Explore

Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Technologies Offer Distinct Paths to Renewable Energy Generation

Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Technologies Offer Distinct Paths to Renewable Energy Generation

Solar thermal energy, also known as concentrated solar power (CSP), and photovoltaic (PV) technology both harness solar radiation to produce electricity, but they operate on fundamentally different principles. Photovoltaics directly convert sunlight into electricity using silicon panels that capture photons. This is an instantaneous physical process with no moving parts, and the technology has seen significant advancements, including the development of more energy-efficient materials like perovskite. In contrast, solar thermal energy concentrates solar radiation to generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity. This process typically involves fields of movable mirrors, such as heliostats or parabolic troughs, to focus sunlight onto a receiver. The heat produced is often transferred to a fluid to drive a turbine, generating electricity. While both aim to convert solar radiation into usable electricity, their methods of conversion—direct light conversion for PV and heat harnessing for solar therma...

Linxon, Hitachi Energy, and FTC Solar Form Alliance for Utility-Scale Solar and Storage Projects in North America

Linxon, Hitachi Energy, and FTC Solar Form Alliance for Utility-Scale Solar and Storage Projects in North America

Linxon, Hitachi Energy, and FTC Solar Form Alliance for Utility-Scale Solar and Storage Projects in North America

As Democrats eye big midterm wins, Republicans look to turn the tables in some House districts

As Democrats eye big midterm wins, Republicans look to turn the tables in some House districts

The midterm elections may be challenging for Republicans, but there are some key House races where GOP wins might mean Election Night goes better than expected

Linxon, Hitachi Energy, and FTC Solar Form Alliance to Streamline Utility-Scale Solar and Battery Projects

Linxon, Hitachi Energy, and FTC Solar Form Alliance to Streamline Utility-Scale Solar and Battery Projects

Linxon, Hitachi Energy, and FTC Solar Form Alliance to Streamline Utility-Scale Solar and Battery Projects

Orsted Initiates Construction of 200 MW Blackwater Solar Project in New Mexico

Orsted Initiates Construction of 200 MW Blackwater Solar Project in New Mexico

Orsted Initiates Construction of 200 MW Blackwater Solar Project in New Mexico

Rep. Steven Horsford and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto Urge SSA to Resolve Social Security Card Delays for Foster Youth in Clark County

Rep. Steven Horsford and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto Urge SSA to Resolve Social Security Card Delays for Foster Youth in Clark County

Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) have called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to address significant delays in processing Social Security card applications for over 1,300 foster children in Clark County, Nevada. The issue stems from a December 2025 SSA order that requires physical certification of documents, a practice that was eliminated in 2010 to streamline procedures. Nevada currently uses electronic records for family cases, making it difficult to comply with the SSA's demand for paper documents that have not been maintained by the state for over 15 years. This bureaucratic hurdle is preventing vulnerable foster youth from accessing essential services, including federal healthcare coverage, permanent family placement, and employment opportunities. Local officials, including Clark County Family Services and county commissioners, have reportedly attempted to resolve the matter for months without success, prompting the intervention of the fede...

U.S. Representative Nikema Williams to Speak at Inaugural Atlanta Climate Week

U.S. Representative Nikema Williams to Speak at Inaugural Atlanta Climate Week

U.S. Representative Nikema Williams is scheduled to speak at the Inaugural Atlanta Climate Week, which will feature a flagship networking event on October 12. The week-long series of events, beginning October 10, aims to foster local sustainability advocacy by leveraging Atlanta's cultural influence. Organized by clean energy advocate Michael Hawthorne, who also serves on the City of Atlanta’s Climate Resilience Board, the event will host major local brands and elected officials. Atlanta Climate Week seeks to engage a broad audience, including residents from Alabama, Mississippi, and other parts of Georgia, who face similar climate challenges. The initiative comes as Atlanta grapples with significant environmental issues, including high energy burdens in vulnerable neighborhoods and poor air quality, with the American Lung Association ranking Atlanta as the third worst in ozone pollution and fourth worst in year-round particle pollution in the Southeast.

Energy Transitions Commission Report Assesses Nuclear Power's Role in Global Energy Transition

Energy Transitions Commission Report Assesses Nuclear Power's Role in Global Energy Transition

A new report from the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC), titled 'The Role of Nuclear in the Energy Transition: Complementary but Limited,' provides a measured assessment of nuclear power's potential. The report suggests that nuclear energy could supply up to 10% of the global electricity supply by 2050, effectively doubling the current 380 GW capacity to 750 GW. This expansion would require an average annual new nuclear capacity growth of 15–25 GW, up from the current 5 GW per year, backed by an annual investment of $200 billion, a significant increase from today's $50 billion. The ETC emphasizes that the economic viability of nuclear expansion varies significantly by country, with some nations, like the UK, potentially benefiting from increased nuclear generation, while others, such as India, find solar resources with batteries to be more cost-effective.

KBRA Assigns AAA Rating with Stable Outlook to Las Vegas Valley Water District Bonds

KBRA Assigns AAA Rating with Stable Outlook to Las Vegas Valley Water District Bonds

KBRA has assigned a long-term rating of AAA with a Stable Outlook to the Las Vegas Valley Water District, Nevada's General Obligation (Limited Tax) Water Improvement Bonds, Series 2026C, and General Obligation (Limited Tax) Water Refunding Bonds, Series 2026D. Concurrently, KBRA affirmed the AAA rating and Stable Outlook for the District's existing parity limited tax general obligation debt. The proceeds from the Series 2026C Bonds will fund projects within the Southern Nevada Water Authority's (SNWA) capital improvement plan, including upgrades to pumping stations, reservoirs, wells, and water pipelines. The Series 2026D Bonds will be used to refund certain outstanding District obligations. These bonds are direct and general obligations of the District, backed by its full faith and credit, and are payable from any legally available funds, including ad valorem property taxes if necessary. KBRA's rating is based on the District's strong economic and property tax base, experienced management, and successful ...

U.S. Department of Energy's Load Growth Playbook Emphasizes Grid Headroom and Clean Supply for Data Center Site Selection

U.S. Department of Energy's Load Growth Playbook Emphasizes Grid Headroom and Clean Supply for Data Center Site Selection

U.S. Department of Energy's Load Growth Playbook Emphasizes Grid Headroom and Clean Supply for Data Center Site Selection

The Columbus Dispatch

Trump to send $90 checks to seniors in Ohio, US, but some won't be paid

Trump to send $90 checks to seniors in Ohio, US, but some won't be paid

President Trump said he plans to send $90 check to more than 20 million seniors this month. See how much money is going to midterm battlegrounds.

Norton Rose Fulbright Advises New York Power Authority on Major Solar Project Joint Venture

Norton Rose Fulbright Advises New York Power Authority on Major Solar Project Joint Venture

Norton Rose Fulbright Advises New York Power Authority on Major Solar Project Joint Venture