News
California CCA membership surpasses 200 communities, 28% of utility load
S&P Global – April 15
Community choice aggregators have reached a new milestone in California, surpassing 200 cities and communities with service and about 28% of utility load, and the expansion is continuing with two more CCAs launching service this year. California CCAs have signed long-term power purchase agreements for more than 600 MW of new clean generation capacity.
SDG&E pledges to go to net-zero emissions by 2045
The San Diego Union-Tribune – April 26
San Diego Gas & Electric has pledged to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, but some critics say the goal can’t be accomplished as long as the utility keeps natural gas a core part of its energy, transmission, and delivery system. The utility is developing two hydrogen pilot projects, three battery storage projects, and will break ground on a clean transportation project in El Cajon.
Americas poised to lead storage market by 2025, with global investment hitting $86B: WoodMac
Utility Dive – April 23
The Americas are poised to lead the global storage market by 2025, with total capacity touching 371 GWh by the end of the decade and the U.S. contributing to most of this growth, new research from Wood Mackenzie indicates. The latest reports indicate that the U.S. is edging even closer to the Energy Storage Association’s (ESA) projection of 100 GW of new energy storage by 2030, ESA Interim CEO Jason Burwen said.
Livermore ranchers and farmers sue county to halt solar project
The Mercury News – April 25
A group of ranchers, farmers, and environmentalists opposed to Alameda County’s largest approved, 350-acre solar panel project have filed a lawsuit against the county. The plaintiffs maintain that the Aramis Renewable Energy Project, by Intersect Power, would tarnish the scenic character of rural North Livermore Valley and conflicts with Measure D, which county voters approved in 2000. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved the 350-acre, 300,000-panel project in the unincorporated area north of Livermore in March. Measure D aims to prevent urban sprawl in eastern Alameda County by restricting development and protecting agriculture, open space, and wildlife.
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Projects
A major new facility in Oregon could help transform the prospects of wave energy
CNBC – April 28
Researchers in Oregon are attempting to harness nature’s power by testing and analyzing wave energy converters, a technology which could have an important role to play in a transition to renewables, with the PacWave project. The project is based around two locations: PacWave North, “a test-site for small-scale, prototype, and maritime market technologies,” and PacWave South, which is under development and has received grants from the Department of Energy and the State of Oregon, among others. In March, PacWave South took a significant step forward when it was announced that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had granted Oregon State University a license to “build and operate” a test facility at the site.
Samsung C&T to build solar plants in Texas
Power Technology – April 26
Samsung Construction and Trading Corporation (Samsung C&T) is reportedly planning to build solar power plants in Texas with a $673 million investment. According to documents reviewed by Reuters, the company aims to sell the clean energy generated by the power plants from December 2023. Construction of the new solar facilities, with a combined capacity of almost 700 MW, is due to begin next June.
SunPower and Baltimore County transitioning Maryland landfills to solar
Solar Industry Magazine – April 22
SunPower is collaborating with Baltimore County, Maryland, to cover two closed landfills with solar systems. The projects are expected to generate upwards of 30 MW, equivalent to the power used by one-third of the county’s municipal buildings – including government facilities. The projects, located at the closed Hernwood and Parkton landfills, are the first large-scale solar energy projects in Baltimore County’s history.
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