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Some good news: for the first time, renewable energy comprised more electricity generated in the U.S. last year than coal or nuclear power, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The federal agency found the growth was largely driven by increased proliferation of wind and solar energy, which collectively made up 14 percent of U.S. electricity in 2022, up from 12 percent in 2021.

Of course, the news is not all good: despite the increase in renewable generation, natural gas remained the top source of U.S. electricity, increasing from 37 percent in 2021 to 39 percent in 2022.

So how do we deal with that? One answer: offshore wind power. Massachusetts has a greater potential for offshore wind energy than any other state in the country. Wind farms off the coast of Massachusetts could generate more than 19 times as much electricity as the state currently consumes each year, or 8.3 times as much electricity as Massachusetts is projected to use once heating and transportation are converted from fossil fuels to electric power, according to a report from the Public Interest Network.

And what about when the wind doesn’t blow? Global investment in battery energy storage reached almost $20 billion in 2022, led by grid-scale deployment, which represented more than 70% of total spending. Clearly, renewables combined with storage point the way to a clean future. To support that scenario, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, includes an investment tax credit for stand-alone storage, which is expected to boost the competitiveness of new grid-scale storage projects.

And speaking of renewable power, an ongoing issue has been that even with incentives for heat pumps and solar power installations, the cost of converting to clean energy for most low-to-middle income households remains out of reach. But solutions to that problem are underway.

After five years of rejections, revisions, appeals, and resubmissions, a Cape Cod energy organization has received state approval for a first-of-its-kind pilot program providing a package of solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage to low-income households.

The program, called the Cape and Vineyard Electric Offering, will provide all three technologies, free of charge, to 25 low-income homes in the region. Another 75 homes — a mix of low- and middle-income households — will get low- or no-cost whole-home heat pumps and solar panels, as well as advice on financing a battery purchase if desired. The program is expected to roll out to the public in April.

It’s a small start, but an important step on the way to getting Massachusetts off of “natural” gas and on to an electrified clean energy future.

For even more environmental news, info, and events, check out the latest newsletter from our colleagues at Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)!

— The NFGiM Team

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Gas Is the Past Petition
From Mass Power Forward/Springfield Climate Justice Coalition
Sign this petition to Governor Healey to declare no future for gas by Earth Day.
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