Focus
U.S. community solar capacity to exceed 14 GW by 2029
PV-Tech – August 12
Analyst Wood Mackenzie expects the U.S. community solar sector to add 7.3 GW of new capacity by 2029, which would push the total cumulative installed community solar capacity to above 14 GW, according to a recent report published in collaboration with the Coalition for Community Solar Access. The report notes that a significant percentage of this new capacity will help provide power to low-to-moderate income communities, an important development as community solar has historically been touted as an opportunity for such communities to invest in solar.
News
Energy Department awards $2.2B to strengthen the electrical grid and add clean power
Associated Press – August 6
The Department of Energy on August 6 announced $2.2 billion in funding for eight projects across 18 states to strengthen the electrical grid against increasing extreme weather, advance the transition to cleaner electricity, and meet a growing demand for power. The money will help build more than 600 miles of new transmission lines and upgrade about 400 miles of existing lines so that they can carry more current. Among the projects in this round, more than 100 miles of transmission line in California will be upgraded so that new renewable energy can be added quickly and as a response to a growing demand for electricity.
BOEM finalizes environmental review of Oregon offshore wind leases
North American Windpower – August 13
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released its final environmental assessment (EA) of the possible impacts from issuing wind energy development leases off the Oregon coast, including site assessment and characterization activities such as geophysical, geological, and archaeological surveys. The EA concluded that lease issuance would have no significant impacts to people or the environment. BOEM expects to hold an Oregon offshore wind energy lease sale later this year.
LS Power unit to pay $2.7M to settle alleged CAISO market violations
Utility Dive – August 7
An LS Power subsidiary agreed to pay nearly $2.7 million to settle allegations a battery storage system it owns violated California Independent System Operator rules, according to a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision issued on August 6. FERC enforcement office staff contend that Vista Energy Storage submitted bids to CAISO when its 40 MWh battery system in Vista, California, was not reasonably expected to be available and capable of performing at the levels specified in the bids, FERC said.
Projects
Arevon powers up 200 MW Condor BESS in California
Renewables Now – August 6
Arevon Energy has started operations of its 200 MW/800 MWh Condor battery energy storage system in San Bernardino County, California. The battery is expected to power up to 150,000 homes for up to four hours during peak demand periods and bring economic benefits to the surrounding area.
Catalyze launches standalone BESS project in the Bronx
Solar Builder – August 12
Catalyze has launched its first standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the Bronx, New York, with a total size of 4.29 MW/8.58 MWh. This is one of the first megawatt-scale BESS projects to be completed and fully approved through New York City’s updated permitting process for battery energy storage.
Humboldt Bay issues terminal solicitation
ReNEWS – August 6
The Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District is seeking engagement from companies interested in participating in the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal project in California. The project will facilitate renewable energy development directly onsite through solar energy generation and indirectly offsite by supporting offshore wind energy generation.
Visalia project to ship power to Riverside
The Sun Gazette – July 30
A new 5-acre battery storage facility under construction in the Visalia Industrial Park will send contracted electricity to the City of Riverside. Ormat Technologies has signed a 15-year contract for an 80 MW/320 MWh battery energy storage system to the Southern California city.
Former army depot turned waste dump gets new life as a community solar project
Renewable Energy World – August 6
Nautilus Solar Energy has announced the opening of the first community solar project developed on a Formerly Used Defense Site. Located near Northeastern Industrial Park in Guilderland, Albany County, New York, the 2.8 MW project will provide clean energy to more than 260 households and anchor subscribers in National Grid’s territory.
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