Good morning, and welcome to the latest Resources Intelligence Report. We start off with two stories on an indispensable resource: transmission.
NetZero Insider’s James Downing reported on the U.S. Department of Energy releasing the final National Transmission Planning Study and announcing plans to invest up to $1.5 billion in four specific projects through the Transmission Facilitation Program.
Our Jon Lamson drills down on one of the four projects: Avangrid’s Aroostook Renewable Gateway. The line would open up renewable energy development potential in Northern Maine, but it will face the same challenges other New England transmission projects have encountered in recent years.
Lamson also has an offshore wind update focused on New England. During a Northeast Energy and Commerce Association webinar, stakeholders working through the industry’s growing pains said they are heartened by the commitment Massachusetts showed to offshore wind during the recent joint procurement by the three southern New England states.
On the other side of the coin, John Cropley has two stories on the U.S. offshore wind industry’s continuing struggles.
New England utility Eversource Energy announced it had finalized its exit from offshore wind development by completing the sale of its share of the South Fork and Revolution Wind projects. It will incur a half-billion-dollar loss on the sale and may be liable for further costs if the buyer is faced with overruns. Also, the sale netted about $370 million less than expected.
On the West Coast, federal regulators postponed the Oregon offshore wind lease auction scheduled for mid-October, after only one of the five companies that had been qualified to participate in the auction submitted bidding interest. The plan has drawn considerable opposition, including from the state’s governor.
Finally, Elaine Goodman has a roundup of legislation signed into law in California, including measures designed to streamline approval of transmission projects, potentially require new electric vehicles to be equipped for bidirectional charging, address electric system reliability and speed up local permitting of hydrogen-fueling stations.
Now let’s dip into our curated roundup of other media outlets’ coverage:
Finally, a press release indicates Greasezilla is teaming up with bp to turn brown grease waste into a feedstock for biofuel production. Even if you have zero interest in biofuel, how could you not click through to read about a company that calls itself Greasezilla?
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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West Virginia
bp will finance the expansion of Greasezilla's production facilities to support the delivery of brown grease feedstock to the market, aimed at furthering the renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel markets. PR Newswire
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Illinois
The risk of high-volume CO2 exposure -- seen when a CCS pipeline ruptured in Satartia, Mississippi, in 2020 -- is CO2 poisoning, which can lead to everything from temporary unconsciousness to death. Inside Climate News
North Dakota
Project Tundra, a demonstration project that seeks to capture an average of 4 million tons of carbon dioxide from flue gas from two lignite-fired units at the 705-MW Milton R. Young Station. Power
Texas
Occidental Petroleum Corporation, or Oxy, an oil and gas company based in Houston, wants federal approval to capture and store an estimated 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide in three injection wells 4,400 feet underground. Source NM
U.S.
The Department of Energy unveiled plans on Sept. 27 to inject $1.3 billion into its portfolio of federally funded carbon capture demonstration and large-scale pilot programs by the end of the year. Power
U.S.
The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations said the money could help projects in the power and industrial sectors. Energywire
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International
Ken Newcombe, the former CEO of C-Quest Capital, was charged as part of an alleged scheme to sell an inflated number of carbon credits. The Washington Post
U.S.
After two years of meetings and consultation with the public, a little-known federal regulator this month issued its final guidance on the trading of derivatives based on carbon credits, the certificates companies buy and sell on a voluntary basis to say they've offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Grist
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International
Britain has turned itself into a test case for what happens when you take an industrial economy and rapidly wind down the use of fossil fuels. The New York Times
International
The Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant was the last surviving coal-burning power station in a country that birthed the Industrial Revolution and fed it with coal. The New York Times
International
China's coal fleet capacity may be high and increasing with last year's approved plants, but the capacity factor will be plummeting with the 300 GW and increasing annual additions of wind and solar, and the occasional massive hydro dam like the Three Gorges and the absurdly huge 16 GW Baihetan Dam, which started generating in 2021 and will be fully commissioned in the mid-2030s. CleanTechnica
Montana
Three environmental groups are suing the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for approving an expansion for the Bull Mountain Mine that would open up more land for coal mining, but which the groups say would continue to damage water supplies for ranchers, destroy cultural artifacts sacred to Native American tribes and contribute significantly to climate change. Daily Montanan
Wyoming
Federal land managers have rejected protests filed by coal mining interests -- including the state of Wyoming and representatives of two of its counties -- that tried to convince the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to abandon or alter course on its proposal to end coal leasing in the prolific Powder River Basin, a bulwark to Wyoming's economy for the past 50 years. WyoFile
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New Jersey
New Jersey 5.7 MW solar project acquired by Standard Solar and Trinasolar will power homes and municipal facilities. pv Magazine
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California
Tesla signing up customers for its VPP in LADWP territory - offering $350 per powerwall in their first year. TESLARATI
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U.S.
The growth of DERs coupled with innovations in energy management software, real-time data analytics, and communication technologies make VPPs an attractive choice to meet growing energy demand. Utility Dive
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New Jersey
A coalition of climate groups rallied in Trenton to urge the passage of a bill that would require companies that have produced fossil fuels since 1995 to pay for economic damages borne of climate change. New Jersey Monitor
U.S.
The air quality regulations are now undergoing White House review. Greenwire
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California
The bill proposes that counties act as lead agencies for the environmental review of such projects, clearing a major bottleneck in the current system. ThinkGeoEnergy
International
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, it barely represents 0.5% of the total renewable electrical capacity installed around the world. Yahoo
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California
Additionally, the California PUC will collaborate with the California Independent System Operator to incorporate the plans into the ISO's planning processes. Daily Energy Insider
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International
Planning application submitted by Statera Energy to develop Kintore Hydrogen in Aberdeenshire, with a target of 3 gigawatts of capacity. The Times
U.S.
Major energy companies see little demand for green hydrogen, which could be a crucial but costly tool to cut emissions. Bloomberg
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Arkansas
In the energy towns of Arkansas, the coming lithium rush is bringing with it the risk of repeating the same mistakes and inequities of the past. Grist
California
Imperial County happens to be sitting on enough lithium to produce nearly 400 million batteries. Fast Company
International
Chinese scientists say they have discovered a promising and sustainable method for extracting lithium from seawater, offering an efficient alternative amid increasing demand for the key battery metal in renewable energy technologies while minimising the environmental impact. Batteries News
International
It offers a faster, more efficient, and environmentally promising alternative to traditional methods but faces cost, scalability and its own environmental hurdles before becoming a major player in the growing lithium market. Wood Makenzie
International
The strategic importance of lithium to Europe's automakers, coupled with Serbia's position as a bridge between East and West, made this conflict a significant flashpoint in global energy and geopolitical dynamics. Firstpost
Nevada
The agency's final environmental impact statement is likely to face legal challenges from environmentalists who say it clearly violates the Endangered Species Act. Nevada Appeal
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U.S.
Cheniere Energy wants to count its own emissions for certifed gas exports, but environmentalists have pushed back on that and even the basic concept of clean gas Bloomberg
U.S.
Republicans step up pressure on DOE's LNG export study - claiming it was influenced by "faulty" study from Cornell University prof. E&E News
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Wisconsin
The microgrid will be connected to a new battery energy storage system, the hospital's existing rooftop solar array and biogas energy generated by the nearby La Crosse County Landfill. Microgrid Knowledge
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U.S.
Laying out her economic agenda, Vice President Harris backed increasing domestic minerals production and creating a minerals stockpile. The Hill
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Alaska
Alaska regulators ignore proposal to spur natural gas conservation in light of supply crunch for state's most populated region Alaska Public Media News
International
New Mexican President Sheinbaum took office Oct. 1, as AMLO's chosen successor she is expected to continue his oil and gas policies. She has worked on climate issues internationally earlier in her career. Natural Gas Intelligence
International
Global demand for gas is growing more this year than previous two and similar growth expected in 2025- IEA. IEA
International
French oil major plans to continue growing oil and gas production through 2030, explains plans in detail. Yahoo
New Mexico
Op-ed argues overcoming natural gas use is one of the biggest challenges facing New Mexico community's efforts to decarbonize Los Alamos Daily Post
North Dakota
North Dakota regulators approve natural gas processing plant that will turn fuel into higher value diesel, lubricants Bismarck Tribune
Pennsylvania
Article looks into fracking and its role in Pennsylvania's vote for President this fall. The Hill
Texas
New pipeline is bringing natural gas out of Permian, recent expansions have alleviated constraints on booming supply Bloomberg
Texas
Texas PUC approves plan to electrify oil and gas production in booming Permian Basin. U.S. News & World Report
U.S.
After Gov. Walz mentioned record production at debate, NYT looks into a shift among Democrats highlighting the growth in oil and gas The New York Times
U.S.
EQT CEO Sees AI driving demand for natural gas in the US, which is backed by IEA figures for global growth in fuel use this year Yahoo
U.S.
The fossil fuel is the ideal backup power source -- and will be for a long time, according to the nonprofit Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Energywire
U.S.
EQT is laying off 15% of its workforce to get synergies out of its merger with Equitrans Midstream (firms reunited after previous spin-off) Reuters
U.S.
Natural Gas Supply Association forecasts average winter and after mild one last year, that could pressure prices - though supplies are high. Natural Gas Intelligence
Virginia
Largest gas producer in Virginia moving to Southwest part of the state with economic development grant, produces fuel from coal bed methane Virginia Mercury
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International
Attempt to aggregate EU demand for LNG does only succeeds in procuring 2% of needs, puts in question whether it will work with other commodities Financial Times
International
Experts at Columbia digest Chinese government report on country's growing production, use and imports of natural gas Center on Global Energy Policy
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Michigan
Steam generator issues can pose problems for nuclear power plants. Parts of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in California were shut in 2012 after steam generators that had a design flaw leaked. Reuters
Michigan
No one has ever restarted an American nuclear reactor that was seemingly closed for good. But with electricity demand spiking, interest is growing. The New York Times
New Mexico
The new facility that will produce "Flibe" molten salt coolant for its Hermes reactor. U.S. Department of Energy
U.S.
Three Mile Island could be just the start. Bloomberg
U.S.
Projections surrounding the potential of nuclear energy to power A.I. are unrealistic, according to the hedge fund billionaire. Observer
U.S.
Microsoft's deal to revive a Three Mile Island reactor is just part of Big Tech's dance with a controversial power source. Mother Jones
U.S.
Restarting any U.S. reactor will require approval from not only the NRC but state and local agencies as well. Canary Media
U.S.
The ADVANCE Act was necessary but not sufficient to speed nuclear deployments to meet growing electricity demand and "win the AI race," conference panelists said Sept. 26. Utility Dive
U.S.
Miners aim to meet a growing demand for emissions-free energy, though a failure to clean up old sites haunts the industry. The New York Times
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U.S.
At Climate Week NYC, Audubon collaborated with partners and hosted a panel about responsible offshore wind development. National Audubon Society
California
It will reduce costs and accelerate the timeline to complete the proposed Pier Wind project, which would be the largest facility of its kind in the United States and would help California meet its goals for renewable energy sources. American Journal of Transportation
International
The decision to slim down the offshore wind business comes on the heels of inflation and global supply chain challenges, as well as lower-than-expected volume associated with delays to GE Vernova's key projects. offshoreWIND.biz
International
Macquarie launched Corio in 2022 to expand on the work that it was already doing in the offshore wind sector. The company has a project pipeline of 30 gigawatts spread across the world, including the US, UK and in Asia, according to its website. Bloomberg
International
This milestone promises to revolutionize maintenance procedures and enhance the economic viability of floating wind farms. Environment+Energy Leader
Massachusetts
Locals are calling for more federal analysis of how East Coast wind projects are affecting the North Atlantic right whale. Climatewire
New Jersey
Atlantic Shores Project 1 is New Jersey's first offshore wind project, and COP approval is said to enable the near-term creation of thousands of in-demand jobs and acceleration of billions of dollars in supply chain investments. offshoreWIND.biz
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Wyoming
Wyoming stands at a crossroads that will determine the future of the state's energy industry. In front of the state lie two paths for how to implement rules for methane emissions from oil and gas production, and leaders in Wyoming need to decide which direction the state will go. Environmental Defense Fund
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International
Developer Enefit Green says it has reached 'constructive, out of court settlement' over 2023 incident in Lithuania. Recharge
International
The agreement will drive improvements in the Large Eddy Simulation model by integrating detailed terrain and vegetation data, so that wind simulations are more accurate and reliable in challenging onshore environments. North American Windpower
Texas
The state's growing hostility toward renewables is due in large part to the efforts of organizations that heavily promote fossil fuels. EarthDay.org
U.S.
The IRA funded 88% of rural wind energy grants awarded in 2023, according to a report from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Utility Dive
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International
New research breaks down the physical realities slowing our progress toward net zero: what's simpler, what's tough, and what's vital to transforming our energy system successfully. McKinsey
International
WRI's assessment of net-zero reporting methodologies and processes identifies useful information for tracking net-zero progress and the commonalities between national monitoring and reporting net-zero processes and explores how countries can report their progress to the international community to signal increased ambition on net zero. World Resources Institute
International
As power grids rely more on renewable energy sources like wind and solar, balancing energy supply and demand becomes more challenging. A new analysis shows how water systems, such as desalination plants and wastewater treatment facilities, could help enhance grid stability and create new revenue streams. Stanford
International
To get back in the clean technology game, the United States could allow specific areas of trade and investment with China to give U.S. firms the ability to better learn from China's recent manufacturing experience -- while shoring up supply chains globally and ensuring recent investments in domestic production and processing stay on track, write Joshua Busby, former senior adviser for climate at the U.S. Department of Defense; Morgan Bazilian, former energy specialist at the World Bank; and Emily Holland, an assistant professor at the U.S. Naval War College. War on
the Rocks
International
IRENA and ILO report reveals 18% increase from 2022 to 16.2 million jobs in 2023. reNEWS.biz
Maryland
Projects funded by these programs can help the state equitably increase access to the benefits of clean and resilient energy solutions, keep the lights on, and keep energy costs lower for Marylanders. North American Clean Energy
New York
As climate activists spoke out against fossil fuel presence, countries detailed the barriers slowing their transition to clean energy. Inside Climate News
U.S.
SunZia, America's largest renewable energy project, showcases both the promise and uncertainty of the energy transition. Barron's
U.S.
Despite high levels of agreement that renewable energy is a public good, the powerful sentiment "not in my backyard," or NIMBY, remains as potent as ever. Power
Washington
Two Pierce County departments were awarded grant funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Program: Pierce County Facilities Management was awarded $160,000 to study the feasibility of implementing solar energy and battery storage systems at county-owned facilities, and Pierce County Planning and Public Works was awarded $2.3 million to construct a large-scale solar innovation project on the site of the closed Purdy Landfill. Tacoma Weekly
Wisconsin
Three of the state's major utilities are planning to spend almost $2 billion on five renewable energy projects as part of their plans to cut carbon emissions and shift to clean energy. WPR
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies have filed plans with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to build five new large-scale renewable energy projects. WSAW
Wyoming
Without a stronger commitment to renewables, some fear the state may miss out on the energy transition's economic opportunities. Inside Climate News
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California
Pittsburg, Calif., is home to new renewable gas plant at dump - will produce power and biogas for PG&E. ABC7 Bay Area
Louisiana
As part of the $1.35 billion project, the Woodland Biofuels would utilize waste biomass to produce sustainable biofuel used in transportation, heating and electricity generation. Dry Cargo International
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California
SB 1374 would have let public schools follow the more lucrative rooftop solar rules for single-family homes. Without it, schools can't afford solar, advocates say. Canary Media
U.S.
Declining interest rates and more projects qualifying for Investment Tax Credit adders should help the residential segment bounce back and maintain consistent growth for the next few years. Solar Builder
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Alabama
The Lawrence County facility along with First Solar's three operating factories in Ohio brings the company's domestic nameplate manufacturing capacity to almost 11 GW and its global capacity to over 21 GW, once fully ramped. Solar Builder
International
New research from South Korea has shown that even a 10 mg/m3 increase in atmospheric particulate matter can considerably reduce solar power generation and impact revenue of PV system owners. pv Magazine
International
In 2010, the figure stood at $0.460/kWh, meaning the weighted average LCOE has fallen by 90% since the start of the last decade. Reve
International
Of the record 473 GW added in 2023, 81% or 382 GW of newly commissioned, utility-scale renewable projects had lower costs than their fossil fuel-fired alternatives. PV Europe
International
Chinese solar manufacturing capacity faces a downturn that is unlikely to translate into growth in other regions, writes S&P's Edurne Zoco. pv Magazine
U.S.
These new anti-dumping/countervailing duties will receive a final assessment a year following Friday's determination. The initial determinations set a cash deposit rate for these duties, and this final administrative review process from Commerce could increase those rates, requiring U.S. importers to pay retroactive duties. Solar Power World
U.S.
A federal program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is funding solar projects in Iowa that will produce enough renewable energy to power more than 1,200 homes. Iowa Capital Dispatch
U.S.
The preliminary decision on countervailing duties on cells from companies in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand are lower than some expected for several major Chinese producers. pv Magazine
U.S.
Solar module prices are indeed back on the upswing, after hitting a floor in April 2024, according to the Q3 Solar Module Pricing Insights Report from Anza Renewables. Solar Builder
Utah
Salt Lake City deal will fund solar, air quality, and community resilience projects and help bolster environmental resiliency in underserved areas of the city. SmartCitiesWorld
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Arizona
Independent Power Producer Brightnight is seeking approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission for a Certificate of Environmental Capability to construct a generation tie-in transmission line in La Paz County, Arizona, to connect its Eagle Eye Solar and Storage Project to the local grid. Energy Storage News
Texas
California-based Clearway Energy Group said it has closed financing and started construction of standalone solar and energy storage projects in Hopkins County, Texas. Power
Texas
These new projects, with a combined capacity of 1.2 GW, are part of a portfolio of renewable assets totaling 4 GW in operation or under construction in Texas. Yahoo
U.S.
With the recent collapse in solar module and battery prices, and the Inflation Reduction Act, the argument for leaving the power grid is stronger than ever. pv Magazine
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California
Hecate Energy's proposal to construct a 600-MW/2,400MWh standalone BESS in Moorpark, Calif., has experienced a major setback. Energy Storage News
International
The International Energy Agency, an official forecaster, reckons that the global installed capacity of battery storage will need to rise from less than 200 gigawatts last year to more than a terawatt by the end of the decade, and nearly 5TW by 2050, if the world is to reach net-zero emissions. The Economist
International
University researchers in China have made a potentially massive breakthrough in battery technology that could make large-scale versions even more affordable and widely available. The Cool Down
International
SolaX has introduced a new commercial and industrial energy storage cabinet called ESS-Trene. This storage cabinet offers a 215 kWh capacity using 280 Ah lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells. Renewable Watch
International
For the entirety of 2024, the company now expects the growth rate of revenue in its energy business to outpace the automotive business. Benzinga
International
With a power output of 30 megawatts, China's Dinglun flywheel energy storage facility is now the biggest power station of its kind. Interesting Engineering
Massachusetts
Hecate Energy advances the Ward Hill BESS through Haverhill's zoning process, focusing on wetland classifications surrounding the installation. pv Magazine
Mississippi
Renewables developer Origis Energy has signed a 200-MW solar-plus-storage power purchase agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Mississippi. Energy Storage News
Texas
The sites face few regulations and residents are on edge. They're worried about fire, noise and pollution. San Antonio Express-News
Texas
French oil major TotalEnergies and German-owned renewables developer RWE have announced plans for five large-scale batteries in the state. pv Magazine
U.S.
Installations of grid-scale energy storage across the U.S. continue to surge, with three states -- California, Arizona, and Texas -- responsible for 85% of that growth in the second quarter of this year. Power
U.S.
The country's biggest grid operator is preventing developers from adding batteries to existing projects that have extra grid space, in defiance of a federal mandate. Canary Media
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U.S.
Nick Tumilowicz, director of product management, distributed energy management at Itron offers four solutions. pv Magazine
U.S.
Transmission development is the biggest obstacle to renewable energy goals. The Bonneville Power Administration is moving on a major initiative. Columbia Insight
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International
The main function of this platform is to test different photovoltaic panels and select those with the highest power generation efficiency and the most suitable for actual sea conditions. Reve
International
In the right circumstances, a floating solar array can fill in the gaps left by more conventional forms of renewable energy. CleanTechnica
Maryland
The Maryland Public Service Commission heard plenty of opposition to a proposal to build a solar facility on land zoned as agricultural in Sykesville. The Baltimore Sun
U.S.
Loyola University research looked at property values surrounding dozens of large Midwest solar farms and found a slightly positive effect, likely tied to their broader economic benefits in communities. Energy News Network
U.S.
In August 2024, utility-scale generation of solar electricity averaged 63.1 gigawatthours between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day in the Lower 48 states, 36% more than for the same hours in August 2023. Energy Information Administration
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Connecticut
Country Holding alleges Covanta allowed a flood to damage the facility and unnecessarily decided to demolish it rather than leave assets to be upgraded and repurposed. Waste Dive
Florida
Lawmakers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties at odds regarding using former airport site to build 'toxic' facility. The Guardian
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