Renewable Energy Update 8-05-24
BLM proceeds with nine solar projects on Western public lands
Bullet T&D World – July 29
According to the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proceeding with nine solar projects on public lands to potentially power nearly 2 million homes with clean energy. Among the projects, the BLM is opening a 45-day public comment period on the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Resource Management Plan Amendment for the Esmeralda 7 solar project, which includes seven proposed utility scale solar facilities with battery energy storage systems near Tonopah, Nevada. The proposed projects are anticipated to have the capacity to generate 5.35 GW of clean electricity.
News
Interactive map to show U.S. offshore projects, lease areas, and status updates
Bullet North American Windpower – July 30
The Offshore Wind Power Hub, set to allow users to visualize offshore wind projects across the country and track their development in real time, has been launched by the Clean Energy States Alliance and the National Wildlife Federation. This new tool aims to provide essential information for supporters of offshore wind policies and programs, and help states in their planning and collaboration efforts.
Churches are going solar and saving big thanks to the climate law
Bullet Canary Media – July 29
Linda Cleveland knew that getting solar panels on the roof of the Watts-Willowbrook Church of Christ in Compton, California, was more than just a way for her congregation to save on electric bills. It would further its broader community mission too. The 12 kW solar array on the roof of “The Brook” will help the congregation cut its electric bills roughly in half. Those savings will go toward buying and covering the energy costs of more refrigerators and electric stoves for its monthly “community food ministry” events that feed hundreds of people, Cleveland, secretary of the church, said.
Projects
GSCE and MCE agree to develop solar + storage in Fresno County
Bullet Solar Power World – July 29
Golden State Clean Energy and MCE have agreed to work together to develop up to 400 MW of solar and up to 400 MW of 4- or 8-hour battery storage resources in Fresno County, California. The GSCE-MCE agreement is part of the master-planned development program known as the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, which aims to repurpose up to 130,000 acres of drainage-impaired or water-challenged lands within Westlands Water District in Fresno County. At full buildout the plan will include up to 20 GW of solar and energy storage, potentially providing up to one-sixth of California’s electricity requirements in 2035.
BOEM releases Final Environmental Impact Statement for offshore Maryland wind farm
Bullet The Maritime Executive – July 30
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced on July 29 the availability of its final Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed wind project offshore Maryland to be developed by U.S. Wind. The total project would have a capacity between 1.1 and 2.2 GW.
EDPR, Meta unveil 200 MW PV project in Coolidge, Arizona
Bullet ReNEWS – July 31
EDP Renewables North America, together with Salt River Project (SRP) and Meta have unveiled the 200 MW Brittlebush Solar Park located near the town of Coolidge, Arizona. The project’s total capacity will be dedicated to supporting Meta’s data center in Mesa, Arizona.
AES launches AI-enabled solar installation robot
Bullet Solar Industry Magazine – July 31
AES Corporation has introduced “Maximo,” an AI-powered robot meant to enhance solar installation speed, efficiency, and safety. The company says Maximo works alongside construction teams by installing solar panels in half the time, adding that it has already installed 10 MW. The company will utilize Maximo in its construction of the 2 GW Bellefield project in Kern County, California, under contract with Amazon.
