ERCOT advanced 15 GW of solar in 2022, moving 5x faster than other RTOs/ISOs
Texas grid operator ERCOT advanced interconnection requests for 15 GW of solar projects last year, with three other grid operators advancing 9 GW. CAISO completed phase 1 studies for a large cluster of projects, while PJM and ISO-NE stayed mum on their progress.
Sunrise brief: Five community solar projects coming to disadvantaged communities in California
Also on the rise: 50 states of solar incentives–Indiana. Solar may cover the world’s electricity demand with 0.3% of its land area. And more.
Two groups challenge grid operator rules that restrict renewable energy
Earthjustice filed a complaint with FERC on behalf of SEIA that challenges a MISO rule that prohibits renewable energy resources from providing ancillary services.
PNNL team proposes how storage as transmission could earn market compensation
Pacific Northwest National Lab researchers have developed a framework for compensating energy storage as a dual-use asset, earning revenue both as a regulated transmission asset and as a competitive market participant, while reducing both system and customer costs.
Sunrise brief: RWE to become second largest solar operator in the U.S.
Also on the rise: A 100% solar community in Florida suffered no power losses from Hurricane Ian. Grid operator MISO is making progress on renewables interconnection. And more.
Grid operator MISO is making progress on renewables interconnection, says trade group leader
The Midwestern transmission operator MISO is moving to increase transmission and otherwise facilitate interconnection, said a regional trade group leader, yet she also recommended further improvements by MISO and neighboring grid operators.
Sunrise brief: Delaware launches free solar panel program for low-income households
Also on the rise: Aerial inspection of solar plants goes mainstream. Faster, lower-cost interconnection by combining ERCOT, MISO, PJM approaches. CleanCapital acquires BQ Energy. And more!
Faster, lower-cost interconnection by combining ERCOT, MISO, PJM approaches
ERCOT’s approach enables interconnection in 2 to 3 years, whereas recent regional transmission planning by MISO and PJM found cost-saving ways to interconnect 53 GW and 75 GW of renewables respectively, said a Brattle transmission expert.
Three grid regions processed 25GW of solar interconnection requests last year
Interconnection is widely seen as a bottleneck slowing solar deployment. Even so, three regional grid operators processed 25GW of utility-scale solar interconnection requests last year, an amount exceeding utility-scale solar installations in the entire US during the year.
Renewable energy growth is being slowed by current transmission planning, ACORE study says
The report warns that because of long lead times, the window “may be closing” on transmission upgrades needed to support a range of renewable energy goals.
