U.S. Senate sub-committee FY 2018 budget proposal increases energy research spending
The Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Water development slammed what it called an “unrealistic” budget from President Trump, and proposed additional funding for agencies Trump planned to gut or eliminate.
Hawaii regulators approve HECO’s 100% renewable energy plan
After years of trying to get utilities fully on board, HECO has issued a five-year plan to double solar and renewables on the road to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2040.
Penn State CPV system outperforms c-Si by 54%
A single-cell concentrating photovoltaic system developed by researchers at Penn State University has reached 30% efficiency, and generated 54% more energy during a two-day test than conventional crystalline silicon solar under the same conditions.
California’s energy transition needs more than cap and trade
The state’s landmark program, which includes carbon price high enough to affect the electric power sector, has been extended. However, California may have bigger challenges when it comes to transforming its energy system.
Trump appoints uncontroversial energy lawyer to head FERC
Kevin McIntyre has a lot of experience with federal energy cases but has made few waves, and so far the solar industry is taking a wait-and-see approach.
Leaked DOE study draft: U.S. grids are getting more reliable, not less
A leaked draft of the study ordered by DOE Secretary Perry appears to show what we already knew: That grids are getting more reliable, not less, as wind and solar are added. But the political tampering with the facts may already be happening.
U.S. Department of Energy backs solar with further $46 million for SunShot Initiative
The funding is for 48 identified solar projects spanning two SunShot programs designed to advance solar power technologies in the U.S.
Tesla, Neoen to build world’s largest lithium-ion battery in Australia
The installation will be paired with a wind farm in South Australia. At 129 MWh, it will become the world’s largest lithium ion battery project, and is being developed in conjunction with French renewable energy firm Neoen.
NREL turns 40 amid questions about its future
DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories has built up an impressive list of accomplishments over the last 40 years. But can it survive the Trump Administration’s budget ax?
HECO grid plan could enable 3x as much rooftop solar in Hawaii
Six months after regulators rejected the first plan, HECO has proposed another vision for the state’s electric grid, which is heavier on software than hardware.
