Interesting stats on EVs and energy use in the US, developments in wind and tidal power, a plastic recycling microfactory, and an "unprecedented collapse" in EU fossil fuel generation.
Like so many other parts of the world, Tokyo has been hit by extreme heat waves this summer, with temperatures that consistently topped 35 degrees Celcius and put a huge amount of stress on the city's power grid.
That's one of the reasons the city of 14 million is now requiring solar panels to be installed on all new single-family homes. The city predicts that by 2050, half of all existing structures will be replaced – so that means a whole lot of new solar being built throughout the city.
I was surprised to discover in this Wall Street Journal article that Japan relies on imported natural gas and coal for most of its electricity. I know the country shut down most of its nuclear power plants after the Fukushima Daiichi disaster in 2011, but I was surprised that they hadn't invested more in wind and geothermal, which both seem like no-brainers for the volcanic island nation.
Read the full article here.
to support its increasingly heat-wave-stressed grid and help wean the country off Russian gas. This Wal Street Journal is calling it a “is a test case for whether solar power makes sense on urban rooftops.” My guess is… yes? 🤔
