The traditional conservative planning model for the electric grid in the United States has hindered the deployment of clean energy by underutilizing infrastructure. Shifting to software-driven monitoring can unlock significant capacity on existing infrastructure without the need for new transmission lines or power plants. Startups like GridCARE are using software to identify and utilize idle capacity, leading to efficiency gains in a matter of weeks. This shift in planning approach is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources and improving grid stability, while also maximizing the value of the existing grid infrastructure to lower costs for consumers and activate latent capacity. Advanced software can help identify immediate opportunities to interconnect new generation and alleviate multi-year queue backlogs, providing a bridge to uncover hidden capacity in the existing system.
Tag: the United States
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Solar Energy Is Essential (Trump Just Won’t Admit It)
Solar energy is recognized as the fastest and most economical way to increase kilowatts in the grid, with the US Air Force supporting the space solar industry. Germanium-based solar modules have set a new world record for solar conversion efficiency, but there is a shortage of germanium in the US. The Department of War has awarded $18.1 million to a domestic producer to address the germanium shortfall for defense applications. The US Air Force sees solar energy as a next-level logistics improvement over fossil fuels, with plans to deploy space-based systems to harvest solar energy in orbit and beam it down to Earth. Private sector stakeholders are working towards demonstrating space-based solar technology within the next 10 years. Research is being conducted by the USAF on space solar energy delivery to Earth, with a focus on fuel resupply in the Indo-Pacific region. The project, titled PERSEUS, aims to provide clean energy anywhere on Earth in the early 2030s. The technology could be used for defense applications once deployed, offering a way to reduce reliance on vulnerable fuel supply chains. Solar energy demand is also increasing on Earth, with the US solar industry dominating new utility-scale capacity additions to the nation's grid. Additionally, the US defense supplier York Space Systems has acquired the space solar startup Solestial to secure a domestic source for critical space solar capability. Solestial is preparing to produce new solar cells in the United States after acquiring manufacturing equipment from Meyer Burger. The company aims to expand its manufacturing capabilities and supply chain control with this strategic move. Solestial's focus is on in-space applications for its self-healing silicon solar technology. The US Air Force recognizes the importance of solar energy for national defense, potentially replacing fuel resupply missions for ground operations.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/15/space-solar-energy-us-air-force-essential/
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AirPlantTM One Opens in Moses Lake: America’s First Commercial E-Jet® Fuel Plant Begins Operations
Twelve has opened AirPlant One in Washington, the first facility in the US to produce E-Jet fuel and E-Naphtha from CO2 and renewable electricity. Alaska Airlines and Microsoft were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony, committing to purchasing output from the facility. The E-Jet SAF and E-Naphtha offer lower CO2 emissions, price predictability, and support domestic industrial growth. Microsoft's strategic investment aims to reduce emissions associated with business travel and advance clean energy solutions in aviation and global industry. Twelve's focus on electrifying fuel and chemical production using CO2 and renewable electricity is commercially viable in the United States and can scale to additional production sites and airline partners.
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Largest Solar Cell Factory In USA Starts Production in Georgia
Qcells has opened a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia, adding 3.3 GW of ingot, wafer, cell, and 3.5 GW of module capacity, making it the first U.S. factory to produce all major parts of a solar PV module under one roof. The company will benefit from tax credits and subsidies from the Biden administration, creating thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs and meeting the growing demand for domestically produced solar equipment. The thriving solar power industry in the United States, with Qcells expected to create nearly 4,000 direct jobs, can now power around 80 million homes. CleanTechnica provides in-depth analyses and summaries on clean energy topics, offering tips, advertising, and guest suggestions for those interested in climate solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/largest-solar-cell-factory-in-usa-starts-production-in-georgia/
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World Cup venues achieve LEED sustainability certification
Thirteen out of the sixteen stadiums for the FIFA World Cup have achieved LEED certification, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. The certified stadiums have installed over 11,500 solar panels, saving water and reducing single-use plastics. FIFA has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. LEED-certified buildings, including sports venues, use less energy, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve water compared to conventional buildings. Several stadiums in the United States, including AT&T Stadium and MetLife Stadium, have achieved gold certification for their sustainability efforts in preparation for hosting matches during the upcoming World Cup, resulting in a 16% reduction in overall energy use.
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A landmark MIT study debunks persistent myths about electric vehicles
A new analysis published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that battery electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States have a smaller carbon footprint and lower overall costs compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Factors such as local electricity grid greenness, climate, and driving habits play a significant role in the emissions savings from EVs. Despite higher upfront costs, EVs offer lower fuel and maintenance expenses, making them cost-competitive with gasoline vehicles even without tax credits. The study provides tools for policymakers and individuals to assess the benefits of EVs based on their specific circumstances, showing that EVs can reduce emissions by 40-60% compared to gasoline cars in most parts of the country, with the greenness of the local grid being a key determinant.
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Environmental News Network – For Most US Drivers, EVs Offer Emissions Benefits and Cost Savings
A recent study by MIT researchers concluded that electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and are cost-competitive with gas-powered vehicles across most regions in the United States. The study took into account factors such as regional climate variations, electricity sources, traffic congestion, and driving habits to analyze life-cycle emissions and ownership costs. By examining meteorological data, trip characteristics, and fuel prices in thousands of U.S. zip codes, the researchers provided a detailed analysis of the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles. This comprehensive study, finalized in late 2024 and early 2025, highlights the potential for electric vehicles to be a key climate solution in reducing emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable transportation system.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77984-for-most-us-drivers-evs-offer-emissions-benefits-and-cost-savings
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Solar farms can help to regenerate land while generating energy, new study finds
A new study analyzing 147 individual studies has shown that solar farms have regenerative effects on degraded land by reducing wind speeds, lowering surface and soil temperatures, and increasing soil moisture. Solar power was found to have positive impacts on the environment compared to fossil fuels, with solar farms significantly reducing wind speeds and albedo across different surface types. The majority of solar farms studied were located in arid climate conditions, with the largest number in China, the United States, and India. Solar farms were also found to significantly reduce soil temperature by 2.42°C and increase soil water content by 38.60%, particularly on cropland and grassland. These findings highlight the potential of solar farms to positively influence soil conditions in agricultural and grassland areas.
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The U.S. Is Manufacturing a Ton of Grid Batteries
The United States has made significant progress in producing its own energy storage systems, with batteries accounting for 28 percent of new power plant capacity this year. President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act has incentivized domestic battery production, leading to self-sufficiency in grid battery enclosures and cells. By the end of 2025, the US is projected to have the capacity to produce 145 gigawatt-hours of finished grid storage systems annually. The industry now faces the challenge of potentially exporting surplus batteries to maintain manufacturing potential. LG Energy Solution Vertech is leading the rapid growth in grid-battery manufacturing, with plans to increase cell production capacity to 50 gigawatt-hours across North America this year. The Department of Energy is investing $500 million in funding to strengthen battery supply chains domestically, emphasizing the importance of a resilient and responsive supply chain for delivering power quickly. U.S. manufacturing can improve delivery certainty and shorten project timelines, with industrial reshoring seen as a way to protect against geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions caused by the White House. A local supply chain helps protect against U.S.-led disruptions in the global trade.
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The US Is Sitting On 161 Gigawatts Of Wind Farm Capacity
Repowering older wind farms in the US with new, more efficient turbines could add an additional 161 gigawatts in capacity without requiring additional land. This process involves replacing outdated equipment with new rotors, blades, and taller turbine towers to increase capacity, reduce operating expenses, neighbor complaints, and wildlife impacts, while freeing up land for other purposes. Wind repowering is highlighted as a key strategy to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy in the United States, with the potential to more than double the capacity of existing wind farms by 2024. The importance of repowering projects in addressing societal factors, regulation, and development principles is noted, emphasizing the need for a negotiated process between communities and developers to unlock the full potential of wind energy. Trump's policies are mentioned but wind energy continues to grow and play a key role in the nation's energy mix, with utility-scale solar and storage leading the way in capacity additions for 2026.