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Hydropower and Solar: Not an either/or relationship
Solar and hydro are often viewed as direct substitutes when discussing renewable energy sources. In Washington state, it is more accurate to view these renewable energy sources as competitors and complements.
The state of solar in Washington
What are the origins of the solar cluster in Washington? Can we quantify the industry’s current status? What state-level policies influenced solar’s growth? This section will attempt to answer those questions.
What is the Market Potential for Solar?
Let’s explore solar’s current status and trends in national and international markets. This is important as solar manufacturers and related industries in Washington are actually more dependent on, and subject to, trends developing outside of state boundaries.
Introduction to Washington’s Solar Industry
Washington has a number of emerging clusters that offer economic promise. This is the first post in a blog series that will focus on solar – a subset of Washington’s clean technology and renewable energy industry cluster.
Senate Deliberates on Carbon Tax Initiative 732
On February 9th, Senators from the Energy, Environment & Telecommunications Committee convened to discuss the revenue-neutral carbon tax: Initiative 732. In attendance were 79 residents who came to provide input: 51 in support, 20 in opposition, and 8 undeclared. I-732 is on track to appear on the November 2016 ballot. It would impose a revenue neutral carbon tax on the state. The tax would begin at $15 per ton in the first year, increasing to $25 per ton in the second year, and then ratcheting up each year thereafter by 3.5% plus inflation (up to a maximum of $100 in 2016 dollars). To offset this new tax, the initiative bundles in some tax cuts — a one percent reduction in the sales tax, a $1,500 tax rebate for low-income working families, and a reduced B&O tax on manufacturing.
Understanding Carbon Reduction: Marginal Abatement Cost Curves
A Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MAC curve or MACC) is a succinct and straightforward tool for presenting carbon emissions abatement options relative to a baseline (typically a business-as-usual pathway). A MAC curve permits an easy to read visualization of various mitigation options or measures organized by a single, understandable metric: economic cost of emissions abatement.
Cruise Electric on Washington’s Scenic 440 mile Cascade Loop
The beauty of the Cascades is a magnet for nature lovers, but until recently a lack of charging infrastructure has left the scenic loop out of reach for electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
Carbon Reduction Investments are Smart Strategy for Electric Sector
A bill under consideration in the legislature would credit utilities under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (I-937) for making investments in projects which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Expanding the diversity of qualified projects presents a market opportunity for new technologies to reduce carbon while maintaining competitive energy costs for ratepayers.
Are Washington Lawmakers Jumping the Gun on Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy has been the subject of vigorous debate for decades, punctuated by the emergence of new technologies and unfortunate accidents. This session, Washington legislators took a serious look at further incorporating nuclear into the state’s energy profile.