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Good morning, and welcome to the latest Resources Intelligence Report. The NetZero Insider team spent a lot of time last week writing about policy issues, given the recent election, but we also had good coverage of news in the solar, wind and nuclear sectors.
K Kaufmann tales a broad look at the Biden administration’s new roadmap to triple U.S. nuclear power capacity by 2050. It is an impressive goal, with well documented reasons for pursuing it. But K also lays out the challenges ahead, ranging from cost to technology to politics — the administration and many of its initiatives are now lame ducks.
Jon Lamson has a story on federal regulators publishing the final environmental impact statement for the proposed SouthCoast Wind project off the Massachusetts shoreline, clearing the path for federal approval of the project before Donald Trump returns to the White House. Whether this approval would protect SouthCoast from Trump’s threats to halt offshore wind development remains to be seen.
John Cropley has a detailed report from the New York Solar Summit, which focused on small-scale solar power. Distributed solar is a bright spot in New York, already surpassing the 6-GW 2025 goal while large-scale solar and wind development is marked by delays and cancellations. But speakers at the conference warned that distributed solar is increasingly facing hurdles of its own in New York, and they pressed for policy changes.
Cropley also fills us in on the decision by offshore wind developer RWE to halt capital expenditures on its proposals in U.S. waters for two years because of the risks and uncertainties facing the U.S. offshore wind market after Trump’s re-election.
We have gathered our usual curated roundup of coverage of net-zero resources from other media outlets, as well. Highlights include:
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Canary Media attempts to answer the question of how the offshore wind industry will fare under President Trump. Conclusion: He may not be able to squash it “on day one,” as threatened, but he can make things very difficult for it.
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On the other side of the coin, Trump has been extremely vocal about his support for the domestic oil and gas sector. Politico and The New York Times explain why this might cut both ways for the industry, and not be the bonanza some are expecting.
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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California
New changes to the state's low carbon fuel standard cap incentives for soybean oil in renewable diesel and give a timeline to phase out subsidies for dairy methane digesters. Agriculture Dive
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International
In contrast to compliance markets, where companies buy and sell a limited number of allowances that are issued by regulators, these voluntary carbon markets have few rules that can be enforced consistently. The Conversation
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Maine
Thirty years in the making, but the site of a former circuit board recycling facility is now generating 7 MW of solar energy and providing power to 960 subscribers. pv magazine
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Colorado
VPPs expanding in rural Colorado due to their resilience benefits - keeping the lights on with wildfires, etc., threatening grid. Public News Service
International
With a huge resource of distributed solar, Australia is banking on VPPs for reliability - but article argues reform is needed to maximize construct. One Step Off The Grid
New York
Demand response advocates see major potential for resource in New York, the city could offer 6.7 GW of demand flexibility Utility Dive
Texas
The new VPP will rely on hundreds of thousands of smart thermostats and other connected home devices, making use of AI technology provided by Google Cloud. Electrek
U.S.
The Virtual Power Plant Partnership, or VP3, which now has 20 members, is working toward a future where VPPs can help to support cost-effective energy, emissions reductions, and a more resilient electricity grid. pv magazine
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International
Countries promised to move away from coal, oil and natural gas at last year's climate summit. New research shows they're burning more than ever before. The New York Times
U.S.
The president-elect's plans to impose higher tariffs, repeal environmental regulations and get rid of clean energy tax credits could hamper renewable energy. Climatewire
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California
With a $12.6 billion agreement supported by the Department of Energy, California is set to become a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology and infrastructure. Hydrogen Fuel News
U.S.
A $4.5B green H2 joint venture with AES has been dropped, while other projects are awaiting permits. Hydrogen Insight
U.S.
Unlike Europe, the U.S. relies more on a "carrot"-based approach within a technology-neutral framework. The idea of mandating a percentage of renewable hydrogen, like Europe does,[2] is unlikely to find bipartisan support. Columbia/SIPA
U.S.
The president-elect criticized hydrogen on his campaign website and has called for repealing spending that would support the industry. Energywire
U.S.
As the federal government works to finalize how it will regulate the hydrogen tax credits, energy experts continue to grapple with the potential significance, and value, of the proposed hubs. Yale Environment
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New York
As the Biden Administration begins to wind down, the government is still ensuring federal funds reach electric vehicle-related projects. Automotive World
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International
Biden asked EU regulators to find gas that complies with US methane rules satisfies EU rules for imports. Reuters
International
European leaders look to the continent's LNG demand as a way to head off trade conflict under Trump. POLITICO
International
Europe's goals to ween itself off Russian oil could be bolstered by Trump's friendless to oil and gas. Will be a key part of trade discussions between US and EU. Financial Times
U.S.
DC Circuit decision revoking LNG permits puts sectors' growth at risk, article argues. Forbes
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U.S.
The National Mining Association is planning a full-court press to secure policy wins under the incoming Trump administration. Greenwire
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International
Despite international commitments, fossil fuels on track for a record amount of use/emissions in 2024. The New York Times
International
Growth in exports, LNG and pipelines to Mexico, are expected to lead to higher prices in the coming years, industry experts say at conference. Natural Gas Intelligence
North Dakota
Natural gas flaring, burning off unwanted fuel from oil production, led to two wildfires this fall. No loss of life, but damage to property and livestock. Yahoo Finance UK
Texas
Diamondback Energy has 65k square acres near cheap Permian gas in Texas, with easy water access, and it hopes to develop data centers there. Midland Reporter-Telegram
Texas
A new 580 mile Matterhorn pipeline goes live, helping bring shale gas to market from Permian, first major pipe in three years. Reuters
U.S.
Regulatory structures are designed to prevent rapid buildouts -- partly in response to previous power sector overbuilds -- but "suddenly we need to go fast," MISO President and CEO Clair Moeller said. Utility Dive
U.S.
AGA report finds investors looking more favorably at its members' steady income and low risk. Daily Energy Insider
U.S.
Natural gas generation is back in vogue at NARUC as how to address demand growth is considered. E&E News
U.S.
U.S. production of associated-dissolved natural gas, or associated natural gas, increased 7.9% in 2023 compared with 2022, averaging 17.1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) last year, according to data from Enverus Drillinginfo. Energy Information Administration
West Virginia
The Public Service Commission of West Virginia approved a settlement concerning pipeline replacement and upgrades to Mountaineer Gas over five years. WSAZ
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International
European gas prices surge as Austria and Slovakia could be cut off from Russian supplies at the end of the year. Financial Times
U.S.
Biden Admin plans to wrap up natural gas export study as planned, despite lack of interest from incoming Trump Admin. The Hill
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California
The deal will help PG&E sift through decades of documents to create plans to manage the plant's aging concrete and systems. Reuters
International
The recent Inside Green Innovation: Progress Report highlights that patent applications for nuclear fusion technology rose from 165 filings in 2021 to 167 in 2022, marking a nearly 50% increase from previous years. Innovation News Network
Pennsylvania
To restart Three Mile Island Unit 2, Constellation will invest $1.6 billion in the turbine, generator, main power transformer and cooling and control systems. Daily Mail
U.S.
How did we arrive at a moment in time where the private sector is not only comfortable with but determined to take on the financial risk of deploying new nuclear energy, particularly in the U.S. after decades of decline? Real Clear Energy
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California
BOEM estimates that full development of these leases, totaling over 373,268 acres, has the potential to produce over 4.6 GW of offshore wind energy, enough to power over 1.5 million homes. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Connecticut
The CWC OSW Industry Study is an ambitious, forward-looking effort to solidify Connecticut's position as a key player and regional collaborator in offshore wind. North American Clean Energy
International
GE Vernova launched the probe at the factory in Gaspe, Quebec, after one of the 107-meter long turbine blades it made shattered at the Vineyard Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts in July. Reuters
International
Manufacturer does not confirm or deny reports that investigation found breaches of quality control processes at LM Wind Power plant. Recharge
Louisiana
Louisiana may be poised to become a leader in offshore wind because of its existing offshore oil and gas infrastructure -- something that states on the East and West coasts lack. 10/12 Industry Report
Massachusetts
The Electric Distribution Companies have notified the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities that the contracting parties have not yet completed their contract negotiations. Renewables Now
Massachusetts
He didn't win New Bedford, where Vice President Kamala Harris held a margin of 2,688 votes. But the city's fishermen have dug in with their support for the president-elect. The New Bedford Light
U.S.
Trump said he'll end offshore wind "on day one." Experts say he can't do that, but his administration could cause plenty of trouble for the nascent industry. Canary Media
U.S.
But Massachusetts and Rhode Island place New England's biggest bet yet on offshore wind. Inside Climate News
U.S.
Construction has begun on just three offshore wind farms in the region since Trump left the White House four years ago, and only the smallest of these is complete. The Boston Globe
U.S.
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed hostility toward offshore wind and has said he would put an end to the industry "on day one" of his administration. ecoRI News
U.S.
Faced with rising costs and thin margins, wind energy developers have been reducing their ambitions. The New York Times
U.S.
Despite the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 which enabled production tax credits and investment tax credits for the next 10 years, the onshore wind industry is struggling to maintain investment levels. Reuters
U.S.
The former president has criticized offshore wind, but the industry has had Republican allies. Climatewire
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U.S.
Sagging crude oil prices will have a bigger impact on industry behavior than federal policy, and rising trade tensions could dampen the outlook for U.S. companies. Politico
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International
FT article looks at methane venting from around the world, including in Azerbaijan as Caucus country hosts latest COP. Financial Times
U.S.
The Biden administration is imposing a fee on large energy companies that spew excess methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Republicans may be able to repeal it. The New York Times
U.S.
The U.S. EPA has announced a final rule that will implement the Waste Emissions Charge on large-scale emitters of methane in the oil and gas sector if they exceed set limits. Iowa Capital Dispatch
U.S.
Trump's goal to increase oil and gas production could benefit sector, but also comes with risk that prices will drop in a well-supplied market. Industry supports him generally. The New York Times
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International
Operations at Canadian project suspended after nacelle and rotor fall to ground. Recharge
South Dakota
Thune, elected Senate majority leader Wednesday by Republicans, has long championed wind energy, which provides about 55% of electricity in his home state of South Dakota. BNN Bloomberg
U.S.
It is a further sign that the oil major is rowing back on its commitment to transition towards developing more renewable energy projects. MSN
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California
CARB approved new rules last week that critics say reward polluting biofuels, shortchange EVs, and could cause gasoline prices to spike. Canary Media
International
When fully operational, the hub is expected to generate over 200 TWh of renewable energy annually, potentially matching Australia's current total energy generation. FuelCellWorks
International
Beijing correspondent Sim Tze Wei looks at China's Gansu province, where several sustainable energy factories have come up with innovative storage solutions to mitigate the volatility and wastage of renewable energy sources. ThinkChina
U.S.
Factories are starting to make solar panels and batteries in the US. But the new administration may target the tax credits and funding programs they need. Canary Media
U.S.
A federal initiative helps rural business owners and farmers slash expenses by funding solar and other energy innovations. Grist
U.S.
Electric grids powered by renewables like wind and solar energy are less vulnerable to blackouts, according to a new study. MSN
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California
Stop pointing the finger at the solar cost shift as creating high electric rates. Instead, identify the role being played by inflated utility overhead costs, managerial inefficiencies and excessive executive compensation. pv magazine
California
By pairing their solar with storage and load control EMS, homeowners and businesses will still see major returns on their energy investment, even with NEM 3 in place. North American Clean Energy
U.S.
Consumer protection and phone sales regulation are a good thing, said EnergySage director of business development Erik Holvik. pv magazine
U.S.
In my training, there was no mention of climate at all. Solar is now all about saving money. People buy rooftop solar because it's cheaper, period. Slate
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International
Researchers in China have proposed a new hybrid transaction model for distributed power trading. The model encourages the participation of aggregators in market transactions for distributed resources and promotes the expansion of distributed energy storage. pv magazine
South Dakota
Western South Dakota is one of the sunniest parts of the nation. The sun can be a lucrative energy source, but even with all the dry weather and sunshine that's happened, there is a caveat: wildfire smoke. KOTA
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U.S.
U.S. solar and battery storage real estate investment company SolaREIT has provided financing for projects totaling more than $3 billion since its founding. reNEWS
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U.S.
Trina Solar built a Texas factory to receive almost $2 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act. It changed course the day after Donald Trump's election victory. Climatewire
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California
esVolta has secured a $110 million tax equity transaction with GreenPrint Capital Management. The equity is intended to support the construction of the 75-MW/300 MWh Hummingbird battery energy storage project in San Jose, Calif. pv magazine
Illinois
As we look ahead, Illinois should use open-source, open data modeling similar to our approach in Storing the Future to continue assessing the state's needs as it works toward the big CEJA goals: a decarbonized power sector and 100% renewable energy by 2050, writes James Gignac, midwest senior policy manager for the Climate & Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Union of Concerned Scientists
International
As the United Nations convenes for COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan, IRENA has said the global energy transition to low-carbon sources remains "off track". Energy Storage News
International
Japan's drivers have been wary of making the switch to electric vehicles. But sluggish EV sales do not necessarily spell bad news for battery makers. The rise of solar power could give them a new source of growth. The Financial Times
International
A new analysis predicts that the climate law's tax credits -- if they survive the Trump administration -- will drive down the cost of American-made battery cells. Energywire
Nevada
The company has previously said that it has the capacity to build a Powerwall 3- the latest iteration of the product- every 25 seconds, or more than 700,000 units per year. Benzinga
U.S.
Don't look now, but the U.S. is quietly turning into a battery giant. But can this last under the new White House? InsideEVs
U.S.
The company plans to construct a battery energy storage system and related component manufacturing facility, creating an expected 150 jobs. pv magazine
U.S.
LG Energy Solution, Korea's leading battery maker, said its U.S. unit had signed a long-term deal to supply energy storage systems to a domestic renewables developer. The Korea JoongAng Daily
U.S.
Due in part to differing generation and load profiles, solar hybrid plants achieve the bulk of their capacity revenue with about half as much storage as wind hybrid plants, the study found. Utility Dive
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International
Ratepayers stand to benefit when utilities proactively prepare for new electricity demand from electric trucks and buses, according to a just-released study commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund. Daily Energy Insider
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International
The massive open-sea photovoltaic plant made its first connection to the grid on Wednesday. Bloomberg
Pennsylvania
Analysis by LandGate shows that Pennsylvania has 562 MW of solar power operating, with 10,469 MW waiting in queues. pv magazine
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International
This phenomenon is known as a 'Dunkelflaute', which comes from the German words for 'darkness' and 'weak wind'. Daily Mail
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