In order to reach 2050 climate goals to enable the clean energy transition and scale critical mineral mining in a sustainable way, the US will have to up it's game and increase international cooperation at the same time. A delicate dance.

Clean energy resilience refers to the ability of a community or region to maintain a reliable and sustainable energy supply even in the face of extreme weather events. Unlike traditional fossil fuel-dependent systems, clean energy infrastructure is inherently more resilient. Our climate change expert Brad Carl talks about ways the clean energy industry is responding.

At it’s core, the story of the clean energy transition is simple. It is the shift of the global economy from fossil fuels to instead run on carbon-free energy. It is a narrative with immense stakes. In this three-part series we will take a look Texas and the role it’s playing in the transition and possibly raising the stakes for those to follow.

Green hydrogen has emerged as a promising contender in the race to decarbonize our energy systems – including energy storage, heavy industry and hard to abate sectors, maritime shipping, and aviation. Now, it can be produced with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

From campaign trail promises to final enacted legislation, those of us in the energy community have been thrilled for the boost that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has provided American business. As we look back on and celebrate the one-year anniversary of this landmark legislation, there are many milestones to acknowledge and many opportunities on the horizon. 

Led by our esteemed Silverline Advisory Council member, Peter Kelly-Detwiler, with participation from Silverline’s cleantech innovators network, “Chemistry for Cleantech: Unleashing the Power of the Periodic Table” guided webinar guests through the underlying chemistry and technology innovation driving the fight against climate change.

The accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has changed the automotive industry forever. Tax credits and subsidies have lowered the initial cost barrier for many. According to the Edison Electric Institute, the number of EVs on U.S. roads is projected to reach 26 million in 2030, up from 19 million in 2018. All eyes now turn to whether or not domestic infrastructure to charge all those EVs can keep pace. This rise in EV popularity can be attributed to several factors, including a greater awareness of the environmental impact of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and advances in EV technology. The decreasing cost of EV batteries and the availability of government incentives and tax credits also have contributed to this increased adoption.

Unprecedented climate legislation is opening a vast array of opportunities for those in the cleantech space. The $369 billion dollars in federal funding is proving to be a gamechanger by delivering critical investments to climate tech developers and manufacturers. Companies are taking advantage of tax incentives and grants for solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects. Developments are moving even faster in e-mobility, where Americans now can now tap into a $7,500 credit to buy EVs. The law also requires that some manufacturing and assembly of EVs happens right here at home in the U.S. And as an important first, this law will dedicate between around $60 billion to environmental and climate justice efforts.

On the heels of the most transformative climate legislation in history, the clean energy movement is poised for action. Against this backdrop, how can climate and cleantech attract and elevate diverse voices that reflect the communities where equitable and just climate action is needed most? As a cleantech communications agency with diversity, equity, and inclusion at our core, Silverline wondered how Black leaders in cleantech are addressing the issue, so we partnered with Canary Media to develop and sponsor a forum on Accelerating Black Leadership in Climate Tech.