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By Yuning Liu & Mia Reback 

In March 2021, 24 local governments in Maryland joined together on a plan to purchase enough renewable energy to power more than 246,000 homes a year. They did this by issuing a joint request for proposal (RFP) through the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee (BRCPC) to seek a supply of up to 240,000 MWh of renewable energy starting in 2022. This large-scale transaction was made possible by an energy procurement approach known as energy aggregation, which is a way for two or more buyers to purchase electricity from a utility-scale generation facility.

According to the new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) must peak within four years to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and cities have a critical role to play in meeting that target. Aggregation can be a powerful way for cities to rapidly increase their renewable energy and help decarbonize local economies at the necessary speed and scale. Yet most cities have not pursued aggregation due to an inadequate understanding of its novel deal structure and a lack of tools and resources to help streamline the process.

Aggregation can be a powerful way for cities to rapidly increase their renewable energy and help decarbonize local economies at the necessary speed and scale.

To help cities overcome these barriers, last year the American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator, an initiative co-led by RMI and World Resources Institute, began organizing a Large-Scale Renewables Aggregation Cohort. This cohort provided technical assistance to more than 30 organizations, including the BRCP. A second iteration of the cohort is now underway with a new group of organizations. In addition, a newly released RMI report, Procuring Large-Scale Renewables through Aggregation: A Guide for Local Governments aims to help more cities understand and pursue aggregation.

As more and more cities take actions to decarbonize the electricity system, aggregation will be an increasingly important option that can provide buyers with several advantages, such as opening doors for smaller cities, creating positive network effects, and unlocking more cost savings.

Enabling Smaller Buyers to Access Large-Scale Projects

Aggregation can enable participation from smaller cities that, on their own, are not able to purchase enough electricity to warrant the attention from developers. This is particularly important for smaller communities with 100 percent renewable energy goals, as most municipalities cannot supply 100 percent of their electricity needs with on-site solar generation alone. Therefore, a utility-scale, off-site procurement will be an essential component of many smaller buyers’ decarbonization strategy.

One instance of a small buyer accessing large-scale renewables projects is a 25 MW joint solar purchase completed by MIT, Boston Medical Center (BMC), and Post Office Square (POS) in 2016. In this aggregated deal, MIT committed to buy 73 percent of the power generated by the new array, with BMC purchasing 26 percent and POS purchasing the remainder.

“Entering into a renewable power purchase agreement was our next step, but our consumption is too small to do it alone,” said Pamela Messenger, general manager of Friends of POS. “It is exciting to join forces with two industry leaders, allowing us to mitigate 100 percent of our electricity footprint.”

Similarly, other smaller local governments have also used aggregation to gain access, such as five local governments in Maine. They teamed up for the state’s first multi-town renewables project, a 4 MW solar array, which provides climate benefits equivalent to more than 4,000 acres of forests.

Without pooling the electricity demand with other buyers, smaller cities would not be able to access utility-scale projects on their own, making it difficult to reduce their carbon emissions efficiently.

Creating Knowledge-Sharing Opportunities

By joining together, cities can not only aggregate their buying power but also pool their knowledge to streamline procurement processes. The shared experience among participants can generate positive network effects, including increased mentorship, increased credibility, and support for inexperienced buyers.

For example, the City of Nashville partnered with Vanderbilt University last year to purchase electricity from a 125 MW solar project as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Green Invest program. This public-private partnership allowed the city to leverage the expertise of the University’s Large-Scale Renewable Energy Study Advisory Committee to identify the best risk mitigation strategy.

According to Susan R. Wente, interim chancellor of Vanderbilt University, “We want this partnership to serve as a model of collaboration that other organizations within our region and beyond can replicate to make long-term, lasting changes to protect our shared environment.” In fact, the connections formed within the aggregation group have garnered national media attention and are sending a powerful signal to utilities, policymakers, and developers that local governments are serious about rapidly decarbonizing the electricity system.

In addition, a group of buyers can also share external lawyers, accountants, or consultants. For instance, 15 Pennsylvania municipalities and public entities, which also participated in the Renewables Accelerator’s Large-Scale Renewables Aggregation Cohort, have teamed up to investigate the viability of investing in a joint solar deal. The 15 entities issued a joint RFP for energy consultants in May 2021 to share external advisory services.

Unlocking More Cost Savings

Throughout the collaborative process, aggregated deals can produce various cost savings because they enable cities to achieve greater economies of scale by combining the renewable energy demands of multiple buyers.

For example, a National Renewable Energy Laboratory analysis estimates that procuring 100 MW of solar instead of 5 MW can reduce development costs by 24 percent. This can lead to cost savings in the form of lower power purchase agreement prices for all buyers, regardless of size.

In another case, the company Enel X, which is working with the BRCPC on a joint purchasing strategy, found that renewable energy projects typically must be over 20 MW in size to be economical. The company discovered that aggregation is one way for smaller buyers to participate in large projects.

In Florida, 12 cities joined together to form the Florida Municipal Solar Project. They are developing 372.5 MW of zero-emissions energy capacity, enough to power 75,000 Florida homes. According to Jacob Williams, CEO and general manager of the Florida Municipal Power Agency, “By working together, our cities are able to provide clean power to their communities in a cost-effective way.” Clint Bullock, Orlando Utilities Commission general manager and CEO, explained, “We can leverage the economies of scale to bring the price of solar down to a point where a dozen municipal utilities can afford to sign on and I believe this is something people around the country will take notice of.”

Better Together

As more cities set goals to transition to renewables, aggregation is democratizing clean energy access by enabling participants, especially smaller buyers, to collectively develop significantly larger renewables projects than any one buyer would be able to access individually. The partnerships can create positive network effects through knowledge sharing and inspire other organizations within the region to replicate the collaboration model. By unlocking more cost savings, aggregated deals provide a lower-cost mechanism for cities to achieve climate goals efficiently.

The new IPCC report underscores the urgency of decarbonizing the electricity system and reducing GHGs. To play their part, cities need to increase the pace and scale of renewable energy procurement. Although aggregation is still a relatively underutilized procurement method, this approach is crucial to help them do that.

Procuring Large-Scale Renewables through Aggregation: A Guide for Local Governments helps walk local governments through the aggregated procurement process step-by-step and links to other key tools and resources relevant to each stage.

Cities must act now to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The best path forward involves engaging all actors and ensuring a more promising economic structure for a wide array of purchasers. In the battle against climate change, it is better to aggregate than to go it alone.

Article courtesy of RMI.

 
 

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Tenways AGO T mid-drive e-bike at $2,399 low, DJI Power 2000 station hits new $999 low, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, tools, more

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July 15, 2025

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Tenways AGO T mid-drive e-bike at ,399 low, DJI Power 2000 station hits new 9 low, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, tools, more

Today’s Green Deals are headlined by the low price on Tenways’ AGO T Premium Mid-Drive Urban e-bike that comes with a free front carrier ($50 value) for $2,399, among other models seeing discounts during this sale. We also spotted DJI’s recently released Power 2000 Portable Power Station hitting a new $999 low, as well as EcoFlow’s latest four 48-hour flash sale offers that include two power stations, a WAVE 3 bundle, and a DELTA Pro 3 expansion battery at up to 53% off starting from $1,199. From there, we have Greenworks’ 40V 20-inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer kit at its $114 low alongside the Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart down at $169.50. Plus, there’s all the hangover Prime Day savings in our Prime Day Green Deals hub at the bottom of the page, as well as yesterday’s EcoFlow phase 3 Prime Day Sale, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Tenways AGO T mid-drive e-bike with a 62-mile range and $50 in free gear at $2,399 low in latest sale

Tenways has launched a new Summer Sale that is taking up to $600 off its e-bike lineup while also offering an additional $300 savings when buying two models together. Among the offers this time, we’re seeing the lowest price to date continuing on the AGO T Premium Mid-Drive Urban e-bike for $2,399 shipped while also getting a free front carrier valued at $50. Normally, this higher-end model would cost you $2,699 at full price, which we saw brought down to the $2,399 low for the first time during the brand’s July 4th Sale. Now you’re getting another chance at that $300 markdown here while the savings last, dropping the costs back to the best price we have tracked. As always, there is an extra $150 savings available for medical providers, first responders, military personnel, and teachers with verification through ID.me on any of the e-bikes’ landing pages.

Aside from Tenways’ new CARGO ONE e-bike that recently released, the AGO T Urban e-bike is the highest-end of the brand’s models, cruising into view with a Bafang M420 mid-drive motor coupled with a 504Wh battery to provide up to 62 miles of pedal-assisted travel at up to 20 MPH top speeds. It shouldn’t be surprising that this premium model also comes with a superior torque sensor to support its PAS capabilities, with the settings controlled via the TFT LCD color display screen.

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There’s plenty of high-quality features you’ll be getting here too, like a hydraulic front lockout fork, the hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires with fenders over each, a Gates CDX carbon belt drive, an Enviolo stepless shifting hub, an integrated rear cargo rack, integrated front and rear lighting, a suspension seat post, and more. There are even connectivity options through its companion app, the standout of which is the ability to cast directions from your phone onto the bike’s display for more seamless navigation.

If you want to check out the full lineup of e-bike deals that we’re seeing in this current sale, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

DJI Power 2000 Portable power station

Score DJI’s latest Power 2000 2,048Wh LiFePO4 station with $900 savings at a new $999 low

By way of its official Amazon storefront, DJI is giving folks a lower-than-ever price on its new Power 2000 Portable Power Station at $999 shipped, after using the promo code DJIPOWER2000 at checkout. This model was just released at the top of the month, with it waiting no time before dropping from its original $1,899 price tag to $1,299, which held out all of last week until falling to $1,099, with the promo code taking things even further. You’re looking at a combined 47% markdown that gives you $900 off its tag, landing it at a new all-time low price. You can also alternatively pick up its Power 1000 predecessor at $549 shipped right now, after redeeming the on-page coupon.

If you want to learn more about this all-new backup power solution, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro power station

EcoFlow flash sale takes up to 53% off two power station offers, a WAVE 3 bundle, and an extra battery starting from $1,199

As part of its ongoing Phase 3 Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched the next 48-hour flash sale through July 16, with four units getting up to 53% discounts to some of the best prices we have tracked. Among the two power station deals, you’ll find the brand’s DELTA Pro Portable Power Station with a free protective bag at $1,749 shipped, with the extra savings unfortunately not applicable here. Priced at $3,699 in full, we regularly see it down between $1,799 and $1,999, especially at Amazon, where it’s currently sitting $50 higher in price. While we have seen it go as low as $1,694 in the past, you’re still looking at a larger-than-normal 53% markdown off the going rate, giving you $1,950 in savings and landing it $55 above the all-time low. Head below for more on this unit and the others we’re seeing included in this flash sale.

If you want to learn more about this power station or the other units included in this flash sale, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

Greenworks 40V 20-inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

Cover hedge jobs with this Greenworks 40V 20-inch pole trimmer at $114 low

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 40V 20-inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer for $113.99 shipped. Coming down from its usual $170 pricing, where the brand’s direct website currently has it listed, we only saw discounts in 2025 dropping costs to $140 until this past week, when Prime Day brought it lower than ever to the rate that is continuing into this week. You’re looking at a $56 markdown to the best price we have tracked and giving you the chance to save big while Prime Day benefits linger.

To learn more about this lawn care solution’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 yard cart

Tackle yard work with 8-in-1 versatility using Worx’s transforming Aerocart at $169.50

Amazon is offering the Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart at $169.50 shipped, which comes in $0.50 under the current Best Buy Deals of the Day pricing. Usually going for $200 to $230 at full price, we’ve mainly seen it in 2025 keeping near $173, with it more recently keeping down between $169 and $170 at the lowest. While it’s fallen lower in the past, those rates haven’t reappeared this year at all, with today’s deal being a solid $60.50 markdown at the second-best price of the year – just $0.50 above the annual low.

If you want to learn more about this handy yard cart, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Range Rover’s first EV looks the part, but with a few surprises

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2 hours ago

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July 15, 2025

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Range Rover's first EV looks the part, but with a few surprises

Range-Rover-first-EV

Range Rover’s first electric SUV will finally arrive later this year. Ahead of its official launch, early reviews show the upcoming EV stays true to the Range Rover heritage, but there are a few things you should know.

Range Rover will launch its first EV later this year

Since launching its first vehicle 55 years ago, the Range Rover brand has become an iconic symbol of off-road capabilities, elegant design, and luxurious interiors.

With its first all-electric SUV due out later this year, Range Rover promises it will “refine and craft the epitome” of the luxury brand.

Although Range Rover is currently putting the electric SUV through “the most intensive testing” any of its vehicles has endured, Autocar got their hands on a prototype for an early review.

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The Range Rover Electric may look like the iconic SUV we’ve grown to love, but with an electric powertrain, it offers even more.

“A Range Rover more calm and assured, almost regardless of circumstance, than any in its 55-year lineage. Electrification yields a lot, but sacrifices little,” Matt Sanders, Autocar’s chief car tester, said after driving the prototype.

Range-Rover-first-EV
Range Rover Electric testing in Sweden (Source: JLR)

Based on the MLA platform, the electric SUV features JLR’s new in-house powertrain. The dual-motor setup packs a combined 542 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The EV draws power from a massive 118 kWh battery, which is expected to deliver around 300 miles of real-world range. Sanders said he had about 160 miles of range remaining at half charge during the review.

Range-Rover-first-EV
Range Rover Electric SUV prototype testing (Source: JLR)

However, even JLR’s engineers admit that due to the SUV’s (not so) aerodynamic profile, 300 miles may be optimistic during longer-range highway driving. The engineers highlighted that the vehicle’s 800V architecture offers some of the fastest DC charging speeds on the market.

The electric SUV can also tow over 7,700 lbs (2.5 tons). Although this is less than the current Range Rover’s 3.5-ton towing capacity, it’s still on par with other luxury SUVs, such as the Mercedes G-Class.

Range-Rover-first-EV
Range Rover Electric prototype (Source: JLR)

To add more power, more motors, and bigger batteries would be required, according to Simon Fairbrother, Range Rover’s Chief Program Engineer.

Inside, the cabin is nearly identical to that of the current Range Rover SUV, featuring a plethora of digital screens and physical buttons in front of the driver. If anything, the only thing that could be changed is that the “Range Rover Electric deserves bigger heating and ventilation controls than other derivatives,” Sanders wrote.

Range-Rover-first-EV
Range Rover Electric prototype testing (Source: JLR)

JLR’s new in-house thermal management system (ThermAssist) is about 40% more efficient than the system of the Jaguar I-Pace, its first all-electric vehicle.

Range Rover’s first E will be offered in standard and long wheelbase variants. The extended wheelbase model will be about the same size as the outgoing Range Rover SUV, but it’s expected to still include enough second-row space to take it into “Bentley or Rolls-Royce territory for sheer lounging space.”

Range-Rover-first-logo-EV
JLR reveals new Range Rover logo (Source: JLR)

Since Autocar only drove the vehicle at speeds under 20 mph, we’ll have to wait to hear more about on- and off-road performance.

Sanders did mention that “the Range Rover Electric can simply ease itself up, down, over and around everything before it inspires incredible confidence in its capabilities” while driving through forest racks.

We will learn the prices closer to launch, but JLR is reportedly aiming for a price around the same as the V8 Autobiography, at just under £150,000 ($200,000).

Range Rover’s first EV has already secured over 61,000 clients on the waitlist ahead of its upcoming debut. JLR also revealed the luxury brand’s first logo, which we could see debut on the new electric SUV.

Source: Autocar

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Circle stock drops after House blocks key procedural vote on stablecoin legislation

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2 hours ago

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July 15, 2025

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Circle stock drops after House blocks key procedural vote on stablecoin legislation

Circle Internet Group Initial Public Offering at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City, U.S., June 5, 2025.

NYSE

Circle shares slid on Tuesday after the U.S. House of Representatives failed to clear a key procedural hurdle that would have teed up votes on long-awaited crypto-related bills.

The move dealt a major setback to the digital asset industry, which had framed this week as a turning point for regulatory clarity in Washington, D.C.

Circle, the stablecoin issuer that’s soared in value since its public market debut last month, fell about 5% after the vote. Crypto exchange Coinbase and bitcoin miner MARA Holdings both slipped about 2%.

Even after Tuesday’s drop, Circle shares are still up more than sixfold from their IPO price. The company is the issuer of USDC, the second-largest dollar-pegged stablecoin, with about 24% of the global market. Circle didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

The legislation, including the GENIUS Act, would mark the first time the U.S. sets federal rules for stablecoins, a $260 billion corner of the crypto market that underpins most digital asset trading. The bill establishes full-reserve requirements, mandates monthly audits, and creates a path for private companies to issue regulated digital dollars under the blessing of the U.S. government.

The GENIUS Act passed the Senate last month, a milestone for both the crypto industry and for President Donald Trump, who has pushed to align his administration with digital asset innovation. It also marked a win for the industry, which spent more than $245 million in the 2024 cycle to help elect what’s now seen as the most pro-crypto Congress in U.S. history.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the market for U.S. stablecoins could grow eightfold to more than $2 trillion in the coming years if this bill is enacted. White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks had predicted it could unlock “trillions” of dollars in demand for U.S. Treasury notes virtually overnight.

The vote came just hours after Fairshake, the crypto industry’s most powerful PAC, disclosed $141 million in cash on hand as it fights for regulatory victories and backs pro-crypto candidates heading into the 2026 midterms. The committee didn’t provide a comment for this story.

House leadership is tentatively planning a second vote as early as Tuesday evening, though it’s unclear whether the rule or bill text will be modified to satisfy holdouts.

WATCH: Stablecoin showdown moves to the House after Senate clears crypto’s landmark bill

Stablecoin showdown moves to the House after Senate clears crypto’s landmark bill

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