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Fukushima powers toward 100% goal on renewables as grid and cost woes linger

Eric Johnston

March 11, 2018 |

The Japan Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Japan, Fukushima, Ōkuma

Despite the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011, the region is working diligently towards reaching a goal of being 100 percent renewable energy efficient by 2040. Through a series of pilot programs as well as partnerships, the region has gained strong community buy in as well as central government and business support.

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Changing Course: Coal Country Students Working For A Power Switch

Benny Becker

March 09, 2018 |

Ohio Valley ReSource |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Kentucky

As coal jobs become increasingly rare, schools in Kentucky are facing rising electricity prices and declining tax rates. Through innovative class work and partnerships with solar installation companies, local students are leading the movement to develop a new energy economy, and they are getting results. One teenager, the daughter of a former coal miner, noted, "[The coal industry is] dying down and...there definitely needs to be something there to back it up."

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How a small town reclaimed its grid and sparked a community revolution

Aditya Chakrabortty

February 28, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Germany, Wolfhagen

In Wolfhagen, Germany, one man led the quest to take back the electricity supply into the hands of the public. By entering a lengthy negotiation with E.ON, one of the biggest energy companies in the world, Martin Rühl demonstrated that public ownership of utilities would save residents money and empower them, as well. The small German town is now using its extra funding to explore renewable energy, acting as a leader for municipalities across Europe.

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Fed up with high rates, a Colorado city considers ditching its utility and relying on the sun

Jason Margolis

February 26, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Pueblo, Colorado

Residents in Pueblo, Colorado pay some of the highest electricity rates despite being one of the lowest-income cities in the state. In an attempt to become independent of the corporate utility company that determines the price of energy, the community is working to become powered by 100 percent renewable energy and convince local government to implement a city-run utility.

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Geothermal Energy Grows in Kenya

Amy Yee

February 23, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya

Kenya harnesses geothermal energy to power the nation. By developing naturally occurring geothermal areas at the East African Rift, they were able to supply almost half of the country's energy needs in 2015.

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Offshore wind projects breathe life into struggling UK ports

Chris Bentley

February 14, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United Kingdom, Grimsby

In the port of Grimsby in the United Kingdom, the community was struggling to thrive with very few jobs and not much of an industry. Offshore wind power has recently changed that future, however, by not only lowering the cost of energy resources, but bring jobs to the region.

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Meet the Man Bringing Cheap Renewable Energy to His Hometown

J. Gabriel Ware

January 26, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

To combat energy cost inequality while also helping the environment, Ali Dirul started Ryter Cooperative Industries (RCI) to bring renewable energy to his hometown of Detroit. RCI is working with local partners to install solar-powered lights in low-income communities, as well as building net-zero energy homes. With the support of the city, which is investing in sustainability initiatives, RCI hopes to make energy more equitable for all.

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Bioeconomy: A global trend?

Vijay Shankar Balakrishnan

January 22, 2018 |

Deutsche Welle (DW) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Finland

Bioeconomy is the practice of using biological processes and organic materials to reduce waste, and it's gaining traction as a means of business. Finland is home to one of the largest bioproduct mills, where "a whole ecosystem of companies" work together on projects such as converting sustainably logged wood into pulp before selling it to Europe and Asia and producing solid biofuels which will eventually create electricity.

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As environmentalists warn about water scarcity, these two companies are saving water and money

Jason Margolis

January 11, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

Monitoring usage incentivizes water-intensive companies to develop water-saving techniques. Boston-based nonprofit, CERES, helps companies like Pepsi and Levi’s develop more sustainable practices. For example, Pepsi recaptures more of its runoff and has replaced water with pressurized air in its cleaning process. Levi’s also replaced water with air, using ozone gas to treat its denim. Tracking and reducing water use improves efficiency and saves the companies money.

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Hurricanes blew away Puerto Rico's power grid. Now solar power is rising to fill the void.

Daniella Cheslow

January 04, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Puerto Rico

Solar power is a great advancement for renewable energy, but traditionally relies on connecting to a grid in order to function correctly. So when hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, even those with solar panels lost access to electricity. A micro-grid offers an alternative solution, however, by relying on battery power.

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