Advanced Energy Perspectives

This week we saw two AEE member companies partnering in a bold new venture, an examination of combined heat and power technology for hospitals, plus salt-cooled nuclear reactors and 100 percent renewable energy for a Central American country and a small town in Texas.

Advanced energy is moving fast: AEE just released a report showing that the U.S. advanced energy economy grew five times as fast as the U.S. economy as a whole. Now, we see more big strides in solar and wind, as well as fast times for advanced vehicles. (Okay, maybe not quite as fast as a Ferrari.)

This week, AEE released Advanced Energy Now 2015 Market Report, our annual report on the size and scope of the advanced energy industry, both globally and in the United States. Advanced energy is a nearly $1.3 trillion global industry, and growing rapidly—in the U.S., the advanced energy industry grew five times as fast as the national economy overall. If more proof is needed that advanced energy is one of the world’s leading growth industries, we got it in the news this week, which features exciting developments in offshore wind and huge numbers from the world of solar. Also, thanks to AEE member Opower, we now know what happens to a solar-powered country during a solar eclipse.

Last week, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) issued its first order in the Commission’s groundbreaking Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) proceeding.  We have been covering REV since it was announced last year and, as AEE’s Lisa Frantzis characterized it in a statement, the PSC’s order is “a huge step toward a better energy future for New York State.”

This week we saw announcements of significant cost savings for SolarCity, a major advanced energy investment from Citigroup, and a move into Mexico for Pattern Energy. So, costs are down, investment is up, and AEE members are taking their influence worldwide. Bottom line: It’s a good time to be in advanced energy.