wind energy

About a quarter of California's electricity comes from renewable sources, like this wind farm outside San Diego.

Renewable Energy Sector Remains Optimistic Amid Trump Policy Outlook

7:56am December 22, 2016

Despite the fossil fuel-friendly cabinet shaping up under President-elect Donald Trump, renewable energy companies aren't as pessimistic as you might think. They say market forces are on their side.

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On some sunny, spring days, California has more electricity than it can use, like from this solar farm in Fresno.

Who's In Charge? Getting Western States To Agree On Sharing Renewable Energy

7:15pm June 06, 2016

California has so much solar energy that some days, there's too much. One solution is to join forces across state borders. But in the West, that's sparking some not-so-neighborly opposition.

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Politics & Government

Trump Wants To Make Energy Production Great Again — Even As It Sets Records

11:09am May 27, 2016

by Scott Detrow

Since 2012, the U.S. has produced more oil and gas than any other country even as solar and wind power have also experienced huge growth.

Wind turbines dot the landscape in Mojave, Calif. The recent extension of federal tax credits is expected to give the wind and solar energy industries a big boost.

Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind And Solar

8:10pm December 29, 2015

by Chris Arnold

Congress has extended tax credits for clean energy as part of a $1.8 trillion spending bill. Solar and wind power companies say it will catapult the industry at a time when costs are already falling.

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Wind turbines stand in Western Maine along the Kibby Mountain range.

Wind Power Continues Steady Growth Across The U.S.

4:39pm December 21, 2015

by Jeff Brady

The wind power industry is celebrating a milestone in November: 70 gigawatts of generating capacity. Researchers say that's enough to power 19 million homes.

Winds Of Change? Rhode Island Hopes For First Offshore Wind Farm

4:04pm August 02, 2015

by Ambar Espinoza

Rhode Island is trying to have more success than a similar project off the coast of Massachusetts. However some residents worry the farm will disrupt the ocean view.

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Renewable energy sources — such as the Eolo wind park about 75 miles south of the Nicaraguan capital, Managua — generate about half of the country's electricity. Officials predict that figure could rise to 80 percent within years.

Nicaragua's Renewable Energy Revolution Picks Up Steam

4:26pm March 11, 2015

by John Otis

A few years ago, Nicaragua was almost totally dependent on imported fuel. Now the country's fierce winds, sun and volcanoes generate nearly half the country's electricity, and perhaps 80 percent soon.

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A pilot for Earl's Flying Service sprays chemicals on a field in southeastern Missouri.

For Crop-Duster Pilots, Wind Towers Present Danger

11:29am December 17, 2014

by Jacob McCleland

Short, unlit towers are used to prospect for new wind farms. But the structures pose a threat to crop-duster pilots. Transportation officials are urging better markings and other safety improvements.

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Five industrial wind turbines form part of the Gorona del Viento power plant on the island of El Hierro. By the end of this year, the power plant is set to generate 100 percent of the energy El Hierro needs, making it the world's first energy-independent

Tiny Spanish Island Nears Its Goal: 100 Percent Renewable Energy

3:21pm September 28, 2014

by Lauren Frayer

El Hierro, the most remote of Spain's Canary Islands, used to import thousands of tons of diesel each year. Now a new power plant will let the island run entirely on renewable energy.

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The offshore wind farm in the North Sea near Borkum, Germany, is nearly complete. The Riffgat facility, seen here on June 23, includes 30 turbines, each with a generating capacity of 3.6 megawatts.

Sold! First Parcels Auctioned For Future Offshore Wind Farms

6:01pm August 02, 2013

by Elizabeth Shogren

The federal government held its first ever auction for the right to build offshore wind farms on Wednesday. After 11 rounds, a Rhode Island company was the highest bidder, at $3.8 million.

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