Russia is funding research into powering its airplanes with solar energy. The airline industry is being hurt by high fuel prices, and solar-powered planes would not only be cheaper but also would remove a major source of carbon pollution that contributes to global warming.
Texas is set to double its wind energy generation from 60 gigawatts to 120 gigawatts in 2013.
Britain has made substantial investments in wind energy and its technology. British PM David Cameron is touting his country’s green expertise on his trip to India to promote trade with that country. The Guardian notes, “India now leads the world in clean tech investment growth, racking up $10.3bn in the sector in 2011, representing a growth rate of 52 per cent year-on-year.” This story shows how domestic investment in renewables not only benefits a country environmentally but creates new income streams.
The rapid growth in Palestinian high tech companies includes those specializing in solar energy.
Jordan is facing a costly fuel crisis that contributes to political unrest. The government has therefore inked 30 projects with private concerns to install 1 gigawatt of new green energy over the next 5 years.
Post-revolutionary Tunisia is also looking for 1 gigawatt of new green energy in the next few years. It is starting with putting a solar panel on a water desalinization plant. Since water and fuel shortages are drivers of the region’s political discontent, Tunisia is hoping to deal with both problems at the same time.
Some of South Africa’s major new solar and wind projects will be operational as early as mid-2014.
Wyoming hopes to generate 3 gigawatts of energy for California’s market.
The 60 gigawatt figure is for the entire US, not Texas.
Texas’ doubling of its wind power output will mean going from 11 GW to 22 GW.
Cool map here: link to windpoweringamerica.gov
This is really starting to look embarrassing for Massachusetts. Maybe the collapse of the fisheries will get us off our butts when it comes to developing our next great maritime industry.
Also, China says it is reversing its longstanding policy and is preparing to impose a carbon emissions tax.