January 6 NEC Energy News
¶ “US Reservoirs Could Host Up To 1,042 GW Of Floating Solar” • US Federally controlled reservoirs have “ample” potential for floating solar generation capacity, an NREL study says. Capacity estimates range from 861 GW to 1,042 GW, showing a potential to generate about half of the solar energy needed to decarbonize the US electric grid. [pv magazine International]
¶ “IAEA Reports Explosions And Gunfire Near Zaporizhzhia NPP” • International Atomic Energy Agency staff reported loud explosions near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant. There were also reports of machine gun fire coming from the area around the plant. IAEA experts noted that military activity near the ZNPP intensified in the last 24 hours. [RBC-Ukraine]
¶ “Germany Passes 100-GW Solar Milestone” • Germany’s installed solar capacity exceeded 100 GW at the turn of the new year, according to government data analyzed by the German Solar Industry Association. This installed capacity provided for around 14% of electricity consumption in 2024, up from the 12% it covered in 2023. [reNews]
¶ “Why Is The Sea Level Rise Higher In The Southeast Than In Other Parts Of The US?” • NOAA 210 continuously operating water level stations throughout the US and its territories. The Fort Pulaski tide gauge, near Savannah, Georgia, has recorded roughly ten inches of sea level rise since 1935 – over seven of which came since 2010. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Wind Is Biggest Source Of UK Electricity For First Time” • Thousands of wind turbines, both on and offshore, have become the biggest single source of Britain’s electricity for the first time, according to analysis of the annual energy mix. Wind generation rose to a 30% share last year from 29% in 2023, displacing gas-fired plants as the primary source. [The Times]
¶ “Regulatory Chaos Could Disrupt US Solar Manufacturing And Implementation” • The Inflation Reduction Act is a spectacular success. A recent White House press release says that, in the two years since its passage, companies have announced $265 billion in clean energy investments, creating over 330,000 jobs. The new leadership wants to dismantle it. [CleanTechnica]
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