EPA restores rule to limit power-plant mercury emissions January 31, 2022 In yet another reversal of a Trump-era action, the Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it will resume enforcement of a rule that limits power plant emissions of mercury and other hazardous pollutants. Read more
Can A Smarter Grid Jolt The U.S. Economy And Circumvent Climate Change?
Can A Smarter Grid Jolt The U.S. Economy And Circumvent Climate Change? Feb 1, 2022 The electric grid is evolving and adapting to the 21st Century market place. America’s brain trust is developing bells and whistles to increase reliability and to maintain affordability — in the context of bolstering the…
Cleantech investments soar to a record $755 billion in 2021, BNEF says
Cleantech investments soar to a record $755 billion in 2021, BNEF says Energize Weekly, February 2, 2022 A record $755 billion was invested in energy-transition technologies in 2021 – a 27 percent increase over 2020, according to energy consultant BloombergNEF (BNEF). In addition, climate-tech companies raised $165 billion in equity…
Digital platform launched for repowering coal plants
Digital platform launched for repowering coal plants 25 January 2022 Bryden Wood has created a new digital platform for making the replacement of coal-fired boilers at existing power plants with advanced modular nuclear reactors possible at scale and speed. Read more
FERC proposes new rule to strengthen systems against cyberattacks
FERC proposes new rule to strengthen systems against cyberattacks January 24, 2022 The Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) has released a proposal that would require internal network security monitoring (INSM) for high- and medium-impact bulk electric grid cyber systems. Read more
Tri-State reaches agreement with more than two dozen parties on resource plan
Tri-State reaches agreement with more than two dozen parties on resource plan January 20, 2022 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a wholesale power provider serving rural utilities in Colorado and three other states, has reached a settlement with several parties on a plan aimed at cutting costs for ratepayers and…
A rise in U.S. renewable generation to reduce fossil-fuel electricity in coming years
A rise in U.S. renewable generation to reduce fossil-fuel electricity in coming years Energize Weekly, January 26, 2022 Generation from renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar, will reduce fossil-fuel generation over the next two years in the U.S., even as the country’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are set to…
The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future
The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future January 18, 2022 As climate change pushes states in the U.S. to dramatically cut their use of fossil fuels, many are coming to the conclusion that solar, wind and other renewable power sources might not…
Energy and Commerce Committee leaders seek information from TVA on business practices
Energy and Commerce Committee leaders seek information from TVA on business practices January 17, 2022 Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee are seeking information from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on its lack of deployment of renewable energy and other business practices. Specifically, the lawmakers are concerned that TVA…
Insurance Companies Sue Texas Power Grid Operator Over 2021 Winter Storm Losses
Insurance Companies Sue Texas Power Grid Operator Over 2021 Winter Storm Losses January 7, 2022 More than 100 insurance companies are suing the Texas power grid operator and several power-generating companies (PGCs) over losses suffered from 2021 Winter Storm Uri, which resulted in more than 500,000 insurance claims and approximately…
NRC denies Oklo license application
NRC denies Oklo license application 07 January 2022 The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has denied Oklo Power’s application to build and operate an Aurora compact fast reactor in Idaho, saying gaps in the information supplied by the company mean that the regulator’s review of the combined licence application cannot move…
In plan to state regulators, Idaho Power phases out coal by 2028
In plan to state regulators, Idaho Power phases out coal by 2028 January 8, 2022 Idaho Power has submitted a 20-year plan to state regulators that phases out coal-fired power plants by 2028 as part of its effort to provide only clean energy by 2045, the company said Tuesday. Read…
Evergy Files Missouri Rate Review to Recover Costs to Modernize Grid, Improve Reliability and Enhance Customer Service
Evergy Files Missouri Rate Review to Recover Costs to Modernize Grid, Improve Reliability and Enhance Customer Service January 7, 2022 Today Evergy submitted a detailed rate review to the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC). The requested rate adjustment reflects investments to improve reliability, enhance customer service and enable the company’s transition to cleaner energy…
Western and Midwestern grids may face supply shortfalls as early as this summer, NERC says
Western and Midwestern grids may face supply shortfalls as early as this summer, NERC says Energize Weekly, January 12, 2022 The Midwest and Western grids could face shortfalls in electricity supply and generating capacity as early as this summer as baseload plants retire and weather-related disruptions become more common, according…
Lawsuit Seeks to Block 2 Geothermal Power Plants in Nevada
Lawsuit Seeks to Block 2 Geothermal Power Plants in Nevada Jan 3rd, 2022 Conservationists and tribal leaders are suing the U.S. government to try to block construction of two geothermal plants in northern Nevada’s high desert that they say will destroy a sacred hot springs and could push a rare…
Germany Rejects EU Proposal for Nuclear Energy, Will Rely on Natural Gas
Germany Rejects EU Proposal for Nuclear Energy, Will Rely on Natural Gas 1/3/22 Germany’s government on Monday rejected the European Union‘s proposals to include nuclear energy in the bloc’s climate-focused plans and investments for the future. Instead, the European nation plans to lean heavily on natural gas as an energy source…
A look ahead at advanced nuclear in 2022
A look ahead at advanced nuclear in 2022 Jan 1, 2022 On June 2, TerraPower announced that it would build a demonstration nuclear reactor, known as Natrium, at a retiring Wyoming coal plant. The Bill Gates-fronted nuclear developer had joined forces with utility Rocky Mountain Power, after receiving an $80 million Department…
ERCOT says generation, transmission ready for winter following on-site inspections
ERCOT says generation, transmission ready for winter following on-site inspections 30 Dec 2021 Generation and transmission facilities in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas market are ready for winter, ERCOT said Dec. 30 after inspecting more than 300 generation units and 22 transmission facilities representing 85% of the megawatt hours…
Pandemic-hobbled economy in 2020 led to the lowest U.S. carbon emissions in 37 years
Pandemic-hobbled economy in 2020 led to the lowest U.S. carbon emissions in 37 years Energize Weekly, January 5, 2022 The COVID pandemic depressed U.S. economic activity so much in 2020 that carbon emissions dropped to their lowest level since 1983, with an 11 percent decrease in emissions over 2019 to…
Cyber Pirates Could Hold The Renewable Revolution For Ransom
Cyber Pirates Could Hold The Renewable Revolution For Ransom Dec 19, 2021 Cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure came to the forefront this year when hackers took over the Colonial Pipeline. The renewable revolution is especially vulnerable to cyber attacks, as well. Wind and solar energy infrastructure are in desperate need…
The FCC may be facing another nuclear-sized interference problem
The FCC may be facing another nuclear-sized interference problem 12/20/2021 Federal spectrum regulators at the FCC have come under increasing fire over concerns that 5G in C-band spectrum might interfere with aircraft radio altimeters. Indeed, that issue has ballooned into a major national debate, with executives in the airline industry claiming a “catastrophic…
Mon Power and Potomac Edison Propose Environmental Compliance Program for Power Plants
Mon Power and Potomac Edison Propose Environmental Compliance Program for Power Plants Dec 17, 2021 Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), have applied to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia for approval to undertake a multi-year environmental compliance program at the companies’ two regulated power plants, Fort…
Bill supporting deployment of advanced nuclear reactors introduced in Senate
Bill supporting deployment of advanced nuclear reactors introduced in Senate December 20, 2021 The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee leaders introduced legislation that would support the commercial deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. Read more
Exelon separation moves forward, with New York Public Service Commission approval
Exelon separation moves forward, with New York Public Service Commission approval December 20, 2021 Exelon Corp. announces that the New York State Public Service Commission has approved a unanimous settlement agreement that allows Exelon to move forward with its plan to separate into two companies in the first quarter of 2022. Read…
Renewable and coal-fired power generation surge in 2021 led by India and China
Renewable and coal-fired power generation surge in 2021 led by India and China Energize Weekly, December 22, 2021 The global profile for electricity generation in 2021 is a tale of surging old and new power as both renewable energy and coal-fired generation are set to reach record highs, according to…
Florida Power & Light Unveils Massive Solar-Powered Battery in Parrish
Florida Power & Light Unveils Massive Solar-Powered Battery in Parrish December 13, 2021 The largest solar-powered battery in the world is now up and running, and it’s located in Parrish. Florida Power & Light’s Manatee Energy Storage Center, as it is known, was unveiled by the utility giant at a ceremony held…
Operator warns New England power system at ‘heightened risk’ heading into winter
Operator warns New England power system at ‘heightened risk’ heading into winter Dec 11, 2021 New England’s electric grid operator warned Monday that power outages are possible if an extended cold snap this winter grips the region and fuel supplies are pinched as demand spikes. ISO-New England said natural gas…
Cincinnati, Columbus settle civil claims related to FirstEnergy bailout
Cincinnati, Columbus settle civil claims related to FirstEnergy bailout December 14, 2021 The cities of Cincinnati and Columbus have dismissed their state court claims against FirstEnergy and Energy Harbor for the companies’ actions relating to House Bill 6, the nuclear and coal bailout law at the heart of a $60…
ERCOT inspecting more than 300 Power Plants to ensure Texas Power Grid is ready for winter
ERCOT inspecting more than 300 Power Plants to ensure Texas Power Grid is ready for winter Dec 6, 2021 The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has announced that by the end of this month, they’ll have inspected more than 300 power generation plants. Including natural gas, nuclear, coal, wind…
State Officials See Nuclear Plant as Key to Connecticut’s Energy Goals
State Officials See Nuclear Plant as Key to Connecticut’s Energy Goals DECEMBER 7, 2021 The future of energy — and energy costs — in New England hinge on the continued operation of Millstone Nuclear Power Station if Connecticut remains committed to the administration’s goal of a carbon-free electrical grid by…
California Community Choice Financing Authority issues first municipal clean energy bonds
California Community Choice Financing Authority issues first municipal clean energy bonds DECEMBER 6, 2021 California’s first municipal non-recourse Clean Energy Project Revenue Bonds issued today are valued at over $2 billion for thirty-year terms. The two separate bond issuances support the purchase of clean electricity to serve over 2.5 million…
New York State OKs transmission projects to bring clean energy to New York City
New York State OKs transmission projects to bring clean energy to New York City Energize Weekly, December 8, 2021 Setting the stage for its biggest transmission initiative in 50 years, New York State has struck agreements for two high-tension lines to bring more than 2 gigawatts of wind, solar and…
The First U.S. Offshore Wind Farm Could Be a Lifeline for Struggling New England Cities
The First U.S. Offshore Wind Farm Could Be a Lifeline for Struggling New England Cities NOVEMBER 29, 2021 As many of New England’s industrial cities fell into decline in recent decades, the wealthier residents of Martha’s Vineyard, a regional center of affluence and privilege, have gotten richer, building and rebuilding…
US power transmission, distribution costs seen outpacing electricity production costs
US power transmission, distribution costs seen outpacing electricity production costs 24 Nov 2021 US utility transmission and distribution costs have been rising faster than electricity production costs over the past decade, with utility spending on power delivery 65% higher in 2020 than in 2010, a trend that could continue as…
Nuclear Bans Tumble as Once-Skeptical States Seek Carbon Cuts
Nuclear Bans Tumble as Once-Skeptical States Seek Carbon Cuts Nov. 30, 2021 States that were once wary about nuclear power are now mulling policies to move forward with it as a way to decarbonize the electric grid, reach emissions-free energy goals, and preserve jobs in communities with aging and shuttering…
Coal Creek carbon capture, hydrogen hub among projects seeking clean energy funding
Coal Creek carbon capture, hydrogen hub among projects seeking clean energy funding 11/30/2021 A new arm of state government tasked with vetting funding applications for clean energy projects will evaluate eight proposals in the coming weeks, including one involving a carbon capture system at Coal Creek Station and another related…
U.S. grid ready for winter, NERC says, New England and California may face fuel pinch
U.S. grid ready for winter, NERC says, New England and California may face fuel pinch Energize Weekly, December 1, 2021 Winter electricity-generating resources across the North American grid are forecast to be adequate, although weather and fuel access issues may create challenges for New England, California and parts of Canada.…
Texas grid vulnerable to blackouts during severe weather, even with new preparations, ERCOT says
Texas grid vulnerable to blackouts during severe weather, even with new preparations, ERCOT says November 21, 2021 Electricity outages in Texas could occur this winter if the state experiences a cold snap that forces many power plants offline at the same time as demand for power is high, according to an…
$4B Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Set for Former Wyo. Coal Site
$4B Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Set for Former Wyo. Coal Site November 20, 2021 TerraPower LLC, the design startup backed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, has chosen to build a demonstration of its 345-MW Natrium advanced nuclear reactor in Kemmerer, Wyo., near the Naughton two-unit, coal-fired plant that is set…
Coal-fired power plants to close after new wastewater rule
Coal-fired power plants to close after new wastewater rule 11/23/2021 Climate change isn’t what’s driving some U.S. coal-fired power plants to shut down. It’s the expense of stricter pollution controls on their wastewater. Read more
Northeast grid rules could make or break clean energy
Northeast grid rules could make or break clean energy 11/22/2021 New England’s grid operator is considering an overhaul of regional power market rules that could determine whether Northeast states meet their clean energy goals, creating uncertainty in a region pivotal for reaching President Biden’s push for 100 percent clean electricity.…
PJM members flag power price formation, transmission planning concerns to board
PJM members flag power price formation, transmission planning concerns to board 22 Nov 2021 PJM Interconnection’s management board recently met with representatives of each of the five power industry sectors who raised concerns regarding energy market rule changes increasing power prices, resource adequacy, transmission regulation, and other issues. Read more
EV sales poised to set a record in 2021, forecast to reach a 20 percent market share by 2025
EV sales poised to set a record in 2021, forecast to reach a 20 percent market share by 2025 Energize Weekly, November 24, 2021 A booming global electric vehicle (EV) market is forecast to post more than 7 million in sales of battery-electric and hybrid plug-in cars in 2021, double…
Colorado activists want gas-fired electrical plants to stop spewing pollution over Denver
Colorado activists want gas-fired electrical plants to stop spewing pollution over Denver Nov 16, 2021 Switching to natural gas from coal cut pollution at the Arapahoe and Cherokee electric generating stations nearly in half, but activists are now pushing for their early closure to speed the climate change battle and…
A New Generation of Nuclear Reactors Could Hold the Key to a Green Future
A New Generation of Nuclear Reactors Could Hold the Key to a Green Future NOVEMBER 16, 2021 On a conference-room whiteboard in the heart of Silicon Valley, Jacob DeWitte sketches his startup’s first product. In red marker, it looks like a beer can in a Koozie, stuck with a crazy…
Infrastructure bill offers a $30 billion down payment on upgrading the nation’s grid
Infrastructure bill offers a $30 billion down payment on upgrading the nation’s grid Energize Weekly, November 17, 2021 The federal infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden this week, includes a nearly $30 billion down payment in grants and loan authorities to upgrade the nation’s aging and challenged electric grid.…
Shell and Norsk Hydro team up for green hydrogen
Shell and Norsk Hydro team up for green hydrogen November 9, 2021 Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) and Norsk Hydro (NHY.OL) are looking into jointly producing hydrogen from renewable electricity in a push to decarbonise their own operations as well as supply heavy industry and transport customers, Hydro said on Tuesday. Read more
DTE plans $7B, 5-year investment in SE Michigan electric grid, tree trimming
DTE plans $7B, 5-year investment in SE Michigan electric grid, tree trimming Nov. 4, 2021 DTE Energy Co. plans to invest $7 billion over the next five years to modernize southeast Michigan’s electric grid and prepare for increasing demand from electric vehicles. Read more
Q&A: Options for the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant
Q&A: Options for the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant November 8, 2021 The Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in California, the only one still operating in the state, is set to close in 2025. A team of researchers at MIT’s Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems, Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems…
Virginia GOP targets clean energy law, but options for rollback are limited
Virginia GOP targets clean energy law, but options for rollback are limited November 9, 2021 Newly emboldened Virginia Republicans are vowing to roll back the state’s landmark clean energy reforms enacted by Democrats over the last two years. Read more
