GEMM August Newsletter
- Pragatie
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Keeping you up-to-date on the latest in renewable energy and sustainability.
Welcome to the August edition of the GEMM Energy Monthly Newsletter. We aim to bring you the latest in renewable energy advancements, highlight sustainability efforts, showcase GEMM's current projects, and provide valuable insights for a brighter, more sustainable future.
National News: The Big Beautiful Bill (BBB)
The Big Beautiful Bill Passed – Now What!
The so-called Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) has passed and been signed into law. Let’s look at how it is reshaping the energy landscape in America.
Key Commercial Energy Impacts:
Wind & Solar Tax Credits
The BBB accelerates the phaseout of wind and solar tax credits. Projects now must start construction within 12 months of enactment (July 4, 2026) or be operational and placed in service by the end of 2027 to qualify. Other clean technologies, like energy storage and nuclear, have longer phaseout timelines.
Lost Clean Energy Capacity & Rising Energy Costs
Some economists expect that the development of solar and wind farms will decline nationwide due to the rollback of tax credits. These same economists are predicting that because of this, energy costs will rise.
Regional Disparities: Texas
Texas has built more wind power than any other state. Texas is also a top contender for the most solar power. The loss of these tax credits will likely cause a slowdown of this development, while a demand for electricity increases. This slowdown in development will likely result in the loss of many clean energy employment.
Foreign Ownership Restrictions
New Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules limit tax incentive eligibility to projects where the entity (ie: battery storage producer) is linked to a “covered nation” (like China, Russia, Iran or North Korea).
Local News: Microgrids & Guiding Owners through the BBB
GEMM Driving Microgrids Solutions for Grid Shortfalls
With energy demand increasing on the aging grid throughout the country, GEMM is making the case of Microgrids. The hope is the current administration will see the value of this solution. America needs more energy delivered smarter, cleaner, and closer to the people. Microgrids are about adding new, reliable power to the system without straining the aging grid.
How GEMM Can Leverage One Big Beautiful Bill Act for Building Owners?
1. Maximize Tax Deductions & Expensing:
100% Bonus Depreciation: GEMM can help clients fully expense energy systems and infrastructure in year one which can improve cash flow.
Expanded Section 179: Increased limits allow more immediate deductions for energy upgrades and retrofits.
2. Act Before Energy Incentives Expire:
179D & 45L Credits phase out after June 30, 2026. While 45L credits fully phase out, 179D remains, but reverts back to pre-IRA deductions. GEMM can fast-track energy efficiency projects using the Diamond Masterplan Process™ to capture these before deadlines. Note: Section 179D (energy-efficient commercial buildings deduction) is a different provision than Section 179 (general equipment expensing). They are consecutive sections of the tax code but apply to different areas.
3. Leverage Benefits:
Qualified Production Property (QPP) and Opportunity Zones provide long-term tax incentives with no set expiration. GEMM can align site selection and project structuring to maximize eligibility.
4. Strategic Masterplanning:
GEMM’s end-to-end planning approach helps building owners prioritize and bundle eligible measures to maximize ROI before incentives expire.
GEMM can help building owners capitalize on new tax advantages, avoid losing time-sensitive energy credits, and structure future-proof, compliant clean energy projects under the BBB.
Global News: Clean Energy Innovations
A Short Lesson in Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics, often called solar shading, is all about growing crops and producing clean energy on the same land. Solar panels are lifted above the fields, giving plants just the right amount of shade to stay cool while farmers harvest electricity along with their crops. The result is healthier soil, less water lost to evaporation, and a second income stream for farmers.
What began as a bold experiment is now popping up everywhere. From rice paddies in Asia to vineyards in Europe to vast deserts in China, agrivoltaics is being reimagined in creative and surprising ways. It is proof that farming and energy can team up to shape a smarter, greener future.
Agrivoltaics Around the World
United States boasts a rapidly growing agrivoltaics industry. For example, farmers are putting sheep to work under solar panels, keeping vegetation in check while the panels pump out clean energy.
Mexico is planting seeds for a solar-powered farming future! With agrivoltaics, the country’s aiming to double down on land use—growing crops and generating clean electricity side by side.
Japan kicked things off in 2004 with the world’s first solar-sharing system with panels raised two meters above farmland so crops and clean power thrive together.
India’s farming fields are getting a sunny upgrade! Solar panels are popping up above crops, cutting water loss and boosting yields in one go.
China is turning deserts into powerhouses—literally! In places like the Kubuqi Desert, solar farms aren’t just soaking up the sun—they’re taming the sand. Panels cast cooling shade, stabilizing soil and making way for plants like liquorice to grow right underneath.
Italy is going big on sun and soil! With a whopping €1.1 billion investment, the country is planting the seeds for over 1 GW of solar shading power—aiming for a sunny 22 GW by 2030.
France is putting a twist on solar farming—literally! With “dynamic solar shading,” panels tilt to shield vineyards and orchards from scorching heat and hail, while letting just the right amount of sun through.
Germany is getting precise with its solar farming game! With official standards (DIN SPEC 91434) now in place, solar shading is growing by the book.
Australia ’s farming future is looking bright at Glenrowan West Solar Farm! Gayle and Tom Lee’s 149 MW setup is a homegrown success, blending food production and clean energy on the same patch of land.
Chile’s farming is getting a solar-powered twist! With agro-photovoltaic systems, the sun does double duty—growing crops and powering essential farm operations like cleaning, packaging, and cold storage.
Argentina is shining bright with the Cauchari Solar Plant in Jujuy Province—its largest solar power project at a powerful 300 MW! Its success is lighting the way for future solar innovations in farming.
Kenya is leading the solar farming charge in East Africa! By raising solar panels above crops, farms are getting a double win—clean energy up top, healthier plants below.
Mali & The Gambia Mali and The Gambia are setting the stage for solar-powered farming! Research projects are digging into how solar shading could boost crop yields, save water, and generate clean energy—all on the same land.
In some areas of the world, agrivoltaics is allowing food to grow in difficult areas. Some areas of the world are also finding that crops grow larger that previously. This is a growing clean energy business around that world, that also aids farmers in crop production. A case can be made that better crop production and energy production increases the bottom line for the farmer, while aiding in food insecurity and carbon reduction. Sounds like a win-win!
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We're excited to continue this journey with you, by sharing news and insights on sustainability and progressing our path toward a better future. Stay tuned for our newsletter next month.
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