Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: New York

  • As Fossil Fuel Costs Rise, Renewable Energy And Storage Shine

    Renewable energy and energy storage are dominating new utility-scale power generation capacity in the US, providing opportunities for energy consumers to buffer against fossil fuel price spikes. New York and New Jersey are leading the way in developing robust renewable energy profiles, with a focus on incentives for homeowners and innovative projects like floating solar power plants. Virtual power plants are being utilized to coordinate demand and supply among small devices, helping utilities avoid costly new gas plant construction. States like Massachusetts are setting ambitious targets for offshore wind projects and new solar and storage capacity by 2035, aiming to achieve significant savings through renewable energy initiatives. Despite uncertainties surrounding factors like natural gas costs and federal energy policy changes, US states are continuing to promote renewable energy transitions with incentives for energy storage, virtual power plants, and new wind and solar projects.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/17/as-fossil-fuel-costs-rise-renewable-energy-storage-shine/

  • Trump’s Offshore Wind Nightmare Becomes Reality

    Despite President Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind farm projects like Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, the development of multiple gigawatts of clean power on the Atlantic Coast is progressing. Vineyard Wind, with all 62 turbines now installed, is contributing to the growth of the domestic offshore wind industry. Revolution Wind, serving Rhode Island and Connecticut, reached a key milestone by sending electricity to the grid and is expected to save ratepayers up to $500 million per year. Other delayed projects, like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Empire Wind, are also moving towards completion. With congestion pricing upheld in New York and the Sunrise Wind project progressing towards commissioning in 2027, the US offshore wind industry continues to grow, with multiple gigawatts of clean electricity heading for the nation's grid.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/14/trumps-offshore-wind-nightmare-has-become-reality/

  • The US Offshore Wind Industry Gets An Assist From Singapore

    The Empire Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of New York, initially halted by President Trump, is back on track with the use of shuttle models and a Jones-compliant vessel from Singapore for construction. Seatrium has built a new WTIV for the US offshore wind industry, designed to handle large turbines and comply with the Jones Act. Despite challenges, including Trump's attempts to halt projects, the vessel is now in use at the Empire Wind project. The global offshore wind industry is growing, with advancements in technology and construction progressing worldwide, showcasing the potential for renewable energy industries to thrive.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/07/a-boat-made-in-singapore-will-build-an-offshore-wind-farm-in-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/