Alternative energy
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released a study examining increased wind and solar energy integration to the Western Interconnection power system. On September 24, 2013, the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released Phase 2 of the Western Wind and Solar Integration Study, assessing emissions and costs of fossil-fueled power plant cycling…...
The NYS Unified Solar Permit program will streamline the solar project permitting process to cut costs and boost solar development across NY State. On September 20, 2013, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced the NYS Unified Solar Permit program to reduce solar project costs by streamlining municipal permitting processes across…...
The biofuels industry has benefited from the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) since 2005. The standard has since expanded and been a source of debate largely centered on the reliance of U.S. fuel consumption estimates, the feasibility of production levels for various feedstocks, and reaching minimum greenhouse gas reduction levels when weighting direct and indirect greenhouse…...
The latest U.S.-Russia agreement on nuclear research and development builds on the 2011 Agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. On September 16, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the U.S. and Russia have entered into an agreement to advance collaborative research and development in nuclear energy and…...
California and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate efforts on low carbon development. On September 13, 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Chairman, Xie Zhenhua signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate climate change efforts, promote efficient energy technologies, and advance low…...
Governor Cuomo took the first step in the New York Green Bank capitalization process to facilitate private capital flow for clean energy projects. On September 10, 2013, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo formally launched the $1 billion Green Bank initiative, the central part of innovative clean energy proposals announced during his 2013 State…...
On September 30, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider a major challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of greenhouse gas regulations under Section 202 of the Clean Air Act, a hearing that could affect President Obama’s timetable for existing power plants and state implementation plans. The EPA will likely face ongoing litigation on most…...
The Army has awarded 17 wind energy contracts under its $7 billion renewable energy program aimed to achieve its energy goal of deploying one GW of renewable energy by 2025. On September 9, 2013, the U.S. Army announced the award of 17 wind energy contracts as Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC) under its $7…...
The Navy has announced $30 million in funding to Hawaii-based “Energy Excelerator” that supports emerging clean energy technologies. On September 9, 2013, the Department of Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced $30 million funding to support Energy Excelerator, a Hawaii-based accelerator program for clean energy start-ups. The funding triples investment over the three-year operation…...
Virginia Electric and Power Co. won DOI’s second offshore wind auction with a $1.6 million bid for 112,799 acres off the Virginia coast. The Department of Interior’s (DOI) second federal offshore wind lease sale, held on September 4, 2013, closed at $1.6 million for 112,799 acres approximately 23.5 nautical miles off the Virginia coast. Virginia…...
CPUC has proposed policies and mechanisms for its landmark energy storage procurement program that sets a 1,325 MW energy storage mandate. On September 3, 2013, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposed decision detailing policies and mechanisms for its energy storage procurement program established under the 2010 Assembly Bill 2514, the first…...
The U.S.-France Joint Statement on Liability for Nuclear Damage calls for adherence to enhanced nuclear liability instruments and supports the formation of a global nuclear liability regime. On August 29, 2013, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and French Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Energy, Philippe Martin signed the Joint Statement on Civil Liability for…...