NetZero Insider has a good mix of coverage in this week’s Resources Intelligence Report.
John Cropley starts us off by boiling down a new Wood Mackenzie report on the demand dilemma facing the U.S. power industry. The report quantifies and expands what many people already knew or suspected (spoiler alert): U.S. electric utilities have been caught flat-footed by the growing demand from data centers and societal trends and must scramble to respond.
Advanced nuclear technology is one potential solution. NetZero’s K Kaufmann has a story on the U.S. Department of Energy expanding its efforts to develop a domestic supply chain for the high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) that will fuel some of the advanced reactors in development.
Transmission is every bit as important as generation, of course. Jon Lamson reports that the New England states are planning to solicit proposals to increase the region’s north-south transmission capacity through ISO-NE’s new longer-term transmission planning process.
Cropley sat in on NextEra Energy’s third-quarter earnings call, at which CEO John Ketchum offered another strong assessment of the renewable energy marketplace. NextEra has signed a framework agreement for 10.5 GW of capacity with two major companies, he said — and they are not data center operators.
Cropley also dove back into offshore wind with a look at New York’s latest solicitation. Four developers submitted proposals in September, and in October — on the deadline to submit pricing information — Attentive Energy withdrew its proposed 1,275-MW wind farm from consideration, saying it will evaluate market conditions and look for future opportunities.
GE Vernova, meanwhile, painted offshore wind as the problem child in an otherwise upbeat third-quarter earnings report. Cropley reports that the company expects the failure of one of its blades at the Vineyard Wind project to result in a roughly $700 million loss.
Finally, we have a story by Elaine Goodman on two huge solar-plus-storage projects proposed in California. Each would include 1.15 GW of solar capacity and 1.15 GW of four-hour battery storage. And that, by any definition of the word, is huge.
In our collection of other media outlets’ coverage, we have stories on an equally varied range of resources:
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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California
California officials argue these anaerobic digesters are environmentally beneficial because they capture methane, a gas produced by dairy cows that is about 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The Hill
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Illinois
Critics of carbon storage projects are seeking tougher regulations that they say are needed to protect drinking water and the environment. Energywire
Illinois
The locals are worried: "Just because CO2 sequestration can be done doesn't mean it should be done." Grist
U.S.
Twenty-three projects across 19 states were selected to support DOE's CarbonSAFE Initiative, which focuses on addressing gaps for carbon capture and storage deployment. Energywire
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U.S.
The Commodities Futures Trading Commission is addressing worries that investors fund bogus climate projects through an unregulated voluntary system. Climatewire
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Alabama
Public financial support for the Tuscaloosa County mine and its export of coal to overseas markets may top $400 million and would increase Warrior Met's production by up to 60 percent. Inside Climate News
Missouri
Ameren Missouri has so far faced few consequences for long-ago modifications to Rush Island that increased sulfur dioxide emissions. Energywire
Montana
There are some big choices for people in Montana's coal country. The decisions they make will be refracted through economic forces beyond their control, as well as cultural and traditional perspectives that define what it means to live in coal country. The Montana Standard
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California
Launched in August 2022, the DSGS program is part of California's Strategic Reliability Reserve of backup energy resources that are meant to serve as insurance when the power grid is strained during extreme events when demand is high. POWERGRID International
Colorado
Boulder picked for Xcel demonstration VPP project that will tap resident's DERs. Boulder Daily Camera
New York
In coordination with Orange and Rockland Utilities, the VPP program makes 300 solar-plus-storage systems available for grid stability. pv magazine
U.S.
U Penn. Energy group interviews Brattle Group expert on virtual power plants. Kleinman Center for Energy Policy
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Minnesota
Xcel wants to build 800 MW of distributed energy in Minnesota, but makes it hard for its customers to own their own solar and batteries. That's bad for ratepayers, and for the climate, writes John Farrell, co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Canary Media
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California
The settlement requires HKG to develop a plan to restore the wetlands to their former condition, the EPA said in a release. Imperial Valley Press
New Mexico
The leases are a contract that allows the lessee to explore and develop any potential geothermal resource. Bureau of Land Management
U.S.
The group wants more people to benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act incentive. Energywire
Utah
If built to capacity, the project in Utah could produce enough power for about 2 million homes. E&E News
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California
The US Department of Energy awarded the company a nearly $40 million grant this spring to help get the plant up and running as part of the Biden administration's multi-billion-dollar effort to spur production and use of the climate-friendly fuel. Hydrogen Central
California
Madrid-based RIC Energy vying for share of $1.2bn funding pot available for California's ARCHES hub. Hydrogen Insight
International
Australian firm withdraws from environmental permitting process for Project Coyote. Hydrogen Insight
International
Although several companies are planning to drill for H2, the research firm points out major hurdles around cost, emissions, and distance from demand. Hydrogen Insight
U.S.
After a third of projects are scrapped, ARCH2 seeks new developers. Inside Climate News
U.S.
The wording of tax credit access may be letting projects pollute twice as much as intended. Hydrogen Fuel News
Wyoming
The study, authored in Wyoming by a range of contributors from UW and state community colleges, suggests that a possible solution for Wyoming becoming a net-zero emissions economy lies in the often environmentally scrutinized natural gas industry. Oil City News
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International
Hydropower, the largest source of clean energy, is facing an existential threat due to climate change-induced droughts. OilPrice.com
U.S.
Idaho National Laboratory researchers contend pairing utility-scale batteries with hydropower plants have advantages over wind and solar power in a new report. Hydro Review
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Arkansas
Landowners have been going back and forth for months over how much the major players, including Standard Lithium, looking to build the lithium extraction business in south Arkansas will have to pay for mineral rights. Arkansas Times
Arkansas
If commercially recoverable, the amount of lithium present would meet projected 2030 world demand for lithium in car batteries nine times over. U.S. Geological Survey
International
The global lithium sector from Chile to Zimbabwe is struggling due to prices that have slumped over 80% since the start of last year on oversupply and weaker-than-expected EV demand. Reuters
Wyoming
Wyoming has potentially significant deposits of lithium, which is used to make rechargeable batteries for personal electronics and electric vehicles. AFP Factcheck
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International
Analysis finds LNG commodity most at risk due to geopolitics - prices spiked after Ukraine was invaded and at risk again if Middle East conflict turns into a full-fledged regional war. Questions viability of gas as bridge fuel for the whole world. IEFFA
International
US and other's LNG deals are winning out over old dominant supplier Qatar as they offer buyers more flexibility in terms and the ability to sell extra onto third parties. Reuters
International
Massive predictions for higher LNG demand going forward this century, largely driven by China's appetite. OilPrice.com
Puerto Rico
Article looks into safety issues around new LNG imports into Puerto Rico, main facility is at San Juan port. HuffPost
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California
Under the project, microgrids, which will utilize battery energy storage and be managed by distributed energy resource management systems, will form virtual power plants capable of delivering reliable load reduction during times of grid stress. Solar Builder
North Carolina
Distributed solar and batteries are helping North Carolina communities that were cut off from grid power by flooding. Should utilities build them into resilience plans? Canary Media
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U.S.
The projects in Arizona, Kentucky, Nevada, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are to demonstrate five ways of creating green power: energy storage systems for batteries, geothermal, microgrids and solar power. Forbes
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Alaska
DOE did well in appeal of its authorization of natural gas exports from Alaska at oral arguments before DC Circuit E&E News
California
Berkeley initiative to tax gas generates opposition from business interests ahead of election day. MSN
Indiana
AES Indiana sticks to plans to transition Petersburg Generating Station from coal to gas despite opposition from Republicans, coal lobby. Inside Indiana Business
International
Major growth in LNG export capacity is tracked in analysts report that article summarizes. NBC Los Angeles
International
Russian exports to China are now beating gas sales to Europe, but not enough to equal pre-war flows to the West. Bloomberg
International
Fact check on recent misinformation over consumer energy price rises in UK - says it was due to high gas prices, not recent closure of country's alst coal plant. Reuters
International
Mexico's new President is a climate scientist, but she is backing a major pipeline project in the Yucatan on the grounds it will help alleviate poverty. Bloomberg
Kansas
Evergy plans to open two 705 MW natural gas power plants in central Kansas before 2030 Kansas City Business Journal
South Carolina
South Carolina legislators have been looking into energy legislation, which includes a proposal from Dominion and Santee Cooper to build a new natural gas plant. The Herald
Texas
Texas Railroad Commission Chair's seat is up this fall and article dives into issues surrounding race for the oil and gas regulator. Texas has huge supplies, but a light touch on regulations for oil and gas. KSAT San Antonio
U.S.
Biden funding to help 60 pipeline modernization programs around country, help cut emissions with replacement equipment. World Pipelines
U.S.
Despite some calls for cooler weather, warm October has Goldman analysts bearish on natural gas prices as demand is low. OilPrice.com
U.S.
EIA analysis gives run down of what is driving regional natural gas prices around the country. Energy Information Administration
U.S.
Op-ed argues election will have major implications for clean energy transition - Trump is winning oil and gas $$ due to the hope he could stop, Harris would continue change. The New York Times
U.S.
If this trend holds for the remainder of 2024, it would mark the first annual decrease in U.S. shale gas production since we started collecting these data in 2000. Energy Information Administration
U.S.
Warm weather through October has pushed natural gas prices down as start of the heating season is delayed. Rigzone
Washington
Washington voters are going to weigh in on future of natural gas with initiative that would block cities, etc. from banning the fuel. Explains issues ahead of elections. Axios
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International
According to the report, global investment in nuclear energy must increase to 125 billion USD annually, up from the around 50 billion USD invested each year from 2017-2023, to meet the IAEA's high case projection for nuclear capacity in 2050. International Atomic Energy Agency
Michigan
The company plans to restart the 1970s-era nuclear plant in 2025 and file construction plans for the two new units with federal regulators the year after. MLive
U.S.
It seemed like just ten minutes ago, Jane Fonda made a scary movie about nuclear power plants back in the 1970s and thus America didn't dare build any new nuclear power plants. National Review
U.S.
Is this really a sustainable path, or just another gamble on controversial energy sources? TRT World
U.S.
It's part of a larger movement that has far-reaching implications for investors, especially as we enter the age of artificial intelligence. Forbes
U.S.
Much depends on the retired plants' condition, decommissioning status and reactor technology, experts say. Utility Dive
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International
The extensive bird mapping is the first of its kind in Norway. The data collected provides a solid picture of which species pass by the turbines and how they move. Offshore Engineer
International
Stiesdal Offshore said it now plans to expand its business scope from design and development of floating foundations "to becoming a one-stop shop for floating wind enablement." Riviera Maritime Media
International
BargeRack is intended as a modular, safe and cost-effective feeder solution designed to comply with the requirements of the Jones Act. The concept underwent rigorous testing in wave heights of up to 2.5 m. Riviera Maritime Media
International
TotalEnergies will first focus on developing about 10 gigawatts of cheaper bottom-fixed projects for its German and US maritime leases before "taking care" of floating technology. BNN Bloomberg
Maryland
Developer's rebid would raise its total capacity by 600MW, absorbing most of Orsted's cancelled Skipjack arrays while propping up an endangered cable maker. Recharge
Massachusetts
Neighbors are signaling they may challenge project's air permit in court CommonWealth Beacon
New Jersey
The New Jersey State House Commission gave approvals to use lands that are otherwise preserved by the Green Acres fund. ROI-NJ
New Jersey
Just over half (52%) of voters somewhat (24%) or strongly (29%) support the installation of offshore wind turbines off the coast of New Jersey, while 9% somewhat oppose and 24% strongly oppose. ROI-NJ
New York
With commercial operation starting in 2033, Long Island Wind would bring several billion dollars of in-state investment, coming on top of Orsted's existing investments and commitments in New York. reNEWS.biz
Oregon
Some say it was a combination of many factors -- including upfront costs, a lack of market, concerns from local impacted residents, and a lack of state-level support -- that led BOEM to cancel its October auction. OPB
U.S.
As the nation's most profitable fishing port and home to the first large-scale offshore wind marshaling port, New Bedford is deeply invested in both renewable energy development and the preservation of vital fishing grounds. Accesswire
U.S.
NOAA Fisheries' West Coast Offshore Wind Energy Strategic Science Plan provides a roadmap to conducting the research needed to meet its consultation and authorization mandates. SeafoodSource
U.S.
The forthcoming election is poised to have significant implications for the burgeoning offshore wind industry, largely due to the candidates' divergent policy perspectives. The National Law Review
U.S.
These projects include research to improve the integrity of mooring systems for floating offshore wind energy platforms and marine energy converters and to reduce noise during installation of fixed-bottom offshore wind energy foundations. U.S. Department of Energy
Virginia
Dominion Energy will retain full operational control of the construction and operations of the offshore wind project, and Stonepeak will have customary minority rights. offshoreWIND.biz
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Idaho
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation said the Bureau of Land Management should take steps to mitigate any harm to an NPS site in Idaho that preserves a former World War II internment camp. Greenwire
International
This partnership is part of Hydro-Qu?bec's Wind Development Strategy, announced in May, under which First Nations and municipal partners participate from the outset in the development of projects as partners and shareholders. North American Wind Power
International
It's adorable, and if you find yourself in the Netherlands this month, you can check it out at Dutch Design Week 2024 in Eindhoven. New Atlas
U.S.
The American WAKE experimeNt is compiling the world's largest and most comprehensive dataset on wind energy atmospheric phenomena, detailing how wind and surrounding air particles interact with wind turbines and wind farms. U.S. Department of Energy
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Kentucky
The first pumped hydro energy storage project to be built at a former coal mine in the US will receive up to $81 million in Department of Energy funding. Energy Storage News
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International
Investors have grown increasingly weary of plans by oil companies to rapidly expand within renewables, and some majors such as BP and Shell have retreated from some of their earlier plans. Yahoo
International
The latest edition of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE study highlights a pivotal moment in the energy landscape. SolarQuarter
International
A new report looks at global examples to assess the benefits, gauge the risks, and provide guidance on how to ensure these partnerships can thrive. TriplePundit
U.S.
The latest bout of extreme heat is proving that we can increasingly and reasonably rely on renewable energy and storage to save us from catastrophic power outages even as the planet warms. Utility Dive
U.S.
Project delays, tariffs and a new round of supply shortages pushed renewable energy prices higher in the third quarter of 2024. Utility Dive
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Maine
Bringing more gas online just tethers consumers to pipeline infrastructure, at the time Maine should be focused on new, nonpolluting energy sources, according to critics. Maine Public
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U.S.
Researchers from Canada's Western University assessed eighteen case studies across thirteen US states and found in areas an economic case for disconnecting from the electricity grid in some areas with high solar irradiation and high electricity rates. pv magazine
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U.S.
New incentives support solar manufacturers and encourage the domestic buildout of the earlier stages of the solar supply chain. pv magazine
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California
AB 2661 grants the Westland Water District authority to develop transmission lines that will enable solar energy and storage projects on 130,000 acres of drainage-impaired farmland. pv magazine
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U.S.
Its new storage system offers the option of integrating with PV systems. It can be scaled to reach a capacity of up to 35.4 kWh, which the company said would enable approximately 20 hours of storage. pv magazine
U.S.
Pace of growth helps maintain renewable energy when weather conditions interfere with wind and solar. The Guardian
Wisconsin
Energy Dome has signed a contract with Alliant Energy for a 200MWh long-duration energy storage project in Wisconsin, which the US utility considers the "first of many." Energy Storage News
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International
The Australia-Asia Power Link would send 1.75 gigawatts of renewable electricity to Singapore through a 2,670-mile submarine cable. Energywire
U.S.
The third round of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants target the hurricane-ravaged Southeast U.S. as well as nationwide projects to bolster the grid. Canary Media
U.S.
While replacing existing transmission lines known as conductors with advanced conductors could enable 764 GW of transmission-connected solar by 2035, some utilities are slow to adopt the technology. pv magazine
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Illinois, New York
A survey conducted by Paces said average acreage and feeder capacity are shrinking in Illinois and New York. pv magazine
Puerto Rico
The conflict highlights the promise and peril of easing requirements on companies seeking federal approval for energy projects. HuffPost
Texas
SB Energy built three solar farms side by side, the "Orion Solar Belt," in Buckholts, Texas. Combined, they will be able to provide 875 megawatts of clean energy. The Associated Press
Virginia
The agrivoltaic project is an effort by Dominion to see how solar can live in harmony with the land and surrounding agriculture industry. Virginia Mercury
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International
Though global wind capacity has nearly doubled in the past five years, solar has more than tripled. And the trend is set to continue. BNN Bloomberg
International
The Spanish energy company prefers to focus on its traditional suppliers rather than the new contenders from China. EnergyWatch
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