GA PSC approves Georgia Power's 2022 IRP w/2,300 MW of renewables over next three years, 500 MW of battery storage, and 250 MW of DERs; BOEM announces offshore wind sites off TX and LA; USPS increases EV target to 40% of first buy of over 84,000 vehicles; GAF Energy, to open 250 MW plant for nailable solar shingle tiles in Texas; Xcel Energy to develop three sites in its $9 million resilient Minneapolis project, developing micro grids with batteries and solar panels in vulnerable areas; VW unveils 570 kWh used battery EV charging system at German plant; Vistra's 400-MW, 1,600 MWh Moss Landing energy storage facility comes back online after two separate incidents had taken the facility offline for extended period.

1) GA PSC greenlights Georgia Power's 2022 IRP with 2,300 MW of renewables in next three years, and another 6,000 MW of renewables by 2035. Plan also includes 500 MW of batteries and a pilot DER program w/250 MW of customer-sited resources.

2) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announces locations for offshore wind farms off the coast of TX and LA, w/two leases totaling over 730,000 acres and generation potential sufficient to power 3 million homes.

3) US Postal Service increases percentage of EVs in planned fleet upgrade. It will order at least 25,000 EVs in an initial order with total of 40% electric of first 84,000 vehicles.

4) GAF Energy, a maker of nailable solar shingle tiles, plans to open a new $100 million factory in Texas, increasing U.S. production from 50 to 300 MW.

5) Xcel Energy to develop three sites for its $9 million Resilient Minneapolis project, developing micro grids with batteries, solar panels and other technology in areas vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

6) Volkswagen brings fast-charging park online at its electric car plant in Germany, with 570 kWh second-life EV battery system, eliminating need for new medium voltage transformer investment. 96 battery cell modules will come from used ID.3 and ID.4 pre-production vehicles.

7) Vistra's 400-MW, 1,600 MWh Moss Landing battery energy storage facility comes back online after extended outage.

Europe suffers brutal heat wave, breaking records; Judge issues injunction barring PA from joining RGGI; Sen Joe Manchin says no to climate spending initiative; TVA issues RFP for 5,000 MW of carbon-free energy; Invenergy to boost the size of Grain Belt Express high voltage transmission line from KS to IN, from 4,000 to 5,000 MW; China’s June EV sales exceed 570,000; Bloomberg predicts U.S. EV sales at an inflection point, headed towards 25% by the end of 2025; GM and EVGA to install 500 DC Fast Chargers at Pilot/Flying Js across the U.S.; Ford to electrify Maverick and Ranger pick-up models; IEA indicates global EV sales tripled over past two years.

1) Europe swelters and burns in record heat wave.

2) Pennsylvania State judge issues injunction blocking Pennsylvania from joining Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

3) W VA Senator Joe Manchin indicates he will not support new spending on climate initiative.

4) Tennessee Valley Authority with RFP for 5,000 MW of carbon-free energy by 2029, also plans on add’l 10,000 MW of solar.

5) Invenergy expanding $7 billion Grain Belt Express high voltage transmission line from KS to IN from 4,000 to 5,000 MW, delivering 2,500 MW to MO on its way across the state.

6) China June EV sales exceed 570,000 (vs 640,000 in the US all of 2021), w/first half sales at almost 2.5 million (vs 2.6 mn cumulative for U.S.)

7) U.S. Q2 EV sales at 5.6% of total US car sales. Bloomberg analysis of 18 other countries suggest 5% sales is critical tipping point for sales numbers acceleration, suggests 25% by 2025.

8) GM allies w/EVgo to install up to 500 DC fast charging stations (2,000 x 350 kW chargers in total) at Pilot and Flying J travel centers across the US.

9) Ford to follow its F-150 Lightning and electrify smaller Maverick and Ranger pickups.

10) International Energy Agency says EV sales tripled over the past two years. Total net 2021 global growth in car sales came from EVs. This be peak sales year for internal combustion engines.

Uber indicates 15,000 drivers now renting Teslas, with 5 mn trips and 40 mn miles to date; NIO is to start installing 500 kW fast-charging stations in China & Europe this year. W/over 1000 battery swapping stations, NIO is opening 2 new stations in China each day; VW breaks ground on 40 GWh Gigafactory in Salzgitter, Germany, the 1st of 6 for the continent; ChargeWest - 8-state collaborative in the American West - plans to install EV chargers in rural areas; Maine regulators approve DER/battery investment instead of new transmission infrastructure; CT Dept of Energy & Env’l Protection OKs $708 mn, 3-yr efficiency plan; ISO-NE sees electrification of heating and transportation end-uses more than doubling required capacity over next two decades; NYISO warns that accelerating retirement of nuclear and fossil-based dispatchable resources are shrinking reserve margins.

1) Uber announces drivers in over 30 U.S. cities - including LA, Houston, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami - can now rent Teslas. To date, 15,000 drivers have taken over 5 mn Tesla trips, logging over 40 mn e-miles. 

2) NIO planning to start installing 500 kW fast-charging stations in China and Europe this year. W/over 1000 battery swapping stations, NIO is opening 2 new stations in China each day. 

3) VW begins building 40 GWh battery gigafactory in Salzgitter, Germany (“SalzGiga”), to support 50,000 EVs/yr. 240 GWH planned for Europe, w/additional plants in N. America.

4) ChargeWest, an 8-state collaborative in the American West (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) to create large EV charging corridor w/focus on rural areas.

5) Maine regulators OK Central Maine Power plan to shore up T&D system w/investments in DERs and other non-wires alternatives, including utility-scale batteries. This will reduce/address peak loads that only occur during a limited number of hours. 

6) CT Dept. of Energy & Env’l Protection approves $708 mn, 3-yr energy efficiency plan, projected to generate $1.7 billion in benefits. Plan will focus on electric and gas customers, w/biggest overdue balances or frequent shutoffs. 

7) ISO-NE projects electrification of heating and transportation will more than double required capacity of grid over next 20 years. Indicates some “balancing resources” will remain necessary for reliability. 

8) NYISO warns accelerating retirement nuclear and fossil generators in past 3 yrs, causing reserve margins to shrink, getting "Close to minimum reliability requirements" as state targets 70% renewables by 2030, and 100% carbon-free grid by 2040.

You already all know about the Supreme Court ruling, so...here's everything else that went on last week.

Rhode Island commits to clean power grid within 10 yrs, the most aggressive target in U.S.; California eases path for interconnecting DERs; Chinese battery giant CATL provides details on new battery tech, w/layered and expandable thermal management using water cooling; Norwegian battery company FREYR to build 29 GWh battery cell factory, Giga Arctic, in Mo i Rana, Norway w/output by Q2 of 2024; Swedish co announces electric hydrofoil to test in Stockholm next year; a consortium of steel buyers, H2 developers and innovation hub announces $2.3 bn electrolyzer project for southern France; Ford issues recall of just under 3,000 electric F-150 Lightnings for tire pressure monitoring issue.

1) Rhode Island Governor signs legislation committing state to have 100% clean power within a decade – well ahead of other states. Purchases of offsets will likely be necessary.

2) CA PUC simplifies DER interconnection process, w/review of projects based hosting capacity analysis. Size limits affecting for expedited review also eliminated.

3) World's largest battery company CATL shows off next gen tech, w/high energy densities, layered and expandable thermal management, and improved housing structure. Water-cooled design allows four times the heat transfer of prior version.

4) Norwegian battery company FREYR announces first battery cell factory, Giga Arctic, in Mo i Rana, Norway. Highly automated 29 GWh plant will start production by Q2 2024, using Massachusetts-based 24M Technologies' semi-solid battery tech.

5) Swedish firm Candela unveils 39-foot, 30-passenger Hydrofoil Shuttle, scheduled for tests in Stockholm next year. Vessel has top speed of 30 Knots and uses only 0.1 kWH of electricity per passenger-kilometer.

6) A group of steel buyers, hydrogen developers, and an EU funded innovation hub create GravitHy Consortium to build $2.3 billion large electrolyzer facility supporting production of carbon-free steel. Plant in Southern France should be ready by 2027, yielding an annual 2 mn tons of carbon-free iron for use in green steel.

7) Ford issues recall of 2,886 electric F-150 Lightnings, owing to a problem w/tire pressure monitoring system. Issue can be fixed immediately at dealerships or w/ forthcoming over-the-air software update

New York State PSC approves 135-MW battery in Queens, NY; Tesla and PG&E to develop VPP using Tesla's distributed Powerwall batteries; Mainspring says its linear generator can run on both fossil fuels and 100% hydrogen or ammonia; Biden Admin teams w/11 NE states to coordinate offshore wind development; Wenatchee, Washington transit agency has been wirelessly charging 12 buses on 300 kW inductive chargers for three years, and plans to increase program w/11 more buses; Michigan battery startup, Our Next Energy working with BMW to demo its iX Electric SUV with mixed-chemistry battery tech offering 600 miles of range; Hanwha Solutions reopening shuttered REC silicone plant in WA state, to produce 16,000 metric tons annually; Four major US solar developers join forces and commit to purchase 7 GW of domestically made solar panels annually to build U.S. supply chain.

1) New York State regulators approve 135-MW battery (duration not spec’d) at the site of Astoria Generating Station, in Queens, just outside of Manhattan.

2) Tesla and Pacific Gas & Electric will develop virtual power plant using distributed Powerwall batteries, w/participants receiving $2/kWh. Tesla claims potential to aggregate up to 50,000 Powerwall systems in program.

3) Linear generator company Mainspring indicates its on-site gen technology can run on fossil fuels, but also on 100% hydrogen or ammonia, without any major alterations. No other engine can currently do that.

4) Biden administration launches formal partnership with 11 East Coast governors (but not Virginia), to bolster and coordinate offshore wind industry activities.

5) Wenatchee, Washington's Link Transit Agency has been wirelessly charging 12 buses for three years, w/charging system from Momentum Dynamics. Four 300-kW inductive charging stations allow the buses to charge during short layovers and operate 12 to 14 hours daily. 11 more buses to be added this year.

6) Michigan battery startup Our Next Energy (ONE) announces agreement w/BMW to demo its iX Electric SUV using ONE mixed-chemistry battery tech offering 600 miles of range. Prototype battery pack uses different chemistries for different purposes, while cutting lithium use by 20% and graphite by 60%.

7) Hanwha Solutions restarts shuttered REC silicone plant in WA State to make 16,000 metric tons annually, bringing supply chain back to U.S.

8) Four major US solar project developers ally and create U.S Solar Buyer Consortium, commit to purchasing 7 GW of domestically made solar panels annually, starting in 2024. AES, Clearway Energy Group, Cypress Creek, and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investment issue RFP for qualified, domestic manufacturers and long-term strategic partnership.

Vattenfall to install first recyclable offshore wind blades; Herz takes delivery of Polestar EVs; CharIN demos heavy truck charger standard at up to 3.75 MW; Stellantis demonstrates the capability to charge Fiat 500 EV wirelessly on a test track; Ford recalls 49,000 Mach E Mustangs; NextEra to eliminate all direct and indirect carbon emissions by 2045; NH’s Liberty Utilities to double rates starting July - up to 22 cents for the energy portion of bill; Australian Energy Market Operator suspends markets for over a week owing to high prices.

1) Swedish energy company, Vattenfall will install Siemens Gamesa's recyclable blades at offshore site.

2) Hertz begins taking deliveries of Polestar EVs, w/up to 30% of fleet electric by 2024.

3) CharIN, a consortium of charging companies and automobile OEMs, demonstrates its Megawatt Charging System, w/goal of creating a common future charging standard for heavy vehicles. Prototype design enables charging capacities of up to 3.75 MW.

4) Stellantis demonstrates electric Fiat 500 equipped to travel and charge wirelessly.

5) Ford stops selling electric Mustang Mach-E, after safety defect discovered, recalls 49,000 vehicles.

6) NextEra to cut all direct and indirect carbon emissions by 2045. It plans to expand Florida Power & Light's solar to 90,000 MW and boost energy storage c to 50,000 MW, w/o increasing customer bills. NextEra projects estimated $4 trillion of investments to decarbonize US economy by 2050, w/up to 7,000 GW of renewables and storage. Also committing to hydrogen, converting up to 16,000 MW of gas fired plants to H2

7) New Hampshire utility, Liberty Utilities will increase rates two-fold, from 11.01 cents, to 22.23 cents/KWh from July December, blaming high gas prices that drive power prices.

8) Australia’s Energy Market Operator suspends national electricity market in face of high prices, setting fixed rates and designating power plants that must operate.

Ford delivers first 201 F-150 Lightning EVs to dealers in May; electric aircraft takes 1,400 mile multi-stop trip from NY to AK; VW’s electric ID.4 to roll of the line by September; Feds propose a series or rules to improve charging experience at chargers funded by Infrastructure Bill; Australian smelter issues RFP for renewables to support aluminum plant; California Energy Commission awards SoCalGas $750,000 grant to investigate developing novel hydrogen production system using biogas; Abu Dhabi’s Masdar and Azerbaijan sign huge renewables and hydrogen deal.

1) Ford’s May EV sales up 222% over the same period last year. First 201 F-150 Lightning delivered to dealers.

2) Single prop ALIA electric aircraft completes 1,400-mile, multi-stop journey from Plattsburgh, New York to Bentonville, Arkansas

3) VW advances production of its ID4 electric vehicle in Chattanooga plant by several months, bringing, "significant quantities" to market by September. Factory will eventually be able to make 10,000 ID4s monthly.

4) Federal Highway Administration rolls out proposed regulations setting minimum standards and requirements for EV charging projects funded by the recently passed Infrastructure Bill. Regs apply to installation, operations, and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure, as well as interoperability, on-premise signage, reporting data, network connectivity, pricing, real time availability, and accessibility through mapping applications.

5) Australian aluminum smelter Rio Tinto issues RFP for 1,140 MW of reliable energy supply from utility-scale wind and solar projects. Rio says this is equivalent to a minimum of 4,000 MW of wind and solar with firming.

6) California Energy Commission gives SoCalGas a $750,000 grant to start developing new hydrogen production system using biogas to create green hydrogen.

7) Abu Dhabi’s Masdar signs agreement with Azerbaijan to develop up to 10,000 MW of renewable projects, including huge Caspian Sea offshore wind project tied to green hydrogen production. Phase 1 includes 1,000 MW each of onshore wind and solar, as well as 2,000 MW of "integrated offshore, wind and green hydrogen projects."

President Biden says feds will delay collection of new tariffs on imported solar panels from four SE Asian countries for 24 months; NY awards 22 large clean energy projects totaling 2,000 MW of generation and 160 MW of storage; Ford begins delivering F-150 Lightning electric pickups in May; Toyota rolls out home battery system in Japan; Food service distributer Sysco inks LOI to buy up to 800 battery electric Class Eight tractor trailers from Daimler Truck North America by 2026; GM’s Cruise electric robotaxi service gets regulatory green light to operate at night in San Francisco.

1) President Biden announces any new tariffs on imported solar panels from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam will be delayed by 24 months, citing section 318A of the Tariff Act of 1930 as basis for that authority. 80% of U.S. panel imports affected.

2) New York State announces awards for 22 large scale solar and energy storage projects to be built across the state, totaling over 2,000 MW of solar and roughly 160 MW of storage.

3) Ford starts selling F-150 Lightning electric pickups, with 201 delivered to dealers in the end of May.

4) Toyota unveils home battery energy storage system in Japan, at 8.7 kWh.

5) Food service distribution giant Sysco signs LOI to buy up to 800 battery electric Freightliner eCascadia Class Eight tractor trailers from Daimler Truck North America by 2026. Sysco has indicated intent to electrify 35% of all their trucks by 2030.

6) GMs autonomous vehicle start-up Cruise receives CA PUC approval to start commercial service for driverless taxis in San Francisco. Cruise can offer services at a max speed of 30 mph from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am on designated streets.

Electric air vehicle company Joby Aviation gets critical FAA nod to start on-demand commercial air taxi operations; BNEF estimates global EV fleet avoiding 3.3% of world oil demand; Hyundai announces deal w/state of GA to build an EV and battery plant making 300,000 cars per year by 2025; Stellantis and battery co Samsung SDI plan on large EV and battery plant in IN, at up to 33 GWh, operational by 2025; Benchmark Minerals reports 300 battery gigafactories in planning or construction phases worldwide, w/total manufacturing capacity around 6,388 GWh, up 68% from 2021; Benchmark also warns battery capacity growing twice as fast as minerals supply chain; US DOD wants to add UK and Australia as potential sourcing nations in Defense Production Act to help remedy battery supply chain constraints; Air Liquide opens 30 ton-per-day liquid hydrogen facility in NV, to supply hydrogen-fueled vehicles; Veolia crushing and recycling 250 wind blades monthly in MO; U.S. Supreme Court lets stand Biden Admin cost of carbon in rulemaking.

1) Electric air vehicle company Joby Aviation obtains FAA certification to begin on-demand commercial air taxi operations. The company is aiming for aerial rideshare service by 2024.

2) BNEF estimates EVs and fuel cell vehicles avoided consumption of nearly 1.5 million barrels of oil/day in 2021, about 3.3% of global demand.

3) Hyundai hails agreement w/Georgia for EV and battery plant to make 300,000 cars/year, starting 2025.

4) Stellantis and battery co Samsung SDI teaming on 23-33 GWh EV battery plant in Indiana, to start in 2025.

5) Benchmark Minerals counts estimated 300 battery gigafactories globally in planning or construction phases, w/total annual manufacturing capacity around 6,388 GWh, up 68% YOY.

6) Benchmark also warns battery factory growth twice the speed of mineral supply chain growth. w/critical shortages likely in visible future.

7) U.S. Dept of Defense wants Congress to include Australia and the UK as “domestic sources” in Defense Production Act, with focus on battery supply chain.

8) Air Liquide cuts ribbon on 30 tons-per-day liquid hydrogen production and logistics plant in Nevada, to supply hydrogen-fueled vehicles, w/landfill gas as feedstock.

9) Veolia shredding 250 wind blades/month, turning them into both silica and fuel for cement manufacture.

10) U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday lets stand the Biden Administration’s social cost of carbon estimates applied during consideration of new regulations, repudiating 20 Republican states that tried to block the move. Cost figure bumped from the $10/ton used during Trump era to value close to $50/ton.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Summer Assessment notes dramatically higher electricity prices this summer in multiple markets, driven in part by LNG exports; Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium signed an agreement to develop at least 65,000 MW of offshore wind by 2030 and 150,000 MW by 2050; Connecticut Governor Lamont OKs bill committing the state to 100% carbon-free grid by 2040; EV charging company Electrify America signs 15-year 75 MW virtual power purchase agreement to offset the electricity delivered by its U.S. charging network; Natron Energy and Clarios International team up to mass-produce sodium-ion batteries in Michigan existing battery plant by 2023.

1) FERC warns of much higher power prices this summer, driven largely by uptick in gas prices, which is in turn propelled by LNG exports - currently claiming 12% of U.S. production.

2) Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium plan to develop a minimum of 65,000 MW of offshore wind by 2030 and 150,000 MW by 2050, with private sector investment at estimated $142 billion. Goal is to accelerate permitting, while expanding regional infrastructure and hydrogen industry.

3) Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signs legislation committing state to fully decarbonizing grid by 2040. 2,100 MW Millstone Nuclear Plant currently supplies 90% of its carbon-free electricity, putting the state today at 65% carbon-free.

4) EV charging company Electrify America to buy 75 MW/225,000 annual MWh to offset the electricity delivered by US charging network, under a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement.

5) Battery co Natron Energy and technology firm, Clarios International undertake strategic investment to mass-produce sodium-ion batteries in existing Michigan lithium ion battery plant by 2023. Natron’s UL-certified batteries are used in critical applications like data centers and telecom, but may find way to grid applications as well. Sodium battery technology is less affected by cost and supply chain issues, but has not yet been widely commercialized.

Duke Energy and TotalEnergies pay a total of $315 million for offshore lease areas off North Carolina, with potential of 1.6 GW; CAPUC revisits Net Energy Metering 3.0; Dept of Commerce to proceed w/panel dumping inquiry, w/Sec’r Raimondo commenting tariffs not likely to exceed 200%; DOE allocates $2.5 bn into revolving fund to stimulate transmission development; FERC and state regulators looking to speed up interconnection queues, w/possibility of addressing projects in clusters; VW Group says EVs sold out for rest of 2022; CAISO warns of potential capacity shortfall this summer of 1,700 MW

1) Duke Energy and TotalEnergies Renewables nab wind leases off North Carolina, paying total of $315 million to develop up to 1.6 GW

2) CAPUC takes another shot at revising net metering policies, opening up comment period for NEM 3.0 after significant pushback. Comment deadline is June 24th.

3) Dept of Commerce investigation into solar panel dumping from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam will go proceed, says Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, w/tariffs over 200% "highly unlikely." Per DOC talking points, most Chinese manufacturers today face applied tariffs of between 12 and 20%. NextEra's EVP Kirk Cruz suggests uncertainty could result in the US developers resorting to panel imports from China, w/its known 10-year history of tariffs.

4) DOE seeks to expedite transmission build-out, spending up to $2.5 billion from revolving fund to buy capacity on proposed transmission lines over 1,000 MW (new) or 500 MW (upgrades). Must be completed before 2028 to qualify.

5) FERC and state regulators coordinate to accelerate processing of interconnection queues, with one possible route being to treat projects in clusters. Interconnection studies currently averaging 3.7 years.

6) VW Group says EV demand exceeds current manufacturing capacity; sold out for rest of year in Europe and the US.

7) Following MISO’s warning on resource adequacy, CAISO says it may face capacity shortfall this summer of 1,700 MW.

New York State approves contracts supporting $13.2bn of the transmission/renewable investments totaling 2,550 MW and including imports from Quebec; Minnesota’s Dept. of Transportation says buried HVDC transmission is cost-effective and can be feasibly cited in interstate and highway rights of way; FERC issues transmission NOPR; CAISO notches new renewables record on 4/3 at 97%; U.S. wind energy beats out both coal and nuclear generation on the same day for the first time; GE opens R&D facility to 3D print concrete bases for higher wind towers; DOE and partners announce MOU to work on a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) strategy; Hyundai to introduce EV equipped with V2G technology.

1) NY approves two clean energy contracts for 2,550 MW of renewables/transmission, totaling $13.2 bn of investment. The Clean Path New York project includes 20 in-state wind and solar projects and a 175 mile, 1,300 MW underground line to supply NYC. The Champlain Hudson Power Express project will bring some wind but mostly hydropower from Quebec to NYC

2) Minnesota Dept. of Transportation releases report finding buried HVDC transmission on interstate highways both feasible and cost-effective

3) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues long-awaited notice of public rule making on transmission, addressing challenges in planning and cost allocation

4) California grid hits record 97% renewable energy at 3:39 p.m on 4/3

5) Total U.S. wind power output surpasses coal and nuclear on the same day for first time (on 3/29) w/turbines generating 2,017 gigawatt hours

6) GE inaugurates New York R&D facility to 3D print concrete bases for taller wind turbine towers, joining w/printer co COBOD and cement maker Lafarge Holcim in the effort

7) Department of Energy and partners announced a vehicle-to-everything V2X MOU to accelerate vehicle to grid/facility progress

8) Hyundai announces onboard Ioniq 5 charger will be capable of bidirectional charging, and a new EV will be equipped with foundational V2G technology

Some months ago, I asked whether or not folks would be interested in a series of interviews with leading professionals and entrepreneurs in the clean energy space. I received a pretty strong "YES" on that one.

Fortunately, I was able to recruit Jeremy McCool - CEO of wireless EV charging company HEVO - to join in a conversation about leadership lessons. Jeremy was a perfect choice for this first session. He's creative, highly motivated to create positive change, and self-reflective. I think you will enjoy this conversation. We did! We go over seven questions that revolve around the energy conversation and are learning lessons in leadership fundamentals. 

1) How did you get into the energy space, and what was that driving force? 

2) What's been your biggest misstep or failure, why did it happen, and how did you respond?

3) Knowing what you know now, what one thing would you do differently in your business if you were to start over and do it all again?

4) How do you fire an employee and convey to the rest of the team that it was a beneficial decision for the company without making them feel threatened? 

5) What can we expect to see from HEVO in the coming months or years?

San Diego Gas & Electric issues study outlining road to decarbonization in California; Pacific Gas & Electric gets approval from CA PUC for three EV V2X integration projects; Boston to electrify entire fleet of 700+ school buses by 2030, starting w/20 buses in 2023; Biden administration officials meet with auto industry leaders to promote charging and interoperability; EVgo and Chase bank team up to put DC fast-chargers in 50 bank branches in six states; Hertz announces partnership w/Polestar to add up to 65,000 Polestar EVs over 5 years in Europe, N. America, and Australia; Commerce Department decision to look into possible dumping of Chinese solar modules through four other Asian countries already having a chilling effect on imports and projects; Trident Winds submits unsolicited lease request to BOEM for 2,000 MW floating offshore wind project 43 miles off the State of Washington.

1) San Diego Gas & Electric issues study laying out pathways to decarbonization in California. Key elements include 40 GW of batteries, 20 GW of dispatchable gen powered by green hydrogen, and 4 GW of gas-fired gen with carbon capture. Grid would grow four-fold.

2) Pacific Gas & Electric gets green light from CA PUC for three EV vehicle-to-grid integration projects, including: a 3-year V2X resi pilot promoting bidirectional tech for 1,000 single-family resi customers w/light-duty EVs; a 3-year vehicle-to-X bidirectional fleet charging effort for 200 medium and heavy-duty EVs charging at commercial buildings; and a multi-customer microgrid to support community resilience

3) Boston will electrify its fleet of 700+ school buses by 2030, w/first 20 buses next year

4) Biden administration officials sit down w/ major auto OEM execs to focus on EVs, charging infrastructure, interoperability

5) EVgo will put DC fast-chargers into 50 Chase Bank branches in six states this summer, w/ chargers rated at 100 kW and 350 kW chargers, powered by 100% renewables

6) Hertz and Polestar in deal for up to 65,000 Polestar EVs into Herz rental fleet over five years, in Europe, N. America and Australia

7) Commerce Department's decision to investigate dumping of Chinese solar modules through Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam is already resulting in numerous solar dev companies seeing module shipments delayed or cancelled

8) Trident Winds submits unsolicited lease request to the US BOEM to develop 2,000 MW floating offshore wind project 43 miles off State of Washington. BOEM will likely conduct initial review and then issue a Public Notice of a Request for Interest to determine competitor interest in proposed site.

NYISO notches new record for on-site solar at 2,238 MW; Trammell Crow and solar company Altus Power to install $600 mn solar panels on 35 mn sq feet of US ind’l property, totaling 300 MW; Department of Commerce to review solar panel imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam; Siemens Energy to construct a multi-gigawatt hydrogen PEM electrolyser factory in Berlin, w/first 1 GW of output by 2023; Vietnam’s EV company VinFast building a factory in North Carolina; LG Energy Solutions to build $1.4 bn battery plant in Arizona; President Biden invokes Defense Production Act to spur more domestic mining and processing of critical minerals in lithium ion batteries

1) NYISO sets record high of 2,238 MW dc of distributed solar, adding 750 MW last year, and anticipates 7,281 MW by 2030

2) Trammell Crow and solar company Altus Power to install 300 MW of solar panels on 35 mn square feet of US ind’l property by 2026, at a price of $600 million. Storage and EV charging also contemplated

3) Department of Commerce to review solar panel imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam – source of 80% of crystal silicon panel imports - for anti-dumping, w/potentially severe impacts on U.S. solar ind’y

4) Siemens Energy plans to build a multi-gigawatt PEM electrolyser factory in Berlin, w/first 1 GW of production by 2023. At least eight other companies have giga-factories, w/ announced total of 17 GW

5) Vietnamese EV OEM VinFast will build an EV and battery factory in N. Carolina, w/initial annual output at 150,000 vehicles/annum. Expansion may grow to 250,000 cars

6) LG Energy Solutions announces $1.4 bn 11 GWh battery factory in Arizona to manufacture cylindrical cells for EVs

7) President Biden invokes Defense Production Act to accelerate domestic mining and processing of the minerals going into lithium ion batteries, authorizing the Defense Department to conduct feasibility studies

NJ’s Atlantic City Electric to retire state’s last coal plant 2 yrs ahead of schedule; NY achieves 1,000 MW of community solar w/nearly add’l 2,000 MW in pipeline; RI eyes add’l 600 MW of offshore wind; Shell seeks licenses for six offshore wind projects in Brazil w/total capacity of 17 GW; Dutch government designates three new offshore wind locations, confirms two previously designated areas in North Sea for 10.7 GW of projects; Highland Electric Fleets teams w/ Thomas Built Buses to lower the upfront costs of E-buses with subscriptions on par with diesel; Stellantis confirms plans to construct third battery factory, converting existing plant over to make cells in Italy; VW officially confirms previously leaked plans for its third battery cell factory, in Valencia Spain; U.S. sees 3,506 MW and 10,498 MWh of storage in the United States in 2021; Metal supplier Aurubis recently tests operation of a modular battery recycling pilot; Koch Industries makes big investments in batteries

1) Exelon-owned Atlantic City Electric to retire to NJ’s last two coal plants two years ahead of scheduled date

2) NY Governor Kathy Hochul announces state has over 1 GW of community solar w/nearly another 2 GW in the pipline

3) RI Governor Dan McKee pushes plan to boost the state's offshore wind supply by another 600 MW

4) Shell trying to obtain licenses for six offshore projects in Brazil with a total installed offshore wind capacity of 17 GW.

5) Dutch government designates three new locations and confirms two previously designated areas in North Sea for 10.7 GW of offshore wind

6) Highland Electric Fleets and Thomas Built Buses sign LOI to lower upfront costs and accelerate adoption of E-buses w/target of prices on par with diesel

7) Auto OEM Stellantis confirms plans to build a third battery factory, this one in Italy

8) VW has officially confirmed the previously leak plans for its third battery cell factory, to be sited in Valencia

9) U.S. grid installs 3,506 MW and 10,498 MWh of storage in 2021, almost triple the 2020 MWh number

10) Metal supplier Aurubis recently tests operation of a modular battery recycling pilot plant in Germany, w/larger plant w/in 5 yrs.

11) Koch Industries has invested at least $750 million in a minimum of 10 companies in battery supply chain and EV space

A correction: Last week I incorrectly said MA legislature passed H4515, advancing offshore wind target from 4,000 to 5,600 MW and bill awaited Governor Baker's signature. In fact, bill passed House and was replaced by Sen Bill 4524 which sits in Ways & Means Committee; IEA reports carbon emission up 6% in 2021; Germany and Norway sign agreement to cooperate in promoting large scale H2 exports from Norway to Germany; Mid-Atlantic offshore wind developers submit 80 transmission projects for bringing wind onshore to NJ; consortium unveils prototype of 100% recyclable thermoplastic wind turbine blade; Indiana Michigan Power seeking 800 MW of wind and 500 MW of solar by end of 2025; Volvo and Starbucks to develop 1,350-mile EV DC charging network from Denver to Seattle.

1) Correction MA bill H4515, pushing state wind target from 4,000 to 5,600 MW replaced by Sen Bill 4524 which now sits in Ways & Means Committee.

2) IEA indicates global CO2 emissions rose 6% in 2021, a new record.

3) Germany and Norway signed agreement to cooperate on large scale hydrogen exports from Norway to Germany, cutting German dependence on Russian energy.

4) 13 developers submit 80 transmission projects to deliver offshore windpower to New Jersey. These will be reviewed by NJ Board of Public Utilities and grid operator PJM, w/decision by October 2022.

5) ZEBRA consortium announces prototype of 62-meter 100% recyclable thermoplastic wind blade, using thermal plastic resin and high-performance glass fiber.

6) Indiana Michigan Power w/RFP for 800 MW of wind & 500 MW of solar, to be commissioned by end of 2025.

7) Volvo and Starbucks unveil network of 60 DC EV stations at 15 Starbucks along a 1,350-mile route from Denver to Seattle.

Saudi Arabia signs contracts for 1.0 gigawatt of solar; Australia mining giant Fortescue begins work with Plug Power on a 2.0 GW green hydrogen electrolyzer facility in Queensland; Green Hydrogen International announces plans for 60 GW green hydrogen hub in Texas; Equinor and BP to invest between $200 and $250 million in regional offshore wind hub in South Brooklyn's Marine Terminal; Massachusetts Legislature passes H.4515, bumping the state's offshore wind targets from 4,000 to 5,600 MW; Pacific Gas and Electric and GM will collaborate this year on a pilot project using multiple EVs as backup generation resources; VW's board OKs $2 billion German EV plant to manufacturing flagship Trinity model; Xcel Energy considers becoming the operator of 462 MW Nuscale small modular reactor being developed at Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls for late 2020s commissioning.

1) Saudi Arabia inks two solar deals totaling 1.0 gigawatt and costing $663 million. Saudi target is 15 GW of solar over the next two years.

2) Australia mining company Fortescue breaks ground on an $83 mn 2GW green hydrogen electrolyzer facility in Queensland in partnership w/Plug Power.

3) US developer Green Hydrogen International announces huge green hydrogen hub in Texas w/60 GW of solar and wind energy and annual H2 production at estimated 2.5 billion kg.

4) Equinor and BP have will invest $200 to $250 million in a major regional offshore wind hub at South Brooklyn's Marine Terminal just outside New York City. Equinor has a goal of 12 to 16 gigawatts of East Coast Offshore Wind by 2030.

5) Massachusetts Legislature passes H.4515, Act Advancing Offshore Wind and Clean Energy, pushing the state's offshore wind targets from 4,000 to 5,600 MW while promoting grid modernization activities and energy storage.

6) Pacific Gas and Electric and GM to join forces in a pilot project to deploy EVs as a backup generation, starting in the lab and eventually moving to homes.

7) VW's board green-lights new $2 billion EV plant in Germany to manufacture flagship Trinity model, the first EV built on new SSP electric platform. Cars are expected to roll off the line by 2026.

8) Xcel Energy considers becoming the operator of the 462 MW small modular reactor being developed at Idaho National Laboratory, signing term sheet agreement w/project developer Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems.

Nissan investing $500 million in Mississippi plant to manufacture two EV models & battery packs starting 2025; SouthEastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority chooses BAE Systems to deliver 340 hybrid electric drive systems for transit bus fleet; Battery recycling co Redwood Materials unveils battery recycling program for pure electric EVs, plug-ins, & hybrids in CA, w/Ford & Volvo committed to participating; start-up battery and metal recycling co Nth Cycle raises $12.5 million in series A funding for deployment of first commercial units of electro extraction technology by 2022; MA officials and execs from Spanish wind developer Avangrid & Italian cable manufacturer Prysmian Group announce state's first offshore wind industry manufacturing facility at Brayton Point in SE MA; Auction for NY/NJ offshore wind development rights draws record $4.37 billion; India's installed solar soars from 3.2 GW in 2020 to over 10 GW in 2021.

1) Nissan to spend $500 million in Mississippi assembly plant to make two EV models (Nissan and Infiniti) and battery packs starting 2025.

2) SouthEastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority picks BAE Systems to deliver up to 340 hybrid electric drive systems for clean transit bus fleet.

3) Battery recycling co Redwood Materials rolls out recycling program for pure electric EVs, plug-ins, and hybrids in California. Ford and Volvo on board.

4) Start-up battery and metal recycling company Nth Cycle pulls in $12.5 million in series A funding to deploy first commercial units of an electro extraction technology this year. Nth Cycle's tech uses electricity and carbon filters to pull cobalt and nickel from discarded batteries.

5) MA officials & execs from Spanish offshore wind developer Avangrid & Italian cable manufacturer Prysmian Group, announce establishment of state's first offshore wind ind'y manufacturing facility at Brayton Point in SE MA. Avangrid subsidiary Vineyard Wind to develop 1200 MW Commonwealth Wind project & Prysmian Group to supply affiliated offshore cables.

6) Federal auction for NY/NJ offshore wind development rights hauls in record $4.37 billion in developer bids.

7) India's solar installation number vault from 3.2 GW in 2020 to over 10 GW last year. 83% was utility scale, and cumulative capacity now stands at 49.3 GW with 50 GW in development pipeline.

Vistra's Moss Landing energy storage facility in CA experiences another shutdown; DOE to spend $2.9 bn to support new battery development and recycling initiatives; DOE also earmarking $6 billion to aid financially stressed nuclear plants; CA PUC approves 2032 carbon targets, directs utilities to procure approximately 25.5 GW of new renewables and 15 GW of storage & DR by that date; Hawaiian Electric proposes to pay residential customers for on-premise energy storage; large Spanish fertilizer and steel cos agree to take hydrogen from large green H2/electrolyzer project as of 2026.

1) Vistra’s Moss Energy lithium-ion battery storage system shuts down again, with apparent sprinkler system issue.

2) The US DOE issues two notices of intent to offer $2.91 billion to boost production of advanced batteries for EVs and energy storage, and support battery materials refining and production, cell and pack manufacturing, and recycling facilities.

3) DOE also plans to spend $6 billion in lifeline to financially stressed nuclear plants in a bid to minimize system GHG emissions.

4) CA PUC approves 2032 target annual emissions reduction of 35 million metric tons, requiring procurement of approximately 25.5 GW of new renewables and 15 GW of storage and DR by that date. Resources include long duration storage, out-of-state wind imports, and offshore wind.

5) Hawaiian Electric proposes to compensate customers hosting rooftop solar and batteries in program to deliver energy to the grid during periods of high demand. HECO will pay upfront cash bonus and monthly credit if customers agree to export energy to grid during two critical evening hours.

6) Steelmaker ArcelorMittal and fertilizer producer Fertiberia commit to support and consume H2 from 7.4 GW hydrogen electrolyzer facility creating 330,000 tons of green H2 annually. Enterprise to start at 200,000 tons by 2026 reaching full capacity by 2030.