In many ways, this has been a tough summer in the Southeast. Our region sizzled under a brutal heat dome. Families struggled to recover from Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and, more recently, Erin. Communities reeled from flash flooding in North Carolina. And yet, as the Clean Energy Generation, we continued to show our resilience in the face of these unnatural disasters. From churches in Georgia creating solar-powered resilience hubs, to hotels in Florida’s national parks embracing energy efficiency, to solar installers in North Carolina bouncing back after Hurricane Helene, our clean energy future continued to become a reality. Take a look at just six of the many inspiring signs of resilience we’ve seen in the Southeast so far this year.
Georgia African Methodist Episcopal churches create solar-powered resilience hubs
Georgia’s African Methodist Episcopal Churches are going solar. By installing solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, and energy efficiency measures, up to 482 church sites could eventually offset roughly 93.5% of their energy usage. In addition to cutting pollution and costs, these solar-powered churches could also serve as energy hubs during natural disasters — a big benefit in a state particularly susceptible to outages from extreme weather. Read more.
Climate disaster survivor turns loss into teaching opportunity
108 U.S. disaster declarations impacted 137 million people last year. Their survivors are stepping up to take climate action. That includes Nabila Wilson, whose family lost their home in Houston to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Now a sophomore at South Carolina’s Furman University, Wilson uses her experience to lead two separate environmental groups, empowering and training her fellow students for action. Read more.
Shipping containers form new ‘hurricane-proof eco-hotel’ in Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park’s iconic Flamingo Lodge has begun welcoming visitors again. Following damage from back-to-back hurricanes, the lodge was rebuilt to withstand hurricane-force winds. Built entirely from durable steel shipping containers, Flamingo Lodge now features low-flow plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient windows, LED lighting, and solar panels, which are used to heat the bathrooms and showers in the nearby eco-tents. Read more.
Atlanta combats urban heat with reflective ‘cool roofs’
“It’s a super cost-effective way to make the city healthier, more competitive, cut energy bills, and protect jobs.” Atlanta has joined a growing number of American cities requiring that all new roofs be more reflective. Doing so will not only significantly reduce temperatures within the buildings themselves, but within the surrounding urban environments — by as much as 6.3 degrees in the hottest neighborhoods. Read more.
North Carolina microgrids to provide reliable power after natural disasters
Hurricane Helene spotlighted how advantageous microgrids — small independent power grids — can be to communities that have suffered disasters. Now, North Carolina is investing $5 million in the technology. The investment will provide as many as 24 stationary microgrids that will be installed across six western counties affected by Hurricane Helene. It will also purchase two mobile microgrid hubs — one on the coast and one in the mountains. Read more.
Asheville solar installer builds back after Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene wiped out their Biltmore warehouse, Asheville solar installer Sugar Hollow Solar was left with around $1 million in ruined solar products and tools. But with the help of partners, competitors, FEMA and small business grants, the company was back to installing within just two weeks. Since then, Sugar Hollow has donated installation work for community organizations that could serve as hubs during future disasters. Read more.
Follow along each week
These stories highlight just a few of the positive things happening in our area! Every day, we see signs of hope. The Clean Energy Generation is creating a future powered by clean energy that leads to clean air and water, good jobs, and vibrant communities.
Would you like to see more stories like this? We’ve got just the thing for you! Every Thursday, we share the latest clean energy news on Instagram with #CleanEnergyNews. Join us as we celebrate the progress and signs of hope in the clean energy transition.
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