Energy
KQED Science
Auburn Dam: The Water Project That Won’t Die
The giant dam and reservoir remains on the radar, whether or not it has a future.
KQED Science
California Trails Texas in Wind Power, Says New Report
Despite some of the strongest renewable energy incentives in the country, California produces less than half the wind energy generated in the Lone Star State.
KQED Science
Chevron Tries Again With Richmond Refinery Revamp
Chevron is looking to launch a billion-dollar construction project at its Richmond refinery. It’s a slimmed down version of a project that environmentalists stopped with a lawsuit a few years ago.
KQED Science
California Farmers Look to Oil Industry for Water
As water supplies tighten for California farmers, some are looking to an unlikely new source: a water recycling project in one of the state's oldest oil fields.
KQED Science
How Water and Oil Mix in California
California is the third-largest oil producing state in the country. To produce oil, companies deal with massive amounts of water. They need it for hydraulic fracturing, and they produce a lot from underground.
KQED Science
With Drought, New Scrutiny Over Fracking’s Water Use
The drought is putting a spotlight on water use around California, including for hydraulic fracturing. How much water does fracking use and will it increase as companies tap into the Monterey Shale, estimated to be the largest oil resource in country?
KQED Science
Bay Area Cities and Environmentalists Respond to Crude-By-Rail Boom
More and more crude oil is being transported into California by rail lines, and questions about safety are prompting local governments and environmentalists to take action.
KQED Science
Utility Regulators Approve Plan to Replace San Onofre Power
Plan relies on renewables -- and fossil fuels -- to fill gap created by shutdown of nuclear power plant.
QUEST
Highway to Hydrogen
Auto makers have spent decades and billions of dollars to develop hydrogen fuel cell cars, but only a few hundred of them are on the nation's roads. Now new refueling stations are in development and new models have recently been unveiled.
KQED Science
Gas Tax Proposed for California Would Change Existing Climate Law
State Senator Darrell Steinberg is proposing a carbon tax on gasoline that would put a price on the pollution that causes climate change. The plan would also dismantle a key piece of California's existing climate law.
KQED Science
Bay Area Residents Resist Crude-by-Rail as Accidents Rise
The East Bay city of Pittsburg is considering a new oil terminal to supply crude to Bay Area refineries, but some locals are concerned about the safety of the project.
KQED Science
World’s Largest Solar Plant Opens
The Ivanpah solar farm, in California’s Mojave Desert about 40 miles south of Las Vegas, will produce enough electricity to power 140,000 homes per year.
KQED Science
One Step Closer to Nuclear Fusion Reactions
Physicists at Lawrence Livermore National Lab's National Ignition Facility said they've taken a significant step toward achieving nuclear fusion ignition.
KQED Science
California Drought Could Take a Toll on Electricity Supply
California's deepening drought could have an effect on the electricity supply. Hydropower usually accounts for about 14 percent of the state's power, but with low reservoir levels, officials are preparing for it to be less.
KQED Science
Proposed Pittsburg Oil Project Draws Protest
The East Bay city of Pittsburg is considering a new oil terminal, which would supply crude to Bay Area refineries. Some residents are hoping to stop the plan in its tracks.
KQED Science
Governor’s Budget Plan Getting High Marks from Environmentalists
Environmental groups are generally lauding Governor Jerry Brown's new budget, which includes an outline for spending revenue from the state's carbon auctions.
KQED Science
Ford Debuts Solar Hybrid
Ford Motor company is trying to be the first on the road with a solar powered car for everyday use. The company is unveiling its concept model at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week.
KQED Science
2013: Progress, But Long Road Ahead to California Climate Goals
Despite its deserved reputation for climate leadership, California will have to hustle to make its own long-range emissions goals.
KQED Science
49ers Tackle Sustainability With New Green Stadium
49ers fans may miss the cold weather at Candlestick Park, but can look forward to solar panels, bicycle parking and grass watered with recycled water. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara is being touted as the greenest stadium in the NFL.
KQED Science
Our Top Science Stories from 2013
From the debut of the world's largest solar plant to Comet ISON, zombified bees to the physics of sailing — it's been another year of diverse storytelling from the KQED Science team. Here's a round-up of our top 10 stories (based on page views) that you've enjoyed in 2013.
