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The U.S. energy storage market achieved a record-breaking first quarter in 2024, installing 1,265 MW of capacity—a remarkable 84% increase from Q1 2023. The "US Energy Storage Monitor" report from Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association (ACP) highlights this milestone, with the grid-scale segment leading at 993 MW. Nevada, California, and Texas contributed 90% of this new capacity. John Hensley, Vice President of Markets and Policy Analysis at ACP, emphasized the significance of this growth in addressing energy demand and grid stress due to variable weather. He noted, "The rapid expansion of the energy storage industry is critical as it addresses increasing energy demand and variable weather conditions that stress the grid." The residential segment also set a record with 250 MW installed, driven by California's 24% quarterly increase. This growth represents an 8% increase from the previous record in Q4 2023, showcasing the expanding adoption of residential energy storage solutions. Despite a 43% decline in the community, commercial, and industrial (CCI) segment, future deployments are expected to rise with new projects in the pipeline. California's stagnation and slower quarters in New York and Massachusetts contributed to this decline, but the transition from NEM 2.0 to NEM 3.0 in California is anticipated to boost future deployments. Projections for 2024 suggest the grid-scale segment will reach 11.1 GW, with Texas expected to surpass California in new capacity due to price volatility and expanding renewable energy sources in its less regulated market. This represents a 45% year-over-year increase, indicating strong growth potential. Overall, the U.S. energy storage market is poised to deploy 12.9 GW in 2024 and 75 GW by 2028, indicating a strong future for the industry. The five-year grid-scale forecast has increased by 5% quarter-on-quarter, driven by a robust pipeline of announced projects, bringing the cumulative volume of new additions to 62.2 GW by 2028.

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, Nunavut, Canada’s northern territory, is launching a pioneering wind energy project. This initiative aims to reduce the region’s heavy reliance on diesel fuel, combatting greenhouse gas emissions in the Arctic. Designed to withstand extreme Arctic conditions, specialized 15-meter turbines are being developed through collaboration between Polar Knowledge Canada and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. These turbines are tailored to harness the region’s powerful winds effectively, ensuring reliable energy generation without excessive height requirements. Jill Hass, engineer and clean energy manager at Polar Knowledge Canada, expressed confidence in wind energy as a viable alternative for Arctic communities. The project targets replacing diesel-powered generators in all 25 Nunavut communities, currently consuming 55 million liters (14.5 million US gallons) annually. This shift is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions while enhancing energy security in remote areas. Beyond installation, the research teams are committed to knowledge sharing, empowering other Nunavut communities to adopt sustainable energy solutions. This collaborative effort not only promises environmental benefits but also fosters local energy independence and resilience. As Nunavut leads the charge towards sustainable energy in the Arctic, the implementation of wind turbines marks a crucial step in mitigating climate impact and promoting a cleaner future for Canada’s northernmost communities.

The United States solar panel manufacturing sector has achieved an unprecedented 71 percent increase in capacity during the first quarter of 2024, adding 11 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity. This growth sets a new record for the US solar industry. US Solar Capacity Soars The US Solar Marketing Insight report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie reveals that the nation's solar panel manufacturing capacity now exceeds 26 GW annually. Additionally, the US has already installed 11.8 GW of new solar capacity this year, pushing the total installed capacity to over 200 GW. Continued Growth in 2024 Wood Mackenzie projects an additional 40 GW of solar projects for 2024, reflecting the robust health of the US solar industry. “This quarter proves that new federal investments in clean energy are revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening our nation’s energy economy,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of SEIA. Leading States in Solar Expansion Texas and Florida led the way in utility-scale solar growth in the first quarter, with Ohio and New Mexico also making significant contributions. Bright Future for US Solar Manufacturing The rapid expansion in solar manufacturing and installation showcases the effectiveness of recent federal policies promoting renewable energy, driving job creation, and contributing to a sustainable energy future.

A major development in the renewable energy sector is set to unfold in Portland, Tennessee. ReCreate, a new venture between European solar panel brand Recom and Create Energy, will establish a 5-GW solar cell and panel manufacturing facility in the area. The announcement was made by Dean Solon, founder of eBOS manufacturer Shoals and Create Energy, along with Hamlet Tunyan, CEO of Recom Technologies. “We’re thrilled to launch this new venture and deliver top-quality, American-made solar solutions,” said Solon. “At Create Energy, our goal is to reshape the renewables market with comprehensive solutions for solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and eMobility projects. ReCreate aims to set a new standard in the solar module and cell markets.” The ReCreate solar panels will be manufactured at Create Energy’s current mega-plant facility. While the exact timeline for the start of production has not been announced, the products will be available for both U.S. and European markets. “This project is a significant step forward in our commitment to renewable energy and innovation,” added Tunyan. “Manufacturing in the USA supports the local economy and establishes new industry benchmarks.” Recom, with over a decade of manufacturing expertise, currently operates 3.2 GW of solar panel manufacturing capacity in France and Italy. Recent reports indicate that Recom’s European manufacturing will now be consolidated in Italy. The ReCreate facility represents a major boost for renewable energy production in the United States, promising economic benefits and meeting the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

Renewable energy sources have made significant strides in expanding the U.S. grid in 2024, accounting for an overwhelming 99.2% of new generating capacity from January to April, according to data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This information, highlighted by Kelly Pickerel in an article published on June 13, 2024, underscores a pronounced shift towards cleaner energy solutions. Solar power led the charge during this period, adding 7,899 megawatts (MW) of new capacity, with wind energy contributing an additional 1,825 MW. In contrast, fossil fuels combined—comprising natural gas, oil, and other sources—only added a mere 75 MW. April alone saw substantial gains with 1,324 MW of solar capacity and 737 MW of wind capacity coming online, further cementing renewable energy's pivotal role in the nation's energy landscape. The growth in solar energy capacity in early 2024 has more than doubled compared to the same period last year, marking solar as the primary driver of new generation installations, accounting for 80.6% of total additions. As a result, solar now holds 8.56% of the U.S. utility-scale generating capacity, surpassing hydropower, while wind contributes 11.77%. Together, renewables now constitute 29.62% of the total installed utility-scale generating capacity in the U.S., reflecting a growing preference for sustainable energy sources. Ken Bossong, executive director of the SUN DAY Campaign, emphasized the significance of these developments, noting that when small-scale solar installations are factored in, the combined share of solar and wind could approach a quarter of the nation's total generating capacity. He further highlighted the potential for renewables to surpass natural gas capacity within the next three years, signaling a transformative shift towards a cleaner and more resilient energy infrastructure in the United States.

An electric cooperative in Arizona has successfully implemented a cutting-edge solar and energy storage project, aiming to enhance the delivery of clean and reliable power to its members. The project features a 40-MWh energy storage system integrated with an existing 20-MW photovoltaic system. Utilizing advanced AI-driven software, the system is designed to optimize and monitor performance, ensuring maximum efficiency. This initiative marks the first of three similar projects planned, all expected to be operational by the end of the year. Electric cooperatives across the U.S. are increasingly adopting such technologies, with the sector expected to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the energy market. The deployment of these systems is set to account for over 20% of future energy storage installations, highlighting the significant role co-ops play in advancing sustainable energy solutions. This project demonstrates the effective combination of AI-driven software, hardware, and services, enabling enhanced value and improved returns for cooperatives and their members. The initiative not only supports the cooperative's commitment to clean energy but also strengthens the overall reliability and sustainability of the power grid.

The rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the United States is addressing a major barrier to EV adoption. With one optimized EV station for every 15 gas stations, drivers can now enjoy quicker turnaround times, reducing downtime and maximizing efficiency. As of now, there are nearly 8,200 quick-turn EV charging stations nationwide, with substantial growth in the first quarter of 2024. Approximately 600 public fast-charging stations were added, marking a 7.6% increase from the end of 2023. This expansion reflects ongoing efforts to enhance EV infrastructure and accessibility. Federal support has been crucial in this expansion. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have provided significant funding to fill gaps in the EV charging network. States like Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and Alabama have opened numerous new fast-charging stations, easing range anxiety and making EV driving more convenient. Despite this progress, urban areas face unique challenges. For instance, New York City aims to have 20% of vehicle registrations as EVs by 2050, requiring a comprehensive network of publicly accessible chargers. Installation issues include avoiding interference with bike lanes, loading docks, and fire hydrants. However, utilization rates for EV chargers in the city have been remarkably high, with plans to install thousands more chargers by 2030. The surge in EV charging infrastructure is critical for widespread EV adoption, offering benefits for consumers and the environment. Increased availability of charging stations makes the transition to electric vehicles more feasible, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is embarking on a transformative journey to modernize its electric pricing structures. With a focus on fairness and customer empowerment, OUC aims to introduce innovative changes that will enable consumers to save money while promoting energy equity. One of the key components of this initiative is the introduction of new distribution charges tailored to peak demand. These charges, set at different tiers based on usage patterns, ensure that customers pay their fair share for infrastructure while providing incentives for efficient energy consumption. In addition to these distribution charges, OUC plans to roll out programs like TruNet Solar, designed to compensate rooftop solar users for the excess electricity they generate and sell back to the grid. This initiative aims to foster the adoption of renewable energy solutions while providing fair compensation to solar customers. Looking ahead, OUC is preparing to implement a Shift & Save pricing structure in 2026. This innovative program will offer price signals encouraging customers to shift their energy usage to off-peak hours, providing opportunities for significant cost savings. To engage with the community and gather feedback on these proposed changes, OUC will host a Public Workshop on June 13, 2024, at Reliable Plaza in Orlando, FL. This event will serve as an opportunity for stakeholders to learn more about the initiatives and provide input on their implementation. Through these forward-thinking measures, OUC is committed to promoting energy equity, empowering customers to make informed choices, and fostering a sustainable energy future for the community.

The U.S. solar industry reached a significant milestone in the first quarter of 2024, installing 11.8 GW of new solar capacity, which brought the country's total to an impressive 200 GW. This data is from the latest "U.S. Solar Market Insight" report by SEIA and Wood Mackenzie. The report also confirmed that in 2023, the U.S. added over 40 GW of new solar capacity. Looking forward, Wood Mackenzie will project another 40 GW of new solar installations in 2024. The utility-scale solar market is the main driver behind these record-breaking figures, contributing nearly 10 GW of new capacity in the first quarter alone. Florida and Texas led the charge with substantial utility-scale growth, while New Mexico and Ohio also showed strong performance, adding 686 MW and 546 MW, respectively. “The U.S. solar industry continues to demonstrate strong deployment capabilities,” said Michelle Davis, head of global solar at Wood Mackenzie and lead author of the report. “However, the industry faces several challenges, including labor shortages, high voltage equipment constraints, and ongoing trade policy uncertainties.” The residential solar segment, however, experienced a downturn. Influenced by policy changes in California, it had its worst quarter in two years, installing only 1.3 GW — a 25% year-over-year decline and an 18% drop from the previous quarter. On the other hand, the commercial solar market added 434 MW, and the community solar sector contributed 279 MW, both remaining stable year-over-year. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of the solar industry. While utility-scale projects are driving growth, the residential sector faces hurdles that need addressing to ensure balanced expansion across all segments.

Basis Climate has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by completing a $600,000 transfer of investment tax credits. These credits, from WeWould Solar, a subsidiary of Stadlen Family Holdings, were sold to Creditable Capital. This transaction is notable for being the smallest solar tax credit transfer to date, involving WeWould Solar’s 1.2-MW solar project near Gainesville, Florida. This achievement highlights Basis Climate’s ability to efficiently execute tax credit transfers, even for smaller deal sizes. Traditionally, tax credit monetization involved larger investments, often exceeding $10 million, making this transaction a significant step forward. Joseph Stadlen, Legacy Steward of Stadlen Family Holdings, expressed his satisfaction: “We are excited about providing clean energy solutions to our real estate portfolio. The Basis Climate team expertly navigated the transaction process, including the IRS pre-filing registration portal. Their simplified diligence, standardized documentation, and transparent, customer-oriented approach were key to the deal's success.” This transfer was made possible by a provision in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which allows clean energy tax credits to be transferred once to other federal tax-paying entities. This provision aims to streamline the financing process for developers. Erik Underwood, CEO of Basis Climate, emphasized the broader implications: “We started our business because we firmly believe that clean energy tax credits of all sizes need to find ways to transact efficiently in the transfer market. The Inflation Reduction Act will not provide its true impact unless the entire market has access to the universe of project finance solutions.” This transaction is a significant step toward making clean energy financing more accessible and showcases the evolving landscape of solar project funding.