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Coal Pollution Reduces Global Solar Output, Study Reveals

Coal Pollution Reduces Global Solar Output, Study Reveals

A recent study published in Nature Sustainability highlights the significant impact of coal pollution on global solar energy production. Researchers from the University of Oxford and University College London found that aerosols—tiny particles released from burning fossil fuels and natural sources—reduced global solar output by 5.8% in 2023. This reduction equates to approximately 111 terawatt-hours of electricity, comparable to the annual output of 18 medium-sized coal plants. The effect is particularly severe in regions where solar facilities are located near coal-fired power plants. For instance, in China, the world's largest producer of both solar power and coal, aerosols decreased photovoltaic output by 7.7%. Similar impacts were observed in India, the United States, and Japan. The study warns that the logistical benefits of co-locating solar farms near coal plants may be outweighed by the significant reduction in solar capacity caused by pollution.
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Solar Energy to Lead by 2035 Amid AI Data Center Fossil Fuel Demand

Solar Energy to Lead by 2035 Amid AI Data Center Fossil Fuel Demand

Solar Energy to Lead by 2035 Amid AI Data Center Fossil Fuel Demand
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Enel Expands U.S. Renewable Portfolio with Acquisition of Seven Solar Farms

Enel Expands U.S. Renewable Portfolio with Acquisition of Seven Solar Farms

Enel Expands U.S. Renewable Portfolio with Acquisition of Seven Solar Farms
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US energy storage additions hit a first-quarter record, report shows

US energy storage additions hit a first-quarter record, report shows

May 21 (Reuters) - U.S. energy storage developers installed 9.7 gigawatt-hours of new capacity in the first quarter of 2026, marking a record high for the quarter, an industry report showed on Thursday.
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Utah Communities Transition from Fossil Fuels to Clean Energy Amid Federal Policy Shifts

Utah Communities Transition from Fossil Fuels to Clean Energy Amid Federal Policy Shifts

In Utah, a coalition of 19 cities and towns, including Salt Lake City, is advancing a clean energy initiative despite federal rollbacks on renewable energy support. This coalition, known as Utah Renewable Communities, aims to generate enough renewable energy to power nearly 300,000 homes and businesses by 2030. The initiative involves building solar and wind projects, facilitated by updated regulations allowing collaboration with regional utility Rocky Mountain Power. This local effort contrasts with federal policies under President Trump, which have favored fossil fuels and rolled back incentives for renewables.
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Coal Pollution Reduces Global Solar Output by 5.8%, Study Finds

Coal Pollution Reduces Global Solar Output by 5.8%, Study Finds

A recent study published in *Nature Sustainability* highlights the significant impact of coal-fired power plant pollution on global solar energy output. Researchers from the University of Oxford and University College London found that aerosols—tiny particles released from burning fossil fuels and natural sources like volcanoes—reduced global solar generation by 5.8% in 2023. This reduction equates to approximately 111 terawatt-hours of electricity, comparable to the annual output of 18 medium-sized coal plants. The effect is particularly severe in China, where aerosols cut photovoltaic output by 7.7%, with nearly a third of this decline attributed to coal-fired power plants. Other affected regions include India, the United States, and Japan. The study warns that the climate benefits of solar energy may be overestimated if pollution from coal power is not addressed.
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Coal Pollution Reduces Solar Panel Efficiency, Study Finds

Coal Pollution Reduces Solar Panel Efficiency, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford and University College London has revealed that emissions from coal power plants significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, highlights how aerosols—tiny particles suspended in the air—obstruct sunlight and diminish solar energy output. Using satellite data, the researchers analyzed over 140,000 solar installations worldwide and found that aerosols reduced global solar electricity output by 5.8% in 2023, equivalent to 111 terawatt-hours of lost energy. This loss is comparable to the output of 18 medium-sized coal-fired power plants. The study also identified that solar arrays located near coal power plants experience greater losses, with China being particularly affected due to the co-location of coal and solar facilities. In the U.S., aerosol-induced losses were lower at 3.1%, but still notable. The findings underscore the need for stricter emissions controls and a transition away fr...
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Utah Communities Transition to Renewable Energy Amid Record Heat

Utah Communities Transition to Renewable Energy Amid Record Heat

A coalition of 19 communities in Utah, including Salt Lake City and Park City, is spearheading a transition to renewable energy sources. This initiative, known as Utah Renewable Communities, aims to offset the electricity consumption of nearly 300,000 homes and businesses with clean energy by 2030. The coalition's efforts come in response to record-breaking warm winters and early spring heat waves, which researchers attribute to human-caused climate change. The program has gained traction despite political challenges, with local governments working closely with Rocky Mountain Power to integrate solar and wind energy into the grid. The initiative has also drawn interest from other states, such as Montana and Idaho, as a potential model for climate action at the local level.
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ReNew Energy Global Reports Significant Revenue and Profit Growth in FY26

ReNew Energy Global Reports Significant Revenue and Profit Growth in FY26

ReNew Energy Global Reports Significant Revenue and Profit Growth in FY26
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Global Warming Worst-Case Scenario Revised Downward Amid Renewable Energy Growth

Global Warming Worst-Case Scenario Revised Downward Amid Renewable Energy Growth

Recent updates from climate scientists indicate a downward revision of the worst-case global warming scenario due to advancements in renewable energy and policy changes. Previously, the worst-case scenario, known as RCP 8.5, projected a potential rise in global temperatures by 5°C (9°F) by the end of the century. However, this scenario is now deemed implausible, with the revised estimate suggesting a maximum increase of 3.5°C (6.3°F). The likeliest range of warming is now estimated to be between 2.5°C and 3°C (4.5°F to 5.4°F), based on current emissions trends. This adjustment reflects the impact of increased adoption of solar and wind energy, as well as the growing use of electric vehicles and stricter climate policies. Despite this positive development, scientists caution that significant climate impacts, such as extreme heat waves, wildfires, and sea level rise, will persist and intensify.
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Capital Research Center Report Critiques Anti-Energy NGOs and Their Impact

Capital Research Center Report Critiques Anti-Energy NGOs and Their Impact

Capital Research Center Report Critiques Anti-Energy NGOs and Their Impact
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Ameresco's Kūpono Project Wins 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Award for Renewable Energy Innovation

Ameresco's Kūpono Project Wins 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Award for Renewable Energy Innovation

Ameresco's Kūpono Project Wins 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Award for Renewable Energy Innovation