For lower-cost Southeast power, double the solar and add wholesale power trading
A lower-cost grid would reach 22% renewable generation in 2040, compared to the 5% currently planned by Southeastern utilities, says a study from Energy Innovation and Vibrant Clean Energy. Wholesale power trading through an independent system operator would also help reduce costs.
Lawsuit challenges TVA’s anti-solar “never-ending contracts” with its utility customers
The utilities that buy power from TVA, and the 10 million people they serve, will be limited in accessing low-cost solar power unless a federal court invalidates what a lawsuit calls TVA’s “never-ending contracts.” Three citizens’ groups brought the lawsuit, claiming TVA violated a federal environmental law.
Morning Brief: Israel has released a plan to spend $23 billion on solar by 2030, one of the largest battery projects in the world gets approval
Also in the brief: As much as $600 billion could be invested in new solar generation between 2021 and 2025 worldwide, Duke Energy is set to construct the company’s first-ever solar facility on a retired landfill site and more.
Morning Brief: Duke alleged to violate state law by building gas capacity without approval
Also in the brief: General Electric is selling its investment in 11 of its startups to 40 North Ventures, power lines are key to New Mexico becoming a renewable leader.
Morning Brief: Wisconsin’s first large-scale solar farm, Engie bringing 200-MW PV project to Indiana
Also in the brief: Duke Energy first solar project on a retired landfill, Solarize Chicagoland group-buy program bears fruit even in rough times
Morning Brief: Distributed Solar Development has acquired a community solar portfolio, community outreach in Hawaii
Also in the brief: solar pros running for elected office, Longroad Energy has announced a partnership with Maine’s Unity College, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation has chosen a management platform for its distributed generation program and more.
North Carolina pursues faster interconnection for utility-scale solar
Under Duke Energy’s current review process, interconnection queues grew to 14 GW in North and South Carolina last year. A new process should speed interconnection reviews, and enable projects located near each other to share the costs of transmission upgrades.
Bank of America becomes the latest customer of Duke’s Green Source Advantage Program
In a busy week of renewable purchases for the banking giant, Bank of America has come to terms with Duke on a power contract for a 25 MW project in North Carolina, set to go on-line in 2022.
Duke creates REC program for individual retail customers in North Carolina
Under the company’s new Renewable Advantage program, customers can choose to subscribe to 250-kWh blocks of electricity from renewable energy resources, for a monthly charge. Part of the revenue generated by this program will support NC GreenPower’s Solar+ Schools program.
Southeast states to add nearly 15 GW of solar by 2023
South Carolina is set to surpass North Carolina in solar watts per customer. Georgia and Florida will exceed the Southeast average, while utilities in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi will continue to lag. Overall the states will reach 5% solar generation by 2023.
