Utility Dive article contributed by David Hart, director of the Clean Energy Innovation Policy Program at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), and Stefan Koester, ITIF senior policy analyst.
A recent report to which we contributed, published by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Boston University Institute for Sustainable Energy, and Fraunhofer USA’s Center for Manufacturing Innovation, details how the United States can rebuild a robust domestic manufacturing sector and tackle climate change by leveraging its considerable strengths in science, technology and innovation. Read more here.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
- Study Finds Limiting Renewable Energy Growth Would Result In Higher U.S. Power Costs, by the U.S. Department of Energy, CleanTechnica
“We found that we can get to 80+% renewable energy at the same cost as keeping the system at today’s level of renewables,” said [Wesley] Cole, NREL senior energy analyst and lead author of the paper. “Increased renewable energy contribution also reduces emissions, so going beyond today’s levels of renewable energy is a no-brainer.”
Researchers at the Wharton School said the additional $579 billion in new infrastructure spending would increase domestic output by 0.1% and decrease the U.S. debt by 0.9% by 2050.
Location, location, location — when it comes to the placement of wind turbines, the old real estate adage applies, according to new research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by Carnegie’s Enrico Antonini and Ken Caldeira.
AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION
- Small town revitalization series – Part 1: Economic Development, by Paul Ciampoli
The American Public Power Association (APPA) is pleased to introduce the first in-depth, three-part Public Power Current newsletter series this week, on small town revitalization. Thank you to all the small utility systems across America who were eager to share their stories towards promoting economic development initiatives (Part 1), employee recruitment and retention efforts (Part 2), and beautification plans (Part 3). Of America’s nearly 2,000 public power utilities, a vast majority of them are considered “small.” - Small town revitalization series – Part 2: Employee Recruitment and Retention, by Peter Maloney
- Small town revitalization series – Part 3: Beautification, by Tanya DeRivi, Paul Ciampoli
- Also written by Paul Ciampoli: Public power utilities play key role in Pacific Northwest’s response to historic heat wave
THE REAP IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6/24/21]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA 7)—along with U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Representative David G. Valadao (R-CA 21)—introduced legislation in both the Senate and House aimed at improving the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural business owners to install renewable energy systems and adopt energy efficiency measures
MGM’S RENEWABLE ENERGY PROCUREMENT
MGM unveils solar project it says will power 13 Vegas hotels, Las Vegas Sun
The array of solar panels sits in the desert northeast of Las Vegas and will be managed by Invenergy, which owns and operates renewable energy developments throughout the world. The largest resorts and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip have gradually left Nevada’s public utility, NV Energy, and begun producing their own power.
Previously Posted: MGM Resorts Recognized for Making Significant Investments in Clean Energy by the Solar Energy Industries Association, MGM Resorts International News Release
Photo: MGM’s first solar array in Las Vegas on the roof at the Mandalay Bay Resort
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY
The sustainability imperative imperative, by Joel Makower,
Chairman & Co-founder, GreenBiz Group
At long last, this stuff is being taken seriously — very seriously. And while there remain those who view the whole shebang — net-zero carbon emissions, ESG metrics, climate tech, the circular economy and all the rest — as “woke capitalism” (another mean moniker), those critics are finding themselves shunted off to the side, marginalized, a voice in the wilderness.
RE100 Article: Business demand for renewables greater than total energy demand of major G7 economies
CESA ANNOUNCEMENT
Clean Energy States Alliance has issued an expression of interest for new, innovative energy storage pilot projects, with an emphasis on projects advancing social equity and community resilience. Potential projects must be at least 500 kilowatts in size with a minimum duration of two hours to be considered, and incorporation of other advanced energy technologies, like renewable generation and electric vehicle charging, is preferred. Projects determined to be of interest may be eligible for technical and financial support after submitting a full proposal. Responses are due by July 15. More details about the opportunity can be found here.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READING
- Statement: Oregon poised to become eighth U.S. state to go 100 percent, Environment America News Release
- New data: Poll shows voters strongly back climate-related infrastructure investment, Environment Oregon News Release
- The U.S. is consuming more renewable energy than ever before. Here’s how Kansas ranks and why that matters. The Wichita Eagle
The USDA would double the size of the Conservation Reserve, the government’s largest land-idling program, as part of supporting land stewardship on 100 million acres of farmland under companion bills filed in the House and Senate on Monday. Democrats Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the sponsors, compared the legislation to New Deal programs to help farmers and combat soil loss during the Dust Bowl.
Sec.108 Rural Energy for America Program