Is It Progressive? The headlines about the democratic primary is that the climate discussion is pushing the field to the left. I think that is entirely missing the point given that we’ve been trying to solve energy issues for decades and that many States passed 20% RPS policies more than a decade ago. This isn’t a political shift to the left, this is solving a massive climate crisis through policy because when it comes to highly regulated markets, only government can do that. Putting seat belts in cars and eliminating smoking in airplanes wasn’t a shift to the left, it was common sense.
Is It Denial? Take a look at the other side of the spectrum, Duke Energy’s IRP in Indiana is a good example. Coal plants that stay open for decades even though that increases the cost to consumers (even when Pence thinks that clean coal is the future) and new gas plants when they aren’t the cheapest option (Duke should ask NextEra about that). There should be a harder look, not only at the monopoly business model, but the decisions that are made counter to the best interests of the consumers.
The Gas Tax Cost Shift. This is true. EVs don’t pay for the typical gas tax that is included in the cost of fuel which pays for roads, highways etc. There will undoubtedly have to be an equivalent fee on the electricity used to charge electric vehicles once they’ve crossed the chasm in adoption. BUT, at the same time, EV owners including operators of charging stations will have to renegotiate their negative cost shift since they are heavy electricity users and pay for a higher portion of the grid cost than the non EV owners.
China Grows Roots. China’s Silk Road Fund is buying 49% of ACWA, the Saudi renewable energy development company that is active across the African continent and Middle East.
Nominations Ahead. I always enjoy seeing nominations and winners in the Cleantech space because it introduces me and the market to people I haven’t met yet. Now is your chance to put forth your names.
- Axios: 2020 Democrats fight for progressive cred on climate change
- Utility Dive: Duke Indiana IRP adds 1,240 MW gas, keeps some coal online for almost 20 years
- CleanTechnica: How Should Electric Car Drivers Pay For Using Roads?
- PV-Tech: China’s Silk Road scoops up 49% stake in ACWA Power holding
- GreenBiz: Nominate a cleantech visionary for the VERGE Vanguard
- Solar Power World: Illinois agency says state won’t reach RPS of 25% by 2025 unless legislation changes
- Grist: Watch out, Big Oil. Jay Inslee’s back at it again with a greenhouse gas fee.
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann