By NewsBlogger In March, solar generation in ERCOT surpassed coal generation for the first time, marking a significant shift in the energy landscape in Texas.
At a glance
- In March, solar generation in ERCOT surpassed coal generation for the first time.
- ERCOT currently has 22,710 MW of operational solar capacity.
- Coal’s market share in ERCOT fell below 10% for the first time.
- Texas witnessed coal’s national market share hit a daily record low in March.
- Princeton University is committed to achieving Net Carbon Neutrality by 2046.
The details
In March, solar generation in ERCOT surpassed coal generation for the first time, and coal’s market share fell below 10% for the first time ever.
Solar generation in ERCOT has been steadily increasing, experiencing a notable surge in March 2024. Currently, ERCOT boasts 22,710 MW of operational solar capacity, which is expected to expand by almost one-third by the end of the year.
The decline in coal’s share of the ERCOT market has been accelerating since 2014, affecting all months and not just low-generation periods.
Texas Coal Market
Texas, historically the largest coal user for power generation in the U.S., witnessed coal’s national market share hit a daily record low in March, reflecting an overarching downward trend in recent years.
The increasing prominence of solar power and the concurrent decline of coal in Texas indicate significant shifts in the energy transition landscape.
Brightcore Energy is spearheading the development of Princeton University’s 2.2-MWDC solar project portfolio, which will consist of four arrays installed on rooftops and canopy-mounted structures across the campus.
The rooftop projects, set for the TIGER and CUB buildings, will be complemented by canopy-mounted installations at the Meadows and Stadium garages.
Brightcore anticipates commencing construction on these projects in the summer of 2024. Mike Richter, President of Brightcore, expressed his pride in the company’s selection for this prestigious project.
Princeton University Sustainability
Princeton University, known for its rigorous project selection criteria, is committed to achieving Net Carbon Neutrality by 2046, with renewables serving as a pivotal component of its Sustainability Action Plan.
Ameresco recently completed a 157.8-kW solar installation atop Northeastern University’s Snell Library building in Boston, commissioned on March 13. This initiative is part of Northeastern University’s overarching strategy to decarbonize its campus and align with environmentally responsible practices.
The solar installation at the Boston campus is one of several building and energy investments that support sustainability objectives.
As a partner in Northeastern University’s sustainability journey, Ameresco’s collaborative project serves as a model for organizations seeking to achieve their own sustainability goals.
Northeastern University’s progress in reducing the carbon intensity of its buildings underscores its commitment to fully decarbonizing structures and eliminating harmful emissions, showcasing the value the institution places on engaging with its communities and promoting sustainable practices.
The solar installation at Northeastern University’s Boston campus exemplifies an innovative use case for urban on-grid solar PV integration, positioning the university as a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions.
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| solarpowerworldonline.com |
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| – In March, solar generation in ERCOT surpassed coal generation for the first time – Coal’s market share in ERCOT fell below 10% for the first time ever – Solar generation in ERCOT has been steadily increasing, with a notable increase in March 2024 – ERCOT currently has 22,710 MW of operational solar capacity, expected to expand by almost one-third by the end of the year – Coal’s share of the ERCOT market has been declining rapidly since 2014 – Coal’s market share in ERCOT is declining across all months, not just during low generation months – Texas has been the largest user of coal for power generation in the U.S. – Coal’s national market share hit a daily record low in March – Coal’s national market share has been declining in recent years – Solar’s increasing role and coal’s decline in Texas show significant changes in the energy transition. |
| solarpowerworldonline.com |
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| – Brightcore Energy is developing a 2.2-MWDC portfolio of solar projects for Princeton University – The projects will be installed on rooftop and canopy-mounted structures on the University’s campus – The project consists of four arrays, two rooftop-mounted and two canopy-mounted – The rooftop projects will be installed on the TIGER and CUB buildings – The canopy-mounted projects will be at the Meadows and Stadium garages – Brightcore expects to begin constructing the projects in the summer of 2024 – Mike Richter, President of Brightcore, expressed pride in being selected for the project – Princeton University has rigorous selection standards for projects – Princeton University has committed to achieving Net Carbon Neutrality by 2046 – A key component of Princeton’s Sustainability Action Plan is using renewables as the campus energy source |
| solarpowerworldonline.com |
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| – Ameresco completed a 157.8-kW solar installation at Northeastern University’s Boston campus – The project is atop the University’s Snell Library building and was commissioned on March 13 – Northeastern University is working on environmentally responsible strategies to decarbonize its campus – The solar installation is part of a series of building and energy investments to support sustainability goals – The Boston campus serves as a thoroughfare for the city’s communities – The solar installation is an innovative use case for urban on-grid solar PV integration – Ameresco is a partner with Northeastern University on their sustainability journey – The project will serve as a model for organizations to achieve sustainability goals – The installation highlights the value the University places on engaging its communities – Northeastern University has made progress in reducing the carbon intensity of its buildings – The project is part of plans to fully decarbonize buildings and eliminate harmful emissions. |
