Clean and Green

BY STEVEN G. ZYLSTRA

WWhen it comes to clean energy in Arizona, this is not a sector that we may see as part of the mainstream someday. The technology and the wave of businesses both creating and embracing it are here now. According to the 2022 Arizona Clean Energy Jobs & Economic Impact Report from the

Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy, nearly 11,500 renewable energy jobs already exist in the state. What’s more, there’s an impressive $15 billion in capital that’s been invested in wind, solar, and energy storage projects.

Surprisingly, only 11.4% of Arizona’s total electricity came from wind, solar, and energy storage power plants in 2022, according to industry group American Clean Power. That puts our state at just 25th place in the nation – talk about untapped potential here in sunny Arizona. Still, operating wind, solar, and energy storage capacity in Arizona is credited with generating 3,526 megawatts (MW) in 2022. That’s enough clean energy to power 613,000 homes in the state. Clean energy also resulted in $17.3 million going to local communities through property, state, and local taxes in 2022. Additionally, thanks to these same technologies, 5.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were avoided. That is the same as taking 1.15 million cars off the road. The Chambers report cites Arizona’s corporate sector, in partnership with utilities, as driving the demand for clean energy while establishing carbon emission goals and developing strategies to reach them. As a result, clean energy has moved from a corporate differentiator to “the price of entry.” It’s unlikely a shock that the constant sunshine in Arizona provided more power than all other clean energy sources combined and offers giant potential for the solar industry as a whole. As a state, we already rank fifth in the nation for installed solar energy and sixth for solar employment, clocking in with 8,278

solar jobs across 296 related companies in 2021. More recently, nearly 6,000 MW of solar were installed through the second quarter of 2022 for a total investment of $13.9 million – and you can expect more to come. Arizona ranks ninth for potential solar growth over the next five years, translating into an additional 5,342 MW across our state in that same period. There are already several solar installations of note in the state. For example, Sunstreams in Hassayampa, which was developed from 2020 to 2021, is a 398.4MW project that produces enough electricity to power nearly 60,500 homes. Saint Solar in Coolidge is among the largest solar installations in Arizona. Completed in 2021, this 135-MW solar project has enough electric capacity to supply nearly 20,500 homes. And lastly, Intel's 129-MW East Line Solar project, also in Coolidge, is the largest corporate project in the state.

Beyond our intense amount of sunshine, solar also makes sense as a viable energy resource from a cost perspective. According to an October 2022 report by Deloitte, “after an 85% cost decline over the past decade, solar photovoltaic systems are among the most cost-competitive energy resources in the market.” Solar power, especially in the Southwest, is now the energy market’s cheapest, most price stable, and most reliable source. In fact, solar will make up roughly half of the new generating capacity added in the U.S. this year. More and more, Arizona’s utility companies are turning to solar as they move toward retiring aging coal plants that are no longer economical. Arizona Public Service (APS) has pledged to end all coalfired generation by 2031, and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) plans to retire its two coal-fired units at the Springerville Generating Station in 2027 and 2032. Largely due to the age and complexity of coal plants, the cost of electricity generated by them is no longer competitive with other power sources. As a comparison, the price of electricity generated from these plants is approaching $80 per megawatt hour (MWh), while new solar projects that include storage for night-time generation are selling electricity for $14 to $25 per MWh. Paired with battery storage, solar can also handle peak night-time loads. According to American Clean Power, Arizona ranks sixth for operating battery storage technology at 107 MW. This means the benefits of solar and wind energy can be counted on as energy sources around the clock. Salt River Project has added two battery energy storage systems as it

moves toward 800 MW of energy storage by 2024, while APS plans to add 850 MW of battery storage by 2025. Down south, TEP will look to add 1,450 MW in battery storage by 2035. As solar and clean energy technologies continue to be embraced by Arizona utilities, companies, corporations, and consumers, our state will continue to become the land of new opportunities for a growing population.

BY JENNIFER & JOHN BURKHART

She Said: I can't say that I ever willingly wanted to make myself a popsicle, but there I was - ready to freeze my buns off! Naturally, I hesitated long enough that John volunteered to go first. Yippee! Turns out, that was a mistake – the variety of expressions on John's face made me question that choice. There was no turning back though, and I stepped inside the foggy chamber. Stepping in wasn't bad at all, but then the swirling air cooled down VERY quickly. Negative 166 degrees is impressive and also a bit insane! I was really counting on my robe, gloves and socks to keep me from becoming an ice cube. My poor uncovered legs, closest to the vents, took the brunt of the cold and stung like the dickens. But just when I was considering tapping out, a familiar song I used to karaoke started flowing through the chamber speakers. “Ice Ice Baby” got me moving and singing and soon I stopped wondering if my legs were still there. Poor John only had the chattering of his own teeth for music. It was the longest and coldest two and a half minutes of my life, but I was proud to make it through the whole session and relieved when that door opened! I definitely felt invigorated, alert, and, later, ready to relax into bed by 8:30 p.m. Would I do it again? Yeah, it wasn't that bad. Not to mention convenient, with no special preparation or clothing needed, and it only takes minutes! This month we decided to test our cold tolerances to the max. You know, just for fun. Cryotherapy – it's not just for heads anymore! Oh wait, that's cryonics. MUCH different than the thing we tried. Thank goodness. We arrived at our local therapy center, stripped down to our skivvies, donned soft robes, socks, and slippers, and then got a brief tour of the other modes of torture (healing) offered, which included a room where they poke you with needles (intravenous therapy), a sweat box (infrared sauna), a limb crusher (compression therapy), and a claustrophobia tube (hyperbaric oxygen therapy). Lastly, we arrived at a room with one thing in it - a space pod full of fog that looked like it came right out of a sci-fi movie. You know, the one you sleep in for like 30 years. Here goes nothing...

He Said: For some unknown reason I volunteered to go first, so into the pod I went. So now I'm standing there in nothing but a robe, socks, and tighty-whities, and the negative 166-degree liquid nitrogen vapor starts rolling in. I remember regretting a few of my life decisions. Time was relative at that point, so the next two and a half minutes felt like an eternity. I exited the pod, and my skin surface temperature had dropped almost 25 degrees. Over the next ten minutes, I felt a strong internal warming sensation and even started to sweat a bit as my body went into overdrive to warm back up. This was a pretty unpleasant experience and not something I would recommend doing just because you're bored, but I could see this helping with circulation, weight loss, and cold resistance if I did it often. No pain, no gain, right?

Vibe Raiser by Vibologie

Spread your joyful vibe, dance, and sing with a band of like-minded individuals in a collective effort to raise the vibration of the planet. Connect with others and let everything go, enjoying a day of nothing but joy and shared purpose. 254 W Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85210 https://viberaiser.eventbrite.com/?aff=GreenLiving

Opening its gates on January 13, the Arizona Fine Art EXPO features artists from all around the world and is the perfect place for art aficionados and casual collectors alike. Considered the premier venue for fine art collectors in Arizona, the expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day through March 27. From sculptures to limited edition stamps, the exposition will feature various types of works for all types of fans and collectors. 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale www.arizonafineartexpo.com.

Bhante Sujatha is a 40+ year Buddhist monk, teaching lovingkindness meditation through core Buddhist teachings all around the world. Sujatha will guide participants through an evening dedicated to repelling negative energy, which can have disastrous consequences in our lives. He will also perform energetic healing work on all participants and allow time for some Q&A at the end of the event. 5108 North 21st Street, Phoenix, www.eventbrite.com.

This women-only event, held in Scottsdale on January 21, focuses on female health and wellness, self-growth, and empowerment. The goal is to instill self-confidence for women to be the best version of themselves. Apart from providing the necessary tools to build such awareness, the event will also provide different workshops focused on self-care, goals management, self-confidence, and love sharing. The event will also feature a bevy of guest speakers and will be entirely dedicated to connecting with yourself and other women. 7350 East Pontebella Drive, Scottsdale, www.eventbrite.com.

This workshop will be divided into three sections: yoga, meditation, and the creation of vision boards. No experience is required in any of the practices. Scissors, glue, markers, and magazines will be provided for the vision board session. The goal will be to outline and focus on dreams and goals for the new year. Elevate Yoga and Wellness, 1001 N 3rd Ave Suite 7, Phoenix, www.AllEvents.in.

While the new year is just getting started, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities a new season can bring. Going back to your routine after the holidays can be stressful, especially if there was little time to unwind and reset. For those of us still craving a little time to unplug, planning a getaway in a healing locale can be a good solution. This silent retreat will lead you through five days of complete harmony with nature in Sedona and features daily lectures on mindfulness, yoga, meditation, guided walks in nature, vegetarian meals, and guest speakers. www.eventbrite.com.

Join this two-hour ritual with the goal of connecting with other attendees through the power of love. Beginning as individuals, at the end of the two hours, participants will belong to the same community of healing experienced through the power of somatic yoga. Sedona Conscious Living Center, 120 Deer Trail Dr, Sedona, www.AllEvents.in.

For those on the hunt for prime networking possibilities, this event might just be the one. On January 5, enjoy a pleasant meal and conversation with roughly 70 members of Tucson’s business community at Sinbad’s Restaurant. Post event, all participants will receive an email with each attendee’s contact information to facilitate connections and follow-up opportunities. 810 E University Blvd, Tucson, www.tucsonbusinessnetworking.com.

This market takes place on the first Sunday of each month, organized by a group of small businesses. All profits will be donated to Casa de los Ninos, an association shielding children from abuse and assisting families in need in the Tucson community. Market goers will discover handcrafted items and multiple services. Donations will be accepted, hygiene products in particular. 102 North Alvernon Way, Tucson

Arizona Fine Art Festival

Sun City Farmers Market - Seasonal

Thursdays, Oct 6 - May 25, 9am - 1 pm 16820 N. 99th Ave., Sun City 85351

Carefree Farmers Market - Year round

Fridays, Oct - May 9am-1pm; Jun - Sep 8am-11am 1 Sundial Circle, Carefree 85377 Ahwatukee Farmers Market - Year round

Sundays, Oct 2 - May 28, 9am - 1pm Jun 4 - Sep 24, 8am - 11am 4700 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix 85044

Farmers Market on High Street - Seasonal

Sundays, Oct 2 - May 14, 10am - 1pm 5415 E. High Street, Phoenix 85054

Downtown Chandler Farmers Market - Seasonal

Saturdays, Oct 1 - May 27, 9am-1pm 3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler 85225

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market - Seasonal

Saturdays, Oct 1 - May 27, 8am - 1pm; Jun 3 - Jun 24, 7am - 10am 3806 N. Brown Av, Scottsdale 85251

Roadrunner Park Farmers Market - Year round

Saturdays, 8am - noon Oct 1 - May 27 Jun - Sep 7am - 10am 3502 E. Cactus Rd, Phoenix 85032 Ocotillo Farmers Market - New

Sundays, Oct 30 - May 28, 9am - 1:30pm *Call for Summer Schedule 2577 W Queen Creek rd, Chandler 85248

Verrado Farmers Market - Seasonal

Sundays, Nov 6 - June 25, 9am to 1pm N. Market Place & W. Main St., Buckeye 85396

Who we are and this is our Mission:

Our Farmers’ Market organization has been active in the Phoenix metro area and across the valley for over 33 years creating and coordinating community farmers markets. One of our markets, the Roadrunner Park Farmers Market, has been an active neighborhood hub in the northeast Phoenix area for over 3 decades. Others of our valley markets have similar relationships within their communities - a place where neighbors can shop and meet up on a weekly basis. Our mission has always been to support local farmers, growers and other agricultural producers with stable venues that offer them the opportunity to grow their businesses and to have direct contact with their customers. Additionally we have supported micro-business enterprises that are local value-added food producers and their products, and in some markets local artisans and crafters. Farmers markets traditionally are the places where folks come to enjoy what neighborhood gathering places are about.. slowing down, enjoying and discovering all kinds of tasty fresh foods and the folks who bring them.