Renewable energy leads as Power Technology lists ten of the most popular tweets on wind in May 2020, based on data from GlobalData’s Influencer Platform. The top tweets were chosen from influencers as tracked by GlobalData’s Influencer Platform, which is based on a scientific process that works on pre-defined parameters. Influencers are selected after a deep analysis of the influencer’s relevance, network strength, engagement, and leading discussions on new and emerging trends.

Top tweets on wind in May 2020

1. Bill McKibben’s tweet on renewable energy producing more power than coal in the US for 40 days straight

Bill McKibben, an author, educator, and environmentalist, shared an article on how American renewable energy resources including wind, solar, and hydropower generated more electricity than coal-based plants every single day in April. The move away from coal, the article notes, was accelerated by low gas prices, warmer weather, and significant renewable capacity being added to the grid in the previous year.

The novel coronavirus outbreak could be speeding the shift from coal to renewables, despite the government’s attempts to boost the fossil fuel industry in the US.

Username: Bill McKibben

Twitter handle: @billmckibben

Retweets: 644

Likes: 1,841

2. Emily Gosden’s tweet on Britain blackouts caused by extremely low energy demands

Emily Gosden, an energy editor, shared an article on the National Grid’s warning of possible blackouts in Britain in the first week of May. It requested the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) to grant emergency powers to switch off wind and solar farms as there was significant risk of disruption to security of supply caused by the extremely low demand especially on the 8th of the month, a bank holiday.

National Grid informed that the extremely low energy demands threatened to leave the electricity grid swamped by surplus power.

Username: Emily Gosden

Twitter handle: @emilygosden

Retweets: 445

Likes: 475

3. Dr Thomas Hillig’s tweet on floating wind farms playing a crucial role in the renewable energy revolution

Dr Thomas Hillig, an expert specialising in off-grid renewables and micro-grid solutions, shared an article on floating wind farms playing a crucial role in the second phase of the renewable energy revolution. The article further noted that some of the best spots for offshore wind power were already been taken.

For instance, the world’s first floating wind farm, located off the coast of Peterhead, Scotland, is expected to go into service. The 260 m wind turbines, are the first of its kind in the world, and were constructed in Stord, Norway. The turbines are expected to generate electricity for approximately 20,000 homes, the article highlighted.

Username: Dr Thomas Hillig

Twitter handle: @THEnergyNet

Retweets: 379

Likes: 665

4. Jeremy Leggett’s tweet on Sweden’s first wooden wind power tower

Jeremy Leggett, a social entrepreneur and writer, shared an article on Sweden’s first wind tower project, which is ready for operation on the Björkö Island, outside Gothenburg. The 30 m high tower was built by Modvion, a Swedish engineering and industrial design company. The wooden tower is being perceived as a major breakthrough for next generation wind turbines, as the laminated wood is both stronger than steel and of the same weight, and can be taller.

It is also climate neutral, given it’s made of wood and does not contribute to carbon emissions and instead stores it in the design, the article noted.

Username: Jeremy Leggett

Twitter handle: @JeremyLeggett

Retweets: 364

Likes: 604

5. Kees Leun’s tweet on replacing SUVs to build wind power capacity

Kees van der Leun, director within the energy practice, tweeted on replacing SUVs sold globally to free up steel to build wind turbines and install them. He further added that if replaced, this growing popularity of SUVs globally, which accounted for approximately one-third of the passenger car market, would actually allow to at least double wind power capacity.

Username: Kees van der Leun

Twitter handle: @Sustainable2050

Retweets: 303

Likes: 1,124

6. Mike Hudema’s tweet on converting kinetic wave power into electricity

Mike Hudema, a climate campaigner, shared an article on dumping oil permanently and having the technology to generate solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean power from waves. Located in Denmark, the facility kinetic-energy harvesters called floats to rotate power generators. Enabling safe and continuous energy production, the facility can be upgraded to utilise wind and solar power.

The power stations are expected to hit the market next year, providing power to as many as 4,000 homes and meeting the current energy demand over five times, the article detailed.

Username: Mike Hudema

Twitter handle: @MikeHudema

Retweets: 301

Likes: 564

7. Mark Z Jacobson’s tweet on Spain approving the push for 100% renewables

Mark Z Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, shared an article on Spain approving the ambitious draft climate law that aims at reaching net zero emission not later than 2050. Once the climate law is approved, the country is aiming at immediately banning all new oil, coal, and gas extraction projects, end fossil fuel subsidies, and paves the way for 100% renewables energy production.

The new draft also matches the terms of the Paris Agreement and the EU Green Deal, making Europe the world’s first net zero continent by 2050.

Username: Mark Z Jacobson

Twitter handle: @mzjacobson

Retweets: 201

Likes: 406

8. Dan Cass’ tweet on Australia’s long-awaited technology investment plans

Dan Cass, an energy consultant and strategist, shared an article on wind and solar being the cheapest and most abundantly supplied forms of energy. However, Australia will not be moving to renewables very quickly, the article detailed. It is all about balance, stated the energy minister, with the country working on their short, medium and long term priorities.

Username: Dan Cass

Twitter handle: @DanJCass

Retweets: 200

Likes: 314

9. Svein T veitdal’s tweet on wind and solar energy towers

Svein T veitdal, a climate consultant and director of Klima2020 that focuses on green business development, shared an article on how Turkey is testing the use of wind from passing busses and vehicles to power approximately 20,000 homes. Enlil, a wind turbine is fitted atop a solar panel and placed across streets and roads to create energy.

Username: Svein T veitdal

Twitter handle: @tveitdal

Retweets: 156

Likes: 284

10. Fatih Birol’s tweet on the largest annual fall in global energy investment

Fatih Birol, an economist and energy expert, shared findings from the World Energy Investment report about the greatest fall in global energy investment ever, triggered by the Covid-19 crisis. He added that the decline of about $400bn (20%), was nowhere near enough to accelerate clean energy transitions and achieve net zero emissions.

Investments need to double in the next ten years to achieve the climate goals, he further tweeted. Investment activity suffered a setback due to lockdowns and sharp fall in revenues, especially for oil, the report suggested.

Username: Fatih Birol

Twitter handle: @IEABirol

Retweets: 155

Likes: 215