These actions include authorisation of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate production, including solar panel components; putting the full power of federal procurement to work spurring additional domestic solar manufacturing capacity by directing the development of master supply agreements, including “super preference” status; and creating a 24-month bridge as domestic manufacturing rapidly scales up to ensure the reliable supply of components that US solar deployers need to construct clean energy projects and an electric grid for the 21st century.
Clean energy technology is a critical part of the infrastructure needed to lower energy costs for families, reducing risks to the grid and tackling climate change. Thus far, President Biden has mobilised investment in these technologies through his clean energy and climate agenda. As a result, last year saw the largest deployment of solar, wind, and batteries in US history, with the country also becoming a magnet for investment in clean energy manufacturing.
The private sector has committed over $100 billion in new private capital to make electric vehicles and batteries in the United States and large investments have also been made in clean hydrogen and other technologies, particularly offshore wind. The US is also on track to triple domestic solar manufacturing capacity by 2024.
“Thanks to today’s actions by the White House, the American solar industry can finally get back to work driving economic growth, reducing electricity costs and lowering greenhouse gas emissions” said Gregory Wetstone, President and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). “We thank the President and his staff for the vitally important relief he has provided for the nation’s solar sector. This welcome development follows months of needless disruption to one of the country’s fastest-growing sources of new jobs and best defenses against the threat of climate change.”
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