renewable energy
Newsletter
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Electricity bills expected to rise as renewable energy projects face delays
Residents of the Chesapeake Bay area may see electricity bills jump by as much as 24% due to delays in incorporating renewable energy sources into the regional power grid.
In short:
- Wholesale electricity prices surged at a recent auction, driven by extreme weather demand and delayed integration of renewable energy projects.
- PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, has been criticized for backlogs in renewable energy projects and reliance on gas and coal power.
- Critics argue that failures during past extreme weather events and insufficient long-term planning have led to these rising costs for consumers.
Key quote:
“PJM fell behind on interconnection and long-term transmission planning years ago, and now the problems are just cascading and piling up.”
— Jon Gordon, director of Advanced Energy United
Why this matters:
Consumers are facing steep electric bill increases due to reliance on fossil fuels and the slow integration of renewable energy sources. Addressing these delays is critical to prevent future rate hikes and promote a cleaner, more reliable energy grid.
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Alberta's renewable energy uncertainty shifts investment to other provinces
Despite Alberta lifting its moratorium on new renewable energy projects eight months ago, wind and solar investments remain stalled as companies seek more stable opportunities in other Canadian provinces.
In short:
- Alberta's restructuring of its electricity system continues to deter new renewable energy investments.
- Other provinces like Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan are benefiting from increased interest in wind, solar and battery storage projects.
- Renewable energy developers point to ongoing uncertainty in Alberta's energy policy as a significant barrier to progress.
Key quote:
"It's just like wave after wave of uncertainty and challenge in the market."
— Sol Hutson, general manager of foundation solutions with the solar tracker company Nextracker
Why this matters:
Uncertainty in Alberta’s renewable energy policy is causing a significant investment shift, potentially slowing the province’s transition to cleaner energy. Meanwhile, other regions are accelerating their renewable energy goals, widening the gap in green development.
Read more: Alberta's environmental plan leans on oil with a green twist
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The Biden administration approves large geothermal project in Utah
The U.S. government has approved Fervo Energy’s Cape Geothermal Power Project, which could power 2 million homes and significantly boost the nation’s geothermal capacity.
In short:
- Fervo Energy’s geothermal plant in Utah will use enhanced geothermal technology and is expected to operate by 2028, generating up to 2 gigawatts of electricity.
- Enhanced geothermal energy relies on techniques similar to hydraulic fracturing but poses less risk of contamination and seismic activity.
- The Interior Department is working to streamline approvals for more geothermal projects, proposing changes to reduce permitting times.
Key quote:
“This is not your grandpa’s geothermal.”
— Ali Zaidi, White House national climate adviser.
Why this matters:
Geothermal energy offers a reliable, low-emission power source and could play a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Expanding geothermal projects like this one can help meet growing energy demands while advancing climate goals.
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The Appalachian hydrogen hub faces delays and economic uncertainty
The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub has lost a third of its projects and several developers amid doubts about demand and the future of federal tax credits.
In short:
- Five of the 15 planned hydrogen projects have been scrapped, with four partners leaving the initiative.
- Developers worry about the uncertainty of federal tax credits and whether there will be enough end users for hydrogen.
- The hub has issued a call for new partners, with proposals accepted until November 8, 2024.
Key quote:
“Hydrogen hub projects are unraveling due to high costs and uncertain demand.”
— Sean O’Leary, senior analyst, Ohio River Valley Institute
Why this matters:
Hydrogen hubs like ARCH2 are intended to reduce carbon emissions, but challenges around demand, cost and regulation raise concerns about their viability. Without clarity on key policies, such projects may not deliver the anticipated environmental and economic benefits.
Related EHN coverage: Appalachian groups express frustration over first $30 million in federal hydrogen hub funding
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Mining in Finland violates Sámi Indigenous rights, UN finds
Two recent UN committee rulings state that Finland violated the Sámi people’s rights by allowing mineral exploration without proper consultation or consent.
In short:
- Finland approved mining exploration in Sámi territory without assessing its cultural impact or gaining Sámi consent.
- Sámi sisters led the case, arguing that traditional governance structures were ignored in the consultation process.
- The UN ruled Finland must amend its laws to recognize Sámi collective land rights and fully implement free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).
Key quote:
“Sustainability is an empty word if you don’t respect and implement Indigenous rights here in our homelands.”
— Näkkäläjärvi, Sámi leader.
Why this matters:
The Sámi face dual threats from climate change and green energy projects. These rulings emphasize the need to respect Indigenous rights when developing sustainable solutions, as Sámi livelihoods and culture are deeply tied to the land.
Read more: The struggle to preserve North Sami language amid climate change
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Most Floridians prefer leaders committed to climate action, poll finds
A recent survey found that most Floridians support political candidates who prioritize addressing climate change, with significant partisan differences.
In short:
- 52% of Floridians favor candidates who back climate action, with strong support among Democrats (74%) and less among Republicans (35%).
- 67% of respondents want the federal government to take more action on climate change, and 57% believe Florida should do more.
- There is broad bipartisan support for increasing renewable energy use, with 87% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans in favor.
Key quote:
“The partisan split on climate in Florida appears to be growing, reversing the growing consensus we’ve observed in recent years.”
— Colin Polsky, associate vice president of Broward Campuses for FAU and a professor of geosciences within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Why this matters:
As Florida experiences stronger hurricanes linked to climate change, voters increasingly expect leadership to address the crisis. These results highlight both the political divide and common ground on climate and energy issues.
For more:
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Residents push back on California solar project as community concerns rise
A massive solar project planned for California’s Riverside County has sparked local resistance, with residents of Desert Center calling for changes to safeguard their community and environment.
In short:
- Desert Center residents want a buffer zone around their community to protect views and reduce environmental impacts from the Easley Solar Project.
- The project will span 3,600 acres, generating up to 400 megawatts of power and impacting local groundwater and air quality, sparking concerns from the EPA.
- Despite community efforts to modify the plan, the county approved it, but residents hope for further consideration during federal reviews.
Key quote:
“We’re saying yes to renewable energy. We’re saying yes to saving the planet. Just not at the expense of our communities.”
— Mark Carrington, local resident.
Why this matters:
As large-scale solar projects multiply in California’s deserts, balancing clean energy development with local concerns becomes a growing challenge. Communities like Desert Center face environmental and health risks, including dust, water depletion and habitat loss.
Read more:
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