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Alaska's Small Villages Turn Toward Renewables—And Don't Look Back

Stephen Miller

August 25, 2017 |

Yes! Magazine |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Buckland, Alaska

Alaska is a state of remote and rural townships, where everything costs more to access - from food to fuel - and plunging global oil prices have pushed the state economy to the brink of financial crisis. But communities such as Buckland are taking steps to move away from dependence on fossil fuels through the building of renewable energy micro-grids. Wind, geothermal, hydro, and solar power not only help keep the lights on, but are contributing to the stabilization of local economies.

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Solar roof tiles offer tech boost for Kenya's rural classrooms

Justus Wanzala

August 25, 2017 |

Thomson Reuters Foundation |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Murang’a

In Kenyan schools, the use of “building-integrated photovoltaics” (BIPV) acts as an innovative way to get solar energy to schools. Variations of these solar tiles have spread internationally, aided by companies like Tesla. However, the impact in these Kenyan schools means students can do school work after dark and benefit from consistent computer accessibility, and schools can better plan and budget for energy use during the school year.

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Could underwater garages solve Boston's parking shortage?

Matt Rocheleau

August 22, 2017 |

The Boston Globe |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

Boston needs more parking spaces, especially in a neighborhood surrounded by water. It is looking to build an underwater parking garage, like the ones being built in Amsterdam, in order to free up street level space and add more parking to decrease car pollution from driving around searching for a parking spot.

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Why Salt Is This Power Plant's Most Valuable Asset

Molly A. Seltzer

August 04, 2017 |

Smithsonian |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, McIntosh, Alabama

One of the greatest challenges to integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid has been the issue of storage - where and how to keep power generated during off-hours (such as overnight) when demand is low. While batteries are on the rise as one solution, an Alabama power plant has discovered a natural way of storing energy until it is needed: pumping air into salt caverns.

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The world's first floating wind farm could be a game changer for renewable power

Akshat Rathi

July 24, 2017 |

Quartz |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: Scotland, Peterhead

A factor that has often held back further development of renewable energy is the initial cost. But new advances in technology are helping make offshore wind power more feasible in deep water, furthering the growth potential of renewable energy in Scotland.

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A Tool to Accelerate Energy Storage for Solar PV Projects

Lucy Kessler

July 18, 2017 |

Clean Energy Finance Forum |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, California

Since its inception, the controversial drawback with solar power is that it is powered by the sun, which fails to shine all of the time. To combat this issue, organizations are working to create a tool that can increase energy storage and expand energy resiliency all while making the effort more affordable.

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Rising from the ashes, a Buffalo suburb ends its dependence on coal

Elizabeth McGowan

July 11, 2017 |

Grist |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Tonawanda, New York

When the coal-powered Huntley Generating Station began to shut down, the livelihood of the local community in Tonawanda was greatly threatened; numerous jobs were at stake and looming impacts on the town's largest tax revenue stream meant shuttering schools and choking public services. Local community members organized and, through tenacity and frugal reallocation of resources, diverse groups - including labor unions, politicians, and environmental activists - joined forces in creating a way to sustain and revitalize their community beyond coal.

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IDB Aims to Catalyze Energy Efficiency in Latin America

Abhilasha Purwar

July 03, 2017 |

Clean Energy Finance Forum |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Barriers, such as lack of standardization and information dispersion, are preventing market development for global financing of energy-efficient projects. The Inter-American Development Bank's Energy Savings Insurance Team has developed a scheme that could increase investments resulting in greater energy efficiency; through implementations such as standardized contracts, market auditors, and an engagement framework.

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Artificial Intelligence and Decarbonization

Mark Harris

July 01, 2017 |

Anthropocene Magazine |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Netherlands, Amsterdam

As electric utilities expand to include evolving forms of energy such as varied renewables, the already complex puzzle of storage and distribution (effectively addressing surges and lulls in demand) has grown more difficult. Artificial intelligence in the form of super speed algorithms that can detect usage patterns and allocate the right types of energy at the right times is a straightforward solution that can reduce costs and emissions simultaneously, while encouraging consumer behavior change to maximize efficiency.

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When You're in a Carbon Hole, Stop Digging

Robinson Meyer

July 01, 2017 |

Anthropocene Magazine |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

The burning of coal for fuel is one of the world's largest contributors to CO2 emissions, and continues to worsen the detrimental effects of planetary warming. But while many feel hopeless in light of an administration that denies climate change and the billion-dollar companies that continue full steam ahead with mining and burning coal, a few clever individuals present a simple and straightforward solution: buy up the coal while it's still in the ground, and pay the government to keep it there.

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