Associated Press: NY Approves Plan for 50% Renewable Energy by 2030

The state will aim to generate half its power from renewable sources by the year 2030, an ambitious plan that will rely on big subsidies to nuclear power plants to help reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels.

The policy adopted Monday by state utility regulators puts New York in the company of California, Hawaii and Vermont as having one of the strongest clean energy goals in the nation. New York now generates roughly a quarter of its energy from renewable sources.

"This clean energy standard shows you can generate the power necessary for supporting the modern economy while combating climate change," said Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who first laid out the "50 by '30" goal last year. "Make no mistake, this is a...threat that continues to grow by the day, and I urge all other states to join us in this fight for our very future."

Bloomberg: In Deal With Didi, Uber Frees Itself to Expand in Other Markets

Uber Technologies Inc. is selling its China operations to fierce rival Didi Chuxing, ending an expensive price war and freeing it up to focus on other markets and possibly an initial public offering.

The truce brings to an end a bruising battle between the two companies for leadership in China’s fast-growing ride-hailing market. Uber has already lost $2 billion in China in two years there, people familiar with the matter have said, prompting investors to pressure the company to cut a deal. As part of the arrangement, Didi will invest $1 billion in Uber’s global company, people familiar with the matter said.

Solar Daily: Spectrolab Produces Higher Efficiency Space Solar Cell

Boeing subsidiary Spectrolab has begun manufacturing a higher-efficiency space solar cell, providing new opportunities for the aerospace industry to develop lighter and less expensive spacecraft.

The new solar cell, known as XTJ Prime, has achieved an energy efficiency of 30.7%, which is higher than any other comparable model currently available.

Solar cell efficiency refers to how much sunlight a cell can convert into usable energy. First delivery of the higher efficiency XTJ Prime cells is expected later this year.

The Korea Herald: Korea to Invest 200B Won This Year to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure

South Korea will spend about 200 billion won ($180.3 million) this year to sharply expand electric-vehicle charging infrastructure nationwide as part of its efforts to foster the eco-friendly sector as a new growth engine, the trade ministry here said Tuesday.

Under the plan, led by the Korea Electric Power Corp., the country's sole power supplier, the government will build 150 on-street stations by November to accommodate 300 super chargers that are available for privately owned electric cars and taxis for a fee. It will also install about 30,000 regular chargers at apartment complexes across the nation, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Renewable Energy Focus: Dominican Republic Can Triple Share of Renewable Energy

The Dominican Republic could increase the share of modern renewable energy in its energy mix from 9 percent to 27 percent by 2030, according to a new report launched by IRENA.

The report from the International Renewable Energy Agency, Renewable Energy Prospects: Dominican Republic, finds the country could increase the share of renewables in the power sector alone from 12 percent to 44 percent by 2030.

“The Dominican Republic can become one of the leading countries in the Caribbean region for renewable energy deployment,” said Dolf Gielen, Director of IRENA’s Innovation and Technology Centre. “If leaders act now to implement more renewables, the country can reduce air pollution, enhance energy security, boost the economy, and play a leading role in the global fight against climate change.”