July 28 Green Energy News

Headline News:

“Microsoft Tests Hydrogen Fuel Cells For Backup Power At Datacenters” • In a worldwide first that could jumpstart a long-forecast clean energy economy built around the most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen fuel cells have powered a row of datacenter servers for 48 consecutive hours, according to a Microsoft announcement. [Microsoft]

Hydrogen tanks at data center (Credit: Power Innovations)

“Clean-Energy Optimism Soars As World Struggles With The Pandemic’s Fallout” • As companies and governments try work to recover from the Covid-19 crisis, leaders in the renewable energy sector say business is chugging along, attracting new money and new players. The momentum is being fueled by falling costs and popular support. [S&P Global]
“EPA Watchdog To Review Trump’s Auto Emissions Rule Changes” • The Trump administration’s overhaul of vehicle emission standards is under review by the EPA inspector general to determine whether it met requirements for “transparency, record-keeping, and docketing, and followed the EPA’s process for developing final regulatory actions.” [CNN]
“Era Of Subsidy-Free Offshore Wind Turbines Has Arrived, Researchers Say” • Researchers found that the cost of offshore wind farms in some parts of the world is now so low that they are generating ‘negative subsidies’ that leave energy users financially better off. The paper was published in the academic journal Nature Energy. [RenewEconomy]
“US Energy Savings From Light-Duty Plug-In Electric Vehicles Was 44.8 Trillion BTU In 2019” • Due to their efficiency, plug-in electric vehicles use less energy than their counterparts with internal combustion engines. Energy savings in the US due to light-duty PEVs in 2019 are estimated at 44.8 trillion BTU, up 47% from 2018, the DOE says. [CleanTechnica]

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