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The NetZero Insider staff focused on offshore wind and nuclear power this past week.
Jon Lamson explains the results of the nation’s first-ever multistate offshore wind solicitation, in which Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island sought as much as 6,000 MW combined. Massachusetts selected 2,678 MW, Rhode Island selected just 200 MW, and Connecticut made no commitment, saying it was still evaluating bids.
New York’s latest offshore wind solicitation, meanwhile, had a familiar look to it: John Cropley reports that two developers that previously won and lost tentative contract awards have submitted new proposals. The state hopes to award contracts in early 2025.
Cropley also has a news feature from his tour of the site where components of the Sunrise Wind project are being fabricated, more than a hundred miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Industry and state officials celebrated the work being done there as a milestone for the economic sector New York is trying to build around offshore wind.
Looking at other media outlets’ coverage of offshore wind, we see deeper dives by Climate Wire, Commonwealth Beacon and the Rhode Island Current into some of the political considerations surrounding the New England solicitation and the uneven results it produced.
On nuclear energy, a new U.S. Department of Energy report quantifies the strong potential that existing or recently retired nuclear power plants hold for the siting of new nuclear power generation — as much as 95 GW of new capacity could be co-located, Cropley reports, depending on type of reactor.
Cropley also attended New York’s Future Energy Economy Summit and has a story on the recurring theme at the event: nuclear power. While the state officials who were present avoided endorsing the politically fraught technology, they were very interested in evaluating the potential of new nuclear plants as a source of emissions-free electricity.
Our curated collection of other media reports expands on some of the issues surrounding nuclear power, including opinion and analysis pieces from the Brookings Institution, Genetic Literacy Project and The Nation.
In other coverage:
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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Alabama
Enviva cashed in on a boom in wood pellets, then a disastrous trade led to bankruptcy; questions about environmental claims. Wall Street Journal
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Iowa
Participating ethanol plants could still emit about 7 million metric tons of additional carbon dioxide annually. That's because the pipeline would only capture some -- not all -- of the CO2 emitted by the plants. Iowa Capital Dispatch
Wyoming
The Wyoming venture's collapse raises questions about the fledgling direct air capture industry -- and the Biden administration's support of it. E&E News
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U.S.
Expansion of the National Community Solar Partnership grows beyond supporting community solar to include residential and distributed rooftop solar + storage, and commercial solar projects with an emphasis on expanding access to the benefits of affordable clean energy in low-income and disadvantaged communities. U.S. Department of Energy
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California
Ford is the first major U.S. automaker to facilitate customer participation in SCE's Emergency Load Reduction Program, one of the utility's ongoing efforts to enhance grid resilience that also advances vehicle grid integration. Daily Energy Insider
Texas
Texas mass market demand response is looked at as firms are working to sign up customers to curtail air conditioning at peaks. Laredo Morning Times
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U.S.
The draft roadmap includes a number of recommendations for a range of actors in the U.S. grid space, including regulators, utilities and manufacturers, to alleviate grid challenges. PV Tech
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Utah
The 30-day test, a standard for geothermal, achieved a maximum flow rate of 107 kg/s at high temperature. The results correspond to over 10 MW of electricity production, triple that of the per production well output of Fervo's Project Red in Nevada. ThinkGeoEnergy
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Florida
Florida Power & Light is constructing a hydrogen hub that will combine 5% hydrogen with natural gas to supply its customers. Hydrogen Central
International
Green hydrogen can frequently, though not always, result in CO2 reductions, according to research published in Nature Energy by Kiane de Kleijne of Radboud University and Eindhoven University of Technology. SciTechDaily
U.S.
Without the right technology, product purity and equipment efficiency are compromised - risking the need for remedial action and higher operational costs. Power Engineering International
U.S.
As the percentage of hydrogen by volume in the blend increases, the carbon dioxide emissions decrease, albeit at a slower rate because hydrogen is less energy dense than natural gas. Energy Information Administration
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U.S.
The incentives are provided to enhance dam safety, improve grid resilience and protect hydropower jobs, officials said. Daily Energy Insider
U.S.
Shon Hiatt, an associate professor at the USC Marshall School of Business and director of the Business of Energy Transition initiative, sees hydropower as a promising solution. Tech Xplore
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International
The share prices of lithium miners from Australia to South America spiked Wednesday after reports that Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., the world's biggest battery producer, was suspending a mine that accounts for about 5% to 6% of global supply. BNN Bloomberg
Nevada
In what it called "technical milestones," SLB recovered 96% of the lithium from brine at a Nevada demonstration plant that's about one-tenth the size of a commercial facility. BNN Bloomberg
U.S.
The company recently cancelled plans for a project that had already received approval for a $141.7M government grant. Mining Technology
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Louisiana
On the heels of recent court decisions forcing federal regulators to reconsider approvals of three liquefied natural gas terminals, the court is now being asked to do the same with a fourth -- Venture Global's proposed Calcasieu Pass 2 terminal in Louisiana. Floodlight
U.S.
Recent decisions from the DC Circuit on how FERC should apply environmental rules to LNG add to uncertainty around future growth of the facilities Forbes
U.S.
LNG faces several regulatory challenges if it is to be used as the preferred low emissions-intensive fuel until renewable energy technologies evolve to provide for a full energy transition. LNG Industry
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Maine
The microgrid project is vital to the Passamaquoddy Tribe's 20-year plan to reach energy independence and carbon neutrality, it said. Maine Public
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International
Future net-zero energy infrastructure will rely on reusable mined materials instead of burning heavy-emitting fossil fuels. Bloomberg
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Illinois
Elgin Energy Center, a natural gas plant in Chicago, has toggled between shutting down and not (after capacity price spikes), article looks at why gas plants won't go away with climate laws Heatmap
Michigan
Michigan climate goals are threatened by continued operation of natural gas plants The Daily Climate
North Carolina
A liquified natural gas processing facility, four natural gas plants, multiple compressor stations and a clutter of pipelines are all now in the works, awaiting approval from state regulators. Inside Climate News
Pennsylvania
Inquirer Op-Ed argues that Harris' anti-fracking position is not political poison in Pennsylvania, it is not at the top of most voters' minds and many would be happy to see it go The Philadelphia Inquirer
Tennessee
The Tennessee Valley Authority is coming under fire from energy experts and environmentalists for building gas plants instead of renewables. The Washington Post
Texas
Local opposition to new peaker plant being proposed for Houston area crops up during mayor's listening tour The Houston Landing
U.S.
Article argues its time to start paying attention to natural gas, which have been low for some time. Seeking Alpha
U.S.
Towns that have benefited from oil and gas industry are a blind spot in talk about energy transition. The Conversation
Virginia
Story covers Dominion's siting outreach for new natural gas plant in Chesterfield County, Va. WWBT
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International
The West still needs Russian gas - Austria, Hungary, Slovakia especially - that flows through Ukraine. Despite years of war, more LNG. The Economist
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International
A long robot entered a damaged reactor at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant on Tuesday, beginning a two-week, high-stakes mission to retrieve for the first time a tiny amount of melted fuel debris from the bottom. The Associated Press
Michigan
It brings total public subsidies for the Palisades restart to more than $2.4 billion, including a $1.52 billion federal loan announced in March, and a $300 million commitment from the state of Michigan. Great Lakes Now
Pennsylvania
TMI Unit 1 owner Constellation said this summer it would be technically possible to repower the plant, but it does not have concrete plans to restart it. State Impact Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Kairos Power's Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor is the first next-generation reactor to be approved for construction by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the first non-light water reactor to be licensed in over 50 years. Reuters
U.S.
In this episode, host Samantha Gross talks with former U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz, who says that fission reactors, the kind in use today, have the potential to become safer and less expensive. Brookings Institution
U.S.
Blame government regulators joining hands with the notorious activist-legal complex, writes Alex Berezow, iwho specializes in the debunking of junk science for the American Council on Science and Health. Genetic Literacy Project
U.S.
They are revisiting their early concerns about nuclear power -- primarily waste, safety and costs -- in light of new information, and they are concluding that the benefits outweigh the risks, writes Judi Greenwald, executive director of the Nuclear Innovation Alliance. Utility Dive
U.S.
Executives in the nuclear industry generally agree that small modular reactors won't reach a commercial stage until the 2030s. CNBC
U.S.
With additional funding, the Tennessee Valley Authority could provide union jobs, kick-start American industrial production, and help the world go green. The Nation
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Connecticut
The state's hesitation could imperil a wind project that Massachusetts has committed to support. Climate Wire
Delaware
The law authorises the State Energy Office at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Public Service Commission, and the Delaware Renewable Energy Task Force to procure solicitations for between 800 - 1200 MW of offshore wind energy. Energy Global
International
Skills shortage exacerbating costly 'human error' in wind sector generally, reports renewable energy specialist GCube. Recharge
International
Group says impact of failures in US and UK will weigh on turbine unit although overall group guidance maintained. Recharge
International
Previous research has indicated that global heating will reduce the potential for wind power generation, but there is much uncertainty in how wind patterns will shift, and in particular how surface wind speeds will change over time. The Guardian
International
Unless the vulnerabilities are addressed, cyberattacks could cause power outages, leading to critical services such as hospitals being unable to function. The Conversation
International
Forty-fifth annual meeting of 11 governors and provincial leaders highlighted sector development amid shared concerns and resources. Recharge
International
The thought is that high costs are likely a temporary problem that can be solved through ongoing innovation. offshoreWIND.biz
International
At least six wind turbines were damaged at a wind farm slated to undergo repowering. Recharge
International
China's advanced turbine design means 'typhoons are no longer an insurmountable environmental constraint', wind energy expert says. South China Morning Post
International
The pioneer wind farm consists of three platforms, each supporting one 8.4-MW Vestas turbine that have produced 320 GWh over four years. offshoreWIND.biz
Massachusetts
Accidents involving blades made by GE Vernova have delayed projects off the coasts of Massachusetts and England and could imperil climate goals. The New York Times
Massachusetts
Rhode Island limits and Connecticut delays participation in three state solicitation. CommonWealth Beacon
New Jersey
Loss of GE Vernova's 18MW model and addition of a dozen extra units appears to have halted development of New Jersey-bound, 2.4GW $12bn project Recharge
New York
Submission of 1.27GW array with partners Corio and Rise Light & Power brings three projects voided in state's 4GW round 3 collapse, continuing trend of project revivals. Recharge
New York
The order includes supply, delivery, and commissioning of the turbines, as well as a five-year comprehensive service agreement, designed to ensure optimised performance of the asset followed by a long-term service support agreement. Renewable Energy Magazine
Oregon
By rushing this leasing process, BOEM's actions undermine state-led efforts to build the necessary consensus among coastal communities, fishermen, conservation groups, and Tribes, they said. KDRV
Rhode Island
Tentative offshore wind contract passes on three of four project proposals. Rhode Island Current
U.S.
The just released final EA evaluated the potential issuance of commercial wind energy leases off the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts and found that leasing and site assessment and characterization activities will not have a significant impact on the environment. Marine Log
U.S.
About 70 to 80 people attended the fundraiser at the offices of a law firm in midtown Manhattan, billed as an "offshore wind and clean energy for Harris reception." BNN Bloomberg
U.S.
Analysts see potential opposition via Justice Department, but industry momentum could still push development ahead; Harris expected to continue Biden's target of 30 GW by 2030. S&P Global
U.S.
On Monday, Vestas received its first order for offshore wind turbines in the U.S. EnergyWatch
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Michigan
Enbridge agreed it will not act on a 2021 permit from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which is one of three permits the Canadian pipeline company needs to move forward with its controversial Line 5 tunnel project. Michigan Advance
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Idaho
The federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation said it could not guarantee the project would not harm a local historic site and stated it would no longer work with the Bureau of Land Management to ensure it complies with National Historic Preservation Act requirements. Boise State Public Radio
International
The cost effectiveness of wind farms could be significantly improved by reducing the speed of wind turbines that are clustered together, which could improve their longevity and also reduce noise pollution. Tech Xplore
International
Siemens Energy said it has resumed sales of its 4.X wind turbine, which has been at the heart of its biggest corporate crisis, in a sign that the German energy group is fully returning to the onshore market. Reuters
U.S.
Vestas grabbed 76% of the US onshore wind turbine market in April through June, ending GE Vernova's streak of quarterly wins since last decade, according to latest numbers from industry group American Clean Power Association. Recharge
U.S.
The agreement, developed by the American Wind Energy Association with the initial support of 17 of its member companies, involves wind operators' voluntarily limiting the operations of turbines in low-wind speed conditions during the fall bat migration season. The Power Line
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California
Rooftop solar, batteries, EVs, and smart thermostats could help rein in rising grid costs -- if only California could pass policies to make it happen. Canary Media
Hawaii
At a recent community meeting in West Maui, the Lahaina Energy Partnership Project was unveiled. It's a 30-month initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to assist Lahaina in its energy transition post-fire. Civil Beat
Hawaii
It's on a trajectory toward a fully renewable, affordable, resilient and local energy future, writes attorney and activist Tam Hunt. Honolulu Civil Beat
International
New analysis highlights disparity between project target volumes, expected volumes and those reaching FID is significant -- threatening the pace of the energy transition. Hydrogen Central
International
Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, unveiled its latest portfolio of advanced solar, energy storage and green hydrogen solutions at RE+ 2024 in Anaheim, Calif. SolarQuarter
Michigan
More than a year after 5 Lakes Energy released a report detailing more than $7.8 billion in federal investments available to fuel Michigan's transition to clean energy, the consulting firm is taking stock of the state's energy economy following the passage of multiple laws based on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's climate plan. Michigan Advance
Pennsylvania
A coalition of trade unions have launched a new advocacy group, Union Energy, to ensure that Pennsylvania's workers get a "just transition" to a fossil-fuel-free economy. Grist
U.S.
Growth has been possible by incentivizing the transition to clean energy; states and federal legislation, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, have used tax credits and other programs to accelerate deployment. POWER
U.S.
APEX will enable expanded materials selection and integration for next-generation power electronics through novel interface and substrate design, coupled with pathways to scalable, low-cost, high-speed manufacturing. National Renewable Energy Laboratory
U.S.
Six state-based collaborative teams will develop statewide and Tribal initiatives to support communities in evaluating and planning for large-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects. U.S. Department of Energy
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U.S.
Researchers believe RNG market consolidation could lead to greater efficiencies, driving further adoption of upgrading technology at landfills. Utility Dive
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Maryland
This grant program enables Marylanders to maximize the benefits of their parking areas, turning them into producers of electricity, while also often providing shelter from adverse weather. North American Clean Energy
New Hampshire
An agreement among utilities, generators, and clean energy advocates didn't quell skeptical questioning by state utility regulators, who are focused heavily on whether there is a cost burden for other ratepayers. Energy News Network
U.S.
New data from Lawrence Berkeley Lab shows clear trends in median solar size and pricing. Inside Climate News
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International
The rise of Plug-In Photovoltaic systems, or "Balcony Solar," in Europe presents a compelling model that could revolutionize how North America embraces solar energy. North American Clean Energy
International
Maxeon, a Singapore-based PV module manufacturer, said in its second-quarter earnings report that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has detained solar panels imported from its module factories in Ensenada and Mexicali, Mexico, for the first time. pv Magazine
Minnesota
Minnesota clean energy and economic development officials say a Canadian solar manufacturer's planned expansion in the state shows the impact of federal climate incentives for domestic production. Energy News Network
New Jersey
State officials have kicked off a $156 million solar energy program with the aim of powering New Jersey's low-income and disadvantaged communities. North Jersey Media Group
U.S.
If we cut off a significant portion of our module supply, we risk again making a short-sighted policy decision that will erode the U.S. solar industry and slow our progress toward meeting our climate commitments, writes Scott Buckley, president of Green Lantern Solar. pv Magazine
U.S.
Advances that increase operational efficiencies, reduce installation time and accelerate project completion will drive progress. pv Magazine
U.S.
U.S. solar industry added 9.4 GW of new installation capacity in Q2 2024, but challenges persist that hinder the market's full potential. SEIA
U.S.
RMI offers a intended to provide a primer to interested tax-exempt entities, which might include community development financial institutions, green banks, electric cooperatives, 501(c)(3) organizations, and others. RMI
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U.S.
As the U.S. electric industry faces the need for more resiliency and reliability in a decarbonizing world, Black & Veatch's 2024 Electric Report illustrates immense opportunity in renewables and sustainable infrastructure while highlighting the challenges of addressing grid modernization and cybersecurity threats. Business Wire
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U.S.
Will clean energy and climate policies make communities more vulnerable to dangerous power outages? No, not with sufficient planning and preparation. Yale Climate Connections
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U.S.
Rocky Mountain Power is paying solar customers more incentives if they add storage later. Solar Power World
California
Following last week's lithium battery fire resulting in evacuation orders and warnings at a San Diego Gas & Electric battery storage facility in Escondido, the County Board of Supervisors will consider putting a pause on future such facilities. Patch
California
The Planning Commission at the City of Ripon has issued a permit extension to Engie after the IPP experienced further delays in commencing construction of its 99-MW/396 MWh Ripon Reliability BESS project in San Joaquin County, Calif. Energy Storage News
California
The state's grid has been strengthened against extreme heat by the rapid expansion of solar and storage systems. Climatewire
California, Texas
In the Golden State, 17% of its electricity at times of peak demand is from battery storage systems. Power Technology
Idaho
A team of technical staff working for the Idaho Public Utilities Commission has given its recommendation to approve a request from Boise, Idaho-headquartered utility Idaho Power to develop a 150-MW standalone BESS at its Boise Bench substation in Ada County, Idaho. Energy Storage News
International
Allegro Energy, an Australia-based developer of water-based redox flow battery energy storage solutions, has attracted $11.67 million in Series A funding from investors including Origin Energy, Melt Ventures and Impact Ventures. Energy Storage News
International
Samsung SDI is showcasing its latest energy storage system battery solutions at Renewable Energy Plus 2024, North America's largest renewable energy exhibition, which opened in Anaheim, U.S., for a four-day run. AJP
International
Decarbonizing Britain's electricity grid by 2030 is a central plank of the new government's energy policy, as well as a key milestone on the long and arduous path to net zero, but that and renewables will not be sufficient. The ability to store their intermittent output becomes increasingly vital. The Engineer
International
Featuring contributions from 117 industry professionals worldwide, the report examines the state of data center energy storage, covering usage, perceptions, priorities, challenges, future predictions and the impact of AI. Power Engineering
Massachusetts
The energy storage arm of vertically integrated solar PV module and tracker manufacturer Trina Solar has completed a portfolio of four U.S. battery projects. Energy Storage News
Nevada
MGM Resorts International said it is set to double its access to solar electricity as it signed a new power offtake deal with Estuary Power tied to a 115-MW solar-plus-storage project in Lincoln County, Nev. Renewables Now
Pennsylvania
Workers at a Pittsburgh-area battery storage plant voted 88 to 39 to be represented by the United Steelworkers union in an effort to improve "green" jobs they said were dangerous and inflexible. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star
U.S.
A new form of electricity supply is coming to neighborhoods in Western Washington and greater Portland. Whether you like it or not may depend on how much you trust developer assurances about the safety of big rechargeable battery arrays. Salish Current
U.S.
Fluence has started building manufacturing battery modules for energy storage from a facility in Utah, which will incorporate battery cells manufactured from a supplier based in Tennessee, as previously announced by the firm. Energy Storage News
U.S.
From leading players to startups, here are some tasty quotes from interviews taped at RE+ in Anaheim, Calif. Energy Storage News
U.S.
The exhibition doors at RE+, formerly Solar Power International and Energy Storage International, have opened. Saft and Fluence have both announced U.S.-based manufacturing of BESS products and components, and Trina Storage just unveiled its first portfolio of U.S. projects in Massachusetts. Energy Storage News
U.S.
Tight capital markets, lengthy timelines for permitting and the sheer difficulty of producing high quality battery cells at a scale big enough to be profitable add up to a "significant challenge", Andy Tang, VP of W?rtsil? Energy Storage & Optimisation said in an interview. Energy Storage News
Utah
Energy storage virtual power plant provider sonnen and contractor ES Solar have sold 18 MWh of energy storage systems in Utah as part of the Go Back program. Energy Storage News
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Missouri
There is a national debate over how to address the aging electrical system, and some of this conversation is playing out in the farmland of Missouri. The federal government wants to embark on a nationwide plan to increase the reliability of electricity and reduce consumer costs. Missouri Independent
New York
The largest and most complex utility upgrades can take over seven years to complete, while the speed at which fleet owners can order electric cars and trucks that drive such upgrades can happen in a matter of months, the New York State Public Service Commission warned. Powergrid International
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International
The XolarSurf prototype, created in collaboration with the Norwegian manufacturer Kystteknikk and other subcontractors, was lifted and launched at sea at Kystteknikk's facilities in Dyrvik, Norway. reNEWS.biz
Nevada
Nevada takes center stage with almost 12 million acres available for solar development--more than any of the 11 states included in the document. Tech Xplore
Pennsylvania
The state's largest-ever solar project came online this week. Energywire
U.S.
The report, "Understanding Barriers to Agrivoltaics: A Survey Approach" is the first national survey to capture sentiment about solar on farmland from hundreds of farmers, solar developers, and utility stakeholders. North American Clean Energy
U.S.
The sites fight climate change and can help with another global crisis: the collapse of nature. But so far, efforts to nurture wildlife habitat have been spotty. The New York Times
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International
The Nova Scotia government confirmed that Occurrent, formerly BigMoon Power, had filed for bankruptcy because it can't pay its bills. The Energy Mix
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