Program bolsters renewable energy goals

Four organizations are joining forces to help cities secure more than 2.8 gigawatts of renewable capacity, which represents more than the total existing solar capacity in three states.

The Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) have a unified goal of aiding more than 100 cities in fulfilling commitments to increase their use of renewable energy. The renewable capacity target is more than the total existing solar capacity in Nevada, Florida or Texas.

Program proponents said the American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator (Renewables Accelerator) seeks to provide resources via RMI’s and WRI’s technical support and expertise.

“The role cities must play in spurring demand for renewable energy and accelerating the clean energy transition has never been more important,” Antha N. Williams, who leads Environmental Programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies, said. “We are excited to work with some of America’s most ambitious cities to deepen their renewable procurement efforts, tackle climate change and ultimately deliver for their communities.”

Officials said Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Climate Challenge winner and Renewables Accelerator participant, is evaluating renewable procurement options while developing a blueprint to power its entire community with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 while Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks

to encourage the region to move toward clean electricity by working with the Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium (WPEC), which allows Pittsburgh to purchase energy on the wholesale market.