07.12 Good Clean Energy News
U.S. Energy Storage Capacity Jumps 84%
U.S. energy storage installations saw an 84% increase in Q1 2024, led by utility-scale storage doubling and residential growing by 48%. Texas, California, and Nevada dominated the new installations.
Read more: US energy storage installations set Q1 record with 84% jump: WoodMac/ACP
California Powers Up with Clean Energy
This spring, California generated more power than it needed from solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Solar panels often produced more power than used, while large batteries stored and redistributed excess energy. This major milestone shows California can power a thriving economy with clean energy.
Read more: California Is Showing How a Big State Can Power Itself Without Fossil Fuels | The New Yorker
Hydrogen Fuel Breakthrough
A Texas plant is producing hydrogen fuel from water using clean energy, a potential game-changer for planes, ships, and trucks. This process, using renewable electricity, could cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Green hydrogen offers a cleaner future, recycling carbon from the air instead of releasing new emissions.
Read more: See how this green hydrogen plant converts water into clean fuel - Washington Post
Central Atlantic Offshore Wind
The Department of the Interior announced a lease sale for offshore wind energy in the Central Atlantic. Areas off the coasts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia will be auctioned on August 14. This sale aims to boost clean energy production and create jobs.
Read more: Offshore wind development area lease set for Aug. 14 auction | News | wrde.com
Smart Tech to Boost U.S. Grid
U.S. utilities are starting to deploy grid-enhancing technologies like Smart Wires’ SmartValve systems. These advanced devices can increase efficiency, redirect power, and reduce bottlenecks, which is essential for a carbon-free grid. With federal funding and supportive policies, the aim is to unlock gigawatts of capacity on existing power grids and meet clean energy goals.
Read more: New projects aim to break US barriers to digitizing the grid
MIT Fund Tackles Climate
The Engine Ventures, an MIT-backed fund, just raised $400M to support "tough tech" companies focused on decarbonizing heavy industries like steel and cement. These industries emit over a fifth of global CO2 but receive little climate investment. The new fund aims to bridge this gap, supporting early-stage companies with breakthrough solutions.
Read more: This MIT-backed fund wants to solve the toughest climate problems
Sources
Martucci, Brian. "US Energy Storage Installations Set Q1 Record with 84% Jump: WoodMac/ACP." Utility Dive, 25 June 2024, www.utilitydive.com/news/energy-storage-installations-report-woodmac-acp/719769/.
McKibben, Bill. "California Is Showing How a Big State Can Power Itself Without Fossil Fuels." The New Yorker, 27 June 2024, www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/california-is-showing-how-a-big-state-can-power-itself-without-fossil-fuels?utm_medium=email.
Rivero, Nicolás, and Emily Wright. "How Water Could Be the Future of Fuel." The Washington Post, 27 June 2024, www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2024/green-hydrogen-water-clean-fuel-process/?utm_medium=email.
"Offshore Wind Development Area Lease Set for Aug. 14 Auction." Coast TV, 28 June 2024, www.wrde.com/news/offshore-wind-development-area-lease-set-for-aug-14-auction/article_99baa784-355e-11ef-b4dd-7f39960a4854.html?utm_medium=email.
St. John, Jeff. "New Projects Aim to Break US Barriers to Digitizing the Grid." Canary Media, 20 June 2024, www.canarymedia.com/articles/transmission/new-projects-aim-to-break-us-barriers-to-digitizing-the-grid.
Gallucci, Maria. "This MIT-Backed Fund Wants to Solve the Toughest Climate Problems." Canary Media, 27 June 2024, www.canarymedia.com/articles/climatetech-finance/this-mit-backed-fund-wants-to-solve-the-toughest-climate-problems.
