December 24 Green Energy News

Headline News:

In what may be a record-breaking heat wave, temperatures at the North Pole may rise up to 20° C higher than average on Christmas Eve. Unseasonably warm weather patterns in the Arctic region are directly linked to man-made climate change, scientists said. November and December temperatures have averaged 5° C above average. [NDTV]

A warmer arctic

Government projections imply that India may see no new thermal power plants installed after 2022. Between 2022 and 2027, the power ministry plans to add 12,000 MW of large hydro capacity, 4,800 MW of nuclear power capacity, around 100,000 MW of renewable energy capacity, but ZERO of thermal power capacity. [CleanTechnica]
A study from researchers at Lappeenranta University of Technology shows that South America could transition to fully renewable electricity by 2030. The study, by LUT and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, also shows a 100% renewable system is the least costly option and would need little energy storage. [Renewable Energy Focus]
A government-owned Canadian electricity exporter is making a C$350 million ($262 million) bet that the movement for “clean” power in the US will outlast the imminent pro-fossil fuels regime change. Manitoba Hydro applied for a construction permit for a 213-km (128-mile) transmission line from Winnipeg to the US border. [Natural Gas Intelligence]
In California, the fight is on between the old guard electric utilities and renewable energy advocates. All across California, cities and counties have been moving to implement Community Choice programs because they provide cheaper, cleaner, locally generated electricity. But the utilities hope you never hear about them. [OB Rag]

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