Biden announces $1.3 billion to build new power lines, upgrade aging electric grid

CNBC – October 30

President Joe Biden announced Monday a $1.3 billion federal investment to build three new interstate power lines in an effort to upgrade the nation’s outdated electric grid and transition to clean energy. The Southline Project will bring wind power generated in New Mexico to Arizona cities. The Twin States Clean Energy Link Project will connect Canada’s clean energy to New England, and the Cross-Tie Project will deliver renewable energy from the West to the Midwest. Together, the three transmission lines will aim to supply 3.5 additional GW of energy to the U.S. grid, which equates to powering 3 million homes, according to the Department of Energy.

News

Bloom Energy, Google, and other companies back microgrid tax credit extension

Utility Dive – October 25

Through the Microgrid Resources Coalition, companies such as Bloom Energy, Google, and Schneider Electric are backing an extension of the federal investment tax credit for microgrid controllers, the equipment that enables microgrids to operate. Representatives Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., and Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., this fall introduced H.R. 5807, a bill that would extend by eight years the 30% tax credit for microgrid controllers, which expires at the end of next year when the clean energy tax credit framework becomes technology-neutral.

Can Los Angeles lead the world on climate goals?

Los Angeles Times – October 26

A clean energy road map — crafted by the nonprofit Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and endorsed by city and county officials, state agencies, and utility Southern California Edison, among others — lays out aggressive new climate goals for Los Angeles County. Those goals include a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between now and 2028, made possible by big investments in local solar power, clean transportation, electric heating, energy efficiency, and more. For Matt Petersen, the incubator’s president, the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics are a perfect time to demonstrate to the world that it’s not just Sacramento leading the way on climate change.

Solar curtailments in California rising due to higher congestion, EIA says

PV-Tech – November 1

Solar curtailments in California have never been higher in 2023, as solar generation outpaces transmission capacity upgrades, according to a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In 2022, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) – the grid operator that covers most of California – curtailed 2.4 million MWh of utility-scale solar and wind output, up 63% from the previous year. As of September 2023, CAISO had already curtailed over 2.3 million MWh of solar and wind output.

Orsted scraps 2 offshore wind power projects in New Jersey, citing supply chain issues and project economics

Associated Press – October 31

Danish energy developer Orsted said Tuesday that it is scrapping two large offshore wind power projects off the coast of New Jersey, adding uncertainty to a nascent industry the Biden administration and many state governments are counting on to help transition away from the burning of planet-warming fossil fuels. The company said it is canceling its Ocean Wind I and II projects in southern New Jersey, citing supply chain issues and rising interest rates.

Projects

San Diego company buys wind farm near Palm Springs

The San Diego Union-Tribune – October 25

A San Diego renewable energy company that specializes in refurbishing wind farms has acquired a facility near Palm Springs. A subsidiary of Salka Energy purchased 53 wind turbines that generate 39 MW of capacity and about 90,000 MWh of electricity — enough to power more than 11,000 homes. The Cabazon Wind Farm is part of a fleet of wind projects within the San Gorgonio Pass.

Dominion Energy wins key approval for largest U.S. offshore wind farm

The Maritime Executive – October 31

Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, slated to become the largest offshore wind project yet in the United States, cleared another major hurdle by receiving a favorable Record of Decision from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. This decision set the project up for final construction approvals and to begin onshore work before the end of the year.

Six Flags Magic Mountain begins construction on solar carport project

Solar Power World – November 1

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles has broken ground on a 12.37 MW solar carport and energy storage system. The project, installed by Solar Optimum and developed by DSD Renewables, is the third solar installation for Six Flags. The three sites will eventually support 42.37 MW of solar.

Tucson Electric Power to build large battery energy storage system

Renewable Energy World – October 31

Tucson Electric Power (TEP) will build a large battery energy storage system in southeast Tucson. TEP’s Roadrunner Reserve system will serve as the largest energy storage system in TEP's portfolio and among the largest in Arizona. The 200 MW system can store 800 MWh of energy, enough to serve approximately 42,000 homes for four hours when deploying at full capacity.