Clean energy news: March 2024
Where Sustainability Meets Technology
At the heart of every technological advancement, semiconductors are silently powering the future. But as we enter an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, the semiconductor industry is finding itself at a crossroads. The recent GreenBiz 24 conference in Phoenix not only highlighted the latest sustainable practices but also the challenges and triumphs of intertwining technology with eco-consciousness. Read more >>
Native Renewables receives federal grant to electrify tribal homes with solar
The deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy met Wednesday in Flagstaff with Navajo and Hopi leaders to discuss an unprecedented federal investment in solar energy for tribal homes.
The Navajo-led nonprofit Native Renewables received an 8 million dollar grant to install off-grid, battery-powered solar systems in Navajo and Hopi homes. It’s part of a $366 million clean energy package for twenty states and thirty Tribal nations announced this week by the Biden Administration. Read more >>
Arizona announces new statewide heat officer, plans for relief after record deaths in 2023
Arizona will establish its first statewide heat officer position. That’s one announcement from the state’s first-ever Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan, released Friday. This summer, the Phoenix area had a record 55 days with high temperatures at or above 110 degrees. The relentless heat led to at least 579 deaths in Maricopa County — a record. Amid those deadly temperatures, Gov. Katie Hobbs in August issued an executive order requiring several state agencies to collaborate on heat relief. Read more >>
All-Electric School Bus Delivered to Phoenix Elementary School District, First Delivery in Arizona
GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced the delivery of the first GreenPower all-electric, purpose-built Type D BEAST school bus in the state of Arizona to the Phoenix Elementary School District. Read more >>
Arizona ranks ninth in nation for solar industry growth in 2023, report finds
Arizona was among the top states in the nation for solar industry growth in 2023, according to a trade industry association report released March 6.
The Grand Canyon State ranked No. 9 for photovoltaic solar installations in the U.S. last year, adding 861 megawatts to the electric grid and marking a 25.7% increase over 685 megawatts that came online in 2022, according to the market insight report by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie. Read more >>
How Arizona became a hotspot for clean energy investments
Arizona is experiencing a surge of investment activity in green projects and clean energy, emphasizing the state’s unique attractiveness for this growing industry.
Billions in clean energy investments have poured into the state over the last couple of years, representing a wide array of renewable energy projects from wind, hydrogen, electric and solar from companies like LG Energy Solution, NextEra Energy, American Battery Factory, AES Corporation and more. Arizona saw more than $8 billion in clean energy investments in the 12 months between August 2022 and August 2023, among the highest in the nation. Read more >>
Independent Solar Teams Up with Sunnova Energy in a Groundbreaking Partnership Across Arizona
For the past eight years, Independent Solar has been holding a masterclass on running a business against industry norms and providing exceptional service to its clients, the industry, and the people who work there. The company operates in the solar field, selling solar systems to customers in Arizona and Nevada, and is soon to be in Texas and Florida. Read more >>
Arizona Accelerates EV Future: 21 Charging Stations by 2025, Fueled by Federal Grants
Arizona is steering toward an electric future with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) at the helm, embarking on a significant venture to establish a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state. With a strategic plan to partner with companies for the construction and management of these stations, the initiative is set to revolutionize Arizona’s approach to sustainable transportation. Funded predominantly through federal grants covering 80% of the project costs, this initiative underscores a collaborative effort between state authorities and private developers to bolster the EV infrastructure. Read more >>
City of Phoenix implements water conservation requirements for major water users
The city of Phoenix has approved new water regulations for major water users, but it’s expected to have minimal impact on existing projects.
Phoenix City Council in March moved forward with new rules for facilities that will use more than 250,000 gallons per day with additional requirements for those expected to use more than 500,000 gallons per day. Read more >>
Energy Department announces $366 million for rural clean energy projects
The U.S. Department of Energy is investing $366 million to support clean energy development in rural and remote areas, officials announced Tuesday.
The money will support 17 projects across 20 states and 30 Native American tribal nations. Twelve of the projects are fully on tribal land. One project, which is receiving $10 million, will use solar power to reduce costs for Taos Pueblo households by $700 per year. Read more >>
Phoenix claims top spot in list of nation’s ‘Best Cities for Solar Energy’
Arizona dominated a national ranking that details which U.S. cities lead the way in solar power potential.
Nine cities in Arizona are listed among the top 20 of Roof Gnome’s ranking of “2024’s Best Cities for Solar Energy.” Phoenix topped the list with an overall score of 65.3. (Click here to see Roof Gnome’s ranking/methodology.) Read more >>
Arizona part of battery and green energy climate solution
n the Arizona desert, a Danish company is building a massive solar farm that includes batteries that charge when the sun is shining and supply energy back to the electric grid when it’s not. Combining batteries with green energy is a fast-growing climate solution.
“Solar farms only produce when the sun shines, and the turbines only produce when the wind blows,” said Ørsted CEO Mads Nipper. “For us to maximize the availability of the green power, 24-7, we have to store some of it too.” Read more >>