Green Energy

Friday, March 20, 2026

Headline News:

“Trump Administration Considers Endangered Species Act Exemption” • Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the Endangered Species Committee will meet on March 31 to address a potential Endangered Species Act exemption related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico. The existence of the Rice’s whale may be at stake. [CleanTechnica]

“Europe’s Fertilizer Crisis: Prices Surge Due To Iran War And Dependence On Russia” • The fertilizer market is facing a double crisis. The Iran war is driving up prices, as the Strait of Hormuz is blocked. At the same time it is becoming clear how dependent Europe still is on Russian supplies. Fertiliser markets are under pressure at the moment it is needed. [Euronews]
“Brent Crude Oil Briefly Crosses $119 After Iran Hit Largest Qatari Energy Site” • The Iran war has seemingly escalated, with major oil and gas facilities being targeted by both sides. Brent crude oil traded briefly above $119 a barrel after Iran struck the largest energy site in Qatar after Israeli strikes against the Iranian South Pars gas field. [Euronews]
“States, Cities Sue EPA Over Repeal Of The ‘Endangerment’ Finding Central To Climate Fight” • Two dozen states, along with more than a dozen cities and counties, sued the EPA, challenging the Trump administration’s repeal of a scientific finding that had been the central basis for US action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. [ABC News]
“Pentagon Seeking $200 Billion More For Iran War, Official Says” • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon will ask Congress for more money to cover the Iran war, as he wants to ensure current and future costs are covered “above and beyond.” A senior official confirmed that a $200 billion request was sent to the White House. [ABC News]

Headline News:

“Could A Global Economy Dependent On Renewable Energy See Less War?” • A widespread transition to renewable energy could mitigate a major cause of international conflict in a future that moves away from fossil fuels, energy and climate change experts told ABC News. An analysis shows that oil is a leading cause of modern-day war. [ABC News]

Oil Pipeline (Wolfgang Weiser, Unsplash)

“Thor Offshore Wind Farm Starts Generating” • The Thor offshore wind farm in Denmark has delivered electricity to the grid for the first time following installation of its first turbine. RWE said the 1.1-GW project, located off Denmark’s west coast near Jutland, is progressing as planned with turbine installation underway and supplying power. [reNews]
“EU Deploys Drones And Robots To Remove Litter From The Sea Floor” • Scientists and companies behind SeaClear2.0 have developed a fleet of drones that can identify rubbish on the seabed. Robots powered by AI but supervised by humans can distinguish such things as bottles, tires, and other debris from rocks, plants, and marine life. [Euronews]
“Iran War Shows That Doubling Down On Fossil Fuels Is ‘Delusional,’ UN Climate Chief Says” • The Iran war’s disruption to the global energy market should be a wake-up call for those that continue to rely on fossil fuels, said UN climate chief Simon Stiell in a speech at the Green Growth Summit. He argued not to depend on fossil fuels. [Inside Climate News]+
“Can The US Petroleum Reserve Stop The Rise In Oil Prices? Experts Weigh In” • Global crude oil prices hovered around $101 per barrel on Monday, which marked a staggering 44% increase since the Middle East conflict was started. The current oil crisis raises questions about whether the US could release stockpiles oil to stop the rise of gasoline prices. [ABC News]

Headline News:

“Energy Secretary Wright Says War With Iran ‘Will Certainly’ End In Next Few Weeks” • Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the war with Iran will come to an end in the next few weeks, and possibly sooner. Wright’s comments come as Americans are seeing increasingly high gas prices as a result of the war and are concerned about costs. [ABC News]

“Fossil Fuels ‘Ripping Away National Security’ But Renewables ‘Turn The Tables’, Says UNFCCC Executive Secretary” • ‘Sunlight doesn’t depend on vulnerable shipping straits,’ Simon Stiell said at the Green Growth Summit. “Fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, and replacing them with subservience and rising costs.” [Euronews]
“When Fossil Fuel Supplies Falter, Interest In Renewables Increases” • People who drive conventional cars sneer at those of us who drive EVs. Why take the risk of running out of battery power when there is always a gas station just a few miles away? That’s a great question, assuming the next station has fuel to sell. But what if it doesn’t? [CleanTechnica]
“A Landmark In Renewable Energy” • Madhya Pradesh takes the lead in strengthening India’s renewable energy sector by commissioning the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Power Plant on the Narmada River reservoir. Located in Khandwa district, the plant has a capacity of 278 MW, making it the largest floating solar project in the country. [The Hans India]
“MGA Thermal Lands New Funding To Scale Renewable Heat Storage Solution” • Thermal energy storage system developer MGA Thermal, based in New South Wales, intends to scale its manufacturing capacity and commercial capability rapidly after securing $17 million in new funding led by venture capital firm IP Group Australia. [pv magazine Australia]