Energy Exchange

Flexible interconnection can optimize the grid and speed deployment of charging infrastructure

By EDF Blogs / Published: January 30, 2024

As the first blog in this series details, shorter interconnection timelines can be key to accelerating electric vehicle deployments and achieving decarbonization goals. Luckily, there are currently available policy and technical solutions states can use to achieve timely interconnection, including: (1) hybrid interconnection; (2) flexible interconnection; and (3) ramped connection.

The process of upgrading the grid can be lengthy, expensive and complex. For utilities, flexible interconnection can help bring down costs by optimizing existing grid infrastructure and deferring costly grid upgrades. Closing the gap between what the grid can accommodate and the scale of the energy resources that can be connected will benefit both utilities and customers. Here, we explore ways states can use flexible interconnection agreements to deploy EV chargers more quickly without putting excess stress on the grid.

Posted in Electric Vehicles / Authors: admin / Comments are closed

EPA advances methane waste charge to help cut oil and gas pollution

By Edwin LaMair and Grace Smith / Published: January 25, 2024

Last week, EPA proposed details for how it will administer Congress’s methane waste emissions charge for excessive oil and gas pollution, passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program in 2022.

Posted in Flaring, Methane, Methane regulatons / Authors: elamair, gsmith / Comments are closed

New tax guidance on alternative fuel infrastructure is big news for fleets

By Jason Mathers / Published: January 22, 2024

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently issued new guidance on eligibility for the 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which provides a tax subsidy of up to $100,000 per charging port installed at private fleet depots and other logistics facilities.

Posted in Electric Vehicles / Authors: jasonmathers / Comments are closed

Solutions for timely interconnection to speed the transition to electric trucks

By EDF Blogs / Published: January 10, 2024

By Casey Horan

Transportation electrification is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, with nine states adopting the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which requires manufacturers to produce increasing amounts of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. There are more pathways than ever for MHDV fleets to electrify, as state and federal programs like those within the Inflation Reduction Act are incentivizing the transition by way of grants, rebates and financing. 

To accommodate the vast amount of MHDEVs gearing up to electrify and help fleets get on the road faster, states can take advantage of a range of available solutions to address existing barriers. For example, one of the biggest challenges utilities face is timely interconnection, i.e., connection to the distribution grid, with fleets that require more capacity facing multi-year delays in some states.

Posted in Electric Vehicles, Energy Financing, Energy Innovation / Authors: admin / Comments are closed

Opportunities for hydrogen tax credit rules to address climate impact blind spots

By Morgan Rote / Published: January 8, 2024

Update 3/27/2024: EDF gave testimony at the public hearing on the 45V treasury guidance. See testimony here and full public comments submitted here.

The Biden administration recently unveiled the long-awaited draft of its rules governing tens of billions of dollars’ worth of tax incentives that will greatly influence America’s nascent hydrogen economy and the extent to which the emerging industry delivers promised climate benefits.

Posted in Air Quality / Authors: mrote / Comments are closed

Northwestern analysis provides more information on the need for ACT in Illinois

By Larissa Koehler / Published: December 18, 2023

This blog was co-authored by José Acosta-Córdova, Senior Transportation Policy Analyst at LVEJO

Transportation is a big issue in Illinois, accounting for almost one-third of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions — the sector responsible for the most GHG emissions in the state. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, such as delivery vans, transit buses and large tractor-trailers are a disproportionate contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, but also other emissions like nitrogen oxide and particulate matter that directly harm the health of Illinoisans. Despite making up less than 10% of on-road vehicles, these trucks and buses are responsible for 67% of NOx and 59% of PM.

Advocates in the state have long been calling for Gov. Pritzker to move forward on key policies to advance zero-emission trucks and buses. Chief among them is the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission trucks and school buses.

Posted in Electric Vehicles, Illinois / Authors: lkoehler / Comments are closed