Focus
Solar, wind projects on U.S. lands will get extra scrutiny
Reuters – July 17
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced on July 17 that decisions related to solar and wind energy projects on federal lands will be reviewed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s office to end what it calls preferential treatment for renewable energy sources. Solar and wind companies said the move was at odds with the Administration’s broader goal to slash burdensome regulations and boost domestic energy to fuel the nation’s artificial intelligence ambitions. The Department said that the additional reviews would apply to rights-of-way, leases, construction, and operation plans and other project permitting activities.
News
UN says booming solar, wind, and other green energy hits global tipping point for even lower costs
Associated Press – July 22
The global switch to renewable energy has passed a “positive tipping point” where solar and wind power will become even cheaper and more widespread, according to two United Nations reports released on July 22, describing a bright spot amid otherwise gloomy progress to curb climate change. Solar power now is 41% cheaper and wind power is 53% cheaper globally than the lowest-cost fossil fuel, the reports said.
New York State stops offshore wind transmission development until ‘federal conditions allow’
OffshoreWind – July 22
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has decided to “strategically terminate” the Public Policy Transmission Need process for offshore wind transmission infrastructure. The PSC says this is due to the federal government halting new offshore wind permitting, and that cancelling the process ensures New York State ratepayers are protected by avoiding premature costs.
Utilities may speed renewable projects under new tax credit timeline: Jefferies
Utility Dive – July 17
Utilities are set to accelerate the development of their renewable energy projects in order to qualify for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits within the new one-year safe harbor period set by the megabill that passed earlier this month, according to a July 10 report from investment bank Jefferies. Jefferies anticipates utilities “with renewables-heavy plans” – like Xcel Energy, WEC Energy Group, CMS Energy, and Ameren – “to accelerate projects originally slated for 2030–31 into 2027–28 … While affordability concerns linger, we believe investors are too focused on potential capital pullbacks and not enough on who’s actually accelerating spend.”
Projects
EDPR developing 2.35 MW solar project to power California water treatment plant
Solar Power World – July 23
EDPR NA Distributed Generation and California Water Service have signed a 20-year PPA for a 2.35 MW onsite solar array at Cal Water’s Northeast Bakersfield Treatment Plant. The renewable energy generated by the solar array is anticipated to reduce grid energy costs by approximately $1.7 million over the term of the agreement.
BLM approves fast-tracked Crescent Valley geothermal project in Nevada
Reno Gazette-Journal – July 23
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a geothermal project in Nevada — as part of the Administration’s initiative to accelerate permitting for certain energy-related development by shortening environmental reviews. Ormat’s 30 MW Crescent Valley geothermal energy production could produce enough power for 33,000 homes upon completion.
New Frontwave Arena hosts solar and storage at San Diego entertainment complex
Microgrid Knowledge – July 22
The first large multi-purpose indoor arena built in San Diego’s North County area is now energized by a new solar energy and battery storage combination on-site. DSD Renewables and Baker Electric have completed work on the 797 kW solar installation which is being paired with battery storage capacity totaling more than 1.1 million kWh per year at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside.
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