Solar Boom Accelerates in Africa | Good Climate News
Solar panel exports to Africa are exploding, reports DW News. The continent has imported 15 GW of solar capacity over the last 12 months, a rate 500% above the long-term average. Most panels are coming from China and benefit from reduced pricing due to the US-China trade war.
“When you start reaching those kinds of price points, you know, you make things happen. It becomes like a no-brainer.”
2. One-Third of Coal Could Be Gone by 2030
One-third of the global coal generation fleet could be realistically retired by 2030 with the right policies, explains Earth.org. The Coal Transition Commission (CTC), chaired by France and Indonesia, has identified 150 GW of coal with significant opportunity for near-term retirement.
“Paradoxically, younger coal plants may be easier to retire as there are greater opportunities to refinance debt, adjust existing contracts, or tap into other revenue streams like transition credits or results-based finance…”
3. Sodium-Ion Batteries Cheaper Than Lithium?
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) could one day be even cheaper than their lithium counterparts, relays PV Magazine. Sodium-ion materials are much more abundant and its superior safety profile eliminates the need for expensive fire mitigation systems.
“SIBs could also play a particularly crucial role in low-temperature and high-temperature environments due to safety, where they can outperform LIBs.
4. US Gas Stations Installing EV Chargers
Major gas station networks like Wawa and Sheetz see the writing on the wall and are going electric, heralds Canary Media. The charging itself is seen, at best, as a break-even business, but the companies expect to profit with on-site retail offerings.
“The stores are clean, offer plenty of amenities, and provide a comfortable place to check in with clients.”
5. Oregon Volcano Tapped for Geothermal
Geothermal startup Mazama Energy is tapping the heat of an Oregon volcano to generate electricity, details The Washington Post. Newberry volcano is considered an ideal high-resource testing ground for new enhanced geothermal technology that could later be adapted elsewhere.
“Mazama will dig new wells to reach temperatures above 750 degrees next year. Alongside an active volcano, the company expects to hit that temperature less than three miles beneath the surface”
6. Arkansas Opens First Wind Farm
The US state of Arkansas has activated its first wind farm, notes Electrek. The 135 MW Crossover Wind project will deliver 100% of its power to Microsoft. There are now only six states with no wind power generation (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.)
“Crossover will pay about $950,000 a year to Cross County and more than $50 million to local landowners over the project’s lifetime without disrupting farming practices.”
📈 Chart of the Week
Coal is on a downward trend in India, according to energy thinktank Ember. India is the second-largest burner of coal behind China, but increased solar, wind and hydro generation have decreased coal’s share of electricity production by several percentage points below last year’s levels.
