SolarWakeup Changes. In the seventh year of this newsletter, it has grown way more than I ever expected. With that growth comes some influence but it also creates costs of hosting, email services, social media and back office. As I look forward to creating a bigger family with more channels, more podcasts (Wakeup Podcast Network is coming), and bigger events, the newsletter has to become a premium product. You’ll still be able to see some of the top stories but the newsletter commentary will be sent daily to paying subscribers. It will be worth the small price and you can subscribe here.
Governor Newsom Speaks Up. Over the past few weeks PG&E has been making moves that very much differ from the goals I was hoping for. Turning down the slate of directors that could have messaged a future focused on safety and clean energy and floating the TVA CEO as the next CEO. California’s Governor wasn’t excited about these moves and in coordination with the CPUC chair sent that message loud and clear. Calling the recent moves “troubling” and focused on short term profits instead of safety and reliability.
Solar Battery Replaces Retiring Gas. Florida Power & Light will be adding a 2hour 900MWh battery to an existing solar farm in Florida. The flexibility will allow for the retirement of 2 end of life natural gas plants. The canary in the proverbial rate base mine.
SC Slow Solar Stall? The solar industry was heading to South Carolina last week with a rally and SEIA representation. Solar has a wonderful opportunity to be the anti-monopoly and anti-corruption market that benefits South Carolina. I hope the legislature can see that future and passes the bill.
LEGO Goes Solar. The family holding company of the toy company, LEGO, has acquired the majority stake of Enerparc US. Enerparc, which is based in my hometown of Hamburg Germany, is a large player in the European market and has been slowly making some moves in the US. I’m curious to see how LEGO sees itself participating in the US market as an investor or developer.
- San Francisco Chronicle: ‘California deserves better’ – Gov. Newsom blasts PG&E’s board revamp effort
- ARS Technica: Florida utility to close natural gas plants, build massive solar-powered battery
- Post and Courier: SC solar bill moving slowly through state Senate, missing deadlines
- Forbes: LEGO Buys U.S. Solar Power Builder
- Think Progress: Renewables ‘have won the race’ against coal and are starting to beat natural gas
- Greentech Media: Fact-Checking President Trump’s Assessment of Wind Power and Electric Vehicles
- GreenBiz: Tracking the relationship between the oil supermajors and climate change
- Utility Dive: Exclusive – PG&E’s future rests on board picks, CPUC president says
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann