Henry Harrell"s Blog: February 4 Green Energy News

Headline News:

Two Democratics in the New Mexico Senate have proposed a dramatic expansion of the state’s renewable portfolio standards to 80% by 2040, from its current goal of 20% by 2020. The state would then be among the most aggressive on carbon emissions. Hawaii is targeting 100% renewables by 2045, and California wants to reach 50% by 2030. [Utility Dive]

Solar power in New Mexico (credit: Depositphotos)

The much-discussed report “Expect the Unexpected…The Disruptive Power of Low Carbon Technology,” paints the future of coal and oil production as a picture that is not pretty. The researchers also basically accuse fossil energy companies of using alternative facts to project relatively slow growth in the clean energy sector. [CleanTechnica]
Denmark’s DONG Energy, already a leader in green energy technologies, has announced that they will become 100% coal-free by 2023. DONG Energy had ditched oil and gas last year. The company has created a portfolio of renewables, based on leading technologies in offshore wind, bioenergy, and energy solutions. [Digital Journal]
A group of US Senators from western states with windpower resources has re-introduced the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, S. 282. This bipartisan legislation works toward an “all of the above” energy strategy by simplifying the permitting process for wind, solar, and geothermal projects on public lands. [Windpower Engineering]
In California, Redwood Coast Energy Authority announced that the Community Choice Energy Program will go forward as planned and begin in May of this year. A senior energy specialist at RCEA said the prices for renewable energy are often more competitive and most consumers can expect a 2.7% cut in the monthly bill. [KRCRTV.COM]

Henry Harrell"s Blog