05.31 Good Clean Energy News
Plug Power Secures $1.66B DOE Loan
Plug Power has received a conditional $1.66 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy to develop up to six hydrogen projects across the U.S. This deal marks the largest hydrogen investment from the DOE's loan program and aims to significantly advance the green hydrogen sector.
Read more: Exclusive: Plug wins $1.7B DOE loan deal for green hydrogen
U.S. Hits 5 Million Solar Installations
The U.S. has surpassed five million solar installations, a milestone reached just eight years after hitting one million in 2016. This rapid growth is fueled by residential solar, which accounts for 97% of installations. The Solar Energy Industries Association forecasts that solar installations will double by 2030, significantly boosting clean energy and economic opportunities nationwide.
Read more: America Exceeds Five Million Solar Installations Nationwide
Oakland Unified Goes All-Electric with Buses
Oakland Unified School District has become the first in the U.S. to transition to a fully electric bus fleet, thanks to a partnership with startup Zum. The 74 electric buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tons annually and feed power back into the grid, enhancing both environmental and grid resilience.
Read more: California school district becomes first in nation to go all electric buses
New Mexico Launches First Green Bank
New Mexico has introduced its first green bank, the New Mexico Climate Investment Center (NMCIC), aimed at financing the state’s clean energy transition. The NMCIC will focus on low-income, climate-impacted, and tribal communities, providing funds for clean energy projects to reduce greenhouse gases and energy burdens. The center plans to access federal funds and start offering loans this year.
New Mexico Climate Investment Center: The state’s first green bank | Business | abqjournal.com
California’s 10 GW Battery Milestone
California has reached a record 10 gigawatts of battery capacity, reshaping its power grid by extending solar energy use into post-sunset hours. This significant battery buildout is reducing the state's reliance on fossil gas during evening peaks, marking a major step in the clean energy transition.
Read more: Batteries are taking on gas plants to power California's nights
Residents Shape Cincinnati’s Green Plan
Cincinnati’s Green Cincinnati Plan, informed by 40 public meetings and 3,000 resident ideas, is enhancing its sustainability work with federal funding. With $118 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act, the city focuses on underserved communities, aiming for 30% carbon reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Initiatives include green job creation, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced community resilience.
Read more: Residents of At-Risk Neighborhoods Help Shape Cincinnati’s Green Plan
Cleveland Port Goes Electric
The Port of Cleveland is transforming a large warehouse into an "electrification hub" as part of its effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The $32 million project will include significant solar capacity and electric equipment upgrades, aiming to reduce harmful air pollution and stay competitive in the shipping industry.
Read more: Cleveland port’s ‘electrification hub’ expected to anchor progress toward net-zero emissions
Sources
Fehrenbacher, K. (2024, May 14). Exclusive: Plug wins $1.7B DOE loan deal for green hydrogen. Axios. https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2024/05/14/plug-doe-loan
Contributed Content. (2024, May 16). America Exceeds Five Million Solar Installations Nationwide. POWER. https://www.powermag.com/america-exceeds-five-million-solar-installations-nationwide/?utm_medium=email
Campa, A. J. (2024, May 18). California school district becomes first in nation to go all electric buses. LA Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-18/oakland-unified-switches-to-all-electric-buses?utm_medium=email
Gleason, M. (2024, May 20). New Mexico Climate Investment Center: The state’s first green bank. Albuquerque Journal. https://www.abqjournal.com/business/new-mexico-climate-investment-center-the-state-s-first-green-bank/article_7d434e2e-12e7-11ef-a31b-3f939844b4ee.html?utm_medium=email
Spector, J. (2024, May 9). Batteries are taking on gas plants to power California’s nights. Canary Media. https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/batteries/batteries-are-taking-on-gas-plants-to-power-californias-nights
Smith, C. (2024, May 20). Residents of At-Risk Neighborhoods Help Shape Cincinnati’s Green Plan. Governing. https://www.governing.com/resilience/residents-of-at-risk-neighborhoods-help-shape-cincinnatis-green-plan
Kowalski, K. M. (2024, May 20). Cleveland port’s ‘electrification hub’ expected to anchor progress toward net-zero emissions. Ohio Capital Journal. https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/05/20/cleveland-ports-electrification-hub-expected-to-anchor-progress-toward-net-zero-emissions/
