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Welcome to the latest edition of the Resources Intelligence Report.
The NetZero Insider tag team of John Cropley and Jon Lamson alternated on offshore wind coverage this past week, and alternated between good news and bad news:
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Dominion and Equinor are the provisional winners of offshore wind leases off the coasts of Virginia and Delaware, respectively. Cropley reports that this lease sale drew more bidders than the previous federal auction, in 2023, but saw lower winning bids than the 2022 auctions.
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Cropley also has a story on new setbacks for the two wind farms that Ørsted is building in Northeast waters — completion of the onshore substation serving Revolution Wind will be delayed, pushing the project’s commercial operation date back to 2026, and challenges with the first offshore HVDC cable being used in the United States may push the commercial operation date of Sunrise Wind back to 2027.
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Lamson attended the ceremonial groundbreaking for the $300 million offshore wind terminal to be built in Salem, Mass., which with New Bedford will give the state two major port facilities serving the region’s growing offshore wind industry.
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Finally, a federal review concludes that leasing two areas off the coast of Oregon for floating offshore wind farms would not cause environmental harm. Cropley reports this study does not look at the impact of the wind farms themselves, only the leasing activities; it is an incremental step, but an important one, as it clears the way for the lease auction planned later this year.
Back on land, K Kaufmann reports on the Grid Storage Launchpad, a new high-tech laboratory at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where researchers will attempt to accelerate development of advanced and long-duration energy storage technologies.
And James Downing talks with the executive vice president of Renew Home about the ways virtual power plants such as the ones the company creates can help meet growing demand by balancing a grid increasingly reliant on intermittent renewable resources.
We also have the usual broad array of coverage in our curated roundup of other media outlets’ reporting, including:
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The Guardian takes a glass-half-full look at nuclear fusion, writing that while it still may be decades away from being a viable energy source, research in the field already has practical applications today.
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s NetZero Insider Resources Intelligence Report.
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U.S.
It directs the EIA to include data on SAF in its Petroleum Supply Month report and its Weekly Petroleum Status Report, including data related to the type, origin and volume of feedstock used in the production of SAF, along with the total amount of SAF produced domestically and imported. Biodiesel Magazine
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Louisiana
It operates seven wood pellet production facilities across four states and paid out $2.5 million in fines for violating air emissions limits in Mississippi in 2020 and $3.2 million pollution-related settlements in Louisiana in 2022. The Associated Press
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International
Researchers say there is "no evidence" that they bring economic benefits to communities where projects are based. Grist
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Alaska
At least 24 states have enacted measures to establish community solar projects. SB 152 goes further, including other renewable sources of power like wind and hydroelectric projects. Anchorage Daily News
Hawaii
A community-driven effort is driving Moloka?i's transition to solar power and cultivating a local workforce to make it happen. Grist
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U.S.
Budderfly to expand into VPP business with purchase of new DER managing software. Utility Dive
U.S.
With VPPs and other reasons to connect DERs to internet, it raises cyber security issues, and article details White House proposal to address security of DERs/VPPs. The Verge
U.S.
A look at the growth of VPPs and how they are spreading to residential customers to help future proof the grid. CNET
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U.S.
Even though PJM's capacity prices hit record highs for 2025-26, they could go even higher or remain elevated unless the grid operator's generation capacity can catch up with its surging demand, writes CPower CEO Michael Smith. Utility Dive
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Texas
The prospect of the state drawing on geothermal for a significant share of its energy still faces considerable technical, regulatory and financial challenges. The Hill
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International
New energy efficiency findings indicate that it should be used strategically in heavy-duty road, rail, aviation and marine transportation, a University of Michigan study shows. Hydrogen Central
International
The industry has been banking on tax credits from President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, and his administration has yet to back up the outline law with detail. Reuters
Michigan
Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation published a white paper on leveraging hydrogen for decarbonizing transportation, fostering partnerships, and boosting economic growth in the transportation sector. City of Detroit
U.S.
Two years after President Joe Biden's landmark climate law promised to kick-start green hydrogen production with generous tax credits, companies still don't know who will qualify. Billions of dollars in investments sit on the sidelines as a result. BNN Bloomberg
U.S.
A recent report underscored that 1 in 5 of the projects will be located in water-stressed places. Hydrogen Fuel News
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U.S.
The decline led to an overall drop of about 300 MWH generated, particularly affecting the states of California, Washington, and Oregon, where economic losses exceeded $8.7 billion, $4.2 billion, and $1.6 billion, respectively. The Energy Mix
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International
The report also revealed that the prospect for more LFG-to-RNG activity is considerable, with only 10 percent of the resource potential currently being utilized in North America. Daily Energy Insider
Texas
Republic Services, which operates the Southeast Landfill, already captures gas in the lining of the landfill and burns excess natural gas into the atmosphere through flaring. Fort Worth Report
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U.S.
CEO Ryan Melsert believes that Federal support and permit reform is crucial for scaling lithium production and meeting EV market demand. Benzinga
U.S.
In the lawsuit, the Hualapai Nation claims a lithium exploration project near its reservation and the town of Wikieup could threaten a spring sacred to the tribe. Inside Climate News
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International
Report finds coal and natural gas exports not expected to change for a decade and Australia's are responsible for second largest share of emissions, behind Russia The Guardian
International
Brazil is a new source of demand for LNG as drought is cutting its hydropower production. Bloomberg
International
Article focuses on how Japanese investment is driving US LNG exports despite the country's carbon targets. The Japan Times
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California
Solar-plus-storage microgrids to be built, owned and operated by three tribes in Humboldt County, Calif., are expected to reduce outages by 90% at a lower cost than undergrounding power lines. pv magazine
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International
With a newly elected leader, the International Seabed Authority must decide the future of more than half of the world's ocean floor. Grist
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California
Envrionmentalists call on Gov. Newsom to shut down Aliso Canyon storage facility years after leak. Los Angeles Daily News
International
Austria still relies on gas from Russia's Gazprom and worries about looming expiration of deal to ship it through Ukraine, fighting in Kursk Bloomberg
International
EIA details growth in Chinese natural gas demand, production and imports in 2023 EIA
International
Ukraine and Middle East Wars leading to high prices for fall gas futures in Europe, show supply worries still a thing. Bloomberg
International
With fighting around key node on Russian pipeline network in Kursk, Reuters looks into what stopping flows to Austria, Hungary and other countries would lead to. Reuters
Massachusetts
Conservation Law Foundation report finds leaks across hundreds of pipes in Boston, claims 15 at high risk of accident. Boston Herald
Oregon
Eugene, Oregon looking for new approaches to decarbonization after natural gas ban failed. Oregon Public Broadcasting
Pennsylvania
Pa. AG secures conviction against natural gas producer for leaks that contaminated water supplies. PennWatch
Pennsylvania
A look at how VP Harris' stance on fracking could impact fall elections in Pennsylvania where technique has transformed the economy. The Washington Post
Texas
A look at what negative gas prices in Texas means - consumers aren't getting it, but power plants in area are. Yahoo
U.S.
Driller in Marcellus Shale pulls back on production plans due to low domestic prices. Natural Gas Intelligence
U.S.
Recipients of PHMSA's Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grants will be able to take advantage of the process, which aims to help deliver projects more quickly, protect the environment, and support local communities. Biodiesel Magazine
U.S.
LS Power sets up Lightning Power from its 11 GW of gas plants in Northeast markets PR Newswire
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International
Tech giants are working to divert zero-carbon, round-the-clock nuclear power to massive new data centers. Regulators and climate advocates are concerned. Canary Media
International
Discoveries made in pursuit of nuclear fusion have potentially huge practical applications in everything from curing cancer to superior batteries for EVs. The Guardian
International
Years behind, with a bloated budget of $25 billion, the 35-nation International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor is far from accomplishing its goals. Mother Jones
Michigan
The company that owns the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station on Michigan's southwest coast is hitting back at what it called a series of "assumptions" and "inaccurate statements" from Alan Blind, a former engineering director. HuffPost
Nebraska
The study's second phase will perform a more in-depth technical evaluation and will involve detailed field environmental and constructability evaluations based on criteria used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. American Public Power Association
New York
The reactors are key anchors in the electric grid, cranking out more than one-fifth of New York's electricity. newyorkupstate
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International
Sites awarded could achieve reduced electricity production, according to industry groups that also called for the country to cap bidding prices in future rounds. Windpower Monthly
International
As the industry grows, offshore wind developers are constantly looking to refine and optimise their offshore installation and operations and maintenance (O&M) operations - for that, new cutting-edge technology, providing reliable data, is needed. Energy Global
Maryland
Ocean City has opposed the proposed wind farm project for several years. At the end of July, BOEM released its final environmental impact statement for the project, a precursor to a federal permit. WTOP
Massachusetts
This expansion is needed to maintain and increase Massachusetts' competitiveness in the emerging offshore wind industry by providing facilities that will support the anticipated increased demand for port facilities that can deploy the larger, heavier turbine parts as proposed by offshore wind facilities. New Bedford Guide
Massachusetts
GE Vernova had hoped to turn the page on a difficult 2023, which had seen GE report a $1.1 billion loss associated with its offshore wind business. Climatewire
Massachusetts
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has also revised the project's suspension order, allowing Vineyard Wind to install new towers and nacelles. Utility Dive
New York
It will soon be home to one of the nation's largest offshore wind projects -- which is set to contribute not only clean energy, but also economic development and well-paying jobs for residents and communities. TriplePundit
New York
The 1,314 MW Community Offshore Wind project is planned to be developed as the first of multiple phases located within the lease area in the New York Bight that the joint venture between RWE Renewables and National Grid acquired in the federal auction in 2022. offshoreWIND.biz
Rhode Island
Quonset's first new port in nearly 70 years is part of a $234 million master plan. Providence Business News
Virginia
Dominion Energy remains on target to install between 70-100 monopile foundations by end of October. PR Newswire
Virginia
The Coastal Zone Management Program, which operates under the state Department of Environmental Quality, is now working on Virginia's first-ever Ocean Plan, which will look at how to balance competing needs for natural and commercial resources. WHRO
Virginia
Dominion Energy is constructing the nation's largest project and is aiming to jump-start the flagging industry supply chain. E&E News
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U.S.
Hard-to-meet federal requirements are slowing down the pace of remediation, state regulators say. Grist
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U.S.
Permian Basin producers are seeing more gas produced at fewer wells, leading to higher production of oil and unintentionally natural gas (in an area where the latter has been priced negatively) Natural Gas World
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International
Wind energy's impact is still less than the alternatives, the study says. Science Feedback
Minnesota
RiverCap planned to offload the junk to a company that grinds up blades to use in concrete, according to former vice president Brian Donahue. But things never got that far. Star Tribune
U.S.
The film raises questions about Hollywood's depiction of renewable energy and safety, especially as large-scale wind projects are facing rising local pushback. E&E News
U.S.
It seems the reason for 2023's decrease in wind generation is simpler: there was just less wind. R Street
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U.S.
The shift occurred as the cost of wind power and other renewable energy is rapidly declining and coal is being pushed out by natural gas. The New York Times
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International
The 3.6 GW Fengning Pumped Storage Power Station started commercial operations Sunday on its twelfth and final reversible pump-turbine unit. Hydro Review
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Washington
The Port and The Northwest Seaport Alliance are adding electric vehicles and yard trucks, encouraging greener short haul trucks, and installing shore power at more container terminals. Biodiesel Magazine
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Idaho
Idaho has somehow garnered a reputation as a hotbed for right wing politics and extreme political weirdness, but that is going on the back burner as renewable energy stakeholders eye the state for new projects. CleanTechnica
International
LS Power said wind and solar projects comprise the bulk of the acquisition from Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., which includes 44 operating sites. POWER
International
Achieving a meaningful shift with current policies turns out to be unaffordable. We need to drastically change policy direction, writes Bjorn Lomborg, president of the Copenhagen Consensus. New York Post
Louisiana
In a significant move to bolster renewable energy access, the Louisiana Public Service Commission has introduced a new rule allowing large commercial and industrial customers to tap into up to 500 megawatts of renewable power. This decision is driven by the need for these customers to remain competitive in their respective markets. SolarQuarter
Minnesota
Modeling and evaluation by clean energy advocates found that elements of Xcel's plan should be changed, particularly adding 2,244 MW of new "peaking" natural gas plants North American Clean Energy
Texas
Texas is cranking out a leading role in wind and solar power generation. So far the productivity has remained within state lines, but the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is enabling in-state manufacturers to share the renewable energy love with the rest of the U.S. CleanTechnica
U.S.
It is possible that real growth is coming for the electricity sector from data centers, electric vehicles and electrification. But that growth can be met without expanding fossil fuels, writes Patty Durand, president of Cool Planet Solutions. Utility Dive
U.S.
The integration of smart technology and renewable energy is revolutionizing energy efficiency, reliability and sustainability. Entrepreneur
U.S.
German utility RWE has hired Kevin Kroll from consultancy firm McKinsey to serve as chief operating officer for its US renewable energy business. Recharge
U.S.
The purchase will enable 185 buildings across 12 states to use 100% renewable electricity, delivering on President Joe Biden's commitment to include tribal enterprises in the renewable energy economy. Solar Builder
U.S.
As of the end of 2022, 13 states received the majority of their electricity from carbon-free sources, per the Environmental Protection Agency data released this year. Canary Media
Washington
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee asked the Legislature to fund a study of the state's permitting process, a process that he judged obsolete in 2022. Capital Press
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Utah
The Davis plant expected to replace the use of over 8 million BTUs of fossil fuels annually and avoid the release of over 953 million pounds of CO2 emissions from landfill gas per year. Renewables Now
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California
It's true that property owners do place those solar power panels on their roofs. What is not true is that solar only benefits the well-to-do. Countercurrents
Rhode Island
Steps to protect consumers from aggressive sales practices by door-to-door solar salespeople include federal background checks, disclosure of savings documentation, and detailed breakdowns of lease versus cash system pricing. pv magazine
U.S.
A new study found that majority Black neighborhoods faced higher solar costs. Heatmap
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Georgia
This northwest Georgia community got in early on the national boom in cleantech manufacturing spurred by the climate law, and it's reaping the benefits. Canary Media
International
According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, "Solar Energy Market," the solar energy market size was valued at $94.6 billion in 2022, and solar energy industry is estimated to reach $300.3 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2023 to 2032. Allied Market Research
Mississippi
The three-man Mississippi Public Service Commission was to host a Solar Summit on Aug. 15, inviting experts and the public to join in a discussion on the impacts of increased solar power generation in the state. Magnolia Tribune
New Mexico
Ebon Solar, a division of Singapore-based blockchain and Fintech company Ebang International, will invest $942 million into greenfield development in Albuquerque. Solar Power World
North Carolina
Originally designed as a way for customers to help pay for renewable projects Duke is already mandated to build, a revised proposal will allow some customers to speed up construction of new solar farms by about two years. Energy News Network
U.S.
The federal government wants to give New Hampshire $43.5 million to broaden the reach of solar power to low and moderate-income families. InDepthNH
U.S.
CNET graded each US state on how solar-friendly its residential solar policies are. Most have a long way to go in making solar more accessible and affordable. CNET
U.S.
Saxon Metzger, along with Ayda Donne, founded Eighth Generation Consulting to connect with and give back to the Osage Nation and other tribal communities. Energy News Network
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California
New net-metering rules in California are dramatically changing the solar + storage landscape, and solar installers are keeping busy with the new normal. Solar Power World
California
California community choice aggregator MCE and developer Golden State Clean Energy have partnered to work on a solar and storage project in California, the first in a plan to install up 20 GW of solar and 20 GW of storage. Energy Storage News
International
The new analysis also includes the electricity generation costs for agri-photovoltaics, hydrogen power plants and new nuclear power plants for the first time. CleanTechnica
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International
Their approach is based on 1-minute resolution data, which the scientists said provide much more accurate information about potential curtailment and clipping losses compared to 1-hour resolution data. pv magazine
U.S.
Its newest five-year building plan was unopposed when filed with state regulators, and wins praise from environmentalists for a wide array of new wind farms and innovative battery storage solutions. The Colorado Sun
U.S.
The milestone had been long expected due to a steady stream of coal plant retirements and the rapid growth of wind and solar. Scientific American
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California
The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services is asking the public to attend its virtual meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 to discuss their thoughts on the Battery Energy Storage Systems Project. The Star-News
International
Battery manufacturers are having hard times this year, mostly because electric vehicle sales growth is slowing. EVs are the biggest source of demand for batteries, but stationary storage demand is growing much faster than the EV segment. Bloomberg
International
Porsche has deployed a 10MWh BESS at its factory in Germany using batteries from its Taycan vehicle line. The company has deployed 4,400 modules from preseries, works and research & development Taycan vehicles into the second life BESS project to help power its factory in Leipzig, Germany. Energy Storage News
International
According to the Wood Mackenzie report "Global battery energy storage system integrator ranking 2024," Tesla claimed a 15% global market share in 2023. pv magazine
Maine
The long-duration storage pioneer won DOE grant money to construct a massive iron-air battery intended to help a strained pocket of the New England grid. Canary Media
Texas
It offers protection from power outages, and also in essence can function as a virtual power plant, providing stability for the power grid and lowering electricity costs. POWER
U.S.
The Tennessee Valley Authority aspires to have a carbon-free energy system by 2050, which includes the deployment and installation of 10 GW of solar by 2035. To support the expansion of our renewable energy fleet, TVA will need to add increasingly more energy storage systems to our resource mix. T&D World
U.S.
Executives from battery energy storage system integrator Fluence discussed the company's recent third quarter results in an earnings call with analysts. As Energy-Storage.new reported, the firm saw a year-on-year fall in revenue in the three months to June 30, although the long-term outlook looks good with profits and order intake shooting upward. Energy Storage News
U.S.
The Department of Energy released its cost analysis for 11 technologies one day before announcing several funding and innovation opportunities for long-duration storage developers. Utility Dive
U.S.
The company also announced a partnership with Tesla Electric to support the Texas grid during peak demand periods. Utility Dive
U.S.
Total US battery storage capacity climbed 87.3% year over year to reach 23.775 GW by the end of second quarter 2024, with 5 GW expected to be added in Q3. S&P Global
Wisconsin
The first-of-a-kind project would store energy from the grid by converting gaseous carbon dioxide into a compressed liquid. E&E News
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Utah
Few realize that coal-based electricity is much more expensive than electricity generated by renewables, writes Malin Moench, a longtime analyst for public utility regulators. Deseret News
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North Carolina
The proposal will allow some large customers to pay to speed up construction of new solar farms. Duke Energy intends to formalize the program soon. Canary Media
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