Focus
FERC approves CAISO interconnection reform plan
Utility Dive – October 2
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a proposal from the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to reform its generator interconnection process, including a provision that critics say gives utilities a discriminatory role in determining which projects move forward into review clusters. CAISO on August 1 asked FERC to approve its proposed approach, which aims to clear out a massive queue by favoring projects that appear to be most likely to succeed. When CAISO started its interconnection reform stakeholder process in May 2023, the grid operator had 185 GW in its active interconnection queue. It has another 347 GW from “Cluster 15,” its most recent annual interconnection window, which is on hold.
News
Department of Commerce imposes preliminary duties on solar panel imports
Environment and Energy Leader – October 3
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration has taken preliminary action to impose countervailing duties on crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells imported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This decision follows a petition filed by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee in April 2024, which argued that these countries were unfairly benefiting from government subsidies, harming the U.S. solar manufacturing sector.
Energy storage set to be ineligible for low-income bonus credit in 2025
Solar Power World – October 4
On October 3, the Solar Energy Industries Association filed comments on proposed rules for the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit as it transitions to the technology-neutral tax credit structure in 2025. Under the proposed rule, beginning in 2025, storage assets will no longer qualify for the benefit, presenting red tape and headaches for residential and community solar companies and storage accessibility issues for solar customers.
Google signs deal to use small modular nuclear reactors to power AI data centers
The Hill – October 15
Google has signed a deal with Kairos Power to build a fleet of small modular nuclear reactors to power its data centers. The small modular reactors, a type of next-generation nuclear reactor that has yet to be built in the U.S., are scheduled to be completed between 2030 and 2035 and will produce 500 MW of power. The deal comes at a crucial moment, as Google and other Big Tech firms search for ways to meet the extensive energy demands of artificial intelligence.
Projects
Huge transmission project out West hits another milestone
Power Grid International – October 14
The California Independent System Operator Board of Governors has approved a pair of provisions helping advance a major transmission intertie that will deliver Idaho wind energy to California and the Southwest, while also opening additional energy resources for Idaho. The 285-mile intertie project, estimated to cost about $1.23 billion, includes development of a new transmission line from Midpoint, ID to Robinson Summit, NV.
Altus Power announces San Bernardino solar project
Solar Industry Magazine – October 8
Altus Power has agreed to construct a 1.6 MW solar project at the San Manuel Landing, a 1.1 million-square-foot Class-A logistics center located in San Bernardino. Altus originated the project in conjunction with its partner, Trammell Crow Company, which developed the San Manuel Landing with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Public input sought on 117 MW solar project with BESS in California
Renewables Now – October 8
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is seeking public feedback regarding the draft environmental assessment for an up to 117 MW solar project set to be installed on public lands in Riverside County. The Sapphire PV park was proposed by EDF Renewables Development Inc, which in March last year signed a 20-year power purchase agreement for the future plant’s output with utility Southern California Public Power Authority.
JP Morgan, Capital One provide $260 million for 300 MW Arizona solar PV project
PV-Tech – October 15
BrightNight has secured $260 million in tax-equity finance from JP Morgan and Capital One, to aid in the development of a 300 MW solar PV power plant in Pinal County, Arizona. The Box Canyon solar project, jointly owned by BrightNight and Canadian asset manager Cordelio Power, is expected to become operational in the first half of 2025.
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