This week in clean energy news, Massachusetts and Maryland announced new programs that will enable them to meet their clean energy goals. In other news, decreasing prices for solar power and battery storage are making renewables even more popular around the world. New statistics were revealed that show the steady yet promising increase in clean energy adoption, highlighted by prominent job growth. Finally, Nissan announced plans for a new vehicle that could put all concerns about electric vehicles to rest.

What news did you been reading last week? Share with us @GreentownLabs!

UtilityDive– In Massachusetts, utilities take a collaborative approach to EV infrastructure

• In less than a decade, the state of Massachusetts hopes to see 300,000 electric vehicles on the road, a dramatic increase from the 6,200 currently being driven. The target could eliminate up to 80% of pollution generated in the transportation industry, which accounts for 40% of total state emissions. A majority of the $24 million invested in the program will be used to install EV charging stations and educate the public about the importance of clean transportation. 

“From our perspective, this is a demonstration of a new approach to helping deploy charging infrastructure as well as consumer education” 

The Baltimore Sun– PSC ruling means Maryland could be home to nation’s second and third offshore wind farms

• This week, the Public Service Commission announced ratepayer subsidies to support massive offshore wind projects in Maryland. The ruling will position Maryland as a national leader in offshore wind production. The facilities will help the state meet its clean energy goals while providing thousands of jobs.

“It enables us to meet our clean, renewable energy goals using energy generated within the state while conditioning our approval on holding project developers to their promises of creating jobs and spurring economic growth.”

The Guardian– Indian solar power prices hit record low, undercutting fossil fuels

• In recent years, the price of solar power has dramatically decreased in India. For the first time, solar prices have fallen below that of fossil fuels. The increasing affordability leads experts to believe the nation will vastly exceed renewable energy targets set at the Paris climate accords. Prices can be attributed to investor confidence in clean technology

“It shows there is enough happening to attract investment, attract interest from companies who have otherwise been cautious.”

Time– How Batteries Could Revolutionize Renewable Energy

• While wind and solar are often looked to as the future of energy, batteries could enable their large-scale adaptation. The biggest concern for most renewable sources is reliability, something battery storage can solve. The state of California is a prime example of batteries supplementing clean energy systems when the falter, instead of using fossil fuels for support. Batteries are also becoming widely available due to price decreases in tandem with wind and solar.

“Energy storage is being viewed by network operators as a potential tool in their toolbox, and that hasn’t been the case up until now.”

Solar Industry– Solar And Wind Provided Over Half Of New U.S. Capacity In First Quarter

• According to statistics from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, renewable energies generated the majority of power provided to the U.S. grid in the first quarter of 2017. During the period, wind and solar provided slightly more than 50% of electricity added. Additionally, coal and oil contributed no new generating capacity. 

“Further, generating capacity by renewable sources is now more than double that of nuclear power (9.10%) and is rapidly approaching that of coal (24.25%), the analysis adds.”

Fortune– This Is the Fastest Growing Job in the U.S.

• A new study from technology company SmartAsset revealed that between 2012-2016, the fastest growing job market has been solar panel installers. This year, over 200,000 jobs were created in April alone. The average income for installers is $42,500, well above the national average. 

CleanTechnia– Nissan Targets 550 Kilometer Electric Car By 2020

• If you ask most people, their primary concern with electric vehicles is driving range. Nissan is looking to solve that problem with its new concept, which can apparently travel over 300 miles between charges. Nissan expects to release the model by 2020. 

“It’s a usable range, 300 miles. I believe that the technology will lead us there.”