California’s rate inequality is likely to worsen as energy transition advances
A new report says that the state’s investor-owned utilities charge residential electricity customers much higher prices than are paid in most of the country, impacting low- and moderate-income people the most.
These 3 technologies could deliver more solar and wind to the grid
In a U.S. study of the added renewables capacity made possible by grid-enhancing technologies, Brattle Group found that both solar and wind power would benefit in Kansas and Oklahoma through 2025.
Sunrise brief: Air Force funds development of solar PV sheets for use in space
Also on the rise: Volta Energy fund nets $72.6 million for battery and storage startups, and Brooklyn libraries add rooftop solar to power safe-haven emergency services.
As Texas recovers, report warns grid operators to plan better for extreme weather
Grid planning fails to consider extreme climate scenarios that a resilient grid needs to handle, said EPRI’s president and CEO. “Traditional planning processes do not represent how resources actually perform under extreme conditions.”
3 graphs that shed light on the ERCOT power crisis
Data firm Lium concluded that ERCOT “probably needed at least another 17 GW of generation” to meet demand as cold winter weather settled in over the state.
Sunrise brief: Southeast utilities ask FERC for market changes that could help renewables
Also on the rise: ERCOT orders rolling blackouts as 30 GW of resources are forced out, PNM shareholders OK merger with Avangrid, location is key when talking about DERs, and Dominion claws back from a big ice storm.
Energy and climate legislation led a busy week in Washington, D.C.
The Biden administration and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill are moving quickly to advance energy and climate initiatives. To sweeten the pot, ARPA-E is offering $100 million in funding.
Sunrise brief: Intel signs on to 138 MW Avangrid solar project
Also on the rise: ARPA-E offers $100 million in R&D funding, California hunts for generation resources for this summer, and CIT Group helps arrange financing for a handful of BESS capacity.
Sunrise brief: Novel approach boosts organic solar cell efficiency
Also on the rise: Enevate and Highview Power fuel growth plans with additional investors, and a new venture targets Li-ion battery recycling for fleet vehicles.
Sunrise brief: Norfolk Naval Shipyard adds battery storage and CHP
Also on the rise: Researchers find big errors in how U.S. cities report GHG emissions, and scientists peer inside cycling Li-ion batteries to learn how the technology can be improved.
