National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC)’s Post

☀ A Bright Future for Clean Energy Amid Political Changes 🌱 With Trump’s recent election victory, discussions around U.S. energy policy are heating up. However, as we approach what is on track to be the hottest year on record in 2024, the momentum for clean energy solutions continues to grow stronger. Despite concerns about a renewed focus on fossil fuels, the transition to renewable energy is driven by undeniable economic benefits that states across the political spectrum are already experiencing. Investments in solar and wind technologies are creating jobs and revitalizing local economies, particularly in traditionally red states. Experts agree that while political shifts may bring some challenges, the clean energy market is resilient and adaptable. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability among businesses and local leaders will ensure that progress continues. As Jason Grumet from the American Clean Power Association (ACP) noted, private sector investment in clean energy is transforming rural communities and creating new economic opportunities. This is more than just an environmental responsibility; it’s about seizing the economic potential of a sustainable future. #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth #ClimateAction

#Quote "Energy justice demands that we not only develop renewable energy but also address inequities and climate-induced displacement, recognizing that solutions must be as diverse and complex as the challenges we face."-Prof. Nadia B. Ahmad Yale School of the Environment International Energy Agency (IEA)

💬 “The transformation toward clean energy in the UK is not only a strategic imperative but also an environmental and economic necessity.” NSC Transparent Ocean Research Fellow, Md Junayed Hasan, PhD, has channelled his interest in clean energy into a compelling article titled ‘The Clean Energy Revolution in the UK: Harnessing Opportunities Amidst Challenges’ 🌎🌱. Within the piece, Junayed covers a variety of important topics related to clean energy including:     💡 The Necessity of Clean Energy  💡 Beneficiaries of Clean Energy  💡 Industrial Adaptation and Social Impact  💡 The Role of Technology and AI  💡 North-East Scotland: Industry Overview and Future Prospects    #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #GreenTechnology #DataStrategy #OpenInnovation 

The need for clean energy alternatives is crucial, however, moving too quickly to deploy options like #hydrogen puts communities most burdened by pollution and unaffordable energy systems at risk of even greater harms. Read more on the need for decision-makers to implement equity parameters to regulate clean hydrogen implementation in our latest blog by Fatima Abdul-Khabir: https://bit.ly/3Wr8uTc

This is an excellent breakdown of the environmental justice concerns with hydrogen, with particular focus on California but is broadly applicable throughout the country. Industry (including the oil majors) and policymakers are hyping hydrogen and leaving significant health and safety concerns completely unaddressed, not to mention the hydrogen production methods and end uses that are being promoted and publicly subsidized that would result in increased climate warming. Earlier this year, Just Solutions convened several frontline and EJ groups from areas around the country where DOE hydrogen hubs and other hydrogen projects are being proposed. We co-created a framework to help communities evaluate hydrogen energy projects proposed in their neighborhoods: https://lnkd.in/gYeF-Qza

April is Earth Month. A month to reflect on the state of our planet, and raise awareness about pollution, our carbon footprint, and sustainability. Earth Day is April 22nd, the day we celebrate environmental protection, and encourage actions that promote the health of our planet. We will use this month to shine a light on the energy transition, as its success is vital in the combat of the climate crisis. With the energy transition, we refer to the global shift from fossil fuels - oil, natural gas, and coal - to renewable energy sources - wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass. There are four main reasons why we need to rapidly shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources: 👉 Climate change mitigation: the burning of fossil fuels yearly spews gigatons of CO2 into the atmosphere. CO2 - like methane - is a potent greenhouse gas, and greenhouse gases are the major contributors to climate change. To say it with Jay Inslay: "We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change, and the last generation that can do something about it." 👉 Improved energy security: shifting toward renewable energy sources reduces our dependency on imported fuels. The war in the Ukraine has (once again) demonstrated how our dependency on fossil fuels makes us vulnerable. A glance over the last fifty years of geopolitical history will also reveal that oil interests were at the center of many disputes and wars. 👉 Economic benefits: investing in renewable energy technology is the better economic choice. Job creation, sustainable economic development, and lower cost of energy, as renewable energy sources prove cheaper. 👉 Environmental protection: phasing out fossil fuels will not only help mitigate climate change but will drastically reduce pollution while improving air quality. Not to mention that our health will improve as a result of lower pollution and better air quality. Win-win. Reasons enough for us to help shape the energy transition. Massive renewable energy projects roll-out, grid innovations, and smart energy storage systems will be vital to make the energy transition a success. #grids #smartbattery #energytransition #cleantech

Clean energy is more than just a solution, it's a promise of a brighter, cleaner future. These energy sources provide abundant, reliable, and renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. By shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy sources like solar and wind power, we can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution, diversify energy sources, stimulate economic growth. #BioverseNG #Biodiversity #onewithnature Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany SustyVibes

#ExpertSpeaks I In the journey towards energy transition and electrification, it's crucial for communities, especially those in underserved regions, to recognise their potential to shape policies which directly affect their lives. It all starts with awareness - understanding how the system works and realising that their voices can drive change. Recently, CEEP hosted Ashwini Ghayal Chitnis, an energy policy researcher, for a guest lecture. During her talk, she emphasised that as electricity consumers, we have more power than we often realise. This statement resonates deeply in the current energy landscape, where community engagement is vital for shaping effective energy policies. She highlights these as some of the key points to keep in mind: 1.) 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Civil society plays a pivotal role in shaping energy policies. By participating in regulatory processes, communities can hold institutions accountable and advocate for their needs. 2.) 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Knowledge is power. Communities must be informed about their rights and the mechanisms available to voice their concerns regarding energy access and pricing. 3.) 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: While challenges exist, the energy sector offers established frameworks for engagement. It's essential to push for better implementation of these frameworks to ensure that every voice is heard. #EnergyTransition #CommunityEngagement #PowerSector #Rajasthan #GuestLecture #EnergyPolicy #ConsumerEmpowerment

At Clean Energy Association of BC (CEBC)’s #Generate2024 Conference last week, discussions centered on Indigenous partnerships, regulatory changes in BC, and capacity development to support First Nations electrification opportunities in BC. In a fireside chat with the Honorable Minister Josie Osborne on clean electricity, Dr. Suzanne von der Porten, BSc, MBA, PhD, Vice President of Clean Energy Strategy at FNMPC, emphasized the insights gained from FNMPC's member nations on the momentum for Indigenous equity ownership and consent in future electricity projects. She underlined that this momentum must be met by ensuring that First Nations are presented with risk mitigating options for participation and access to business capacity and negotiation supports. "FNMPC’s last decade of doing these negotiations and providing capacity support to First Nations members has given us a line of sight into optimizing the position of First Nations in these deals." She also shared three takeaways from the recently released National Indigenous Electrification Strategy (#NIES) developed by FNMPC and Mokwateh: 1. The scale of the opportunity of electrification in Canada and Indigenous nations. Already Indigenous nations in Canada are the third largest owners of electricity assets, after governments and utilities. 2. The importance of the role of energy sovereignty for Indigenous nations in electrification. 3. How electrification projects, if done right, have the potential to address elements of both the climate crisis AND Indigenous reconciliation through Indigenous equity ownership. For more details on the National Indigenous Electrification Strategy and FNMPC's resources on the BC Call for Power, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gM2AyQmb

Renewable energy communities can be leveraged to strengthen #socialjustice in the #energysystem, but bold policy actions are needed to structurally tackle social justice issues across the EU. Read our collaborative briefing with BEcoop, COME RES, EC2, Sun4All, NRG2PEERS, POWER POOR, eCREW, UP STAIRS and W4RES here: https://bit.ly/45XzfSW