Hi All,
Here is our weekly roundup of Renewable Energy news we’re reading this week:
Articles We’re Reading
The nine hours in which Spain made the 100% renewable dream a reality
Electricity generation through solar, wind and water exceeded total demand in mainland Spain from 10am-7pm. Key Takeaway: Battery storage and energy management systems are the key to provide 100% renewable energy even when the sun is not shining.
Why the U.S. is so bad at building clean energy, in 3 charts
Permitting and interconnection delays for renewable energy projects have forced the average time to be around 5 years for a large energy project to become fully operational. Key Takeaway: Distributed generation through microgrid technology (i.e. Solar PV and Battery Storage) will reduce the need for long transmission lines. Communities should exercise their energy sovereignty to work with legacy utilities to improve the speed of interconnection permits.
What high interest rates mean for U.S. Renewable Energy
As borrowers need capital to build out large renewable energy projects and energy storage rising interest rates may stall progress. Key Takeaway: Subsidies for renewable energy through the Inflation Reduction Act, loan programs, and long-term financing such as Power Purchase Agreements can help projects continue to move forward and provide stability.
Alaska’s big shift to renewable energy appears stalled, as future access to natural gas in doubt
Alaska is running out of natural gas in the Cook Inlet. Unsuccesful efforts in the legislature to require renewable energy production have stalled. Key Takeaway: Battery storage solutions would be extremely beneficial to help ease the concern over increasing renewable energy generation mix in Alaska.
Biden-Harris Administration Makes Historic, $11 Billion Investment to advance clean energy across rural america through investing in America agenda
Two new programs, New Era and PACE program(s), will provide $9.7 billion and $1 billion respectively to assist rural communities. Key Takeaway: Eligible entities must submit a Letter of Interest for New ERA between July 31 and August 31, 2023. For the PACE program USDA will be accepting Letters of Interest starting on June 30, 2023 on a rolling basis until Sept 29th, 2023.