As the year 2022 draws to a close, the United States Department of Energy takes a moment to reflect on the progress that it has made in the field of environmentally friendly energy. This look back presents a thorough summary of the work that was done in 2022 toward a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
JANUARY
The United States Department of Energy began the new year by announcing the launch of the Clean Energy Corps. This initiative seeks to recruit qualified and dedicated individuals from all parts of the country in order to assist in the implementation of the historic investments that were made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will also help to grow the economy, bring down costs for Americans, and create "jobs, jobs, jobs" along the way.
FEBRUARY
As a result of the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation have collaborated to make the announcement that they would each receive $5 billion to help power a full transition into an all-electric future. The Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation are continuing to collaborate in order to make historic investments that will support electric vehicle charging stations and double the size of the grid.
MARCH
The members of the United States and the International Energy Agency came together to help address the market disruptions and disruptions in gasoline supplies that were caused by Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The steps taken by Vice President Joe Biden have resulted in lower gas prices. Today, they are at the same levels that were seen before Russia's invasion triggered a crisis in the world's supply of energy.
APRIL
The United States Department of Energy has begun an initiative with a budget of $84 million to show improved geothermal energy systems. This involves harnessing the heat from the ground beneath our feet to provide initial power for homes. The objective is to harness sufficient quantities of safe, dependable geothermal energy to power the equivalent of 129 million households and businesses in the United States.
MAY
As part of President Biden's Climate Action Plan, the Department of Energy has stated that it will invest more than $3 billion to strengthen supply chains and increase American battery manufacturing. The Department is also trying to encourage applications that give electric vehicle batteries a second life. This will improve the battery supply chain and make recycling more environmentally friendly.
JUNE
In addition to this, the Department of Energy said that it will allocate more than $2.3 billion to reduce pollution in the United States and to fight climate change through carbon storage and management. As a result of these efforts, carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced, the effects of climate change will be mitigated, and well-paying employment will be created, all while community engagement and environmental justice are given priority.
JULY
The new funds for home energy upgrades came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which was signed into law by the President. These funds were allotted by the Department of Energy, and they will help families repair and weatherize their homes, as well as replace fossil fuel-powered appliances with electric ones that are more energy efficient. These renovations are going to increase energy efficiency, which will result in decreased monthly energy expenditures! This means that there will be more money available for things like groceries, medical expenses, and school supplies.
AUGUST
This past summer, Congress passed the President's Inflation Reduction Act, which means that historic investments will be made in the technologies that will help cut carbon pollution, lower energy costs for families, lift up communities that are in need, and create good-paying union jobs. These are all things that will help reduce inflation. In addition to this, President Biden signed into law the CHIPS and Science Act, which allowed $68 billion in funding for game-changing research and development for the future of renewable energy at the Department of Energy and the National Labs.
SEPTEMBER
The Vice President made the announcement that $9 billion from the Climate Action Plan would be allocated to the states and Tribes in order to assist them in reducing their energy expenses, upgrading to electric equipment, and making their dwellings more energy efficient. It is predicted that the customer rebates will result in annual cost savings of one billion dollars for the United States of America. This investment will bear fruit in the long term.
In addition, Secretary Granholm welcomed influential figures and forward-thinking innovators from all corners of the globe to Pittsburgh for the very first Global Clean Energy Action Forum. It was a wonderful week that demonstrated what can be achieved for the country and the world if we work together to overcome the obstacles that stand in our way.
Additionally, the Department of Energy made an announcement in the fall regarding the creation of three additional Energy Earthshots. These lofty aims aim to lower prices for essential technologies such as geothermal systems, offshore wind, and industrial heat processes, and accelerate breakthroughs in clean energy within the next decade.
OCTOBER
The increase in local production of batteries was the focus of President Biden's announcement of a $2.8 billion investment in 20 American enterprises located across 12 states. These businesses have formed partnerships with local community organizations and labor unions in order to assist people in locating jobs that are both high paid and of a high quality.
NOVEMBER
Granholm, the Secretary of Energy, went to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to meet with first responders and see a local fire station that had been upgraded with solar panels and energy storage. Together with Puerto Rican government officials and community members, the Department of Energy is strengthening the island's electric grid and investing in innovative technologies that will assist Puerto Rico in meeting its goals of transitioning to 100% sustainable energy.
DECEMBER
In December, Secretary Granholm signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Navajo Nation to ensure that the benefits of President Biden's clean energy agenda are equitable, just, and inclusive of Tribal Nation partners. The goal of the agreement was to ensure that the benefits of the clean energy agenda will be passed on to Tribal Nation partners. This includes strengthening collaboration between federal agencies and the Navajo Nation, providing technical assistance and support, and creating capacity for energy program implementation.
At the end of the year, the United States Department of Energy made a momentous scientific announcement: the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory had successfully achieved fusion ignition for the very first time. This great accomplishment, which has been in the works for decades, has far-reaching consequences for the future of our country's energy and national security.
