Brightening Our Corner Newsletter - February 2018

This is the quarterly newsletter for the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, a private family foundation that seeks to promote a sustainable society by supporting and funding educational and project-based initiatives that advance knowledge and innovation in sustainability.

Grid Modernization: Increasing Capital Investments To Decrease Risk

Growing commitment to distributed energy resources (DER) is forcing continued modernization of the grid — and the effort shows no signs of letting up. Whether by regulatory mandate or stakeholder pressure, system upgrades are being made worldwide to support the increase in renewable energy, while making infrastructure smarter and more resilient. Historically, attention to the grid’s distribution system focused on poles and wire maintenance and upkeep, but growing connectivity between assets is requiring a more holistic approach.

Electrification on the Rise: Can Electric Vehicle Charging Networks Keep Up?

Last year marked a monumental turning point for the future of electric vehicles (EVs), with several auto companies such as Volkswagen AG, General Motors and Volvo announcing significant electrification plans. Bolstered by improved battery technology, longer battery range, greater variety and lower prices, consumer confidence in EVs is at an all-time high. According to Forbes, light-duty EV sales in the United States rose 37 percent in 2016.

Utilities need to start thinking now about how they are going to scale up power infrastructure to meet the increased demand for commercial and personal vehicles. Although the benefits of electrification are undeniable, the move away from internal combustion engines is raising questions about energy management and grid stability.

Non-Profit Donates Funds, Research Toward Improving Transportation

The Trustees of the Atlanta-based Ray C. Anderson Foundation have granted an additional $2 million to The Ray over the next two years, to fund important research, pilot projects and emerging technologies with the potential to shape the transportation infrastructure of the future.

Duke Energy Proposes Two Additional Renewable Energy Programs for North Carolina Customers

Duke Energy has filed two more renewable energy programs with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to expand renewable energy options for its 3.2 million customers in the state.

Rebecca Leber on the Dawn of Solar Protectionism

This week on Sea Change Radio we dig deeper into one of those recent headlines, and see how bad the news actually is. The decision to impose a 30% tariff on solar panels and solar cells coming from overseas is a move that leaves most renewable energy advocates apoplectic.

Duke Energy Proposes $62 Million Solar Rebate Program in North Carolina

Duke Energy today proposed a $62 million solar rebate program designed to help its North Carolina customers with the upfront cost of installing solar panels on their property. This is the first of three customer programs Duke Energy is proposing as part of the implementation of 2017's Competitive Energy Solutions for North Carolina law – also known as House Bill 589.

Ecocentricity Blog: The Anthropocene Can Wait

Solar cells imported into the United States will now face a tariff. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it could have been worse.

Data and Partnerships Serve as the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Smarter Cities

The insights uncovered in Black & Veatch’s 2018 Strategic Directions: Smart Cities & Utilities Report demonstrate a growing awareness among communities and utilities that modern, digital infrastructure such as data collection networks, infrastructure automation and advanced communication systems are the key components of today’s smart city initiatives. It is only through these systems that cities and utilities can optimize operations to realize the promise of the smart city – and create a sustainable future.

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