U.S. CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENT

By ROBERT RAPIER , Proteum Energy

ENERGYCENTRAL - May 29, 2023 -  The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was signed into law by President Biden on August 16, 2022. Serving as a scaled-down version of the Build Back Better Act proposed in 2021, the IRA is intended to reduce the deficit and lower inflation.

However, the IRA also includes significant climate change initiatives. These incentives represent the largest climate investment in U.S. history and aim to reduce emissions by approximately 40% by 2030.

To facilitate the transition to a clean energy economy, the IRA incorporates around two dozen tax provisions that are specifically designed to save families money on their energy bills. The Act allocates an estimated $369 billion to grant and loan programs, along with other incentives, intended to drive clean energy and climate action. 

Noteworthy provisions in the IRA include $100 billion for electric vehicles, $65 billion for clean energy manufacturing, and $50 billion for energy efficiency. These funding provisions are intended to expedite the deployment of clean energy technologies, promote the adoption of clean vehicles, facilitate the development of clean buildings, and bolster clean manufacturing. 

To simplify the process of building clean energy projects, the IRA implements measures such as streamlining the permitting process and providing tax credits for clean energy investment. These provisions are expected to reduce both the time and cost associated with clean energy project development, while also making clean energy more affordable.

Investment in clean energy technologies will play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Simultaneously, investment in clean energy manufacturing is expected to create employment opportunities and provide a boost to the economy. 

The IRA’s energy efficiency investments are designed to reduce emissions and enable consumers to save on their energy bills.

Moreover, the provisions aimed at facilitating clean energy project construction will expand the availability of clean energy projects. 

Recognizing the importance of energy security, the IRA incorporates provisions that focus on domestic energy production and infrastructure investment, as well as diversifying the nation’s energy portfolio. By incentivizing domestic energy production and infrastructure development, the IRA aims to decrease the United States’ dependence on foreign oil. Concurrently, diversifying the energy portfolio will enhance the country’s energy security by ensuring a reliable and resilient domestic energy supply.

The IRA also emphasizes the promotion of clean energy jobs through the provision of training and workforce development programs for clean energy workers. This is needed so that the United States possesses a skilled workforce capable of constructing and operating clean energy projects. Additionally, the Act supports clean energy research and development, which will accelerate the advancement of new clean energy technologies.

Finally, the IRA contains provisions that support the expansion of nuclear power. These provisions, including tax credits for research and development and new construction, as well as streamlining the permitting process and providing loan guarantees, are anticipated to benefit the nuclear industry.

Overall, the energy-related provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 represent a significant investment in the clean energy future of the United States. The law is intended to reduce greenhouse gases while creating millions of jobs, stimulating economic growth, and contributing to a reduction in the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

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This thought leadership article was originally shared with Energy Central's Energy Collective Group. The communities are a place where professionals in the power industry can share, learn and connect in a collaborative environment. Join the Energy Collective Group today and learn from others who work in the industry.