By Chris Teale, Smart Cities Dive
Ninety-five local governments across 33 states procured 3,683 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy generation capacity in 2020 through 143 deals, the largest amount of capacity ever added in one year, according to the latest update from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and World Resources Institute (WRI) in their Local Government Renewables Action Tracker.
The 143 transactions, a 23% increase over 2019’s levels, could generate enough electricity to power approximately 812,000 households annually, the organizations reported. Solar was the most popular renewable energy to be procured, at 79% of all deals, followed by wind at 17% and geothermal at 4%. Read more here.
Photo Credit: First Solar
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READING
- President Biden proposal includes $100 billion for power infrastructure, American Public Power Association
- SMUD releases a plan to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from power supply by 2030, American Public Power Association
- Executive Summary: SMUD’s 2030 Zero Carbon Plan
- Previously Posted: Nebraska utility could slash emissions at little or no added cost, studies show, Energy News Network
- Minneapolis program puts energy audits into hands of potential homebuyers, Energy News Network
SOLAR INSTALLER SURVEY
2020 EnergySage installer survey finds one in five solar installations nationwide included a battery, Solar Power World
EnergySage and NABCEP released the results of the sixth annual Solar Installer Survey, the largest and most comprehensive business survey of solar companies nationwide. Over 650 residential and commercial installers across the country participated in this year’s survey, which was fielded and authored by EnergySage in partnership with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
NELNET SOLAR TAX EQUITY INVESTMENT
Nelnet Renewable Energy Partners with Three Co-Investors to Complete $9.9 Million Solar Tax Equity Investment in the Northeast, Nelnet Renewable Energy, PR Newswire. Nelnet’s co-investors include Adams Bank & Trust and West Gate Bank, both of Nebraska.
OMAHA RANKS #7 AMONG GREENEST U.S. CITIES FOR RENTERS
The Greenest Cities in the U.S. for Renters, Apartment Guide
In the heart of the Great Plains, many view Omaha as a far-flung place known for quality steak, college baseball, 311 and Warren Buffett. But the diverse Nebraska city of half a million residents is a heartland oasis filled with culture, education, upscale shopping and trendy dining. And with nearly 22 percent of properties reporting green amenities, it’s the greenest city in the Midwest for renters.
LIBRARIES’ CLIMATE LITERACY PROGRAMS
How libraries are improving climate literacy in their communities, Yale Climate Connections
The Racine Public Library is one of 25 libraries with funding from the American Library Association to offer programming about climate change.