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This week’s Resources Intelligence Report leads off with big news in the West — geographically big news.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has issued its roadmap for solar development on 31 million acres in the 11 westernmost states. John Cropley reports that some clean energy industry groups are disappointed at the amount of open space excluded from consideration in the final plan.
Also out West, Elaine Goodman covers the California Public Utilities Commission approval of a central procurement plan for up to 10.6 GW of clean energy resources, including 6 GW of nameplate capacity in offshore wind and 1 GW each in geothermal, multiday energy storage and 12-hour energy storage.
Back East, Cropley talks to National Grid about its Upstate Upgrade, a package of transmission improvements across northern New York that is at once impressively large and yet only a fraction of what will be needed to accommodate the state’s ambitious clean energy ambitions.
Speaking of impressive and ambitious projects, how about bringing a mothballed nuclear plant back online as a source of emissions-free power? Holtec is undertaking the first such effort in U.S. history at its Palisades station in Michigan, and our Amanda Durish Cook has the details.
Finally, James Downing breaks down a new report by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on distributed solar systems. There are now 3.7 million nationwide, and in the past two decades, their average efficiency has increased by two-thirds while their median output has more than tripled.
Beyond our in-house reporting, we have gathered a particularly diverse assortment of news from other media outlets, including:
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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International
U.S. demand for UCO, a feedstock for biofuels like renewable diesel, has surged as federal and state governments launched incentives to support the industry as they aim to decarbonize transportation. Reuters
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New York
Making biogas-generated power eligible for renewable energy certificates would cut both fossil fuel use and methane emissions, write dairy farmer Paul Wolcott and Rashi Akki, CEO of Ag-Grid Energy. Times Union
U.S.
Given that our food system drives about one-third of climate change, it is imperative that the IRA's support goes to practices that provide true climate benefits. Earthjustice
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International
He's betting that Chevron and Occidental's investments in carbon capture will sustain the oil and gas industry, even as the world shifts toward renewables. Benzinga
Massachusetts
A research vessel is not available for a carbon-sequestration study that would pour 20 metric tons of sodium hydroxide and tracer dye into the ocean 11 nautical miles off Martha's Vineyard Greenwire
U.S.
Climate experts raise red flags as oil giant spends millions lobbying while touting 'underperforming' carbon capture. The Guardian
U.S.
Over $12B in subsidies awarded for technologies like carbon capture experts call 'colossal waste of money.' The Guardian
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Georgia, Mississippi
With electricity demand spiking, the Southern Company has opted to keep burning fossil fuels. Grist
International
?rsted was once one of the most coal-intensive energy companies in Europe, but since 2006, the company has reduced its coal consumption significantly through a reduction in the number of heat and power plants as well as conversions to certified sustainable biomass instead of coal. Offshore Engineer
Wyoming
There's been a reckoning in the U.S. utility market that increasing electrical demand driven by booming data and artificial intelligence computational centers has given at least a short-term boost for cheap, thermal coal power -- despite myriad federal regulatory moves against the industry. WyoFile
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U.S.
Corporations are signing onto community solar for several reasons, the first of which is that they are looking to meet their clean energy and sustainability goals. Furthermore, many community solar projects have an environmental justice component. pv magazine
U.S.
National Storage Affiliates (NSA) has agreed to develop a plan to install more than 100 MW of rooftop solar, developed in 42 US states and Puerto Rico pv magazine
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International
Article highlights VPP efforts, with a focus on UK-based retailer Octopus Energy (also operating in Texas). Financial Times
Massachusetts
Boston's NPR news station takes a look at how VPPs help the ISO meet summer demand WBUR News
U.S.
In a webinar hosted by regional transmission authorities, data centers were called a "major challenge" for the energy industry, as well as extreme weather. Oregon Capital Chronicle
U.S.
RMI's Virtual Power Plant Partnership welcomes Kraken, Recurve and Voltus as it continues to work on scaling up the technology. Rocky Mountain Institute
U.S.
Bloomberg highlights how VPPs can help balance the power grid during summer heatwaves Bloomberg
U.S.
Lengthy explainer on how VPPs/DR can help the power grid and save consumers $$. CNET
U.S.
Woods Mackenize reports on DR/VPP market, finds Cpower largest domestic firm. Energy Central
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Minnesota
The utility's virtual power plant proposal taps an emerging model to replace retiring fossil fuel generation, but advocates say the devil is in the details. Canary Media
U.S.
Tools that enable homeowners to provide flexibility to the grid, and be rewarded for it, are set to become more important as electrification increases power needs. Bloomberg
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Georgia
Georgians will get a chance to vote for commissioners who care about ratepayers and climate change in the November 2025 elections. Until then, they can go to GeorgiaPowerRobbery.com to learn more, write Patty Durand, president of Cool Planet Solutions and former candidate for PSC (2022), and Charles Froelich, a Decatur-based climate activist. Decaturish
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North Carolina
The state's ratepayer advocate, Walmart, and clean energy developers say the incremental progress proposed in Duke's plan is enough for now, though advocates still have objections. Energy News Network
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U.S.
To tap into the full potential of enhanced geothermal systems, methods for wellbore construction must be improve to make construction and operations less costly. ThinkGeoEnergy
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International
A lack of hydrogen supply, pipeline infrastructure and storage capacity are significant and costly barriers to overcome, according to a report from Global Energy Monitor. BNN Bloomberg
International
With a total storage volume of almost 500,000 cubic metres of green hydrogen, this facility will be one of the first of its kind in Germany. Hydrogen Today
New Mexico
Some locals who attended the public meetings were less concerned about the cost than they were about the water needed for the plant. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
U.S.
The selected projects will develop advanced materials and components that can better manage and withstand the extreme environment generated during hydrogen combustion to enable the use of up to 100% clean hydrogen in gas turbines. Gas Compression Magazine
U.S.
As the earlier buzz fades, a more fundamental problem has emerged, namely that federal policies are heavily weighted toward supply, with limited funds or mandates directed at creating a market for hydrogen beyond existing uses. Energy Intelligence
U.S.
But hydrogen projects face hurdles such that they "may not work," and they conflict with renewables, a research group says. pv magazine
West Virginia
Nearly a dozen projects are planned in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. They include projects to use hydrogen for transportation and manufacturing. ideastream
West Virginia
ARCH2 will produce blue hydrogen, a method by which hydrogen is extracted from natural gas, and the CO2 pollution created in the process is captured and buried in deep underground wells. WOUB
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Colorado
Fourteen of the lowest generation years at the dam have occurred since 2000, when the Colorado River Basin began experiencing a historic megadrought. The Colorado Sun
U.S.
Earlier this year, FERC granted Native American tribes more power to block hydropower projects on their land after a flurry of applications were filed to expand renewable energy in the water-scarce U.S. Southwest. Hydro Review
U.S.
The analysis also shows that in the Pacific Northwest, less water will be stored in the mountains as winter snowpack as warmer temperatures bring more rain. Hydro Review
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International
The two countries inked agreements to strengthen cooperation on the crucial element in electric vehicle batteries. Greenwire
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International
Mexican LNG export facility scores offtake deal with Malaysian firm Natural Gas Intelligence
Texas
Freeport LNG plant in Texas unexpectedly shut down during maintenance this week. Natural Gas World
Texas
Golden Pass LNG facility asks FERC for another three years to complete $10 billion facility after switching contractors mid development. Reuters
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Colorado
Colorado legislators had rural areas primarily in mind in 2022 when they passed House Bill 22-1013 with strong bipartisan support. Colorado Newsline
U.S.
Severe weather, electric vehicles, scorching heat, aging infrastructure, and an influx of new data centers and factories are all making power delivery a complex balancing act. T&D World
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Alabama
The 5.25 percent base price hike will fund ongoing construction and energy development, including fossil fuel infrastructure, according to TVA officials. Inside Climate News
Alaska
Small natural gas developers need help from Alaskan state government before they can drill for new supplies, despite supply shortage there. Alaska Public Media News
Alaska
Alaskan state lawmakers ask Federal Trade Commission to look into Hilcorp around natural gas shortage in the state. Anchorage Daily News
California
California faulted by former PUC Commissioner for failing to plan for natural gas phase-out in op-ed noting continued utility spending could lead to ridiculous bills for consumers left on service as others transition to heat pumps, etc. Sacramento Bee
International
Activist Greta Thunberg and others block part of Equinor gas processing plant's operations. Reuters
International
Brazil's President Lula wants more natural gas and industry worried it could lead to government intervention Bloomberg
International
Article on think-tank reports arguing Mexico should expand natural gas to shore up its power grid as industrial "near-shoring" in North America could lead to higher demand there. Natural Gas Intelligence
International
With natural gas prices in Europe swinging wildly with geopolitics in Russia/Ukraine expansion into Kursk, Goldman Sachs thinks recent volatility should wind down. Markets Insider
North Carolina
Duke gas utility subsidiary proposes higher rates for fuel despite lower wholesale prices, as it claims needs for more spending on delivery system. WFAE
Texas
Texas PUC picks winners for $5.4 billion in state funds to build new natural gas plants. Vistra (Dallas-based, largest Texas generation firm) among 17 that won cheap loans. The Dallas Morning News
U.S.
A look at how rising energy demands will impact natural gas giant Kinder Morgan's finances. Investor's Business Daily
U.S.
Batteries, which have some overlap in services they provide to the grid with natural gas plants, are being deployed much more frequently across the country. WIRED
U.S.
DC Circuit sides with pipelines over the costs to implement PHSMA's new safety rules, tosses regulator's rules over lack of cost analysis Reuters
Vermont
Stream of trucks carrying natural gas into Vermont raise concerns among citizens after multiple fires. Valley News
Virginia
Community members have said they want more energy efficiency and storage projects developed. Virginia Mercury
Virginia/Carolinas
Article takes pro-pipeline stance as Virginia and Carolinas seek to meet higher demand for power. RBN Energy
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International
European natural gas traders are focused on near term risks that are driving up prices ahead of winter more than any supply/demand worries for the heating season. Bloomberg
International
German firm seeks authority to export "renewable" natural gas from the U.S. Natural Gas Intelligence
Rhode Island
Rhode Island regulators approve continued use of LNG facility for five years, which is used to serve natural gas demand on Aquidneck Island. The Providence Journal
U.S.
Podcasts dives into huge expansion of LNG export facilities coming down the pike and wonders whether demand will support them all. Bloomberg
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International
In 2016, SGS saved the laboratory site from being demolished and, with support from Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud District Council, created a technology park featuring several low-carbon businesses. Power Engineering International
International
Switzerland decided to phase out atomic energy after the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima, Japan. Reuters
Tennessee
TVA has now approved a total of $350 million for a potential small modular reactor project at its Clinch River site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Power Engineering
U.S.
The Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan, shut down in 2022, is being revived in an unprecedented move. American Enterprise Institute
U.S.
It would be Ghana's first nuclear plant; gas-powered plants account for about half of country's energy Bloomberg
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Hawaii
However, offshore wind leasing and development in Hawaii remains in its earliest stages, and construction may not begin for a decade or more, an agency official said. Utility Dive
International
The UK project's failed GE Vernova-manufactured blade is the same model deployed on the Haliade X 13-megawatt turbines under construction in Vineyard Wind's lease area south of Martha's Vineyard. Cape Cod Times
International
"Meyer Werft is an industrial crown jewel for Germany," said Chancellor Olaf Scholz while visiting the site on Thursday, adding that "the federal government will play its part in the solution if everyone else follows suit." EURACTIVE
International
Nearly a dozen projects are planned in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. They include projects to use hydrogen for transportation and manufacturing. Reuters
International
State-controlled Equinor needs to prioritise capital more than in the past given rising costs in the offshore wind sector, due to inflation, high interest rates and supply-chain delays. Reuters
International
While the OEM continues its investigations, three mishaps this year underscore struggle to manufacture and install new supersize machines. Recharge
International
Investment in the struggling offshore wind sector has dropped by more than half year-on-year, BloombergNEF has found - although clean power globally has surged to a new record share of electricity supply. Recharge
International
Spending across value chain could be 'potentially wasted' if harbours aren't ready, WindEurope CEO warns at ONS in Norway. Recharge
International
Expected to be fully operational by the end of next year, the turbine will supply around 20 per cent of Culzean's power requirement, thereby reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, according to the company. offshoreWIND.biz
Louisiana
The State of Louisiana has a goal to develop 5 GW of offshore wind by 2035. The roadmap is expected to take two years to complete. North American Windpower
Massachusetts
The federal government issued a new "biological opinion" on the offshore wind power project being constructed off Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Commonwealth Beacon
Massachusetts
The "flotilla" protest was organized by the New England Fisherman's Stewardship Association. The turbine was guarded by a New Bedford scallop boat contracted to protect the wind farm from transient vessel traffic. The New Bedford Light
Massachusetts
Effects of emplacing turbine towers and other hard structures off New England would create habitat favorable to some fish species, like black sea bass, already extending their range up the East Coast with warming ocean temperatures. WorkBoat
Rhode Island
It expects to more than double its headcount in the state in the years ahead. American Journal of Transportation
U.S.
BOEM's long-term plan looks at territories in both the Atlantic and Pacific, with Gaum as one possibility along with expanding offshore wind power to Hawaii. Maritime Executive
U.S.
While everyone wants reliable electricity in their homes and businesses, few support the construction of the transmission lines necessary to get it there. Good Good Good
U.S.
While the subsidies for individual projects may not seem outrageous, the commitment of money to subsidize offshore generation is about $870 for every member of the country's population, writes Gordon Hughes of the National Center for Energy Analytics. RealClearEnergy
U.S.
The goal, researchers said, is to improve offshore wind forecasting to lower the costs and risks associated with offshore wind energy development. Daily Energy Insider
U.S.
The inaugural BOEM Guam Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting will be held on 11 September 2024. offshoreWIND.biz
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Oregon
A simple coat of black paint on the white blade of a wind turbine could save countless birds from flying into the machines and to their deaths each year. Oregon Capital Chronicle
U.S.
The researchers say that new resin, which is made of materials produced using bio-derivable resources, performs on par with the current industry standard of blades made from a thermoset resin and outperforms certain thermoplastic resins intended to be recyclable. North American Windpower
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Washington
The goal of this study is to identify and understand issues and interests of tribes and various stakeholders related to areas where pump storage might be cited. Northwest Public Broadcasting
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International
Today, Techopedia examines the rise in renewable energy patents over the past five years, highlighting how these technological innovations may push the needle to a carbon-free energy future by 2050. Techopedia
International
He pointed out that large variations and frequent negative electricity prices create problems that need to be solved through the energy transition. EnergyWatch
International
Investments in renewables continue to outpace fossil fuels, a BloombergNEF report finds. The Wall Street Journal
International
The rapid shift to cleaner, more sustainable sources of power generations will easily be the most ambitious enterprise our species has ever undertaken, writes Richard Heinberg, a senior fellow at the Post Carbon Institute. Common Dreams
International
Scaling up deployment of decarbonization technologies is crucial to achieve net zero, but there is a reality gap -- the lack of firm EU and US project commitments could slow momentum. McKinsey
International
If renewable energy isn't keeping up with or even substantially gaining on overall energy demand growth, then other energy sources have to make up the deficit. That has meant that fossil fuel growth -- and subsequently global carbon dioxide emissions -- continue to rise. Forbes
Michigan
The U.P. is a huge area with many rural communities, and power can be unreliable. Over the years, some utility rates have been among the highest in the state and even the country. Michigan Advance
Puerto Rico
An old and poorly maintained energy grid largely built on fossil fuels is gradually falling apart after years of derelict management by the island's former grid operator, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. Sierra
U.S.
Researchers found that renewable portfolio standards can boost clean energy generation across state lines. Energywire
U.S.
A report based on survey conducted by storage provider Powin says education needed to support future projects. pv magazine
U.S.
With 90 percent of Americans saying renewable energy sources should be given priority over fossil fuels, it seems to be right up there with golden retriever puppies. R Street
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California
The Public Advocates Office has proposed several changes to the net metering program to reduce what is known as the cost shift to customers who do not have solar. Reuters
California
Customers that have invested in solar under NEM 1.0 and 2.0 may be forced into a regulatory scheme that would threaten their return on investment, based on guidance from the California Public Advocates office. pv magazine
California
This cost shift onto other customers is more than double the cost for the program in 2021, said the group representing utility customer interests before the state's utility regulators. Daily Energy Insider
Illinois
A simple yet pernicious technical challenge makes rooftop solar inaccessible for many renters and condo owners. Energy News Network
U.S.
The deal covers aeaapproximately 8.5 million square feet of rooftop space. NSA has granted Solar Landscape exclusive rights to evaluate approximately 1,000 of NSA's properties in 42 states and Puerto Rico for the potential to host community solar. North American Clean Energy
U.S.
Since 94% of customers rely on some type of financing, the residential solar industry desperately needs stabilization around interest rates. POWER
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Colorado
The solar cell manufacturer decided to reduce the scale of its debt financing plans, tied to the Inflation Reduction Act, which will lower the funds available for construction and decrease its medium-term profitability targets, according to the company. Utility Dive
International
The law bans goods made in China's Xinjiang region where Chinese authorities are reported to have established labor camps for ethnic Uyghur and other Muslim groups. Reuters
International
By one measure, the cost of solar power is less than one-thousandth of what it was when hippies and environmentalists first made a point of installing panels on their roofs in the 1960s, columnist David Wallace-Wells writes. The New York Times
U.S.
Demand for silicon metal will grow quickly as the new decade unfolds, and unless more U.S. production capacity is added, a dangerous dependence upon imports will grow. POWER
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Nevada
The Dry Lake East Energy Center Solar Project will generate up to 200MW of energy and store up to 600MW. Power Technology
Puerto Rico
Between $93 million and $185 million is expected to go to solar and battery installations in multi-family housing properties, subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S, Department of Agriculture. pv magazine
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California
Parabolic trough solar collectors will gather the sun's heat daily and accumulate it in a depleted oil reservoir underground, creating a closed-loop geologic form of energy storage. SolarSPACES
California
A website dedicated to the Roadhouse Energy Storage project was recently launched by NEER, revealing certain details surrounding the project including the developers intentions to invest US$535 million into the standalone BESS. Energy Storage News
Georgia
The 500 megawatts of battery capacity will be built at locations near Ball Ground, Rome, Valdosta and Warner Robins. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
International
New ways to deploy captured carbon are emerging. This article looks at a long-duration energy storage project that can deliver electricity far longer than lithium-ion battery arrays. CleanTechnica
International
Brenmiller Energy's boxes of hot rocks are being deployed to turn electricity into steam heat, boost campus heat-and-power systems, and make power plants more efficient. Canary Media
U.S.
In the first half of 2024, the U.S. power grid added 4.2 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage capacity, reflecting a dramatic 87% year-over-year increase. Environment+Energy Leader
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Louisiana
This journey towards integrating renewable energy, especially solar energy, in Louisiana has encountered both opportunities and obstacles. These discussions reflect the broader national debates on energy policy. Microgrid Media
Louisiana
Even in Louisiana, where fossil fuels have long been the dominant energy source, utilities and industrial power users continue to place more emphasis on tapping a renewable power supply -- whether forced to do so by regulators or driven by environmental reasons. Louisiana Illuminator
Nevada
Environmentalists and some residents say the proposed Esmeralda 7 project could threaten wide-open spaces and central Nevada culture. The Nevada Independent
Ohio
Testimony in an Ohio regulatory case is the strongest evidence yet of links between a Knox County opposition group and people involved with The Empowerment Alliance. Energy News Network
U.S.
Despite that considerable increase in solar, the climate benefits of this growth were undermined by a rapid rise in electricity demand, which was met in large part by an increase in generation from fossil fuels. Inside Climate News
Washington
In March, a group of Wenatchi-P'squosa people and their supporters gathered on Badger Mountain to demonstrate against the proposed solar development, which would impact critical foodways and sites of archaeological heritage. Grist
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