Energy and Climate Change


Green Cars to Race in Atacama Solar Challenge

Eighteen solar-powered cars from Chile, Argentina, Venezuela and India will race across 1,300 kilometers of Chile's Atacama Desert for this year's Atacama Solar Challenge.

Electric Company and School District Promote Environmental Responsibility with New Program

Schneider Electric’s Conserve My Planet Program helps students, faculty and staff cut energy costs by $73,000 in the Allen Independent School District.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Headed to D.C. by Clean Diesel Technology

The 73-foot Spruce Christmas tree that will be decorated outside the U.S. Capitol building this holiday season has begun its 24-day journey from Colorado to Washington, D.C. The Mack truck transporting the tree has near zero emissions due to its clean diesel engine.

Electric Company Decreases Energy Consumption of Own Sites

Since 2005, The Schneider Energy Action program has decreased CO2 emissions in commercial and industrial sites by 15% and hopes to further reduce emissions by 10% or more by 2014.

Cooked Algae Transforms into Crude Oil

Michigan Engineering researchers can "pressure-cook" algae for as little as a minute and transform 65% of the organisms into biocrude.

IEA Report Shows Potential to Double Hydroelectricity Output by 2050

According to a report from the IEA, hydroelectricity production could be doubled by 2050 – preventing up to 3 billion tons of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel plants each year.

New Study Measures Methane Emissions

A research team led by the University of Texas at Austin is conducting a major field study to measure the methane emissions produced from natural gas production. The study is expected to be completed by Jan. 13, 2013.

City of Denison Enters Performance Contract with Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric has announced that it will implement a $7.9 million energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with the city of Denison, Texas.



Solar Panels Still Effective in Snowy Conditions

According to a Michigan Technological University scientist, solar panels can still be worth the investment, even for those that live in areas with long winters.

Speed Limits on Cargo Ships Could Reduce Emissions

Putting a speed limit on cargo ships as they sail near ports and coastlines could cut their emission of air pollutants by up to 70 percent, reducing the impact of marine shipping on Earth's climate and human health.

University Receives Grant to Develop Solar-Powered Charging Stations

Black & Veatch, a foundation for engineering and construction firm, has awarded a $200,000 grant to Kansas State University to help develop solar-powered charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles.

DEP Encourages Heating Oil Tank Inspections for Homes

With cold weather quickly approaching, the Pennsylvania DEP urges homeowners to have their home heating oil tanks inspected for any potential problems before having the tanks re-filled.

Solar Plants in Mojave Desert Could Help Conservation and Energy Needs

Solar developers are looking to the Mojave Desert for the construction of solar plants that could turn the sun’s heat into electricity.

Conserve Energy at Home with Technology

Using smart technology to automate our technology devices at home could help reduce energy use and utility bills.

Siemens Providing Energy Efficiency Upgrades to Hospital

Siemens will provide energy efficiency upgrades to Manchester Memorial Hospital under a $4.9 million contract with Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN).

In Search of Better Solar Mirrors

"By using transparent superhydrophobic coatings on collector mirrors, we can create high performance and low maintenance concentrating solar power electricity generation," team leader Scott Hunter said.

Solar Parks Now Big Business for Lloyd's

The British insurance market reports it is providing specialist cover to an increasing number of them, and they're the fastest-growing form of alternative energy globally.

Payoff from Idling Coal Plants Overestimated, Researchers Say

Four researchers from Carnegie Mellon University’s Green Design Institute discuss their more conservative estimates of greenhouse gas emission reductions in two papers this month.

Sacramento Development Wins Highest Rating

Highlands, a multi-family development operated by Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association, received 121 points from Oakland-based Build It Green (BIG).

Shell Halts Arctic Oil Search for 2012

The company announced it will stop drilling into deepwater zones for this year but will drill the top portions of as many wells as possible during the remaining season, then cap and temporarily abandon them.