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This week’s report has a forward-looking theme, as the NetZero Insider team examines reports, proposals, recommendations and predictions about the next steps in the clean energy transition.
On the broadest scale, the International Energy Agency’s flagship annual report on renewables shows the world is on track to add 5,500 GW of new renewable energy capacity by 2030, increasing total capacity by 2.7 times over current levels. John Cropley reports.
On the narrowest scale, Cropley has a story on the New York Power Authority’s draft plan for 3.5 GW of new generation. It is NYPA’s opening move in its new role as a renewable energy developer; many or even most of the 40 projects proposed are not expected to reach construction stages.
James Downing digs into a report by RMI and the Virtual Power Plant Partnership that lays out a growth case for virtual power plants as a clean, affordable means of meeting the growing need for electricity through the rest of this decade.
Advanced nuclear technology is another option to meet this rising demand. Cropley reports on recent guidance NARUC offered to state-level regulators and policymakers who must decide how to deal with this complex resource as it matures.
For other news on net-zero resources, we offer our usual roundup of coverage by other media outlets:
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Three sources look at the same issue from three angles — POWER reports that experts say gas-fired generation is key to grid reliability, Canary Media covers the Sierra Club analysis showing U.S. utilities’ plans to expand gas generation conflict with climate goals, and the Energy Information Administration reports the U.S. set an all-time one-day record Aug. 2 for gas-fired power generation, 7.1 million MWh.
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s report.
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International
Two proposals in Northern England, led by the energy giants BP and Eni, aim to establish an industry in burying emissions from industrial plants. The New York Times
International
Even if removing carbon dioxide works, it can do nothing to mitigate other aspects of climate change, from sea level rises to changes in ocean circulation, scientists said in research, opens new tab published in the journal Nature. Reuters
North Dakota
A North Dakota state agency moved closer to making a decision on what developers are calling the world's largest carbon capture pipeline project. Iowa Capital Dispatch
U.S.
EPA has concluded that dozens of planned projects contain dangerous design flaws -- a discovery that may slow the rollout of a technology central to the Biden administration's plans to confront climate change. Energywire
U.S.
The US is spending billions to build direct-air-capture plants. But some fear the projects won't succeed unless the government buys more of what they're selling. MIT Technology Review
U.S.
The department is assembling a program that would enable companies to store greenhouse gas beneath the ocean floor. Energywire
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Colorado
Colorado alone cannot solve global warming. Neither can the United States. But perhaps Xcel Energy's proposal can help Pueblo after the coal era while contributing to a global solution, too, writes Colorado-based journalist Allen Best. Colorado Newsline
Indiana
The powerful Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission can -- and should -- investigate early retirements of coal-burning power plants, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita wrote in a memorandum of legal guidance. Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana
Duke Energy wants to extend the life of its Gibson plant in Indiana from 2035 to 2038, and would modify the plant to run on gas and coal. Inside Climate News
Montana
Chief Justice Roberts declines to intervene, leaving new air pollution standards to remain. Daily Montanan
U.S.
The super-size Gavin plant in Ohio is likely the next to be scheduled for shutdown or a shift to different fuel. Inside Climate News
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Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis signed a law to overhaul Colorado's first-in-the-nation community solar program, finalizing a plan officials say will help the state regain its lead in a clean energy concept many see as one of its brightest ideas. Colorado Public Radio
New Hampshire
The state energy department is reviewing seven proposals for community solar arrays that will allocate a portion of their bill credits to low-income households, who will be automatically enrolled in the program. Energy News Network
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International
The Japanese automaker will take a stake in the joint venture and begin offering its charging solutions to customers. Electrek
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International
The nation is expanding its capacity to make electrolysers, which use renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, and that will lower the cost of the device around the world, the IEA said. Hydrogen Central
International
State-owned Energinet identifies 800MW of firm capacity demand by 2031 but baulks at original 2028 timeline due to 'project complexity' Hydrogen Insight
International
In recent months, some of the biggest would-be developers of the fuel have canceled projects, axed orders and scaled back investment plans. The low-carbon fuel is simply too expensive to stimulate demand in many sectors of the economy. BNN Bloomberg
International
Significant storage and distribution costs -- which are often overlooked by most cost estimates -- will likely make hydrogen a "prohibitively expensive abatement strategy across many major sectors." BNN Bloomberg
International
More investment is needed. Other major hurdles included a lack of customers as local businesses shy away from signing deals that producers need to secure financing. This has exacerbated a dearth of local production. Reuters
International
The kingdom's sovereign wealth fund has created a company called Energy Solutions Co. to finance so-called green hydrogen power production, sources said. BNN Bloomberg
Mississippi
In a sign of challenges facing green hydrogen, Hy Stor Energy abruptly canceled an electrolyzer deal for its hub, which is set to supply SSAB's green steel site. Canary Media
U.S.
Nel says this cancellation has not impacted its green hydrogen electrolyzer order backlog. Green Hydrogen Review
U.S.
Up to $1B of subsidies will be available for businesses buying H2 from the seven subsidised Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs. Hydrogen Insight
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International
Prices of lithium have fallen more than 80% in the past year largely due to overproduction from China and a drop in demand for electric vehicles. Reuters
International
Rio Tinto has agreed to buy U.S. based Arcadium Lithium for $6.7 billion, a deal that will catapult it to become the world's third largest miner of the metal used in electric vehicle batteries. Reuters
International
The growth of the global electric vehicle market is faltering at a time when investments into lithium, a key battery metal, are starting to bear fruit. A surplus of the metal looms large. Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International
Texas
An ingenious Texan's invention may soon bring extensive mining of the metal -- vital for our increasingly battery-powered future -- to the northeast corner of the state. Texas Monthly
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U.S.
New study out of Cornell argues that natural gas has worse climate impact than coal with processing and shipping fuel as LNG Cornell Chronicle
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U.S.
DOE said the program is geared for governments overseeing energy systems, local power companies, independent energy suppliers and community support organizations that provide energy services to remote underserved, and/or indigenous communities. Utility Dive
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International
Despite the growth in metals supply over the last decade, BloombergNEF's annual Transition Metals Outlook finds that there are still not enough raw materials to meet growing demand. Bloomberg NEF
U.S.
This shift, according to some Democratic policymakers, is necessary after the Biden years saw a surge in new factory construction but lingering worries about supply chains to feed them. Yahoo
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Connecticut
PURA proposes deep cuts in natural gas rates - saving $12 per customer, but utilities argue the proposal is not enough to cover costs. Regulator has made similar moves with other utilities. Hartford Courant
Illinois
Illinois Commerce Commission is considering future of natural gas and it wants citizens opinions, story covers outreach efforts. Peoria Public Radio
Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana could burn coal through 2038, with plans to cofire some generation with natural gas Power Engineering
International
TC Energy CEO sees artificial intelligence growth as boosting gas, article looks into what will fuel new demand with many tech companies making promises re green power. DeSmog
International
BP Energy backs off plans to cut oil and gas production this decade, plans to release new plans for investments early next year. OilPrice.com
International
Former Mexican energy regulator expects pragmatism under new President Schienbaum, despite some allies wanting major changes Natural Gas Intelligence
International
Vancouver Mayor staffer who advocated against anti-gas rules serves on the board of two natural gas companies. Vancouver Sun
International
Surging gas demand from power plants pushed up American demand for fuel, contributing to record use internationally in 2024. Reuters
Ohio
Ohio Supreme Court allows pipeline to move forward despite landowner opposition Ohio Capital Journal
Oregon
The case marks the first time a utility has been included in more than two dozen lawsuits that accuse oil and gas majors of deceiving the public about the dangers of burning fossil fuels. Climatewire
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh paper covers fracking impact on Presidential election, notes even the ban Harris has backed off of would not impact the state because it applied only to federal lands. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
South Carolina
Columbia, S.C., water utility wants to add "biogas" generator to sewage treatment facility - turning human shit into electricity. The Post and Courier
Texas
American oil major considering sale of Texas natural gas production Tokyo Gas - largest gas utility in Japan. Yahoo Finance Australia
U.S.
Sierra Club analysis finds that U.S. utilities are planning a huge expansion of fossil gas-plants -- a shift that's incompatible with climate goals. Canary Media
U.S.
Cryptominer plans to build facility that takes advantage of cheap Marcellus shale gas Reuters
U.S.
S&P Global Market Intelligence in May of this year said that U.S. electric utilities and investors had announced development of 133 new natural gas-fired power plants. POWER
U.S.
On Aug. 2, 2024, 7.1 million MWh of natural gas-fired electricity was generated in the United States, 6.8% more than the previous summer's record set on July 28, 2023. Energy Information Administration
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U.S.
Artificial intelligence needs clean and reliable energy sources. The Economist
International
It would be the first small modular reactor built in a G7 country and among the first globally -- although its output would exceed the informal 300-megawatt cutoff for SMRs. The Globe and Mail
New York
Wherever nuclear has been shuttered, whether Germany, Japan, New York or Vermont, it is replaced by fossil fuels because baseload sources are needed to keep the grid stable and keep our lights on, writes Ethan Bodnaruk, a program manager for BlocPower. syracuse.com
U.S.
These contracts are meant to allow the selected companies to bid on work for deconversion services, a critical component of the HALEU supply chain. Power Engineering
U.S.
Emulating the demand-aggregation approach Boeing used for the 787 Dreamliner could create a "committed orderbook" of 5-10 new reactors of the same design and cut near-term deployment costs, DOE says. Utility Dive
U.S.
The new generic environmental impact statement could reduce applicant and NRC staff costs by up to $2 million per license application. Utility Dive
U.S.
The other two prongs of the strategy are development of small modular reactors for certain applications, and continuing development of next generation, advanced nuclear reactors. Reuters
Wyoming
With a handful of dissenting votes, a legislative panel has advanced a draft measure that proponents say merely provides the opportunity to discuss changing Wyoming statutes to enable temporary storage of high-level radioactive fuel waste from nuclear power plants. WyoFile
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International
According to Norwegian Offshore Wind, this is the turbine size that will be relevant for future floating offshore wind farms. offshoreWIND.biz
International
This legislation establishes a joint management regulatory framework for offshore renewable energy development and includes amendments to the Accord Acts that establish the framework to develop offshore renewable energy. Riviera Maritime Media
International
Equinor said its share acquisition was a long-term bet on the sector, after the Norwegian company made slow progress on reaching its ambitious renewable energy targets. Reuters
International
The number of global projects has increased from 285 to 316, 69% of which are in early development or applying for a lease. offshoreWIND.biz
International
The levelised cost of energy for offshore wind has "increased quite dramatically" in recent years, Enrique Frances, the US tech giant's lead for energy strategy in EMEA, told the WindEnergy Hamburg conference. Recharge
International
The would go in the national budget for 2025 to subsidise floating wind and push Norway towards hitting its goal of 30 GW of offshore wind production by 2040. Splash 247
International
French oil giant has been gobbling up assets in Germany's bottom-fixed offshore wind play but wants to rethink its approach to floating. Recharge
Louisiana
Louisiana leaders met with officials leading Germany's energy transition, visited wind facilities around the country, and discussed the offshore wind landscape in the United States with federal officials. NOLA
New Jersey
Let's dive deep into the campaign against the so-called "high-risk" cables. Heatmap
U.S.
Unsubstantiated claims tying ocean wind farms to the deaths of whales and birds have become a rallying cry during the U.S. presidential election. Triple Pundit
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International
When unveiled in 2020, BP's strategy was the sector's most ambitious with a pledge to cut output by 40% while rapidly growing renewables by 2030. Reuters
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International
The prototype produced by Sany Renewable Energy in China features an 885-foot rotor and 430-foot blades. Interesting Engineering
U.S.
The blades take up significant landfill space and remain intact for long periods. As wind power continues to grow, so does the need for more sustainable disposal options for these massive structures. North American Clean Energy
U.S.
New technologies and materials could help keep these giants out of landfills. Chemical & Engineering News
Wyoming
Airloom Energy claims its system of generating power through 'wings' that run around a lightweight track is drastically cheaper than conventional wind turbines. Recharge
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New York
Mayor Adams Declares Full Transition of NYC Fleet To Renewable Diesel Complete. Harlem World
New York
By definition, agricultural products require agricultural production, which is a highly carbon-intensive process. amNY
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Alaska
Solar, wind and small hydropower projects are gaining footholds, but some clean energy pioneers are frustrated with the pace of change. Inside Climate News
Hawaii
Like several other states, it is taking fossil fuel generation out of the system faster than it is bringing on alternative generation. Utility Dive
International
The report published by BloombergNEF emphasizes the need for accelerated investment in battery storage, power grids, and increased support for emerging markets and developing economies to get back on track. Greentech Lead
International
In 2023, the G20 pledged to triple renewable energy capacity globally, a promise subsequently adopted by 198 parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. DA News
International
Fishermen are next in line to be sacrificed at the altar of misguided environmentalism. The Telegraph
International
Power grids would need to add 1,500 gigawatts of energy storage, most of that in the form of batteries, according to the report. That's a nearly 15-fold increase compared to today. The Verge
International
Running hours at the lowest since 2017: Kilowatt.io analysis. Bloomberg
International
Once, these sorts of corporate pledges were all the rage. Now companies are starting to admit they weren't serious. The New Republic
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Texas
The plant is expected to divert nearly 250,000 tons of waste from local landfills each year to create renewable natural gas. mySA
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Alabama
The ruling allows a group of homeowners and activists to pursue a lawsuit challenging the fees on solar panel owners as a violation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act. Energywire
U.S.
A report from marketplace operator EnergySage noted that average system costs are declining, and payback periods are improving. pv magazine
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Arizona
The tribe said the project represents a groundbreaking solution to the intertwined crises of energy, water and climate change. News From The States
International
The secret lies in the 37 recycling technologies patented by its researchers, which allow silicon, aluminium, glass and even silver to be separated and reused from discarded modules to assemble a new functional and equally efficient panel. Reve
Kentucky
The funding from Goldman Sachs will help BrightNight to advance its 31-GW pipeline of renewables projects, including the Starfire solar farm in Kentucky. Canary Media
North Carolina
Hurricane Helene's closure of two essential quartz mines in North Carolina reveals the precarity of the solar energy product pipeline. Grist
U.S.
A newly published study examining property values near dozens of large Midwest solar farms has found no significant negative impact -- and even a slight positive effect -- from the projects, according to the data. Canary Media
U.S.
Trina's complaint requests that the ITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders against Runergy and Adani to bar the importation into the United States of certain solar cells, modules, panels, components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe Trina's patents. pv magazine
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International
Less than two months ahead of the COP29 United Nations Climate Summit, the Azerbaijani leadership laid out its plans for what it hoped to achieve, as countries continue to wrestle with how to raise ambitions for a new financing target. Reuters
International
There are thousands of extraordinarily good pumped hydro energy storage sites around the world with extraordinarily low capital cost. pv magazine
International
Battery supplier LG Energy Solution announced its mid- to long-term business strategy with the goal of positioning itself as a leader in the global circular energy storage ecosystem. Automotive Dive
International
While low prices are making life difficult for manufacturers, especially outside China, demand remains strong for stationary storage and electric vehicle devices, according to IDTechEx. pv magazine
International
The rest of the cash-strapped battery making group continued to consolidate operations. Reuters
Massachusetts
Batteries can serve double-duty, shoring up the grid and providing backup to buildings when the power goes out. This project shows how. Canary Media
Massachusetts
The long-duration energy storage startup has raised a total of $1.2 billion. Form is expanding its West Virginia factory and working on its first deployments now. Canary Media
U.S.
Beginning in 2025, energy storage assets will no longer qualify for the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit. Solar Energy Industries Association
U.S.
Prior to executing a battery procurement contract, developers and integrators must identify, assess and implement plans to minimise risks inherent in today's procurement environment. Energy Storage News
U.S.
The U.S. saw more than 3 GW/10.5 GWh of energy storage deployments in the second quarter of 2024, up 74% and 86%, respectively, from Q2 2023 and the most for any second quarter to date, Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association said. Utility Dive
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U.S.
As recovery efforts continue, utilities in the region need to rethink their approach to electricity in the face of climate change. Grist
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Indiana
Scientists studied the potential of growing corn near solar panels, finding a viable path despite shady conditions. Energywire
Ohio
A retired gas industry executive, a shadowy "grassroots" group and a controversial media company are spreading misinformation while turning residents against a proposed solar farm -- and each other. Ohio Capital Journal
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there are no state laws about where solar projects can be placed, so a big part of the transition to renewable energy is in the hands of local governments. The Allegheny Front
Texas
Ashtrom Renewable Energy has secured the sale of 60% of the generated electricity (180 MWAC) through a 20-year PPA with utility CPS Energy. The remaining electricity generated by the project will be sold by Ashtrom Renewable Energy on the free market. Solar Power World
U.S.
Solar electricity costs about seven times more than its most direct competitor, electricity generated using natural gas, wites Norman Rogers, author of the book Dumb Energy. RealClearEnergy
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International
Capturing the energy of the famous waters off Canada's East Coast could light up all of Nova Scotia and beyond, but every effort to tap it -- and there have been many -- has met an unhappy end. Financial Post
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