News

Exciting news for renewable energy enthusiasts! The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have unveiled procedural guidance for the 2024 program year of the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program under Section 48(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. What’s more, the program is set to open for applications during the second quarter of 2024. The program, established through the Inflation Reduction Act, offers a 10 or 20% bonus to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for qualified small solar or wind facilities in low-income communities, on Indian land, as part of affordable housing developments, and benefitting low-income households. In its inaugural year, the program garnered immense interest, receiving over 46,000 applications within the first 30 days from communities nationwide. With such robust demand, the government is poised to unlock an additional 1.8 GW of capacity this year. U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Wally Adeyemo, remarked, “These investments are creating jobs and lowering energy costs in communities that have long been held back by lack of investment, as well as providing new opportunities for small businesses in these communities to benefit from the growth of the clean energy economy.” Allocating capacity through a competitive application process, the program aims to distribute resources equitably across four categories of qualified solar or wind facilities. These include facilities in low-income communities, on Indian lands, part of federally subsidized residential buildings, and those benefitting households with incomes below specified thresholds. For the 2024 program year, specific criteria will determine project selection, with at least 50% of the capacity in each category reserved for projects meeting defined ownership and geographic criteria. This initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting renewable energy adoption while addressing socioeconomic disparities. Stay tuned for updates as the application process unfolds.

In a bid to revolutionize connectivity within its electric vehicles (EVs) and Optimus robot, Tesla is delving into the realm of "private 5G" infrastructure. Since its inception, Tesla has been at the forefront of integrating internet connectivity into its vehicles, enabling over-the-air software updates, connectivity features, and extensive data collection. While the company initially adopted 3G and later upgraded to 4G LTE, it's now set its sights on harnessing the power of 5G technology. The move towards private 5G was unveiled by Pat Ruelke, Lead Staff Engineer – IT Manufacturing Solutions Engineering at Tesla, through a job posting on LinkedIn. Ruelke's call for an "ace engineer" to spearhead the development of a seamless private 5G service underscores Tesla's commitment to pushing the boundaries of connectivity. The envisioned role involves orchestrating the integration of Tesla's vehicles, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, Cybertruck, and the Optimus robot, with a bespoke private 5G network infrastructure. Tesla's objective is clear: to deliver an unparalleled connectivity experience across its product lineup by leveraging the advantages of 5G technology. By significantly reducing latency and boosting data rates, Tesla aims to enhance the functionality and performance of its vehicles and robots. The mention of Tesla's own "private 5G network infrastructure" hints at the company's intention to establish a proprietary network within its manufacturing facilities, ensuring seamless communication between its products. While Tesla's foray into private 5G may initially focus on its manufacturing operations, the implications extend far beyond. With the capacity to connect to 5G networks, Tesla's products could potentially tap into public networks, paving the way for enhanced connectivity experiences for consumers. With 5G networks offering substantially lower latency compared to their 4G counterparts, Tesla is poised to unlock a new era of connectivity, redefining the automotive and robotics industries in the process.

In January 2024, the U.S. solar industry experienced robust growth, with solar accounting for 87.3% of new generating capacity, as reported by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This marked the industry's strongest January performance to date. Additionally, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) highlighted a 20.5% increase in combined utility-scale and small-scale solar compared to the previous year, contributing to a rise in solar's share of total U.S. electrical generation to 3.8%. Forecasts from both FERC and EIA indicate continued growth for solar and other renewables, with solar alone projected to expand by 76.1% between 2023 and 2025.

The Brimfield Community Unit School District (CUSD) in Illinois has committed to a pioneering initiative by partnering with Nexamp to host a 3-MW community solar tracking project, known as Jubilee Solar, on its school grounds. Through this visionary 20-year contract, the K-12 district anticipates annual savings exceeding $22,000, reinforcing its dedication to sustainability and community welfare. Situated adjacent to the high school baseball field, Jubilee Solar serves as a tangible embodiment of Brimfield CUSD's commitment to environmental stewardship and renewable energy integration. With a substantial 23% allocation of the project's capacity reserved for the district, alongside individual enrollment opportunities for local residents through Nexamp's community solar program, the initiative promises widespread benefits. Chad Jones, Superintendent of Schools at Brimfield, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its multifaceted advantages, including cost savings, educational prospects, and leadership in sustainability. Leveraging the Illinois Shines Public Schools category, this endeavor underscores the potential for public institutions to spearhead community solar projects, fostering both economic and environmental resilience. Joe Fiori, Vice President of Business Development at Nexamp, underscored the significance of the Public Schools category, emphasizing its role in empowering educational institutions to optimize financial and educational benefits. With Nexamp's continued ownership and operation of the facility, this collaboration

Thornova Solar has unveiled its latest innovation, the TS-BGT66 and TS-BWT66 modules, marking a significant leap in utility-scale solar technology. These modules, boasting power outputs ranging from 695 to 720 W and conversion efficiencies from 22.4% to 23.2%, are designed exclusively for large-scale projects, setting a new standard in the industry. Backed by a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year performance guarantee, Thornova's G12 series modules offer unmatched reliability and longevity. Leveraging the advantages of TOPCon technology and N-type solar cells, these modules virtually eliminate Light Induced Degradation (LID), ensuring minimal power attenuation over their lifetime compared to traditional PERC modules. The TS-BGT66-G12 and TS-BWT66-G12 modules feature innovative design elements such as bifacial construction, dual-glass and single-glass configurations, and advanced anti-reflective coatings. With open-circuit voltages between 47.23 V and 47.98 V and short-circuit currents ranging from 18.68 A to 18.98 A, these modules deliver exceptional performance in diverse environmental conditions. With dimensions of 2,384 mm x 1,303 mm x 35 mm, compatibility with 1,500 V system voltages, and resilience to extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C, Thornova's 720-W modules are poised to revolutionize utility-scale solar projects worldwide, offering unparalleled efficiency, durability, and performance over their 30-year lifespan.

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has greenlit the construction of the massive Oak Run Solar Project, boasting an impressive 800 MW capacity along with 300 MW of battery storage. This ambitious endeavor, located in Monroe, Somerford, and Deercreek townships in Madison County, Ohio, marks a significant step forward in the state's renewable energy landscape. Developed by Oak Run Solar Project, LLC, the project will encompass four single-axis tracking solar arrays spread across approximately 4,400 acres within a 6,050-acre project area. The approval comes with a set of 46 conditions aimed at mitigating potential impacts during both construction and operation, addressing concerns from various stakeholders including the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Ohio Environmental Council. One standout feature of the Oak Run Solar Project is its innovative agrivoltaic program, which integrates solar panels with agricultural activities such as crop cultivation and livestock grazing. This pioneering initiative not only promotes sustainable land use but also offers economic benefits to local farmers and communities, generating income and job opportunities while bolstering Ohio's renewable energy sector. With plans to create an estimated 1,500 construction jobs and maintenance positions, as well as generating substantial revenue for local governments and schools, the Oak Run Solar Project represents a significant investment in Ohio's clean energy future. As the state's solar industry continues to expand, initiatives like these underscore the potential for renewable energy to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability across the region.

The Department of the Treasury and the IRS have introduced comprehensive guidelines elucidating the bonus tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for clean energy initiatives within communities historically associated with fossil fuel activities. Notice 2024-30 provides clarity on what constitutes an energy community, unlocking additional tax incentives for developers pursuing projects in these areas. U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo emphasized the significance of President Biden's IRA in driving investments towards clean energy ventures, particularly in regions with entrenched ties to traditional energy production. The guidance outlines criteria for developers to qualify for bonus tax credits, augmenting both the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the Production Tax Credit (PTC) by up to 10% for projects sited in designated energy communities. The notice delineates three pathways for areas to qualify as energy communities, encompassing coal closures, designated Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with fossil fuel-related employment and revenue, and properties classified as brownfields due to contamination. Expansion of the definition of "fossil fuel employment" through additional NAICS codes enhances eligibility criteria, enabling a broader range of projects to qualify for tax incentives. Furthermore, the IRS has furnished appendices listing MSAs and non-MSAs meeting the fossil fuel employment threshold, along with updates on the Nameplate Capacity Attribution Rule and FAQs for energy communities. These guidelines aim to foster greater investment in clean energy projects while revitalizing communities grappling with economic transitions away from traditional fossil fuel industries.

In a landmark decision, California's Public Utilities Commission has introduced a groundbreaking strategy aimed at revolutionizing the integration of renewable energy into the state's power grid. Known as Limited Generation Profiles (LGP), this innovative approach is poised to reshape the landscape of renewable energy deployment and grid management. At its core, LGPs empower renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage, to connect to the grid in a manner that is both efficient and environmentally sustainable. By leveraging detailed grid data, these profiles enable renewable energy projects to adjust their output based on real-time grid conditions, thus ensuring optimal performance while minimizing disruptions. The significance of this decision cannot be overstated. For the first time in the United States, renewable energy developers have been granted the flexibility to tailor their energy exports to align with the grid's hosting capacity limits. This not only streamlines the integration process but also mitigates the need for costly infrastructure upgrades, unlocking new possibilities for renewable energy expansion. Moreover, the Commission's ruling addresses several key issues, including the types of control systems permissible, the format of LGPs, and protocols for power curtailment. By providing clear guidelines in these areas, the decision sets a precedent for other states to follow and underscores California's commitment to leading the transition to clean, sustainable energy solutions. In essence, California's adoption of Limited Generation Profiles marks a pivotal moment in the state's journey towards a greener, more resilient energy future. With this innovative approach, California is poised to set new standards for renewable energy integration, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape for generations to come.

We are thrilled to share groundbreaking news from the U.S. energy sector. In the latest edition of the "U.S. Energy Storage Monitor" report, released by Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association, it has been revealed that the energy storage market in the United States achieved an extraordinary milestone in 2023. Key Highlights: Massive Deployment: In the final quarter of 2023, the U.S. saw the installation of 4,236 MW of grid-scale energy storage, marking a remarkable 100% increase from the previous quarter. Historic Achievement: For the first time ever, grid-scale energy storage deployment exceeded 3 GW in a single quarter, with a staggering 3,983 MW of new capacity additions. Industry Growth Trajectory: John Hensley, ACP’s Vice President of Markets and Policy Analysis, highlighted the industry's incredible growth trajectory, emphasizing the critical benefits of energy storage in enhancing grid resilience. Residential Segment Surge: The residential segment witnessed a significant surge, with deployments reaching 218.5 MW, surpassing previous quarterly installation records. Total Deployments: In 2023, total deployments across all segments reached 8,735 MW and 25,978 MWh, representing an 89% increase over the previous year. Future Projections: With forecasts extending to 2028, projections indicate a substantial increase in new capacity additions, with an estimated 59 GW expected in the coming years. This groundbreaking achievement underscores the pivotal role of energy storage in driving the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. As we witness this unprecedented growth, the future for energy storage deployment remains promising, with continued advancements and innovation on the horizon. For more insights and detailed analysis, we invite you to read the full report on our website.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing innovation in clean hydrogen technology. With over $16 million allocated, the Hydrogen and Clean Fuel Program is set to spearhead research, development, and demonstration projects in the state. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), this funding will support various clean hydrogen initiatives, including industrial processes, transportation, energy storage, and grid support. The initiative aims to leverage federal hydrogen funding opportunities and foster a vibrant clean energy job market. Applicants for the program can participate in two competitive opportunities: an $11 million RD&D solicitation and a $5 million rolling solicitation for cost share support. The program encourages collaboration and prioritizes environmental justice and disadvantaged community perspectives. The initiative aligns with New York's ambitious emissions reduction goals and underscores the state's commitment to innovation and sustainability. Clean hydrogen, hailed as the most abundant element in the universe, holds tremendous potential for driving the clean energy transition. Interested parties are invited to submit proposals addressing key technical challenges, including product development and pilot projects. Applications for funding are open until July 15, with awards expected in Q3 2024. Additionally, a new partnering platform has been launched to facilitate collaboration among potential partners. This initiative is part of New York's broader strategy to decarbonize sectors traditionally challenging to electrify, as outlined in the Climate Action Council's Scoping Plan. Funding for the program is sourced from the state's Clean Energy Fund and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. For more information and to access application documents, please visit NYSERDA's website. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting endeavor shaping the future of clean energy in New York.