Author: alebo

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Legislative roundup: California lawmakers make big moves to promote clean energy in 2023

Policies in California have passed the state legislature and are awaiting Governor Newsom’s approval. These bills cover a range of topics, including opening up highways for solar power projects, upgrading ports for offshore wind development, promoting offshore wind energy procurement, improving energy efficiency in large buildings, studying wave and tidal power potential, addressing orphan oil wells, and reauthorizing funds for clean transportation. The piece emphasizes the importance of these bills in advancing California’s transition to 100% clean energy and addressing various environmental challenges.

 

The article speaks on a series of bills related to environmental policies in California, addressing issues such as solar power projects, offshore wind development, energy efficiency, wave and tidal power, orphan oil wells, and clean transportation. These legislative efforts seem to align with the state’s commitment to clean energy and environmental responsibility. If enacted, these bills could contribute significantly to California’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable practices.

 

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‘A massive enterprise’: California’s offshore wind farms are on a fast track

California aims to harness wind energy from giant floating ocean platforms, a crucial element in achieving its goal of 100% zero-carbon energy by 2045. The state plans offshore wind farms with a capacity of 25 gigawatts, supplying 25 million homes and constituting about 13% of the power supply. In December, the federal government auctioned off ocean waters off Humboldt Bay and Morro Bay for five energy companies to develop wind farms with towering turbines. This innovative approach involves floating platforms in deep waters, a departure from traditional offshore wind farms anchored close to shore. The complex process, cost implications, and extensive reviews suggest a timeline of a decade or more before major wind farms off California become operational.

 

The article focuses on California’s ambitious plans for offshore wind energy and the challenges associated with implementing this innovative approach. While the state’s goal of 100% zero-carbon energy is commendable, the article underscores the complexities, costs, and lengthy timelines involved in developing floating wind farms in deep waters. Achieving success in this endeavor will require substantial investment, both from the private and public sectors. The piece reflects the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy but emphasizes the intricate process and time required for such projects to materialize.

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Do Californians want solar and wind in their backyards?

The majority of California voters are comfortable with renewable energy projects near their communities, according to a poll co-sponsored by the L.A. Times and UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies. The survey found that 56% of registered voters are comfortable with wind turbines near their community, and 69% support solar farms. Even offshore wind turbines visible from the beach received a 2-1 ratio endorsement. However, the article notes a “mismatch between broad public support and specific intense opposition,” with 17% of proposed wind farms facing significant opposition, particularly in areas with whiter populations. The article emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between public support for clean energy and specific opposition to its implementation.

 

The article highlights a positive trend in public support for renewable energy projects in California, as indicated by the poll results. While there is widespread approval for wind turbines, solar farms, and even offshore wind turbines, the piece emphasizes the challenge of specific, intense opposition that often influences decisions at the local level. The author underscores the importance of finding ways to address opposition and expedite the transition to renewable energy, especially given the urgency of addressing climate change.

 

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Solar and wind power curtailments are rising in California

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is experiencing a surge in curtailing solar- and wind-powered electricity due to challenges in balancing supply and demand. In 2022, CAISO curtailed 2.4 million megawatt hours of utility-scale wind and solar output, marking a 63% increase from the previous year. Solar accounts for the majority of curtailed energy. This issue arises from congestion, as transmission capacity struggles to keep up with the rapid growth of renewable energy capacity. CAISO is exploring solutions such as the Western Energy Imbalance Market, expanding transmission capacity, and promoting flexible resources like battery storage to address the increasing curtailment of renewables.

 

The article sheds light on the challenges faced by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) in managing the rapid growth of solar and wind energy, leading to increased curtailment due to congestion. It highlights the need for better infrastructure and innovative solutions, such as the Western Energy Imbalance Market and battery storage, to address these issues. The situation underscores the complexities of transitioning to renewable energy and the importance of proactive measures to ensure a stable and efficient electric system.

 

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California Has Dealt a Blow to Renewable Energy, Some Businesses Say

California’s shift in policies in 2023, reducing incentives for residential rooftop solar installations, has caused an 85% drop in sales, leading to job losses and business closures. The state defends the move, citing equity concerns and a focus on energy storage. Critics argue it hinders progress toward emission reduction goals. Proponents seek legal intervention. Installers and homeowners claim the policy makes solar systems less financially attractive. Affordability challenges persist, and experts suggest rooftop solar could regain appeal if electricity rates rise. The article underscores ongoing tensions in balancing renewable energy integration.

 

The article highlights the complexities and challenges of balancing renewable energy goals with economic considerations. While California’s policy change aims to address equity issues, it has resulted in a significant decline in rooftop solar installations, impacting businesses and hindering progress towards emission reduction targets. The debate underscores the delicate balance required in transitioning to cleaner energy sources without compromising economic viability and job sustainability.

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US wind and solar outpace new nuclear reactor capacity in early 2023

Mavrokefalidis, D. (June 13, 2023). US wind and solar outpace new nuclear reactor capacity in 

early 2023. Energy Live News. Retrieved July 29, 2023 from,

https://www.energylivenews.com/2023/06/13/us-wind-and-solar-outpace-new-nuclear-re

actor-capacity-in-early-2023/

 

In the early months of 2023, newly constructed solar and wind energy installations surpassed those of the Vogtle-3 nuclear reactor that took 14 years to build. The utility-scale solar capacity reached 85,790MW by the 30th of April, while wind capacity increased to 146,900MW during the same exact time. In contrast, the Vogtle-3 nuclear reactor added 1,100MW of capacity with the exception of 14 years. In addition, there’s a substantial growth difference between nuclear and renewable energy capacity in the near future. 

 

Regarding the information explained, I think wind and solar energy will make a big impact on current society. Seeing as these installations beat nuclear installations by many years, it’s safe to assume they’re top priority and will most likely be one of the main focuses for our country. Will the growth difference keep growing? Or will it start off fast and strong or slow down and weaken? This is my only concern for this matter, otherwise I see a bright future with clean and long lasting energy.

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Top Energy Trends to Look Out For in 2023 and Beyond

Issa, A. (June 1, 2023). Top Solar Energy Trends To Look Out For in 2023 and Beyond. 

Entrepreneur. Retrieved July 29, 2023 from, 

https://www.entrepreneur.com/green-entrepreneur/top-solar-energy-trends-to-look-out-fo

r-in-2023-and-beyond/452357

 

Renewable energy investors and developers believe by the year 2035 the US will have reached the set goal for 100% clean electricity, however, there are important current trends that need to be kept on the lookout. For example, “much of the support for these grants on a federal level currently comes from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The House of Representatives is now in talks about managing the U.S. limit, and one of their demands is cutting many of the programs included in the IRA, which could affect energy investment across the board”. It’s explained that there is a ‘war’ between renewable energy and traditional utility companies which causes confusion and controversies during the building stages of projects.

 

Although there are high hopes for clean generated electricity, the article mentions concerning ‘trends’ that could potentially set us back. My opinion focuses on the trends more than the hopes because of how large the effects could have on our environment. One effect could potentially be several canceled energy investments. Because of this, environmental science is put into the equation, and is being acknowledged through the aftermath of these canceled projects. I wonder why a demand for The House of Representatives includes cutting programs, one being the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act). What is their end goal? And what would cutting programs benefit? 

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Red states leading the US in solar and wind production

Uteuova, A. (February 26, 2023). Red states leading the US in solar and wind production.

The Guardian. Retrieved July 29, 2023 from, 

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/feb/26/red-states-lead-usa-renewable-e

nergy-wind-solar-power

 

National wind and solar capacity has grown immensely since 2021 because of the Biden Administration and their billions of dollars available for renewable energy projects. According to Jennifer Brady, a senior data analyst at Climate Central, “We are moving closer to the goals we need to reach in order to hit net zero, we have a free natural resource in the form of weather that can be captured to generate power ”. New reports show that Iowa and Oklahoma lead the nation in wind power production, while California and Florida lead solar power production. However Texas is shown to lead in both wind and solar.

 

Seeing as Texas leads in both wind and solar production, I’m wondering what that state is doing in order to be at the top of the table, and what other states need to do in order to achieve this. The Biden Administration is said to have billions for the needed energy projects however there hasn’t been much action regarding these projects in any other state. On the other hand, the article emphasizes on the great improvements the US is consistently making on energy productions and how the data graphs repeatedly change and grow. As stated in the article, we are moving closer to our set goals and hopefully within reach. Related to environmental science, this article surfaced an idea regarding the use of natural resources in the form of weather to generate power, which means the environment would be put to use.

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The U.S. Has Billions for Wind and Solar Projects

Plumer, B. (February 23, 2023). The U.S. Has Billions for Wind and Solar Projects. Good Luck 

Plugging Them In. The New York Times. Retrieved July 29, 2023 from, 

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/23/climate/renewable-energy-us-electrical-grid.html

 

Many states in the US have been waiting on permission to continue their addition of solar panel projects but have been left waiting and unaccepted. For example Kentucky and Virginia were delayed for years of their 3,000 acre solar panels. Plus, Minnesota’s/North Dakota’s wind farms were abruptly canceled. More than 8,100 energy projects, mostly wind, solar and batteries — were waiting for approval to connect to electric grids at the end of 2021 only. It now takes about four years for developers to get approval, double the time it took a decade ago.  

 

On the other side of wind and solar energy in the US, this article talks about the obstacles met while trying to create the energy projects rather than the benefits and achievements. In certain areas, projects are being left behind and discarded because of a disapproval, leaving them half-done. This makes me wonder just how much time is being wasted on constant waits on permission. The impact this has on environmental science is the things left behind on these projects that end up ruining the environment because of it not being able to decompose and because of its wasted potential on what it could’ve been. 

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US wind and solar combined produced more electricity than coal in Q1 2023

Lewis, M. (May 25, 2023). US wind and solar combined produced more electricity than coal in 

Q1 2023. Electrek. Retrieved July 29, 2023 from, https://electrek.co/2023/05/25/us-wind-solar-q1-2023/

 

In 2023’s first quarter, the US produced more electricity from wind and solar than coal production. Data suggests that electrical generation by solar has grown by 7.8% since 2022. In addition, it’s stated that together, wind and solar provided 16.9% of the US’s electrical output in Q1 2023. This means electrical generation by coal decreased by 28.6% and implemented 15.6% of total US electrical generation during the quarter, making wind and solar energy top of the table.

 

This article explained the data received from this year’s electricity usage regarding wind and solar energy. It gave us the information, comparing it to coal production in order to understand just how much wind and solar energy has grown in the US. This relates to Environmental Science because renewable energy affects the environment and its health by reducing greenhouse emissions which could benefit us in the future. Regarding the stats given in the article, I believe wind and solar energy are starting to be used more often than not, with higher production rates than other forms of energy. This might mean a healthier future is closer than initially thought.