The Clean Energy Generation is making progress every day here in the Southeast. From Georgia’s largest animal shelter adding rooftop solar, North Carolina residents organizing for federal clean energy funds to lower monthly utility bills, to a Tennessee university creating a workforce training program that reflects the diversity of America, our clean energy future is becoming a reality.

Take a look at just six of the many inspiring signs of clean energy adoption in the Southeast we’ve seen this spring.

Left photo of LifeLine Animal Project courtesy of Solar Power World; middle photo of D.H. Conley High School courtesy of Ginger Livingston/The Daily Reflector; right photo courtesy of Cardinal & Pine/Getty Images

Georgia’s largest animal shelter adds 200-kW solar array

Solar-powered snuggles! LifeLine Animal Project, Georgia’s largest animal shelter, recently added a 200-kW solar system to its roof. Thanks to a partnership with RE-volv, which has helped more than 70 nonprofits in underserved communities go solar, LifeLine will save up to 15% per month on their electric bills. The $1.6 million LifeLine expects to save over the life of its new solar system will be reinvested into the shelter’s animal welfare services. Read more.

Solar power provides teaching tool, savings, school officials said

Fostering bright young minds. Lakeforest Elementary School and D.H. Conley High School in Greenville, North Carolina recently unveiled two new solar arrays. Each array generates roughly 20 kilowatts of electricity, or 10-15% of the schools’ electricity usage. Once two additional systems are installed, the arrays will save the schools up to $10,000 a year in electricity costs. Part of a larger solar trend, Lakeforest and D.H. Conley are the 75th and 76th schools to receive solar arrays through the NC Greenpower+ Solar Schools program. Read more.

Op-Ed: How N.C. workers are changing the narrative on climate

“The impact of climate change is not nine miles above our head at the ozone layer, but settling in right here at home…in the form of high electric bills and the increasing need for home weatherization.” Residents of Johnston County, North Carolina are feeling the heat, both literally and figuratively. That’s why residents have drawn up a proposal for their local government to apply for federal Inflation Reduction Act funds that would help make local homes more energy efficient and help save homeowners and renters alike money. Read more.

Left photo courtesy of Canary Media

Chart: Renewables generated a record 30% of global electricity in 2023

Solar and wind are cleaning up the global power grid! Renewable energy generated 30% of the world’s electricity in 2023, driven by consistent growth in solar and wind power. Solar, in particular, has been the fastest-growing source of electricity generation for 19 years in a row, expanding by a stunning 23% last year. Fossil fuel generation, meanwhile, grew by less than 1%. However, despite this progress, more is needed. The power sector must completely decarbonize by 2045 to meet international pollution targets. Read more.

EPA gives Miami-Dade Schools $19 million for more electric school buses

“Transitioning to a clean transportation future means cleaner air and less pollution, it means healthier kids and healthier communities.” Thanks to recent funding from EPA and Volkswagen, Miami-Dade County Public Schools will soon add 80 new electric school buses to its existing 20. That means 100 of the district’s 800 school buses will soon be 100% electric, giving their kids a clean ride to school. The county plans to match the school district by introducing at least 100 electric transport buses! Read more.

DOE awards $5 million to minority-serving institutions in support of clean energy education and workforce development programs

“Achieving equitable energy transitions across the country is not possible without a workforce that reflects the diversity of America.” Thanks to funding from the Department of Energy, Tennessee State University is creating a workforce development program designed to train Black, Hispanic, and Native American students in clean energy design, installation, and storage. The finished course will be made available to partner institutions, including other HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal colleges. Read more.

Follow along each week

These stories highlight just a few of the positive solutions that are making an impact in the Southeast! Every day we see signs of hope and progress in the clean energy transition. The Clean Energy Generation is creating a future powered by clean energy that leads to clean air and water, good jobs, and vibrant communities.

Would you like to see more stories like this? We’ve got just the thing for you! Every Thursday, we share the latest clean energy news on Instagram with #CleanEnergyNews. Join us as we celebrate the progress and signs of hope in the clean energy transition.

Join the Clean Energy Generation

Together, all of us who are taking action are part of the Clean Energy Generation movement. We’re coming together to create healthier communities and a more secure and sustainable environment, starting now. No matter your age, income, zip code, or abilities, you can play a role. You don’t have to have the answers, learning more is a great way to start. Join us, and we’ll share ideas, resources, tools, and practices to show how we can all be part of the transformation.

Join the Clean Energy Generation

The post Six Exciting Examples of Clean Energy Progress in the Southeast appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Six Exciting Examples of Clean Energy Progress in the Southeast