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This week’s Resources Intelligence Report has a distinctly forward-looking tone, with all six NetZero Insider staff-written stories focusing on developments that set the stage for billions of watts of power generation, billions of dollars in investments, or both.
Jon Lamson has a story from Reuters Events’ Offshore Wind USA 2024 in Boston, where one after another, speakers expressed tentative optimism in the current state of the U.S. industry — which is at a delicate point in 2024, having begun to bounce back from the failures of 2023 and contemplate the potential return of offshore wind foe Donald Trump as president in 2025.
The U.S. Department of Energy held a webinar on its Pathways to Commercial Liftoff report focused on offshore wind power. DOE officials acknowledged recent soaring prices and growing pains for the U.S. industry but predicted that the sector’s costs would start to decrease and its climate benefits would start to accrue late this decade. John Cropley reports.
Rhode Island set a series of targets for energy storage buildout, starting with 90 MW installed by the end of 2026 and reaching 600 MW by the end of 2033. In his story, Cropley points out that it is an ambitious goal, given that Rhode Island has the lowest electricity use per capita of any state and one of the smallest populations.
Our newest colleague, Vincent Gabrielle, updates us on NYISO’s offshore wind power transmission planning in his first NetZero Insider story. The grid operator received four bids in response to its Public Policy Transmission Need solicitation for projects that accommodate up to 8 GW of OSW capacity.
The New York Solar Energy Industries Association called on New York state to double its target for distributed solar to 20 GW, reasoning that the development of small-scale solar in the state has been a success even as large-scale renewable development has faltered. Cropley has the details.
Finally, Cropley squeezes three offshore wind updates from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management into a single story: Sunrise Wind has been cleared to begin construction and expects to start seabed work later this year; the Gulf of Maine wind energy area auction planned later this year has been projected to have minimal environmental impact; and the agency is looking for input as it considers wind power development off the coast of U.S. territories.
As always, we combed our news feeds to find the most important and interesting reports from other media outlets. Here are six varied examples:
All this and much more is gathered below in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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International
The acquisition will allow BP to fully integrate BP Bunge Bioenergia into its operations, leveraging its trading and technology capabilities to maximize value. Zack's
U.S.
The Biden administration hopes to drive down transportation emissions in part by incentivizing farmers whose crops are used for biofuels to use climate-friendly farming techniques that store carbon in the soil. Reuters
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U.S.
To help solve our grid load dilemma, the U.S. could produce at least 166 terawatt hours of renewable electricity just with the methane captured from biogas projects and recycling our organic waste. Utility Dive
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International
This question underlies the merits of policies that encourage power plants and heating facilities to burn more wood pellets and builders to construct more tall wood buildings. World Resources Institute
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Iowa
The Iowa Utilities Board gave its approval for the controversial Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline and for the company to use eminent domain to acquire landowners' property. Arkansas Advocate
Louisiana
Heirloom Carbon Technologies announced it is moving forward with the first phase of a decarbonization project that combines public and private investment to build two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossie. Louisiana Illuminator
South Dakota
South Dakota voters might decide Nov. 5 whether to reject a new state law regulating carbon dioxide pipelines after the ballot measure committee known as the South Dakota Property Rights and Local Control Alliance submitted an estimated 28,000 petition signatures to the Secretary of State's Office. Nebraska Examiner
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Alabama
No one seems willing to answer citizens' questions, they say, and public officials don't seem to care. Will state or federal regulators move to shut down the mine? Inside Climate News
International
Affordability and utilities minister Nathan Neudorf said the fast phaseout cost Albertans more than $2 billion -- the value of the remaining lifespan in the now-retired coal assets The Energy Mix
Pennsylvania
A fading coal town in Pennsylvania is struggling to replace the jobs and money that the fossil fuel industry once offered. The Washington Post
Wyoming
Gov. Mark Gordon traveled to the heart of Wyoming's coal country to address concerns that he's too focused on carbon capture technologies for the sake of curbing greenhouse gas emissions and accusations that he's not fighting hard enough against the Biden administration's anti-fossil fuel policies. The effort mostly fell flat. WyoFile
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U.S.
The recent agreement brings the total to 2 GW of solar modules that the community solar specialist will purchase from Qcells, mostly manufactured in its facility in Georgia. pv magazine
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California
EnergyHub gets grant to sign up 7,000 customers with smart thermostats, EVs, etc. in new VPP from California Energy Commission. Energy Central
U.S.
SunRun head of VPPs argues that any utility can benefit from that construct Utility Dive
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U.S.
DERs like batteries and electric vehicles could absorb the entire increase in peak demand that U.S. power grids are projecting through 2035, but only if utilities seize the opportunity and engage more closely with customers, management consultants at Deloitte conclude in a report The Energy Mix
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Ohio
A look at Ohio's lack of energy efficiency requirements, with issue coming to a head as data centers plan expansion in state E&E News
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Utah
Startup Fervo Energy will supply 320 MW of clean, firm power to Southern California Edison from an enhanced geothermal plant under construction in Utah. Canary Media
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Texas
Air Liquide will build and operate four Large Modular Air separation units to supply 9,000 metric tons of oxygen and up to 6,500 metric tons of nitrogen daily to the facility. Business Wire
Texas
Turning hydrogen into liquid fuel could help slash planet-warming pollution from heavy vehicles, cutting a key source of emissions that contribute to climate change. But to fulfill that promise, companies will have to build massive numbers of wind turbines and solar panels to power the energy-hungry process. The Washington Post
U.S.
Environmentalists and sceptical locals threaten key element of US plans for green energy. Financial Times
U.S.
A new report from Troutman Pepper law firm says transparency on tax credits, and standards for hydrogen certification, are needed to unlock clean hydrogen's ceiling, identifying domestic manufacturing, infrastructure investment, and export markets as core accelerators of future success. Renewable Energy Magazine
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International
Russia appears to be copying idea used to get around oil sanctions for LNG - creating "phantom fleet" of ships to carry its exports Bloomberg
Louisiana
FERC approves construction of controversial CP2 LNG export terminal in Louisiana as regular meeting draws protests over approval The Hill
U.S.
Higher labor costs are making LNG more difficult to build - labor costs up 20% in a few years and have led to cost-overruns at projects under construction Reuters
U.S.
Sovereign Saudi oil firm, Aramco, enters into deal for US LNG exports - its second in recent weeks. E&E News
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U.S.
Energy technologies like solar and battery storage have proven time and again to provide reliable power, and now they are more affordable than ever. So why aren't leaders scaling them up for resiliency ahead of impending extreme weather? RMI
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International
Under a new EU law that entered into force in May, the bloc has set ambitious 2030 targets for domestic production of critical minerals required for its green transition -- 10% of annual needs mined, 25% recycled and 40% processed domestically by the end of the decade. Reuters
International
The 17 silvery-white rare earth minerals are not uncommon in the earth's crust. But deposits that are economically viable are more difficult to find, and the real rarity comes in the complex process to separate them into the materials needed to produce permanent magnets used in a range of critical products. Reuters
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Connecticut
Connecticut AG Tong arguing that PURA should require Connecticut Natural Gas offer a rebate after it overcollected in 2023 Greenwich Time
International
Australia is approving natural gas infrastructure that would keep fossil fuels burning past 2050 despite net zero commitments The Guardian
International
Natural gas use is booming globally and story looks at how that happened, how much of a challenge it is to renewables/climate targets. Bloomberg
International
In depth examination of Phillipines' policy embrace of natural gas for its energy system. The Associated Press
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Dems push back on criticism of climate bill, saying it would not put natural gas LDC workers on the dole. Boston Herald
Massachusetts
Climate bill blocked in Massachusetts Senate over concerns about natural gas limitations. MSN
New Jersey
NJ legislators want BPU to reject 24% bill increase pending from gas utility InsiderNJ
Ohio
Ohio legislators pass tax credits, loans to build out natural gas pipelines in areas deemed to have too little capacity cleveland.com
Texas
Japanese firm invests directly in Texas shale production site, hopes to bring it fully online by 2026. Bloomberg
U.S.
Owners of Venture Global were a major force in LNG export growth and article dives into their business Bloomberg
U.S.
Gas utilities see certified gas as a way to sell low-carbon fuel at a premium. U.S. senators are calling on the FTC to investigate the industry's claims. Inside Climate News
U.S.
Dallas Federal Bank survey of oil and gas executives comment on recent growth and forecast gas to $3/MMBTU by end of year Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
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International
Filipino Governor who backed LNG expansion owned real-estate that shot up in value due to energy companies' plans, AP investigation found The Seattle Times
Massachusetts
EIA offers details and numbers on New England natural gas and LNG as Everett power plant retires, though LNG facility remains open. EIA
U.S.
Article argues the US could learn from Australia, a fellow major exporter of LNG (it had led the world in exports before recent growth spurt in US export capacity) OilPrice.com
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Georgia
The $35 billion project's completion -- despite delays and cost overruns -- is boosting already surging support for nuclear energy in Congress. E&E News
Iowa
Energy expert says it's a long shot, considering cost and complexity; decommissioning began in 2020. The Gazette
U.S.
A Union of Concerned Scientists official said a required update to the NRC's mission statement would "erase 50 years of independent nuclear safety oversight." Utility Dive
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Hawaii
The project could help the state reach its renewable energy goals, sourcing power to approximately 300,000 homes -- but at what cost? Civil Beat
International
Understanding the movement of bats over the sea will help wind farm operators to mitigate the risk of collisions between wind turbine blades and bats while also ensuring the generation of offshore renewable energy. Vattenfall
International
The four-year project started in 2023 off the Danish east coast at Scandinavia's largest wind farm, Kriegers Flak. With its first harvest just 18 months later, it's already showing signs of early success. Renewable Energy World
International
The moves are part of a decision by CEO Murray Auchincloss to slow down investments in big budget, low-carbon projects, particularly in offshore wind, that are not expected to generate cash for years, said several sources at BP who declined to be named. Reuters
International
The selected wind turbine, a 4.3 MW SWT-DD-120 from Siemens Gamesa, fits Floating Power Plant's requirements for a well-established technology, the company said. It will be fitted at the demonstrator platform in the Canary Isles. Offshore Engineer
International
Businesses must understand their specific interactions with nature within their sectors. What is the dependence and impact of the offshore wind industry on nature? World Economic Forum
International
Inclusion of negative bidding in recent offshore wind auctions held by Germany and the Netherlands is "putting unnecessary additional pressure" on offshore wind developers, according to WindEurope. reNEWS.biz
International
The prototype has a 236-metre diameter rotor and will provide an increase of more than 30% in annual energy production compared to its predecessor. Siemens Gamesa said the model has already secured 8GW-worth of orders. reNEWS.biz
International
Built by International, AkzoNobel's protective coatings brand, the rain erosion test facility at the company's research and development hub in Felling is said to be the first of its kind. Riviera Maritime Media
International
Monopiles with a diameter of up to 14 metres, a length of 140 metres, and a weight of 3,500 tonnes will be produced. With an annual production capacity of more than 500,000 tonnes, Titan Wind Energy GmbH plans to supply the offshore wind markets in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the U.S. offshoreWIND.biz
Massachusetts
Officials announced that Vineyard Wind 1 now has 10 turbines in operation, delivering 136 MW of offshore wind power. The New Bedford Light
New Jersey
This massive investment in a new clean energy industry is mission-critical when it comes to supporting working families in New Jersey, who are hit first and worst by the extreme storms and weather caused by climate change and who know all too well the pain of volatile energy prices., writes Mike Hellstrom, vice president of the Laborers' International Union of North America. ROI-NJ.com
New Jersey
Riggs Distler, a Centuri company, is a large union utility, mechanical and electrical contractor with a growing portfolio of work in emerging clean energy technologies. With its corporate headquarters in Cherry Hill, N.J., the firm brings over a century of local market experience. North American Wind Power
New Jersey
How many NJ residents Would Accept the power of 8 nuclear reactors running through their communities? TAPinto
New York
Repriced and derisked contracts a welcome development for industry. Infrastructure Investor
Oregon
The letter emphasizes what the commission states are adverse effects on the ocean environment and Oregon's sustainable seafood industry. The News Guard
U.S.
It is also the third CTV delivered by the shipyard in 2024 with additional vessels under construction as part of the broader emerging U.S. fleet for the offshore wind industry. The Maritime Executive
U.S.
A mineral called glauconite is disrupting plans to install wind turbines at several sites off the U.S. coast. E&E News
Virginia
Utility using vibrations, bubble curtains to minimize environmental impacts. Virginia Mercury
Virginia
The $9.8-billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will include 176 turbines stretching as far as 42 miles off the Virginia Beach coast. VPM
Virginia
Another important avenue of research has been how the turbines might pose a collision threat to migrating sea birds because the wind farm is on the Atlantic Flyway. Bay Journal
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International
But critics fear the oil bonanza will turn Guyana into a victim of the 'resources curse.' Financial Times
New Mexico
In New Mexico, oil companies agreed to work with regulators to find a solution to the state's more than 70,000 unplugged wells. After months of negotiations, the industry turned against the bill it helped shape. ProPublica
Utah
The Uinta Basin Railway aims to connect Utah's largest oil field to the national rail network, allowing drillers there to ship large volumes of the basin's "waxy" crude oil to Gulf Coast refineries. Colorado Newsline
International
Britain's highest court has ruled that local councils and planning groups must consider the full environmental impact of new fossil fuel projects when deciding whether to approve them, a decision that could have far-reaching consequences and that climate activists hailed as a major victory. The New York Times
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U.S.
This funding opportunity furthers national efforts to cut methane pollution as the agencies took nearly 100 actions in 2023 alone, according to a progress report released by the White House. Daily Energy Insider
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Iowa
Plant in Iowa will ramp production capacities to exceed 2.5GW annually in line with order volumes. reNEWS.biz
U.S.
Grid operators have increasingly restricted wind generation because of both oversupply and congestion on the grid. Energy Information Administration
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California
For part of almost every day this spring, the state produced more electricity than it needed from renewable sources. The New Yorker
International
But spending still at less than half of estimated level needed by the early 2030s to achieve net zero targets. Financial Times
Kentucky
Federal funding announced by the Department of Agriculture will help construct a third hydroelectric plant along the Kentucky River, another partnership with Berea College. The funding is made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act to help fund numerous energy projects. Kentucky Lantern
Maryland
Fort Detrick announced the newly completed advanced renewable energy system. This event marks the culmination of efforts to enhance the base's energy independence, sustainability, and potential for energy resiliency. U.S. Army
Massachusetts
Supporters say the proposal will help lower utility bills by directing providers to offer discounted rates to consumers with low and middle incomes and give the state more flexibility to negotiate contracts with providers. The Associated Press
Minnesota
Minnesota has shown it is serious about capitalizing on the current clean energy boom. These new laws will go a long way toward attracting the surge in clean energy investment to keep the state's economy strong for decades to come, writes Mel Mackin, policy advocacy director for Ceres, a clean energy advocacy nonprofit. Minnesota Reformer
North Carolina
The state's ratepayer advocate says tapping into an Inflation Reduction Act loan program would save ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars and make more clean energy the 'least cost' option. Energy News Network
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania must redirect its economic development tools away from fossil fuel industries toward clean energy to build a stable economy that supports and protects the state's most vulnerable communities, an environmental advocacy group said in a report. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star
U.S.
AI, cryptocurrency 'mining' and our digital lifestyles imperil the energy transition -- and the planet. High Country News
U.S.
We can, and should, embrace carbon-free power -- wind, solar, hydro, nuclear -- and do it alongside natural gas. This election is too important to get the politics, the economics, and the climate benefits wrong, writes Tim Ryan, a former member of Congress who is now co-chair of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future Leadership Council. Ohio Capital Journal
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Florida
The injections are part of the commissioning phase of the Company's first RNG development project, which included the construction and operation of a dairy manure-to-biogas RNG facility at Full Circle Dairy. PR Newswire
New York
Some environmentalists are concerned. They worry the rush to turn landfill emissions into pipeline-transported gas in New York could disincentivize waste reduction, and extend the life of the fossil fuel system too. WXXI News
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Virginia
Low-cost, clean power, resilience and energy security are all part of the great American success story that is solar energy, writes Ivy Main, the Sierra Club's renewable energy chairperson. Virginia Mercury
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Louisiana
Their plan includes what is called a sleeved power purchase agreement (PPA) that lets a customer negotiate what it will pay for electricity from a non-utility source such as a community solar garden or private wind farm. Renewable Energy World
Michigan
Detroit is using something it has plenty of -- vacant land -- to produce something the city needs -- clean and relatively inexpensive energy. ABC News
U.S.
Since passage of the IRA, First Solar's stock price has doubled and its profits have soared thanks to new federal subsidies that could be worth as much as $10 billion over a decade. The success has also delivered a massive windfall to a small group of Democratic donors who invested heavily in the company. The Associated Press
U.S.
Few states require them to provide financial guarantees; this presents a significant risk for taxpayers, the environment and those living near these solar farms, writes Josh Carson, vice president at Axcess Surety Bonds Solar Power World
U.S.
A low upfront price can be quickly undermined if product defects are found during installation and commissioning, or if major problems emerge once the equipment is in service. Solar Power World
U.S.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory noted an increase in spontaneous glass breakage in solar panels. The PV Module Index from the Renewable Energy Test Center investigates this and other glass-related trends in solar manufacturing. pv magazine
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International
Europe has clocked a record number of hours of negative power prices this year due to a mismatch between demand and supply as solar power generation soars, potentially helping to shift investment to much needed storage solutions. Reuters
U.S.
Reducing demand for electricity has broad benefits, including less need to add new wires and grid equipment. Inside Climate News
U.S.
One way we evaluate the solar-plus-storage industry is by looking at attachment rates, or the share of solar projects installed with batteries. The US total residential attachment rate grew from 6% in Q1 2020 to 25% in Q1 2024. REVE
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U.S.
A new Pew Research Center survey finds Republican support for wind, solar and electric vehicles has tanked since President Biden was elected, mostly among those 65 and older. The New York Times
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Arizona
Arizona utility Salt River Project and U.S. battery storage specialist Plus Power held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for two battery storage systems with a combined capacity of 340 MW/1,360 MWh. Renewables Now
Arizona
Salt River Project says it needs to double or triple the resource capacity on its system by 2035, including through long-duration energy storage. Utility Dive
Arizona
Together, these facilities will add 340 MW / 1,360 MWh of additional battery storage capacity to SRP's system -- enough to power 76,000 residential homes for a four-hour period. SRP
California
California's 8.6 GW of battery storage capacity accounts for roughly half of all utility-scale battery capacity within the U.S. and is twice as much as the capacity in place in Texas, the second-largest deployer of battery storage. Reuters
California
Investor-owned public utility Southern California Edison is seeking approval from the California Public Utilities Commission of two new resource adequacy agreements covering 750 MW of nameplate battery storage capacity. Energy Storage News
International
At Intersolar Europe 2024, ESS News spoke with George Hilton, research and analysis manager at S&P Global, about the state of play in the battery energy storage supply chain and falling prices. pv magazine
International
The world saw the risks of lithium-battery fires on Monday in South Korea, where at least 23 workers died in one of the country's worst industrial accidents in recent memory. Wall Street Journal
International
With the successful implementation of large-scale battery projects, the United States' green transformation will steadily advance, providing a reference for the development of renewable energy around the world. Energy Trend
New York
The green construction barrier has been removed and permanent fencing now installed at the battery energy storage site on Giffords Lane in Great Kills -- according to the project's developer, the lithium-ion powered facility is now one step closer to completion. Staten Island Advance
New York
Hundreds crowded into Carmel Town Hall opposing East Point Energy's proposed lithium battery facility on 95 acres off Miller and Union Valley roads in Mahopac near the Somers town line. The Examiner News
Texas
Getting the most out of a grid-scale battery energy storage system involves a sophisticated platform including artificial intelligence, algorithms, energy demand forecasting, weather forecasting, and historic data from thousands of substations around the country serving Independent System Operators. Solar Builder
U.S.
Legislation kicked the sector into gear, and now, companies need to maintain it by mitigating uncertainty and risk through proactive and thoughtful supply chain diversification and a commitment to operational agility and collaboration. Energy Storage News
U.S.
The IRA is leading to larger energy storage projects that will last longer as their original battery capacities degrade and diminish. Notably, building larger projects that last longer, Lazard is projecting better long-term financial returns for the project owners. Overall, the IRA brings down energy storage system costs. CleanTechnica
U.S.
At the end of 2023, electricity utilities in the United States reported operating 575 batteries with a collective capacity of 15,814 MW. We expect U.S. battery capacity will more than triple, adding 35,953 MW by the end of 2028 based on plans reported to us by utilities. Energy Information Administration
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New York
They are expected to help manage the flow of electricity and prevent power outages by increasing the short-circuit strength, which is crucial for providing consistent and reliable power to homes and businesses. North American Clean Energy
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International
In many areas of the globe, the solar radiation availability in 2023 was considerably higher (up to 10-12%) than the long-term average, and this might be overshadowing the fact that a large fraction of utility-scale PV power plants is undeperforming. pv magazine
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, utility companies essentially write their own rules for the process to hook up, or interconnect, solar projects larger than 1 megawatt to the grid. Developers say this has resulted in lengthy, unpredictable delays. New Hampshire Bulletin
Ohio
Solar advocates and developers in Ohio are pessimistic that the IRA will help them overcome fossil fuel-backed opposition groups spreading misinformation about solar and a harsh regulatory regime in the Republican-run state. Renewable Energy World
South Dakota
Wild Springs is a 128-MW solar project located in the Southwest Power Pool with a 114 MW power purchase agreement with Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Solar Power World
U.S.
The U.S. National Renewable Energy Lab estimates that if the United States were to meet all of its electricity needs with solar alone, around 10 million acres, or 0.4% of the area of the country, would be needed. pv magazine
Utah
Monday was more of a celebration of the 80-megawatt solar farm's existence, as the project was completed earlier this year after inflationary and supply chain challenges. KSL.com
Wyoming
Putting solar panels on reclaimed mines could power new industry in the Powder River Basin, but lack of grid space for renewable electricity and community loyalty to fossil fuels hinder progress. Inside Climate News
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Michigan
Wave energy converters use the movement of the water to generate electricity. The research team will spend the next couple years developing a prototype to install in the waters off the island. Michigan Advance
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U.S.
While the absolute number of new jobs isn't that big, it represents a projected 45% increase between 2022 and 2032, more than any other occupation. Business Insider
U.S.
Like all energy sources, wind farms have some negative environmental impacts. But getting energy from wind farms results in dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions than getting it from fossil fuels. FactCheck.org
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