Focus
U.S. energy storage market sets Q3 records with rapid growth in grid-scale and residential segments
T&D World – December 15
According to the latest U.S. Energy Storage Monitor report from the American Clean Power Association and Wood Mackenzie, the third quarter of 2024 recorded 3,806 MW and 9,931 MWh of energy storage installed across all market segments—marking an 80% and 58% increase compared to the same quarter last year. Grid-scale energy storage accounted for the majority of installations, with 3,431 MW and 9,188 MWh deployed in Q3. Texas and California led the segment, reflecting their increasing focus on storage solutions to enhance grid reliability.
News
Biden doubles tariffs on Chinese solar panel components
The Hill – December 11
Starting in January, imports of Chinese solar wafers and polysilicon will carry a 50% tariff, up from the current levy of 25%. The Biden administration will also increase tariffs on certain Chinese products made out of the mineral tungsten, which has applications in the aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, and oil and gas industries. A group representing U.S. solar manufacturing companies praised the latest move from the administration, but also called for further action.
BOEM’s next steps in competitive leasing process for offshore wind energy
The Maritime Executive – December 16
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is issuing a determination of competitive interest in two wind energy areas (WEAs) in the Gulf of Mexico. The determination comes after an unsolicited request from Hecate Energy Gulf Wind LLC expressing interest in acquiring a commercial wind energy lease for WEA options C and D.
Will co-locating renewable energy with new data centers solve the power crunch? Google, Intersect Power trying options
Microgrid Knowledge – December 12
To meet rising demand for reliable, clean data center power, Google is joining with Intersect Power and TPG Rise Climate to co-locate high-capacity, low-cost, clean renewable energy power, and storage solutions with new data center loads. Data center demand is projected to grow upwards of 21 GW in 2024 and double by 2030, thanks in part to the explosion of artificial intelligence. Intersect Power will build the clean energy assets at newly developed industrial parks that will feature Google data centers as anchor tenants.
Projects
Pasadena takes important step toward clean energy goal with 50 MW solar deal
Pasadena Now – December 13
The Pasadena City Council has approved a 50 MW solar power agreement with Grace Orchard Solar III, LLC, advancing the city’s commitment to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. The 20-year contract with the NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary will provide power from a 170 MW solar facility near Blythe, California. Energy delivery is scheduled to begin in 2028.
New $42M battery storage facility set for Camp Pendleton
The San Diego Union-Tribune – December 13
A $42 million grant from the California Energy Commission will help construct a long-duration battery storage facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to provide backup power at the base and enhance the resiliency of the state’s electric grid. Expected to be operational in summer 2027, the facility will be installed at the base’s Haybarn Energy Reliability Center. It will initially provide 6 MW and 48 MWh of battery storage.
Nexamp partners with Walmart on over 120 MW of community solar
Solar Power World – December 16
Nexamp has partnered with Walmart to develop 31 community solar projects across the United States. These projects are expected to generate more than 120 MW of renewable energy for the grid and create over 1,500 jobs. The solar farms will be located in New York, Illinois, Minnesota, Maine, and Massachusetts.
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