Dear Readers,

As we get closer to the midpoint of 2024, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our journey so far and share our plans for the remainder of the year. The first half of the year has been a period of significant activity and progress for AAEA, and I am proud of the strides we have made together.

Our staff have been diligently working to review our achievements and challenges from the past six months. This period of reflection is crucial as it allows us to take stock of our progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that we are on the right path to achieving our goals.

One of my main goals this year has been to enhance member services and support: improving communication, increasing engagement, and providing valuable resources. To achieve this, we are working on some new initiatives and will be seeking your feedback through various outreach efforts. Your input is crucial to help us identify what brings most value to you, and I'm excited to begin the dialogue in earnest.

As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our teams are already hard at work planning new projects and events that will further our mission and support our members. We are also exploring new partnerships and collaborations that will bring additional value to our community.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued support and dedication. Your involvement and enthusiasm are what drive us forward, and we are grateful for your contributions. Members, I encourage you to reach out to your peers who have not yet joined our ranks and encourage them get involved.

Together, we have accomplished a great deal, and I am confident that the second half of 2024 will be even more successful. Let’s continue to work together to achieve our shared goals and make a positive impact in the energy sector.

Warmest Regards,

The Saline County Career and Technology Center (SCCTC) in Benton, partnering with Seal Solar, has inaugurated a new solar array to enhance its energy efficiency and sustainability efforts. (Malvern Daily Record) #solar #membernews

AAEA & AAEF Updates

We are excited to announce the hiring of our summer intern, Amelia Southern-Uribe! She comes to us with a plethora of relevant experience. During her internship, Amelia will assist in coordinating communications, developing an independent special project, and utilizing her strategic communication and policy expertise to advance Arkansas’s communities. We're happy to have her here! (AAEA)

Our Members in the News

EDP Renewables, a leading renewable energy company, has introduced the Arkansas Solar Park, a 173 megawatt solar power plant located in Mississippi County, Arkansas. (EDP Renewables) #solar #membernews

Walmart has begun testing the Tesla Semi truck as part of its efforts to explore more sustainable transportation options, which aligns with Walmart's broader sustainability goals. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette) #electricvehicles #membernews

Summit Utilities has proposed the construction of a hydrogen production plant in Cushing, Oklahoma, aiming to enhance the region's energy infrastructure and sustainability efforts. (OK Energy Today) #hydrogen #membernews

• A University of Arkansas startup focused on creating alternative fuels won first place in their division at the 2024 Arkansas Governor's Cup, securing $20,000 towards their venture. (University of Arkansas News Room) #alternativefuel
• Arkansas is set to receive a $93 million federal grant to develop solar energy programs aimed at assisting low-income and disadvantaged communities. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette) #funding #solar
• Arkansas is enhancing its electric vehicle infrastructure with a $54 million investment to accelerate the development and accessibility of EV charging stations across the state. (Arkansas Business) #funding #electricvehicles #EVs

photo credit Michael Woods

• Norwegian state-owned petroleum company Equinor is investing up to $160 million in Standard Lithium, which is actively working to develop a lithium-extraction industry in the Smackover formation located in southern Arkansas and Texas. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Arkansas Business) #lithium
• The Benton County Planning Board has approved the Beaver Water District's plan to build a solar energy facility near its existing property east of Lowell. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette) #solar
• Arkansas school districts have received $11 million in grants to purchase electric school buses, promoting cleaner energy and reducing emissions. (Arkansas Business) #electricvehicles #EVs
• A company has signed a five-year contract to produce low-carbon materials, marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in Arkansas. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette) #carboncapture

• Voltpost, a tech startup, believes that integrating EV charging stations into streetlights could significantly enhance electric vehicle charging infrastructure in large cities. (Canary Media) #EVs
• The NASEO-NARUC report suggests that converting coal power plants to nuclear could benefit numerous U.S. regions, emphasizing the importance of state policies in supporting these transitions through funding, feasibility studies, and workforce development. (Utility Drive) #nuclear
• Recent research shows that wind turbines only occupy five percent of the land where they are installed, allowing the remaining space to be used for agriculture or other purposes, which could facilitate the expansion of wind farms in previously unsuitable areas. (Washington Post) #wind

Recent research shows that wind turbines only occupy five percent of the land where they are installed, allowing the remaining space to be used for agriculture or other purposes, which could facilitate the expansion of wind farms in previously unsuitable areas. (Washington Post) #wind

• Giant batteries are revolutionizing the U.S. electricity sector by enabling the extended use of solar power beyond daylight hours, significantly enhancing grid stability and shifting renewable energy usage to peak demand periods. (The New York Times) #batteries #storage #energystorage

• The U.S. Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a rule to expand the transmission of renewable power, which is expected to enhance the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. (Arkansas Democrat Gazette, KARK, Arkansas Advocate) #grid #transmission
• The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will provide $20 billion in grants to support green infrastructure projects in underserved communities, aiming to reduce emissions and improve air quality. (Triple Pundit) #IRA #funding #communities
• Advancements in agrivoltaics are creating new opportunities for U.S. farmers to integrate solar energy systems with agricultural operations, enhancing both energy production and farming efficiency. (Triple Pundit) #agrivoltaics #solar

AAE Excitement: Upcoming Events & Important Deadlines

Save the Date! Our next Quarterly Charge, which will be Members Only, will be held on Thursday, June 20th at 10:00 am. It is a virtual event. Contact Jill Balaster (jbalaster@arkansasadvancedenergy.com) for more information.

Membership in AAEA is an opportunity to be a part of a growing and influential organization that is leading the way for advanced energy development in Arkansas.

AAEA is dedicated to growing Arkansas’s economy through expanded utilization of advanced energy technologies, including energy efficiency, solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, electric vehicles, alternative fuels and smart grid. These are innovations that make our energy supply more secure, clean and affordable.

AAEA engages in policy advocacy at the federal, state and regulatory levels; industry policy group briefings; targeted outreach to other businesses and policymakers in Arkansas and across the country and regular communications with our members.

Click below to apply to be a featured member in our newsletter!