Energy Sparks 19/08: Five Engaging Stories from the World of Energy
Welcome to Energy Sparks, your weekly exploration of the most captivating stories from the world of energy. Each week, five diverse pieces, ranging from the latest news and cutting-edge data to insightful articles and eye-opening stats. Whether these stories are fresh off the press or highlight important trends from recent months, they all share one thing: they’re shaping the future of energy.
SUV Sales Soar, Emissions Follow Suit
SUVs now make up 48% of global car sales, setting new records but also driving over 20% of last year’s growth in CO2 emissions. The shift to bigger, heavier vehicles shows no signs of slowing down.
Green Light for the UK’s Largest Subsea Power Project
Eastern Green Link 2, a massive 2GW subsea connection between Scotland and England, gets the go-ahead. Construction starts this year, aiming to power 2 million homes by 2029.
Visualize Investment Needed to Meet 2040 Battery Demand
As battery-powered devices surge, the sector is projected to require over $1.6 trillion in investment by 2040. This visualization highlights the vast capital needed to scale battery production for everything from EVs to energy storage.
China Powers Up the World’s Largest Pumped Storage Station
The 3.6 GW Fengning Pumped Storage Power Station, the world’s largest, is now fully operational with its final turbine unit online. Located in Hebei province, this massive facility marks a significant achievement for China's energy infrastructure.
Why Aren’t Heat Pumps Getting Smaller?
Unlike mobile phones, heat pumps aren't shrinking in size. While smaller heat pumps are possible, they would likely be much noisier, making compact designs less practical.