Focus
California’s 2022-2023 budget includes $380M to support long-duration energy storage projects
 Energy Storage News – January 11
California’s state budget for 2022-2023 includes $380 million in support for long-duration energy storage projects. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the budget this week, applicable for the next fiscal year beginning in July. The financial support for long-duration storage projects is part of a $2 billion Clean Energy Investment Plan, which also puts funding into green hydrogen ($100 million) and a pumped hydro storage project at the state’s Oroville Dam hydroelectric facility ($240 million).
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News
EIA predicts solar will make up half of new U.S. electric generating capacity in 2022
Solar Industry Magazine – January 10
According to a new U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, 46.1 GW of new utility-scale electric generating capacity will be added to the U.S. power grid in 2022 – and almost half of the capacity additions will be solar. Developers and power plant owners report planned additions to EIA in its annual and monthly electric generator surveys. Most planned solar additions in 2022 will be in Texas (6.1 GW, or 28% of the national total), followed by California (4 GW).
Energy storage company Hydrostor to receive a $250M investment
Power Technology – January 11
Canadian long-duration energy storage solution provider Hydrostor has received a $250 million preferred equity financing commitment from the private equity and sustainable investing businesses within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. The proceeds will be used for the construction works of Hydrostor’s 1.1-GW/8.7-GWh advanced compressed air energy storage projects in Australia and California.
Recycle PV Solar and Solaris team up to tackle U.S. solar plant recycling
Solar Power World – January 6
Recycle PV Solar (RVPS) and Solaris Global, a warehousing and supply chain service, have partnered to provide recycling and repurposing services for decommissioned solar plants. In a 2020 study, the Canadian Standards Association projected U.S. solar waste streams will accrue as much as 1.2 million metric tons by 2030. RVPS has relocated to Solaris’ facility in Reno, Nevada.
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Projects
Work starts on 100-MW solar project in Kern County
Bakersfield Californian – January 9
Construction has started on Leeward Renewable Energy’s 100-MW solar project called Rabbitbrush Solar, which will come with a battery component storing 50 MWh of electricity. As the latest large-scale renewable energy project in eastern Kern County, the development is expected to create 300 union construction jobs at its peak. Two entities have signed 15-year agreements to buy energy from the project: Central Coast Community Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy.
Pattern Energy adds 1,050 MW of wind in New Mexico
Renewable Energy World – January 7
Pattern Energy completed construction of four separate wind farms collectively known as the Western Spirit Wind Project. The 1,050-MW project was built in three Central New Mexico counties and combined has become the largest in the state. Western Spirit wind will provide energy to both California and New Mexico through various power purchase agreements.
PacifiCorp eyes pumped storage hydropower project in southern Oregon
OPB – January 10
PacifiCorp is pitching a pumped storage hydropower project in Lake County, Oregon, which, if built, could become a significant source of renewable energy in the region. “Pumped hydro,” as it’s sometimes called, has garnered attention from clean energy advocates as part of the path to decarbonization. If built, the Crooked Creek pumped hydro project could generate an estimated 1,460 GWh annually.
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