05.17 Good Clean Energy News
Giant Batteries Transform U.S. Energy
Giant batteries are changing U.S. electricity usage, storing excess solar power for evening use and stabilizing grids. California leads with massive battery installations, reducing fossil fuel reliance during peak demand times. Nationwide, battery storage capacity has surged, aiding in managing renewable energy variability and contributing to ambitious carbon-free goals.
Read more: Giant Batteries Are Transforming the Way the U.S. Uses Electricity
WPI Receives $1.2M for Green Iron Production
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has been awarded $1.24 million by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop low-carbon iron production technologies. This research will focus on low-carbon electrolyzed iron powder, to create eco-friendly and cost-effective manufacturing processes, potentially reducing national emissions by 1% annually.
Read more: WPI awarded $1.2M federal grant to study low-carbon iron production
Minnesota's Big Solar Shift
Minnesota is transitioning to clean energy, aiming for carbon-free electricity by 2040. Xcel Energy’s Sherco coal plant is being replaced by the state's largest solar project, set to become the fifth-largest in the U.S. by 2026. With 1.8 million solar panels covering 4,500 acres, this ambitious project marks a significant step in reducing emissions and boosting renewable energy.
Read more: Minnesota will soon be home to 5th largest solar facility in the nation
Texas Solar Surpasses Coal
In March, Texas solar energy production exceeded coal-fired generation for the first time, showcasing the rapid growth of clean energy. Wind and solar now significantly contribute to the ERCOT grid, with 47% of Texas' electricity coming from zero-carbon sources in early 2024.
Read more: Texas got more electricity from solar than coal last month
U.S.’s 1st Solar Truck Stop
Watt EV has launched the U.S.'s first solar-powered electric truck charging depot in Bakersfield, California. This 115-acre facility, strategically located along the I-99 corridor, features advanced charging systems to support electric trucks, aiming to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Read more: Watt EV launches nation's first solar-powered truck charging depot in Bakersfield
Wisconsin's Solar Expansion
Wisconsin will see three new utility-scale solar projects come online in 2024, adding 650 megawatts of electricity, enough for 123,500 homes. Additional projects totaling 1,720 megawatts are awaiting approval, marking significant progress in the state’s clean energy transition.
Read more: 3 large solar projects set to come online in Wisconsin this year
U.S. Announces New Offshore Wind Leases
The US Department of the Interior and BOEM have proposed two new offshore wind auction areas in Oregon and the Gulf of Maine, potentially generating 18GW of energy. These areas are part of a five-year lease plan aiming for 12 auctions. The initiative emphasizes workforce training, supply chain development, and fisheries compensation, supported by the Biden-Harris administration's clean energy goals.
Sources
Plumer, B., & Popovich, N. (2024, May 7). Giant Batteries Are Transforming the Way the U.S. Uses Electricity. New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/07/climate/battery-electricity-solar-california-texas.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Casey, E. (2024, April 29). WPI awarded $1.2M federal grant to study low-carbon iron production. Worcester Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wbjournal.com/article/wpi-awarded-12m-federal-grant-to-study-low-carbon-iron-production
Hassanzadeh, E. (2024, April 25). Minnesota will soon be home to 5th largest solar facility in the nation. CBS News. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-will-soon-be-home-to-5th-largest-solar-facility-in-the-nation/
Spector, J. (2024, April 10). Texas got more electricity from solar than coal last month. Canary Media. Retrieved from https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/texas-got-more-electricity-from-solar-than-coal-last-month
Valle, L. (2024, May 6). Watt EV launches nation's first solar-powered truck charging depot in Bakersfield. Bakersfield Now. Retrieved from https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/watt-ev-launches-nations-first-solar-powered-truck-charging-depot-in-bakersfield?utm_medium=email
Schulz, J. (2024, May 7).3 large solar projects set to come online in Wisconsin this year. Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved from https://www.wpr.org/news/3-solar-projects-online-wisconsin-2024-wec-mge-alliant?utm_medium=email
Renews.biz. (2024, April 30). US unveils 18GW of new offshore wind lease areas. Renew.biz. Retrieved from https://www.renews.biz/92880/us-proposes-10-oregon-maine-offshore-wind-lease-areas/?utm_medium=email
