David Sandbank

The Massachusetts Clean Peak Standard (or CPS) will help #renewableenergy developers and operators further increase returns on storage assets. In addition to using #batteries for energy arbitrage, ancillary services, solar firming, curbing curtailment, and more – operators leveraging this program are awarded for having renewable energy available to contribute in what were already the most lucrative hours. Projects able to capture Clean Peak Energy Credits (or CPECs) by combining accurate forecasting and operations that ensure operators deliver into peak hours, will have the winning formula to support grid reliability and maximize revenue as MA transitions the grid. You can read more about the CPS program and how to maximize the value of standalone and hybrid storage assets in CPS here. https://lnkd.in/gzCGbykC

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☑️ Agrivoltaics is a fresh, thriving practice that creatively blends conventional agriculture and solar power production. ☑️ Agrivoltaics projects, like the successful cattle grazing and solar power generation in Massachusetts, show the feasibility of this idea and generate interest in it among other states. ☑️ Combining solar power with various crops, such as soybean and sweet corn, allows for increased productivity and efficiency. Agrivoltaics, or combining traditional farming with solar power generation, has been steadily gaining traction in the renewable energy sector. This concept, central to the work of many solar companies, exhibits the potential benefits of coexisting farming and power generation rather than treating them as competing land uses. Despite the mixed public opinion on large solar plants, this approach has shown significant promise, exemplified by multiple successful projects in Massachusetts that combined cattle grazing with solar power generation, proving advantageous for both agriculture and energy sectors. Other states such as New Jersey and New York are also exploring similar initiatives, reflecting the growing interest in this sustainable model. Furthermore, the integration of solar power with various crops, including soybeans and grains like wheat, barley, and oats, presents exciting opportunities for overlapping productivity. However, agrivoltaics' success hinges on respecting and accommodating the needs of local communities and environmental considerations. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

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#climateactivists and #legislators in #Massachusetts are working together on an #omnibus aimed at reshaping the state's energy landscape. While there's a clear goal of transitioning away from traditional #naturalgas, it's essential to consider alternative pathways that could facilitate a smoother transition to #carbonneutrality by #2050. #renewablenaturalgas presents a promising opportunity to bridge the gap between our current energy infrastructure and a sustainable future. By harnessing RNG, we can #reduceemissions while leveraging existing pipelines and infrastructure, minimizing disruption to communities and industries. As discussions progress, it's crucial to explore all viable options striking a balance of environmental objectives and practical considerations. Ultimately, all parties seek an outcome benefitting both the planet and communities. #rng #energytransition #renewableenergy 

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It’s cheap, it’s plentiful, it’s renewable: The solar energy story | In the latest episode of New England Today, Richard talks to Meralli Solar's David Mailler about renewable energy, the people that are the most important part of any project, and why your power bill isn't going down. #newswithoutpaywalls #hyperlocal #newengland #netimes #News

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ICYMI: Our top stories of the week ⬇️ ✅ NEW report with the Climate & Community Institute on a whole-of-government plan for building out solar ✅ Fixing the electric utilities industry Read more in this week's #RooseveltRundown: https://lnkd.in/eCnHxGn3

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Community solar projects are delivering real value to local economies. Recent data from Maine shows almost $30 million in net value generated through distributed solar initiatives - and that's just the beginning. Let's break down why this matters: → Price Stability While traditional energy sources remain vulnerable to global market volatility, community solar offers predictable, stable pricing. Think locally produced, locally consumed energy that's insulated from international supply chain disruptions. → Energy Access The beauty of community solar? It's not just for property owners. Local businesses, nonprofits, and residents in multi-family housing can all benefit from clean energy savings - no rooftop required. Maine’s NEB (Community Solar) program is one of the more established in the country and continues to be revised (3 times in the last 4 years) to better serve the state. Solar currently only makes up 5% of Maine’s electrical costs - meaning there is room to grow. Community solar can be a key factor in combatting the significant electric price spikes being seen in Maine. *** Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/epRXmcff

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As the global energy landscape undergoes a profound transformation, the imperative for a resilient, cost-effective grid has never been more pressing. At New York Energy Week 2024, we invite you to delve into the future of energy infrastructure with Miles Farmer, Legal Advisor to the Commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This session, "Regional Transmission Planning: Paving the Way for a Reliable, Affordable Grid," will take place virtually on June 27 from 10:00 am to 10:30 am US Eastern Time. The Critical Role of Regional Transmission Planning In the quest for a sustainable energy future, regional transmission planning stands out as a cornerstone. It ensures not only the reliability and affordability of the grid but also its capacity to integrate burgeoning renewable energy sources. Miles Farmer will illuminate the strategic approaches and regulatory frameworks essential for effective transmission planning, addressing both current challenges and future opportunities. Insights from a Leading Authority Miles Farmer brings unparalleled expertise to this critical discussion. His role at FERC involves navigating the complex regulatory landscapes that govern energy transmission. With his extensive legal background and deep involvement in policy-making, Farmer's insights will be invaluable for understanding the nuances of regional transmission planning. He will explore: - Regulatory Frameworks: How evolving policies can support a more reliable and cost-efficient grid. - Innovative Methodologies: Emerging planning techniques that enhance grid resilience. - Integration of Renewables: Strategies for seamlessly incorporating renewable energy sources into the grid. Why This Session Matters The session offers a unique opportunity for industry professionals, policymakers, regulators, and energy advocates to gain actionable insights into the future of energy transmission. By attending, participants will: - Understand the key regulatory and policy drivers that shape regional transmission planning. - Learn about innovative planning methodologies that can enhance grid reliability and reduce costs. - Explore practical strategies for integrating renewable energy sources into the existing grid infrastructure. Engage with Industry Leaders New York Energy Week 2024 is more than just an event; it is a convergence of the brightest minds in the energy sector. This session is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among participants, equipping them with the knowledge to drive the evolution of the energy transmission landscape. New York Energy Week 2024 continues to lead the way in energy transformation, marking eleven years of pioneering industry leadership. Join us as we navigate the path to a sustainable energy future. #EnergyInfrastructure #TransmissionPlanning #GridResilience #RenewableIntegration #NYEnergyWeek2024

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Feed-in-Tariff programs for promoting Renewable Energy (RE) are becoming less relevant as RE now constitutes a significant portion of the energy mix and influences wholesale market prices. This shift could render some utility-scale projects, both RE and conventional, economically nonviable. To keep these projects competitive and maintain their environmental benefits, new revenue sources must be explored. These could include leveraging social sustainability through tourism, cultural integration, and complementary product production, depending on local conditions. Capacity payments for allowing utilities to draw power from RE plants could provide additional financial stability, complementing income from electricity sales and societal benefits. #Research #RE #ClimateChange

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#DYK Vineyard Wind 1 is already delivering power to the New England grid? In January, Vineyard Wind 1 began supplying electricity to the New England grid, improving reliability on the edge of New England’s transmission system. As a key part of the region's energy infrastructure, Vineyard Wind taps into the abundant #offshorewind resources of the Atlantic Ocean, diversifying New England's energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

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Massachusetts’ 2023/24 legislative session closed in the morning of Aug. 1 without any significant climate or clean energy legislation despite broad agreement on proposed clean energy permitting and siting reforms. The legislative failure after nearly two years of work was a significant disappointment for climate activists and clean energy organizations. Massachusetts has so far failed to pass any meaningful climate legislation in the first two years of the Healey administration, despite a Democratic trifecta in state government which nominally supports strong action on climate. The most significant sticking point in the negotiations appeared to be over gas reforms. The top Senate negotiators were pushing for changes to the state law that would allow the gas utilities to start decommissioning portions of the natural gas pipeline network, while the House negotiators appeared to oppose the gas reforms and indicated that they were willing to pass a bill strictly focused on the previously agreed upon permitting and siting reforms for clean energy infrastructure. You can read the full story below at RTO Insider LLC: https://lnkd.in/emD4S7em If you're interested in this type of thing, it's also worth flagging this recent story from the Boston Globe about the concentration of power in the Massachusetts legislature. The House speaker and the Senate president control an extensive system of "leadership stipends" which make up a large portion of many legislators' salaries. This appears to stifle dissent and prevent members of their party from stepping out of line, since their salaries depend on maintaining their relationship with party leadership. https://lnkd.in/ePh5mCSB This also may be part of the reason why so little has been accomplished this session, and why widely agreed-upon proposals failed to pass. We'll see where this goes from here — the legislature may return for a special session in the fall, but this is probably unlikely to solve the underlying issues in Massachusetts' deeply undemocratic Statehouse.

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New York has reached a major #cleanenergy milestone by achieving 6 GW of #distributedsolar—one year ahead of its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act target. This milestone, supported by the $3.3 billion NY-Sun initiative, underscores the state's leadership in distributed solar and #communitysolar models. The benefits are clear: lower emissions, energy savings for over a million homes, and significant private investment totaling $9.2 billion. The push towards 10 GW by 2030 is already in motion, signaling strong momentum in the state's renewable energy transition. At #Catalyze, we’re proud that our integrated solar and battery solutions have contributed to this milestone, supporting New York’s early progress in clean energy adoption. As solar penetration increases, #energystorage becomes even more vital for ensuring grid reliability and optimizing energy consumption. To learn more about how New York is shaping the future of renewable energy, check out the full article: https://heyor.ca/fsWW9B

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The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) Q3 2024 edition of the 50 States of Power Decarbonization has just been released! The report finds that 47 states, including D.C. and Puerto Rico, took a total of 344 actions related to electric power decarbonization and resource planning during the quarter. See the press release at https://lnkd.in/ePsxncae and purchase the full report at https://lnkd.in/ddAeQt4 #power #decarbonization #powerdecarb #50states #resourceplanning

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ICYMI: CT DEEP has been awarded more than $62 million under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund's Solar for All program! "Project SunBridge will reach low-income and disadvantaged community households across the state of Connecticut, with a priority focus on affordable housing units, to allow for greater access to residential solar, increased resilience and grid benefits, and investments in quality jobs and businesses. The program has the potential to reach thousands of additional households through Connecticut’s existing solar and storage programs, avoiding CO2 emissions and saving Connecticut residents on energy costs. Connecticut residents will benefit from financial assistance with increased incentives, more accessible loans, and low-cost capital for solar and storage, as well as technical assistance for clean energy workforce development and community engagement. This blend of financial and technical assistance will create a sustainable funding stream for low-income and disadvantaged communities households to participate in the green economy, which will last beyond the SFA funding years, attract private investment, and drive market transformation." https://lnkd.in/gFbk7Wkc

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@RenewableEnergyWorld reporting that community solar is advancing again in PA. Maybe it will finally pass this time? "On March 26, 2024, the Community Solar Act, HB 1842, was passed by vote of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and sent for consideration by the Senate. The Act establishes a third-party-owned community solar program in the Commonwealth. Under the legislation, community solar facilities must have a maximum nameplate capacity of 20 MW (AC) for facilities located on a brownfield or rooftop and 5 MW (AC) if located elsewhere. Community solar facilities cannot have any single offtaker with a subscription for more than 50% of the facility’s capacity or energy output, except for master-metered multifamily residential or commercial buildings. At least 50% of the facility’s subscribed capacity must be for subscriptions of 25 kW or less. Some or all of the facility’s generated electricity must be credited to subscribers’ electric bills to offset all charges except volumetric or demand-based distribution charges. Community solar facilities may be remotely located and are not required to provide energy serving on-site load." Read more at https://conta.cc/49SgukV #solar #energy #solarenergy #renewables #renewableenergy #electricity #energystorage #ESS #distributedenergy #sola

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