The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a funding opportunity of up to $300 million in grants for states, tribes, and local governments to accelerate and streamline siting and permitting procedures for electric transmission projects across the United States.
Developers around the country are focusing on constructing energy-resilient community microgrids, which function as self-contained power grids.
On July 27, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) unanimously approved a final rule that aims to streamline and speed up the grid interconnection process for transmission providers.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants aim to modernize the electric grid and enhance its resilience against climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters, ensuring reliable and clean electricity for all communities.
The future of renewable energy may lie in microgrids—but what does it actually take to implement one? From navigating utility regulations to weathering the effects of COVID-19, the EcoBlock research team reflects on the complexities of executing the pilot microgrid project.
With the decreased value of solar coming under the program, implementing storage to offset lost value will be a natural next step.
“If all of the homes in Oakland were to switch to heat pump space heaters, it would eliminate half of the greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector,” says the sustainability director for the City of Oakland.
According to EcoBlock Senior Advisor Dr. Alexandra “Sascha” von Meier, microgrids are “probably the best solution” to maintain reliable power in areas that feel the brunt of climate impacts.
Co-developed by EcoBlock’s Larry Strain, FAIA, the CARE Tool estimates the operational and embodied carbon emissions associated with reusing and upgrading an existing building or replacing it with new construction.
EcoBlock Senior Advisor Dr. Alexandra “Sascha” von Meier weighs in on the state of California’s electric grid in light of recent winter storms that have prompted major evacuations and left thousands without power.