NICO JOHNSON 🎙️

On panels and pollinators Just read this thought-provoking piece in The New Yorker on how solar PV installations can also be used to address biodiversity collapse by providing an environment that's friendly to pollinators. This might be especially interesting to large scale infrastructure investors looking for additional impact - and indeed prospectively additional revenues (or lower costs). As always, the Pottinger team is here to help! How to Address Two Environmental Crises at Once https://lnkd.in/emypP5F4

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Grid analysts challenge Bonneville Power’s pace in adopting advanced conductors--my latest for PV Magazine USA. As the White House encourages utilities to use advanced conductors to help interconnect new renewable generation, the federally-owned utility Bonneville Power is moving slowly to use the high-capacity conductors, analysts said. Mike O'Boyle, Casey Baker, Michelle Solomon #AdvancedConductors

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Reconductoring could enable 764 GW of transmission-connected solar by 2035. (My latest for PV Magazine USA) Replacing existing transmission lines, known as conductors, with advanced conductors could enable 764 GW of transmission-connected solar by 2035 even if transmission in new corridors was limited, found a study by UC Berkeley and GridLab researchers. 3M CTC Global TS Conductor Amol Phadke #Reconductoring

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#Microgrid project Aims to Cut #Diesel Use, Save on #Energy Costs, Move Toward #EnergyIndependence in 8 #Rural Alaskan Communities: Lucas Miller Laurel Hamilton Trent Maw Michael Stadler https://lnkd.in/g85bhaP8

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Community solar stands as a beacon of hope for equitable clean energy. 🌞 But, is it living up to its promise? As recent insights from Wood Mackenzie's "US Solar Market Insight: 2022 Year in Review" have shown, solar energy isn't just about sustainability; it's about equity. With climate change disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, access to clean energy is a justice issue that demands our attention. A glance at studies like those by Sunter et al. (2019) and Lukanov & Krieger (2019) reveals stark disparities in solar adoption. The affluent have long benefited, while lower-income households face barriers. Thankfully, community solar projects offer a ray of hope, with innovative models proliferating across the US. Community solar has the potential to democratize energy access, as NREL's work suggests. It's not just about installing panels on rooftops; it's about co-creating solutions that consider the socioeconomic fabric of communities. By enabling shared benefits from solar generation, we empower those who've been sidelined in the clean energy revolution. Moreover, studies like Heeter et al. (2021) and Forrester et al. (2023) underscore the urgent need for policies that ensure these projects genuinely serve low and moderate-income families. What's critical now is continued advocacy, informed policy-making, and committed action to translate potential into tangible outcomes for all. Let's pivot towards a future where clean energy is not a privilege but a right - a tool for leveling the playing field. Participate in the dialogue, stay informed, and let's harness shared solar as a vehicle for environmental and social equity. #CommunitySolar #CleanEnergyAccess #EnergyEquity

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energycentral.com Energy Decarbonization Blueprint Virtual Workshop Explore four case studies examining energy decarbonization amid California's evolving grid, assessing carbon footprint implications for building systems by 2030 and 2050. #Energy #Decarbonization #virtualpowerplant #powergrid #energygrid Songs for Renewables 🌏🌏🌏

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The clean energy transition will have a profound impact, including reducing global climate instability, promoting health and safety through lower emissions, and supporting energy independence and economic growth. It also aims for a fair distribution of benefits and costs, enhancing community well-being. Energy independence will be the most dramatic change people alive today will see in their lifetime. The smallest and poorest countries, not beholden to others will lead to contractions of the fossil fuel and munitions industries. As a result, autocracy will decline and human nature will be redefined.

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New pivotable report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) "Strategies for Affordable and Fair Clean Energy Transitions," highlighting that in key sectors clean energy technologies are cheaper and more affordable then current fossil fuelled technologies creating net savings for countries and users. For the shift to a net-zero economy investments in a low-carbon energy supply must triple from $1 trillion to $3.5 trillion. These investment make business sense, help the climate and global development. There are solutions, the climate crisis does not allow us to delay implementing these solutions #NetZeroBuildings #NetZeroTransport #NetZeroEnergy #TransformativeIndustries #ClimateTech #cleanenergy https://lnkd.in/eZvWdBzg

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What a great program from GridLab. Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship can be daunting. Don’t let the fear win out. Support like this in the beginning is a great way to help with the transition. Kudos to GridLab

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The New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) advocates for raising New York's distributed solar goal to 20 GW by 2035. The new policy report emphasizes doubling down on distributed solar to meet climate targets. NY added over 800 MW of solar capacity last year but it is targeting 6 GW by 2024. The NYSEIA report concludes that legislative and regulatory action is crucial to sustain this growth. Smart policies and federal incentives can also help achieve these goals. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #NewYorkSolar #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #NYSEIA #DistributedSolar https://lnkd.in/eqAR63sC

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Tribal Micro-Grids: An Overview Of Microgrids and Native Sovereignty: https://lttr.ai/AXnde #NativeAmericanSolar #RenewableEnergy #SustainableLiving #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #GreenEnergy #SolarEnergy #Sustainability #EcoFriendly

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Well, I’ve got “LATEST” covered! Didn’t submit my speaker details. Evidently, I’m on this panel too. Everyone else can thumb wrestle for “greatest.” Don’t miss this discussion next month. Should be a good one. The benefits surely outweigh the challenges. Most of these obstacles are for contractors to worry about, not site owners/operators. It’s like a stage play - you may notice the mistakes but don’t make apologies and get on with it - the audience is enthralled! #VACES #agrisolar #agrivoltaics #solargrazing #Virginia #cleanenergy #renewables #VCES #VirginiaCleanEnergySummit #VASolar #VirginiaSolar #dualuse #colocation #allthehashtags

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A major breakthrough for science and for improving how we measure emissions that accelerate climate change. Undoubtedly, this milestone sets a precedent in the quantification and measurement of methane and CO2. Carbon Mapper

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“That said, demand-side management programs need much more attention and dedicated resources.” Exactly. 75% of that clean energy goes to buildings, good demand-side management in buildings can reduce need for new generation and transmission development, reduce habitat and land-owner disputes and control energy rates. Winning! Let’s do it, people.

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The Intersectional Opportunity of Solar: Addressing Climate and Inequality -- by Jonathan Abe and Martha Buckley, Sunwealth  The US EIA forecasts a 75% increase in solar generation from 2023 to 2025. As the solar industry races to address climate change and meet the demands from electrification and data centers, there lies opportunities to also address socioeconomic inequalities across the nation. So, we ask: Who is benefiting from the growth of the solar economy? What other community needs could this opportunity meet? Direct link- https://lnkd.in/gGfR9Cvu

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DOE proposes ten “national interest” transmission corridors (my latest for PV Magazine USA) Eight of the ten transmission corridors proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy would facilitate transmission between grid regions; one would expand transmission within the Mid-Atlantic’s #PJM grid region; and one would expand transmission in the Northern Plains.

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