1100 GW solar and 1000 GW storage now await transmission interconnection
Solar, wind and battery storage accounted for nearly 95% of the capacity in transmission interconnection queues as of year-end 2023, based on preliminary data from Berkeley Lab, presented in a staff report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
California’s lithium reserves could power 375 million EV batteries, say researchers
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory prepared a report, funded by the US Department of Energy, to thoroughly quantify the amount of lithium in an underground reserve in the Salton Sea, California.
U.S. Geological Survey and Berkeley Labs release updated solar project database
All solar projects greater than 1 MW have been location-verified by image and latitude and longitude and put into an easier-to-move-around map.
Statewide RPS platforms require 300 TWh of clean energy by 2030, 800 TWh by 2050
Renewable portfolio standard policies require total non-hydro renewables generation to reach 28% of electricity sales by 2050 compared to 17% today, according to a Berkeley Lab report.
The benefits of local ownership of clean energy
A report from the Institute for Local Self Reliance emphasizes that to fully realize the benefits of local energy ownership, policymakers, organizations and local advocates need to make sure all communities have equitable access to clean energy ownership.
Solar-plus-storage microgrids minimize power shutoffs during wildfires
A study conducted by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that microgrids with solar-plus-storage systems can keep the average levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and annual public safety power shutoffs below 30 cents per kWh and 2 to 3% of annual energy demand, respectively.
Antifreeze battery chemistry improves cold weather EV driving range
In a recent Argonne and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study, researchers developed a fluorine-containing electrolyte chemistry that performs well for EVs driving in sub-zero temperatures.
Sunrise brief: Maryland becomes the 23rd community solar state
Also on the rise: Puerto Rico cannot afford to repay any of utility PREPA’s debt, says analyst. 50 states of solar incentives–Arizona. And more.
Energy justice bridges research, policy and social movement
Two papers from Lawrence Berkeley Lab and U.S. Department of Energy provide frameworks and real-world insight for integrating energy justice into policy and research.
Utility-scale solar interconnection costs up as much as 400%
A government analysis of the Southwest Power Pool grid region reveals that interconnection costs for connected solar power projects have doubled, and a quarter of projects are encountering costs 400% higher, leading to withdrawal.
