MacKay deals with the essential numbers that put various clean energy sources into the context necessary to make sensible choices. He puts emphasis on energy density, or in other words, how much land is needed for each source, and how applicable each is in different environments. The finest source on the subject. moreless

Do numbers speak? Here are the numbers, and here are explanations of what they are saying. The truths are more important than the myths. Should be obligatory reading. moreless

This Synthesis Report is based on the assessment carried out by the three Working Groups (WGs) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It provides an integrated view of climate change as the final part of the IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). Topic 1 summarizes observed changes in climate and their effects on natural and human systems, regardless of their causes, while Topic 2 assesses the causes of the observed changes. Topic 3 presents projections of future climate change and related impacts under different scenarios. Topic 4 discusses adaptation and mitigation options over the next few decades and their interactions with sustainable development. Excellent example of the thinking and methodology, but not the most recent data. moreless

Massive climate documentation library. A “must” reference for diverse quality information. Few areas can benefit as much from Open Access as climate change research: the combination of public, scientific, and governmental interest with the mounting misinformation, unsubstantiated opinions, and unsourced data make public access to original, well-reported, and peer-reviewed climate change research of utmost importance. An international reference. moreless

Max Planck Institut’s analysis of the German energy transition project and identification of its numerous limitations. moreless

US commitment to COP22. This document lays out a strategy to deeply decarbonize the U.S. economy by 2050. This document has been presented immediately after the US 2016 election results. At this point in time, little is known about the future of these very worthwhile commitments. moreless

Explains how France intends to reduce GHG to 140 Mt (divide by factor 4, 1990 — 2050) in two generations. moreless

MIT RESEARCH MISSION Our integrated team of natural and social scientists studies the interactions among human and Earth systems to provide a sound foundation of scientific knowledge to aid decision makers in confronting future food, energy, water, climate, air pollution and other interwoven challenges. Much details on energy alternatives, including costs, safety, and timeliness of availability. moreless

This article presents some crucial findings of the joint research project entitled Storage of electric energy from renewable sources in the natural gas grid-water electrolysis and synthesis of gas components. The challenges of using these technologies on an industrial scale are discussed. moreless

Finally the truth is coming out regarding the possibility of powering the entire US with only wind, sun and water. Jacobson understood that he could capture the populist ideological wing of the climate advocates, but the science caught up. moreless

Electricity generating power plants interact with each other and their customers through the electricity grid as well as the wider natural, economic and social environment. This means that electricity production generates costs beyond the perimeter of the individual plant. moreless

At present, grid-scale wind and solar generation all over the world is being accommodated into power grids indirectly, mainly through combined cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) ramping up and down to balance variable renewable energy (RE) supply. To become truly carbon free 100% RE, two strategies have been pursued. moreless

Hysterically funny, ironic, and scientifically precise critique of Jacobson’s “100% wind, water and sun” scenario applied to Finland. Rauli Partanen is an author, commentator, and member of SOP. moreless

Table showing German energy transition, created by McKinsey consultants for the German government. moreless

Substantial reduction in carbon intensity drives carbon emissions to peak between 2020 and 2040 across the three scenarios. Still, to reach global climate targets, the world needs an exceptional and enduring effort on top of already pledged commitments, and coordinated global action at unprecedented levels, with meaningful carbon prices. moreless

Graph showing most of the climate-related parameters, including the cumulative CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions by country. Much useful data. Data source was the World Resources Institute. moreless

Wind and solar power generation have grown dramatically, yet they still generate only a small fraction of electricity or of primary energy. In 2017, for example, wind and solar generated 6.0% and 1.8% respectively of US electricity. Wind and solar, like all energy systems, occupy land, displacing natural systems, agriculture, and human communities. Power density, the energy generation rate per time per unit ground area (expressed here as We m−2), is one important measure of the land use of energy systems. Existing power density estimates for wind and solar are inconsistent. As an example of the implications of these results, consider Germany and its ambitious energy transformation policy. If US wind power density was applicable to Germany, then devoting all German land to wind power would meet about 40% of Germany's total primary energy consumption. moreless