The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is due to receive applications for Step 1 of its eighth annual round of solicitation for large-scale renewable energy projects in the state. The objective of the solicitation is to obtain Tier 1 eligible renewable energy certificates from eligible facilities that started commercial operation between Jan. 1, 2015 and Nov. 30, 2026, unless extended to Nov. 30, 2029. The solicitation involves a two-step process for submitting proposals. The first qualifying step requires the proposer to provide evidence that the proposed facility is eligible for Tier 1 and the second step involves a competitive evaluation for those that meet minimum threshold requirements. Final proposals are due by Aug. 8.

The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a virtual hearing on Crockett Solar I LLC’s application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to build an approximately 61.2-megawatt solar project in Talbot County. The project, which also includes a 20-megawatt/hour battery energy storage system, would be built on about 1,387 acres.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority seeks concept papers for a funding opportunity of up to $8 million under its NextGen Buildings Innovation Challenges initiative. The funding will support the development and demonstration of innovative technologies in two challenge areas: intelligent buildings and thermal storage. The solicitation seeks to attract solutions that directly benefit low- to moderate-income and disadvantaged communities across the state and will focus resources on the successful commercialization of building innovations for these communities. NYSERDA’s NextGen Buildings program seeks to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative solutions that enable electrification and decarbonization of the building stock.

The Kansas Corporation Commission seeks comments on an application by Grain Belt LLC, a subsidiary of Invenergy, regarding a siting permit for two 345 kV transmission lines designed to connect nearby wind and solar facilities to the Grain Belt Express line. The AC Collector System was approved by the commission in 2011 as part of the Grain Belt Express project and an application requesting approval to determine the route of the system was filed this May. The route of the Grain Belt Express line was approved in 2013. The commission will issue an order on the application by Sept. 30. Grain Belt Express is an 800-mile electric transmission project traversing four states – Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

The California Energy Commission will host a staff workshop to discuss proposed solicitation concepts for projects to increase fueling infrastructure to support the deployment of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles within the freight and port systems, and other emerging opportunity sectors, including agriculture and construction. The workshop will also provide background information on the Clean Transportation Program, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. A 2007 law established the program and authorized the commission to develop and deploy zero-emission and other advanced fuels and transportation technologies to help attain the state’s climate policies. Legislation enacted last year reauthorized the program until July 1, 2035 with some additions and revisions. The program has a base annual budget of about $100 million to support projects including electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure and workforce training programs.