It was a particularly busy week for NetZero Insider staff writers, who provided coverage of multiple news developments important to the energy transition.
Wind energy featured prominently:
John Cropley summarized the Global Wind Energy Council’s 2024 report, which showed that wind turbine installations surged to record levels in 2023 but must accelerate much further if the world is to meet 2030 targets to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Washington state energy regulators recommended approval of a much smaller version of a controversial onshore wind proposal. John Stang reports that the developer of Horse Heaven Hills project said the changes would slash its nameplate capacity from 1,150 MW to 236 MW.
Columnist Steve Huntoon takes issue with the Department of Energy’s recent report arguing for an HVDC backbone transmission system linking East Coast offshore wind projects. What DOE ignores, says Huntoon, is that offshore wind does not make economic sense.
Cropley also attended the 2024 NY Energy Summit in Albany and produced a package of stories on the Empire State’s successes and challenges as it advances its clean energy vision:
The first major milestone New York set for itself five years ago — 70% renewable energy by 2030 — has slipped out of reach due to logistical constraints and a slow regulatory process, one panelist after another said.
Speakers focusing on dissimilar technologies — hydrogen, solar, storage and wind — sounded similar headwind-and-tailwind themes.
Regulators, state officials and industry were upbeat about New York’s efforts to decarbonize its grid even as they acknowledged much work needs to be done to build more renewable resources and transmission lines.
Interconnection delays are not unique to New York, of course. The Department of Energy issued a roadmap suggesting a series of solutions to a national backlog that has grown to nearly 12,000 projects, Cropley writes.
Additional coverage by the NetZero Insider team includes:
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved eight projects totaling 310 MW in its second solicitation for utility-scale solar projects. Hugh Morley notes that nine months earlier, the BPU had rejected all proposals submitted in the first solicitation as too expensive.
FERC rejected rehearing requests on a certificate it granted to TC Energy to expand its Gas Transmission Northwest pipeline’s capacity into the Northwest over three states’ objections. James Downing has that story.
New grid-scale battery storage in Maine would be less expensive than new fossil peaker plants, once societal costs of emissions are factored in, Jon Lamson writes in a story on a report by the Clean Energy States Alliance and Strategen.
The Interior Department announced reduced fees and streamlined permitting for renewable energy projects on public lands, while raising fees for oil and gas drilling, John Cropley writes.
The Environmental Protection Agency rejected an industry petition to exempt from hazardous air pollutant regulations stationary combustion turbines used at power plants, compressor stations and other facilities, Why we care: reducing toxic pollutants reduces greenhouse gas emissions by association.
FERC rejected rehearing requests on the expansion of the Gas Transmission Northwest pipeline’s capacity into the Northwest over three states’ objections and Commissioner Allison Clements’ dissent.
A Washington’s panel recommended approval for a slimmed-down version of a controversial wind project proposed for a site just south of the Tri-Cities in southeastern Washington.
New grid-scale battery storage in Maine would be cheaper than new fossil peaker plants when accounting for societal costs of air pollution and carbon emissions, according to a new report.
Some other coverage worth checking out from our curation:
See the rest of our curated news coverage in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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Illinois
Carbon dioxide pipeline and sequestration projects would face significant new scrutiny and regulations under proposed legislation introduced recently in Illinois. Advocates who helped draft the proposal say it is crucial to institute standards and protections, as multiple companies seek to sequester carbon in Illinois' Mt. Simon sandstone geology and reap lucrative federal tax credits. Energy News Network
Iowa
Supervisors of Dickinson County have voted unanimously to implement new restrictions on the placement of carbon dioxide pipelines to create larger buffers between them and people and animals. By approving the ordinance -- and waiving two other votes to make it effective immediately -- the county faces the threat of litigation from Summit Carbon Solutions, a company on the cusp of potentially receiving approval for its project from Iowa regulators. Summit has sued five other Iowa counties that have enacted similar ordinances. Iowa Capital Dispatch
Iowa
Legislation that would give landowners a better opportunity to challenge eminent domain requests by carbon dioxide pipeline companies in court was advanced Tuesday by an Iowa Senate subcommittee. Iowa Capital Dispatch
Louisiana
Louisiana House lawmakers have advanced a watered-down proposal to bring more public oversight and safety guidelines to carbon storage projects after the state allowed drilling within an environmentally recovering ecosystem despite widespread opposition from residents and local governments. House Bill 516 cleared the lower chamber without objection as floor proceedings wound down following hours of debate on so-called "culture war" bills. Louisiana Illuminator
Rhode Island
This technology would be using renewable energy to drive a device that removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from ocean water. University of Rhode Island
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International
In a resignation letter, an adviser called carbon credits "scientifically, socially, and from a climate perspective a hoax." Grist
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International
Global coal generating capacity grew in 2023, driven by a wave of new plants coming online in China that coincided with a slowing pace of retirements of older plants in the United States and Europe. The New York Times
Montana
A Montana environmental policy group has sued the state Department of Justice, alleging the department is violating the organization's right to know under the constitution by withholding communications between the department and a Canadian coal mining company whose pollution is flowing downstream to Montana. The Montana Environmental Information Center is asking a judge to force the DOJ, led by Attorney General Austin Knudsen, to turn over a privilege log and 414 documents so the court can review them to see if they should be handed over to the organization. Daily Montanan
U.S.
Our analysis shows that the six highest-emitting plants are predominantly located in Texas and North Dakota, the Environmental Defense Fund writes. Environmental Defense Fund
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Illinois
Thanks to a new infusion of state funding, three projects benefiting traditionally under-resourced Black, Brown and Indigenous communities in the greater Chicago area have taken one important step closer to fruition. Last week, the Illinois Climate Bank unanimously passed a resolution to authorize loan funds of up to $1.6 million for three community-based solar projects owned by Green Energy Justice Cooperative, launched in 2022 by Blacks in Green. This increases the total funding to $2.9 million for GEJC's community solar projects, a portion of which is privately funded. Energy News Network
Massachusetts
Their plan is to place a solar project on the roof of the Dorchester Food Co-op and launch a community-owned solar cooperative. GBH News
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Illinois
Cpower and Energy Hub working together on major VPP for Ameren customers in downstate Illinois Business Wire
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Vermont
VPP policy should promote widespread distributed energy resource adoption while enabling retail and wholesale market participation and preserving customer choice, webinar participants said. Utility Dive
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Georgia
The Georgia Public Service Commission has approved Georgia Power's controversial updated plans to significantly expand its generation capacity by investing in a heavier reliance on fossil fuels and adding more renewable energy over the next several years. In a 4-1 vote, state regulators approved Georgia Power's latest plans to build natural gas or oil-burning generators and solar battery energy facilities in an effort to meet increasing demands from data centers and other large industrial users in the next decade. Regulators were warned by several clean energy groups against allowing Georgia Power to build three fossil fuel burning units at Plant Yates located in Coweta County. Georgia Recorder
Georgia
The state's utility regulators were set to vote on Georgia Power's proposal to increase its reliance on fossil fuels and renewable energy sources to meet skyrocketing demand. During a hearing, a Georgia Power representative urged the five-member Public Service Commission to support a stipulated agreement that the company says provides some financial protection to ratepayers. Nonetheless, critics of the plan complain that the company's plans are unrealistic and that a greater use of renewable energy could prevent the company from significantly expanding its carbon footprint. Georgia Recorder
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U.S.
Geothermal is seen as a solution that could generate renewable power all day, every day, helping to support the grid when wind and solar supply is low or consumer demand is high. The Cool Down
U.S.
The technology, which is cost effective across 75% of the U.S. landmass and ideal for space-constrained users, could eventually displace utility gas service, proponents say. Facilities Dive
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International
In the first study of its kind, commissioned by ECOS, an independent laboratory has tested different mixes of fossil gas and hydrogen in domestic boilers and hobs (such as pure methane and a 20% hydrogen/80% methane blend). Hydrogen Central
Texas
A high-tech chemical company has purchased the last available water in the Nueces River to make hydrogen and ammonia for export. The Texas Tribune
U.S.
Low-carbon infrastructure is crucial for widespread adoption. The supply chain must be robust and responsive to meet the growing demand, and financing models must ensure sustainable investment in hydrogen projects. WSP
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International
This CAN$1 billion infrastructure programme would secure up to 1700 MW of clean electricity, equivalent to powering 1.7 million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification. Energy Global
U.S.
Last year, U.S. hydropower electricity generation fell to its lowest since 2001. This year, we expect hydropower to increase 6% and account for 250 billion kilowatthours of electricity generation in the power sector, based on forecasts in our Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO). We expect hydropower to increase in nearly every part of the country, with notable increases in the Southeast and in the Northwest and Rockies. Energy Information Administration
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North Carolina
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources approved Piedmont Lithium's mining permit for the construction and operation of the project, the Belmont-based lithium supply company said Monday. Yahoo
U.S.
Iron pyrite may be more valuable than scientists originally thought, as it has been found to be abundant in lithium. Newsweek
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International
The United States exported 10% more natural gas in 2023 than in 2022, a record of 20.9 billion cubic feet per day, according to our Natural Gas Monthly. U.S. liquefied natural gas exports accounted for more than half of all U.S. natural gas exports, and natural gas exports by pipeline to Canada and Mexico accounted for the remainder. Energy Information Administration
International
In our recently released Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), we forecast that U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports will continue to lead growth in U.S. natural gas trade as three LNG export projects currently under construction start operations and ramp up to full production by the end of 2025. We also forecast increased natural gas exports by pipeline, mainly to Mexico. Energy Information Administration
National
A look into five people from different organizations who are important to the ongoing debate around LNG exports, which has come up in the spending bills Congress is trying to pass eenews.net
National
A deep dive into the future of natural gas exports once the Biden Administration moves on past the export approval pause RFF's Resources
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International
Recycling more of the copper, aluminum, and other minerals in our old electronics could reduce the need for mining. Grist
Michigan
Michigan plans to spend millions of dollars researching how to better recycle minerals found in electric vehicle batteries and other technologies. One priority of the Critical Minerals Recycling Grant program is to research "circular economy efforts" to reuse critical minerals, like nickel, lithium and cobalt, to support clean energy production. The state's department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy plans to offer $4.75 million in matching grants for that work. Michigan Advance
North Carolina
State regulators have approved a permit for the controversial Piedmont Lithium mine in Gaston County, but the company is still months, if not years, before production will begin. Piedmont Lithium owns 3,600 acres near Cherryville, about half of which the company plans to mine for spodumene, an important mineral for extracting lithium. Piedmont will then convert the material to lithium hydroxide, a key component of electric vehicle batteries, at a plant onsite. The company plans to start mining in 2025. NC Newsline
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Alaska
An interview with Alaskan LDC Enstar Energy's CEO on gas shortage facing most of the state. Alaska Insight - Alaska Public Media News
California
Edison's Pizarro sees long-term future for natural gas in California even as climate targets are met Reuters
Georgia
Environmentalists are criticizing the Georgia Public Service Commission's decision to approve the construction of new fossil fuel generation, citing cost and climate concerns. Utility Dive
Illinois
Labor is against some of the policies in Illinois to move beyond/modernize natural gas, mad at ICC for stopping a line replacement program at an LDC. E&E News by POLITICO
Illinois
Illinois Commerce Commission is looking into the future of natural gas in its state and the story covers an initial meeting in its proceeding Daily Herald
Kentucky
It's part of a plan to build more than 3,800 MW of new generation by 2028. As is, work on the site resulted in $369 million in projected capital investments. Daily Energy Insider
Louisiana
Entergy says the plant is necessary because in 2020, Hurricane Zeta took out a major transmission line serving the area, according to its filing with the Louisiana Public Service Commission. The Energy Mix
National
Berkshire Hathway Energy utilities planning to add more natural gas capacity as demand is on the rise. Bloomberg
National
Nearly half of all natural gas produced in US will be certified as low-impact (low methane leaks) this year, just a few years after the concept was put in practice. Bloomberg
National
Natural gas production is dipping down slightly from April to May, EIA is forecasting. Natural Gas Intelligence
National
Breakthrough Institute blog argues that even with higher methane leaks than previously assumed, natural gas is cleaner than coal. Breakthrough Institute
National
Examination of the costs facing homeowners to retrofit for new electrical demands, EVs, stoves, heaters, ec. The Seattle Times
New Jersey
Group argues that New Jersey would benefit from new natural gas pipeline capacity StreetInsider.com
Southeast
A manufacturing buildout is pushing up projected power demand, but critics say clean energy, batteries and grid-responsive data centers can handle the load. Energy News Network
Texas
Natural gas is so plentiful in the oil-driven Permian Basin that it has negative prices, meaning pipelines can get paid to ship fuel to market. Texas Monthly
U.S.
Proposing new gas plants to serve growing demand implicitly rejects alternatives as either infeasible, expensive or unconsidered, says Energy Innovation. Utility Dive
Utah
PacifiCorp plans to burn more coal and gas in the coming decades, delaying retirements and cutting renewables purchases in Wyoming and Utah. Utah Public Radio
Washington
Snohomish County, Washington, declines to pass resolution against recent state law on future of natural gas The Center Square
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Illinois
Extension plans follow those already announced for Clinton reactor NUCNET
International
World leaders are not unaware of the nuclear industry's long history of failing to deliver on its promises, or of its weakening vital signs, yet many continue to act as if a "nuclear renaissance" could be around the corner, writes Stephanie Cooke, a former editor of Nuclear Intelligence Weekly. New York Times
Montana
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says nothing has been proposed for Montana. Billings Gazette
U.S.
Their efforts point the way for policymakers elsewhere to attract emerging nuclear technologies and the skilled workers they need to operate, NASEO President David Terry said. Utility Dive
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International
Sector has more ground to make up than fixed-bottom offshore to show it's a viable option for energy transition, Recharge event hears. Recharge
International
Under the agreement, Japan and the U.S. would work to accelerate developments in engineering, manufacturing and other areas related to floating wind farms. Tokyo would also contribute $784 million to develop floating wind technology via its Green Innovation Fund. Reuters
Massachusetts
While cables -- which connect wind farms to the New England power grid on the mainland -- aren't the flashiest parts of an offshore wind farm operation, some are nervous about what may lie ahead with them. MV Times
Massachusetts
New Bedford and the state bet big on the city becoming an offshore wind mecca. But other ports bring competition. New Bedford Light
New Jersey
The project is called the Garden State Energy Path, which would deliver approximately 6 gigawatts of offshore wind power from the Sea Girt National Guard Training Center to the Larrabee Tri-Collector Station in Howell Township. Daily Energy Insider
Rhode Island
Rhode Island-based Green Oceans has filed the lawsuit, claiming the bureau has broken the law by giving Danish energy company Orsted permits for their South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects. WSHU
Texas
On Monday, Dominion announced the 23,000-ton ship was lifted from land, rolled to the edge of a dock and placed in the water to undergo the rest of the work needed to finish it by late 2024. Virginia Mercury
Texas
The 472-foot WTIV -- the first and only to be constructed in the U.S. -- is being built for Blue Ocean Energy Marine, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, who announced the milestone. Offshore Engineer
U.S.
New projects are being announced, and perhaps most significantly, states are actually signing up to purchase the clean power generated by future ocean-based wind farms. CNN
U.S.
Dutch shipbuilders Royal IHC and Kalypso intend to build the 5,000-ton CLV capable of cable lay services including installation, repair, and maintenance capabilities. WorkBoat
U.S.
After considerable difficulties in 2023, northeast states are 'leaning in' to offshore wind rather than turning away. Riviera Maritime Media
U.S.
Can the offshore wind industry withstand the headwinds of rising costs and lawsuits to meet the country's renewable energy goals? Rhode Island Monthly
U.S.
Thirteen clean energy and environmental organisations urgd policymakers in coastal Atlantic states to complete the necessary planning and solicitation for offshore transmission systems to support the industry's long-term growth. reNEWS.biz
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International
Researchers analysed data as far back as 1979 to identify ideal locations with consistent, strong wind power generation potential. Power Technology
Kentucky
Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities have installed the state's first utility wind turbine.The 165-foot-tall turbine was installed in Mercer County as part of the Renewable Integration Research Facility at the E.W. Brown Generating Station. WDRB
New York
CIP, acting on behalf of its flagship fund, CI V, has acquired Liberty Renewables, which owns a portfolio of greenfield renewable energy projects in New York. reNEWS.biz
Texas
An RWE technician describes her work. Texas Monthly
U.S.
The Xweather report catalogs 77,494 lightning strokes at or near more than 1,500 wind farms. North American Clean Energy
U.S.
Onshore wind installations fell 27% in 2023 to 6.4 GW but Wood Mackenzie forecasts 7 GW this year and 11 GW in 2025. Average annual installs are forecast to hit 14 GW between 2025 and 2030, the research group said. Reuters
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California
California has set a benchmark for renewable energy, with wind, solar, and hydro supplying 100% of the state's energy demand for 25 out of the last 32 days (and counting). While California has hit 100% renewable energy before, for brief moments on exceptionally sunny days, this is the first time the state has sustained that success over an extended period. As Jacobson noted, there was even a recent day when wind, water, solar and geothermal power combined for 109% of the state's energy demand, with anything unused going to battery storage. The Cool Down
California
Renewable energy supplied 100 percent of California's energy demand for between 15 minutes and six hours in 30 out of 38 days -- a historic first for the Golden State. Newsweek
International
New analysis finds "quite a big gap" between 51 companies' emissions targets and their plans to actually achieve them. Grist
International
Chinese firms can often undercut their Western counterparts for many reasons, including cheaper labor and economies of scale. But they also benefit from very generous state incentives, which help to make foreign rivals uncompetitive. Reve
International
New report examines the role of carbon credits and integrated approach of public, private and complementary policies in driving the clean energy transition International Energy Agency
U.S.
In the U.S., there are nearly 12,000 power projects waiting in interconnection queues, representing a combined capacity of 1,570 GW for power generation and 1,030 GW for storage. Energy Trend
U.S.
Explorer and environmentalist Bertrand Piccard estimates that three-quarters of the world's energy goes to waste. "If we try to replace fossil [fuel] energy with renewables without being efficient, without reducing the consumption, it's hopeless," he told CNBC. Piccard also said it was important to consider the benefits of the current oversupply of solar panels from China. CNBC
U.S.
Argonne's newest tool helps users analyze industry-specific decarbonization plans to guide future decisions. Argonne National Laboratory
U.S.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced April 4 that state, local and tribal governments will receive $27 million to plan innovative clean energy programs. The Energy Future Grants, which include financial and technical assistance, are divided between 31 local governments, 7 states and 2 tribes. The grant recipients will work with partner organizations including community benefit groups, nonprofits, universities and small businesses, as well as other government and tribal entities. Smart Cities Dive
U.S.
The Columbia Law School collected and rebutted 33 false claims against clean energy technology as part of its ongoing research on climate change. pv Magazine
U.S.
The Biden administration has said the U.S. had surpassed a goal of permitting more than 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects on public lands by 2025 and finalized a plan to slash project fees for wind and solar energy on federal acreage. The announcement marks the administration's latest effort use the nation's 250 million acres of federal land to reach President Joe Biden's goal of decarbonizing the U.S. power grid by 2035. Reuters
Virginia
Dominion Energy Virginia (DEV) is seeking proposals to acquire new solar, onshore wind and energy storage, including up to 3 MW of rooftop solar in urban centers to reduce grid loads. North American Clean Energy
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California
Many rebuilding homeowners have ended up on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars, thanks to state laws that require solar panels on new homes -- even on those that didn't have them before they burned down. LAist
California
A controversial rooftop solar rulemaking decision has risen to the Supreme Court of California, with the state's highest court granting review for a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity. The case involves NEM 3.0, a rate structure that went into effect in April 2023. The California Public Utilities Commission approved a request by the state's largest investor-owned utilities to cut compensation to customers that export excess solar generation to the grid, a process called net energy metering. pv magazine
Illinois
Sugar Grove, Ill., is among the few communities left in the state where solar installers say they've encountered strict limits on panels for aesthetic reasons. Energy News Network
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International
As vast solar plants multiply, so does the scrap, set to reach 19m tonnes by 2050. But disposing of the waste often falls to informal traders who risk injury when dismantling broken panels The Guardian
International
Completing a project can require 30 or more different companies, suppliers, and consultants, and all must be involved in the data foundation of a project. Each of these collects and provides data in a different way, using different software, units of measurement, and margins of error. Renewable Energy World
International
U.S. subsidies announced as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act allow some renewable energy manufacturers and project developers to claim tax credits, which are attracting businesses from within the European Union and beyond. Reuters
International
Climate experts are united on the need to transition to renewable energy sources, but the field of solar power is not without its concerns and controversies. The Week
Kentucky
Some 76 households in Lexington are working with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society and Solar Energy Solutions to "solarize Kentucky" using a grant program to get solar power in more homes. Spectrum News 1
New Hampshire
Four communities in the state have been recognized as solar welcoming by SolSmart, a federally funded organization that helps municipalities expand solar power. Franklin is not among them, and a recent state Supreme Court opinion likely won't help get them there. In a unanimous decision, the court has overturned the Franklin Planning Board's denial of a solar project that met the city's zoning ordinance but was opposed by neighbors who argued it would ruin the scenery and bring down their property values. New Hampshire Bulletin
New York
Low-income New Yorkers are getting left out of incentives to shift to solar power, according to a report. Homeowners with incomes over $50,000 are two-and-a-half times more likely to have rooftop solar panels than those who earn less than that, according to the report by the think tank Win Climate and Columbia University. Additionally, only 5% of the state's tax credit subsidies for solar panels have gone to households earning less than $50,000, according to the analysis of data from 2010 to 2022. Gothamist
Pennsylvania
They're soaking up the sun and powering education in Cumberland County. Carlisle Area School District completed a $2 million project more than a decade ago, filling the fields near Wilson Middle and Bellaire Elementary with hundreds of solar panels. The district has reported savings of about 14% in electricity costs. WPMT-TV
Texas
The 225,000-square-foot solar panel assembly facility located near Houston, Texas, has the capacity to manufacture 2,000 MW annually and features two solar panel manufacturing lines. Solar Builder Magazine
Texas
Solar is forecast to displace natural gas in the middle of the day and in the summer on the Texas grid, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Although wind is still the largest source of renewable power in the state, the installation of new wind slowed in 2023 while solar generation, often paired with battery storage, grew rapidly. In March, solar topped coal's output for the first time in any month. Electrek
Texas
With the new shape of Texas' daily electricity supply, EIA expects less natural gas generation during the day (displaced by solar production), as well as in the summer when electricity demand is at its highest. Renewable Energy World
U.S.
For people living within three miles of a large solar farm, positive attitudes about the development outnumber negative ones by about a three-to-one margin, according to a new national survey released this week by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Some of the results are likely to be encouraging for solar developers, and could be used in local debates to show that community sentiment may favor solar more than is evident just from looking at often-contentious testimony at local public hearings. Inside Climate News
U.S.
The Biden Administration is expected to revoke tariff exemptions on bifacial solar modules following a petition led by Qcells, a company with a multi-billion-dollar investment in U.S. manufacturing. pv Magazine
U.S.
EnergySage, which offers personalized quotes and connects customers with PV installers via its marketplace for residential solar and energy storage, has released its 18th annual report. It said its findings show that current figures point to declining costs for both. For the first time since 2021, quoted solar prices decreased in the U.S. market, down 3.5% to $2.80/W for quotes in the second half of 2023. The median system size over that period was 11.3 kW, leading to an average quoted system price of $31,640 (before any associated tax credits or incentives). It said these prices are the lowest since mid-2020. pv magazine
Wisconsin
The county became the first in the U.S. to receive SolSmart Platinum designation for "encouraging the growth of clean, affordable solar energy at the local level." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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U.S.
The Biden administration on Thursday finalized a rule that cuts costs for developing solar and wind energy on public lands. The rule was expected to cut by 80% fees that are based on how much energy is produced through the year 2035. The Hill
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California
Arevon Energy has signed a long-term tolling agreement with electricity provider MCE for 188 megawatts of the Cormorant Energy Storage Project, a 250-megawatt/1,000-megawatt-hour standalone battery energy storage system which will be constructed in two phases in Daly City, Calif. The first 188-MW phase is scheduled to begin construction in Q1 2025 and is anticipated to become operational in Q2 2026. Arevon Energy
California
Calpine's billion-dollar Nova Power Bank, built on the site of a failed gas-fired power plant, will be able to power about 680,000 homes for up to four hours when charged. Reuters
International
The world's largest seasonal energy storage site will be hosted in Vantaa, Finland. Upon its completion in 2028, it will store 90 GWh of thermal energy. The storage facility being built by Vantaa Energy will be over 1.3 million cubic yards and will contain 90 GWh of thermal energy, enough to meet the annual heating demand of a medium-sized city in Finland. IceNews
Michigan
PowerPanel offers a PV and thermal storage solution that combines simple, safe and easy to manage hot water with advanced thermoplastic technology and architecture. pv Magazine
New York
The Town of Oyster Bay has approved a six-month moratorium on the establishment of Battery Energy Storage Systems. The recent public concern regarding the volatile nature of lithium ion batteries and the potential threat to the health and safety of communities surrounding these facilities have led the Town Board to consider a pause on approving them. With reports of fires at BESS locations over the past two years, there are also concerns related to the impact to the environment, as well as the stress put on roadways and local infrastructure. Syosset Advance
Texas
The projects come as battery storage capacity in ERCOT could grow to 17,700 MW by mid-2025 from 6,300 MW today, according to data from the grid operator. Utility Dive
U.S.
Appliances with embedded batteries are designed to keep working when the power goes off. Some researchers believe they also could enhance the electric grid. The Wall Street Journal
U.S.
Complexity is increasing for teams that source utility-scale battery energy storage systems for US projects as they attempt to balance ongoing trade policy risks with exciting design improvements that promise to improve energy densities and cut system costs. Energy Storage News
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Arizona
The SunZia transmission line that would carry wind energy from New Mexico to California has sparked one of the most consequential fights over the development of green spaces for green energy. Inside Climate News
Arizona
The project -- approved in 2015 following a lengthy review -- has been touted as the biggest U.S. electricity infrastructure undertaking since the Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s. Renewable Energy World
U.S.
Solar, battery and wind projects make up 95% of the capacity in interconnection queues, according to the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Utility Dive
U.S.
There is a gap between operational realities and aspirational policies; that gap is growing, and not shrinking as it must, writes Todd Snitchler, CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association. Utility Dive
U.S.
Building more regional infrastructure to distribute electricity in the West could help states more affordably meet their clean energy goals, a new study found. Inside Climate News
U.S.
Entergy, a utility company whose affiliates in Mississippi and Louisiana would stand to benefit if the new project fails, has raised doubts about the proposal before Mississippi regulators. Grist
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International
Dismissed by many in the solar industry as an overly-complex, outdated technology, concentrated solar power is set for a comeback thanks to a scaled-down, modular approach. pv Magazine
U.S.
Luckily, the solution to preventing weather damage on solar tracking systems is mostly about finding the right angles. Solar Power World
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California
California's 2035 VPP market potential is over 7,500 MW, representing over 15% of peak demand, according to a report by Grid Lab, which included smart thermostats, behind-the-meter batteries, residential EVcharging, grid-interactive water heating, and automated demand response systems for large commercial buildings and industrial facilities. North American Clean Energy
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