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Sunlight, sea breezes and split atoms highlight this week’s NetZero Insider Resources Intelligence Report.
Our New Jersey correspondent, Hugh Morley, has two stories out of the Garden State:
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New remote net metering rules increase the size and scope of eligible projects, but not as much as the state Legislature initially planned. Gov. Phil Murphy was concerned about the impact on ratepayers, so the final version of the bill limits participating projects to 5 MW.
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The Board of Public Utilities rejected a 10 MW floating solar project for inclusion in the state’s competitive solicitation initiative because it would be sited in a preservation area while approving a 5.2 MW solar array on a landfill. In the same story, Morley reports that New Jersey is laying the groundwork for its fourth offshore wind solicitation.
The brings us to the next cluster of stories — three pieces by John Cropley on the struggling offshore sector:
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There was more bad news for Eversource, the New England utility that has been trying to exit the sector for more than a year. It reported a fourth quarter impairment of up to $1.6 billion on the struggles of its joint ventures with Ørsted.
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Then there’s New York state, where many renewable energy developers are canceling contracts for onshore and offshore projects that have not reached the construction stage. State officials emphasize that contract cancellation does not mean project cancellation and say many developers will rebid at higher prices. (It’s not just a New York problem — Renewable Energy World offers a handy list of the canceled U.S. offshore projects.)
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The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued its first-ever environmental review of multiple offshore wind lease areas. BOEM hopes the joint review of six lease areas off the New York-New Jersey coast will result in a smoother, more efficient buildout of up to 7 GW of generation capacity.
Finally, we published stories centered on another controversial and expensive form of power generation, nuclear fission:
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K Kaufmann has a story on the Department of Energy’s latest move to establish a supply chain for the high-assay, low-enriched uranium that proponents hope will fuel a new generation of advanced nuclear reactors in the United States. DOE estimates U.S. facilities could need up to 40 metric tons of HALEU by 2030 and more each subsequent year.
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Cropley reports that small modular reactor designer NuScale Power Corp. is shifting its focus from research and development to commercialization. It is terminating 28% of its workforce in the process.
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Meanwhile, Countercurrents.org has a piece reminding us that nuclear power is not universally embraced, and not without problems.
More news about the NetZero resource transition is gathered in the Intelligence Report below: |
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Hawaii
The rolling blackouts that swept across Oahu recently were caused by a chain of storm-related events that all occurred around the same time, according to Hawaiian Electric. Civil Beat
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International
While sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is not new, the idea of using sewage - an abundant and unavoidable waste - is a novelty. So, could it really be the future of air travel? KTVZ
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New Hampshire
Renewable propane has one of the lowest carbon intensity scores, meaning it can help businesses meet their environmental goals efficiently and reliably. LPGas
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International
Equinor and Linde have signed a project development agreement to develop the H2M Eemshaven low carbon hydrogen project in the Netherlands. GasWorld
International
Kenya-based climate solutions startup Octavia Carbon has received funding to develop its Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. Carbon Herald
International
Yet for all the momentum and growing need to decarbonize, the technology has drawn mounting opposition. The fossil fuel industry's involvement, in particular, has raised the specter that carbon capture could be used to prolong oil and gas extraction. TechXplore
International
The UK's once "dirtiest" coal-fired power station Drax is set to receive approval for a multibillion-pound net-zero carbon capture plan from the UK government, according to a report from the Telegraph on Monday. Market Screener
Louisiana
Both Republicans and Democrats in deep-red Louisiana have warmed up to the idea of carbon removal, and federal tax incentives promise to make it profitable at a time when businesses are looking to slash their carbon emissions. EPA has been slow to issue permits for underground wells, but it announced late last year it's handing over permitting duties, known as "primacy," to Louisiana regulators. Grist
Massachusetts
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) announced today a strategic agreement with 1PointFive, the Direct Air Capture (DAC)-focused subsidiary of energy giant Occidental (Oxy), including the purchase of 21,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits over three years. ESG Today
Nebraska
About 200 landowners braved the winter weather Jan. 8 to descend on the state Capitol and demand greater property rights protection and local control in the face of a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline. The opponents of CO2 pipelines want lawmakers to pass legislation prohibiting the pipelines from using eminent domain and defending the right of counties to set their own pipeline setback ordinances, which determine the minimum distance required between pipelines and existing structures or features. Nebraska Examiner
New York
Spectrum News
U.S.
A recent University of Houston white paper, titled "Carbon Dioxide Pipelines: Role in Responding to Carbon Emissions," spotlights the indispensable role of carbon dioxide pipelines in advancing carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) systems worldwide Phys.org
U.S.
The Long-Term Strategy of the United States: Pathways to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 indicates that land-based and technological carbon removal pathways will both serve vital roles in counterbalancing residual and legacy emissions. While the need for a portfolio of CDR pathways is evident, the regional opportunities, tradeoffs, and benefits of these approaches has not been comprehensively assessed. Department of Energy
Washington
Washington's Department of Ecology (ECY) presented the volume of current vintage allowances on offer for its first of the four quarterly Washington Carbon Allowances (WCA) auctions of the year, and also published revenue generated following the completion of the first year of the state's cap-and-trade scheme. Carbon Pulse
Wyoming
Wyoming's oil and gas industry continues to look at what comes next for it in the face of climate change and demand for 'cleaner' energy, and the industry is creating a network to help do that. Wyoming Public Radio
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Hawaii
Plus Power's Kapolei battery is officially online. The pioneering project is a leading example of how to shift crucial grid functions from fossil-fueled plants to clean energy. Canary Media
International
The global energy mix is rapidly shifting away from the dirtiest fossil fuel and toward renewables, but the change is not everywhere -- or fast enough. Canary Media
Minnesota
The shuttering of the Sherburne County Generating Station Unit 2 -- the retirement of the biggest coal-fired generator to date in Minnesota -- marked a major milestone in Xcel Energy's goal of delivering carbon-free electricity in the state by 2040. The company plans to close Sherco's remaining coal-fired units in 2026 and 2030 and close the Allen S. King plant in Oak Park Heights to coal operations in 2028, and it said the Unit 2 site "is central to Xcel Energy's clean energy transition with investments in solar, battery storage and new transmission lines." St. Paul Pioneer Press
Tennessee
The Tennessee Valley Authority may delay the closure of its 2,470-MW coal-fired Cumberland power plant if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission doesn't promptly approve a gas pipeline project, the federal power agency said. Utility Dive
U.S.
America's greenhouse gas emissions fell 1.9% in 2023, in large part because the burning of coal to produce electricity plummeted to its lowest level in half a century, according to estimates published Jan. 10 by the Rhodium Group, a nonpartisan research firm. The drop means United States emissions have now fallen roughly 17.2% since 2005. The New York Times
West Virginia
West Virginia is 49th in installed solar capacity, but three solar and energy storage projects are moving forward, including an 18.9 megawatt solar array at Fort Martin. The new arrays will more than double state solar generation capacity to 85 megawatts. CleanTechnica
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West Virginia
The last time we checked, the Solar Energy Industries Association clocked just 35 megawatts of installed solar capacity in West Virginia. The new arrays will more than double that figure, to 85 megawatts. Clean Technica
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New Jersey
This bill simplifies the CSEP application process, provides CSEP subscribers with a more seamless consolidated energy bill, and makes more capacity available to develop community solar across the state. NJ Governor's Office
U.S.
Electric utility commissions across the nation are following the lead of California to cut compensation for rooftop solar generation. Is Idaho the next step in a death march for the industry? pv magazine
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California
Smart home energy company Dcbel was awarded grant money for the deployment of EV charge-controlling devices that can respond to dynamic grid price signals. pv Magazine
Connecticut
The Public Utilities Regulatory Agency voted unanimously to adopt a new framework for rolling out updates for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Connecticut Inside Investigator
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International
A suite of "doable today" business actions that would slash demand for energy could unlock annual savings of at least $2 trillion a year across the global economy, while helping to boost growth, save companies cash, unlock competitive advantages and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That is the conclusion of major new research backed by over 120 CEOs of global corporates, which sets out a host of near-term actions businesses can take to reduce energy demand across their buildings, infrastructure and transport use. GreenBiz
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California
Scientific research results showed the geothermal waters in the Salton Sea area in California contain 3.4 million tons of lithium. It would be enough for over 375 million batteries for electric vehicles - more than the total number of all cars, vans and trucks currently on roads in the United States. Balkan Green Energy News
Idaho
The Ada County Highway District said the break, which happened on Capitol Boulevard in Boise, is expected to be repaired Wednesday. KTVB 7
Idaho
A civil engineer said they are working to replace the city's entire geothermal system, which heats more than 90 buildings. KTVB 7
International
The global geothermal power generation capacity stood at 16,355 MW at the year-end 2023. Growth is picking up with further growth expected for 2024. Think GeoEnergy
International
Icelandic researchers and scientists are on a mission to transform the renewable energy landscape by delving into the heart of a volcano. Interesting Engineering
New York
The system needs only a little energy to run. Yale Climate Connections
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California
A new amendment to a bill tabled in the state assembly would ban grey and blue H2 in power and transport Hydrogen Insight
U.S.
For now, the relatively high cost of green hydrogen is shielding fossil energy from competition. Clean Technica
U.S.
Green hydrogen is just the first sector that will need to start tracking clean power on an hourly basis to adapt to a renewables-rich grid, energy experts say. Canary Media
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International
Aluminum is a vital metal for modern life. However, producing it can be highly energy intensive, so greener methods of production are increasingly needed. Here's how sustainable aluminum production is growing, and some breakthrough technologies and initiatives being developed to drive down the industry's emissions. GreenBiz
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U.S.
Extreme temperatures threaten gas plants and electric reliability, particularly in regions where grid operators use simple methods to account for resource contributions, according to UCS. Utility Dive
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International
Still others say there is no longer any time left to bring nuclear energy to scale to combat the climate threat effectively. Countercurrents.org
U.S.
Request for proposals for uranium enrichment services issued to help establish a reliable domestic supply of fuels using high-assay low-enriched uranium. U.S. Department of Energy
U.S.
The country achieved significant milestones like approving its first small modular reactor design, showing that the nation is gaining confidence and momentum in the field of nuclear energy. CarbonCredits.com
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California
This means building projects that are justly and responsibly sourced, sited and operated to protect ocean health and deliver community benefits, says Daniela Schulman of Evergreen Action and the Clean Energy Leadership Institute. Santa Ynez Valley News
California
The Canopy floating offshore wind farm in California will have an installed capacity of up to 1.6 GW, enough to power more than 600,000 homes, and is expected to be in operation by the mid-2030s. OffshoreWind.Biz
International
It boils down to a deja vu replay of the chronic shortages that have bedevilled offshore oil and gas for decades. And yet the industry has still managed to do its business. Energy Voice
Massachusetts
A new project on the horizon for the advancement of its ocean innovation and technology goals is called the Ocean Tech Hub of Southeastern New England and consists of multiple organizations in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. SouthCoast Today
U.S.
Many of the projects are likely to be rebid to utilities and regulators with financial terms that reflect the macroeconomic pressures facing the industry, which is a nice way of saying "costing more." Renewable Energy World
U.S.
Offshore wind developers on the West Coast don't yet face the challenges of the East Coast, where the pandemic and the war in Ukraine upended project economics after contracts had already been inked. Politico
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International
The project's completion, which had been expected in early 2024, is eagerly awaited by the country's oil sands industry, which will benefit from improved access to export markets. The Energy Mix
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U.S.
Backers see SunZia -- described as an energy infrastructure undertaking larger than that of the Hoover Dam -- as a pivotal project. The venture has attracted significant financial capital and stands to boost the percentage of the nation's electricity that comes from renewable sources amid escalating state and federal energy mandates. Fortune
U.S.
Experts estimate that lightning damage costs the wind power industry more than $100 million annually and accounts for 60% of blade losses and almost 20% of operational losses overall. North American Clean Energy
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U.S.
As federal incentives spur a wave of new domestic clean energy manufacturing, economic boosters in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and New York see an opportunity to "Make it in Appalachia." A virtual summit this month will serve as part of public kickoff efforts to identify and support small and medium manufacturers in the region so they can play a role in the growing clean energy economy. Ohio Capital Journal
U.S.
Not only does expanding renewable energy replace carbon-emitting fossil fuels, but distributing power generation capacity on rooftops offers the promise of a more reliable energy system that is also far more resilient in the face of potential future hurricanes. Nonprofit Quarterly
Virginia
The Port of Virginia is powering all its terminals with electricity from clean resources and accelerating its goal to becoming carbon neutral by 2040. "Virginia is the first major U.S. East Coast port to power its entire operation using 100 percent clean electricity," said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "In doing so, the port is building upon its reputation as America's Most Modern Gateway." Port of Virginia
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New York
Utility New York Power Authority is seeking to collaborate with renewable energy and energy storage developers and operators as part of the state's push to deploy more clean energy resources. The utility has issued a Request for Information to "understand potential interest and opportunities for NYPA to collaborate with renewable developers, contractors and companies to develop, own and operate renewable energy generating projects and storage systems, including solar photovoltaic energy, wind energy and battery energy storage." Energy Storage News
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California
Planned rooftop solar installations plunge to 2014 levels. The Mercury News
Georgia
Georgia BRIGHT is a solar lease program that provides access to solar for customers that may lack the credit rating or upfront cash for solar. Monthly bill savings are estimated to be about 20%. pv Magazine
International
People who own electric vehicles are more likely to go a step further and add solar panels to their home, according to an analysis of a behavioral study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. TechXplore
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Georgia
South Korea's Qcells said it will supply Microsoft with 12 GW of American-made solar panels through 2032 in what the companies called one of the largest ever deals of its kind. Reuters
Georgia
Public officials in the Georgia have joined a multi-state effort to protect fossil fuels against competition from renewable energy, but the force of the free market is just not with them. Clean Technica
International
Module-level rapid shutdown requirements that originated in the 2017 National Electrical Code gave microinverter manufacturers a boost as a simple way for rooftop systems to comply. Solar Power World
International
Solar photovoltaic costs have dropped even faster than experts predicted to the point that solar electricity is normally the least expensive source of power according to the International Energy Agency. The Conversation
Nebraska
Scotts Bluff County Commissioners set out plans to update the county's comprehensive plan during the board's meeting Jan. 2. Commissioners held discussion on a suggestion by Commissioner Charlie Knapper to start the process of updating the county's comprehensive plan by developing a request for proposal and finding an appropriating consulting firm to aid in that process. The Star-Herald
Tennessee
A mere decade ago, the share of Tennesseans energy produced from solar was negligible. Fast-forward to 2022, and solar is adding 775 GWh of power to Tennessee's electric grid, producing enough electricity to power more than 72,000 average homes, according to the federal Energy Information Administration. Environment America
U.S.
Demand for more equitable solar siting has never been higher, and federal and local incentives are supporting the action. Solar Power World
U.S.
The tracker and solar solutions provider is now its own entity. pv Magazine
U.S.
A new lawsuit from Auxin Solar is an important reminder that the threat of destabilizing tariffs remains very real for the U.S. solar industry. Canary Media
U.S.
We expect solar electric generation will be the leading source of growth in the U.S. electric power sector. In our January Short-Term Energy Outlook, which contains new forecast data through December 2025, we forecast new capacity will boost the solar share of total generation to 5.6% in 2024 and 7.0% in 2025, up from 4.0% in 2023. Energy Information Administration
West Virginia
A ribbon cutting event was held recently at the Fort Martin Power Station, where almost 50,000 solar panels are now generating up to 18.9 megawatts of energy on 80 acres where, since 1967, the station has been generating power via coal. The power may help the state attract businesses that have made renewable energy a requirement for their procurement needs. The Times West Virginian
West Virginia
FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary Mon Power rang in the new year by celebrating the completion of its solar site at Fort Martin Power Station in Maidsville, W.Va., during a ribbon cutting event Jan. 4. The site is the first of five solar sites Mon Power and its sister company Potomac Edison have planned to help bolster and diversify the region's energy mix. FirstEnergy
Wisconsin
Madison Gas and Electric and We Energies are setting another milestone in delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy to their customers. The final panels at the Badger Hollow Solar Farm are now in service, completing the largest solar project in Wisconsin history. Madison Gas and Electric
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California
Form Energy, a pioneer of iron-air energy storage, is to deploy a 5MW/500MWh system at the site of a Pacific Gas and Electric substation in Mendocino County. Smart Energy International
Hawaii
Plus Power's Kapolei battery is officially online. The pioneering project is a leading example of how to shift crucial grid functions from fossil-fueled plants to clean energy. Canary Media
Maine
Construction is set to begin this spring in Gorham on one of New England's largest battery storage projects, a preview of similar ventures that are seen as a missing link for optimizing the region's growing fleet of solar and wind power plants. Big batteries are considered essential to realizing Maine's climate goals. That's because the transition from fossil fuels to renewable power leans heavily on solar and wind -- which are intermittent -- to help energize an electrified economy. The Maine Monitor
New York
New York City's first vehicle-to-grid pilot project is entering a second stage of development, following a successful start to its operational life. Part of the tenth cohort of the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator, and with technical assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the project has been carried out by New York-headquartered energy storage developer Ninedot Energy. Energy Storage News
U.S.
The portfolio of facilities will help avoid the equivalent of 16 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, the company calculated using the EPA's greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator. Utility Dive
U.S.
U.S. battery storage capacity has been growing since 2021 and could increase by 89% by the end of 2024 if developers bring all of the energy storage systems they have planned on line by their intended commercial operation dates. U.S. Energy Information Administration
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U.S.
The trade groups say that ongoing supply chain challenges and "unprecedented demand" for grid components have resulted in a distribution transformer shortage. pv Magazine
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International
Theoretical solar farms spanning whole countries would become large enough to affect the weather around them and ultimately the climate as a whole, researchers say. TechXplore
U.S.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects solar electric generation will account for 7% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2025, up from 4% in 2023, according to its January Short-Term Energy Outlook. U.S. Energy Information Administration
U.S.
Solar data company Solargis has analyzed the annual performance of solar irradiance for 2023, revealing the trends and variations of solar irradiance worldwide. Solar Power World
Wisconsin
The Bader Hollow Solar Farm is a 300 MW facility that was built in two 150 MW phases in Iowa County, Wisconsin. pv Magazine
Wisconsin
This significant initiative, a joint venture by Madison Gas and Electric and We Energies, is not just the state's largest but also stands out as a major player in the Midwest region of the United States. Microgrid Media
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