Published

8 months ago

February 24, 2025

Alice Rush

Xcel Energy Retires Coal, €16B for EU Wind Projects

On News Flash this week, substantial investment for renewables across Europe by the European Investment Bank, Octopus Energy’s “The Collective” proves a success in the UK, and Xcel Energy plans to eliminate their coal power plants in the US Midwest by 2030.

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Allen Hall: Starting off the week, the European Investment Bank is making bold moves to accelerate wind energy development across Europe, signing significant agreements with both BNP Paribas and Banco Satandier. These partnerships will generate up to 16 billion euros in wind energy investments through innovative counter guarantee agreements.

The initiatives are part of the EIB’s broader 5 billion euro wind power package, demonstrating Europe’s commitment to renewable energy expansion and industrial competitiveness.

The deals will enable manufacturers to receive advanced payments and provide performance guarantees for new wind projects, while also supporting supply chain efficiency and grid interconnections. This financing structure is backed by Invest eu, the eus ambitious program aiming to mobilize over 372 billion euros in investments by 2027. 2400 onshore wind turbines representing 14 gigawatts

of capacity. While the upcoming election has introduced some uncertainty with skepticism from leading parties, Industry experts still remain optimistic. The CDU, likely to lead the next government, is expected to maintain support for wind energy given its reliability and cost effectiveness in producing clean energy. Over in the UK, Octopus Energy’s groundbreaking investment platform, The Collective, has demonstrated remarkable success with its first two wind projects selling out within just one week.

The platform democratizes renewable energy investment by allowing public participation with investments ranging from 25 to 20, 000 with no fees. Located in Yorkshire and Wales, these projects attracted hundreds of investors. And the company is now expanding to expand the platform through its Pass the Power campaign, inviting more renewable energy projects to list on the platform.

And in the United States, despite challenging political headwinds, Xcel Energy is making significant progress in renewable energy deployment in the Upper Midwest. Their ambitious plan includes adding 3, 400 megawatts of wind energy and 550 megawatts of solar power.

The company aims to retire all coal plants in the region by 2030 and potentially reduce emissions by up to 88 percent compared to 2005 levels. The plan also includes innovative energy storage solutions including testing new iron air battery technology at their Becker site.

That’s this week’s top news stories. Stay tuned tomorrow for the Uptime Wind Energy podcast with Rosemary Barnes, Joel Saxum, Phil Totaro, and me.

https://weatherguardwind.com/xcel-energy-retires-coal-eu-wind/

Renewable Energy

I Know a Threat When I See One

Published

18 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Alice Rush

ICE agents have every reason to fear for their lives when protesters present this sort of nasty demeanor.

I Know a Threat When I See One

Renewable Energy

The East Wing

Published

19 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Alice Rush

Here’s a beautiful piece of writing political commentator Rick Wilson the demolition of the East Wing of the White House.

Perhaps this is stupid question, but I need to ask it nonetheless: Does the president of the U.S. have the right to do something like this? I presume he doesn’t have a deed to the White House. As such, can he sell it? Build a Pizza Hut on the property?

How is this situation different than my walking across the street to the park, where I commence cutting down trees because they block my view of the mountains in the distance?

I would expect to be in handcuffs within a few minutes. Why? It’s not me property.

The East Wing

Renewable Energy

What the Destruction of the White House East Wing Means

Published

19 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Alice Rush

Here are a couple of remarks on Trump’s destroying the East Wing of the White House:

From Dan Rather

Witnessing any part of its demolition is a gut punch. Trump crossed an invisible line by destroying something that wasn’t his to destroy. You could say that about so much of what he has done, but the visual of seeing a bulldozer taking down part of this national treasure was a painful reminder of how he and his administration work every day at dismantling our democracy.

From the District of Columbia Preservation League

The demolition of the East Wing of the White House represents a collective loss—a serious affront to United States history and architectural heritage. While some may argue that modernization justifies this project, the country cannot overlook the profound cultural significance of the East Wing and its role within the White House complex. Its loss results in the irreplaceable erasure of a rich chapter in our national narrative.

Dating to the early 20th century, the East Wing has facilitated the initiatives of countless First Ladies, promoted public engagement, and welcomed millions of visitors, embodying the principle that government belongs to the people. Tearing down this vital space limits future opportunities for civic involvement and increases the risk of a lost connection between the presidency and the public.