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Renewable Energy & The Smart Grid

Renewable Energy & The Smart Grid
A Case for Integrating Solar Geoengineering into Climate Policy | David Keith | Talks at Google

David Keith reviews the science and technology of solar geoengineering, examining its potential to reduce climate risks, associated new risks, and current uncertainties. He proposes integrating solar geoengineering into a comprehensive 4D climate policy, which includes emissions cuts, carbon removal, and adaptation.

A distinguished expert, David Keith is a Harvard Professor of Applied Physics and Public Policy. He founded Carbon Engineering, a company developing technology to capture CO2 for carbon-neutral fuels. Best known for his work on solar geoengineering, he led Harvard's Solar Geoengineering Research Program. He has authored over 200 academic publications and "A Case for Climate Engineering."

The session was moderated by Greg Bronevetsky.

Solar Jobs Spotlight: Mike Barlow

Mike Barlow is a solar worker for Swinerton Renewable Energy, based in Florida.

Support the #SaveSolarJobs initiative and learn more about the industry at www.seia.org/trade.

Solar power is working for the Munduruku in Brazil

We proudly partner with Greenpeace, Empowered by Light, and Solargrid to install solar power for our Munduruku allies in the Brazilian Amazon. The Munduruku are vital protectors of the Tapajós River, one of Brazil's last free-flowing Amazon tributaries, which is threatened by large dam projects.

These solar installations provide clean energy and powerfully demonstrate that massive dams are not the answer to our energy demands. Support the Munduruku and their fight for land rights by taking action: http://amazonwatch.org/landrightsnow.

Solar Power works for the Munduruku in Brazil

We are proud to collaborate with Greenpeace, Empowered by Light, and Solargrid to provide solar installations for our Munduruku allies in the Brazilian Amazon. The Munduruku are vital protectors of the Tapajos River, one of Brazil's last free-flowing major Amazon tributaries, defending it from destructive large dams.

These solar installations offer truly clean power for the Munduruku people, while also sending a clear message: large dams are not the solution to our energy needs. Take action in support by visiting: amazonwatch.org/landrightsnow.

Amory Lovins and the Evolving Car Industry

Amory Lovins offers a vivid analogy for the evolution of electric vehicles: "Ford's and Edison's industry are getting together to eat Rockefeller's industry."

This statement suggests that the combined forces of manufacturing and innovation are displacing the fossil fuel industry as electric transportation advances.

The Energy Revolution

Renewable energy sources are abundant and readily available. Given this potential, why do we continue to rely on fossil fuels?

This 2-minute animation explores how we can transition to a world powered entirely by 100% renewable energy.

Mapping the Gap: The Road From Paris with Michael Leibreich

Ceres and Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) released "Mapping the Gap: The Road from Paris," a report exploring how to finance the global clean energy transition. Michael Liebreich (BNEF) presented its findings at the 2016 Investor Summit on Climate Risk at the U.N. headquarters in NYC.

The report reveals a significant $12.1 trillion global renewable energy investment opportunity in the electric sector over the next 25 years.

Download the full report and learn about Ceres' Clean Trillion initiative. Explore details on the Investor Summit on Climate Risk.

Will Falling Oil Prices Kill Wind and Solar Power? Dr. Steven Chu

Former U.S. Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, who oversaw a doubling of renewable energy deployment from 2009-2013, addresses if falling fossil fuel prices threaten wind and solar power.

Chu explains that 78% of U.S. economies have state-mandated renewable portfolio standards, requiring a fraction of clean energy. Renewables, currently supplying 13% of U.S. electricity, have seen significant cost reductions. Wind power, even without subsidies, is nearly as inexpensive as natural gas.

Solar generation in sunny regions nears cost parity with new natural gas plants. Wind and solar costs are projected to decline for decades, potentially making them competitive with any new energy source across much of the U.S. within a decade.

The Grid of Tomorrow by 24 Hours of Reality

In Hour 4 of 24 Hours of Reality, we explore how the energy grid is evolving. It's becoming more efficient and reliable, marking a significant advancement.

This progress represents a crucial step towards achieving sustainable energy for all. (Published September 17, 2014)

Routes of Power: Energy and Modern America by Christopher Jones,

Christopher F. Jones's book redefines the fossil fuel revolution, focusing on advances in energy access—via canals, pipelines, and wires—rather than just production. He demonstrates how elaborate transportation networks for coal, oil, and electricity fueled remarkable urban and industrial growth in the American mid-Atlantic between 1820 and 1930, simultaneously setting the nation on a path toward fossil fuel dependence.

This historical account offers valuable lessons for pioneering a more sustainable energy future. To learn more, visit Christopher F. Jones's website or order his book from Amazon.

The Era of Mainstream Clean Energy: Solar Rising by Arno Harris

Arno Harris of Recurrent Energy delivered a seminar at Stanford University on January 7, 2013.

He discussed how solar industries, emerging from 2012, are poised to play a significant role in mainstream energy markets.

Renewable Energy: Get Off Our Bottoms by Helen Caldicott

Anti-nuclear activist Dr. Helen Caldicott discusses renewable energy as an alternative to nuclear power. This content is excerpted from her talk at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, NY, on November 13, 2010.

Learn more about Dr. Caldicott at helencaldicott.com.

The original material was uploaded on November 29, 2010.

Sustainable Energy: Affordable Domestic Solar in Africa

Small solar home systems provide light and phone-charging to off-grid households, saving them money. However, high upfront costs often make these beneficial systems inaccessible.

UK-based Azuri developed a pay-as-you-go system, enabling households to pay for solar power via scratchcards, making it affordable. Its Indigo Box won an Ashden Award for championing practical, local energy solutions that cut carbon, protect the environment, reduce poverty, and improve lives.

Wind-powered energy security - Cabeolica, Cape Verde

Small islands often depend on expensive imported fuel for electricity. In Cape Verde, the public-private partnership Caboélica harnesses plentiful winds, reducing diesel imports and boosting energy security.

Caboélica is an Ashden Award winner. Ashden promotes practical, local energy solutions that cut carbon, protect the environment, reduce poverty, and improve lives.

Advanced Energy Economy


Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) is a national association of businesses and leaders dedicated to making the global energy system more secure, clean, and affordable.

 


Advanced energy encompasses a broad range of products and services, representing the best commercial technologies for current and future energy needs.

The UCSD Microgrid - Showing the Future of Electricity by RMI

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) documented the University of California, San Diego's (UCSD) microgrid, a leading example of a locally controlled electricity network interconnected with the larger grid. This system manages 42 megawatts of generating capacity, comprising a central cogeneration plant, solar photovoltaic installations, and a fuel cell utilizing natural gas reclaimed from a landfill.

RMI seeks to identify and amplify solutions capable of transforming the electricity system. Learn more about their work at http://www.rmi.org/electricity.

What is Smart Grid by Scientific American

The "smart grid" is on its way. This animated guide from Scientific American explains its essential features.

For additional videos, visit their YouTube Channel.

Tzeporah Berman of Greenpeace describes the Energy (R)evolution in terms of her journey to find o

Tzeporah Berman of Greenpeace describes the "Energy (R)evolution," asserting that current technology can dramatically reduce dirty energy. Her journey confirms this transition is not only possible and already underway but also affordable.

Berman concludes that stronger laws are essential to accelerate this shift towards sustainable energy.

Citizens Generate Their Own Power by Ursula Sladek

Goldman Prize winner Ursula Sladek established Germany's first cooperatively-owned renewable power company. This initiative directly responded to the nation's expanded reliance on nuclear energy.

Learn more at http://www.goldmanprize.org/2011/europe.

Germany's Renewable Energy Revolution: Christine Wörlen

Dr. Christine Wörlen, former head of renewable energies for the German Energy Agency and a UN consultant, visited Edmonton, Alberta. She spoke at City Hall and Grant MacEwan University about Germany's Renewable Energy Revolution, drawing on her experience in 60 countries.

 

Green Energy Futures recorded her interview and talk in September 2011. For more information, visit her profile: Dr. Christine Wörlen.

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection

“The Thinking Game” is the inside story of DeepMind's groundbreaking AI research, culminating in the Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold breakthrough. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind "AlphaGo," this documentary explores co-founder Demis Hassabis's lifelong pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the rigorous scientific journey from mastering strategy games to solving the 50-year-old protein folding problem.

Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, "The Thinking Game" is now available to watch for free. For those interested in hosting a screening for a classroom, community, or workplace, visit: rocofilms.com/films/the-thinking-game/.

 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection