If you use TikTok or WeChat, it’s been a contentious week as President Donald Trump has threatened to ban the companies from operating in the U.S. by executive order in 45 days.
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— Bid On Tik Tok (@BidOnTikTok) August 7, 2020
But all is not lost with Instagram coming out with its answer to TikTok called Reels in what looks like a chance to migrate the former app’s users. And the timing couldn’t be any more perfect for all the social platform dancers out there – Dirty Dancing is getting a sequel. Speaking of comebacks for the older generations out there, apparently, two-tone car paint is back, along with drive-in movie theaters.
If you’re glad to see hockey, baseball and other sports return, but feeling blue about fans not being able to attend games, here is a parody of MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” performed by an Alabama principal who came up with a catchy way to let his students know what to expect this upcoming school year. If that doesn’t cheer you up, hopefully, some of these innovative energy ideas will. That’s right, it’s time for all of the latest energy news to get you ready for the weekend. As always, if you missed last week’s list you can find it here.
1Coronavirus Shutdowns Shift Energy Costs to Individuals
It isn’t surprising that overall energy consumption fell during COVID-19 lockdowns, but as work moved from offices to home, so did electricity use. The Wall Street Journal reports on how this shift could make things worse for those already suffering financially from the pandemic.
2Study finds offshore energy provides positive economic benefits
A study found that the U.S. has an opportunity to accelerate offshore wind energy growth, and benefit from 28 new gigawatts of clean energy and $1.7 billion in U.S. Treasury revenue by 2022. Wood Mackenzie shares its findings that confirm additional lease areas are needed to meet demand, reduce energy costs, increase competition, and ultimately generate thousands of jobs and billions in investment.
3Renewable hydrogen’s role in our future
Recent news and projects are highlighting a debate about whether renewable or “green” hydrogen is ready for use in the near future. E&E News highlights recent research that is adding to the latest hydrogen buzz.
4Adding solar into the side of buildings could enhance energy sustainability
Research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that if builders could incorporate solar harvesting into the side of a building, the amount of energy from the grid that a structure would need may significantly decrease. Science Daily explains how these efficient modular solar units could easily be hung on the side of a building.
5Get excited for floating solar with green hydrogen offshore wind farm
Shell is planning to build the massive Hollandse Kust wind farm off the coast of The Netherlands in its CrossWind joint venture with Eneco, and 759 megawatts worth of wind turbines. CleanTechnica shares how solar and green hydrogen are also part of the plan.
