Topic: Alternative Energy Production

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Top 5 nations that use renewable energy

Here are the top users of renewables, not counting biofuels or hydroelectricity. Numbers indicate country percentage of total global renewable usage.
China 'buying out' Africa: Top 5 destinations of Chinese money

On a quest to secure raw materials and energy resources to support the exponential growth of its economy, China has become the fastest-growing investor in Africa. Here are the top five destinations of Chinese capital, in order of estimated Chinese investment.
Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on energy and the environment

Energy and the environment are typically “back burner” issues in national elections, but both are huge this year for Republicans. Take a look at where each of them stands.
In Pictures: War by remote control
In Pictures: Gabrielle Giffords, political survivor

All Content

Don't believe the headlines. Wind farms do not cause 'global' warming.

A recent study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that large wind farms could be pulling down hot air at night, raising the average temperature of the local region. The results of the study, however, have been widely misconstrued in the news media.
How wind farms could cause local (but not global) warming

The atmospheric turbulence caused by large wind farms could cause local temperature increases, a new study indicates.
Earth Day technology: the spray-on solar panel?

New firms are challenging conventional rooftop solar by using thin-film technology on windows and even indoors. On this Earth Day, conventional Chinese companies are the cost leaders. But US firms have the technical edge.
Consumer Energy Report
Wind power: America's future?

Wind power is currently the largest nonwater source of renewable energy in the US, and its use has grown by 350 percent since 2006.
Germany's solar woes dim the promise of green jobs

Global competition and cuts to government subsidies have plunged Germany's solar-energy industry into disarray. As another manufacturer goes bankrupt, green job growth is in jeopardy.
Green Economics
Do energy restrictions raise electricity prices?

Do statewide mandates requiring a certain percentage of wind, solar, and other non-carbon resources be used as power sources drive up the cost for consumers?
China subsidized solar panels, US finds. Are tariffs the right response?

A Commerce Department investigation found that Chinese government-subsidized solar panels were dumped in the US market, harming US manufacturers.
Top 5 nations that use renewable energy

Here are the top users of renewables, not counting biofuels or hydroelectricity. Numbers indicate country percentage of total global renewable usage.
Son of migrant workers, now solar CEO: Don't put tariffs on Chinese solar panels

The US government is considering special tariffs on solar panels that are imported from China. These tariffs could result in higher costs for solar energy components, endangering the vibrant US solar industry and derailing America's progress toward job creation and energy security.
China 'buying out' Africa: Top 5 destinations of Chinese money

On a quest to secure raw materials and energy resources to support the exponential growth of its economy, China has become the fastest-growing investor in Africa. Here are the top five destinations of Chinese capital, in order of estimated Chinese investment.
Clean energy: Another solar firm lays off workers

Clean energy woes continue as US solar-panel company retools in the face of Chinese competition, despite federal clean-energy subsidies.
Latin America Monitor
A case of Big Wind bullying in Mexico?

Follow-up on a Monitor cover story: A local activist is arrested days before a planned confrontation with a Mexican wind power company.
Readers Write: Wind turbines bad for earth, people; wrong US motives in Afghanistan

Letters to the editor for the weekly print issue of February 20, 2012: One reader argues that large industrial wind turbines are inefficient, harmful to communities, and non-eco-friendly. Another sees no validation for the US staying in Afghanistan for economic reasons and influence.
Change Agent
Solar power: cheap electricity for world’s poor

More than a billion people worldwide lack access to electricity. The best way to bring it to them is to provide ever-cheaper, clean, locally produced solar power that can replace dirty and dangerous kerosene.
Obama opens door to offshore wind power along mid-Atlantic coast

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced plans Thursday to open four new wind-leasing regions for wind farms along the mid-Atlantic coast. States look forward to a positive economic impact.
Germany's green energy sector: can it grow without subsidies?

Generous subsidies for Germany's green energy sector have been so successful at fostering growth that the government is now asking if the industry can survive without them.
Cover Story
Wind power: Clean energy, dirty business?

In the developing world, where land-intensive wind turbines are being rapidly constructed, wind power has often turned clean energy into dirty business.
The 'wind rush': Green energy blows trouble into Mexico

Green energy's big success is a rude awakening in the isthmus of Mexico.
Donald Marron
The natural gas glut is reshaping electricity markets

Wind, nuclear, and coal all look expensive compared to natural gas generation.
Global News Blog
Climbing higher at German wind farm

A German wind farm offers a ropes course at the foot of a towering wind turbine, providing an alternative view of green energy.
Flying too close to the sun: German solar companies fall on hard times

Despite being celebrated just a few years ago as economic heroes, German solar-panel manufacturers are falling behind Chinese competitors.
Google invests $94 million in California solar farms

Google reaches for the sun. The search engine's latest multimillion-dollar investment will bring solar power to homes around Sacramento.
Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on energy and the environment

Energy and the environment are typically “back burner” issues in national elections, but both are huge this year for Republicans. Take a look at where each of them stands.
Green Economics
Will wind power stoke demand for batteries?

Batteries can store wind power accumulated at night, when people aren't using much electricity.
Clean energy 'gold rush' in Mojave spurs backlash

Clean energy projects in California are thriving. But environmentalists worry about impact of clean energy companies on Mojave Desert.