Noble or Negligent? Inside Extinction Rebellion’s Climate Change Fight

This past Monday on October 14th, the #climate change activist group known as #Extinction Rebellion staged #protests outside of #BlackRock, one of #London’s most prominent financial institutions. Extinction Rebellion targeted BlackRock specifically, demanding that they stop funding fossil fuel companies that build new mines and pipelines, ultimately contributing to the climate change crisis. Extinction Rebellion, also referred to as ‘XR’, is making similar demands of other worldwide financial institutions. The group has arranged climate change protests in other major cities such as New York, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Sydney. 

Extinction Rebellion: Their Mission and Message 

One of the primary goals of Extinction Rebellion is to incentivize governments around the world to declare a “climate and ecological emergency” and to urgently address the laws and statutes that are contributing to climate change. They are a self-declared “non-violent, civil disobedience activist movement” that is demanding zero carbon emission output worldwide by the year 2025. Their ultimate goal is to halt the mass extinction of species around the world and minimize the risk of societal collapse as a result of climate change.  

Inside the BlackRock Protest 

During the climate change demonstration at BlackRock on Monday, volunteers glued themselves to building doors and staged a fake dinner party that was intended to mock corporate owners. 

It is estimated that more than 1,400 arrests have been made since the London climate change protests began this week and similar numbers are being seen in other countries where Extinction Rebellion protests have been held. 

In response to the worldwide arrests, Carolina Rosa, climate change activist and spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion stated that “the city of London is a preeminent nexus of power in the global system that is killing our world.” 

Extinction Rebellion as a whole released a statement declaring that the climate change emergency isn’t going to go away without some sort of resolution and that ultimately, the climate change problem is “bigger than all of us.” 

Disturbing Cities as a Means of Fighting Climate Change 

During Extinction Rebellion’s last climate change protest this past April in London, 1,130 people were arrested throughout the 11-day long protest. During this time, the city’s busiest roads and bus routes were disrupted, bringing much of the city to a standstill. The costs to the London police force as a result of the protest were estimated at around £7.5 million.  

April’s protest saw activists gluing themselves to city trains, as well as entrances to the London Stock Exchange. Activists in New York City during this time blocked traffic, while German protesters chained themselves outside Angela Merkel’s Chancellery in Berlin.  

Is Civil Unrest the Answer to Climate Change? 

In light of the costs, arrests, and civil disturbances brought on by Extinction Rebellion, we have to ask ourselves, how are these actions helping solve climate change? Critics are stating that Extinction Rebellion is nothing more than a climate change group made up of ‘environmental fanatics’ and despite what good intentions they may have, their extreme actions are likely alienating potential supporters. Some have also criticized the group for attempting to overthrow capitalism in an attempt to stop fossil fuel production without any idea of what is to come and no plans for realistic fossil fuel replacement timelines. 

In response to criticism of their climate change fighting tactics, Extinction Rebellion has stated that those angered by their protests “should find out more about the severity of ecological and climate crisis.” 

While it is understandable that many are becoming emotionally invested in climate change activism and a desire to put an end to fossil fuel production, is civil unrest and disruption the route we should take to end climate change? Extinction Rebellion will have to come forth with scientifically proven methods of fossil fuel replacement plans if they are to be taken seriously in the climate change and science-driven communities.  

Putting pressure on financial corporations and those directly involved in financing fossil fuel production is a start to combating climate change. Climate change is undoubtedly causing a disruption to our planet on a global scale. However, to effectively combat climate change, science-based plans and logical perseverance will need to be our focus – not gluing ourselves to public property. 

Resources: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48607989 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change/climate-change-activists-target-blackrock-in-london-idUSKBN1WT0MF 

The Impact of Trump’s Recent Solar Tariff Decision

You might remember that this past summer, the Trump Administration made an announcement regarding #bifacial solar panels. The announcement was that these #solar panels, which use solar cells on both sides to collect #energy from the sun, would be exempt from import tariffs (the tariffs being referenced are those which were introduced at the beginning of 2018. For solar developers, this was a big win because of a potential price decrease in solar panels, with manufacturers ramping up production).  

However, the Trump Administration recently changed direction, making an announcement that at the end of October, exemption would come to an end for bifacial panels. Solar manufacturers with production overseas are potentially out of luck, if you will; however, there are some solar winners as a result of this decision. While the stock market can be unpredictable, if one is looking into clean energy stocks, these two might be worth considering at the moment… 

#First Solar: Winner Number One  

Back when solar tariffs were originally announced, First Solar saw many benefits and certainly came out ahead. This is a company that creates solar panels with a thin film, and not being subjected to tariffs, even when the solar panels are made overseas, is viewed as a big deal. It is important to note that this company has the most United States production when it comes to the solar industry. This means that it is already getting a great deal of business in the U.S.  

What would be First Solar’s greatest competitor in terms of solar panels? Utility-scale developers creating bifacial panel imports. Take the competition out of the picture, however, and this company sees a huge win. It will certainly be interesting to see this company’s earnings reports in the near future. More importantly, it will be interesting to see what changes come to light in terms of using clean energy.  

#SunPower: Another Big Winner 

SunPower has done a great deal to grow in the U.S. and to avoid tariffs. Their efforts were a little less useful with the bifacial solar panel exemption. But SunPower’s moves to build United States manufacturing could yield more benefits now.  

If you have followed SunPower, you might be aware that this company acquired SolarWorld Americas in a huge move, and then installed #P-Series solar panel manufacturing out in their plant in Oregon.  

What are P-Series solar panels? And how are they relevant to tariffs? 

These utilize commodity solar cells. They can be assembled into a panel that offers more efficiency than commodity solar panels. They are created for utility-scale and commercial projects. SunPower could import these solar cells (with a limit) tariff-free. Getting rid of the bifacial exemption is anticipated to make SunPower even more viable in U.S. markets.  

SunPower’s most significant market is residential solar. Since the company made an effort to develop U.S. manufacturing, it was able to acquire a tariff exemption for its back-contact solar cells. SunPower’s residential products certainly could have been undercut by bifacial solar panels being competitive in terms of costs when compared to solar panels under tariffs.  

It will be interesting to see what happens with the position SunPower has in relation to the residential market in the near future.  

Solar Companies for the Win! 

It is always good to see positivity in the world of solar, and SunPower and First Solar have both gotten a boost recently. In accordance with an article recently published on the Motley Fool, SunPower and First Solar can now have the ability to benefit from their exemptions from tariffs in terms of solar imports and from their U.S. manufacturing.   

With tariffs set to be in place through early 2022, it will be fascinating to see what happens down the road. In the meantime, it is good to see clean energy-focused companies benefitting in some way. SunPower and First Solar have certainly come out ahead in this recent decision. Analysts, of course, have differing views on how the tariffs will impact the industry, so stay on top of solar news and be sure to do your research to stay in the know!  

Sources: 

https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/10/14/2-big-winners-from-trumps-latest-solar-tariff-deci.aspx 

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/07/us-solar-industry-gets-unlikely-boost-from-the-trump-administration.html 

 

Houston to Transform Former Landfill into Solar Energy Site

A former landfill in Houston could soon become the site for the largest urban #solar farm in the state. The Sunnyside Landfill used to be Houston’s largest landfill and is made up of an area of land that is more than 200 football fields in size. Since the landfill was closed and capped in the 1970s, it has become overgrown with shrubs, trees, and mosquitos.  

#Solar energy development groups in the state, local architects, private companies, and city officials are coming together to transform the former landfill into a massive solar #energy production site made up of thousands of solar panels. Additionally, the solar site will share space with both an agricultural production area and an educational center. 

Providing Solar Power to Houston Residents 

The solar site will be split between commercial solar and community solar shares. Around 220 acres of land will be devoted to commercial solar power, while around 12 will be solely for residents that can’t afford solar power or are unable to install solar panels.  

According to early estimates, a 70-megawatt solar array will be built and generate enough solar power for around 12,000 households. Job creation is another intended benefit of this solar project for Houston and if all goes according to plan with investors, we should see the project begin construction by 2021. 

Reinventing Cities Competition 

The Sunnyside Landfill project is part of a global effort known as Reinventing Cities. The goal of Reinventing Cities is to transform urban areas by introducing carbon-neutral innovations to certain cities to combat global warming and climate change. Houston and 30 other cities around the world have been selected to take part in the Reinventing Cities competition, in which the best innovations will serve as examples to other communities for future developments and sustainable energy projects. 

Reusing Land Space for Solar Energy 

Altering unused land to make room for solar energy is the kind of forward-thinking cities need to have, especially if we are to combat climate change. According to Nathanael Greene, senior renewable energy advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sunnyside Landfill is the perfect location for solar energy. Lara Cottingham, chief sustainability officer for Houston, also agrees that the redevelopment of the land for solar energy purposes is a great fit. 

Greene told the Houston Chronicle that using a ‘brownfield,’ or disturbed site, for solar energy is the best possible reuse of land. Due to reductions in solar energy costs in the last five years, solar can now reach cities and locations where it once could not. Overall, this initiative will bring clean energy, local economic development, and accessible solar energy to residents and businesses in the Houston area. 

Back in 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency stated that the landfill can be used for solar energy production, as long as it is revamped properly. To clear the landfill of excessive debris without disturbing the cap, the work is estimated to cost around $7,000 per acre.  

Local Support for the Sunnyside Solar Project 

Support for the landfill metamorphosis is high. One local advocate, in particular, has helped pave the way for local interest and solidarity with the project. Efrem Jernigan runs The STEM Foundation through the South Union Community Development Corporation on the weekends. He built an outdoor solar classroom nearly three years ago to help educate local youth in science and math. He and his team hold information sessions in the outdoor classroom for the community to address questions about local solar initiatives and the importance of clean energy development. 

Dori Wolfe, the lead developer for Sunnyside Energy, stated that the goal is “to make sure this is a benefit to the community.” Wolfe understands that there is a great deal of work to be done before the solar landfill project is complete, but she is optimistic that the project will soon take off once the right investors come together. 

Sadra Massie Hines, Houston’s honorary mayor and one of their most prominent civil rights activists, is in support of the solar project. She is adamant that this will be a “phenomenal opportunity for Sunnyside residents,” and increase a sense of community overall. 

Resources: 

https://www.c40reinventingcities.org/en/sites/holmes-road-landfill-1271.html 

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Hopes-rise-that-proposed-solar-farm-will-14490863.php 

Climate Change ‘Laboratory’ for Governors Island

#Governors Island (in NYC) has a history that is uncommon. You might know it as the patch of land with an ice cream cone-like shape to it, or you might be familiar with some of the history of the 170 plus acre area of land. At one point, it was a Civil War prison. Close to the end of the Cold War, it served as a gathering place for President Ronald Reagan when he met with Mikhail Gorbachev, Soviet leader. Where does #climate change come in to the picture? Keep reading!

Climate Change Laboratory: How Will It Work?  

Control of the island was turned over by the federal government to the state of New York in 2003, and since this point, the search has been on for how to pay for the island’s maintenance – this is where climate change comes in. The island has needed a revenue source and a purpose. A new concept has come to light regarding its use and climate change – the island could serve as the host of a climate change “laboratory”. More than 4 million square feet on the island’s southern section could become a climate change laboratory. The climate change test center could be utilized for educational and commercial use – to put it simply, it could ultimately serve as a learning center for managing climate change.  

As per a request for suggestions sent by the city to contractors, the climate change-focused plan discusses transforming Governors Island into a center for climate change adaption exploration. Points examined regarding climate change would include policy making and commercialization.  

Addressing Climate Change Concerns

This climate change proposal is a reflection of the challenges that global warming brings to NY and other coastal cities – for instance, demand for building along the water is rising even though storms are worsening and seas are rising as a result of climate change.  

The New York Harbor location of Governors Island means it is exposed to storms and flooding, as per Michael #Samuelian, who was once in charge of the trust that runs Governors Island. His belief is that this is an ideal place to focus on climate change education and adaption.  

What Will the Climate Change Adaptation Lab Look Like? 

Consultants have been asked to consider ideas for a climate change lab. A “pitch deck” for this climate change lab is one option, in which ideas could be sold to universities and foundations. 

#Alicia Glen served as deputy mayor until just recently. Now, Glen heads Governor Island’s Board of the Trust. She discussed how the goal is to turn this location into a “living laboratory” that focuses on how to deal with certain problems regarding climate change in an urban setting. Moreover, the climate change laboratory project would assist in paying for maintenance for the island. Generating money with development opportunities will help the island to be sustainable.  

As per #Clare Newman, Samuelian’s successor, transforming Governors Island into a place for climate change-adaptation research could not only keep the public engaged but it could tap into a certain concentration of workers in NY, like engineers and architects.  

In accordance with those familiar with this plan, the climate change–focused vision for Governors Island reverberates its tech-themed improvement of Roosevelt Island. (You might recall that almost a decade ago, universities were invited to New York to compete for an opportunity to build a graduate center on Roosevelt Island for applied sciences. Cornell University, the winner, opened a campus there in 2017).  

In regard to Governors Island, while a judicious approach might have been to just avoid developing there altogether, Samuelian discussed how he could see “more value in making the island an example of how development can coexist with rising water.” He mentioned how that could involve buildings raised up on stilts, or structures that could be pulled apart and relocated.  

Climate Change Action

Keep following climate change news to stay on top of happenings across the country. We must pay attention to climate change, which is occurring right before our eyes, and take action!  

Sources: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/06/climate/governors-island-climate-change-new-york.html 

https://ny.curbed.com/2019/10/7/20902581/nyc-governors-island-climate-change-laborator 

Russia Officially Joins the Paris Agreement

After months of speculation and tensions regarding #Russia’s commitment to fighting #climate change, the Russian Federation has officially joined the #Paris Agreement. Seeing as Russia is the world’s fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it is fair to say that it is about time their participation became official. 

Ruslan Edelgeriev, Vladimir #Putin’s climate advisor, spoke at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in September. He discussed Russia’s impacts on climate change, as well as the country’s newfound commitment to join the fight against greenhouse gas emissions and other factors contributing to climate change.  

Alexey Kokorin, World Wildlife Fund climate program director of Russia, mentioned to Climate Home News that “Russia recognizes the importance of the climate problem,” and is not in opposition to its impacts.  

However, there is still work to be done in terms of Russia’s current climate change commitments. According to the Climate Action Tracker (CAT), an independent scientific analysis organization that has been globally tracking climate change efforts since 2009, their current pledges have been labeled as “critically insufficient” — the lowest score one can achieve according to their scale. 

Climate officer for Greenpeace, Vasily Yablokov is optimistic that Russia’s adoption of the Paris Agreement will, “increase the chances of preventing a global climate catastrophe.” That is, if action is taken immediately. Yablokov is adamant that, “there is no time left for compromises and attempts to maintain the status quo of fossil power.”  

Putin’s Resistance to Climate Change 

While Putin has never outright stated that he is a climate change denier, he has at times turned a blind eye to the impacts Russia has had on climate change. He has even joked that Russia could use warmer weather so that the country’s citizens might spend less on winter coats and enjoy the benefits of increased crop yields. However, Putin isn’t laughing now – especially after the release of the most recent climate change report. According to the National Weather Service, the average temperature in Russia alone is increasing by 0.47 degrees Celsius every 10 years, according to data collected between 1976 and 2018. This increase is 150% faster than global averages.  

In light of this statistic, Putin stated back in July that continuing to use traditional methods of #energy output and consumption “inevitably means new risks and further climate change.” In the same breath, however, Putin has mentioned that any decrease in fuel exports may harm economic growth in Russia. Russian economist Igor Makarov, with the assistance of collaborators from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, estimated that Russia’s economic growth will slow by 0.2%-0.3% per year if all countries achieve the goals laid out in the Paris Agreement. 

The Russian government is currently in the process of reviewing laws that will regulate greenhouse gas emissions, as well as plans for low-carbon development and adaptation. 

The Paris Agreement – What’s Next? 

The Paris Agreement was first formed in December of 2015 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris. It is a landmark agreement that brings together various nations for a common cause, namely, a global effort to combat climate change. Each country that agrees to the Paris Agreement must outline their plans for post-2020 climate change initiatives through what are known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDC’s. Since its genesis, 196 countries have joined the Paris Agreement.  

The Paris Agreement addresses all facets contributing to climate change, including the pursuit of efforts that will keep global temperatures from rising, taking all possible measures to minimize the impacts of climate change, as well as education, transparency, and global cooperation. 

There are eleven countries that have yet to join the Paris Agreement, including Iran, Iraq, Angola, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, South Sudan, Yemen, Oman, Eritrea, and Suriname. 

Combating climate change is ultimately a global effort. To see any kind of changes in the coming decades that will ensure the sustainability of our planet, all world leaders will need to work together to financially and economically follow through with the tasks laid out in the Paris Agreement and each NDC. Russia’s official commitment to fighting climate change comes not a moment too soon and we can hope that other countries may begin to do the same. 

Resources 

https://www.climatechangenews.com/2019/09/23/russia-formally-joins-paris-climate-agreement/ 

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/09/24/even-putin-is-now-worried-about-climate-change-a67404 

https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/what-is-the-paris-agreement 

Solar Microgrids in the Bahamas: What They Mean for the Future

The #Caribbean islands were recently battered by a hurricane, and they might end up becoming a place to test out #solar, shedding some light on what the future might hold when it comes to renewable power.

There is no doubt that climate change is changing our planet – stronger storms have hit us, seas are rising, ice is melting – even weather patterns are starting to shift. The islands are proving this – just look at Hurricane #Maria and Hurricane #Dorian and the damage they brought to Puerto Rico and the #Bahamas. But could these islands be part of the climate change movement? Where does solar power come into the picture? Keep reading about efforts being made to create and use solar microgrids.

Solar-Powered Microgrids

Solar-powered microgrids function as a renewable, clean way to provide power. Solar microgrids could transform the Caribbean so that it turns into a testing ground for clean #energy. There is a great deal of opportunity for islands to go solar.

The clean, solar effort is called the Islands Energy Program, and senior director at the place leading the effort (#Rocky Mountain Institute), #Justin Locke, discussed how islands have become climate change victims. The goal is to install new, innovative solar systems which will prove positive change can happen. Rocky Mountain Institute has been working for years on solar and other clean solutions in the Caribbean.

How Solar Could Benefit the Caribbean

In the Caribbean islands, electricity comes at a high cost. There is reliance on diesel fuel, which is imported, and energy costs up to four times more than it does elsewhere in the United States. Infrastructure has high costs. Solar power makes complete sense on a financial and practical level.

Locke discussed how the renewable, clean energy economy in this region – solar plus batteries – is equivalent if not less expensive than fossil fuels. So the Caribbean makes sense as a starting point in the universal, solar energy evolution.

Caribbean governments are taking action. At this point, approximately 225 megawatts of solar capacity has been installed on parking canopies, rooftops, and on land. And the quickest growing power source for numerous Caribbean islands is solar.

Solar Developments

Rocky Mountain Institute worked with the Bahamian government prior to Dorian happening to install a solar #microgrid to the tune of $2 million on #Ragged Island. This is a smaller island that experienced major power problems after #Hurricane Irma back in 2017.

Solar offers the opportunity to store energy while the sun is shining and it can work to distribute energy when skies are dark. As a matter of fact, a solar microgrid that consisted of both batteries and solar panels had the ability to produce 97 percent of the island’s power. The solar microgrid was made to be resistant to a hurricane – to be more precise, a Category 5 Hurricane, which is no easy feat as this is the strongest kind of hurricane. Not relying on fossil fuels is financially-savvy, and over the next five years, the expectation is that the solar, green upgrades will pay for themselves.

Remember the delay when it came to getting the power grid back online in Puerto Rico after Maria? This proves the benefits of dispersed green power. Distributed solar power would mean power comes back on with less of a delay – think, prior to the arrival of relief teams.

After Hurricane Dorian’s damaging path through the Bahamas this past summer, RMI has been asked by the nation’s government to assist in updating the power system. A 1-megawatt solar car park was installed prior to the storm in Nassau. RMI hopes that by adding stations to the solar infrastructure they can drive more investment in clean energy.

Dr. Hubert Minnis, Bahamas Prime Minister, discussed a vision to deliver first-rate clean energy technology. The goal is to generate 30 percent of power from clean energy sources, such as solar, by 2030, according to the Bahamian government.

RMI has plans to install a solar microgrid on Abaco, which is one of five islands that will benefit from a $2 million campaign to get rid of an outdated diesel fuel system and replace it with a solar friendly options. There is another campaign encouraging clean energy ono a smaller scale – the goal is to install solar for residences on Family Islands.

According to Locke, this is only the beginning. Keep following solar news to stay in the know about solar microgrids in the Bahamas!

Sources:

https://www.curbed.com/2019/9/26/20885164/hurricane-dorian-bahamas-solar-power-microgrid

https://microgridknowledge.com/microgrids-bahamas-dorian/

 

Hot Springs, Arkansas Now the Seventh City in the U.S. to Commit to 100% Solar Energy

Hot Springs, #Arkansas is set to join six other cities across the U.S. in a commitment run solely on 100% #solar and #renewable energies. The switch to solar-powered utility and other #renewable energy sources will save the city nearly $30 million over the next several decades. City manager Bill Burrough, who is responsible for all city departments, funding, and supervision, stated that he “is always looking for initiatives to become greener, to take care of our environment, and look at opportunities to lower costs.” 

Hot Springs is already the largest city in Arkansas to rely on #solar energy, making this transition most feasible in this particular area. Bill Halter, CEO of Scenic Hill Solar, is in full support of the commitment and will be helping oversee the construction of solar power plants across 80 acres of land in the city. 

Other Cities Aiming for Complete Solar and Clean #Energy Reliance 

The six other cities working towards becoming 100% reliant on renewable and solar utility in the next several decades include Burlington, Vermont; Georgetown, Texas; Aspen, Colorado; Greenburg, Kansas; Rockport, Missouri; and Kodiak Island, Alaska. Several other cities including Kansas City, San Diego, and Cincinnati have also made similar commitments, hoping to convert to 100% clean energy within 40 years. 

State and Worldwide Solar and Renewable Energy Statistics 

In the global effort to implement renewable and solar energy resources, the United States is not the only country making significant strides. In Europe in 2017, for example, 17.5 percent of energy consumption in that region was derived from sources other than fossil fuels.  

There is still plenty of more work that will need to be done across the U.S. when it comes to solar and renewable energy implementation, especially when certain statistics are taken into account. The University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems released a factsheet stating that 80 percent of energy consumed in the U.S. is still generated from fossils fuels. 37 percent comes from petroleum, 29 percent from natural gas, 8.6 percent from nuclear power, and 11 percent from solar and renewable energy resources. Additionally, while wind energy is quickly becoming the fastest–growing source of renewable energy generation, it still only accounts for around 2.4 percent of the energy used in the U.S. 

Can the World Give Up Fossil Fuels Entirely? 

As solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, we must ask ourselves – is 100% solar and renewable energy dependence possible? That is, can we hope to completely abolish greenhouse gas emissions in favor of these solar and other alternatives? And if so, how will this shift impact jobs, economic movement, and other factors? 

One particular study aimed to find out the answers to these questions. The study titled 100% Clean and Renewable Wind, Water, and Sunlight All-Sector Energy Roadmaps for 139 Countries of the World was published back in 2017. Mark Z. Jacobson, one of the lead researchers of the study, found that he was surprised by the study results, stating that multiple countries have the sufficient resources available to be 100% powered by solar, wind, and other renewable utilities. The roadmaps laid out in the study provide guidelines for how various countries across the world can power all energy sectors, such as transportation, agriculture, and heating/cooling, with 100% wind, water, and solar power. If these particular roadmaps ever come to full fruition by 2050, it is estimated that the world can avoid the 1.5°C global warming, increase worldwide access to solar and renewable utilities, and ultimately see 24.3 million full-time jobs created.  

Solar is the Way of the Future 

The buzz around solar power isn’t going away any time soon. Solar energy implementation is just starting to take off. We will likely see more studies published about the effects of solar energy implementation on our planet in the coming years. We can look to solar utility as a positive step forward for all countries across the world. The more we can keep talking about solar energy, the more likely solar energy will become the norm. 

You can read the solar and renewable energy study published by Joule here: https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(17)30012-0 

Resources:  

https://bigthink.com/technology-innovation/100-percent-renewable-energy?rebelltitem=1

https://www.newsweek.com/hot-springs-arkansas-switching-over-100-percent-solar-energy-joining-only-6-other-cities-us-1460304