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Renewable Rundown: July 2022
TGP’s monthly blog dedicated to renewable energy & sustainability created by TGP alumna and mechanical engineer Kayla Loy.
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Renewable Energy
The US Energy Storage Monitor report showed that Q1 of 2022 had 4 times the amount of grid-scale storage installations than Q1 of 2021. The milestone is extra significant considering it’s more common to see an increase of installations like this in Q3 or Q4. Residential installations also broke a record of having 334MWh installed which was previously set last year in Q4 at 283 MWh installed. Storage installations are mostly on the West coast and Southwest regions.
Policy
Policy SB 2510 has caused major concern in Hawaii solar advocates and companies. The policy states that at least 33.33% of renewable energy on each island needs to come from “firm” renewable energy sources versus intermittent ones like solar and wind. Ig Governor Ige does not veto the policy, it would halt new construction on islands that already have over 66.66% intermittent renewable energy. Although the bill is aiming to add more hydro, pumped storage, and hydrogen energy, solar is the cheapest option to purchase in Hawaii and also employs around 3,000 people.
The US DOT and DOE are working together to create steps to get to Biden’s goals of 500,000 electric vehicle chargers along highways. Steps include securing funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, private investments, commitments for parts built domestically, procuring 100% zero-emission federal vehicles by 2035, and establishing fuel and emission standards. Additionally The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program will provide $5 billion to states to build charging stations along highways.
Innovation
A plastic packaging alternative company has developed packaging made out of seaweed. The company is working with other green-minded companies and research and development labs to continue the development of their biopolymer. Seaweed is an attractive source because of its abundance and many uses, which is being looked at to create more of a circular economy. Seaweed farming is also shown to be a carbon sink as well as help regulate water pH and oxygenation.
Sustainable Action
Window Film
I’ve always considered a window film as something that goes around the whole window sill for added insulation for cold months but never for summer months. Although most films are private, solar films focus on blocking UV rays into homes which can extend the lifetime of furniture or other household items. Standard glass windows allow 60% of UV rays in, adding a solar film can block up to 99.9% of UV rays. It also regulates indoor air temperature resulting in higher energy efficiency.
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