News Roundup

Senator Manchin Introduces Bill to Close Temporary Tax Credit Loophole

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) has introduced a new bill that would require the critical mineral sourcing and battery component requirements for the electric vehicle tax credit in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to be implemented at the beginning of 2023. This would void the language in the IRA stating that these requirements go into effect when the Treasury Department issues
its guidance.

Manchin has expressed anger that Treasury expects to take until March 2023 to issue guidelines implementing the new rules. If Manchin’s bill passes the House and Senate and is signed into law, then consumers who bought vehicles which qualify for the credit under existing rules could lose the ability to claim those credits at the end of the year.

Source: A bill to adjust the effective date for application of certain amendments made with respect to the credit for new clean vehicles (U.S. Congress)

News analysis: Here’s why Joe Manchin’s new bill that would disqualify most EVs from tax credits is ridiculous (Electrek)

Microsoft, Q Cells to Collaborate on 2.5 Gigawatts of Solar

QCells will supply Microsoft with more than 2.5 gigawatts of PV modules as well as engineering and construction services to projects with which the software giant power contracts under a new “strategic alliance.” While Microsoft has not provided a timeline for deployment, the company referenced its plans to cover 100% of its electricity demand with renewable energy by 2025.

Microsoft has also referenced QCell’s position as the only company that has yet announced plans to make solar from ingot to module in the United States. This announcement is in line with QCells’ plans to integrate its activities downstream, including project development and providing engineering, procurement, and construction services for projects using its modules.

Press release: Microsoft and Qcells announce strategic alliance to curb carbon emissions and power the clean energy economy (Microsoft)