Hello, solar enthusiasts! Today, I am bringing you some fresh updates from West Virginia, a state known for its strong ties to the coal industry but is slowly warming up to the idea of renewable energy sources such as solar. Recently, the state was on the cusp of major solar development, as indicated by the introduction of House Bill 5528. However, this promising bill, which sought to increase the maximum limit of utility-scale solar projects from 50 MW to 100 MW, was vetoed by Governor Jim Justice.
As a backdrop to understanding the current solar scenario in West Virginia, let’s note that this state’s solar market is virtually nonexistent currently. Per information from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), West Virginia has installed solar capacity of just 38 MW, merely sufficient to power around 3,800 homes.
Despite providing only about 0.08% of its electricity through solar, the state primarily powers its electricity needs through coal, which contributes about 90%. While coal plants are being retired throughout the nation due to their high emission profiles and the cost benefits of choosing new-build solar, which costs about 29% less than fossil fuel alternatives, West Virginia seems to resist change.
Governor Justice, who is reportedly heavily invested in the coal industry, maintained that the bill could hike the costs for consumers. He was also of the opinion that increasing the capacity for solar might lead to job losses by causing coal mines to shut down.
What’s important to consider here, though, is how this legislation was thoughtfully crafted to drive investments in the state. Let’s take a moment to look at nearby North Carolina, which has embraced clean energy rather earnestly and is expected to add a staggering 30,000 jobs and $10 billion to its GDP from Inflation Reduction Act associated investments.
The vetoed bill recognized this potential in renewable energy sources, emphasizing, “Businesses that may otherwise locate or expand facilities in this state often require that a portion of the electricity that they purchase be generated via renewable sources.” Establishing a program for developing renewable electricity by electric utilities, as per the bill, would boost economic development, create jobs, and amplify the use of the state’s electricity generation.
Crucially, many West Virginian counties have access to federal funding via the Inflation Reduction Act, which earmarks substantial amounts for job training, presenting lucrative incentives for communities heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Additionally, the Department of Energy announced $475 million in funding for clean energy projects at erstwhile mine sites across the U.S., including West Virginia, last week.
To summarize, solar is bridging the gap between sustainable energy and economic development. It’s encouraging to see solar companies realizing the potential of financing solar panels for your home or investing in a solar array for home. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that West Virginia, and states alike, recognize this monumental shift in our energy market sooner rather than later.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/03/28/west-virginia-governor-vetoes-bill-that-would-double-allowable-solar-project-size/
