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Solar Industry Decries Federal Permitting Halt

6 min read

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  • Solar Industry Decries Federal Permitting Halt: A coalition of 143 U.S. solar companies is urging Congress to intervene, claiming recent Department of the Interior policies under the Trump administration have imposed a "nearly complete moratorium" on solar project approvals, threatening 116 GW of planned capacity. PV Magazine USA. Read More: PV Magazine USA.
  • PJM Awards Interconnection to 23 Battery Storage Projects: The PJM interconnection queue has approved agreements for 23 battery energy storage systems, collectively adding 2.2 GW of capacity, marking a significant step in grid modernization. Energy Storage News. Read More: Energy Storage News.
  • Washington State Secures Major 800 MWh Battery Project: BrightNight and Cordelio Power achieved financial close on the 200 MW / 800 MWh Greenwater Energy Storage Project in Pierce County, Washington, slated to provide critical grid services to Puget Sound Energy by 2026. PV Magazine USA. Read More: PV Magazine USA.
  • Ohio County Residents Push Back Against Wind and Solar Ban: Citizens in Richland County, Ohio, are organizing a referendum to overturn a local ban on large-scale solar and wind developments, highlighting rising tensions between local control and renewable energy growth. Ohio Capital Journal. Read More: Ohio Capital Journal.
  • Trump Administration Funds Geothermal Expansion in Massachusetts: In a rare move for the current administration, the Department of Energy awarded Eversource Energy an $8.6 million grant to expand a geothermal network in Framingham, Massachusetts. Renewable Energy World. Read More: Renewable Energy World.

Solar & Storage

The U.S. solar industry today escalated its concerns over federal permitting processes, with a coalition of 143 companies directly appealing to Congress. They contend that new policies from the Department of the Interior, implemented under the Trump administration, have created a "nearly complete moratorium" on solar project approvals. This alleged halt jeopardizes approximately 116 GW of planned solar capacity, a significant blow to the nation's clean energy ambitions and economic growth. The widespread industry pushback underscores the impact of administrative actions on renewable energy deployment. PV Magazine USA. Read More: PV Magazine USA.

Despite federal-level headwinds, state-level and grid operator progress in clean energy continued. PJM, the grid operator for 13 states and the District of Columbia, announced the approval of interconnection agreements for 23 battery energy storage systems (BESS). These projects collectively offer 2.2 GW of storage capacity, signaling a critical step in modernizing the grid and integrating intermittent renewable resources. Energy Storage News. Read More: Energy Storage News.

The Pacific Northwest saw a significant advancement in energy storage with BrightNight and Cordelio Power reaching financial close on the Greenwater Energy Storage Project. Located in Pierce County, Washington, this 200 MW / 800 MWh battery storage system will provide crucial grid services and firm capacity to Puget Sound Energy, serving 1.2 million customers by 2026. This project highlights the growing importance of large-scale battery storage in stabilizing regional grids. PV Magazine USA. Read More: PV Magazine USA.

In Texas, RWE Clean Energy commissioned its Stoneridge Solar PV project, a 200 MW solar installation paired with a 100 MW / 200 MWh battery energy storage system. This integrated solar-plus-storage project exemplifies the trend towards hybrid facilities that enhance grid stability and provide reliable, dispatchable renewable power. Energy Storage News. Read More: Energy Storage News.

Further demonstrating the versatility of solar and storage, Northern Sun Energy unveiled its first Midwest project in Illinois: a 7.5 MWp solar array with 1,050 kVA battery storage. This system will directly power 50% of Prysmian's cable manufacturing plant, reducing reliance on the grid and supporting the company's net-zero goals while creating local jobs. Solar Builder. Read More: Solar Builder.

However, the expansion of renewables faces challenges, particularly where data centers are involved. In Indiana, NIPSCO plans to deliver 3 GW of power for Amazon's data center expansion, including a 1.6 GWh battery energy storage system. Critics note that the bulk of this power package will still rely on fossil fuels, raising questions about the true carbon footprint of such developments. Energy Storage News. Read More: Energy Storage News.

Wind Energy

Local opposition to large-scale renewable development continues to be a significant hurdle. In Ohio, residents of Richland County are actively challenging a local ban on large-scale solar and wind projects. A grassroots movement aims to force a public referendum on the May ballot, seeking to overturn the county commissioners' decision. This effort highlights the ongoing tension between local control, economic opportunity, and statewide clean energy objectives, potentially setting a precedent for other communities in Ohio facing similar restrictions. Ohio Capital Journal. Read More: Ohio Capital Journal.

Policy & Markets

Concerns over federal permitting, as detailed above, represent a major policy challenge for the U.S. clean energy sector. The collective action by 143 solar companies underscores the industry's alarm over the perceived "permitting blockade" instituted by the Department of the Interior. This issue directly impacts the economic viability and deployment timelines of numerous utility-scale solar projects across the country. Solar Power World. Read More: Solar Power World.

Conversely, the Trump administration's Department of Energy provided a notable boost to a specific renewable technology, awarding Eversource Energy an $8.6 million grant. This funding will support the expansion of a geothermal network in Framingham, Massachusetts, representing a significant federal investment in a less commonly highlighted clean energy source. Renewable Energy World. Read More: Renewable Energy World.

In Virginia, newly elected Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi is advocating for state policies aimed at lowering utility bills and accelerating renewable energy integration. Her proposals include requiring data centers to fund their own energy needs and streamlining permitting for solar projects, aligning with environmental groups' efforts to modernize Virginia's energy infrastructure and reduce consumer costs. Virginia Mercury. Read More: Virginia Mercury.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Solar Permitting Showdown: Watch for potential congressional action or further industry responses to the solar permitting challenges, with the 116 GW at stake highlighting the federal government's role in renewable deployment.
  • Ohio Referendum Outcome: The upcoming May ballot in Richland County, Ohio, will be a key indicator of community sentiment regarding local bans on wind and solar projects and could influence similar debates nationwide.
  • Virginia Energy Policy: Future legislative sessions in Virginia will reveal the success of Lt. Gov. Hashmi's efforts to implement policies aimed at lowering energy costs and accelerating renewable energy adoption.

TODAY'S QUICK ANSWERS

Q: How much battery storage capacity did PJM award interconnection agreements for today?

A: PJM awarded interconnection agreements for 23 battery energy storage projects, totaling 2.2 GW of storage capacity. Energy Storage News. Read More: Energy Storage News.

Q: What is the capacity of the Greenwater Energy Storage Project in Washington state?

A: The Greenwater Energy Storage Project, developed by BrightNight and Cordelio Power, is a 200 MW / 800 MWh battery energy storage system. PV Magazine USA. Read More: PV Magazine USA.