Focus
The U.S. smashed clean energy records last year. Can it keep up the pace?
Canary Media – February 12
Clean energy installations in the U.S. reached a record high last year, with the country adding 47% more capacity than in 2023, according to new research from energy data firm Cleanview. Boosted by tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act and the plummeting costs of renewable technologies, developers added 48.2 GW of utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage capacity in 2024. This year, renewables will continue growing but at a slower pace, the report says. Based on developer projections, the U.S. could add 60 GW of large-scale clean power capacity in 2025.
News
Natural gas could get priority over renewable energy in largest U.S. grid
The New York Times – February 12
Federal electricity regulators have approved a proposal from the nation’s largest electric grid operator that could effectively give new natural gas power plants priority in connecting to the grid over renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The decision, by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, comes as the United States faces the prospect of the largest increase in electricity demand in recent decades.
Supervisors hear Lithium Valley Plan updates, approve solar projects
Calexico Chronicle – February 14
Imperial County officials provided new details on the Lithium Valley Specific Plan during last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting. In addition to the Lithium Valley updates, the board approved two solar projects. The North Star 1 project will consist of up to 50 MW of solar generation and 75 MW of battery storage. The North Star 3 project, southeast of Salton City, will generate up to 100 MW of solar power and include up to 200 MW of battery storage.
Projects
New York approves power line for Equinor offshore wind farm
Reuters – February 13
New York’s utility regulator last Thursday approved a unit of Norwegian energy firm Equinor’s plan to build and operate transmission facilities for the company's Empire Wind 1 offshore wind farm under construction off the state coast. The 816 MW wind project will produce enough renewable power for more than 388,000 homes.
White Pine Renewables gets bank loan for California PV duo
Renewables Now – February 13
White Pine Renewables has secured a bank loan that will help it finance two already commissioned solar parks in California. The funding was provided by Beneficial State Bank and Energetic Capital. The farms are generating electricity to meet the demands of the Feather Water District in Sutter County and the Kettleman City Community Services District in Kings County.
Guidiville Indian Rancheria installing Harnyss microgrid at California tribal HQ
Microgrid Knowledge – February 12
Hydrogen microgrid startup Harnyss has been contracted by California tribal entity Guidiville Indian Rancheria to supply its Oasis solution, which combines long-duration energy storage with on-site hydrogen production. The Harnyss microgrid will be paired with solar power on tribal grounds.
Invenergy 300 MW solar PV plant in Texas comes online
PV-Tech – February 14
Invenergy has started commercial operations at a 300 MW solar PV plant in Texas. Dubbed the Delilah I Solar Energy Center, the project is located in Lamar and Red River Counties and has already secured virtual power purchase agreements with Honda and Tesla.
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