Another 6800 MW of Coal Plants Destined for the Ash Heap

Vistra announces more coal closures and a move to renewables; LONGi bringing 12 GWs of annual manufacturing online to produce 540 watt bi-facial modules; Dominion/Orsted commission 12 MW Virginia offshore wind project; FERC holds hearings on carbon pricing

1) Vistra to retire 6,800 MW of coal plants in IL & OH, bringing total of existing or planned retirements to 16,000 MW change in leadership in 2016. It also announces portfolio of nearly 1,000 MW of solar, storage, and solar+storage, mostly in ERCOT.

2) Major cell/module maker LONGi achieves volume production - 12 GW - for 540 w bifacial Hi-MO5 series module @ 21% conversion efficiency. Back side offers another 15% additional total energy gain. Put into context, 2019 U.S. solar was 13.3 GW.

3) Dominion Energy/Orsted commissions 12MW offshore wind facility "Coastal Virginia," w/2x6 SG turbines. First offshore project in federal waters. Next up for Dominion, its 2.6 GW offshore wind facility in 2024.

4) FERC holds carbon pricing conference in an effort to find common ground between state policies & wholesale markets. Agreement among many that carbon pricing an efficient approach but a long way to go.