February 5 NEC Energy News
¶ “Spain Deploys 6.46 GW Of New Solar In 2024” • In 2024, Spain installed 6.64 GW of PV systems, a slight increase from 5.59 GW in 2023, according to the grid operator. The country’s total installed PV capacity reached 32 GW by the end of 2024. The authorities also permitted of thirteen storage projects in the year. [pv magazine International]
¶ “Texas A&M University System Offers Land For Companies To Build Nuclear Reactors” • Chancellor John Sharp announced that the Texas A&M University System offered land to four nuclear reactor companies to build small nuclear reactors. Land could be “the missing element needed to bring more nuclear power to the state’s electric grid.” [KCENTV.com]
¶ “IAEA Postpones Mission Rotation At Zaporizhzhia NPP Over Lack Of Security Guarantees From Russia” • IAEA has postponed mission rotation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant due to lack of security guarantees from Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is calling on the international community to support the Agency. [Ukrinform]
¶ “How Solar And Sheep Can Support Each Other” • Grazing sheep with solar panels, which helps ensure plant growth doesn’t block solar panels, is the latest example of how solar power can deliver significant financial benefits to farmers. A study out of Western University shows how solar is good for farmland and local ecosystems. [Environment America]
¶ “Tesla Sales Plummet In Europe And California” • Tesla stock continues to trade at about a bazillion times earnings, but there are warning signs flashing for those who are thinking about what lies ahead for the company. Bloomberg Hyperdrive reports that Tesla sales plummeted 63% in January 2025 in France. Tesla sales were also down in California. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “LA Wildfires Highlight US’ Insurance Crisis As Homeowners Try To Recover Lost Homes” • A growing crisis in US home insurance is in the spotlight as Californians begin the long road to rebuilding from wildfires. The number of residential policies issued under the state’s FAIR plan doubled between 2020 and 2024, but it is bare-bones coverage. [ABC News]
¶ “$156 Million Solar Power Grant For Washington In Limbo After Trump Order” • Washington was locked out of about $150 million in federal funding for solar projects focused on low-income communities last week as the Trump administration paused clean energy grants. The funds had been awarded by the EPA last April. [Washington State Standard]
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