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Good morning, and welcome to the Resources Weekly Intelligence Report.
Coverage by the NetZero Insider team this past week had a distinctly green tone: not just green as in carbon-free or environmentally conscious; there is always some element of that.
Green as in money.
The American Clean Power Association issued a report showing that announcements of clean-energy investments in the U.S. in the past two years have reached the half-trillion-dollar mark, with at least 161 new manufacturing facilities and more than 300 GW of new clean-energy generation capacity planned. John Cropley reports.
Jon Lamson has an update on the nation’s first multistate offshore wind solicitation. Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island had planned to announce the results Aug. 7 but pushed the window back a month at the last minute to allow time to determine the impact of a $389 million federal grant announced Aug. 6 to help build transmission for offshore wind in southern New England.
Turning to corporate earnings, Cropley has a story on Constellation Energy, which raised its earnings guidance for the year based on strong demand and said it is negotiating behind-the-meter agreements with data center operators interested in clean power from its emissions-free nuclear fleet.
Devin Leith-Yessian reports that Exelon saw a jump in its second-quarter earnings as it works to meet rising demand from data centers and manufacturing. The company also said the revised grid plan submitted by its Commonwealth Edison business meets the requirements of the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
Finally, Cropley previews the Future Energy Economy Summit that New York will convene in September. The event will focus on the state’s effort to accelerate its decarbonization efforts while simultaneously building new sectors of its economy to support that campaign and benefit from it.
We have gathered our usual broad array of coverage from other media outlets this past week. Let’s highlight a few that also are focused on money:
· State and federal officials in Maine announced a $147 million federal grant has been awarded to help build what would be the largest long-duration energy storage system in the world.
· Canary Media reports on the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by SunPower, a Silicon Valley solar pioneer once valued in the billions.
· Riviera Maritime Media has an update on the first U.S.-built offshore wind installation vessel, the Charybdis: It is 89% complete, and the construction cost has risen from $500 million to $715 million.
· Inside Indiana Business reports that AES Indiana will invest about $1.1 billion as it converts its massive Petersburg Generating Station from coal to natural gas, adds 180 MWh of storage and installs 250 MW of solar capacity.
· The Virginia Mercury has a report on $150 million worth of federal grants to help reduce methane and carbon emissions in Virginia.
· And the Pasadena Star-News reminds readers that they will be getting bill surcharges to help keep California’s last nuclear plant running, the cost of which has been estimated at $8 billion to $12 billion.
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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Georgia
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division approved a modification of Telfair Forest Products' air-quality permit last month without requiring the company to install legally required pollution controls or conduct air impact analyses. Rome News-Tribune
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Minnesota
Minnesota agencies have released an environmental impact statement and set hearings on a small section of a huge project to capture carbon from ethanol plants in five states for underground storage in North Dakota. Iowa Capital Dispatch
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Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania bill lays out a framework for regulating the emerging industry as part of a step toward securing for the state sole authority over the permitting of carbon dioxide injection wells within the commonwealth from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Virginia
Virginia is the recipient of two federal grants to capture climate changing emissions, one focused on methane and another on promoting natural solutions to capture carbon. Virginia Mercury
International
All the credits that fell short of the benchmark in the latest assesement were linked to renewable energy. Reuters
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Montana
The utility said the acquisition will help leverage existing and reliable infrastructure; Montana groups that advocate for reliable, clean and affordable energy said the acquisition will put customers at risk. Daily Montanan
U.S.
As coal-fired electricity generation has declined in the United States over the last decade, coal plant stockpiles have also generally declined. U.S. Energy Information Administration
New York
The project marks the first community solar farm to be developed on a formerly used defense site (FUDS). Power Technology
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U.S.
The agreement will enable Pivot to develop approximately 150 U.S. solar projects in roughly 100 communities across 20 states. Microsoft will purchase the project Renewable Energy Credits for a 20-year term. Solar Builder
Maryland
SunRun and BGE launch small VPP pilot (with three customers) using EVs - first such test in USA. Automotive Dive
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New York
The city also plans to install over 1,150 real-time meters in municipal buildings to help manage electricity use, according to its Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Smart Cities Dive
Texas
Op-ED argues Texas should tap DERs and demand side management for residential customers who drive peak as load growth is projected to accelerate in coming years. InnovationMap
U.S.
As electricity demand growth fuels a crisis of confidence, utilities and grid operators should prioritize least-cost, least-risk demand-side solutions to deliver valuable grid services, writes Sara Baldwin, senior director for electrification at Energy Innovation. Utility Dive
U.S.
RMI report says VPPs can comeonline this year and next and help meet summer demand at a time of tight RA. Utility Dive
Texas
Sunrun is now operating its first "aggregated power plant program" in Texas in partnership with Tesla Electric, a retail electricity provider operated by Tesla Energy Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Tesla Inc. Solar Builder
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U.S.
Methane levels in the atmosphere are rising. An armada of satellites could help identify leaks from oil fields, landfills, and animal feed operations. Grist
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International
By integrating renewable energy sources, enhancing grid reliability, and optimizing existing infrastructure, GETs are revolutionizing the power industry. Saurenergy
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International
The report highlights three economies as the main markets to initially drive hydrogen demand -- South Korea, Japan and the EU. MarineLink
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Louisiana
Louisiana is the second-largest producer of hydrogen in the U.S., and many industry-backers believe the state could be uniquely poised to benefit. Louisiana Illuminator
Oregon
The state's largest natural gas utility is attempting to blend low-emission hydrogen into natural gas in Portland to fight climate change. Oregon Capital Chronicle
U.S.
As the federal government pours billions into hydrogen production to lower greenhouse gas emissions, critics worry water shortages in the Southwest could worsen. Louisiana Illuminator
U.S.
A new Cornell study outlines strategies to meet up to 75% of the nation's future hydrogen demand by harnessing offshore wind energy. TechXplore
U.S.
Some critics say the projects are costly 'experiments' that will do little to cut greenhouse gases. Energy News Network
U.S.
Hydropower makes up about 27% of renewable electricity generation in the United States and is an important component of the nation's goal of achieving a 100% clean electricity sector by 2035. U.S. Department of Energy
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Oregon
Numerous safety violations have been detected at the fast-growing landfill. It's part of a larger pattern of problems with how the U.S. handles waste. Canary Media
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Arizona
The tribe says it's frustrated after several years of attempting to have its people's voices heard by the federal government about the danger of irreparable damage to one of their most sacred and culturally important places, and asked the U.S. District Court to halt the exploratory drilling. azcentral
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International
Residents in the communities affected by the planned mine have erupted in protest since the government began its new push to shepherd the Anglo-Australian mine operator Rio Tinto's project through to completion by 2028. Radio Free Europe
U.S.
The energy transition is driving demand for batteries; funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal programs is helping to fill it. Energy News Network
Florida
Smaller LNG export facility planned for Jacksonville, Fla. asks FERC for delay for in-service date to 2029 from original 2024. Natural Gas Intelligence
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International
The French government might support Ukraine, but it is using more Russian LNG and its ally wants it to stop. The Associated Press
International
As LNG export facility in British Columbia is expected to come online, excess gas in Canada (which impacted US supplies) could start to be shipped off to Asia/etc., leading to higher prices. Natural Gas Intelligence
International
Satellite pictures show tanker at Russian LNG export facility on its Artic coast, which is subject to sanctions. First evidence of Russia trying to use it as it needs special ships that are safe to go into the Artic. Yahoo Finance
Texas
The D.C. Circuit Court's decision could hinder progress on several Gulf Coast fossil fuel projects, marking a win for environmental justice advocates. Canary Media
U.S.
Article looks into how hurricane season could put a crimp on US LNG exports and what that means for Europe and Asia. Foreign Policy
California
With California LDCs looking to pilot hydrogen blending in gas system, environmentalists urge rejection - argue it will prolong bleeding of industry and delay electrification. Hey SoCal
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Indiana
AES to spend $1.1 billion to convert coal plant to gas as it seeks to stop burning coal altogether by 2026. Inside INdiana Business
International
China found a 100 billion cubic feet natural gas field in South China Sea, but they claim more of the area than international treaties allow so it could increase friction with neighbors. The Independent
International
Ukraine incursion into Russia seizes key natural gas pipeline hub, it could cut off shipments to Europe (though it hasn't) - but it sends prices up . Bloomberg
International
Russia is still exporting gas to Europe through Ukraine's pipelines, though deal allowing it is set to expire later this year. Reuters
Louisiana
Wiiliams Co. wins court case with Energy Transfer, allowing it to move forward with Louisiana Gateway Pipeline to bring shale gas from the state down to the Gulf. Natural Gas World
North Carolina
Dominion LNG storage facility in North Carolina moving through siting process with a local outreach meeting, neighbors not happy with it. News From The States
North Dakota
A look at North Dakota's efforts to leverage its oil and gas production to attract new data centers to the state. E&E News
Pennsylvania
A look at how Kamala Harris' (former) position on fracking could impact the election in Pennsylvania. PennLive
Texas
Natural gas has traded at negative prices for weeks at a time in West Texas, where pipelines often lack the capacity to get the fuel to places that need it. The New York Times
U.S.
Cheap natural gas prices are making for more power burn into August as forecasts initially thought prices would ramp up by now. Natural Gas Intelligence
U.S.
Grist looks at environmental give and take in Manchin-Barrasso - transmission for renewables and more drilling for oil/gas Grist
U.S.
With prices continuing to drop, down to near $2/MMBTU, natural gas producers are curtailing production. MSN
U.S.
EIA details why natural gas prices sank to record lows in the first half of this year. EIA
U.S.
EIA sees lower storage injections this year because of mild winter in 23/24 - so stocks should be high this fall regardless EIA
Arizona
The temporary halt is intended to allow the tribe and Energy Fuels Resources to reach an agreement over transporting the radioactive material. Inside Climate News
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California
Critics bemoan "enormous financial gift" to PG&E, much from Southern Californians, writes columnist Teri Sforza. The Pasadena Star-News
International
China approved its first nuclear power station in 1981. BloombergNEF now expects the country to leapfrog France and the US by 2030. Bloomberg
Michigan
Holtec has plans to expand the plant in 2030 with small modular reactors -- a new technology that could speed deployment of nuclear power in the future. CNBC
Michigan
Engineer says the plant got exemptions from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission allowing it to fall short of safety design standards that more modern plants must adhere to because it was nearing retirement. Reuters
Michigan
Although no fleet operator appears to be willing to touch Palisades today, the industry's nuclear waste mortician, Holtec International, has created a new business model. The Progressive
Texas
Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval of the extension request, filed in October 2022, will extend the operating life of the two-unit, 2,400-megawatt plant through 2053. POLITICO
U.S.
Americans remain more likely to favor expanding solar power (78%) and wind power (72%) than nuclear power. Pew Research Center
International
The drone will prevent risk, making it safer for personnel working on the wind farm, and they minimize the need for multiple journeys by ship, reducing carbon emissions in the process. Interesting Engineering
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Maine
This is a subjective issue, one about personal priorities. It challenges certain environmental values, putting them in perceived conflict with one another. The Maine Monitor
Massachusetts
Two competing narratives took hold: To one camp, the broken blade and resulting fiberglass pollution was an unfortunate accident; to the other, it was a wake-up call -- proof that the whole industry should be stopped. WBUR News
New Jersey
The survey company says it streamlined the survey and data acquisition process by consolidating multiple independent campaigns to gather oceanographic, seabed, soil and habitat data into a single, integrated programme. offshoreWIND.biz
Texas
The company said the additional costs were a result of modifications to accommodate project-specific turbine loads based on final certified weights and dimensions of the equipment and additional financing costs. Riviera Maritime Media
U.S.
The New England power grid has experienced close calls during extreme cold weather repeatedly, and historical weather data shows that in almost every instance, strong winds were blowing off the coast at the same time. The Equation
U.S.
The National Offshore-wind Opposition Alliance, or NOOA, aims to bring a national profile to what is currently a fractured movement of dozens of local groups. Reuters
Washington
By 2026, the state will likely decide whether to take a plunge. But that depends on whether Washington voters decide to retain the state's cap-and-invest program, which raises money from carbon-producing companies to invest in green energy and pollution mitigation. Good Good Good
Texas
A "first-of-its-kind" lawsuit contends that oil companies including Chevron failed to properly plug and decommission wells on private property, challenging common assumptions about plugged wells. Inside Climate News
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Texas
Fracking fluids traveled 12 miles underground before reaching an abandoned oil well and shooting to the surface. Inside Climate News
U.S.
This extends the upswing in output that has made the United States the biggest oil and gas producer in history. POLITICO
U.S.
The process, known as carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery, or EOR, has been advertised by the oil industry as a climate mitigation tool despite evidence to the contrary, activists say. Iowa Capital Dispatch
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Idaho
Numerous Idaho legislators vowed to continue to fight against what would be the largest wind generation project in the state - calling the latest plans for the site "a slap in the face of Idahoans" that will ultimately benefit California. Renewable Energy World
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International
In 2023, persistent manufacturing flaws with the company's wind turbine units resulted in a loss of $4.94 billion. Sales have been halted for more than a year. Power Technology
Nebraska
While wind power can contribute millions per year to rural communities, these economic arguments have at times been drowned out by health and safety concerns, as well as accusations that wind is taking away from a local economy in other ways. Insurance Journal
Wyoming
The new substation will serve Wyoming wind farms generating more than 2,000 megawatts of power. Cowboy State Daily
International
UN says a global 'backlash' against climate action is being stoked by fossil fuel companies. The Guardian
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International
The world's poorest nations need to triple power production by 2050 to prosper and will become the biggest emitters of climate-warming gases unless they are given assistance to build renewable energy facilities. Bloomberg
International
Demand for materials and critical minerals could grow exponentially as the global economy adapts to the energy transition. World Economic Forum
New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the agencies charged with implementing the state's ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act recently admitted that the state won't meet its initial goal of getting 70% of its electric energy from renewable sources by 2030. Habitat magazine
U.S.
Prices soared last week in an auction conducted by PJM Interconnection, reflecting a backlog of approval for renewable energy projects. Inside Climate News
U.S.
What happens at the federal level is only part of the equation. States have the power to accelerate, slow down or block new energy development, too. The New York Times
International
Almost every second property has solar panels bolted to the roof, pumping out electricity as the bright West Australian sun rides high in the midday sky. ABC News
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International
The array was mounted onto Ullevaal Stadion's bitumen roof by Norway's Solenergi FUSen. It covers an area of over 2,500 m2 and is expected to generate 219,000 kWh of energy annually. pv Magazine
New York
Rebates, credits and other incentives are driving lots of solar power in the Empire State. THE CITY
U.S.
Many solar developers are turning to drone operators to not only investigate proposed solar sites more quickly but to also and use multiple sensors to obtain a fuller understanding of a given site's characteristics and suitability for hosting solar. pv Magazine
U.S.
Treasury, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission have partnered on developing consumer advisories and educational resources to help people navigate the solar buying process while avoiding deceptive practices. pv Magazine
Ohio
Ohio clean energy projects under an Inflation Reduction Act grant announced last month show how solar sited on closed landfills can reduce greenhouse gases, improve resilience and provide funding for other environmental goals. Energy News Network
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U.S.
Even as solar installations smash records in the U.S. and the federal government pours money into onshoring solar panel production, the firm has been undone by China's industrial policy strength and its own strategic boardroom missteps. Canary Media
U.S.
Slim margins and high interest rates squeeze residential solar companies in the US, forcing executives to focus on cash, not growth. Bloomberg
U.S.
Sunrun CEO Mary Powell said the company is having conversations with many of SunPower's former dealers and is bringing some of them on as partners. CNBC
California
Solar developer Golden State Clean Energy and community choice energy provider MCE have signed a pact that will enable the deployment of up to 400 MW of solar and 400 MW of energy storage capacity in California's Fresno County. Renewables Now
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Idaho
Aypa Power, a Blackstone portfolio company, has secured $323 million in financing for its Kuna project in Idaho. PowerTechnology
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International
LG Energy Solution has formed a task force to develop prismatic batteries and is in talks with its customers. According to LG, the EV market increasingly demands these batteries due to increased safety and cost-efficient production processes. Electrive
International
Researchers have outlined a new methodology to determine the minimum power rating of energy storage systems used for emergency under-frequency response. pv Magazine
International
The energy use required in heating and cooling buildings has been a big focus for real estate owners and developers, as they work to make their properties more energy efficient and curb emissions in the wake of increased mandates. But, the latest HVAC technology could go even further -- turning air conditioners into energy storage systems as well. Propmodo
International
Shell has inked a deal to lease a 330MWh UK battery project that will help store excess energy from wind and solar farms under a new type of agreement it is claimed will be game-changing for the sector. Recharge
International
The 50 MW/100 MWh sodium-ion battery energy storage system project in China's Hubei province is the first phase of a larger plan that will eventually reach 100 MW/200 MWh. pv Magazine
International
When it comes to gravity-energy storage structures, the taller the better. A very tall gravity energy storage structure could offset its embodied carbon -- from construction and materials -- within two to four years. CNN
International
Researchers from Japan and the U.S. have recently demonstrated how twisted carbon nanotubes can store up to three times more energy than standard lithium-ion batteries. Tomorrow's World Today
Maine
The award is part of a $389 million regional grant to New England states funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Maine State Government
New Hampshire
A Lowell-based developer of renewable energy and energy storage projects has pulled the plug on a controversial facility proposed for 68 Wendell Depot Road, citing changes in the interconnection process and the state Legislature's failure to pass a climate bill last week. Athol Daily News
U.S.
The four projects are strategically sited to meet capacity requirements and manage increasing grid volatility, with a strong emphasis on the locational benefits that they will provide. North American Clean Energy
U.S.
In the age of climate change, the real winner of renewable energy technology is battery energy storage systems that provides energy resiliency in the event of a power outage. Solar Builder
International
In the first installment of Zero's three-part series on grids, Sanjeet Sanghera -- a former BloombergNEF grid expert who is now head of strategic futures at National Grid ESO -- explained why the challenging of updating the grid looks different in different parts of the world. Bloomberg
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International
Small-scale distributed PV has become a significant part of the world's biggest solar market but it is now butting up against the same grid constraints that have frustrated utility-scale PV in China and other parts of the world. pv Magazine
International
The IEA estimates that realizing the potential of digitalization in grids could reduce the curtailment of variable renewable energy systems by more than 25 percent by 2030, increasing system efficiency and reducing costs for customers. KPMG
New York
The Champlain Hudson project will consist of two bundled HVDC cables laid and buried along a submarine route of more than 85 miles, encompassing shallow water areas, strong currents, numerous crossings of existing utilities, and various riverbed conditions. Offshore Energy
U.S.
New cloud computing technology can leverage industrial IoT protocols and extend the capabilities of SCADA with a software-first approach. pv Magazine
Florida
The new plant, estimated to cost $1.5 billion, would potentially be capable of turning 4,000 tons a day of trash into electricity and alternative fuels. Miami Herald
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U.S.
Firms across the industry have begun pursuing lower carbon operations, higher recycling rates and increased waste diversion. Reworld, formerly known as Covanta, is among them. Waste Today Magazine
International
Examining national targets set by 70 countries that account for 99% of existing wind power, Ember, an energy nonprofit based in London, projects that over the next six years, wind power will double, not triple, compared to the 2022 baseline. The Associated Press
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U.S.
Onshore wind farms require eight times the amount of critical minerals as natural gas power plants do and offshore wind farms require 13 times as much, writes Austin Gae of The Heritage Foundation Heritage
Illinois
The firm purchased up to 1 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel for flights at the Chicago airport, a meaningful expansion of SAF use in the U.S. Canary Media
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