Renewable Energy Sector Faces Temporary Cost Increases, But Growth Remains Optimistic
The renewable energy sector is facing temporary cost increases due to high demand and supply chain issues, but experts remain optimistic about its growth. Meanwhile, various initiatives and developments are underway across the United States to promote clean energy and address regulatory hurdles.
In St. Louis, Ameren is collaborating with organizations to install solar panels at a newly constructed hub for over 20 nonprofits. In South Bend, Indiana, a new initiative offers free energy assessments, grants, and low-interest loans to help local organizations adopt solar projects. Illinois' Farm Bureau advises landowners to be cautious when dealing with surveyors for a carbon dioxide pipeline project. Xcel Energy's long-term energy plan includes potentially building two natural gas peaking plants, drawing criticism from advocates who suggest clean energy and battery storage could play a larger role. An Indiana company seeks legislative protection from liability claims related to underground carbon injection without landowner permission. Enbridge has stopped an uncontrolled groundwater flow a year after piercing an aquifer during the Line 3 pipeline construction in Minnesota.
In Germany, Vattenfall has completed the country's largest Agri-PV solar park in Tützpatz, with plans to start construction by the end of 2023 and operate it by 2025. RWE aims to supply about 70,000 households with green electricity annually through multiple photovoltaic projects in the Landkreis Hildburghausen area, expected to be operational around 2025. The Solarenergie-Förderverein Deutschland e.V. (SFV) advocates for clearer planning frameworks and fewer obstacles for solar installations, particularly on multi-family buildings, but expresses concerns about regulatory hurdles and inadequate legislative support.
Despite recent challenges and controversies, such as the proposed Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac potentially becoming a stranded asset within 20 years, and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's refusal to release a full inspector general investigation into the botched demolition of a former coal plant smokestack, efforts to promote renewable energy and address regulatory barriers continue across the United States and Europe.
