HVDC transmission helps wind but may not help solar
A $2.5 billion Midwestern HVDC transmission project to carry mostly wind power has gained major new investments, which help validate the technology. But an HVDC transmission project that would primarily drive more solar capacity is yet to be identified.
Finalized SAFE policy slashes vehicle emission standards
In a rollback of Obama-era policy, the new regulation restricts carbon dioxide emissions standards by 1.5% a year through model year 2026, a figure opponents of the bill feel is not nearly enough.
Morning Brief: Senators propose a nationwide halt on utility shutoffs, Hawaiian Electric wants to “self-build” a 160 MWh battery system
Also in the brief: Minnesota’s new residential solar restrictions, JinkoSolar donates 1,000,000 masks for pandemic fighting in 19 countries, NABCEP will offer Board Certification and Associate level exams online and more.
Job moves at Tesla, GAF Energy, Pine Gate Renewables, Yotta, stealth storage, Solar Landscape
Executive and boardroom moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities and venture capital.
US behind-the-meter storage forecast drops 31% over Corona concerns
Wood Mackenzie has dropped the 2020 outlook down to 430 MW, still a more than 100% increase over 2019, amid concerns over the role of sales and commissioning and interconnection in a period of shelter-in-place ordinances.
Solar and storage would cost less than Alabama Power’s proposed 1.9 GW of gas units
An Alabama industry association and citizens’ groups say regulators should reject Alabama Power’s request to build more gas capacity.
Morning Brief: Tiger King star has solar installed, 260 MW on a fishery in China
Also In the brief: Iowa passes net metering right before suspending the session amid the Covid-19 pandemic, an international research team has developed a new type of solar cell that is 26.7% efficient in power conversion, Powerhome is hiring and more.
New EPA policy: some pollution rules are discretionary during pandemic
“It is not clear why refineries, chemical plants, and other facilities that continue to operate and keep their employees on the production line will no longer have the staff or time they need to comply with environmental laws.”
Texas installer sees coronavirus concerns driving interest in residential storage
While national solar and storage projections fall, the opposite has been true for Bret Biggart and Freedom Solar, with more and more customers looking for residential storage to weather uncertain times.
Arizona commission signals support for 100% clean energy by 2050
Arizona could join 16 other states and territories that have targets of 100% clean or renewable electricity by 2050 or sooner. Thirty-two groups in Arizona have called for 50% renewables by 2030.
