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Can Solar Help Offset the AI’s Energy Demand? by Greg Zimmerman

William Attardi on April 30, 2025

Demand from data centers is expected to more than triple by 2028, according to the Department of Energy. This is largely due to the explosion of Artificial Intelligence, and its intense demand for electricity.  Meta, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are just a few of the big tech companies investing billions in solar technology. Two of the main reasons for the investment in solar is that the solar development timeline is much shorter than for other sources electricity. At 1.4 years, solar is the shortest timeline to develop an 800-megawatt solar plant. That’s compared to 15 years for a nuclear power and 6.7 years for a coal-fired power plant.  Also, solar is much less expensive, is easily scalable, and pays back much quicker than other sources of electricity.   Can Solar Help Offset the AI’s Energy Demand?  – Facility Management Green Quick Read

DOE Green-Lights $57M Loan to Restart Michigan Nuclear Plant by Francisco “A.J.” Camacho

William Attardi on March 18, 2025

The Department of Energy has approved a $57 million loan disbursement to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan, marking the first financial commitment from the Trump administration for nuclear revival. DOE’s disbursement is part of an existing $1.52 billion loan guarantee aimed at restoring the 800-megawatt facility, which, if successfully restarted, would be the first U.S. commercial nuclear reactor to resume operations after being shut down. DOE green-lights $57M loan to restart Michigan nuclear plant – E&E News by POLITICO

Energy Department Acts to Lower Prices and Increase Consumer Choice with Household Appliances

William Attardi on March 8, 2025

Led by President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced the Department of Energy will postpone the implementation of seven of the Biden administration’s restrictive mandates on home appliances. The Feb. 14 actions are a key step in undoing the previous administration’s burdensome policies that have driven up costs, reduced choice and diminished the quality of Americans’ home appliances. Perma | Energy Today’s actions postpone the efficiency standards for the following home appliance rules:

Perma | Energy Department Acts to Lower Prices and Increase Consumer Choice with Household Appliances | Department of Energy

The Role of Energy Audits in Enhancing Facility Performance by Ellie Gabel

William Attardi on March 4, 2025

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), approximately 30% of the money used to power buildings — around $400 billion annually — is wasted yearly. A professional-grade energy audit can help facility managers reduce electricity expenses without compromising comfort or safety. During a commercial energy audit, an auditor assesses how, where and why a facility consumes power. They aim to address inefficiencies and identify areas of opportunity, enabling a substantial energy consumption reduction. Whatever the audit’s results, management will receive a baseline on the property’s energy consumption, waste and reuse effectiveness rating. They can use this data to identify pain points, explore areas of opportunity, or prioritize equipment upgrades. Nearly 40% of a building’s energy usage can be attributed to lighting. Replacing outdated lighting fixtures with more energy efficient options can drastically reduce those costs. The Role Of Energy Audits In Enhancing Facility Performance

Lighting Revolution in Two Graphs: LED Distribution In Residential And Commercial Applications by Craig DiLouie

William Attardi on January 15, 2025

As the LED revolution achieves increasing adoption, a recent report by the Department of Energy illuminates the growth. Published in April 2024, the “2020 U.S. Lighting Market Characterization” https://tinyurl.com/3fczwe9s estimates technology distribution among the U.S. installed base of units (lamps/luminaires), along with energy consumption. Residential sector: Let’s start with the residential lighting sector, where an estimated 6.5 billion units are installed, accounting for 80% of lighting installations. LED was the most popular light source in 2020 with 3.1 billion units installed or 48% of the total, nearly 50% less energy than in 2015.  Commercial buildings: In the commercial building sector, with its estimated 1.6 billion installed units, we see a similarly striking snapshot of LED earning virtual parity with other light sources. In 2020, LED reached an overall share of 48% of the installed base and a rough parity with fluorescent, nearly 30% less energy than 2015 and 57% less than 2001. Again, LED adoption is today the majority light source in commercial buildings.  Lighting Revolution in Two Graphs: LED distribution in residential and commercial applications – Electrical Contractor Magazine

Trump Return Likely to Slow, Not Stop, US Clean-Energy Boom

William Attardi on November 21, 2024

Donald Trump’s return to the White House will refocus the nation’s energy policy onto maximizing oil and gas production and away from fighting climate change, but the Republican win in Tuesday’s presidential election is unlikely to dramatically slow the U.S. renewable energy boom. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are the fastest-growing segments on the power grid, according to the Department of Energy, driven by federal tax credits, state renewable-energy mandates, and technology advancements that have lowered their costs. Trump return likely to slow, not stop, US clean-energy boom | Reuters

Key Themes of Washington’s Farewell Address 

Crafted with the assistance of his close advisors, including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, President George Washington’s Farewell Address was intended to offer guidance and warnings to the American people as they faced the challenges of the future. Among the most significant themes were:

  1. Neutrality in Foreign Affairs – advising that the United States should avoid becoming involved in the conflicts and political machinations of foreign powers. He argued that such alliances could lead to unnecessary entanglements and could jeopardize American interests and independence.
  2. The Dangers of Political Parties – Washington expressed concern that political factions could lead to divisions within the country and weaken the unity of the nation. He believed that political parties could become sources of discord and could prioritize their own interests over the common good. He encouraged Americans to work together for the benefit of the nation as a whole.
  3. The Importance of National Unity – He emphasized that the strength of the United States depended on the unity of its people and the coherence of its government. Washington urged Americans to set aside regional and political differences and to work together to build a strong and prosperous nation. Source: Day in History