Wind turbine pioneer Wright stands firm on relaunching Empire Wind project
In the ongoing quest for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, several significant developments have taken place across the United States. Here's a roundup of the latest news.
New York and Connecticut Leading the Charge
The demand for energy from data centers and large users is expected to surge in New York, with 2.5 GW coming online by 2035. Meanwhile, a proposed trash-burning power plant in Connecticut could still receive approval, despite a town vote where residents largely rejected the plan due to concerns about air quality and traffic. On a positive note, a 2.3-MW solar project in Connecticut has recently been completed, supplying power to a community college and a state university, saving the campuses $6 million over 20 years.
Regulatory Challenges and Progress
In Maryland, a hearing for a proposed transmission project became contentious due to resident opposition. Proponents of the New York HEAT Act, which aims to boost the state's transition away from natural gas, have tweaked the bill and rebranded it as the Customer Savings and Reliability Act. However, there is currently no information available about who initiated the renaming and revision of the Act.
Investments in Clean Energy and Education
A Maryland solar developer is partnering with a community college to train students for jobs in the clean energy sector, particularly for career-changers and returning students. In Massachusetts, eight school districts have received state grants to replace diesel school buses with electric ones.
Industry Challenges and Bankruptcies
Prominent solar companies, including residential provider Sunnova and lender Solar Mosaic, have filed for bankruptcy amid industry challenges. The New York grid operator NYISO believes that retrofitting aging fossil fuel-fired power plants with cleaner technology could serve as a bridge to the clean energy future.
Political Support and Opposition
Massachusetts municipal leaders support Gov. Maura Healey's energy bill aiming to save residents $10 billion over 10 years. On the other hand, a new survey shows support for renewable energy has decreased among both Republicans and Democrats over the last five years, while backing for expanding fossil fuels and nuclear production has grown.
Federal Funding and Decisions
Utilities around the country, including in New Jersey, are waiting to hear the fate of $23 billion in federal loan guarantees for transmission projects. The U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright defends the Trump administration's decision to allow the Empire Wind project to move forward.
As always, the energy landscape continues to evolve, with both challenges and opportunities presenting themselves. Stay tuned for more updates as these developments unfold.
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