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California lifts renewable energy target to 73% by 2032

The California Public Utilities Commission raised renewable energy procurement targets, plans for a more aggressive decarbonization plan, and includes increased reliability provisions. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved plans to expand renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and bolster electric reliability across the state. The latest integrated resource plan (IRP) adopts a target of 25.5GW…
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Solar in the NFL

As we enter Super Bowl weekend, we look at how the National Football League adopts solar. This weekend, Super Bowl LVI takes place between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals at the SoFi stadium in Los Angeles, California. The stadium, which was opened in 2020, is a $5 billion modern marvel with a…
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US to deploy $5 billion EV charging network

The Biden Administration announced the five-year plan to meet the broader agenda of electrification and decarbonization of transportation. The US announced a $5 billion plan to build electric vehicle charging stations across the country. The funds come as part of the $7.5 billion approved for EV charging as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Even…
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Solar-over-canal study announced in California

Project Nexus is a pilot project that aims to build solar panel canopies over a portion of Turlock Irrigation District’s existing canals to operate and research a how water-plus-energy can meet California’s needs for climate resiliency. You’ve heard of “floatovoltaics”, but Project Nexus takes a different approach by installing solar panels over canals. The concept…
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Grazing sheep increase carbon sequestration up to 80%, while also benefiting fixation of soil nutrients under solar panels

Researchers from Temple University have found that managed sheep grazing on an acre of recovering agricultural soil with native plants installed may sequester one ton of carbon per year, which may accumulate for 12 to 15 years before reaching saturation. In a recent presentation, titled Managed Sheep Grazing Can Improve Soil Quality and Carbon Sequestration at…
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Robot dog for PV plant monitoring

A robot dog developed by Boston Dynamics monitors a solar park by walking between the panel rows following a programmed route. It uses its built-in thermal vision system to generate thermographic reports on the status of the different PV plant components. A robot dog named Spot is being used as a replacement for drones by…
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Key cybersecurity considerations for renewable energy plant operators in 2022

As global markets transition toward more renewable energy sources, cyber hackers will look for ways to exploit those resources. Cybersecurity is now a business imperative. In recent years, the power industry has become more connected than ever, with a delicate grid supporting much of our critical infrastructure. Any disruption could be catastrophic, highlighting the need…
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Greenskies to support farming at its solar sites

The Connecticut-based firm received approvals to bring farming to two solar fields in a practice called agrivoltaics. The Connecticut Siting Council approved agricultural and energy co-use at two of Greenskies Clean Energy’s solar facilities, enabling the firm to expand its agrivoltaics reach. Both projects were unanimously approved by the council, and endorsements from the State…
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Greenbacker acquires solar project set to power Middlebury College

The 6.5MW South Street solar project, has a power purchase agreement in place with Middlebury College, and will meet 30% of the College’s annual electricity demand. Greenbacker Renewable Energy said that it has, through a subsidiary, purchased a 6.5MW to-be-constructed solar project from Encore Renewable Energy, set to be built in Middlebury, Vermont. The project,…
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California bus company installs solar microgrid to power EV fleet

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority will install 34 new bus chargers, solar panels and a microgrid at its Cerone Bus Yard to provide zero-emissions transporation. The California Air Resources Board’s requirement for public transit agencies to transition to 100% zero-emission fleets by 2040 is moving the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to install a…
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