Solar and wind delivered more energy generation than ever before in March
The two resources accounted for 16.8% of total U.S. energy generation in March, up 34.3% over March 2020.
Sunrise brief: Xcel Energy files plans for a 460 MW solar plant in Minnesota
Also on the rise: PG&E launches its solar-based microgrid program, a report from Berkeley Lab says the power sector is halfway to becoming carbon free, and battery recycler Li-Cycle will build a facility near Phoenix.
Power quality issues challenge utilities as solar is added to the grid, survey finds
Power quality issues emerge in terms of voltage swags, swells, flickers, and harmonic distortions, among other things. Many utilities said they are not happy with their ability to gather useful data to address the problems.
Here’s what Biden’s infrastructure bill offers solar and cleantech
The $2 trillion package includes a proposed 10-year extension of the ITC and PTC and calls for further incentives to add transmission capacity. Most solar advocates liked it, but one nonprofit panned it as being too industry-friendly.
Vote Solar begins work in Pennsylvania, pushes for greater renewable commitment
March is turning into one of the busiest months ever for solar in Pennsylvania, at least legislation-wise. The latest bill would lift the state’s renewable energy goal from 8% by 2026 to 18%, with a 5.5% solar carveout.
California adds more layers to its summer 2021 electric reliability effort
The regulatory orders were the latest in a series since last November and came in response to a mid-August 2020 heat wave that forced the CAISO to impose rotating power outages across California.
Renewable energy growth is being slowed by current transmission planning, ACORE study says
The report warns that because of long lead times, the window “may be closing” on transmission upgrades needed to support a range of renewable energy goals.
Sunrise brief: Soltage and Harrison Street partner to deploy 450 MW of distributed solar
Also on the rise: New York housing authority residents help install 1 MW of rooftop solar, Nevada regulators OK a $2.5b transmission line, PG&E equipment sparked a deadly 2020 wildfire, and a RGGI auction sets a new high for CO2 prices.
FPL ‘green’ hydrogen pilot could herald a scale-up using solar and wind resources
The utility touted its massive Manatee Energy Storage Center and recommitted to a $65 million green hydrogen pilot project that could impact the future of zero-emission power generation.
Sunrise brief: Wärtsilä wins order for utility-scale energy storage to support Texas electric grid
Also on the rise: Hawaiian Electric says that developers and suppliers share the blame for its interconnection delays, Redflow will supply a 2 MWh energy storage system for a California microgrid, and FPL files for new base rates and solar project cost recovery.
