09.27 Good Clean Energy News
GM and EVgo Build Fast-Charging Stations
GM and EVgo are building 400 fast-charging stations across the U.S., featuring up to 20 stalls per site. These stations will offer conveniences like bright lighting, security cameras, and canopies for weather protection. Delivering up to 350kW, these chargers will be available to all EVs, helping to ease concerns about charging accessibility. The first locations are expected to open in 2025.
Read more: GM, EVgo adding 400 ‘flagship’ stations with fast-chargers for EVs
New York Funds EV Chargers
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $21 million in federal funding to expand electric vehicle fast chargers along major travel corridors in the state. The initiative, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, aims to improve access to reliable fast chargers, reduce emissions, and encourage EV adoption, with priority given to locations near highways and amenities.
Read more: $21M available to install electric vehicle chargers along major travel corridors across state
Oakland's Electric Buses Support Grid
Oakland, California’s new 100% electric school buses don’t just transport students—they help power the grid. Equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, these buses can send stored energy back to the grid when demand spikes. This innovative solution reduces pollution, stabilizes the grid, and lowers transportation costs, making electric buses a valuable resource for clean energy and the community.
Read more: Oakland’s new school buses don’t just reduce pollution — they double as giant batteries | Grist
Solar Could Make Energy Free
Solar power is rapidly becoming cheaper and more widespread, with costs dropping dramatically, according to a recent NYT Opinion piece. By 2030, solar electricity could be nearly free during sunny periods in many regions. This explosion in affordable clean energy opens up limitless possibilities, from vertical farming to industrial carbon removal.
Read more: What Will We Do With Our Free Power?
Wind Investment Soars in 2024
U.S. wind projects saw a surge, securing $12 billion in the first half of 2024. The shift in investment focus is due to the timing of major wind and geothermal projects. Clean energy investment remains strong, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Read more: US wind energy investment soars while solar stagnates: BloombergNEF | Utility Dive
U.S. Rooftop Solar Systems Grow
The size and efficiency of U.S. rooftop solar systems have significantly improved, according to Lawrence Berkeley Lab. The median system size grew from 2.4 kW in 2000 to 7.4 kW in 2023, while prices dropped to $4.20 per watt. Advances in panel technology, like the introduction of high-efficiency solar panels, and increasing battery storage adoption are driving these trends.
Solar Farms Can Boost Biodiversity
A solar farm in Ramsey, Minn., is reducing carbon emissions and supporting biodiversity by planting native vegetation that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. These plants help fight climate change, prevent erosion, and improve soil health. Experts say it's crucial to integrate biodiversity efforts as solar farms expand across millions of acres in the U.S.
Sources
Phelan, Mark. "GM, EVgo Adding 400 'Flagship' Stations with Fast Chargers for EVs." Detroit Free Press, 12 Sept. 2024, https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/mark-phelan/2024/09/12/gm-evgo-adding-fast-chargers-for-evs-pulling-trailers/75183488007/.
"$21M Available to Install Electric Vehicle Chargers Along Major Travel Corridors Across State." The Record, 16 Sept. 2024, https://www.troyrecord.com/2024/09/16/21m-available-to-install-electric-vehicle-chargers-along-major-travel-corridors-across-state/.
Simon, Matt. "Oakland’s New School Buses Don’t Just Reduce Pollution — They Double as Giant Batteries." Grist, 29 Aug. 2024, https://grist.org/transportation/oakland-electric-school-buses-battery-storage/?utm_medium=email.
Wallace-Wells, David. "What Will We Do With Our Free Power?" The New York Times, 28 Aug. 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/28/opinion/solar-power-free-energy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Gk4.4iJG.i3y1QMC67YVm&smid=url-share&utm_medium=email.
Penrod, Emma. "US Wind Energy Investment Soars While Solar Stagnates: BloombergNEF." Utility Dive, 29 Aug. 2024, https://www.utilitydive.com/news/us-wind-energy-investment-soars-while-solar-stagnates-bloombergnef/725574/?utm_medium=email.
Gearino, Dan. "Bigger and Less Expensive: A Snapshot of U.S. Rooftop Solar Power and How It’s Changed." Inside Climate News, 5 Sept. 2024, https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05092024/inside-clean-energy-rooftop-solar-power-snapshot/?utm_medium=email.
Einhorn, Catrin. "Solar Farms Have a Superpower Beyond Clean Energy." The New York Times, 5 Sept. 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/05/climate/solar-power-pollinators-wildlife.html?utm_medium=email.
