Montana seeks renewables in new RPS – Whether it comes voluntarily or through groveling and foot-dragging, we don’t care; we’ll take renewable development any way we can get it. Today we’re getting it from NorthWestern Energy, which has released a request for proposals (RFP) for additional Montana renewable generation in order to comply with the community renewable energy projects guidelines defined in the state’s renewable portfolio standard. The RFP seeks between 10 and 30 MW of renewable energy, with an anticipated commercial operation date of 2020. Source: Daily Energy Insider
CWLP out on coal – In the newly-released integrated resource plan for Illinois utility City Water, Light and Power, coal has no home. The plan, developed by nonprofit The Energy Authority, recommends shutting down three different coal generation plants by as early as 2020, with the argument that “no scenario economically retained these units.” There is a fourth unit, which is predicted to be on the chopping block by the time the next integrated resource plan is published. Source: Lincoln Courier
Principles of equitable design for energy storage – “In December 2018, the Union of Concerned Scientists convened a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the equitable deployment of energy storage. The group—which included environmental justice and grassroots organizations, policy experts, industry, labor, consumer advocates, faith groups, and renewable energy advocates—collectively developed a set of consensus principles for equitable storage deployment. The principles—which have been signed by 26 participating organizations—are intended to help state policymakers promote energy storage, address the needs of disadvantaged communities, and avoid inadvertent harm.” The principles can be viewed here. Source: Union of Concerned Scientists
Bill would let California’s state government buy power – CCAs, move over. “Lawmakers are weighing a bill that would allow a government agency to sign contracts with power generators, a role traditionally played by utilities. The idea, backed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is to ensure the state can meet its clean energy goals and avoid blackouts as utilities struggle to adjust to a changing landscape.” Bloomberg notes that while two of the state’s three large investor-owned utilities are not fundamentally opposed to the bill, the state’s community choice aggregators want to see a limited role for the state in buying power. Source: Bloomberg
Tucson Electric Power to join Western Energy Imbalance Market – “The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has signed an agreement with Tucson Electric Power (TEP), a recognized leader in renewable energy, to participate in the Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) beginning in April 2022.” Source: California Independent System Operator
One week until Solar Cup 2019 – The culmination of seven months of effort from 40 teams totaling over 400 students is almost here, as Solar Cup 2019 is just around the corner. The teams will spend the 17-19th at Lake Skinner in the Temecula Valley, where they will race their 16-foot-long, solar-powered boats. There will be two 90-minute, 1 mile endurance heats on the 18th and two 200-meter sprint races on the 19th. On that Sunday, champions will be crowned. Source: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
And finally, Washington Governor Jay Inslee is really fired up about renewable energy, Kaiju beware:
https://politics.theonion.com/jay-inslee-smashes-through-wall-of-town-hall-in-solar-p-1834619964
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Great news about the coal retirements – the more the merrier!
I read a story a day or two ago about coal retiring in Florida and one of the city council members was suggesting they build another coal plant to replace it. Face palm.