solar
Newsletter
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Farmers use solar panels to protect crops and conserve water
Arizona farmers are adopting solar panels to shade crops, conserve water, and generate power, aided by federal programs.
In short:
- Solar panels over crops provide shade, reducing water evaporation and protecting plants from extreme heat.
- The University of Arizona's agrivoltaics research shows increased soil moisture and crop yields with less water use.
- Federal programs like the Rural Energy for America Program offer loans and grants to support farmers in implementing renewable energy systems.
Key quote:
“Agrivoltaics actually helped us get even more bean production because now we were providing the shade, so they were less stressed.”
— Greg Barron-Gafford, University of Arizona professor
Why this matters:
Combining solar energy with farming helps Arizona combat drought, reduce water use, and increase crop yields. This sustainable approach supports farmers and aligns with broader environmental goals.
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Newsletter
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China leads global wind and solar project construction
China is constructing nearly double the wind and solar power of the rest of the world combined, according to a new report.
In short:
- China has 339GW of wind and solar power under construction, compared to 40GW in the US.
- By 2024, China will reach 1,200GW of installed wind and solar capacity, six years ahead of schedule.
- Despite renewable growth, China’s coal consumption and new coal plant approvals continue to rise.
Key quote:
“It is obviously important for China to keep on adding more renewable energy to meet its targets. But it’s not as simple as you just keep building and it will be solved … [because] there is no sign that the country is trying to steer away from its coal consumption.”
— Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Policy Institute
Why this matters:
China's rapid renewable energy expansion sets a global precedent, but rising coal use and geopolitical tensions challenge its environmental goals.
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The US plans solar panels over canals on tribal land in Arizona
A pilot project on tribal land in Arizona will cover a half-mile of the Casa Blanca Canal with solar panels, aiming to generate clean energy and reduce water evaporation.
In short:
- The Casa Blanca Canal project will be the first U.S. solar-covered canal, generating 1.3 megawatts of power.
- The project, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to demonstrate benefits like reduced evaporation and algae growth.
- If successful, it could pave the way for similar installations nationwide, potentially generating 25 gigawatts of clean energy.
Key quote:
“Canal solar allows for greater power production per land size, cleaner water, less power transmission losses, and significant reduction in evaporation.”
— Ben Lepley, founder of Tectonicus
Why this matters:
Solar panels over canals offer a dual benefit of producing renewable energy and conserving water. This innovation could significantly contribute to the U.S. clean energy goals while addressing environmental concerns.
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Newsletter
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Ohio solar projects emphasize community engagement to overcome opposition
Ohio solar developers are engaging with local communities early in project planning to mitigate opposition and improve project approval chances.
In short:
- Vesper Energy and Open Road Renewables are holding listening sessions in Greene and Logan counties to address community concerns.
- State law and fossil fuel interests have fueled opposition to solar projects, making community engagement crucial.
- Feedback from these sessions aims to shape project designs and enhance public acceptance.
Key quote:
“We’ve been putting a very heavy emphasis on public engagement and, more importantly, listening to concerns from as many stakeholders as we can in the community.”
— Doug Herling, a vice president for Open Road Renewables
Why this matters:
Community input can help solar projects address local concerns, potentially easing approval processes and fostering support for renewable energy initiatives. This collaborative effort is crucial as Ohio continues to navigate the transition to renewable energy sources, balancing environmental benefits with local stakeholder interests.
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Top Story
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Labour's plan to lead a green energy shift in Britain
Keir Starmer's new Labour government pledges to fast-track the green energy transition, aiming for zero-carbon electricity by 2030 despite significant challenges.
In short:
- Labour's win marks the end of 14 years of Conservative rule, with a strong focus on climate promises including zero-carbon electricity by 2030.
- Reducing reliance on gas and halting new North Sea oil licenses are major goals, but achieving these will be politically and logistically challenging.
- Broad political consensus on climate action in Britain is fracturing, with rising far-right opposition to net-zero targets.
Why this matters:
The Labour Party's vision for a greener future includes a comprehensive strategy to overhaul the UK's energy infrastructure. This means ramping up investments in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal power, while simultaneously phasing out fossil fuels. The aim is not only to reduce the nation's carbon footprint but also to set a global example in combating climate change.
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Biden's green job policy faces mixed reactions in Georgia
President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act has led to a $2.5 billion investment by Qcells in Dalton, Georgia, aimed at creating 2,500 solar manufacturing jobs, but it hasn't increased his local support.
In short:
- The Korean company Qcells is expanding its solar panel factory in Dalton, Georgia, bringing 2,500 new jobs to the area within a year.
- The investment has been possible thanks to the tax cuts included in Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which provides significant incentives for clean energy projects.
- According to industry representatives, the IRA has resulted in more investment in the past two years in solar and clean energy manufacturing than the previous 20 years.
- Despite the economic benefits, local sentiment remains skeptical, with some residents and businesses resenting the foreign investment.
Key quote:
“The business community resents the fact that we have a company from South Korea coming in this area with government subsidies, while they themselves get nothing from the government.”
— Jan Pourquoi, spokesperson for the local Whitfield County Democratic Party.
Why this matters:
For many in Dalton, the promise of new jobs is tempered by uncertainty about the longevity and stability of the solar industry. In addition, President Biden's broader policies, though beneficial in terms of economic incentives and environmental impact, face resistance from a population that may not see immediate benefits in their daily lives.
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Newsletter
Renewable energy faces significant hurdles in Ohio
Renewable energy projects in Ohio face fierce opposition from fossil fuel-backed groups, despite incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act designed to boost solar and wind development across the nation.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act provides substantial tax credits and incentives that have made renewables as affordable as fossil-fuel energy sources. However, developers in Republican-run Ohio remain skeptical about overcoming local regulatory and political obstacles.
- Ohio's 2021 Senate Bill 52 allows local governments to veto solar and wind projects, but not fossil fuel facilities, creating an uneven playing field, green-energy advocates say. The bill is just one example of the organized efforts that have passed 400 local restrictions against wind, solar and other projects in 41 states, according to a 2024 report by Columbia Law School.
- Fossil fuel-backed groups in Ohio are spreading misinformation and lobbying against renewable energy projects, significantly slowing down development.
Key quote:
“Ohio is probably one of the most biased states in terms of its treatment of renewables as this catastrophic thing that needs to be limited and banned.”
— Dave Anderson, policy and communications manager for the Energy and Policy Institute.
Why this matters:
Renewable energy is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. However, opposition and regulatory hurdles in key states like Ohio threaten the pace and effectiveness of this transition, emphasizing the ongoing battle between clean energy and fossil fuel interests.
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