March 2 Energy News: Insights on Renewables, Climate Challenges, and Policy Changes

March 2 Energy News

World

• Study Shows Solar and Farming Can Co-Exist in the UK
  Researchers at the University of Sheffield have made a significant discovery: well-designed agrivoltaics could aid the UK in reaching its goal of a net-zero economy by 2050. Agrivoltaics alone could fulfill photovoltaic targets while minimizing land use conflicts. [CleanTechnica]

• Cement Decarbonization: Policy Makers Need to Understand All Levers
  Cement production accounts for 7% to 8% of global carbon emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change. As climate policies tighten and innovations emerge, the cement industry faces a pivotal choice: continue with traditional practices or shift towards sustainability. [CleanTechnica]

• Nation Announces Controversial Changes to Major Industry
  In response to financial pressures from inflation and supply chain challenges affecting offshore wind projects, the Japanese government has opted to modify pricing regulations. This move is designed to encourage developers to proceed with their projects, according to Reuters. [The Cool Down]

• Solar for Apartments Scheme Launches in Second State
  A new initiative in New South Wales, with a budget of $25 million, aims to install shared rooftop solar systems for apartment buildings. The program, supported by both state and federal Labor, offers grants of up to $150,000 per project. [One Step Off The Grid]

• Iran Can Manufacture Six Nuclear Weapons with Newly Enriched Uranium
  A report from the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency indicates that Iran has produced enough uranium suitable for six atomic bombs. The agency also highlighted that Tehran has made no advancements in resolving existing issues. [AOL.com]

US

• US Lobster Catch Drops as They Migrate to Colder Canadian Waters
  The US lobster catch is declining as rising ocean temperatures push lobsters northward. Maine’s lobster catch has fallen from nearly 111 million pounds in 2021 to just over 86 million pounds in 2024, according to state regulatory data. [ABC News]

• Why Vermont Farmers Are Using Urine on Their Crops
  Urine, historically used as fertilizer in ancient Rome and China, is making a comeback among Vermont farmers. The Rich Earth Institute, a non-profit organization in Windham County, collects, pasteurizes, and distributes urine to farmers to enhance sustainable crop production. [BBC]

• US Electric Vehicle Sales Surge by 480% Compared to Q4 2019
  In the fourth quarter of 2024, sales of pure battery electric vehicles increased by 15% from the previous year and saw a staggering 480% rise compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. [CleanTechnica]

• Global Warming Threatening the Future of Dog Sled Races
  Rising temperatures due to climate change are challenging the reliability of snowpack in traditionally cold regions, complicating dogsledding races. For instance, the starting point of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has been moved from Anchorage to Fairbanks due to insufficient snow. [ABC News]

• Energy Firm Announces Completion of New Facility Delivering Massive Power Gains
  The Amazon Solar Farm Arkansas – Prairie Mist is now fully operational, supplying solar energy to Amazon’s facilities. This project is part of Amazon’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon pollution by 2040. [The Cool Down]

• Energy Dominance Will Make Americans Sick
  The drive for energy dominance relies heavily on fracking, which involves injecting water mixed with toxic chemicals deep underground to extract more oil and methane. The contents of this water remain largely unknown due to legislation allowing the fracking industry to keep such information private. [CleanTechnica]

• PA Counties Unite to Lead Bold Transition to 100% Renewable Energy by 2035
  Four counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania—Chester, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery—are making significant progress in adopting renewable energy for county operations through their collaborative efforts under the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA. [MyChesCo]

• Experts Fear Blow to Climate Research After Dismissals in US Agency
  The Trump administration’s dismissal of hundreds of researchers and meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has raised concerns among experts. They emphasize that global collaboration on climate modeling and research is critical for predicting severe weather events. [MSN]

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