact on Employment According to recent analyses, the cancellation of green energy projects has resulted in the loss of 10,000 potential jobs in the renewable sector. These jobs were tied to crucial technologies such as solar, wind, battery storage, and hydrogen energy. For instance, the Kore Power battery plant in Arizona and two electric vehicle production sites by BorgWarner in Michigan have been halted. Additionally, Bosch has put a significant investment of $200 million on hold for a hydrogen fuel cell plant in South Carolina. These projects were not just about job creation; they were integral to advancing sustainable technologies. The pause on these initiatives underscores the importance of tax credits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This legislation, passed under the Biden Administration, was designed to support emerging green technologies. However, proposed changes in tax policy threaten to dismantle these incentives, making the future uncertain for many planned and ongoing projects. 'Crazy French Invention Turns Waves Into Power': Breakwaters Now Generate Clean Energy Nonstop With This Shocking Coastal Technology Republican States Face Greater Impact Ironically, Republican-led states and districts are bearing the brunt of these cancellations. More than $12 billion in projects have been affected in these areas, which have seen substantial growth in renewable energy. Over the years, states like Georgia and Tennessee have invested heavily in the battery and electric vehicle supply chains. These investments have not only boosted employment but have also positioned these states as leaders in the clean energy transition. Yet, the proposed fiscal reforms threaten to halt progress, potentially reversing years of growth and investment. The consequences extend beyond economic setbacks; they could undermine efforts to combat climate change, as these states are pivotal in the national strategy to reduce carbon emissions. The risk of job losses and stalled technological advancements looms large, with potential ripple effects across the broader economy. 'From Black Dust to Bright Power': These Abandoned Coal Mines Are Now Massive 300 GW Solar Energy Giants Changing the Game Forever The Role of Political Uncertainty The central issue behind these project cancellations is the proposed tax reform by Republicans in the House of Representatives. This reform aims to dismantle significant portions of the tax credits established by the Inflation Reduction Act. These credits are vital for sustaining investment in clean technologies. Without them, many companies are reconsidering their commitment to the U.S. market, leading to a re-evaluation of planned projects. Political uncertainty not only deters investment but also creates a volatile environment for innovation. Companies are less likely to invest in long-term projects if there is a risk that supportive policies could be revoked. This unpredictability may discourage future investments and collaborations, crucial for advancing the country's renewable energy goals. 'America's First Nuclear Reactor in 50 Years': This Ultra-Compact Power Source Will Deliver Electricity Where No Grid Can Reach The Future of Clean Energy Initiatives The current situation raises critical questions about the future of clean energy in the United States. While the potential of renewable energy remains vast, the political climate poses significant challenges. The need for bipartisan support in fostering a stable and conducive environment for green investments is more urgent than ever. As we move forward, it is crucial to consider how policy decisions impact not only the economy but also the environment and society at large. The stakes are high, and the decisions made today will shape the country's energy landscape for years to come. Will the U.S. manage to overcome these political hurdles and continue its path toward a sustainable future? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) Gained Over 18% This Week. Here is Why.
The share price of SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEDG) surged by 18.17% between June 18 and June 26, 2025, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week. A technician installing a communication device in a large solar energy system. SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEDG) is a global leader in smart energy technology. The company produces current optimized inverter systems for solar photovoltaic installations in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the rest of Europe, and internationally. SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEDG) gained this week following reports that Congress may not cut federal tax incentives for residential rooftop solar installations. The potential for clean energy tax credits to remain intact has caused a strong wave of positive investor sentiment throughout the solar energy sector. Moreover, SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEDG) revealed this week that it has begun full production and shipment of its Home Battery at a new factory in Salt Lake City, Utah. This means that the company is now manufacturing its full residential offering — inverter, power optimizer, and battery — on American soil. Marty Rogers, General Manager at SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEDG), stated: 'We're proud to be part of the manufacturing resurgence in America, as our investments represent a strategic commitment to the domestic market. This expansion not only supports our growth objectives, but reinforces our promise to customers: reliable, high-quality technology with shorter lead times and greater supply chain stability. The American energy tax credits have enabled the company to onshore its manufacturing and add to the critical energy infrastructure needed to meet growing U.S. energy demand. As Congress considers changes to clean energy tax credits, we encourage lawmakers to recognize how vital these incentives are for businesses to continue investing in domestic manufacturing and drive America's future energy dominance.' While we acknowledge the potential of SEDG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now and Disclosure: None.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Enphase Energy (ENPH) Jumped This Week. Here is Why.
The share price of Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) surged by 18.2% between June 18 and June 26, 2025, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week. A solar panel array stretched across a large open field, its glimmering panels reflecting the sun. Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) is a global energy technology company and the world's leading supplier of micro-inverter-based solar and battery systems. Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) plunged to a 5-year low earlier this month following a proposal by the Senate Finance Committee to speed up the elimination of tax credits for solar and wind energy industries. The rooftop solar industry got hit particularly hard, as the proposed legislation aimed to end the residential solar tax credit by the end of this year. However, Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) rebounded this week following reports that Republicans on the Senate tax writing committee are adopting a more generous stance regarding the clean energy tax credits, and may even push back their expiration dates. According to Senator Kevin Cramer, the Senate is also working on adjustments to a residential solar energy incentive that had been eliminated in previous versions of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. While we acknowledge the potential of ENPH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now and Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
