Concentrating solar power could unlock America’s clean energy future and boost solar from intermittent contributor to baseload generator – if we clear the regulatory, technological, and financial hurdles standing in the way, says a new white paper.
A friend at Fresh Energy generously called me the “architect” of Minnesota’s new solar energy standard (signed last week), and although that may be a bit generous, I’d like to provide a detailed description of the nation’s newest solar energy standard. The topline: 1.5 percent solar standard for the state’s … [continued]
This post originally appeared on ILSR’s Energy Self-Reliant States blog. Last week, a solar energy standard moved one step closer to passage in the Minnesota state legislature, with an innovative new approach to financing solar power. It’s a powerful first step for what would be one of the more robust policies to … [continued]
Derived from German-language reports, Germany’s Federal Environment Minister, Peter Altmaier, announced that the country had added 290 megawatts (MW) of new photovoltaic capacity in March. This information comes ahead of expected Federal Network Agency figures, but if the information proves to be accurate then that not only means that Germany … [continued]
A new study produced by the World Future Council and the Heinrich Böll Foundation (both located in Germany) suggests that using feed-in tariffs could be the best way to develop and promote renewable energy in countries across Africa. The report, “Powering Africa Through Feed-In Tariffs,” examined 13 African nations. In the … [continued]
The north Indian state of Punjab has issued a fresh tender for installation of 300 MW of solar power capacity. The state joins list of several others like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh to issue huge tenders for setting up solar power capacity. Punjab lies in the west north-west … [continued]
California, which has often led the nation in emissions reductions and environmental initiatives, is not the standard bearer in producing renewable energy today. If you consider all forms of renewable energy — solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, then California isn’t at the top in total production, and as a percentage … [continued]
When Congress returns from its summer vacation it will consider legislation that could energize investment in renewable energy projects with an almost “cash for clunkers”-like fervor. Like the cash for clunkers legislation (and American Idol, and The Office), a feed-in tariff bill would be a ripoff of a European idea … [continued]
