Brazil’s Controversial Oil Block Auction: What It Means for Climate and Indigenous Rights

In the Mojave Desert of California, Searles Valley Minerals is shifting from coal to solar energy. This mining plant plans to replace one of its coal units with a solar thermal system. However, the second unit may need to stay operational for now because it requires a lot of heat and constant power.

The new solar system is from a start-up called GlassPoint. They use mirrors to focus sunlight to produce high heat, which is perfect for hot areas. Still, this technology demands a lot of land and isn’t commonly used in the U.S.

Despite California’s goal to phase out coal, the transition could be challenging. There are economic and geographical factors at play, making it tough for industries to fully shift from fossil fuels.

Dennis Cruise, the president of Searles Valley Minerals, highlights the issues with coal: “We just think coal is going to be a problem. We’re going to have a hard time sourcing it. We need to be ready to pivot.” This reflects a growing uncertainty around coal’s future.

Industrial heat, which is critical for mining and manufacturing, makes up about half of the world’s energy use. Yet, it rarely makes headlines in climate discussions. Unlike home heating or vehicle energy, generating the extreme heat needed in these industries without fossil fuels is a real challenge. Most renewable options can’t provide the continuous, high temperatures required. This reality keeps some companies relying on coal, even when it’s becoming less popular.

Recent statistics show a significant gap in renewable energy technology’s capability to meet industrial needs. A study from the International Energy Agency reported that industrial heat accounts for nearly 50% of energy consumption globally, emphasizing why this issue is crucial in climate strategies.

Moving away from coal isn’t only about political will; it’s also about technology and practicality. As America aims to reduce carbon emissions, addressing the energy needs of heavy industries must be part of the conversation.

For more about renewable efforts in agriculture, check out how farmers are using solar panels to protect crops and conserve water here.

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biodiversity, climate change, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, fossil fuels, public health