Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: New York

  • Con Ed eyes $38B in capital spending through 2030

    Consolidated Edison is planning $38B in utility capital investments over five years to support building and transportation electrification, with a focus on solar generation. They are seeing a significant increase in electric vehicle charging and electric heat requests, aiming to invest proactively to meet New York's clean energy goals. To address reliability challenges, Con Ed plans to add 22 new substations by 2034 and grow their investment base by 8.6% annually through 2030. Additionally, they are exploring joint ownership of large-scale renewable generation to advance the state's clean energy standard, with a decision expected by May.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/con-ed-capital-spending-rates-earnings/812981/

  • Why regional manufacturing will power the next clean economy

    The section discusses the importance of manufacturing in the clean energy transition, highlighting how regions like New York, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles are leading the way in integrating industry and climate goals. New York's success in creating a foundation for climate manufacturing through initiatives like Industrial Action Plans and incentives for advanced industries demonstrates the potential for aligning industrial infrastructure, policy, and programs to drive the clean energy transition and economic growth. Similarly, Los Angeles is working towards becoming a durable climate manufacturing hub through coordinated programs and the development of a "Climate Manufacturing Compact" to align stakeholders around climate action and industrial growth. The Great Lakes corridor is also transitioning to become the nation's "Battery Belt," but faces challenges that can be addressed through a cohesive regional strategy with shared metrics and investments in climate manufacturing ecosystems. By working together, government, industry, and investors can create a "Climate Manufacturing Commons" where ideas, talent, and production flow across borders, proving that rebuilding industry and addressing climate change are interconnected projects of national renewal.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/regional-manufacturing-clean-economy/808016/

  • Welcome to the ‘agrihood’ – the neighbourhood of the future?

    Marcia Mikai and her colleagues are promoting the concept of agrihoods as a solution to unsustainable urban sprawl, aiming to restore ecosystems, build climate resilience, and develop healthy communities through sustainable forestry practices and mixed-use buildings. By replanting native and edible plants, agrihoods help cool cities, reduce flood risk, and replenish aquifers, while also providing shared green spaces that reconnect residents with their food and community. These zones actively sequester carbon from the atmosphere and offer environmental and social benefits for people of all ages and income levels. The UN Environment Programme's State of Finance for Nature report emphasizes the need to shift towards nature-positive solutions to prevent economic downfall, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating nature-based solutions in cities like New York to increase productivity and create a thriving economy.

    https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1166880

  • Trump’s offshore wind blockade suffers a third legal blow

    A federal judge in Virginia has blocked the Interior Department's order halting construction of offshore wind projects along the Eastern Seaboard, including one off the coast of Virginia, due to lack of sufficient reasoning and emerging national security concerns. The preliminary injunction allows construction to restart while litigation continues, as delays have already led to significant costs and will impact energy delivery to the region, including military facilities and data centers. Dominion, an energy company, is challenging the pause in court, but the government is withholding classified information. This decision follows similar rulings in favor of offshore wind projects in New York, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, highlighting the ongoing legal battles surrounding renewable energy development.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/trumps-offshore-wind-blockade-suffers-a-third-legal-blow/

  • US Misses The Offshore Wind Boat And Aquaculture, Too

    The US offshore wind industry faced setbacks under President Trump, but projects in Rhode Island, New York, and Virginia are still moving forward. Chile is emerging as a leader in offshore wind energy, with collaborations with Norway and Denmark. The aquaculture industry in Chile is benefiting from clean power solutions, including offshore wind turbines and floating solar technology. These sustainable energy sources are reducing diesel consumption, lowering costs, and improving working conditions for workers in the aquaculture industry. Offshore wind and solar companies are exploring opportunities in aquaculture, with projects in Chile and China combining renewable energy with fish farming. China's Fuxi 1 offshore facility, powered by wind turbines, can farm multiple species of fish, crustaceans, and algae simultaneously. In Norway, a project is assessing the co-location of aquaculture and offshore wind turbines, with benefits including reduced risk of sea lice and oxygen deficiency for fish health. Research shows that offshore wind farms can enhance ecosystem productivity and create a more complex food web, supporting marine ecosystems. The collaboration between offshore wind stakeholders and the global aquaculture industry is highlighted, with mentions of missed opportunities in the US and new developments in Sweden.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/22/us-misses-the-offshore-wind-boat-and-aquaculture-too-shocker/

  • NYPA adopts 5.5-GW renewable plan amid concerns over affordability, policy changes

    The New York Power Authority has approved an update to its renewables plan, adding 2.5 GW of planned capacity for a total of 5.5 GW, which includes solar, wind, distributed energy storage, and compressed air storage projects. NYPA aims to help the state meet its clean energy targets, focusing on developing 15 GW of renewables to supplement private sector energy development in New York. The plan emphasizes the importance of delivering clean, affordable electricity as electric demand grows, while also addressing challenges such as increased costs and power shortages. NYPA's updated renewables strategic plan is focused on developing clean energy projects to strengthen grid resiliency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure affordability and equity in the state's clean energy transition.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/nypa-renewable-energy-plan/807542/

  • More US States Are Promoting Balcony Solar

    Balcony solar is a concept that allows apartment dwellers to generate their own electricity by hanging solar panels on their balcony railings, democratizing the energy supply and reducing utility bills. States like Utah, New York, and Pennsylvania are passing legislation to allow for the installation of balcony solar systems, seen as a game changer for renters and low-income individuals. Despite some utility companies' hesitancy due to grid issues and threats to their business model, the growing interest in balcony solar systems at the state level is a response to federal negativity towards clean energy. Legislation exempting balcony solar systems from interconnection agreements with utility companies, along with a typical break-even point of around 3 years, is expected to make balcony solar more accessible in the future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/01/more-us-states-are-promoting-balcony-solar/

  • The Coming Slow Fade of America’s Corn Ethanol Industry

    The United States corn ethanol industry is facing challenges as gasoline demand decreases due to efficiency gains, hybrid vehicles, and EV adoption. Ethanol demand is shrinking within the declining gasoline market, with higher blend rates not able to compensate for the base decline. California and New York are leading the way in transitioning to electric vehicles, while the aviation industry is projected to see a shift in fuel demand towards batteries and biofuels. Global shipping is moving towards electrification and alternative fuels, with a decline in demand for fossil fuels. The US corn ethanol sector is expected to decline by 20% to 50% in the next twenty years due to the growth of electric vehicles and the need for producers to diversify.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/29/the-coming-slow-fade-of-americas-corn-ethanol-industry/

  • America’s EVs are a $30B grid asset. Let’s not lock it away.

    The article highlights the potential for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce electricity rates and provide grid benefits through managed charging technology. Pioneering programs in states like California and New York are proving the effectiveness of managed charging for thousands of drivers. The key question is how industry leaders will implement this technology – whether through an open, competitive marketplace or closed, proprietary systems. The focus is on building an open, interoperable system that accelerates innovation and maximizes the potential for growth in demand flexibility, leading to increased EV adoption, improved grid reliability, and reduced energy costs for consumers.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/electric-vehicle-ev-grid-asset-charging-dr/805642/

  • New Carbon “Heat Batteries” Aim To Decarbonize US Industries

    The US Department of Energy's DAYS program is aiming to stimulate investor interest in new long duration energy storage systems, with startups like Antora Energy working on innovative solutions like thermophotovoltaic devices. Antora, a company focused on renewable energy solutions, uses renewable electricity to heat solid carbon blocks for energy storage and delivery, achieving high conversion efficiency and receiving significant funding for commercial scaleup. They are working on partnerships with companies like POET and Shell for various applications, and have received awards for energy storage partnerships, including one with Con Edison in New York. Con Edison has selected thermal energy storage, electric boilers, and industrial heat pumps as technologies to drive its steam decarbonization efforts, with the potential to electrify up to one third of total steam capacity by 2035. Antora's thermophotovoltaic "heat batteries" have the capability to store renewable energy for transfer into electricity or heat, powering industrial operations and contributing to the overall decarbonization journey.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/11/giant-blocks-of-steaming-hot-carbon-are-coming-for-your-fossil-fuels/