QuantumScape finally unstealths — with breakthrough performance in solid state batteries
After ten secretive years, several hundred million dollars spent, and the efforts of hundreds of scientists and engineers, QuantumScape went public on a video call today with the performance results of its solid-state battery — and its potential impact on the electric vehicle industry.
Morning Brief: Tesla’s lack of diversity, 7X Energy partners with Nestlé as tax equity investor for 250 MW solar project
Also in the brief: Senators optimistic that a bipartisan energy bill could be passed this year, CESA released a study that found a need for up 55 GW of long duration energy storage in California by 2045.
McDonald’s adds 420 MW of solar, brings total renewable capacity over 1 GW
The fast-food Giant has signed three new virtual power purchase agreements for two wind farms and a solar project totaling 750 MW, building on last year’s addition of 380 MW of renewables.
Solar needs aluminum, but the metal has a carbon problem
Few doubt that aluminum frames will be a part of the solar module for some time to come. And with PV manufacturing continuing to scale, the carbon footprint of this versatile metal may prove a sustainability challenge.
Morning Brief: Loanpal’s record originations means residential solar is going strong, SCE adds 590 MW of energy storage
Also in the brief: The American-made solar prize, and six Clearway Community Solar projects kick off construction across Illinois
World’s largest residential virtual power plant coming from Alphabet-backed SIP and OhmConnect
Like Airbnb, but monetizing spare energy: “The first big step towards opening the door to a massively transactive grid.”
The unglamorous approach to impact investing in energy
In the fashionable world of “impact” investing, often the least sexy investment makes the most impact; nowhere is this truer than in the energy sector
Morning Brief: Energy transition SPAC spreadsheet, Ørsted goes big on solar, Tesla’s lack of diversity
Also in the brief: Tesla’s first-ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact report shows the Elon Musk-helmed EV pioneer’s U.S. leadership is 83% male, and 59% white. Joe Biden weighs the 25% China import tariff, Some Cadillac dealers choose not to invest in an EV future.
Michigan’s solar industry awaits order in Consumers Energy’s rate case
After Consumers Energy raised its net metering cap as a bargaining chip, some advocates see a Value of Solar study as a way to ensure that the rates that have allowed the state’s small-scale solar market to flourish remain in place.
Illinois regulators restore retail-rate net metering
The Illinois Commerce Commission says no to Ameren’s claim it had reached a 5% cap for retail-rate net metering in its service territory, siding with advocates who figured the real percentage was around 1.4%,
