solar
Newsletter
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Mississippi limits discussion at solar summit as renewable energy advocates silenced
At a solar summit in Mississippi, renewable energy advocates were denied a chance to respond to regulators’ questions, sparking frustration among industry supporters.
In short:
- Mississippi Public Service Commission officials cut off comments from solar advocates during an open discussion at a recent summit.
- The event featured a speaker from a fossil fuel-backed think tank, while the clean energy industry had no official representation.
- Mississippi ranks low in solar energy production despite its high potential, generating less than 1% of its energy from solar.
Key quote:
“We want to hear from people who are not selling solar panels.”
— De’Keither Stamps, Mississippi Public Service Central District Commissioner
Why this matters:
Mississippi’s actions could further slow the adoption of renewable energy in one of the sunniest states. As climate concerns mount, stalling clean energy progress undermines national and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
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Newsletter
Fossil fuel ties exposed in Ohio solar opposition group
Testimony has revealed that an anti-solar group in Ohio, claiming to be grassroots, is heavily funded by a prominent figure in the natural gas industry.
In short:
- Jared Yost, leader of Knox Smart Development, admitted a major donor is linked to the natural gas industry.
- The group's funding contradicts its claims of being a local grassroots organization opposing solar energy projects.
- The case highlights how misinformation can be spread under the guise of community activism to oppose renewable energy.
Key quote:
“No one has ever tried to direct me in any way with my opposition to this project. I am nobody’s ‘puppet’.”
— Jared Yost, leader of Knox Smart Development
Why this matters:
The fossil fuel industry's covert funding of local opposition groups can mislead communities and hinder the adoption of renewable energy, posing challenges for the clean energy transition critical to addressing climate change.
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Solar energy debate in Louisiana reveals misleading claims by lawmakers
A Louisiana legislative hearing on solar energy featured several misleading claims, including exaggerations about the impact of federal subsidies and the costs of renewable energy.
In short:
- Louisiana's Agriculture Commissioner inaccurately claimed that federal subsidies heavily favor renewables over fossil fuels in the state.
- Claims that solar and wind industries would collapse without subsidies were refuted by economists, who noted solar power is already the cheapest form of energy.
- Assertions that solar farms threaten Louisiana's agriculture lacked evidence, with experts emphasizing solar's minimal land use.
Why this matters:
Misinformation about renewable energy can hinder Louisiana's progress toward a sustainable energy future, impacting policy decisions and public opinion.
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Trump promises to repeal power plant rule and slash energy costs
Former President Donald Trump, campaigning in Pennsylvania, pledged to cut energy costs by half within his first year in office, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris's energy policies, including her stance on fracking and power plant regulations.
In short:
- Trump vowed to repeal the Biden administration’s power plant regulations, labeling them as harmful to American energy.
- JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, echoed these sentiments, promising to prioritize domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
- Trump and Vance emphasized that their energy policies would benefit American workers and reduce costs.
Key quote:
“Kamala Harris cares more about climate change than about inflation. She prefers solar panels and wind turbines to American jobs.”
— JD Vance, U.S. Senator from Ohio and vice presidential candidate
Why this matters:
Energy policies will be a major focus in the 2024 election, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania. Trump’s promises aim to sway voters concerned about energy costs and job security.
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China's renewable energy surge could signal peak in emissions
China’s massive expansion of renewable energy in 2024, equivalent to the UK’s entire electricity output, might indicate that the country’s greenhouse gas emissions have peaked.
In short:
- China’s renewable energy growth in the first half of 2024 matches the UK’s total electricity output from 2023.
- Coal and gas electricity generation in China fell by 5% in July, suggesting a potential peak in emissions.
- Despite gains in clean energy, coal still accounted for 60% of China’s power in 2023, complicating long-term emissions reductions.
Key quote:
"China is leading against all of its competitors, when it comes to green technology."
— Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Policy Institute
Why this matters:
China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its progress in renewable energy could be crucial in global efforts to combat climate change. However, continued coal reliance poses a significant challenge to reducing emissions.
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Solar energy empowers Molokaʻi's path to energy independence
Molokaʻi residents are transitioning to solar power, taking control of their energy future through community-driven efforts and local workforce development.
In short:
- Molokaʻi residents launched a Community Energy Resilience Action Plan to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy using microgrids and solar systems.
- The Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative is building community-owned solar projects, aiming to generate 20% of the island's power and reduce electricity costs by 20%.
- Workforce development programs are training locals in solar technology, offering new job opportunities and fostering energy independence.
Key quote:
"We are taking control of our own destiny as a grassroots cooperative, as a people, as an island, to care for our own resources."
— Lori Buchanan, founding board member of Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative Molokaʻi.
Why this matters:
By embracing solar power, Molokaʻi is reducing its dependence on expensive fossil fuels and enhancing energy security for its residents. This initiative also serves as a model for community-led renewable energy projects, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience in remote areas.
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Newsletter
New Orleans uses solar microgrids to prepare for hurricanes
New Orleans has developed a network of solar-powered "community lighthouses" to provide power during hurricanes, aiming to enhance resilience against extreme weather events.
In short:
- The Broadmoor Church in New Orleans is equipped with solar panels, serving as one of 86 planned "community lighthouses" designed to offer power during hurricanes. These hubs form part of a project by Together Louisiana to build the nation's largest network of solar resilience centers.
- Community lighthouses function as microgrids with battery backup, offering essential power for communication, refrigeration and medical needs during power outages caused by hurricanes. The project, backed by local and federal funding, will eventually support 380,000 New Orleans residents.
- Louisiana, prone to extreme weather, faces high costs due to hurricanes. With these lighthouses, the state aims to reduce deaths and suffering caused by power outages and extreme heat during hurricanes like Ida in 2021.
Key quote:
“This starts from grassroots to try to get a response that becomes systemic, one that checks in on people in their neighbourhoods – we're in the early stages of developing this across our state.”
— Broderick Bagert, Together Louisiana
Why this matters:
Extreme weather is increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, leaving many without power during hurricanes. New Orleans' solar microgrid initiative is a proactive step towards ensuring community safety and resilience during these events.
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