Energy Tech

How a New Subsidy for ‘Green Hydrogen’ Could Set Off a Carbon Bomb

Using electricity to make hydrogen could drive down greenhouse gas emissions. Or it could underwrite a process that actually increases emissions.

EV Charging Station Map Highlights Disparities

Today’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure is concentrated along the coasts and in major cities.

Can My Electric Car Power My House?

Bidirectional charging is the next big stage for electric vehicles. But storing power in your car and sending it back to your house involves more than flipping a switch.

There’s a Push to Get More Electric School Buses on the Streets—Moms Are Driving It

They just got a boost from Vice President Kamala Harris, after she announced the EPA would distribute $17 million to convert diesel school buses to electric and low emission buses.

Who's Responsible if a Tesla on Autopilot Kills Someone?

Courts may decide, says a professor of civil litigation.

A Parched West Remains Divided on Desalinating Seawater

Environmentalists criticize the technology as economically and ecologically harmful.

Driverless Cars Won’t Be Good for the Environment if They Lead To More Auto Use

COMMENTARY | Studies show that when people can ride in a car without operating it, they increase their car use. That could increase traffic and pollution, unless government puts a price on car travel.

Food Delivery Robots Gaining Popularity

The emerging technology poses regulatory questions for state and local governments.

A Billionaire Wants to Build an Inclusive Utopian City. Government Leaders Are Skeptical.

Former Walmart executive Marc Lore envisions the world’s first 'woke city’ somewhere in the U.S., costing upward of $400 billion and with an application to live there.

White House Effort to Focus on Advancing Cybersecurity Talent

Commitments are also expected from the public and private sectors for improving the security of foundational technology.

US Approves its First Big Offshore Wind Farm, Near Martha’s Vineyard – it’s a Breakthrough for the Industry

COMMENTARY | Building a U.S. offshore wind industry will require more than just fast-tracking permits.

The Time Has Come for Electric Utilities to Make Some Major Changes

COMMENTARY | Bold leadership will be required for the industry to adapt to new technology and pricing models, while also keeping pace with current demands.

A Pennsylvania County Goes Hydro With its Government Buildings

Allegheny County will power its facilities with hydroelectric power under a 35-year agreement with a planned plant on a nearby river.

USDA Makes New Move in Broad Effort to Bring Innovative Tech to America’s Farmers

The agriculture-focused agency wants public input on potentially disruptive ideas that could be ready to be implemented.

Rising Sun: Solar Energy Growing Across the Country

COMMENTARY | Solar energy is taking off across the country, including in places that aren't obvious homes for alternative energy, as state and local governments see its benefits.

When Residents Support Solar—Just ‘Not in My Backyard’

While the American public broadly favors expanding renewable energy, that support doesn’t always extend to the photovoltaic panels next door.

When Street Lights Do More Than Illuminate a City

New York cities plan to deploy smart technology, from optic scanners to weather sensors, when they retrofit street lights to make them more energy efficient.

How Forgotten Ports Have a Big Role to Play in the Future of Offshore Wind

Along the East Coast, states and companies are joining to make big investments in port upgrades, as the region eyes a decade of job growth tied to renewable energy.

Solar Power More Than Doubled in Many Cities, Report Finds

Los Angeles topped the list of cities leading in solar power installation.

California Warms to Solar Homes; Other States May Give a Cold Shoulder

As of 2020, all new homes in California will need to be connected to solar power, such as having panels preinstalled.