In case you missed it over the holidays, gas prices are predicted to rise in 2022 and the national average could reach $4.00 a gallon amid soaring demand. On Tuesday, OPEC+ agreed to stick to its planned increase in oil output for February as it expects the Omicron coronavirus variant to have a short-lived impact on global energy demand.
On Wednesday, it was reported that federal agencies are facing pressure to carry out President Biden’s energy and climate polices. The DOE, the DOI and FERC are expected to implement new programs and policies included in the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law last year as well as respond to executive orders aimed at accelerating the energy transition.
And to round-out what’s happening around the world with energy, the U.S. is now the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas as Europe’s energy crisis and shortages in China send demand for American shipments soaring.
Want more energy news? Check out our top five favorite stores of the week below!
Dead lithium batteries get second life
Scientists have found a way to make “dead” lithium-ion batteries useable again. Electrek reports that this new research could extend a battery’s usefulness by as much as 30%., as the lithium-ion batteries found in most EVs and hybrid vehicles tend to lose energy capacity over time.
India invests in $1.61 billion into green energy transmission
India’s Cabinet this week approved plans to build $1.61 billion worth of transmission lines over the next 5 years, linking 20 gigawatts of renewable energy to their grid. As the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, Reuters reports that the plan is estimated to cut emissions by a billion tonnes by 2030!
New fiber battery becomes world’s longest and thinnest; can be woven, washed and resist fire
Engineers have created the world’s longest and thinnest flexible battery to help overcome obstacles in powering new technologies like flexible gadgets, electric vehicles, and medical devices. Business Insider explains that because of its flexibility and ability to be woven and washed, the battery has the potential to be used in unique ways, like incorporated into ordinary clothing as a power source.
Solar panels of the future could be as thin as your office trash bag
Solar engineers are working to make solar panels ultrathin, flexible and lightweight. Anthropocene Magazine reports that solar panels like these could even achieve transparency ,and be used in items such as clothing, wearable electronics, windows, drones, and electric vehicles.
The largest single-phase renewable energy project in the U.S. goes into operation
The wind power complex, Western Spirit Wind, is located in New Mexico and will generate enough electricity to meet the needs or more than 900,000 Americans. Renewables Now shares that the project will provide electricity to California and New Mexico while helping to diversify their energy mix.
