06.21 Good Clean Energy News
Electric Lawn Gear Leads Change
A new survey shows that using electric lawn equipment and solar panels can encourage homeowners to switch other appliances to clean energy. Those with electric mowers are 84% more likely to electrify cooking. Programs promoting solar and electric tools may help people reduce fossil fuel use in more areas of their lives.
Read more: Electric lawn equipment, solar could be home-electrification 'gateways'
Clean Energy Investment Soars
In 2024, global investment in clean energy will reach $2 trillion, double the $1 trillion spent on fossil fuels, driven by solar projects.
Read more: Investment in clean energy likely to be double figure for fossil fuels in 2024, IEA says
Wind Turbine Blade Recycler Opens
REGEN Fiber, a new recycling center in Fairfax, opened to process decommissioned wind turbine blades. Using a chemical-free mechanical process, the center will convert blades into materials to strengthen concrete, mortar, and asphalt. This $10 million facility aims to reduce landfill waste and support sustainable construction.
Read more: New wind turbine blade recycler opens in Fairfax | The Gazette
Electrified Highway Charges EVs
Indiana is building an electrified highway to charge electric vehicles (EVs) as they drive. This innovative project, led by Purdue University, aims to reduce EV costs and range anxiety by enabling in-motion charging. Initially focusing on semi-trucks, the $11 million project will test road durability and system efficiency, with trials starting next year.
Read more: Indiana is building an electrified highway to charge EVs as they drive over it : NPR
Solar Manufacturing Grows Rapidly
In the first quarter of 2024, the U.S. added 11 GW of new solar module manufacturing capacity, the highest quarterly increase ever. This brings total capacity to over 26 GW annually. With 11.8 GW of new solar installations this year, the U.S. aims to match last year’s 40 GW growth. States like Florida, Texas, and California lead in new solar capacity.
Read more: US solar module manufacturing capacity grows by 11 GW in Q1
Sheep and Solar: A Perfect Match
In Fitchburg, Massachusetts, farmers are grazing sheep under solar panels, creating a "beautiful symbiotic relationship." The sheep benefit from shade and the solar company, Nexamp, saves on mowing costs and reduces fossil fuel use. This practice, known as agrivoltaics, is growing in popularity, with 45 solar operations in Massachusetts now sharing land with agriculture, thanks to the state’s SMART program.
Read more: What happens when sheep meet solar panels? A ‘beautiful symbiotic relationship.’
Agrivoltaics Boosts Community Solar
A new agrivoltaics project in Ames, Iowa, combines community solar with agriculture. The SunSmart Ames Community Solar Project uses sheep to maintain grass under solar panels, reducing mowing costs and supporting local farmers. This dual-use approach enhances soil health and carbon absorption. Agrivoltaics is expanding, with Iowa State University researching its benefits. This practice not only provides clean energy but also supports local agriculture and promotes public approval for renewable projects.
Read more: Agrivoltaics Hitches A Ride On The Community Solar Train
Sources
Takemura, A. F. (2024, June 6). Electric lawn equipment, solar could be home-electrification ‘gateways’. Canary Media. https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/electrification/electric-lawn-equipment-solar-could-be-home-electrification-gateways?utm_medium=email
Ambrose, J. (2024, June 6). Investment in clean energy likely to be double figure for fossil fuels in 2024, IEA says. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/06/investment-in-clean-energy-likely-to-be-double-figure-for-fossil-fuels-in-2024-iea-says?utm_medium=email
Jordan, E. (2024, June 5). New wind turbine blade recycler opens in Fairfax. The Gazette. https://www.thegazette.com/environment-nature/new-wind-turbine-blade-recycler-opens-in-fairfax/?utm_medium=email
Thorp, B. (2024, June 6). Indiana is building an electrified highway to charge EVs as they drive over it. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/06/06/nx-s1-4985688/indiana-is-building-an-electrified-highway-to-charge-evs-as-they-drive-over-it?utm_medium=email
Fischer, A. (2024, June 7). US solar module manufacturing capacity grows by 11 GW in Q1. PV Magazine. https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/06/07/us-solar-module-manufacturing-capacity-grows-by-11-gw-in-q1/?utm_medium=email
Scott, I. (2024, June 10). What happens when sheep meet solar panels? A ‘beautiful symbiotic relationship.’ Microsoft Start. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/what-happens-when-sheep-meet-solar-panels-a-beautiful-symbiotic-relationship/ar-BB1nY0yU?utm_medium=email
Casey, T. (2024, June 9). Agrivoltaics Hitches A Ride On The Community Solar Train. Clean Technica. https://cleantechnica.com/2024/06/09/agrivoltaics-hitches-a-ride-on-the-community-solar-train/
