While many Americans are gearing up for the July 4th holiday buying fireworks and supplies for their barbecues, they are also reading about how a massive cloud of dust from the Sahara desert is headed towards the southeastern U.S. Fortunately, it is supposed to enhance sunsets and pause the tropical storm season, according to meteorologists. As Americans are cheering for major league baseball to return in a few weeks, the NBA and the PGA Tour are learning lessons about how to social distance. And while it was announced that a robot will be the lead actress in a new sci-fi movie, the Tik Tok app set a record for most downloads in a single quarter. Though these stories and more kept us on the edge of our seats, we wanted to bring you our favorite energy headlines this week. In case you missed last week’s, check them out here.
5The first offshore wind turbine goes up on federal lease
A massive utility-scale wind project is underway and will be taking place in three phases off the coast of off Virginia and will produce up to 2.6 gigawatts of power. National Fisherman reports that offshore wind developer Ørsted has installed the first two wind turbines on a federal lease.
4This $90,000 egg-shaped tiny home is powered by wind and solar energy while collecting and filtering its own water supply — see inside
This tiny egg-shaped home will accommodate up to two people and have a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and dining room. According to Business Insider, The Ecocapsule was built with the goal of being kind to the environment, which is in part done by powering the tiny home with battery, wind, and solar power. Read more and take the tour here!
3GE will make taller wind turbines using 3D-printing
These taller wind turbines will be able to get stronger winds at higher altitudes, allowing the blades to generate more energy. The Verge has reported that General Electric has announced it is developing a skyscraper-sized wind turbine with massive 3D-printed bases.
2A flexible approach to offshore solar
A new water project aims to develop a novel concept for floating solar at sea in the Netherlands. PV Magazine reports that scientists are trialing a floating solar installation based on flexible, thin-film PV modules.
1Hydrogen Offers a Climate Lifeline
Oil-and-gas majors have spent tens of millions of dollars on pilot projects that will use Hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. According to Bloomberg Green, Blue hydrogen could be a particularly useful tool for oil and gas companies looking to re-purpose their existing investments—namely pipes.
