South Arkansas power company tells lawmakers goal is to boost reliance on renewable energy
South Arkansas power company tells lawmakers goal is to boost ... Mountain Home Observer
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Renewable Energy in South Arkansas
Introduction
A major supplier of electricity to south Arkansans recently presented its plans to state lawmakers to boost its use of renewable energy as part of its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Legislative Joint Committee on Energy
The Legislative Joint Committee on Energy held a meeting where experts on solar and coal-powered energy gave presentations. The committee focused on the coal-fueled John W. Turk Power Plant and later toured the facility.
The committee also recommended the creation of a task force to study the future of jobs in the energy sector as power companies transition to renewable resources, aligning with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
SWEPCO’s Renewable Energy Plans
The Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), a major electricity supplier in the region, announced its intention to retire two coal plants in Texas by 2028. The company plans to upgrade its other Arkansas coal plant, Flint Creek in Gentry, to produce electricity more efficiently and cleanly.
SWEPCO currently uses a mix of coal, natural gas, and wind to supply power to over half a million customers in Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. However, the company aims to diversify its resources and achieve equal parts coal/lignite, natural gas, and wind/solar in its energy mix, contributing to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
In addition to its existing wind-powered plants, SWEPCO is in the early stages of a solar project. By incorporating renewable energy sources, the company is taking steps towards SDG 13: Climate Action.
SWEPCO’s History and Transition
SWEPCO, founded in 1912, has experienced shifts in energy resources over the years. Originally reliant on natural gas, the company turned to coal during the mid-1970s energy crisis. In the 1980s, SWEPCO also utilized lignite. However, as some of its plants are retired, SWEPCO is now focusing on renewables, aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
Green Jobs Task Force
The committee approved an Advanced Energy Jobs Task Force study to prepare Arkansas for the transition to green energy. The task force, consisting of 14 members, will identify training gaps in various green energy resources such as solar, nuclear, wind, and hydropower. The findings and recommendations of the task force will be reported by the end of 2024, contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education.
Conclusion
By increasing reliance on renewable energy sources and creating a task force to support the transition, South Arkansas is making progress towards achieving the SDGs. These efforts align with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 4: Quality Education.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses the transition from coal-powered energy to renewable energy sources, which aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It also mentions the creation of a task force to study the future of jobs in the energy sector, which relates to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix (SDG 7.2), integrating climate change measures into national policies (SDG 13.2), and achieving full and productive employment (SDG 8.5).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy sources in the energy mix
- Number of climate change measures integrated into national policies
- Employment rate in the renewable energy sector
The article mentions SWEPCO’s goal to diversify its resources to use equal parts coal/lignite, natural gas, and wind/solar. The percentage of renewable energy sources in the energy mix can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 7.2. The integration of climate change measures into national policies can be measured by the number of policies implemented or changes made. The employment rate in the renewable energy sector can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 8.5.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (7.2) | Percentage of renewable energy sources in the energy mix |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (13.2) | Number of climate change measures integrated into national policies |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value (8.5) | Employment rate in the renewable energy sector |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: mhobserver.com
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