Solar tussles in Puerto Rico
Lawsuits, an imminent threat to net metering, and questions over commitments to the energy transition in some quarters pose real challenges for solar in Puerto Rico. Despite this, the US territory is still a high flyer in the region when it comes to distributed generation, while larger-scale solar and storage are on course to benefit from a US Department of Energy (DoE) loan guarantee.
Completing Western transmission lines would enable 73 GW of renewables and storage
The benefits of completing 12 Western transmission projects, as identified in a federal study, will form the region’s new baseline for a forthcoming National Transmission Planning Study.
Firebrick thermal storage for industry could receive $75 million in federal funds
Two projects that would store heat in firebricks for industrial use may receive federal funding, in part because the projects are deemed highly replicable.
Software will complete first-stage interconnection studies in one day, firm says
As a grid operator works to automate its phase 1 study process for interconnecting solar, storage and other generating projects, the firm developing the automation software says the study process will take just one day.
DOE calls for faster interconnection of distributed solar and storage at lower cost
Solar and storage systems smaller than 50 kW would receive an interconnection agreement instantly when requesting one, under 2030 targets in a draft Department of Energy roadmap.
Flexible interconnection at far lower cost and nearly twice the speed
Substantial cost and time savings are possible with flexible “connect and manage” interconnection of utility-scale solar and solar-plus-storage projects, two studies have found.
Grid Strategies and The Brattle Group propose “urgent” interconnection fixes
The interconnection reforms proposed include a fast-track process for some projects, a “connect and manage” option, grid-enhancing technologies, advanced conductors, automating interconnection studies and speeding transmission construction.
Utilities plan hydrogen power projects that crowd out renewables
Several utilities have proposed hydrogen-capable generating units in their resource plans, a research center reports. But hydrogen projects face hurdles such that they “may not work,” and they conflict with renewables, another research group says.
California advances flexible demand that can absorb renewable power
With flexible demand appliance standards for pool controls set to take effect in California next year, the state is now developing standards for electric storage water heaters, to be followed by standards for five more types of appliances.
Most states with renewables targets are meeting them
Nearly all states with a renewable portfolio standard have met or nearly met their current standard. Four states have yet to meet their solar carve-out requirements.
