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The FBI has issued crucial cybersecurity recommendations to safeguard renewable resources from potential hackers, emphasizing basic yet essential practices often overlooked in many security protocols. These include regular monitoring of network activity for anomalies, maintaining updated system patches and robust firewall protection, and implementing encrypted offline backups. Industry experts agree that while these measures constitute a foundational security baseline, further advancements in technology and regulatory enforcement are needed to effectively combat evolving cyber threats targeting renewable energy infrastructure. For more details, read here: https://ow.ly/u5pL50Swe41

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) has introduced a groundbreaking model ordinance framework for energy storage systems, responding swiftly to safety concerns raised by recent incidents like the Aricell factory fire in South Korea. Developed with input from fire safety experts, energy storage stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, the ordinance integrates NFPA 855 standards and best practices to ensure robust fire safety measures for installations exceeding 1 MW. It streamlines permitting processes while emphasizing compliance with stringent safety protocols, including hazard analyses and emergency response plans. For more information, read the article here: https://ow.ly/YxWm50Swe1P

The U.S. Department of Energy has released new cybersecurity guidelines in collaboration with industry experts and the Idaho National Laboratory, aimed at bolstering the resilience of energy automation and industrial control systems. These guidelines outline ten key best practices for both suppliers and end users, emphasizing vulnerability management processes and continuous product support. Highlighting global concerns, discussions at the recent G7 Summit underscored the importance of enhancing cybersecurity resilience in critical sectors, including manufacturing, amidst rising cyber threats. With the Biden administration's focus on supply chain security, including the establishment of the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience, these efforts underscore a proactive approach to safeguarding digital clean energy technologies and critical infrastructure from cyber risks. To learn more, read the article: https://ow.ly/H0vF50SsOpA

The United States aims to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035, necessitating substantial solar energy expansion. According to the US National Renewable Energy Lab, meeting this goal would require about 10 million acres, or 0.4% of US land area. Addressing public perceptions, a study by the Berkeley National Laboratory and partners explores attitudes towards large-scale solar projects. Surveying residents near 380 solar installations across 39 states, findings suggest mixed reactions, with concerns heightened for projects exceeding 100 MW. Key insights emphasize the importance of transparent planning processes and community engagement in fostering positive perceptions and acceptance. For additional information, click here: https://ow.ly/RtlE50SoFFK

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant initiative aimed at bolstering New York's renewable energy capacity through a new large-scale solicitation. This effort, aligned with the state's ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, seeks proposals for large land-based renewable energy projects. Expected to attract billions in investments and generate thousands of jobs, this move underscores New York's commitment to sourcing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Administered by NYSERDA, the solicitation prioritizes economic growth and equitable community benefits, marking a pivotal step towards a sustainable, emission-free future. For more details, read here: https://ow.ly/N0C850SoFCt

The U.S. Treasury and IRS have released the final rules on the Inflation Reduction Act’s prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements, aiming to ensure fair pay and foster skilled workforce development in the clean energy sector. These guidelines enable solar developers to claim enhanced tax credits, boosting incentives for projects like wind, solar, and battery storage. Since their introduction in January 2023, these rules have supported the creation of over 270,000 jobs, with an expected 1.5 million more in the next decade. For more details, check out the article here: https://ow.ly/CbFp50Smt3a

According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's latest Energy Infrastructure Update through April 2024, solar installations led with 7,899 MW, accounting for 80.5% of new capacity additions, followed by wind at 1,825 MW. Despite this surge in renewables, natural gas still comprises 44% of the U.S. energy mix. FERC's forward-looking projections from May 2024 to April 2027 forecast solar leading capacity additions with 88,195 MW expected, highlighting a shift towards decarbonization as significant retirements of coal and natural gas are also anticipated. For a comprehensive overview of the current state and future projections of U.S. energy infrastructure, read here: https://ow.ly/QooT50Skf7P

In the first quarter of 2024, U.S. investment in clean energy and electric vehicles surged to a record $71 billion, nearly 40% higher than the same period last year, according to a report by the Clean Investment Monitor, a collaboration between the Rhodium Group and MIT. This significant growth is led by $31 billion in retail sales of zero-emissions vehicles and renewable energy products like solar panels and heat pumps. Utility-scale solar and energy storage deployments contributed another $24 billion, with emerging technologies such as hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels attracting $6.3 billion. The manufacturing sector also saw substantial growth, particularly in the electric vehicle supply chain, with a total of $17 billion invested. This trend highlights a major shift in U.S. investment towards sustainability, now accounting for over 5% of all private investments in the country, which is inline with the need for continued investment to meet ambitious climate goals. For more details, read here: https://ow.ly/KsUc50SfkYn

In the first quarter of 2024, the U.S. set a record with the installation of 11.8GWdc of solar capacity, adding to more than 40GW installed in the previous year. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, this was the second-largest quarter for installations ever, only surpassed by Q4 of 2023. Solar power now accounts for 75% of all new electricity-generating capacity in the U.S., with Florida and Texas leading in utility-scale projects. Despite facing some challenges, the U.S. solar industry is expected to continue its robust growth, potentially doubling its capacity to 438GW by 2029. This expansion is bolstered by significant increases in domestic manufacturing capacity, which reached 26.6GW in Q1 2024. Discover more about this remarkable growth and the future prospects of the U.S. solar industry here: https://ow.ly/mK2n50SfkS5

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new methodology to estimate the climate and air quality benefits of wind and solar energy. Analyzing data from 2019 to 2022, their study indicates that wind and solar power contributed approximately $249 billion in health and environmental benefits during this period. This method provides a detailed analysis of how renewable energy reduces emissions such as CO2, SO2, and NOx by replacing fossil fuel generation. The study illustrates the significant benefits of renewables in improving air quality and mitigating climate change effects. It also demonstrates the displacement of fossil fuel generation by renewables, emphasizing the role of wind and solar in advancing sustainability efforts both in the U.S. and globally. To learn more about this research and its implications for future energy policies: https://ow.ly/Z5VN50S7Fhe