Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency, Energy Procurement, GHG Emissions, Sourcing Renewables  -  February 1, 2025

Weekend Reads: Big Tech vs. Utilities; Hawaii Expedites RE

It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web:

Big Tech wants to plug data centers right into power plants. Utilities say it’s not fair (Associated Press)  Looking for a quick fix for their fast-growing electricity diets, tech giants are increasingly looking to strike deals with power plant owners to plug in directly, avoiding a potentially longer and more expensive process of hooking into a fraying electric grid that serves everyone else.

California’s federal lands are hemorrhaging carbon dioxide. Wildfires are largely to blame (LA Times)  The ecosystems on the American Southwest’s federal lands are hemorrhaging carbon dioxide into the atmosphere faster than any other region in the U.S., according to a recent study from the U.S. Geological Survey. While federal land ecosystems in most states are sequestering carbon dioxide on average, California’s lost six times more than any other state during the 17-year period from 2005 to 2021 that the study analyzed.

WEBINAR | Powering the Future: Navigating Energy Demands for Data Centers (iMasons Climate Accord) Recent market dialogue suggests we're witnessing an energy expansion rather than a transition. Over the past few years, the landscape of renewable energy procurement has evolved, including regulatory hurdles as well as incentive programs – then add in AI's energy consumption, now the digital infrastructure industry is making headlines regularly. In this 60-minute, live webinar from iMasons Climate Accord (ICA), our panelists will provide insight into the scale of the digital infrastructure growth, alongside a discussion of emerging renewable energy sources, technologies, and the role of natural gas. Companies participating on the panel include Iron Mountain Data Centers and more to be names shortly. REGISTER HERE

Gov. Green signs executive order to expedite development of renewable energy in the state of Hawaiʻi (Maui Now)  Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green, M.D., signed an executive order on Monday aimed at accelerating the state’s renewable energy development in response to federal uncertainty and concerns about grid stability. The order moves Hawaiʻi’s Renewable Portfolio Standards target from 2045 to 2035, alongside other key directives.

Norway's electric vehicle milestone (NPR)  Nine out of ten cars sold in Norway are EVs. Government incentives and a commitment to charging stations have made Norway a world leader in electric vehicle use.

Why Sustainability Is Critical For Business Success In 2025 (And The Data To Prove It) (Forbes)  Business can be the most powerful force for good when it prioritizes collaboration and shared responsibility. Moving from a “me-first” to a “we-first” mindset isn’t just an ideal—it’s a necessity in today’s world. As we step into 2025, this approach feels more urgent than ever. In the context of concurrent geopolitical, climate, and policy challenges, the business case for sustainability is clear and compelling.

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