Clean energy projects in development following WEATS launch

How a registry for distributed energy resources will drive real world impact

We’re one step closer to unlocking new markets that steer billions in investments toward distributed clean energy.

Four weeks ago WattCarbon launched WEATS, the first clean energy registry that allows the owners of distributed energy resources (DER) to monetize the climate benefits of their work. We’re excited and the DER industry is excited - we’ve enrolled 20 companies and are speaking with dozens more who are interested in learning how they can leverage this new market to drive value for their business. 

Now that we have a registry for DERs, what new types of clean energy projects can companies support?

The opportunities are limitless! But here are a few projects we’re currently developing with our early partners.

Energy efficiency in K-12 schools

On average, 30% of schools’ energy use is wasted, which means higher bills, uncomfortable learning environments, and low-hanging-fruit opportunities for significant emissions reductions. 

WattCarbon’s DER partners work with K-12 schools to optimize their energy consumption by installing building automation and control software, and using data to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. Projects deliver immediate emissions reductions, bill savings, and healthier spaces for teachers and students.

Even with the promise of bill savings, the biggest barrier for schools is the upfront cost of energy efficiency improvements. New revenue streams from EAC purchases help lower costs, so more schools can access the benefits of energy efficiency. 

Battery storage & climate resilience in Texas

WattCarbon energy retail partners are using battery storage to put clean energy on the grid during its dirtiest hours. They do this by installing batteries - free of charge - in their customers’ homes and small businesses, particularly in areas most prone to power blackouts.

Batteries charge using renewable wind energy during the night. By evening, batteries dispatch the stored clean energy back to the grid, reducing reliance on highly polluting ‘peaker’ power plants. And in the event of a blackout, the batteries are used by residents as an energy reserve, ensuring power and safety during weather emergencies. Win-win.

EAC revenue enables retailers to scale up their battery fleet by offsetting the up-front costs that otherwise delay deployment. Batteries offer one of the fastest ways to drive down carbon emissions, giving us another low-hanging-fruit opportunity for immediate impact.

What’s the long term impact of EACs for DERs?

Let’s take a page from clean energy history.

Legacy REC markets originated to bring down the cost of large-scale renewable energy, which at the time was nowhere near cost competitive with fossil fuel power. And it worked! In the past decade, onshore wind prices declined by 70%, and utility scale solar dropped by 89%. Now they’re the cheapest energy sources on the market.

Imagine if we start this same cycle for distributed energy resources? If in a decade, heat pumps are cheaper than fossil furnaces, and rooftop solar + battery storage just makes financial sense? Then we could hit our shared goal of 1B DERs deployed in the US, and cut our deployment timeline from 300 years (!) down to a few decades.

It’s also an equity issue.

The energy transition isn't just about clean energy; it's about clean energy equity, ensuring that everyone can reap the health and financial benefits of the transition. Low income and environmental justice communities nationwide are currently being left out of these benefits.

That’s why we’re focusing on urban communities whose buildings are still heated by burning oil, and as a result have received monikers like ‘Asthma Alley.’ And towns in West Virginia that have been ravaged by the coal industry, and see a healthier & more prosperous future through rooftop solar.

New funding streams and targeted procurement will enable us to fix these inequities, and bring impact to the people & places who need it most.

If you’re a clean energy buyer or supplier interested in learning more, please reach out to us! We’d love to share more opportunities to get involved.