Sustainability

Tempe-based First Solar building a $1.1B manufacturing plant in Alabama

November 23, 2022

Alabama will soon welcome an Arizona green manufacturer that will invest more than $1.1 billion bringing a facility to the state. Tempe-headquartered First Solar Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) plans to establish a photovoltaic (PV) solar module manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, creating more than 700 new jobs in North Alabama. According to a release, the factory is part of the company’s previously announced investment in scaling its American manufacturing footprint to more than 10 gigawatts by 2025.

ACC approves energy saving programs for APS and TEP customers

November 23, 2022

Yesterday, utility regulators at Arizona Corporation Commission approved new energy saving programs for Arizona Public Service (APS) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) customers. The energy efficiency programs, unique to each service territory, will give customers more options to save money on their utility bills and improve the health and safety of individuals. The decision to approve $97 million annually for both utilities includes funding for several new offerings, such as Advanced Rooftop Controls that improve indoor air quality for public schools and expanded access to home weatherization services that can make or break many customers’ electric bills.

AZ Corporation Commission approves changes to plan to expand wind power in Arizona

November 22, 2022

The Arizona Corporation Commission has approved a modification to a plan for new transmission lines. The vote could pave the way for more wind energy in Arizona. The SunZia Southwest Transmission Project will move wind power from central New Mexico to substations in Pinal County, bringing clean energy to rural communities and California markets.

Arizona plans to give millions to ASU for water innovation, research

November 22, 2022

The state of Arizona plans to invest $40 million in Arizona State University to lead a multi-year initiative for the state’s future water supply. The university said in a Wednesday announcement from ASU and Gov. Doug Ducey that it will work with industrial, municipal, agricultural, tribal and international partners to accelerate and deploy new approaches and technology for water conversation, augmentation, desalination, efficiency, infrastructure and reuse.

Lucid delivers first of its lower-priced — but still expensive — Touring EVs

November 21, 2022

Lucid Group Inc. on Tuesday said it delivered the first of its Air Touring luxury sedans as it tries to get back on track after missing targets through the first three quarters of this year. The Touring is the third of its original line of Pure Electric Vehicles, with prices that start at $107,400. It’s an all-wheel drive electric vehicle with 620 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 425 miles of range.

Nikola partners to accelerate charging infrastructure solutions

November 17, 2022

Nikola Corporation, a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy supply and infrastructure solutions, and ChargePoint Holdings, Inc., a leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network, today announced a partnership to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for fleets across the U.S. The collaboration will enable Nikola and the Nikola Sales and Service Dealer Network to resell ChargePoint’s comprehensive portfolio of charging infrastructure and software solutions to its fleet customers, ensuring a solid technology interface and integrated sales approach between the two companies.

ASU leads $25M project to develop climate and environmental laboratory

November 16, 2022

Across Arizona, communities are increasingly forced to deal with the consequences of extreme heat exacerbated by climate change and urban growth. Cities in the region routinely experience more than 30 days above 110 degrees Fahrenheit each summer and growing populations continue to be strained by the complex interactions of extreme heat, atmospheric pollutants, and limited water supplies.

10 reasons why e-waste recycling is important

November 16, 2022

Why is e-waste recycling important and how does it benefit your business/community? To help you better understand the importance of e-waste recycling, we asked CEOs, founders, and other professionals this question for their best strategies. From preventing contamination to spreading awareness, there are several recommendations that may help you get behind this critical initiative.

Nov. 10 Arizona Electrification Summit convenes energy leaders, highlights new federal grants & tax incentives

November 10, 2022

A broad array of Arizona’s electric utilities, local governments, technology leaders, and other public and private sector energy stakeholders are convening Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at the Arizona Electrification Summit, a forum designed to advance cost-effective electrification measures that save consumers money, reduce emissions, and improve the efficiency and resiliency of the electric grid.

EV fleet service provider signs purchase order for 100 zero-emission Nikola Tre battery-electric trucks

November 9, 2022

Nikola Corporation, a global leader in zero-emissions transportation, energy supply and infrastructure solutions, and Zeem Solutions, the innovative zero-emission EV “fleet-as-a-service” provider, announced Zeem has executed a purchase order for 100 Nikola Class 8 Tre battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to ensure immediate availability of electric trucks for freight and logistics companies utilizing Zeem’s all-inclusive EV depot fleet solution.

Sustainability

Register for the Council’s upcoming Phoenix and Tucson tech events and Optics Valley optics + photonics events.

Subscribe to AZTC Email Communications