First New U.S. Nuclear Reactor in 30 Years Begins Commercial Operation
By David Worford, Energy + Environment Leader, July 31, 2023
The first nuclear power unit constructed in the United States in three decades has come online for commercial operations. According to Georgia Power, once a fourth nuclear unit comes online, the system will be the nation’s largest clean energy producer.
Exxon, Chevron to grow Permian basin production by over 2x rate of rivals
By Kevin Crowley, Bloomberg, July 28, 2023
The Permian continues to provide as ExxonMobil Corp. and Chevron Corp. are on track to grow production in the Permian Basin by 10% this year. Thanks to production of this magnitude, the United States maintains its energy security and prepares for the winter months.
The first generation of solar panels will wear out. A recycling industry is taking shape
By Isabella O’Malley, AP News, August 1, 2023
What happens to the solar panels that get worn down or damaged? They mainly end up in landfills, but We Recycle Solar wants to change that. Not only can the panels be refurbished and sold to those looking for a cheaper way to use solar energy, but minerals and metals can be extracted and sold for other uses. Read more about these exciting efforts!
Alaska’s newest gold rush: Seaweed
By Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post, July 31, 2023
Companies are exploring whether seaweed can store carbon on the seafloor if it’s buried, as well as researching if it can reduce livestock’s methane emissions, among other climate-friendly uses. Cultivating sea plants can offer economic opportunity for many Alaska Natives and an entire seaweed economy that has yet to be created.
TOTE Maritime Alaska is now powering its ships with natural gas, cutting carbon and other pollutants
By Michael Fanelli, Alaska Public Media, August 1, 2023
TOTE Maritime Alaska just became the first maritime company to convert its entire fleet to run on liquefied natural gas, a cleaner alternative to heavy fuel oil. Thanks to companies like TOTE Maritime Alaska for setting the bar high and aiming to preserve Alaska’s beauty for generations to come!
3 Ways the Shipping Industry is Addressing Climate Change
By Chris Dickert, Visual Capitalist, July 18, 2023
According to the International Maritime Organization, international shipping emitted 1.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2018, and is expected to continue to grow 90-130% by 2050. The shipping industry is diving in head first to make waves in reducing carbon emissions.
A Vast Untapped Green Energy Source Is Hiding Beneath Your Feet
By Gregory Barber, Wired, July 19, 2023
Joseph Moore is a geologist at the University of Utah who is leading the $220 million Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy, funded by the Department of Energy. Gregory Barber, a writer for Wired Magazine, follows Moore on his quest to prove an enhanced geothermal system can work at a practical scale and adapt tried and true practices from the oil & gas industry.
DOE lets copper projects qualify for IRA benefit
By Jael Holzman, Axios Pro, August 3, 2023
Currently, the U.S. does minimal work in copper processing, which is key for solar, wind, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies. Following the release of DOE’s first “critical materials” list, copper refineries, processing plants, and recycling projects now qualify for the federal 48C advanced energy project tax credit. The downside? Funding is limited, and materials processing projects will have to compete against other solar, wind, and geothermal projects.
