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Originally published on ILSR.org

Nearly 7 gigawatts of new power generation capacity came online in the second quarter of 2021. Renewable energy generation capacity growth was comparable to last quarter, while new fossil gas construction dropped dramatically. In 4 of the last 8 quarters, the fossil gas contribution to new power generation capacity has been less than 10%. It has been two years since fossil fuel plants made up the majority of quarterly added generation capacity.

In the chart below, we illustrate the past two years of new power plant capacity in the US, disaggregated by energy source on a quarterly basis.

Wind Picks Up Large Solar’s Losses

After contributing over 30% of quarterly new power generation capacity for the last three quarters, utility-scale solar has lost some steam. 1.8 gigawatts of utility-scale solar came online this quarter, compared to 2.6 gigawatts in the first quarter of 2021. The solar industry as a whole is facing some supply constraints, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie.

The development of the wind industry, on the other hand, picked up slightly this quarter. 3.3 gigawatts of wind generation capacity were installed in the second quarter of 2021, compared to just under 3 gigawatts in the previous quarter. Wind power made up nearly half of all generation capacity added this quarter, making wind the largest contributor to new power generation capacity for three straight quarters. All of the wind capacity built out in the second quarter of 2021 was onshore.


Find out how we can Get More Solar by Making Utilities Share Data.


Demand for Distributed Solar is Only Growing

Distributed solar had a strong showing in the second quarter of 2021, showing a slight edge over an already impressive first quarter. The 100 megawatt quarter-over-quarter increase in generation capacity growth can be attributed to increases in residential, commercial, and community solar.


Watch as community solar progresses nationwide in our National Community Solar Programs Tracker.


According to SEIA and Wood Mackenzie, most residential solar was installed in California, Florida, or Texas. In California and Texas, the electric grid has shown itself vulnerable to failure or wildfire-induced shutoffs. Residents recovering from shut-offs and massive grid failures have every reason to find resilience through solar.


Distributed solar, especially when paired with storage, can provide great resilience to residential electric customers. See how installing solar with storage on Puerto Rico’s homes could power the island with 75% renewable energy by 2035 and provide resiliency for all.


The federal solar investment tax credit is not scheduled to step down into 2022, so 2021 may not see the same end of the year solar push as seen in previous years.

Gas Buildout Grinds to a Halt

Only 9 gas plants were built in the second quarter of 2021, with a total nameplate capacity of 346 megawatts — the lowest second quarter for gas on record. Only the third quarters of 2019 and 2020 had lower showings for gas buildout. Could the third quarter of 2021 set a new quarterly low for gas?

Gas has contributed less than 10% of new generation capacity in 4 of the last 8 quarters. Given current trends toward higher gas prices, and proposed federal policy, it is unlikely that conventional fossil gas will ever be a majority of new power plant capacity again.

Interested in earlier trends and analysis of new power plant capacity? Check out our archive, illustrating how electricity generation has changed in previous quarters and years.


This article originally posted at ilsr.org. For timely updates, follow John Farrell on Twitter or get the Energy Democracy weekly update.

Featured Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

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Kia unveils two off-road concept EVs at SEMA: The EV9 ‘ADVNTR’ and a PV5 ‘WKNDR’ van

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Kia unveils two off-road concept EVs at SEMA: The EV9 'ADVNTR' and a PV5 'WKNDR' van

Days after teasing a major reveal at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Kia has unveiled two unique and custom-built EV concepts designed for adventure off-road. During the unveiling, we got a look at a new spin on the ever-popular EV9 SUV called the “ADVNTR” and a rugged take on one of Kia’s new purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), the PV5, called “WKNDR.”

On October 30, Kia America posted a clandestine press release about an upcoming reveal at the annual SEMA show in Los Angeles. The first release featured a shadowy image of what appeared to be some off-road vehicle, with its recognizable Kia front fascia shining at the camera lens. The text read, “All roads lead to SEMA.”

We speculated that SEMA might be the event where Kia finally unveils the first of its two promised BEV pickup trucks. Since the headlamps closely resembled those of an EV9, we thought it could be the mule pickup we reported being tested in the US earlier this year. We were close.

Later that same day, Kia followed up with a second press release with the same title and quote but an image of a different off-road EV shining through the darkness, one that was much less recognizable.

Both releases had fine print stating that the vehicle in each image was a concept, so we curbed our expectations heading into this week’s 2024 SEMA show. This morning, Kia officially unveiled these two new off-road concept EVs, and they’re pretty cool looking. Have a gander at the EV9 ADVNTR and the PV5 WKNDR.

Kia off-road
The EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV / Source: Kia America

Kia unveils off-road concepts of its EV9 and PV5 EVs

According to the Korean automaker, designers from Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, CA, imagined both off-road concepts. SEMA is usually a stage for OEMs to showcase concepts and accessories that are more rugged or heavy-duty.

Hence, the Kia team brought its A-game to Vegas with two new concept EVs that “intrinsically blend form and function into machines designed for responsible engagement with nature.”

The first is the EV9 ADVNTR, based on the three-row SUV that contributed to record sales for Kia in the US in October. Today, Kia shared that its off-road concept version of the EV9 is equipped with new custom front and rear facias, reinforced rocker panels, and rugged tires for more maneuverability in the elements.

Additionally, the EV9 ADVNTR can lift 3 inches higher than the standard 2025 SUV model and features a new roof rack that can haul luggage and hiking gear or support a roof-mounted tent.

kia off-road
The PV5 WKNDR Concept EV / Source: Kia America

In addition to the EV9 ADVNTR, Kia unveiled an off-road concept version of its new PV5 called the WKNDR. The PV5 is a middle-of-the-pack BEV in Kia’s latest ‘Purpose Beyond Vehicle’ lineup, which debuted at CES 2024.

While the standard PV5 was designed for commercial operations and last-mile deliveries, the Kia design team decided to take it off-road with the new WKNDR concept. This BEV van has been lifted and rigged with some hefty off-road tires, but like its predecessor, the interior of the PV5 WKNDR is what truly stands out.

Kia describes the off-road concept van as a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels,” offering a modular cabin that can be customized to an owner’s wants and needs. The conceptual design features a first-of-its-kind storage solution called the “Gear Head” feature that delivers off-board, sheltered storage space for equipment when the vehicle is stationary, maximizing interior space while providing owners with easy access to all their belongings.

Thanks to its modularity, Kia shared that the off-road van’s “Gear Head” space can also be converted into a mobile pantry for those foodies who want to assemble an array of cuisine while parked out in nature, or anywhere for that matter.

Kia also shared that its team designed the PV5 WKNDR to be self-sufficient as an off-road BEV. It features solar panels and hydro turbine wheels that can recharge the vehicle’s batteries and power other components, like an onboard compressor.

Since these remain mere concepts, we don’t have any performance specs for the Kia EV9 ADVNTR or PV5 WKNDR, nor can we confirm that either model will reach bonafide production for sale. However, Kia is thinking beyond its current lineup and is at least flirting with the idea of delivering some new models that would compete against the likes of Ford, Rivian, and recent reveals from VW Group’s Scout Motors.

At the very least, we may see some of these features and design elements in Kia’s upcoming BEV pickups. For now, however, these off-road EV concepts are an exciting exercise in design that once again shows how innovative and creative Hyundai Motor Group is across virtually all BEV segments.

We hope to see more concrete unveilings from the Korean automaker soon.

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These EVs are a steal with lease prices under $300 a month this November

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These EVs are a steal with lease prices under 0 a month this November

With big discounts and lower-priced models hitting the market, electric vehicles are getting more and more affordable. Here are the EVs you can drive off in this November with lease prices under $300 a month.

EVs for lease for under $300 a month November 2024

New models like the Honda Prologue and Chevy Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado EVs are rolling out nationwide, giving buyers more options than ever.

According to Cox Automotive, over 100,000 EVs were sold in the US in September, the sixth straight month topping the 100K mark. Electric vehicles accounted for 9% of the US auto market, its highest to date.

The average transaction price (ATP) for new EVs was $56,328, but drastically higher incentives bring prices on par with or even under many comparable gas cars.

For example, the Honda Prologue electric SUV is available to lease for as low as $295 per month, including the down payment. That’s cheaper than a Honda Civic at $376 per month.

The Honda Prologue is one of the best EVs to lease this November. Here are the other models worth considering this month.

Lease From Term
(months)
Due at Signing Effective rate per month
(including upfront fees)
2024 Nissan LEAF $109 36 $2,529 $179
2024 Kia Niro EV $169 24 $3,999 $336
2024 Kia EV6 $179 24 $3,999 $346
2024 VinFast VF 8 $199 36 $894 $244
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 $159 24 $3,999 $326
2024 Honda Prologue $259 36 $1,299 $295
EVs for lease under $300 per month in November 2024

According to online auto research firm CarsDirect, the Nissan LEAF retained the title of the cheapest EV you can lease in November listed at just $109 per month in Colorado.

With $2,529 due at signing, the effective monthly rate is just $179. However, the deal only includes state incentives, not offered elsewhere.

EVs-lease-$300-November
Kia EV6 (Source: Kia)

Kia’s Niro EV and EV6 are two of the best EV lease options this month, with monthly rates of $169 and $179.

After a recent price cut, the EV6 is offered at its lowest monthly rate since hitting the market. That’s for the Light Long-Range model with up to 310 miles of range.

EVs-lease-$300-November
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains a top lease option in November, with the updated 2025 model set for deliveries later this year. With lease prices starting at just $159 per month, Hyundai is offering its best-selling electric SUV at closeout prices.

EVs-lease-$300-November
2024 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

Honda factors in a $1,000 conquest or loyalty offer in the lease deal. However, for a $48,000 electric SUV, the Prologue is still a steal.

Although not under $300, the Subaru Solterra is also worth considering at just $329 per month with no money down.

Ready to find your new EV? We can help you get started. Check out our links below to find the best deals on popular electric models in your area.

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