News
Latest U.S. infrastructure bill continues to champion microgrids, resilience, and remote communities
 Microgrid Knowledge – August 3
The bipartisan infrastructure bill would pump billions of dollars into the U.S. grid. Unveiled on August 1, the roughly $1.2 trillion bill is a slimmed down version of legislation floated by the White House in late March. The section requires the Energy Department to establish a $5 billion matching grant program to bolster the grid. Among other things, the funding can be used on distributed energy resources, including microgrids and energy storage, to make the grid more resilient during disruptive events. The bill also provides $1 billion to help remote and rural areas set up microgrids, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy efficiency.
Two U.S. companies seek extension of solar tariffs
Reuters – August 2
Two small U.S. solar manufacturers on Monday asked federal trade officials to extend tariffs on solar panel imports imposed by the Trump administration. In a formal request to the U.S. International Trade Commission, Auxin Solar and Suniva said that an extension of the four-year tariffs was necessary for President Joe Biden to achieve his goal of transitioning the U.S. power sector to clean sources by 2035.
U.S. solar 4000% up over 2010 as industry booms; utilities no longer dominating new contracts
PV-Tech – August 2
The amount of solar installed in the U.S. in 2020 was 4000% higher than what was installed in 2010, with 8,894 MW of utility-scale solar projects added during that period, as corporate demand becomes almost on par with utilities, according to a new report by the American Clean Power Association. In 2020, the U.S. installed 26 GW of new clean power, with utility solar, wind power, and battery storage capacity now exceeding 170 GW. Overall, corporate buyers contracted nearly the same amount of clean power as utilities – 10,417 MW versus 10,854 MW, respectively. Texas has installed by far the most clean power capacity (37,443 MW), followed by California (20,354 MW).
Company that promises 100% renewable energy wants to challenge APS, Tucson Electric
Arizona Republic – August 4
An electric company that provides 100% renewable energy wants to compete head to head with Arizona Public Service Co. and Tucson Electric Power. Green Mountain Energy Co., a subsidiary of NRG Energy, has filed an application with the Arizona Corporation Commission to serve homes and businesses in the APS and TEP territories. Currently those customers have no choice in who provides their electricity, as Arizona does not have an operating competitive market, but Green Mountain argues the law allows for it.
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Projects
Capital Dynamics and Terra-Gen secure financing for large-scale California solar-plus-storage projects
Energy Storage News – August 4
Financing has been secured for two projects that will add nearly a gigawatt-hour of battery storage at California solar power facilities this year. Terra-Gen said on Monday that financing has been completed for the first phase of the Edwards Sanborn Solar Storage facility in Kern County. As work began on the project in December 2020, Terra-Gen and its construction partner Mortenson gave figures of 1,118 MW of solar PV and 2,165 MWh of battery storage for its planned capacity. Meanwhile, Capital Dynamics has secured tax equity investment on a 60-MW/240-MWh battery energy storage system, which is being retrofitted to the 280-MWac California Flats solar PV plant. The facility has a long-term offtake agreement with Apple.
Lightsource BP signs PPA with McDonald’s and eBay for its 345-MW project in Louisiana
PV-Tech – August 5
McDonald’s and eBay have signed a power purchase agreement with Lightsource BP to acquire electricity from its 345-MW Ventress solar project in Louisiana. Lightsource BP said it will be the largest PV project in the state. Construction on the $300 million solar farm is expected to begin at the end of this year, with commercial operations beginning in mid-2023.
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