Good morning, and welcome to another NetZero Resources Intelligence Report.
We start this week’s edition with two stories on one of the most literal manifestations of the clean energy transition: the repurposing of sites that hosted coal-fired generation for new emissions-free assets.
John Cropley reports on developments from the Detroit suburb of Trenton, where DTE held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a 200-MW battery energy storage system alongside the historic coal plant it is now demolishing. The Michigan utility has relied heavily on coal until recently but has committed to ending its use
by 2032.
James Downing reports on another ground-breaking ceremony, this one at a retiring coal plant in Wyoming, where TerraPower is building its Natrium reactor demonstration project. It is the first advanced nuclear facility to move to the construction stage in the United States, but it still must obtain federal
regulatory approvals to build and operate the reactor itself.
Solar Power World has a story on Origis Energy and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association completing construction of a 200-MW solar farm near Grants, N.M., on the site of a 253-MW coal plant retired in 2020.
In a similar vein, Canary Media looks at the offshore wind hub being built on a historic industrial site — the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in New York City — where neighborhood residents are hoping to see environmental improvements as well as economic benefits.
In other offshore wind news:
In other energy storage news:
Further discussion of nuclear power generation includes:
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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North Carolina
Concentrated animal feeding operations are jumping on the renewable energy bandwagon. Sierra
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Illinois
A two-year moratorium on pipelines would be a first in the Midwest. Already, more than 20 capture wells have been proposed. Grist
International
The bulk of carbon capture projects proposed for Canada still only exist on paper, with final investment decisions yet to be made. The Energy Mix
North Dakota
The public hearing was dominated by landowners and neighbors of the proposed pipeline concerned about the safety of the pipeline and frustrated with dealing with Iowa-based Summit. North Dakota Monitor
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International
According to Connie Duxbury, founder of Croydon Community Energy and community manager at Younity, who spoke at the UK Solar Summit in London recently, there is a "lack of awareness" that the community solar energy sector "even exists" in the UK. The Solar Power Portal
U.S.
The study found that community solar adopters in 2023 were about 6.1 times more likely to live in multifamily buildings than rooftop solar adopters, 4.4 times more likely to rent, and earned 23% less annual income. pv magazine
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California
SunRun is running largest VPP in the country in PG&E's territory, will help with big heatwaves this summer. MSN
U.S.
The utility landscape is so complicated that some tech companies are dedicated to creating easy ways for buildings to import utility data. Propmodo
U.S.
Interview with Google subsidiary Renew Home on its plans to expand VPPs around the country. White House Chronicle
U.S.
RMI report offers case studies of VPPs from around the country Rocky Mountain Institute
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U.S.
Increasing customer DERs can make electric grids both more resilient and cleaner by relying less on energy derived from centralized fossil fuel power plants and more on locally produced energy. Solar Builder
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Nevada
NV Energy on May 31 filed its 2024 integrated resource plan with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, proposing more than 1,000 MW of solar and more than 1,000 MW of battery storage across three storage and renewable power purchase agreements, construction of 400 MW of gas-fired peaking capacity at a cost of $573 million, and higher costs associated with its Greenlink transmission projects. Utility Dive
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U.S.
The Environmental Defense Fund, entering controversial territory, will spend millions of dollars examining the impact of reflecting sunlight into space as global warming worsens. The New York Times
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Colorado
Designed for up to 18 hours of daily dispatchable, or peak generation capacity and heat supply, the Steamboat project is intended to provide renewable geothermal energy and long-duration storage directly to the Yampa Valley grid. Hydrogen Central
Massachusetts
The networked, utility-owned system in the pilot could replace fossil fuel for heating and cooling across entire neighborhoods. Smart Cities Dive
Nevada
The supply agreement for 115 MW of geothermal energy would increase the amount of enhanced geothermal capacity Google uses for operations by 25 times, according to the company. Renewable Energy World
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U.S.
Four key challenges still face smart grid transmission and distribution growth, but these obstacles can be mitigated with the right tech. POWER Magazine
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International
The plan allocates 2.5 GW for the production of green hydrogen, which, it estimates, will generate 200,000 tonnes per annum by the end of 2025. Travel Tomorrow
International
Funding is needed for projects demonstrating viability in order to fuel demand. Financial Times
International
Green hydrogen could transform our energy system and solve many supply and emissions challenges. Whether this happens will depend on how economically it can be produced and how attractive it will be to consumers. TechXplore
International
The contract is part of TotalEnergies' push to slash net emissions from its oil and gas operations by 40% by 2030, it said in a statement. Reuters
Pennsylvania
Fans of Pennsylvania's MACH2 hydrogen hub pitch the megaproject as a way to create 20,000 jobs and reduce emissions, but critics warn that the public is left out of discussions and decisions. The Center Square
Pennsylvania
The contours of plan are still fuzzy, a fact that's irking community activists and environmental groups that want to know what projects are being planned to make blue hydrogen in this corner of Appalachia. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Texas
Element Fuels Holdings has completed site preparation and pre-construction on 240 acres at the Port of Brownsville. Its facility would be designed to process high gravity domestic shale oil to produce low-carbon intensity fuels. Rio Grande Guardian
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Nevada
Rhyolite Ridge in Nevada is one of the only two major known global deposits of lithium-boron. It's also the location of the only known population of the Tiehm's buckwheat plant, a rare wildflower listed as endangered by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service in 2022. Nevada Current
Utah
Environmental groups said the worst-case scenario -- radioactive water seeping into the Colorado River -- should be enough to sink the project. Idaho Capital Sun
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International
Ukraine signs deal with Venture Global to buy U.S. natural gas to help cut Russian gas in the rest of Eastern Europe Financial Times
Louisiana
Deep dive into Venture Global's two senior corporate leaders and their dispute with its customers. Reuters
Louisiana
FERC orders Venture Global LNG to give customers documents detailing issues with export plant Natural Gas World
Texas
Freeport LNG sues contractor Zachary over faulty equipment at LNG export facility. Natural Gas World
Texas
Golden Pass LNG export facility (backed by ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy) is delayed six months due to construction woes - lead contractor, Zachary, went bankrupt. Reuters
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International
Wire manufacturer Nexans is mixing increasing amounts of discarded copper into its products in an effort to meet the rising demand for the metal, which is expected to nearly double by 2035. The Associated Press
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Florida
EDF urges Florida regulators to protect customers from rates charged by natural gas utilities Environmental Defense Fund
Illinois
Story highlights Illinois Commerce Commission's future of natural gas that looks into what will happen given state's climate law. Daily Herald
International
Mexican electricity regulator wins dispute over natural gas deliveries impacted by Winter Storm Uri against Whitewater Midstream LLC Natural Gas Intelligence
International
Canadian environmental group report highlights risk of stranded natural gas assets as climate laws take effect CTV News
International
New Zealand considering lifting ban on offshore drilling to boost energy security as natural gas reserves there dwindle. Bloomberg
Louisiana
Energy Transfer is suing other pipelines worth $2 billion in Louisiana, rankling industry. Bloomberg
Ohio
Ohio House Committee passes bill to incentivize natural gas pipeline expansion in specific areas WKBN.com
Oregon
Amazon backs off plans to use Bloom natural gas fuel cells to power data center in eastern Oregon. The Daily News
Pennsylvania
Deep dive on environmental impacts of fracking natural gas in Pennsylvania PublicSource
Pennsylvania
Across the country, crypto mining is blamed for producing millions of tons of carbon dioxide and consuming vast amounts of electricity -- more than some entire countries. Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Tennessee
TVA said the project would ensure greener energy, but activists said there are cleaner options. Yahoo
Texas
Entergy Texas has filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to seek approval of two state-of-the-art natural gas power plants to be named Legend and Lone Star. Entergy Newsroom
Texas
DeLa Express Pipeline Project to cross Texas and ship natural gas from Permian Basin to Louisiana KWTX
U.S.
Data center demand could outcompete natural gas exports to Europe FactSet Insight
Virginia
MVP Pipeline is ready to enter service as FERC approves its operation Reuters
Wisconsin
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's decision authorizing Wisconsin Electric Power Co. and Wisconsin Gas to build and operate two natural gas peaking facilities can move forward following a decision by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Wisconsin Law Journal
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Alaska
Alaska LNG project developers are now focusing on building an 800 mile pipeline first with tentative supply deal, still working on LNG facility longer term Natural Gas Intelligence
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U.S.
Nuclear is the largest source of clean power in the United States. It generates nearly 775 billion kilowatthours of electricity each year and produces nearly half of the nation's emissions-free electricity. U.S. Department of Energy
U.S.
It is organized around three pillars: closing the science and technology gaps to a commercially relevant fusion pilot plant; preparing the path to sustainable, equitable commercial fusion deployment; and building and leveraging external partnerships. U.S. Department of Energy
U.S.
Potential project sponsors have been slow to commit to advanced nuclear reactor projects due to the unclear business case for first-of-a-kind technologies, uncertainty around development costs, extended preconstruction timelines and other factors, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance said in a report. Utility Dive
U.S.
AES Corporation CEO Andr?s Gluski said renewable energy is the future, though natural gas will also play a role as a transition fuel. CNBC
U.S.
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis says utilities should be required to assess how competitive SMRs are versus renewables. New Civil Engineer
Utah
The drive for clean energy is driving uranium prices back up and leading mines to reopen -- with modern safety practices. Opponents remain skeptical. Salt Lake Tribune
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International
The tender, the largest to date, has selected two joint ventures to develop 2 GW renewable energy projects. Power Technology
International
For instance, the wind drought that swept across much of Europe during the summer and early autumn of 2021 led to a more than 30% reduction in energy production. Models show that events like these are likely to become more common. North American Clean Energy
International
In 2023, there were 1,679 incidents recorded by almost 40 G+ members -- a who's who of offshore wind players. Splash 247
International
Siemens Energy AG has told customers it plans to produce its biggest wind turbine, potentially toward the end of the decade, as the company seeks to maintain its lead in one of the fastest-growing energy sectors. Financial Post
Maine
Offshore wind farm lease auction plan has Gulf of Maine fishermen feeling brushed aside. Global Seafood Alliance
Maine
Maine officials are preparing permit applications for a wind port on Sears Island. But Sprague Energy, which owns the nearby Mack Point terminal in Searsport, is making its own major push. WCAI
New York
Equinor will store and assemble giant offshore wind turbines at the $861M Sunset Park facility. Residents hope the project will bring much-needed jobs. Canary Media
Oregon
Everyone that attended the meeting was opposed to the project, due to the unknown effects from vibrations from the windmills transmitting into the water, electromagnetism, and the effects that they will have on the bird populations as well as the local sea life. KCBY
Rhode Island
The crewboat will be berthed at ?rsted's Operations Hub at Quonset Point, and will transport wind service technicians to projects at sea. It will operate further out to sea, around 10 to 20 miles southeast of Block Island. Baird Maritime
U.S.
As the lead federal agency for workplace safety and environmental compliance for energy projects on the federal Outer Continental Shelf, BSSE had an inspection team evaluate South Fork Wind. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
U.S.
The Charybdis is a positive step for the burgeoning U.S. offshore wind industry but several other vessels are needed to fill a widening supply gap that is holding back developers. Reuters
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International
In its latest medium-term market report, titled Oil 2024, the International Energy Agency said oil demand growth was on track to slow down before reaching its peak near 106 million barrels per day by 2030. CNBC
North Dakota
Doug Burgum, the Republican governor of North Dakota, has stepped into the spotlight as a cheerleader for oil and former President Donald J. Trump. The New York Times
U.S.
The Permian Basin accounts for nearly half of U.S. crude oil production, and EIA expects increased production in the Permian and other regions will drive U.S. oil production to successive records in 2024 and 2025. U.S. Energy Information Administration
U.S.
The Supreme Court may soon decide the fate of dozens of cases brought by cities and states that seek to hold fossil fuel companies accountable. The New York Times
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International
Mexico's outgoing president put climate policy on the backburner. His mentee, incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum, talks a good game on renewables -- but remains committed to oil and gas. Inside Climate News
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Hawaii
A proposed update to Honolulu's land use ordinance could jeopardize the long-term survival of wind turbines in Kahuku that have been operating -- and generating opposition -- since 2011. Civil Beat
Idaho
LS Power said the preferred alternative is a balance between protecting environmental resources and the demand for domestic energy production. Idaho Capital Sun
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Hawaii
To ensure a reliable, flexible grid for the future of Hawaii, all parties must be involved and provide effective support to the further development and deployment of technologies on the grid, write Richard Rocheleau, director of the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, and Derek Stenclik, a founding partner of Telos Energy. Civil Beat
International
Investments in carbon-free energy will be twice as large as fossil fuel spending in 2024, the International Energy Agency predicts. Scientific American
International
Skyscrapers of the future could store huge amounts of renewable energy to power themselves using gravity, according to a new plan by the architect behind the world's tallest building. Recharge
International
Energy Storage executive Sonia St-Arnaud on the importance of partnerships, moving fast, and the opportunities for new talent in clean energy. Canary Media
Kansas
Greensburg, Kansas, built back green after a tornado mostly destroyed the town 17 years ago. Here's what residents think about those big changes today. Yale Climate Connections
U.S.
These requests come as the new energy demand gets in the way of Biden's target of decarbonizing the power sector by 2035. Digital Journal
U.S.
Decarbonization leaders say we have the technology to match emissions with energy generation on an hourly basis -- insufficient data and renewable generation represent the real barriers. Utility Dive
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California
If approved, SB 1374 would give schools, farms, apartments and other multi-meter properties "the same treatment" as single-family homes in solar crediting and billing structures. pv magazine
Massachusetts
We can speed our clean energy transition by getting the basics right at the municipal level, write Deirdre Cummings, legislative director of MASSPIRG. and Larry Chretien, executive director of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance. Commonwealth Beacon
U.S.
The median customer saw bill savings of $1,987 annually, but total net savings of $691 annually when considering off-bill financial impacts. Renewable Energy Magazine
U.S.
The Solar for All grant program provides an opportunity to bypass existing legal and practical barriers to provide broad-scale, equitable solar access. Southern Environmental Law Center
U.S.
Solar manufacturers are pushing the limits of solar efficiency. CNET explains what you need to pay attention to if you're shopping for residential solar panels. CNET
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Colorado
Colorado-based Tri-State will soon serve half its customers' electricity needs with renewable energy, thanks to new Inflation Reduction Act policies. Canary Media
New Hampshire
Solar developers say the queue for interconnection studies at Eversource, New Hampshires largest utility company, has become slow and frustrating. New Hampshire Public Radio
U.S.
As the more large-scale solar projects seek approval in the U.S., the Department of Energy is concerned that measures are taken to gain public trust and understanding of the need for and scope of the projects. pv magazine
U.S.
The U.S. International Trade Commission has voted to allow a petition seeking new antidumping and countervailing duties on some solar cell imports to move forward, giving the petitioners a positive preliminary injury determination. Utility Dive
U.S.
Inverters meeting the IEEE 1547-2018 standard can regulate voltage on a distribution circuit, and that capability allows more solar to be installed on each circuit without utility-supplied voltage regulation hardware. pv magazine
U.S.
Using its own database of price quotes, the Anza Q2 Pricing Insights Report highlights the first price increase in years as a result of AD/CVD petition and the reinstatement of bifacial import duties. pv magazine
U.S.
Energy developers may make a push with their stockpiled panel imports, as solar projects were the biggest contributor to new U.S. power capacity early this year. Reuters
U.S.
The report from kWh Analytics, with input from several industry leaders, identified 14 risks to be aware of in the solar industry, including risks related to extreme weather, such as hail, and operational risks. pv magazine
Vermont
Williston-based solar energy company iSun is seeking permission to sell off its assets after years of financial woes, according to federal bankruptcy court filings. iSun is the parent company of SunCommon, a solar panel installer based in Waterbury. Vermont Digger
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Hawaii
AES has withdrawn one of its solar and battery storage hybrid facilities from Hawaiian Electric's latest renewable energy procurement. Energy Storage News
Hawaii
Kuihelani Solar-plus-Storage will generate 60 MW of renewable energy supported by a 240 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system to supply 15% of Maui's energy needs. Renewable Energy World
International
Volcanic ash, typically seen as a disruptive force, is now hailed by University of Barcelona researchers as a valuable energy storage medium. Energy Digital
International
Trade association Solar Energy UK believes that the approaching general election offers an opportunity to better harness the enormous benefits of greater solar generation and energy storage -- with the industry calling for more ambitious objectives for the sectors. Renewable Energy Magazine
Nevada
Renewable Energy company Arevia Power has signed a power purchase agreement with energy service company NV Energy for the largest solar plus battery storage project in Nevada. Emerging Technology News
Nevada
The project will include 700 MW of solar and a 700 MW / 2800 MWh battery energy storage system. It will span 5,141 acres. pv magazine
New Mexico
PNM Resources PNM announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Public Service Company of New Mexico ("PNM"), received approval for new energy resources from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission ("NMPRC"). Zacks Equity Research
Texas
Copperhead is a 150-megawatt solar and 100-megawatt hour storage project that celebrated its groundbreaking in the fall of 2022. North American Clean Energy
U.S.
The companies did not specify where the projects will be built, and when they expect to commission the projects. PV Tech
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International
China is expected to exceed its 2030 solar and wind energy target already in 2025. Renewables Now
Texas
?rsted's first co-located project anywhere, Helena Wind Farm will generate 268 MW of wind power, while Sparta Solar will generate 250 MW of solar power annually. Windpower Engineering & Development
U.S.
The final rule overhauls how BLM will calculate annual charges for wind and solar ROWs and replaces the 2022 rent reductions. North American Windpower
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California
Surrounding businesses were evacuated and a 600-foot safety barrier was established to keep civilians away from possibly dangerous levels of hydrogen near the facility. The Energy Mix
International
It's time, once again, for the basics on pumped hydro and a bunch of examples so that people can stop fantasizing about elevators, water towers or trains and focus on water and existing hills instead. CleanTechnica
International
The system, set to be operational by 2026, will be co-located with the onshore converter station at Swardeston in eastern England, and will have a capacity of 600 MWh, equivalent to the daily energy usage of 80,000 UK homes. Reuters
International
A new groundbreaking study has provided critical insights into battery health management. Innovation News Network
Maryland
Delmarva Power will begin preparation work for a new battery energy storage system, or BESS, at 100th Street. The company reports the project will support the city's energy needs. OC Today-Dispatch
Massachusetts
Cranberry Point and Cross Town are the largest battery energy storage projects in construction with planned operations in New England and will be online during Summer 2025. PR Newswire
Michigan
Utility DTE Energy has launched a request for proposals, seeking approximately 120 MW of standalone energy storage projects in its Michigan service area. Energy Storage News
Nevada
Construction of a new civic center building and plaza in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, required heavy-lift equipment while supporting the net zero energy and carbon reduction goals of the city's 2050 Master Plan, Ampd Energy reports. Construction Equipment
New York
This funding is meant to advance the development and demonstration of scalable long duration energy storage (LDES) solutions that harness and provide stored renewable energy to the state's electric grid. Renewable Energy World
New York
LIPA's plan to deploy hundreds of megawatts of battery storage units on Long Island has been beset by local moratoriums on building the units, while the largest proposed project in Brookhaven has pulled out, officials said. Newsday
Rhode Island
The Energy Storage Systems Act would require the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and the Office of Energy Resources to develop and fund programs to meet benchmarks for energy storage capacity for the state's power grid. What's Up Newp
Texas
Texas has quickly become the largest U.S. market for utility-scale energy storage following a surge in solar power deployment and rising power demand across the state. Reuters
Texas
Factors include the physical landscape, fast interconnection process, increasing need for grid resilience and supportive regulatory environment. Renewable Energy World
U.S.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity has selected three demonstration projects to receive $15 million for focusing on the role of new Long Duration Energy Storage technologies in transforming the electric grid to meet the nation's growing need for clean, reliable, efficient, cost-effective energy. T&D World
U.S.
U.S.-based technology provider Torus has agreed to supply nearly 26 MWh of energy storage for Gardner Group's commercial real estate portfolio. The project will integrate battery and flywheel energy storage systems with Torus' proprietary energy management platform. pv magazine
U.S.
EPRI, in collaboration with Southern Co. and Storworks, has recently completed testing of a pilot concrete thermal energy storage system at Alabama Power's Ernest C. Gaston Electric Generating plant marking the largest such pilot in the world. The technology was developed by Storworks. EPRI
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Arizona
The judge ruled the plaintiffs were years too late in bringing their challenge. It followed an earlier decision in which she dismissed their requests for a preliminary injunction, saying the Bureau of Land Management had fulfilled its obligations to identify historic sites and prepare an inventory of cultural resources. The Independent
International
Jo?o Gra?a Gomes, Head of R&D at the Sino-Portuguese Center of New Energy Technologies, discusses the latest energy sector trends and how partnerships and digitalisation are key to tackling today's global challenges. Power Technology
Minnesota
A coalition striving to get states to approve high-voltage transmission lines along highways has won a first battle in Minnesota -- and wants to expand to other states. Canary Media
U.S.
The "move fast and break things" business model of the technology sector is meeting the regulated spending and reliability imperatives of the utility sector. Utility Dive
U.S.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory researchers offer a range of options for improving existing interregional operations, including developing a national interregional transmission planning process. Utility Dive
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Florida
The significant investment of $100 million ensures the facility's continued compliance with industry standards, extending its operational lifespan for future generations and significantly enhancing its waste-to-energy capabilities. Tampa Free Press
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Illinois
The 150 MWac Casey Fork Solar project is part of RWE's continuing U.S. expansion, with plans to grow its renewables portfolio from more than 9 GW net installed capacity today to more than 19 GW by 2030. Solar Builder
International
New research finds that "floatovoltaics" could generate a substantial amount of energy worldwide. Grist
International
The team focused their review on key applications of AI in maximum power point tracking, power forecasting, and fault detection within PV systems. Solar Daily
Michigan
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project represents a key part of Consumers Energy's plan to add 8,000 MW of utility-scale solar power by 2040. Solar Power World
New Mexico
The project was announced in 2020 as part of Tri-State's Responsible Energy Plan and is located in Tri-State member Continental Divide Electric Cooperative's service territory. Solar Power World
U.S.
Solar levelized cost of electricity has fallen to $29 to $92 per MWh, said a report from Lazard. pv magazine
U.S.
Winds can reach more than 180 miles per hour during a Category 5 hurricane, which has the potential to rip a panel clean off its bracket. Inside Climate News
U.S.
While it'd be nice to think the recent surge in solar installations is driven entirely by Americans' desire to stop climate change, the reality is that it probably has more to do with economics than environmentalism: solar is simply the cheapest energy option now. Freethink
Virginia
Virginia's transition to clean energy depends on building thousands of acres' worth of large solar facilities, but a backlash from some rural neighbors makes siting projects increasingly difficult, writes Ivy Main, the Sierra Club's renewable energy chairperson. Virginia Mercury
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