renewable energy

Solar energy has the potential to supply up to 40 per cent of the nation’s electricity within 15 years — a 10-fold increase over current solar output, but one that would require massive changes in U.S. policy and billions of dollars in federal investment, a new federal report says.

Approved in May, the nearly US$3-billion, 800-megawatt project would be the first utility-scale wind power development in federal waters. It’s slated to become operational in 2023 and create enough electricity to power 400,000 homes.

The $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package unveiled by the Senate includes more than $150 billion to boost clean energy and promote “climate resilience” by making schools, ports and other structures better able to withstand extreme weather events such as storms and wildfires.