Solar Farms

EIA: Solar to lead U.S. electricity generation growth through 2025

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Solar electric generation is expected to account for 7% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2025, up from 4% in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

On Tuesday (Jan. 9), the EIA released its January Short-Term Energy Outlook that shows almost 80 gigawatts of solar power will start operating in the next two years, increasing U.S. solar generating capacity by 84% and making solar the leading source of growth in U.S. electricity generation through 2025.

“We are experiencing a significant shift in U.S. electric generation, as solar generation grows rapidly, taking market share from coal and tempering the growth in natural gas usage,” said EIA Administrator Joe DeCarolis. “Coal and natural gas remain important to the U.S. electric grid, even as variable renewable resources such as solar and wind grow.”

EIA: Solar to lead U.S. electricity generation growth through 2025

State accelerates EV charging station program; solar farm completed

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

As another advanced energy project comes online, the state continues to invest in electric vehicle charging stations.

The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment (E&E) recently announced it’s accelerating the final disbursement of money for Level 2 charging stations. The Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Program is open to government, private and nonprofit organizations in Arkansas.

According to E&E, the final disbursement includes $227,791, or enough to reimburse up to 45 chargers. The average rebate for a Level 2 charging station is $5,000.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/state-accelerates-ev-charging-station-program-solar-farm-completed/

SWEPCO looks to buy up to 2,400 megawatts in wind, solar farms

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), a utility of Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power (AEP), wants to purchase up to 1,900 megawatts of wind resources and up to 500 megawatts of solar resources, according to a Thursday (Sept. 29) news release.

Wind resources must be at least 100 megawatts, and solar resources must be at least 50 megawatts. All projects must interconnect to the Southwest Power Pool and be located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas or Missouri.

According to the proposal request, the commercial operation for the solar and wind resources would be no later than Dec. 1, 2026, with a preference of being operational by Dec. 1, 2025. The projects would need regulatory approval in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. However, like in previous projects, if one state doesn’t approve the project, the other states could increase the amount of generation allotted for them, according to a presentation on the new proposal request.

Link here for more information on the proposal request.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/swepco-looks-to-buy-up-to-2400-megawatts-in-wind-solar-farms/