Energy

The Tri-Cities is poised to become the capital of clean energy. Our special section explores the limits of the BPA power system and the end of dirty power.

DonBrunell

Recycling lithium batteries must accelerate to keep up with EV demand

Demand for electric vehicles (EV) is soaring, accelerated by climate change concerns. EVs reduce tailpipe emissions from cars, trucks and buses which are responsible for...
Solar panels with wind turbines and electricity pylon at sunset.

Energy Briefs – December 2022

Longtime Benton REA manager retires Benton REA’s longtime manager has retired. Mike Bradshaw worked at Benton Rural Electric Association for 33 years and spent 41...
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Our future is bright if we unite behind energy

The Tri-Cities is uniquely blessed when it comes to energy, and that makes it uniquely well positioned to become the regional, if not national, capital...
A lineman works on a transmission line above Lower Monumental Dam, which bridges Franklin and Walla Walla counties on the lower Snake River. (Courtesy Franklin PUD)

End of low-cost power is barrier to economic development

In Ferndale, near Bellingham, a battle is being waged over a shuttered aluminum plant. Alcoa closed the plant in 2020 – and permanently idled another...
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BPA seeks common ground as power demand soars

For more than 80 years, the Bonneville Power Administration has supported local economies and regional growth by providing affordable, clean energy to consumer-owned utilities such...
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PNNL positioned to lead U.S. toward clean energy

Research at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has contributed for decades to the region’s leading role in clean energy technology development and deployment. The laboratory, based...
Bob Wegeng, left, STARS Technology Corporation, and Marty Conger of Fuse Fund stand outside of the Fuse building in Richland. (Photo by Jeff Morrow)

Richland startup aims to fuel hydrogen-powered ecosystem

Most people drive gasoline-powered vehicles. Others have moved over to electric vehicles. But imagine a third option – driving a hydrogen-powered car or truck at...
Three linemen work on a power pole in Franklin County. (Courtesy Franklin PUD)

Crypto mining isn’t the only challenge to power dilemma

Energy faces a new frontier. Demands on data storage and energy to fuel computing power are exponentially ramping up as technology evolves and digital industries...