“If all the EVs in the state plug in during these peak load times and feed power back to the grid, they’re acting as giant batteries. We could use them to greatly relieve stress on the grid during the periods of greatest need,” said Clifford Rechtschaffen, commissioner of the California Public Utilities Commission.
CLEAN ENERGY
Must Be Equitable
After hurricane, solar offers lifeline for some in Puerto Rico. Days before the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Fiona struck Puerto Rico, knocking out the island’s electrical grid. But some communities were better prepared than five years prior, after a grassroots boom in rooftop solar installation creating energy resiliency during the disaster. Roughly 50,000 rooftop solar arrays — most of which also have battery storage — have been installed in the years since Hurricane Maria, up from just 5,000 the year before the storm. (Canary Media)
CLEAN ENERGY
Is A Good Investment
Clean energy is becoming even more cost-competitive. The costs of clean energy are forecast to significantly decline thanks to provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, according to a study from consulting firm ICF Climate Center. The levelized cost of energy for technologies like wind, solar, and hydrogen are projected to drop by double-digit figures by 2030, though more investment in transmission infrastructure and faster clean energy buildout are needed to reach climate goals.(Washington Post $)
CLEAN ENERGY
Is Replacing Fossil Fuels
Battery recycling heats up. As automakers shift to producing electric vehicles amid growing demand, battery recycling companies are receiving hundreds of millions of dollars of investment to help shore up supply of key battery minerals. With new domestic mines facing long timelines and opposition from many frontline communities, the battery recycling sector is aiming to take advantage of Inflation Reduction Act provisions designed to wean the auto industry off Chinese supply chains. Analysts expect the industry to take off when the first generation of large-scale EV batteries are retired. (Wall Street Journal $)
Biden aims to shore up U.S. offshore wind industry. The Biden administration announced a new goal of building 15 gigawatts of floating offshore wind capacity by 2035, and is investing $50 million in funding to develop floating offshore wind technology. It will also hold a lease sale in the next few months in areas that would require floating turbines. The Verge reports that the U.S. Departments of Energy, Interior, Commerce, and Transportation will collaborate to drive down the costs of the technology, since nearly 60 percent of U.S. offshore wind potential is available at depths only suited to floating arrays. The Biden administration is also partnering with a group of East Coast states to support the development of domestic offshore wind supply chains, Reuters writes. (The Verge, Reuters)
CLEAN ENERGY
Has Many Benefits
Solar power savings are helping balance school budgets. Facing budget shortfalls, schools across the country are finding significant savings that they can devote to other priorities by adopting solar power for their energy needs — all at no cost to taxpayers. Energy is the second-largest expense for public K-12 schools, and district savings from solar arrays have often topped millions of dollars. Some districts have been able to significantly raise teacher pay thanks to energy cost savings, while others have invested in new heating and ventilation systems, wi-fi stations, and new academic programs. Nearly one in ten K-12 schools across the country are now using solar power, according to a study from clean energy non-profit Generation180. (New York Times $)
Electric vehicles could be the next big thing in energy storage. As bidirectional and vehicle-to-grid technology advances, grid officials and analysts believe EVs can play a major role in bolstering the grid during high-demand moments. Utilities in California have begun experimenting with vehicle-to-grid trials and automakers have begun investing in these capabilities, with Nissan recently approving the first bidirectional charging system for its all-electric Leaf model. Experts say EVs can also help manage grid demand if utilities employ time-of-use rates, which encourage EV charging when grid demand is low. (Wired)
CLEAN ENERGY
Is Challenging
Strong EV demand caught automakers by surprise. In recent years, some auto companies hesitated to begin shifting their focus to EVs — and now rapidly growing consumer demand has caught many automakers flat-footed. With customers stuck on wait lists for new EVs, automakers are investing billions as part of a rush to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate production timelines. But despite these efforts and strong demand signals, EV production is still facing uphill challenges of supply chain development and shortages driving high prices for key commodities like battery minerals and computer chips. (Wall Street Journal $)
MULTIMEDIA
Video: The 6 key elements of a just energy transition
