09.06 Good Clean Energy News
Big Tech Goes Geothermal
Meta and Google are turning to advanced geothermal energy to power their data centers. These tech giants are partnering with startups like Sage Geosystems and Fervo Energy to harness heat deep beneath Earth's surface, offering a clean energy alternative that could significantly reduce their carbon footprints.
Read more: Hungry for Clean Energy, Facebook Looks to a New Type of Geothermal - The New York Times
Solar Power and Batteries Save Texas Grid
As Texas faces record-breaking heat, solar power and large-scale batteries are keeping the electric grid stable. Texas set records for solar energy production and avoided power shortages. With solar farms and battery storage booming, the state’s grid is more resilient than ever.
Read more: As dangerous heat grips Texas, solar power and batteries keep the electric grid humming along
Ebon Solar to Build New Plant in New Mexico
Ebon Solar is investing $942 million to build a solar cell manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 834,000-square-foot facility will create over 900 jobs, boosting the local economy. Located in Mesa del Sol, this marks Ebon Solar as the second major solar manufacturer to invest in the region.
Read more: Ebon Solar to build $942M New Mexico plant | Manufacturing Dive
Natron Energy Investing in North Carolina
Natron Energy is expanding in North Carolina with a $1.4 billion investment to build a massive 1.2 million-square-foot facility in Edgecombe County. This plant will create over 1,000 jobs and produce sodium-ion batteries, a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology.
Read more: Battery maker Natron Energy plans massive North Carolina expansion
World’s Largest Energy Storage Project
Lincoln, Maine, a former mill town, is set to become home to the world's largest long-duration energy storage system, backed by a $147 million federal grant. The project will enhance grid resilience and support clean energy integration, revitalizing the community.
Read more: Former mill town selected to house world’s largest duration energy storage project
New Mexico Grant for Clean Energy Jobs
New Mexico’s Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) has been awarded a $1.5 million grant to boost clean energy job training. This grant will support programs that prepare New Mexicans, especially underrepresented groups, for careers in clean energy infrastructure. The project aims to develop a diverse workforce ready to tackle clean energy challenges and utilize federal funding for clean energy job opportunities.
Read more: Families & Workers Fund Selects NMDWS For $1.5M Grant
Sources
Plumer, B. (2024, August 26). Hungry for Clean Energy, Facebook Looks to a New Type of Geothermal. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/26/climate/meta-facebook-geothermal-fracking-energy.html
Buchele, M. (2024, August 21). As dangerous heat grips Texas, solar power and batteries keep the electric grid humming along. KUT News Reliably Austin. https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/2024-08-21/heat-ercot-texas-electric-grid-solar-power-batteries
Samora, S. (2024, August 13). Ebon Solar to build $942M New Mexico plant. Manufacturing Dive. https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/ebon-solar-942-milion-plant-albuquerque-new-mexico-mesa-del-sol/723883/
Eanes, Z. (2024, August 15). Battery maker Natron Energy plans massive North Carolina expansion. Axios Raleigh. https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/08/15/battery-maker-natron-energy-massive-expansion-rocky-mount-north-carolina-incentives-sodium-ion
Hilton, A. (2024, August 6). Former mill town selected to house world’s largest duration energy storage project. Maine Morning Star. https://mainemorningstar.com/2024/08/06/former-maine-mill-town-will-welcome-worlds-largest-multi-day-energy-storage-project/
Clark, C. A. (2024, August 18). Families & Workers Fund Selects NMDWS For $1.5M Grant. LA Daily Post. https://ladailypost.com/families-workers-fund-selects-nmdws-for-1-5m-grant/
