| Focus EIA: U.S. large-scale battery storage power capacity increased 35% in 2020 Green Car Congress – August 17 The United States continued a trend of significant growth in large-scale battery capacity, with battery power capacity reaching 1,650 MW by the end of 2020. According to EIA’s report, battery power capacity grew by 35% in 2020 and has tripled in the last five years. EIA expects the trend to continue; utilities have reported plans to install more than 10,000 MW of additional large-scale battery power capacity from 2021 through 2023. Much of the recent increase in new storage capacity comes from battery energy systems co-located with or connected to solar projects. Five states account for more than 70% of U.S. battery storage power capacity as of December 2020, with California alone accounting for 31% of the U.S. total (506 MW). READ |
| News California agency backs solar and storage mandate for new commercial buildings PV-Tech – August 16 The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved rules that would require new buildings, including multi-family housing and commercial structures, to be equipped with solar and battery storage. The new rules would apply to newly built apartment complexes, office blocks, schools, restaurants, and retail and medical buildings. The latest changes were included in the 2022 California Energy Code, which was adopted by the CEC last week. The 2022 update will be submitted to the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC), which is scheduled to consider it in December. If approved by the CBSC, the new requirements would go into effect on January 1, 2023. READ Jackson Family Wines aims to slash carbon footprint in half by 2030 The Press Democrat – August 17 Jackson Family Wines said Tuesday that it would cut its carbon footprint in half by 2030 and become climate positive by 2050 without buying carbon offsets. The Santa Rosa-based wine producer said it would accomplish those goals by continuing to invest in renewable energy, installing wind turbines and solar panels, transitioning to zero-emissions company vehicles, and spearheading efforts on soil carbon sequestration in its vineyards. The announcement comes as the wine industry grapples with climate change and the prevalence of more destructive wildfires. READ |
| Projects Controversial San Diego-area solar project approved by county but residents say fight not over The San Diego Union-Tribune – August 18 The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a major use permit for the construction of a controversial solar energy project next to the desert town of Jacumba Hot Springs on Wednesday after the developer agreed to spend $4 million in community benefits and expand the project’s buffer zones. But a business owner in the far East County village and one of the leaders opposed to the project said he will pursue the county’s decision in court. The JVR Energy Park will be developed by BayWa r.e. and is expected to generate around 283,000 MWh of power — enough for about 60,000 homes. It would also include a 70-MW energy storage facility.READ Facebook building solar-powered data center in Arizona Renewable Energy World – August 16 Facebook will build its newest data center in Mesa, Arizona – powered by 100% renewable energy. The social media giant announced a collaborative effort with the City of Mesa, Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Salt River Project to bring three new solar projects, totaling 450 MW, to the local grid in support of the facility. READ Endurant enters high-tech AG sector with $30M microgrid Microgrid Knowledge – August 16 Endurant Energy has entered the controlled environment agriculture sector with a roughly $30 million microgrid project for Bluehouse Greenhouse, a company building a high-tech 62-acre greenhouse in Southern California. Endurant (formerly GI Energy) will own, operate, and maintain the 13.2-MW microgrid using an energy-as-a-service model. The systems will produce electricity, hot water, chilled water, and recover carbon dioxide. The hot water can be used directly in the greenhouse or stored in thermal energy storage systems. READ Central Coast secures new geothermal power source Monterey Herald – August 12 The Central Coast is getting a boost in its renewable energy portfolio with the construction of a geothermal plant in Mammoth Lakes that will be able to power thousands of homes. Monterey-based Central Coast Community Energy and its partner Silicon Valley Clean Energy are contracted to purchase 14 MW of power, enough to provide electricity to roughly 10,000 homes. The geothermal plant can produce a total of 30 MW, with the other half going to the city of Colton in Southern California. READ |