The Clean Energy Generation is making progress every day here in the Southeast. From solar and farmland thriving together, to electric school buses powering the grid, to a Costco distribution center going solar, our clean energy future is becoming a reality. Take a look at just six of the many amazing signs of clean energy adoption in the Southeast we’ve seen over the past few months.
Solar and Farmland Thrive Together in North Carolina
“Solar and agriculture can thrive together,” and it’s thriving right here in the Southeast, including in North Carolina. In fact, according to the SEIA, “Solar development uses a very small amount of farmland compared to many other common land uses, while also delivering affordable energy, local tax revenue, and reliable income for farmers and landowners.” Read more.
Electric School Buses Send Power to the Grid
“School buses will be a critically important backbone of V2G capacity.” The batteries of more than 200 electric school buses are sending power back to the grid, easing the strain as soaring temperatures create skyrocketing demand. At least 31 utilities in 21 states are taking advantage of this V2G technology, with hundreds more electric school buses expected to come online. Read more.
Costco Florida Distribution Center Adds Solar and Storage
Stocking up on sunshine! Popular club retailer Costco is powering its Port St. Lucie, Florida distribution center with a combination of solar energy and battery storage. Built in response to surging energy demand and rising energy costs, this new system not only powers the whole distribution center, but also the on-site chargers for the company’s electric fleet. Read more.
Atlanta Requires New Roofs to be Reflective
“They’re not overly expensive, they’re on the market, they’re available right now.” Atlanta is requiring that new roofs be reflective. Doing so will not only reduce temperatures within the buildings themselves, but within the surrounding areas—by as much as six degrees is some of Atlanta’s hottest neighborhoods. And because their homes won’t get as hot, residents can then spend less on air conditioning. Read more.
Tennessee Rebate Program Brings EV Charging to Apartments
Apartments are plugging in! Tennessee’s new rebate program will help multifamily housing properties afford electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Owners, property managers, homeowner associations, and authorized lessees with a minimum of four units can apply for rebates for up to 10 charging plugs per site. Read more.
Retired Wind Turbine Blade Repurposed as Bus Stop
Huntersville, North Carolina has turned a retired wind turbine blade into an artistic bus-stop bench. This impressive piece of public art is part of a growing effort in the U.S. to find practical uses for retired wind turbine blades. Though most parts of a wind turbine can be recycled, composite components such as blades are traditionally harder to process. Read more.
Bonus story: To see another innovative use of a decommissioned wind turbine, check out how a Colorado blade became the perfect footbridge across a previously-uncrossable creek in an Atlanta park. 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.
Join the Clean Energy Generation
Together, all of us who are taking action are part of the Clean Energy Generation movement. We’re coming together to create healthier communities and a more secure and sustainable environment, starting now. No matter your age, income, zip code, or abilities, you can play a role. You don’t have to have the answers; learning more is a great way to start. Join us, and we’ll share ideas, resources, tools, and practices to show how we can all be part of the transformation.
