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Associated Press
IThe first four months of 2022The United States used 25.5% electricity from renewable energy sources. ReportingStarting at CleanTechnica Based on data from the Energy Information Administration. That’s up from 21.7% during the same period in 2020. It’s also more electricity than is provided by coal in the U.S., which was 20.2%, as well as nuclear. Natural gas provided 34.7% of U.S. electricity during this period of time 34.7%, a number that’s down from 39.6% of U.S. electricity during the first four months of 2020.
And here’s what might be coming down the road next: fusion power. According to a New reportPrivate fusion power startup investment is up 139% over the past year, reaching $4.8 billion. There have been eight new fusion power startup launches in the last year. Private investment is now higher than government funding. Private investors’ interest in fusion power plants may indicate that they are possible, which could help speed up the transition away from polluting and greenhouse gas emission-producing energy sources.
The Big Read
Illustration by Philip Smith. Photos by Stephen Swintek/Getty Images.
U.S. taxpayers spend Billions on food waste each year
Each year, 400 billion dollars end up in dumpsters. Because it reduces corporate profits, companies are able to treat it as a tax deduction. Learn more.
Innovations and Discoveries
According to new research, smokeLarge fires Spreads over hundreds or even thousands of miles, causing air pollution that impacts people’s health.
Biotech firm VaxaUses Geothermal energy for growing algae that can be converted into protein and omega-3s for food production purposes–and the company says the whole process is carbon negative.
Light pollutionIn urban areas, the influences on the Growing season for plantsThey could be unable to protect themselves against frost, and this could lead to disruption of ecosystems.
The Week’s Best Sustainability Deals
American-Australian packaging firm AmcorFor the Minderoo Foundation, we are collaborating An investment of $300 millionIn building new plastic recycling programs around the globe, with a focus on the Netherlands, Brazil, and Indonesia.
CNX is a natural-gas producer A fifteen-year agreement was signedWith Newlight TechnologiesTo capture methane waste that would normally be released into the atmosphere and use it instead to make a biodegradable plastic for many applications.
AI company in San Francisco AquabyteThe foundation of. Forbes Bryton Shang, alumnus of 30 Under 30, has Funded $25 MillionSeries B round. The financing is geared towards expanding the company’s product offering, an AI system used for fish farmers to manage the health of their fish.
On the Horizon
According to the United Nations, the world’s population will reach 1.2 billion by November. 8 billion people, just 11 years after the Earth’s population hit 7 billion.
What Else We’re Reading This Week
Can Reengineered Aluminium Help Meet Copper Demand? (Wired)
NASA sending a dust-scanning spectrometer on the ISS (Popular Science).
Green Transportation Update
Governor Laura Kelly announces plans to build a Panasonic plant here in Kansas
Kansas City Area Development Council
TThe electric vehicle revolutionAmerica is shifting into high gear thanks to battery-powered models. 5% of all new U.S. vehicles soldIn the first half of 2022, and continued rapid growth through the end. Automobile and parts manufacturers are investing billions of dollars in new production capacity to meet the demand. Panasonic Energy, Tesla’s long-time battery partner that’s already made billions of lithium-ion cells in the U.S., is bringing the EV party to the prairies of Kansas with plans for a massive De Soto, $4 billion battery plantIn suburban Kansas City. The factory will be home to 4,000 workers and will also create an additional 8,000 jobs for suppliers when it’s completed.
The Big Transportation Story
Getty Images
VW And Audi To Recycle EV Batteries Through Tesla Cofounder’s Company
Materials and metals required for electric car batteries can be expensive. They are also not always mined in the most ecologically sensitive manner. Recycling and reusing lithium, cobalt and nickel in the batteries is essential to ensure a sustainable EV movement. Redwood Materials is a rapidly-growing battery recovery company that was founded by Tesla founder JB Straubel. It has begun collecting used battery packs from U.S. dealers and has also added Volkswagen and its luxury Audi unit to its roster of partners. Redwood hopes to revolutionize EV batteries recycling by partnering with these brands, along with Toyota, Ford, Volvo Cars, and Volvo Cars. Learn more.
Green Transportation News
Cummins Promotes Jennifer Rumsey To CEO As Diesel Giant Seeks Cleantech Overhaul
EV Update – Toyota Completes the Tax Credit Phaseout; GM Refunds Bolt Prices Cuts To Current Owners
Fuel and EV prices heading in opposite directions
Pilot Company and GM to Establish Coast-to-Coast EV Fast Charging System
EV Makers Are Gaining Ground On Tesla As Chinese Rivals Loom
