A round-up of policy developments and project news from the US, where Massachusetts’ SMART programme has doubled its capacity and plans to launch a regional imbalance market in the Southeast have come under scrutiny.
A bill which promises to revamp solar support frameworks and stimulate investment in grids in the US has cleared its first hurdle, passing the House of Representatives.
Measures designed to support solar and other renewables in the US have been proposed within a landmark US$1.5 trillion infrastructure investment Bill, tabled by House Democrats.
SEIA, WoodMac point at robust utility-scale segment as they predict 33% year-on-year jump in PV additions, with residential still expected to take major hit from pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
Firms tell media outlets of multi-million charges as Trump administration brings two-year ‘holiday’ to an end, hitting PV project revenues as SEIA estimates suggest solar jobs could drop to 2014 levels.
SEIA, ACORE and others lament US federal energy regulator’s dismissal of request to reconsider PJM rule change, which the industry feels will ‘pad fossil fuel profits’ at renewables’ expense.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has warned that support is needed for approximately 250,000 people that directly work in the US solar industry as COVID-19 could impact as much as 50% of the sector.
ACORE, SEIA and other green energy bodies urge US lawmakers to ease construction and safe harbor deadlines amid warnings pandemic may threaten ability to qualify for tax incentives.
New census figures from the Solar Foundation show that US solar industry grew by 5,600 jobs last year, reaching nearly a quarter of a million positions across the nation.
Green light for the Virginia Clean Economy Act at the state assembly marks legislative progress, bringing law mandating 100% carbon-free electricity by mid-century one step closer.
