It has a population of just under 3.5 million inhabitants, produces nearly550,000 tonsof beef per year, and boasts a glorious soccer reputation with two World Cups in its history and a present full of world-class stars. Uruguay, the country of writer Mario Benedetti and soccer player Luis Surez, has achieved what many countries have pledged for decades: 98% of its grid runs on green energy.Luis Prats, 62, is a Uruguayan journalist and contributor to the Montevideo newspaperEl Pas. He remembers that during his childhood, blackouts were common in Uruguay because there were major problems with energy generation.At that time, more than 50 years ago, electricity came from two small dams and from generation in a thermal plant, Prats explained in Spanish by telephone. If there was a drought in the Negro River basin, where those dams are, there were already cuts and sometimes restrictions on the use of electrical energy.Just 17 years ago, Uruguay used fossil fuels for a third of its energy generation, according to theWorld Resources Institute.Today, only2%of the electricity consumed in Uruguay is generated from fossil sources. The countrys thermal power plants rarely need to be activated, except when natural resources are insufficient.Half of Uruguays electricity is generated in the countrys dams, and 10% percent comes from agricultural and industrial waste and the sun. But wind, at 38%, is the main protagonist of the revolution in the electrical grid. But how did the country achieve it? Who were the architects of this energy transition?Energy revolutionIn 2008, Uruguay faced a problem that many developing countries face. The economy was growing, but it did not have enough electrical energy to fuel all that growth. Energy rationing had to be implemented, and electricity bills continued to rise.It was difficult for us to cope, Ramn Mndez Galain, a professor at the University of the Republic in Montevideo, Uruguay, said in an interview withNPR. He is one of the architects of the energy revolution in that country. It was difficult to get electricity. For a while, we began to have power outages, but the crisis also represents an opportunity.In 2008, President Tabar Vzquez appointed Mndez Galain as national director of energy. Although the blackouts posed an immediate threat to the economy, the countrys continued dependence on oil undermined its autonomy. A primary question guided Mndez Galains work: What strategies could lead the country toward long-term energy independence? The physicist developed a detailed plan to move Uruguay toward almost exclusive dependence on renewable energy.Mndez Galains plan was based on two simple facts about his country. First, although there was no domestic supply of fossil fuels such as coal or oil, there was a large amount of wind. Second, that wind was blowing over a country that was largely made up of uninhabited agricultural land. His vision for Uruguays energy future was to cover those empty lands with hundreds of wind turbines.Pablo Capurro, agronomist and livestock engineer, shared withDeutsche Wellehis concern at the time about the possible impact of wind turbines on the life of his farm. Capurro and other farmers in the region sought advice from a team of engineers and took a trip to Brazil to visit wind farms in that country. After the trip, they were convinced that the implementation of the wind turbines would not affect the production system.Capurros cows seem not to be affected by the presence of the windmills: I feel very satisfied for having introduced a wind energy park on a livestock farm.In 2010, Uruguay reached a multiparty agreement and adopted the energy transition to indigenous and renewable sources as a state policy, guaranteeing its execution and continuity, Walter Verri, Uruguays undersecretary of industry, energy, and mining, explained by telephone in Spanish: This policy included a long-term perspective and also incorporated the social, ethical, and cultural dimensions in addition to the classic technical-economic analysis of the energy issue.The state energy company,UTE,pays rent every year to the owners of the land where the wind farms operate.Don Quixote, Ivy, and the windmillsIn the vision of the ingenious gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, windmills stood like defiant giants, reflecting his boundless imagination and idealistic perspective on the world. This mythical interpretation of the windmills resonates with the contemporary perception of wind towers in Uruguay, where they are seen as symbols of a clean and renewable energy source.Today, Mendez Galain directs the nongovernmental organizationIvy, which means land without evil in Guaran. Guaran is the native language of the inhabitants of that area and is one of the two official languages of Paraguay.Just as Don Quixote faced the windmills as a challenge that he had to overcome to fulfill his duty as a knight-errant, the installation and maintenance of wind farms in Uruguay also involved facing significant obstacles. From technical challenges to financial and regulatory barriers, the transition to clean energy sources needed a concerted effort to overcome these difficulties and move toward a more sustainable future.How to pay for all those turbines?Mndez Galain, winner of the2023 Carnot Prize, which recognizes distinguished contributions to energy policy, conceived a variation of an approach used by some electric companies in Brazil. These companies operated through public-private partnerships, where the companies were responsible for energy generation, while private entities managed distribution and customer service. Mndez Galains innovation lay in reversing that dynamic: Private companies would be responsible for installing and maintaining the wind turbines that would supply Uruguays grid, while the public company would continue to distribute the energy to consumers.This approach had the inherent advantage of transferring the costly initial outlay for the construction of wind turbines to private companies. The state company agreed to acquire all the energy produced by said turbines at a preestablished rate for 20 years.Investors need assurance that their investment will be repaid, Mndez Galain explained during the interview with NPR, and for that, they need a specific time horizon.There was political will for this approach: All parties in Uruguay agreed with the transition.In 2009, Uruguay began auctions in which wind companies from around the world competed to offer the cheapest renewable energy to the country. In 2011, a specific auction aimed to secure an additional 150 megawatts of wind energy, which would represent approximately 5% of the countrys total power generation capacity. After receiving offers from more than 20 international companies, the professor and his team decided to drastically accelerate the countrys energy transition.Ultimately, they accepted many more offers than initially planned, signing contracts that expanded Uruguays capacity to generate electricity not by 5%, but by more than 40%. Uruguays energy grid became powered almost exclusively by domestic renewable sources, and consumer prices, adjusted for inflation, fell.Electricity bill prices dropped substantially, said Alda Novell, a resident of Montevideo, by telephone. Today, Uruguay has more than 700 wind turbines distributed throughout its territory.At first glance, the change is seen in many areas of the country: You go down the road and see the modern windmills in rural areas, Prats said. Starting in 2010, with the variety of energy sources, and also renewable ones, blackouts became very rare. It was a relief for state coffers not to have to spend on fossil fuels for energy generation.For Walter Verri, undersecretary of industry, energy, and mines, the development of renewable energy in Uruguay has been possible thanks to the collaboration of various actors, including the entire political sector and public and private companies.This energy transformation created new careers, job opportunities, and training pathways in Uruguay, Verri added.Countries around the world have spent the last decade announcing ambitious goals to reduce the emissions that cause climate change. Few are on track to achieve that goal. Uruguay is a good example that the green transition is still possible.This article was translated byClimate Cardinals.Thisarticlefirst appeared onYale Climate Connectionsand is republished here under a Creative Commons license.Johani Carolina Ponce

Automakers are opening their wallets for President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. On Monday, Ford and General Motors each pledged $1 million, with Ford also offering a fleet of vehicles for the event. Not long after, Toyota announced its own $1 million donation.The businesses donations appear to be a tactical show of support for the incoming president, who repeatedly has been vocal about imposing tariffs on goods coming from Canada, Mexico, and China. Those tariffs, which may add up to 25% on vehicles, could have big consequences for automakers, and are therefore top of mind going into the new year.The biggest consequences may impact the producers of the most affordable cars. According to data from Edmunds, about a third of vehicles sold in the U.S. for under $30,000 are built in Mexico. Therefore, hefty new tariffs could majorly decrease profits for car companies, who have already been struggling against inflation, high interest rates, supply issues, as well as competition from China. Trumps tariffs could also change free-trade negotiations laid out in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which the president-elect enacted in 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Currently, USMCA requires 75% of a vehicles parts be made in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada in order to be free from tariffs.Its not just automakers who seem ready to cozy up to the incoming president with legal, yet potentially influential, donations. Major tech companies have recently pledged their own million-dollar donations. Both Meta and Amazon donated $1 million, just before OpenAI CEO Sam Altman pledged to do the same. In a statement, first reported by Fox News, Altman said, President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead. In the past, Altman has donated to Democratic candidates. The notable switch seems to showcase that some business leaders, even those who arent looking forward to Trumps second term, may find it easier to appear to work with the administration.Its just a recognition that theres not much to be gained in outspoken opposition, but perhaps there is something to be gained by being very clear about your support and hope that Trump does well, Margaret OMara, a Silicon Valley historian at the University of Washington, told NPR this month.Trump, who has a well-documented history of responding well to favors or offerings that may help his agenda, bragged about the uptick in donations to his inauguration in a December 19 Truth Social post: EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!The upcoming inauguration is expected to break the previous record of $106.7 million in donations set in 2017, the first time Trump took office.

A government-commissioned panel of experts on Wednesday largely supported Japans new energy policy for the next few years that calls for bolstering renewables up to half of electricity needs by 2040 while maximizing the use of nuclear power as the country seeks to accommodate the growing power demand in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets.The Industry Ministry presented the draft plan for final review by the panel of 16 mostly pro-nuclear members from business, academia and civil groups. It calls for maximizing the use of nuclear energy, reversing a phaseout policy adopted after the meltdown crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in 2011 that led to extensive displacement of residents and lingering anti-nuclear sentiment.The plan is due to receive Cabinet approval by March after a period of consultation and will then replace the current energy policy, which dates from 2021. The new proposal says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japans energy supply in 2040, up from just 8.5% last year, while expanding renewables to 40-50% from 22.9% and reducing coal-fired power to 30-40% from nearly 70% last year.The current plan set a 20-22% target for nuclear energy, 36-38% for renewables and 41% for fossil fuel, for 2030.Demand for low-carbon energy, such as renewables and nuclear, is growing because of the demand from data centers using AI and semiconductor factories around the country.Industry Minister Yoji Muto, who attended Wednesdays panel meeting, said Japan must strengthen its energy security by not relying too much on a single source.How we can secure decarbonized energy determines Japans future growth, Muto said. Its time to stop discussing a choice between renewable energy and nuclear power. We should maximize the use of both renewables and nuclear.Japan has set a goal of achieving net zero emissions of climate-warming gases by 2050, and a 73% reduction by 2040 compared to 2013 levels.The draft energy plan places renewables as the main power source and calls for development of next-generation energy source, such as solar batteries and portable solar panels.It outlines a number of risk scenarios, including a possibility of less-than-expected investment and cost reduction in renewables. However, some experts said the plan lacked a feasibility outlook for 2040 or a roadmap for the phaseout of fossil fuels.The plan also calls for acceleration of the restarts of reactors that meet the post-Fukushima safety standards, and proposes construction of next-generation reactors at plants where existing reactors are being decommissioned.Still, to achieve the 20% target, all 33 workable reactors in Japan must be back online, with only 14 back in service after the Fukushima disaster. Given the current pace of safety checks by the nuclear regulation authority, experts say meeting the target would be difficult.Despite criticisms and skepticism about its feasibility, Japan still sticks to its pursuit of developing advanced reactors and a struggling spent fuel reprocessing program to achieve a complete nuclear fuel cycle.Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

Augmented Reality (AR) glasses or Mixed Reality headset as Apple chooses to call its AR/VR device represent a leap forward in wearable technology which thrives on the possibility of endless expandability. The best thing about these devices is that they are controlled by gesture and voice-based interactions through onboard sensors and cameras.Despite their promise, AR glasses remain a niche product, while smartphones, laptops, and game consoles still remain daily drivers. A South Korean designer believes unintuitive gestures and voice commands can be awkward in public settings and since the AR glasses lack physical controls, they are not finding wide adoption. As a solution, he has come up with Cylin, a cylindrical portable PC comprising AR glasses and a controller.Designer: Sun-il KimCurrently, AR glasses interaction methods feel clunky, especially in a public setting or when you want to get some instant text written. To make the computing glasses a practical tool for all types of environmentswhether enjoying videos sitting in a caf or writing a column for a magazine in a shared public space. Sun-il Kim has designed Cylin, which functions like a scroll.It has that slot for the glasses, a scroll-like opening keyboard interface for text input, and puts a mouse in there for precise control. Tying over a virtual keyboard or through gestures is cumbersome and adding a physical keyboard onboard would increase the weight and cost of the AR glasses. The Cylin is thus a handy solution that doesnt take away the fun but adds required function making it convenient for everyday use in various environments.As a compact PC in the shape of a small cylindrical body integrating a mouse, keyboard, and AR glasses, the Cylin may seem like a product too much. But given the problem it is trying to address; it may be a viable option. If it does get some heads like us interested, it can definitely start a product category of its own.The post This Ultra-compact Portable PC Concept Comes With a Mouse, Keyboard, and AR Glasses first appeared on Yanko Design.

Concrete doesnt usually conjure up thoughts of artistry or adaptabilityits solid, gray, and static. But Amorphous Concrete flips that notion on its head, proving that even the sturdiest materials can grow and evolve. This award-winning project merges high-tech algorithms with timeless materials, creating a system thats as much about beauty as it is about practicality.Amorphous Concrete utilizes a Differential Growth algorithm a process that mimics the organic growth patterns you might find in coral reefs or tree branches. The result? Stunningly intricate forms that are as structurally sound as they are visually captivating. These shapes are then 3D-printed into modular concrete units, each one unique, customizable, and ready to take on tasks ranging from outdoor seating to functional art installations. Think of it as nature-inspired design, but with the precision of advanced engineering.Designer: SA-MathAmorphous Concrete owes its brilliance to the collaboration between SA-Math, a Shanghai-based digital fabrication studio, and Xiamen Zhichuangchi Technology Co., Ltd. With designers like Cai Chengzhi and Chen Rongsheng at the helm, the project blends computational wizardry with hands-on expertise. The teams vision goes beyond aesthetics; theyve crafted a system that embraces sustainability, reducing material waste while maximizing creativity.A notable implementation of this technology is a nine-unit demonstration product installed as an outdoor landscape sculpture at Shanghais Xinyangwan Technology Venture Park. Here, nine interconnected concrete modules come together as a sculptural centerpiece, serving as both art and utility. The adaptability of these modules means they can be reconfigured, extended, or even replaced without waste, making them ideal for evolving public spaces.By integrating computational modeling and digital fabrication, Amorphous Concrete offers a sustainable and efficient approach to modern construction challenges. Its ability to produce unique, reconfigurable systems positions it as a forward-thinking solution in the field of modular design. It even secured a Red Dot Award: Design Concept this year, validating it as a proof-of-concept that can be applied at scale.The beauty of Amorphous Concrete lies in its ability to merge the organic with the industrial. Its a playful contradictionrugged yet elegant, adaptable yet enduring. It invites cities, architects, and designers to think differently about the spaces we inhabit. After all, if concrete can grow and evolve, why shouldnt our cities do the same?The post Nature Meets Concrete: How AI is Reshaping Urban Landscapes in 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The $1,699 M4 Pro MacBook Pro special price is now available at B&H Photo, with free next day delivery.Snap up a 14-inch MacBook Pro at a record low price.After a price war broke out on Apple's M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch during Christmas Eve, several retailers sold out or ended the $300 discount soon thereafter. But the $1,699 price is still available at Apple Authorized Reseller B&H Photo, with free next business day delivery available in the contiguous U.S. on the standard M4 Pro configuration in Space Black or Silver.Buy for $1,699 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new report produced by Realtor.com has shown homes in the United States to now have the highest number of extra bedrooms in the recorded history of the U.S. Census.The record-high amount of excess bedrooms is likely driven by both an increase in the number of bedrooms per home and a simultaneousdecline in the number of persons per household, the report states. In 2023, that number equaled31.9 million nationwide.There has been no change, however, in the average number of rooms per home (2.8 nationwide) recorded since 2013. Danielle Hale, the chief economist for Realtor.com, stated that the trend began in the 1980s.The trend is said to be most pronounced in the Mountain West and South regions.

Archinect has received images of a new private residential design in the coastal city of Guaruj, Brazil. Studio MK27s Canopy House was completed in July of 2023 under the direction of architect Marcio Kogan and co-designers Regiane Leo and Marcio Tanaka.Photo credit: Fernando GuerraA blend of references to forestry and Brazilian culture, the suspended white prism design is supported by a sequence of concrete stilts. Above the main volume, an elevated platform was constructed that blurs the line between interior and exterior spaces and establishes a living area that "fosters a sense of immersion in the vibrant canopy of the Atlantic Forest."Photo credit: Fernando GuerraPhoto credit: Fernando GuerraInside, subtle transitions between the living and social spaces emphasize a "fluid interplay between architecture and nature." The architects say: "The strategy leaves no indoor alternative for the connection of spaces; it is a radical experience of the weather, the winds, the smells...

The latest edition ofourcurated jobs roundupfrom theArchinect Job boardhighlights 10 architecture schools seeking additional faculty, academic leaders, staff, and fellows to their institutions.To explore specific job titles from the architectural profession, consultArchinect's Guide to Job Titlesseries. Also, follow ourArchinect Tipsseries to improve your portfolio, resume, and interviewing skills, to increase your overall chances of getting that next job.Teaching PositionsImage courtesy Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts, and Design/FacebookVirginia Techseeks an Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Architecture in Alexandria, VA"The successful candidate will be capable of connecting theory and innovative practice through teaching, scholarship, creative practice, and engagement with the city. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to architecture and human well-being at multiple scales across the built environment. Qualified candidates wi...

Microsoft is warning users that some manually made Windows 11 installer media could contain a bug where new PC installs may not get future security updates. It affects USB and CD installers made with October and November release patches, which may be relevant to professional users who set up PCs within business or education environments, or enthusiasts who recently built their own PCs.Microsoft published the bug in its known issues page for Windows 11 (version 24H2):When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates. This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation (these updates were released between October 8, 2024 and November 12, 2024).This does not affect PCs that received the October or November patches through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Mitigating the problem will require you to rebuild your Windows 11 media installers with the December 2024 patch update included (released on December 10th) and reinstall Windows. (To avoid it altogether, Microsoft suggests that that media used to install Windows 11, version 24H2, includes the December 2024 monthly security update.) Microsoft says its working on a permanent fix.Bleeping Computer reported that Windows 11 24H2 also had other bugs in tow, including problems with specific audio devices,issues launching Outlook with an outdated Google Workspace Sync, and others. There was also that weird 24H2 compatibility issue with some Ubisoft games, which are slowly receiving fixes.