Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate from Maine, voted to pursue a moratorium on all but rooftop solar projects while the town develops permitting rules. His plan aims to balance community input with the need for clean energy projects to fight climate change and reduce consumer electricity costs. Platner's recently released energy plan navigates several tensions related to building renewable energy infrastructure quickly.
Nuclear power has been projected to grow faster, cheaper, and more broadly than it actually has across decades. Energy research paper highlights that forecasts have missed the mark, despite being based on nuclear imaginaries and hydrogen assumptions. The grid reality models still fail to accurately predict energy trends.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has declined to grant a stay on $1.5 billion in refunds owed by New England transmission owners to their customers, citing insufficient evidence that irreparable injury is likely to occur. The commission stated that bare allegations are not enough to support a stay, requiring more substantial substantiation of potential harm. FERC's decision allows the refunds to move forward as previously planned.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned about the increased risk of drones near nuclear plants due to over 160 recorded drone sightings within a 24-hour period in Ukraine's vicinity. The agency issued fresh warnings about the dangers posed by military action near civil nuclear facilities. This incident highlights the growing threat of drone-related incidents around the world, including those near nuclear power plants.
Coal pollution from power plants is reducing the effectiveness of solar energy installations, particularly when they are co-located. Researchers mapped and assessed over 140,000 solar PV systems worldwide using satellite data to identify this issue. The study found that coal pollution affects solar output in locations where these power sources are adjacent or nearby.
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE achieved a record 31.3% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency in outdoor testing using micro-concentrator photovoltaics coupled to proton exchange membrane electrolysis, outperforming previous approaches by up to 12 percentage points. The system consists of a four-junction CPV system driving two PEM cells in series and is seen as a promising future generation product for solar hydrogen production. A startup will be formed with partner Clearsun Energy to commercialize this technology and bring it closer to achieving competitive low-levelized costs.
Graham Platner's energy plan aims to reduce costs for Mainers by taking on big oil companies, while also imposing high taxes on those responsible for profits made from fossil fuels. His goal is to "tax the ever-living hell out of" these companies, aiming to penalize them for their role in environmental destruction. Platner seeks to prioritize cost reduction over other energy policies.
Plug-in balcony solar systems allow homeowners and renters to easily install their own solar panels, offsetting grid electricity costs. President Trump's views on fossil fuels have been challenged by the growing adoption of renewable energy solutions like balcony solar power. Balcony solar systems make it accessible for more people to switch from grid electricity to clean energy.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments from Sierra Club and Earthjustice against the Department of Energy's illegal application of Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, specifically regarding coal plant extensions in May 2025. The DOE claimed an "energy emergency" to justify forcing such extensions, which is deemed unlawful by Sierra Club and Earthjustice.
The Sierra Club and Earthjustice presented oral arguments against the Department of Energy's illegal application of Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, which enabled the extension of coal plant operations. The challenge alleges that these extensions are increasing Hoosiers' electricity bills. The court case aims to hold the administration accountable for its actions in this matter.
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