11.22 Good Clean Energy News
$1.5B Clean Energy Boost
The United States is funding 92 conservation projects with a $1.5 billion investment, bolstered by $968 million in partner contributions. These projects tackle agricultural challenges like drought and methane emissions while boosting clean energy tech. California hosts five of the initiatives, and $100 million supports Tribal-led projects across the U.S.
Great Plains Tribes Go Solar
Tribes in the Great Plains, including those at Standing Rock Reservation, are embracing solar energy with apprenticeship programs that empower local workers and foster community-owned utilities. Wind currently dominates the region’s clean energy sector and solar offers an accessible path to clean energy and economic growth. The funding for these programs will focus on workforce training and energy sovereignty.
Delta Farmers Try Solar Grazing
In Arkansas’ Delta, solar grazing is turning farmland into dual-use spaces where livestock graze under solar panels. Agrivoltaic projects like Chad Raines’ operation promise income for farmers and clean energy growth.
U.S. Clean Energy On Track
At the COP29 summit in Baku, U.S. climate envoy John Podesta emphasized that clean energy progress in the United States remains unstoppable. State-led initiatives and ongoing investments in solar, wind, and other technologies continue to drive the transition away from fossil fuels, despite potential federal slowdowns.
Global Solar Powers 92M+ Homes
Global solar capacity has surpassed 2 terawatts, tripling in five years and now generating enough electricity to power 92 million U.S. homes. With 60% of installations ground-mounted, 2024 alone is adding 529 GW. Solar’s rapid expansion shows promise for achieving ambitious global energy goals by 2030, fueling a clean energy future.
Sources
Halvorson, Sabrina. “NRCS Announces $1.5 Billion for Conservation Projects Aimed at Climate Action and Resource Protection.” AgNet West, 7 Nov. 2024, https://agnetwest.com/nrcs-announces-1-5-billion-conservation-projects-aimed-climate-action-resource-protection/.
Fiori, Grace. “Great Plains Tribes Reach for Sun, Start from Ground Up.” MinnPost, 7 Nov. 2024, https://www.minnpost.com/other-nonprofit-media/2024/11/great-plains-tribes-reach-for-solar-energy-start-from-ground-up/.
Powell, Phillip, and Lucas Dufalla. “As Solar Energy Expands in the Delta, Agrivoltaic Projects Hope to Shine.” Louisiana Illuminator, 10 Nov. 2024, https://lailluminator.com/2024/11/10/solar-delta/.
Reuters. “U.S. Climate Envoy Says Work Will Continue Despite Trump's Return.” NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/us-climate-envoy-says-work-will-continue-trumps-return-rcna179720.
Jones, Evan. “Global Solar Capacity on Cusp of Producing Enough Electricity to Power 100 Million Average US Households.” Environment America, 10 Nov. 2024, https://environmentamerica.org/pennsylvania/center/updates/solar-power-exceeds-2-tw-of-capacity-worldwide/.
