Repower Solar. The existing solar PPAs around the country are on a clear path to be replaced by better technology. Especially the projects that don’t have production caps and high PPA rates. At the same rate, distributed solar will be retrofitted with energy storage at a high rate. Both of these markets will test how the solar channels attempt to create new avenues for growth.
No Money Left. JP Morgan is going to limit its financing activities for some fossil fuel projects including coal plants. As you read the details of the new limits, it seems like more of an underwriting criteria than an environmental statement.
The Missed Military Opportunity. As one of the largest users of energy in the world, the US military has the trifecta of land (buildings), credit rating and energy consumption. This makes the military one of the best places to build renewable energy and work on microgrids on a national defense basis. Unfortunately this market is slower than it should due to politics or perceived political direction.
Faster Permitting. There is no doubt that larger projects need to get their approvals faster. With the flow of NTP (notice to proceed) projects limiting the deployment of capital, faster permitting means more jobs and growth for the industry. Not just large projects but imagine the limitation of approvals for residential projects. Like you I was skeptical about the instant permitting in the US for residential solar but why not? This is a process that could easily be streamlined and lower the cost of rooftop solar by a huge amount.
- Greentech Media: Solar Repowering Could Be Coming Sooner Than You Think
- Axios: JPMorgan Chase to pull support for some fossil fuels
- Vox: “All hell breaking loose” – How the Pentagon is planning for climate change
- Utility Dive: New York governor proposes renewable energy permitting office to speed projects
- PV-Tech: Vietnam sets long-term renewable goals as solar auctions beckon
- Grist: Bloomberg bombed the debate, but his climate record is pretty good
Opinion
Best, Yann