EDITOR'S CHOICE

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Get A Reality Check In New Report

01 Jun 2024 | Synopsis

Findings of new report titled, "Small Modular Reactors: Still Too Expensive, Too Slow, and Too Risky" don't look so good for this particular form of energy production...Small modular nuclear reactors (SMR) are generally defined as nuclear plants that have capacity that tops out at about 300 megawatts, enough to run about 30,000 US homes...the report asks if continuing to pursue these smaller nuclear power plants is a worthwhile endeavor..."

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Biden's Tariffs Are..."Gulp"... a Good Idea

01 Jun 2024 | Synopsis

"National security, technological innovation, and economic development depend on them

"Contrary to the declamations from some of Biden's ostensible allies, this is almost certainly good news for both the climate and the global economy.

"China hasn’t achieved this technological ascendancy through sheer grit and derring-do. Its government deliberately suppresses domestic consumption by keeping wages low, forcing its manufacturers to pursue profits through exports, which the government supports with subsidies as it restricts green tech imports."

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Can Electric Cars Escape Identity Politics?

01 Jun 2024 | Synopsis

"If you care about decarbonization, Trump's EV comedy routine is actually quite concerning

"...The mini-rant about EVs that follows is now as much a feature of Trump speeches as complaints about immigration or the injustice...EVs were already a means of expressing identity long before Trump started talking about them...Republicans delight in mocking the slow progress on building a nationwide network of charging stations..."

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Donald Trump Vows To Stop [Made-In Mexico Chinese?] All Electric Car Sales, But He Definitely Can't

01 Jun 2024 | Synopsis

"With billions of investment on the books from automakers, charging companies, dealership networks, and advertising, it seems unlikely that Donald Trump can stop the rolling bolder that is the EV market. Republican strongholds Texas and Florida are increasingly adopting electric vehicles as their chosen mode of transport, trailing only California in terms of EV registrations."

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Lithium-Ion Batteries From Drones Might Find Second Lives In Less 'Stressful' Devices

27 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Research...shows the potential to improve batteries in aerial electric vehicles that take off and land vertically. The [ORNL] team developed a new electrolyte to address these challenges and said the 'stressed out' batteries could also have second lives in less strenuous applications.

"...results indicate that the LiBs typically used in drones might not have the characteristics necessary for long-term, high-stress usages, but they could be retired and meet more typical power demands..."

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Amazon Is Building A Network Of Micromobility Hubs In The UK

27 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Micromobility hubs are essentially sorting centers in urban areas. Amazon is implementing a network of these hubs in major cities to reduce its reliance on traditional delivery vans and their associated carbon footprint...'millions of Amazon packages' have already been sustainably delivered from micromobility hubs in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and recently Belfast.

"...decarbonize its transportation network in Europe, Amazon is, for example, shifting from roads to trains and boats."

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Paris Closes Famed Champs-Elysees To Host Giant Open-Air Picnic

27 May 2024 | Synopsis

"...4,000 people sat in the sun enjoying an alfresco meal...provided with free baskets loaded with delicacies from some top Paris chefs, including puff pastries and creative sandwiches.

"A top tourist attraction, the avenue has been gradually abandoned by locals in recent years.

"Committee...due to present a 1,800-page study of possible ways to reinvent the Champs-Elysees."

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Students Press School Leaders To Buy An Electric School Bus

27 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Grace MacDonald has one last thing to accomplish before she graduates from Roseville (MN) Area High School...persuade the Roseville School Board apply for a federal grant to bring an electric school bus to the district.

"Students for Climate Action teamed with the environmental nonprofit MN350 and has stayed resolute in its desire to see the district apply for an electric school bus grant or switch to another bus company that will."

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Scientists Explore Mushrooms As Potential Solution For Problems With Global Energy Storage Applications - Here's How It Could Revolutionize Clean Energy

27 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Mycelium's unique properties, including its large surface area and ability to form intricate networks, make it a promising sustainable solution.

"When transformed into carbon, mycelium from certain mushroom species demonstrates higher electrical conductivity and storage capacity than other bio-based carbons. This makes mycelium a candidate for greener supercapacitors.

"When combined with algae, these fungal fuel cells produce electricity as protons move between the species."

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GM Says EV Hurdles Are 'Not An Issue Now' As New Models roll Out

23 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Barra confirmed the (battery cell) issues are 'behind us now.'

"The company aims to build 200,000 to 300,000 EVs this year, about 20 times more than GM did in 2024...Despite recent plans to boost its hybrid lineup, GM has several important all-electric models rolling out this year...With the $7,500 EV tax credit included, the electric Blazer can be bought for as low as $42,695. That’s for the base 2LT AWD model with up to 279 miles range.

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