CLIMATE: Current climate models underestimate how “plummeting” prices for solar and storage could drive a quicker net-zero transition, researchers find. (Utility Dive)

ALSO:

  • Forecasters say this winter’s El Niño climate pattern could develop into one of the most intense ever observed, unleashing deadly fires, drought, heat waves, floods and mudslides around the world. (Washington Post)
  • As climate change makes weather disasters more frequent, the cleanup industry is increasingly relying on low-wage immigrant labor — and exposing those populations to harmful toxins like mold, asbestos and lead. (Grist)

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UTILITIES: Observers say the result of Maine’s vote to create a public power utility this November could change the course of climate action — and serve as a harbinger of similar efforts around the country. (Boston Globe)

STORAGE:

  • Texas’ growth of battery installation, from 275 MW in 2020 to 3,500 MW now, played a major role in protecting the state grid against blackouts this summer even as it set records for power demand. (Canary Media)
  • American and South Korean companies announce plans to build a $65 million battery recycling facility in Kentucky that will provide materials to a separate battery-related operation in the same town. (Associated Press)
  • University of Cincinnati researchers are developing a battery that improves storage performance at lower costs by using new materials to prevent short circuiting. (WVXU)
  • A former fossil fuel-fired generating station in West Springfield, Massachusetts, is being considered for a $70 million battery storage facility. (MassLive)

GRID: U.S. grid operators say rapid electrification could threaten reliability if they don’t have time to adapt to new demand. (Reuters)

OFFSHORE WIND: 

EFFICIENCY:

Fresh Energy Benefit Breakfast
What will it take to deliver on the promise of an equitable, clean energy future? Join Fresh Energy in-person or virtually at their October 12 Benefit Breakfast fundraiser with keynote speaker Ramez Naam, climate tech investor and author. 

OVERSIGHT: A new Minnesota law aims to level the playing field and allow small nonprofits to be reimbursed for eligible costs for arguing energy cases before state regulators. (Energy News Network)

COMMENTARY: The Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives for energy efficient appliances need to be simplified if they have any hope of widespread success, argues climate writer Robinson Meyer. (New York Times)

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Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.