07.19 Good Clean Energy News
New England Wind 1 Approved
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has approved Avangrid’s plan for New England Wind 1 and 2, marking a significant step for the 791 MW New England Wind 1 project. Located 30 miles south of Barnstable, MA, this advanced project can start construction in 2025 and deliver power by 2029. Together, the projects could generate up to 2.6 GW.
Read more: New England Wind 1 Gets Green Light from Federal Government - North American Windpower
New Jersey’s First Offshore Wind Project
The Department of the Interior has approved New Jersey's first offshore wind project, Atlantic Shores South, set to generate up to 2,800 MW of electricity. Located between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island, it will power nearly 1 million homes. The project promises significant economic benefits and job creation, marking a major step towards the state's goal of 100% clean energy by 2035.
Read more: DOI approves NJ’s 1st offshore wind project - NJBIZ
MI Opens First Off-Road Electric Vehicle Charging Network
Michigan's Upper Peninsula now hosts the nation's first public electric vehicle charging network for off-road vehicles. Four free-to-use chargers support about 100 miles of trails, encouraging electric ORV use. The project marks a significant step toward cleaner trail riding.
Read more: Michigan opens first public EV charging network for off-road vehicles
Energy Efficiency Progress in 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has made significant strides in 2024, finalizing new appliance standards that will save consumers billions and reduce climate emissions. DOE has also provided substantial funding to states for home assessments, equipment upgrades, and building energy code updates.
U.S. Battery Market’s Best Year Ever
The U.S. battery market is booming in 2024! In Q1, nearly 1.3 GW of battery storage was installed across power plants, homes, and commercial facilities. Overall storage installations grew 84% compared to Q1 2023. Texas, California, and Nevada led the way in utility-scale storage, driving the nation toward a cleaner energy future.
Read more: Chart: The US battery market is on track for its best year yet
First U.S. Solar-Covered Canal
The first canal-based solar project in the U.S. is nearing completion on tribal lands in Arizona. The Casa Blanca installation will generate 1.3 MW of clean energy while reducing water evaporation and algae growth. Covering canals with solar panels could significantly boost clean energy output with minimal environmental impact.
Read more: The US is about to get its first solar-covered canal | Canary Media
First Solar Microgrid Powering Industrial Plant
Timet's new facility in Ravenswood, WV, will be the first industrial plant in the U.S. powered primarily by a solar microgrid. Set to start operations next year, this innovative project will produce titanium parts for airplanes and other uses, utilizing renewable energy from BHE Renewables' solar panels and batteries.
Read more: In a first, a solar microgrid will directly power an industrial plant
AZ Farmers Use Solar Power to Save Water
Arizona farmers are using solar panels to shade crops, conserve water, and lower energy bills. This sustainable method, supported by federal programs, helps combat the searing heat. The University of Arizona's research shows increased soil moisture and higher crop yields with less water under solar panels. Projects like Growing Green's 4.8 kW system in Phoenix highlight the community and environmental benefits.
Sources
O'Conner, Erin. "New England Wind 1 Gets Green Light from Federal Government." North American Wind Power, 1 July 2024, nawindpower.com/new-england-wind-1-gets-green-light-from-federal-government?utm_medium=email.
Fazelpoor, Matthew. "DOI Approves NJ’s 1st Offshore Wind Project." NJ Biz, 2 July 2024, njbiz.com/doi-approves-njs-1st-offshore-wind-project/?utm_medium=email.
House, Kelly. "Michigan Opens First Public EV Charging Network for Off-Road Vehicles." Bridge Michigan, 2 July 2024, bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-opens-first-public-ev-charging-network-road-vehicles?utm_medium=email.
Walton, Robert. "‘There’s Been a Ton of Progress’ on Energy Efficiency This Year. Next Up: Court Cases and an Election." Utility Dive, 3 July 2024, utilitydive.com/news/trump-biden-energy-efficiency-appliance-standards/720362/?utm_medium=email.
McCarthy, Dan. "Chart: The US Battery Market Is on Track for Its Best Year Yet." Canary Media, 5 July 2024, canarymedia.com/articles/energy-storage/chart-the-us-battery-market-is-off-to-its-best-ever-start-to-a-year?utm_medium=email.
Wesoff, Eric. "The US Is About to Get Its First Solar-Covered Canal." Canary Media, 8 July 2024, canarymedia.com/articles/solar/the-us-is-about-to-get-its-first-solar-covered-canal?utm_medium=email.
Gallucci, Maria. "In a First, a Solar Microgrid Will Directly Power an Industrial Plant." Canary Media, 9 July 2024, canarymedia.com/articles/clean-industry/in-a-first-a-solar-microgrid-will-directly-power-an-industrial-plant?utm_medium=email.
Gavica, Amaia J. "Arizona Farmers Turn to Solar Panels to Shade Crops, Save Water and Generate Power." Prescott E News, 9 July 2024, prescottenews.com/2024/07/09/the-latest-official-employment-report-finds-once-again-that-the-federal-government-and-state-local-hiring-spree-is-still-in-full-gear-over-the-past-year-health-care-and-government-hiring-has-outpace/?utm_medium=email.
