New renewable energy project in the works in Tulare County – ABC30 News
New renewable energy project in the works in Tulare County ABC30 News
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TULARE COUNTY BATTERY STORAGE AND SOLAR PLANT
Introduction
- A new 380-acre battery storage and solar plant in Terra Bella is currently under development.
- The facility, located on Highway 65 and Avenue 96, was approved in the fall of 2019 and is expected to be completed next year.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
- It contributes to Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, by promoting renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Renewable Energy Mandate
The construction of the battery storage and solar plant is driven by a state mandate for renewable energy. The aim is to move away from power plants fueled by fossil fuels, nuclear energy, natural gas, or hydro. These traditional sources of electricity are commonly used in households.
Precautions and Safety Measures
The Vistra Deer Creek project, developed by the same company that recently experienced a fire at a battery and power storage facility in Monterey County, has implemented several precautions to ensure safety:
- The plant is located hundreds of acres away from heavily populated areas.
- Separation of units is maintained to create space between them.
- Water storage is available to suppress any combustible materials.
- Fire engine access is ensured through proper road infrastructure.
- Distance requirements are met to minimize potential risks.
Environmental Considerations
Preserving agricultural land is a priority for the Tulare County Resource Management Agency. To address this concern, each project like this one requires funds to be set aside for the future restoration of the land to its original or improved state.
Economic Impact
The battery storage and solar plant project will bring several benefits to the local community:
- Creation of job opportunities for local residents.
- Generation of revenue through required work permits.
Conclusion
A public presentation by Vistra, originally planned for the board meeting, has been postponed. However, the project is expected to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, provide economic benefits, and prioritize safety and environmental considerations.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Indicator: Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Air quality index and waste management practices.
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
- Indicator: Extent of land degradation and restoration measures.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality index and waste management practices. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. | Extent of land degradation and restoration measures. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are:
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix (for Target 7.2).
- Air quality index and waste management practices (for Target 11.6).
- Extent of land degradation and restoration measures (for Target 15.3).
Source: abc30.com
