Renewable Energy

The electricity industry is undergoing a major transition, as changes are reshaping the traditional utility model. Climate change, for one, has prompted the gradual decarbonisation of generation facilities around the world. Technology advancements are driving down the costs of wind turbines, solar panels, energy storage devices and distributed energy, making renewables an increasingly viable part of people's daily lives.

While the White House’s plans for a $1 trillion federal infrastructure program continue to coalesce, one recent estimate puts the depreciated value of the American electric infrastructure—including power plants, transmission lines, distribution lines, substations and transformers—at around $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion, with a replacement value of $4.8 trillion.

Between the five million visitors who come through Yosemite National Park each year and the park’s 2,800 staff members, California’s famous national park sends nearly 2,200 tons of garbage each year to the Mariposa County Landfill.

Following commitments to 100% renewable electricity and ZERO carbon emissions at its breweries, Carlsberg asked itself whether it was possible to develop the most climate-friendly bar in the world. The answer? Probably!

As part of 170 hours of celebration to mark the brewer’s 170 years anniversary, Carlsberg has built a ZERO Carbon Windmill Bar at the historical Carlsberg District in Copenhagen.

The bar is powered completely by an integrated windmill and in true Danish-style, an attached bicycle which consumers can use to generate enough power to pour their beer in case of no wind. Following the recent Carlsberg advert starring Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen biking through Copenhagen, the sustainability innovation sends a clear signal to Carlsberg’s Danish provenance.

A new administration has vowed to roll back numerous environmental regulations aimed at reducing the nation’s carbon footprint. Does this give power providers new impetus to rewrite their long-term planning? This year’s Strategic Directions: Electric Industry Report finds this isn’t necessarily the case.

The current administration has revived debates over coal’s role in the country’s overall energy mix. Still seen as one of the most economical generation resources, some believe coal may experience a revival of sorts. However, most forward-looking infrastructure investors and industry leaders are not as optimistic – read more in this year’s Strategic Directions: Electric Industry Report.

Speaking to BusinessGreen, Simon Boas Hoffmeyer, sustainability director at Carlsberg Group, is confident that despite their ambition the "Together Towards Zero" goals can be delivered, and as early as 2030. After all, this is not a plan that was simply thrown together after a few beers.

Putting construction and demolition waste—concrete, brick, tile and stone— to beneficial use is a winning strategy for our mill in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. During construction or demolition work at the mill, these materials are kept aside instead of going to a landfill. When sufficient material is accumulated over a number of years, the recycling work begins.

Sundance Square, a 35-block mixed-use development in downtown Fort Worth, announced today it has extended its nine-year relationship with Green Mountain Energy for another seven years to provide renewable energy for all of its 42 buildings.