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New climate deal for North America: 50% carbon-free-electricity by 2025 spurs solar growth

The new clean energy generation target includes renewable energy, storage, carbon capture and nuclear. It was announced Wednesday at the North American Leaders’ Summit in Ottawa, Ontario. The deal also commits the countries to phase out “inefficient” fossil fuel subsidies by 2025, decrease methane emissions, and invest in clean energy projects to help workers affected by the transition away from fossil fuels. “We applaud this historical and attainable set of clean energy commitments. Together they represent a significant growth opportunity for solar energy across the continent”, Tom Kimbis, acting president of SEIA said.

100% clean energy for U.S. federal buildings

“Of particular note is the commitment to 5,000 megawatts of cross border transmission lines, which will open the door to more inexpensive utility scale solar projects. In addition, the U.S. General Services Administration’s 100 percent clean energy commitment means that solar will be increasingly deployed across all 50 states to power our federal infrastructure. These commitments can only be accomplished because the cost of solar has dropped 70 percent in the last eight years, bringing cost savings and cleaner air and water to all North Americans”, Kimbis said.

23% renewable electricity by 2025 in the U.S.

The United States drew approximately 32 percent of its electricity last year from non-fossil-fuel sources according to White House information. Renewables are projected to increase to 23 percent by 2025, while nuclear power is expected to decrease to 18 percent as some units are shut down. Last week Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) announced to close the last nuclear power plant in Diablo Canyon latest by 2025.

Mexico drew 22 percent of its power last year from non-fossil sources. 80 percent of Canada`s power last year come from carbon-free sources, mostly hydropower.  37 percent of North America`s overall electricity in 2015 came from noncarbon power plants, mostly nuclear and hydro. (HCN)

 If you want to read about cost reduction for PV plants for sunbelt regions worldwide: https://www.pveurope.eu/solar-modules/giga-pv-cost-reduction-pv-power-plants-earths-sun-belt