Articles from Harrisburg PA

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PUC: Pennsylvania Doubles Solar Power Generation In Just 17 Months

Pennsylvania has achieved a major clean energy milestone by doubling its solar power generation capacity to 2 gigawatts in just 17 months. The installed solar generation can now power approximately 350,000 homes, marking significant progress toward the state's renewable energy goals. State officials gathered at Gifford Pinchot State Park to celebrate this achievement, which represents substantial growth in Pennsylvania's solar infrastructure and clean energy economy. Source: paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com

https://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2025/07/puc-pennsylvania-doubles-solar-p…

The Unknown Costs of Amazon's $20B Promise

Amazon plans to spend $20 billion to build two data centers in Pennsylvania, a move that state officials say will generate thousands of jobs over the next decade. However, critical details remain unclear, including the centers' full impact on electricity supply and pricing for consumers. These hyperscale computing centers for AI development require enormous amounts of power for operations and cooling, raising concerns about grid strain and potential rate increases for Pennsylvania residents. Source: spotlightpa.org

https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06/amazon-data-centers-pennsylvania-tax-br…

PA Community Colleges Join Forces on Tech, Trades Workforce Consortium

Pennsylvania community colleges have formed a strategic consortium focused on developing skilled workers for technology and trades industries. This collaborative effort aims to address workforce shortages in critical sectors while providing students with pathways to high-demand careers. The consortium represents a coordinated approach to workforce development that aligns educational programs with industry needs, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and emerging technology fields that support Pennsylvania's economic growth. Source: thevalleyledger.com

https://www.thevalleyledger.com/?p=143178

PA Contractor Manages Projects in All Markets Thanks to Net Metering Win

A Pennsylvania solar contractor has successfully expanded operations across multiple market segments following favorable net metering policy developments. The contractor's ability to manage diverse project types - from residential to commercial installations - demonstrates how supportive state policies enable solar industry growth. This success story highlights the importance of net metering programs in creating viable business models for solar developers and installers throughout Pennsylvania. Source: solarpowerworldonline.com

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/07/pa-contractor-manages-projects-in-…

Firm Acquires 22 Net Energy Metered PA Solar Projects

ENGIE has acquired a portfolio of 22 net energy metered solar projects across Pennsylvania, representing significant investment in the state's renewable energy infrastructure. The acquisition demonstrates growing confidence in Pennsylvania's solar market and the stability provided by net metering policies. These distributed solar projects will continue generating clean energy while providing economic benefits to local communities and contributing to Pennsylvania's renewable energy targets. Source: finance.yahoo.com

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/engie-acquires-portfolio-net-energy-173300847.htm…

PA Borough Goes Solar Through Nonprofit Program

A Pennsylvania borough has successfully implemented solar energy systems through an innovative nonprofit program designed to make renewable energy accessible to municipalities. The program provides financial and technical support to help local governments adopt solar technology, reducing energy costs and environmental impact. This initiative serves as a model for other Pennsylvania communities seeking to implement clean energy solutions while managing municipal budgets effectively. Source: solarpowerworldonline.com

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/07/pennsylvania-borough-goes-solar-th…

Administration Targets Solar and Wind with Tighter Federal Permitting

The Trump administration has implemented new federal permitting requirements that mandate Interior Secretary Doug Burgum personally approve all solar and wind energy projects on federal lands and waters. This "elevated review" process covers more than 68 activities ranging from leases to construction permits, effectively placing renewable energy projects under heightened scrutiny that could significantly slow approvals and construction timelines. The directive eliminates what the administration calls "preferential treatment" for renewables compared to fossil fuel and nuclear projects.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/solar-wind-permit-interior-department-burgum-tru…

Future of Solar Funding for PA Schools Uncertain

Pennsylvania's popular Solar for Schools program, which has committed millions to help schools reduce energy costs through solar panel installations, faces potential funding cuts from both state and federal levels. The bipartisan program could lose access to key federal tax credits, forcing schools to cancel or significantly downsize planned solar projects. Over 74 Pennsylvania schools have already received grants totaling $22.6 million, with the program saving districts hundreds of thousands annually in electricity costs. Source: msn.com

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/future-of-solar-panel-funding-for-penn…

Spector, McCarthy : Will the AI Boom Be Powered by Big, Slow Energy Projects?

Industry experts examine whether large-scale, traditional energy infrastructure projects can adequately meet the rapidly growing power demands of artificial intelligence data centers and computing facilities. The article explores the tension between AI's immediate energy needs and the lengthy development timelines typically required for major power generation projects, questioning if utilities can adapt quickly enough to support the AI revolution. Source: canarymedia.com

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/utilities/will-the-ai-boom-be-powered-by-bi…

Quigley : What Wasn't Discussed at Pennsylvania's AI Summit

A critical analysis of Pennsylvania's recent AI summit highlighting key topics and considerations that were overlooked during discussions about the state's artificial intelligence strategy and development. The commentary examines gaps in the conversation around AI implementation, infrastructure needs, and policy considerations that could impact Pennsylvania's position in the growing AI economy. Source: kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu

https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/commentary/blog/what-wasnt-discussed-at-pennsyl…

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