Potential Renewable Energy Stories in

2017M A R K C U T H B E R T S O N

Drone Involvement

Drones have been a recurring media focal point in recent years, with

stories commonly focusing on their potentially negative presence in

communities both local and abroad. However, these unusual flying

contraptions present just as much positive potential for renewable

energy practices. Considering they were used in solar cost reduction

and in the aiding of offshore wind farms in 2016, the future of drone-

related sustainability seems promising.

Source: Renewable Energy World

Offshore Wind Power

As a result of coastal state involvement in supporting the

Block Island Wind Farm, the general US offshore wind market

saw a marked increase in activity. This entity will likely

continue to gain momentum and subsequent media coverage

throughout the year as it forges new partnerships and

impacts policies at the state level.

Sources: Renewable Energy World, Wikipedia

India as a Solar Giant

India mostly dominated the solar sector in 2016. The country is

currently “mobilizing to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plans to

boost solar capacity in the country to 100 GW by 2022, if not sooner.”

With Modi’s ambitions in mind, India will almost certainly be a beacon

of national attention in 2017 energy media.

Source: Renewable Energy World

Corporate InvolvementLast year, the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance (REBA) formed and

provided a chance for corporations to “purchase clean energy for their

operations.” The group currently hopes to drive around 60 GW of US

corporate renewable energy by 2025, with representatives of Facebook

and Microsoft reportedly joining its initial announcement.

It would not be surprising to see REBA--and groups like it--furthering the

conversation on this prevailing approach to corporate renewable energy

buying in 2017.

Source: Renewable Energy World

Pay-as-you-go startups in Africa

Thanks to the implementation of pay-as-you-go solar startup companies,

parts of Africa saw major advancements in their solar energy

infrastructure in 2016. One such developer, d.light, silenced the odds by

raising close to $22.5 million in venture capital. This model merges solar

PV, storage, and mobile pay technology, essentially making electricity

more affordable for customers.

This hybrid method has potential to catch fire in 2017 as it moves to

other regions and gains helpful investments along the way.

Source: Renewable Energy World