While some parts of the U.S. are rapidly transitioning to renewable energy, others remain heavily dependent on dirty energy.
Recognizing this disparity, climate tech company Clearloop is taking a strategic approach to solar development — building renewable energy projects in the areas where the electricity grid is the dirtiest.
Clearloop's innovative approach not only reduces carbon pollution but also delivers economic and health benefits to communities long burdened by dirty energy. By replacing dirty-fuel-based electricity with solar power, these projects help lower energy costs while improving air quality for local residents.
|
What is stopping you from upgrading to a heat pump system? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
The cost of installation 
"Understanding the inequities of the carbon grid and working to address them is a great opportunity to really maximize both the social and environmental impact of our clean energy investments," said Winston Vaughan, Clearloop's head of climate policy, in a recent interview.
Clearloop is currently developing solar farms in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana — regions where renewable energy has been slow to expand. To fund these projects, the company partners with large corporations looking to invest in clean energy as a way to offset their own climate impact.
By focusing on the country's most carbon-intensive grids, Clearloop's strategy amplifies the benefits of solar power, reducing pollution where it has historically been most concentrated. For local residents, this means lower energy bills and cleaner air. For the environment, it means lowering carbon output in regions with high levels of pollution.
Watch now: Ecologist shares why she remains hopeful in the face of climate doom and gloom
Vaughan said it's about "building it [renewable energy] in the places where it can do the most good for our climate and for local communities."
Other companies have also made strides in deploying clean energy — for example, a geothermal energy startup in Utah is bringing renewable power to local communities while the company Bboxx is expanding clean energy access in Africa through certified carbon offset projects.
As projects like Clearloop's gain momentum, the clean energy transition is becoming more equitable, ensuring that sustainability benefits reach the communities that need them the most. As LinkedIn user Patrick Zhu commented on a recent Clearloop post: "It's inspiring to see initiatives like this that not only focus on decarbonization but also promote economic growth and innovation. Keep up the great work, Clearloop!"
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Cool Picks
