Battery storage is key to scaling up renewable energy. Here's why.
As the U.S. transitions away from coal and gas, battery storage is crucial for making the power grid reliable.
Renewable Energy
Battery storage key to renewable energy's success
Battery storage is what allows renewable energy to provide power even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. It's key to making the electrical grid reliable as we transition away from coal and gas. Ben Tracy examines how battery technology is improving.
Report: China outpacing U.S. in nuclear power
China is outpacing the U.S. by at least a decade in developing nuclear power, according to a new report by the nonprofit Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Hank Jenkins-Smith, public policy professor at the University of Oklahoma, joins CBS News to examine why the U.S. is falling behind.
Bill Gates on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" | full interview
Watch the full version of Margaret Brennan's interview with Bill Gates that aired on June 16, 2024, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Iowa farmers offset losses by adding wind turbines to land
Over 6,000 wind turbines produce about 60% of Iowa's energy. They also help struggling farmers offset losses.
How renewable energy advances power
In this episode of "Protecting the Planet," CBS News senior environmental correspondent Ben Tracy explores the challenges, innovations and partnerships making renewable clean energy more widespread.
COP28 agreement stalls on fossil fuel debate
There is still no final agreement in place at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai as some nations argue for language about phasing out fossil fuel use. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy is following the debate.
Climate solutions from the Arctic, the fastest-warming place on Earth
Climate change is an urgent problem in the Arctic. From renewable energy to avalanche protection, here's what we can learn from how people there are protecting their way of life.
2023 is officially the hottest year ever recorded, scientists say
After record-breaking temperatures in November, the E.U.'s Copernicus Climate Change Service determined 2023 will officially be the hottest year humanity has experienced.
What is hydrogen energy, and is it a key to fighting climate change?
The Biden administration is banking on the most abundant element on earth to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Here's what to know.
DeSantis unveils energy agenda
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis described his plans to "restore America's energy independence" while seemingly downplaying the effects of climate change during a visit to Midland, Texas, on Wednesday. CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro outlines the governor's agenda.
Apple CEO Tim Cook on creating a clean energy future
His goal is for the company to be carbon neutral in just seven years – and he wants other companies to copy Apple's clean energy efforts by demonstrating it makes good business sense.
Texas using renewable energy amid heat wave
The state of Texas has sweltered this summer under a seemingly endless cycle of extreme heat warnings. Those high temperatures have put a strain on the state's power grid, with Texas' grid operator saying demand for energy has set seven records this summer alone. Emily Foxhall, Texas Tribune energy reporter, joins CBS News to give an update on how the state's power grid is performing.
Scientists repeat nuclear fusion breakthrough
In December 2022, California scientists achieved a major breakthrough -- a nuclear fusion reaction that produced more energy than was used to create it. Scientists have done it again and this time their results produced even more energy. Professor Peter Hosemann, chair of nuclear and mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, joins CBS News to discuss the implications of this accomplishment.
Nesma: Embracing the energy transition of Vision 2030
Nesma Renewable Energy - inspired by Vision 2030, is spearheading the implementation of green energy technology in Saudi Arabia.
Solar and wind out-powered coal so far this year
Cheap and abundant clean power is setting new records — but connecting it to the grid could be a challenge.
For the first time, more money is going into solar power than oil
Russia's war in Ukraine is spurring investments in renewable energy, but the world still must scale back fossil fuels to meet climate goals, energy group says.
Dealing with waste from renewable energy
As the U.S. attempts to shift away from fossil fuels, renewable energy resources bring waste problems of their own. Recycling or disposing of wind turbine blades and solar panels can be tricky, and many often just end up in land fills. Ben Tracy reports.
Wind energy powered the U.K. more than gas for first time
Researchers believe that "a new era of falling power sector emissions is close" as wind and solar power continue to grow worldwide.
Recycling of renewable waste takes on urgency
Finding ways to recycle windmill blades and used solar panels is taking on greater importance as the use of renewable energy sources rises. Ben Tracy has more.
As renewable use rises, recycling renewable waste becoming more urgent
Solar panels can last for 25 to 30 years, but more than 90% of used panels end up in landfills.
China's ongoing "coal boom" risks "climate disasters," Greenpeace says
New approvals for coal-fired power plants are fueling concern that China will backtrack on its goal to peak emissions by 2030.
Revolutionizing Lithium Extraction and Recycling
Novalith and Ascend's solutions are reshaping the lithium industry.
French nuclear energy firm reports crack in pipe at aging plant
The crack was reported after EDF confirmed a "serious corrosion problem" at its Penly 1 plant, which was among 16 taken offline over the last year.
USPS purchases thousands of electric vehicles and charging stations
The move is part of the agency's goal to have a fleet of 66,000 electric vehicles deployed by 2028.
Live
Trump says U.S. has "total control" over Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, writing on social media: "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT."
Surrogate gives birth to baby at center of multi-state legal battle
Surrogate McKenna West declined to get an abortion requested by the intended parents after the baby she was carrying was diagnosed with a severe but treatable heart defect.
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 is crossing the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See when and where it will be visible.
U.S. indicts former SPLC executive in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the SPLC of telling donors and banks the group was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, but instead funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups to fund "violent, racist and extremist activities."
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Nick Reiner indicted on murder charges in parents' killings at their LA home
Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder with the special circumstance allegations in the killing of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.
How the Secret Service is cracking down on card-skimming scams
A Secret Service analyst told CBS News a single skimming device can net a scammer up to $1 million.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
U.S.
More U.S.
U.S. indicts former SPLC executive in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the SPLC of telling donors and banks the group was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, but instead funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups to fund "violent, racist and extremist activities."
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Surrogate gives birth to baby at center of multi-state legal battle
Surrogate McKenna West declined to get an abortion requested by the intended parents after the baby she was carrying was diagnosed with a severe but treatable heart defect.
11 charged for alleged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals get green cards
The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges alleging 11 people participated in a scheme that involved more than 1,000 "sham marriages" between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens.
MoneyWatch
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How much time does AI save at work? New Census Bureau data breaks it down.
New Census data shows how much faster workers can complete tasks when they enlist artificial intelligence for help.
Here's how much Social Security's 2027 COLA could rise under new estimates
Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 is projected to be lower than previously forecast, according to new estimates.
NYC Council probes prediction markets over advertising practices
New York City lawmakers allege that four major prediction markets engage in deceptive marketing practices and target young adults.
CPI report shows inflation eased in July to a 3.4% annual pace
The CPI report was in line with economists' expectations, marking the second consecutive month with cooler price pressures.
Eli Lilly takes aim at illicit market for its experimental weight-loss drug
The pharmaceutical company is filing lawsuits against six outlets selling versions of its promising but unapproved weight-loss drug, retatrutide.
Politics
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U.S. indicts former SPLC executive in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the SPLC of telling donors and banks the group was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, but instead funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups to fund "violent, racist and extremist activities."
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
11 charged for alleged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals get green cards
The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges alleging 11 people participated in a scheme that involved more than 1,000 "sham marriages" between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens.
First on CBS
Top Trump officials heading to Iowa to help GOP campaigns, sources say
The upcoming Iowa State Fair is a pivotal window of opportunity for candidates on the campaign trail.
Rubio, Bessent took decoy Air Force One, Hegseth flew on secret flight with Trump
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were on the decoy flight last month when President Trump secretly switched to a different plane while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was with Mr. Trump.
HealthWatch
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Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
Hospitals push for upfront payments as healthcare costs rise
Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.
Doctor on Fauci's COVID-era revealed texts
Republican senators this week released 11 new text messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci's government phone in 2021 as part of the investigations into his handling of the COVID pandemic. In the texts, he discussed the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine for pregnant women. Dr. Serena Chen, an OB-GYN and the director of advocacy at CCRM Fertility of New Jersey, has more.
Trump administration bars use of Medicaid funds for some youth transgender care
Medicaid said it won't pay for gender-affirming surgeries or hormones for transgender minors.
World
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At least 1 dead, 172 rescued from ferry fire near Bali, Indonesia
One Indonesian teenager was killed when the vessel caught fire in rough seas.
Cartel sought to buy weapons in exchange for fentanyl, U.S. says
"In exchange for the weapons, the defendants paid in the form of fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States for distribution," the Justice Department said.
Live
Trump says U.S. has "total control" over Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, writing on social media: "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT."
Baby rescued from earthquake rubble in Colombia as death toll rises
Footage shared on social media shows a baby being rescued from the bloody arms of a man trapped underneath a destroyed building in Cali after a powerful earthquake struck Colombia.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Becky G on her friendship with Karol G
Singer Becky G speaks with Gayle King about her tour with Karol G and the bond the two pop stars have formed. "We have a beautiful friendship," Becky G says, "one I'm really, really thankful for and one that I think throughout the years we've really earned with one another."
Behind the scenes of the movie "Tony"
Actor Dominic Sessa and renowned chef Eric Ripert talk with "CBS Mornings" about the new movie "Tony," which is loosely based on Anthony Bourdain's stories of his first experience working in a kitchen restaurant before he found fame. Sessa describes how he got involved and Ripert, who one of Bourdain's best friends, talks about his relationship with the beloved chef.
Becky G on being family's breadwinner
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King speaks exclusively with pop superstar Becky G about feeling the pressure of becoming her family's breadwinner at a young age.
Spotify to label music from "AI personas"
Kourtnee Jackson, senior streaming and entertainment editor at CNET, joins "The Daily Report" to give her take on Spotify's decision to label AI-generated music and block it from being recommended to users.
Graceland celebrates "Elvis Week"
"Elvis Week" kicked off at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, on Aug. 8 and runs until Aug. 16, marking Elvis Presley's death. Alicia Dean, the longtime marketing and promotions specialist for Elvis Presley Enterprises, joins with more.
Technology
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Technology
Meta on trial for social media addiction suit
Tech giant Meta is being accused of designing social media platforms that violate privacy and enable social media addiction in children. Jury selection in the trial begins today. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the case.
Duffy on new tech for air travel safety
Top transportation officials were at Newark Airport on Tuesday for the installation of a new radar system designed to help controllers prevent runway incidents. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave spoke with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about the new technology.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Wall Street targets $500B for AI
Nvidia scored an astounding $500 billion in financing for artificial intelligence, backed by Wall Street's top power brokers and firms. Puck founding partner and industry journalist William D. Cohan weighs in on the AI boom and data center construction.
Are humanoid robots ready to scrub your kitchen? Not quite.
Startup companies are now starting to test their humanoid robots for home use, but experts said wider adoption will take years.
Science
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Science
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse stopped a war
Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. Janna Levin joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse, saying it's a reminder that humans share this Earth together and "we're all part of something larger."
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Perseid meteor shower peaks during eclipse
The Perseid meteor shower will peak during 2026's only total solar eclipse. Director of astronomy at Adler Planetarium, Dr. Geza Gyuk, explains why the eclipse is so special.
Total solar eclipse in Europe
A small part of the U.S. will be able to see a sliver of partial solar eclipse, but the path of totality will cut through Europe. CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has more from Mallorca, Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Lindsay Clancy's counselor takes the stand
Latiesha Dukes, one of Lindsay Clancy's mental health counselors before the deaths of her three children, testified Wednesday that she did not see signs of Clancy in crisis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Judge makes rare ruling in Mangione case
At a hearing for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a judge ruled the jury in Mangione's New York state murder trial will be anonymous. Tom Hanson explains.
How the Secret Service is cracking down on card-skimming scams
A Secret Service analyst told CBS News a single skimming device can net a scammer up to $1 million.
Cartel sought to buy weapons in exchange for fentanyl, U.S. says
"In exchange for the weapons, the defendants paid in the form of fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States for distribution," the Justice Department said.
More healthcare testimony in Clancy trial
Healthcare workers who treated Lindsay Clancy's postpartum mental health concerns are back on the stand Tuesday in her murder trial. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has the latest.
Space
More Space
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
From 2025: The ins and outs of egg freezing
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez began sharing on social media that she is going to try to preserve her fertility by freezing her eggs, a subject that Lesley Stahl reported on in 2025. Stahl found that the costly procedure brought happy endings to some women, but offered no guarantees.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Witnesses describe total solar eclipse
Europe saw its first total solar eclipse in 27 years on Wednesday. CBS News' Rob Marciano was in Mallorca, Spain, for the moment of totality and spoke with some of the people who saw it.
Watch: Eclipse moment of totality in Spain
CBS News' Rob Marciano reports from Mallorca, Spain, on the moment of totality during Wednesday's solar eclipse.
Aid worker describes situation in Colombia
Diana Gutiérrez de Piñeres Botero, Americares Colombia country director, joins CBS News from Bogotá, Colombia, to discuss the situation on the ground there after Tuesday's massive earthquake.