Focus
U.S. resumes solar and storage permitting amid policy shifts
Power Technology – April 23
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has recommenced the review of solar, storage, and geothermal project applications on federal lands. This follows a 60-day suspension of all renewable energy authorizations, including leases and rights of way, under President Donald Trump’s administration, reported Reuters. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a division of the DOI, confirmed the resumption of permitting activities, which include recent approvals for projects like EDF’s 117 MW Sapphire solar-storage project in California.
News
FERC: Solar + wind made up 98% of new U.S. power generating capacity in Jan-Feb 2025
Electrek – April 21
Solar and wind accounted for almost 98% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity added in the first two months of 2025, according to new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) data reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign. In FERC’s latest monthly report (with data through February 28, 2025), FERC says 39 “units” of solar totaling 1,514 MW were placed into service in February, along with two units of wind (266 MW). They accounted for 95.3% of all new generating capacity added during the month. Natural gas provided the balance (87 MW).
Trump administration announces plan to hike solar tariffs for 4 countries
The Hill – April 23
The Commerce Department announced plans to hike tariffs on solar panels from East Asia, alleging that panels from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are receiving Chinese subsidies. The plan comes from the International Trade Administration, but the tariffs cannot be imposed until a separate U.S. government body, the International Trade Commission, determines whether U.S. companies have been injured by imports from foreign countries. The commission will make that decision in June.
Projects
EDF Renewables, PSEI close funding for 300 MW California solar-storage complex
Renewables Now – April 17
EDF Renewables North America and Power Sustainable Energy Infrastructure have closed long-term financing for their recently commissioned 300 MW Desert Quartzite solar-plus-storage park in Riverside County. The funding was extended by KfW IPEX-Bank, together with MUFG Bank Ltd, Export Development Canada, Korea Development Bank, and four other lenders.
State extends deadline for staff review of Rosamond energy storage project
The Bakersfield Californian – April 17
A committee of the California Energy Commission agreed to extend a set of deadlines related to official review of a compressed-air facility proposed in Rosamond. Tuesday’s decision is still expected to result in a final decision by the end of this year on Hydrostor Inc.'s 500 MW Willow Rock Energy Storage Center. That was a primary issue for the company, which had expressed concern that delays could jeopardize the project’s $1.76 billion federal loan guarantee.
ForeFront Power connects 27 MW solar-storage to power Fresno's water treatment plants
EnergyTech – April 22
The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities recently completed solar and smart battery storage projects with a combined 27 MW in capacity. The biggest of the three distributed energy projects serving critical infrastructure is the 19.6 MW system at the city’s wastewater reclamation facility. Overall, the Fresno Department of Public Utilities expects the solar-storage systems could save $122 million for ratepayers by 2045.
San Mateo PV array among California’s earliest community solar projects
Solar Power World – April 21
The Dos Palos Clean Power project in Merced County is now online. A joint project from Peninsula Clean Energy and Renewable America, Dos Palos will generate 3 MW of solar power as part of Peninsula Clean Energy’s Green Access Program, which is providing income-qualified customers in San Mateo County and Los Banos with a 20% reduction to their electric bills.
Kaiser Permanente launches renewable energy microgrid at California hospital
Fierce Healthcare – April 22
Last week, Kaiser Permanente debuted what it said is the largest hospital-based renewable energy microgrid system in the U.S. Housed at Kaiser’s Ontario Medical Center in Southern California, the system provides clean and reliable electrical power to the hospital. Because of its battery storage component, it will also serve as the initial emergency backup system during power outages.
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