February 22 NEC Energy News
¶ “What Europe Showed The World About Renewable Energy” • One year ago, on the cusp of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it seemed unimaginable that renewable energy in Europe could overtake electricity from oil and gas. But not even a year later, it did. By the end of 2022, wind and solar combined overtook natural gas in electricity generation. [Vox]
¶ “Warning To Keep Nuclear Energy Plants Out Of Scotland” • The SNP’s Westminster energy spokesman said, “If the Tories think they will bring down energy bills by building nuclear power stations that won’t be ready for years to come then they are more delusional than we thought.” The warning went to the new energy minister, an MP from Aberdeeshire. [Aberdeen Live]
¶ “Constellation Is Spending $800 Million To Upgrade Two Nuclear Power Plants” • Upgrades will be made at the Byron and Braidwood nuclear power plants. Constellation Energy says it will increase generating capacity by 135 MW in the next six years with an $800 million investment in new turbines. Support is coming from state and local governments. [WCMY]
¶ “Republican Operatives Are Astroturfing Opposition To Solar Power” • Some grassroots groups opposed to local solar projects have something in common: a group in Virginia with powerful GOP connections. Citizens for Responsible Solar gives advice on strategy, according to an expose by National Public Radio and news collective Floodlight. [Yahoo News]
¶ “Antarctic Sea Ice Hit Record Lows Again. Scientists Wonder If It’s ‘The Beginning Of The End’” • Antarctic sea ice has reached record low levels for the second time in two years, with some scientists alarmed that dramatic drops are a signal the climate crisis may now be more clearly influencing this vast, complex and isolated region. [CNN]
¶ “Venice Canals Run Dry Amid Fears Italy May Face Another Drought” • Weeks of dry winter weather have raised concerns that Italy could face another drought after the emergency of last summer. The Alps have had less than half of the normal snowfall, scientists and environmental groups say. The drought has even had effects on canals in Venice. [CNN]
¶ “How The Climate Crisis Is Threatening Tequila” • Warming temperatures have become a growing concern for the Mexican long-nosed bat. “You wouldn’t have tequila if you had no bats, because that’s the only thing that pollinates the agave plant that makes tequila,” said Ron Magill, the communications director and a wildlife expert at Zoo Miami. [CNN]
For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.