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Good morning, and welcome to NetZero Insider’s Resources Intelligence Report. Our weekly update took a break for the holidays, but we’re back with an armful of news.
Constellation Energy and Calpine announced a deal for the largest U.S. nuclear power operator to acquire the largest U.S. natural gas and geothermal operator. The move would give Constellation a portfolio totaling nearly 60 GW and a 40-state footprint as U.S. energy demand ramps up. John Cropley has the story.
Our K Kaufmann takes a deep dive into that anticipated demand growth, looking at Big Tech’s plans to rapidly expand energy-intensive data facilities and examining the options the slow-moving power industry has to meet that need.
Transmission expansion is likely to be central to any solution. Vincent Gabrielle takes a look at efforts to advance Clean Path New York, a 178-mile HVDC line that was to be the backbone of an $11 billion suite of transmission and generation projects proposed in New York. The renewables package was canceled, but developers are pressing ahead with the transmission piece separately.
In CAISO territory, developers are making a hard press to build energy storage systems, so Ayla Burnett takes a look at how much natural gas generation all these batteries are displacing on the CAISO grid. The answer is complicated: It varies based on the weather, the time of year and the nature of the storage resources themselves.
Also in California, Cropley has details on a different type of storage: compressed air. The U.S. Department of Energy announced a conditional $1.76 billion loan guarantee for an advanced system that should eliminate some of the inefficiencies of traditional compressed air systems and provide 500 MW/4,000 MWh of long-duration storage to the grid.
Cropley takes a look at the final IRS guidance for the 45V clean hydrogen tax credit. The rules come more than two years after the IRA laid the groundwork for them, and more than one year after release of draft rules that drew criticism. The final guidance seems more palatable, drawing at least partial support from stakeholders on all sides. But it also drew criticism.
Hydrogen Insight published an editorial analysis calling the entire process an “unforgivable act of self-sabotage” that “squandered a golden opportunity to make the U.S. the world leader in green hydrogen.”
Here are some other highlights from our curated selection of news:
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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Massachusetts
Environmental and community advocates in Massachusetts argue that making too much room for biofuels in a pending state plan to decarbonize heating systems would slow the transition from fossil fuels and cause more pollution than a plan that prioritizes electric heat pumps. Energy News Network
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U.S.
Although the credits are intended to be technology-neutral, the rules are being criticized for their treatment of bioenergy. Biomass Magazine
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Louisiana, Texas
Is the Gulf of Mexico the 'single best opportunity' to store climate-warming gas -- or would that pose an existential threat to wildlife and people? Grist
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Maine
Five Maine community solar sites managed by Ampion Renewable Energy reached commercial operation and started producing energy in November. These community solar sites, in both Versant Power and Central Maine Power utility territories, add nearly 25 MW of renewable power to the grid and will produce over 28 million kWh of energy annually. Solar Builder
South Carolina
The modules will be made in Silfab Solar's upcoming facility in South Carolina. pv magazine
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Missouri
Regulators approve extension of Ameren's energy efficiency plans - aimed at peak savings with DR for business, smart thermostats KBSI Fox 23
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Texas
It has a hundred-mile-wide corridor of near-surface geothermal heat spanning from the Rio Grande Valley in northwestern Texas, passing Houston, and stretching all the way to Shreveport, Louisiana. Oil & Gas 360
U.S.
The Bruneau Field Office is considering a proposal to offer 109 parcels totaling 50,126 acres in a competitive Geothermal Lease Sale. Think Geoenergy
U.S.
Donald Trump, his fracking fluid drinking energy secretary pick and planned tariffs could all hurt wind and help geothermal, which looks set to "have its moment" this year, say industry experts. Recharge
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Colorado
Microgrids can improve power system reliability, make isolated communities more resilient and ensure continued operation of critical infrastructure across large swaths of rural Colorado at risk of grid outages, state agencies said in a road map. Utility Dive
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U.S.
The Biden administration has squandered a golden opportunity to make the US the world leader in green hydrogen, writes Hydrogen Insight editor Leigh Collins. Hydrogen Insight
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Nevada
New technical report outlines potential 85-year operation. Mining Journal
Texas
In a rare public update on the $1 billion project, Tesla Inc. in December said it was starting to test the ability to process lithium through the new factory. BNN Bloomberg
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Texas
Cheniere Energy exported gas from an expanded LNG site in Texas, with other new expansions - US should keep its lead as export leader in '25 Yahoo
U.S.
The recommendations offer a preview of the challenges Trump will face as his bold campaign promises to slash regulation and unfetter industry crash into the reality of governing an unwieldy bureaucracy. Reuters
U.S.
With President Joe Biden's "pause" on gas-export approvals on the way out, LNG is primed for major growth while Carter-era regulations remain unchanged. Energywire
U.S.
The carbon footprint of LNG exports is 33 percent higher than for coal. And the U.S won't be able to force its supply on Europe, anyway. Inside Climate News
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New Mexico
This nanogrid prototype represents a significant leap forward in adaptable, clean energy solutions for the military, and supports a surveillance camera and meteorological weather equipment in an off-grid location. Hydrogen Fuel News
U.S.
A new report by Think Microgrid says most states are doing an insufficient job at deploying microgrids despite developing microgrid roadmaps. pv magazine
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Arizona
A plan to mine for vital minerals in the Patagonia Mountains will release millions of gallons of groundwater -- and could impact the community's consumable water. Inside Climate News
International
Power systems supported by renewable energy sources may use six to 12 times more copper than a fossil-fuel-based power system. World Resources Institute
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Alaska
Regulators and industry sound alarms over looming natural gas shortage in Alaska, could face shortfalls by '27. Anchorage Daily News
California
California PUC will keep Aliso Canyon open until natural gas demand goes down Natural Gas Intelligence
Maine
Regulators and three pipelines serving Maine negotiated rate hikes that are lower than first expected Bangor Daily News
New York
New York expands fracking ban to include using CO2 for the technique (decade plus old law only featured water) Forbes
U.S.
How gas turbines represent the solution to power shortages in the US and beyond. DatacenterDynamics
U.S.
Article covers recent Dallas Fed Survey of oil and gas executives, who expect permitting will be easier with Trump Natural Gas World
Virginia
Pipeline expansion starts operation, will expand capacity for Virginia and North Carolina Natural Gas World
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Kentucky
The Kentucky Public Service Commission in late December granted the utility Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for the construction of two proposed solar power facilities. POWER
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International
Russian gas exports via Ukraine pipelines came to end on New Years Day, as Ukraine refused to continue transit deal. Customers had warning, have arranged new supplies. Reuters
Louisiana
A look into how the gas/LNG industry has influenced McNeese State University in Louisiana The Guardian
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International
As demand for uranium surges, supply issues arise due to heavy reliance on geopolitically sensitive sources like Russia. OilPrice.com
International
Reliant on government subsidies to survive, the nuclear industry lobby is strong and has a history of glossing over the risks and inefficiencies of nuclear while covering up the environmental and health impacts. Liberation
International
Grist sat down with environmental journalist Marco Visscher to talk about his new book on the rise, fall, and return of nuclear. Grist
Minnesota
The state's largest utility, Xcel Energy, said the plant's continued operation is crucial to achieving carbon-free power by 2040. Energywire
New Mexico
The agency would fully clean up two of the more than 500 abandoned uranium mines on tribal lands in New Mexico. Greenwire
Ohio
Sponsors say the legislation is meant to signal that Ohio is open for business when it comes to nuclear power research and development, but critics warn the language could have broader implications in the future. Ohio Capital Journal
U.S.
Companies vie to create small plants for deployment to sites from data centres to oil platforms. Financial Times
U.S.
Whether the United States steps up to this opportunity and emerges as the global leader in fusion energy will depend, in part, on how much the nation is willing to invest in solving these practical problems. The Conversation
U.S.
The agency lacks the authority to regulate today's small reactors, and there's no need for it to do so. The Wall Street Journal
U.S.
Deep Fission's approach could revolutionize the industry, but it faces major operational hurdles. Energywire
U.S.
The key risks are that it can take so long for a license application to get approved, and that it's often unclear just how long it will take. Energy Connects
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International
The North Sea is one of the world's oldest offshore oil and gas basins where production has steadily declined since the start of the millennium. At the same time, it has become one of the world's largest offshore wind regions. Reuters
International
The methanol-powered vessel represents a significant leap forward in offshore wind installation capabilities and environmental sustainability. gCaptain
Maryland
A Greek-based company has started site work on a cable manufacturing facility expected to employ 120 people. The Baltimore Banner
Massachusetts
Fishermen will be allowed to fish amid U.S. wind turbines. That doesn't mean they will. The New Bedford Light
Massachusetts
Vineyard Wind has paid about $8 million to local fishermen and vessel owners for safety and security work during construction. The New Bedford Light
U.S.
Report highlights the latest research and outlines science-based path to environmentally responsible development in a changing climate. National Audubon Society
U.S.
This Call for Information and Nominations will gather public comments to inform potential leasing areas near Guam, which aims to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2035 and 100 percent by 2045. BOEM
U.S.
The agency says 20 percent of North Atlantic right whales have died, suffered injuries or fallen sick over the past seven years, mostly from vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Greenwire
U.S.
Scott Strazik says industry can't work if participants not making profit but sees route to 'thriving' sector. Recharge
U.S.
With the inauguration of Trump 2.0 now two weeks away, many uncertainties are facing producers and consumers of energy in the States, with implications for maritime companies servicing the sector. Seatrade Maritime
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Alaska
That's the second Trump-ordered Arctic sale that has gone bust. Greenwire
U.S.
President Joe Biden's move to protect offshore areas is largely symbolic, but the economic factors that may limit oil output gains are very real. POLITICO
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U.S.
The president permanently banned oil and gas drilling on 625 million acres of ocean. Quartz
U.S.
The 43 projects selected for negotiation will help small oil and gas operators, Tribes, and other entities across the country to reduce, monitor, measure, and quantify methane emissions from the oil and gas sector as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. LNG Industry
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U.S.
Report suggests investing in strategies and innovations to process the remaining 10%, improving sustainability and supporting a circular economy. U.S. Department of Energy
U.S.
Workers are pushing to improve training and safety standards to help avoid falls, electrocution, and equipment failure. High Country News
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California
Stanford University professor Mark Z. Jacobson spoke to pv magazine about recent research work showing that California could easily rely on a wind-water-solar-dominated large grid. pv magazine
Connecticut
In a speech that was largely focused on affordability and bringing down Connecticut's chronically high electric bills, Lamont charged lawmakers with exploring options for expanding the state's supply of electricity. CT Insider
Nevada
NV Energy has been directed to enhance its reporting on behind-the-meter storage in future Demand Side Management updates. North American Clean Energy
Texas
The rise of battery storage in Texas is real, and as the state's next legislative session approaches, some politicians are looking for ways to regulate this new method of saving renewable energy. Houston Chronicle
Texas
The Lone Star state has 42,000 MW of wind power, 22,000 MW of solar farms and 6,500 MW of utility-scale battery capacity in place as of the end of 2024. Reuters
U.S.
The country faces an upward trajectory in the pricing of utility-scale Power Purchase Agreements, with no immediate relief in sight according to real estate heavyweight CBRE. Energy Digital
U.S.
The country has made major gains in solar panel and battery cell manufacturing over the last four years, but self-sufficiency remains far away. Canary Media
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Illinois
Nicor Gas inaugurates an innovative interconnection in Rockford, converting biogas from a local landfill into renewable gas. energynews
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International
Wilson Chang, CEO of the solar and storage development and management platform Sunrock Distributed Generation, discusses current trends in the solar market and shares his predictions on how potential policy shifts from the incoming administration could shape the sector's future. Solar Power World
Pennsylvania
Schools face many costs in educating students, but energy bills are some of the largest expenses. Now, a new state grant program that aims to save schools money through solar energy is open for applications. The Allegheny Front
U.S.
Researchers found that U.S. solar power generation has stayed relatively stable during extreme wildfire seasons. Climatewire
U.S.
Analysts think the industry may be "too big to fail," even as the president-elect's team considers pulling back on subsidies. Energywire
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U.S.
An "unbelievable appetite for clean energy" is pushing the developer of Gemini, the US's largest co-located solar-plus-storage power plant, to pursue opportunities of a similar scale. Energy Storage News
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California
Swedish renewables developer Eolus Vind AB has signed a deal to sell its 100-MW/400-MWh Pome stand-alone battery storage project in San Diego County, California. Renewables Now
Connecticut
An Israeli firm wants to build batteries on a site once envisioned for a natural gas power plant, but the regulatory approvals are tangled up with a fossil fuel company that no longer exists. Energy News Network
International
A $750 million energy storage project expected to break ground in late 2025 or early 2026 could be a catalyst for attracting new industries to Eastern Ontario, officials say. Ontario Business Journal
Maine
The Maine Legislature directed the GEO to submit the recommendation to the commission to increase grid resilience, lower electricity costs, maximise federal incentives and advance the state's goal of deploying 400MW of energy storage projects by 2030. Energy Storage News
New York
The solicitation follows a state order for Con Edison to procure at least 300 MW of energy storage and Orange & Rockland Utilities to procure at least 10 MW. Utility Dive
Texas
New Projects Expand Key Capture Energy's Operating Portfolio to Over 620MW. Business Wire
U.S.
As new political, policy, and regulatory realities emerge, the trajectory of the cleantech revolution in the United States will be closely watched. Energy Storage News
U.S.
The document updates DOE's Energy Storage Grand Challenge Roadmap and reflects significant advances in energy storage technology and deployment since 2020, the agency said. Utility Dive
U.S.
With projections suggesting U.S. capacity of battery storage could exceed 100 GW by 2030, the industry's focus on safety appears to be paying dividends. pv magazine
U.S.
Tesla's 2024 figures represent a 214% leap in storage deployment from the previous year. pv magazine
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International
Why spending on power infrastructure is surging around the world. The Economist
Ohio
The plan includes installing or upgrading distribution automation circuit reconfiguration technologies on up to 412 circuits throughout AEP Ohio's 61-county service territory. POWERGRID International
U.S.
Meeting electricity demand for big tech data centers could give Trump reason to get behind Biden on transmission. Climatewire
U.S.
Distributed solar can extend the useful life of distribution transformers, says an NREL report. pv magazine
U.S.
Nothing is more critical to the nation's future than its energy supplies and how we distribute and use them, writes William S. Becker, a former regional director at the U.S. Department of Energy. The Hill
U.S.
Transmission congestion currently affects approximately 70% of the U.S. grid. POWER
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Michigan
Developing state forests for clean energy comes with climate tradeoffs. Trees are a known carbon sink, and logging them to install solar panels can sometimes cancel out the climate gains. Bridge Michigan
U.S.
Under the new administration, the BLM could decide to scrap the solar plan and propose a new one, which would require years of environmental review and public input. Colorado Public Radio
U.S.
The different solutions offer varying levels of autonomy, from assisting with lifting heavy panels to doing all the work themselves. Solar Power World
U.S.
With its abundant sunshine and open landscapes, the Southwest boasts some of the highest Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) values in the country, making it a prime location for solar energy expansion. North American Clean Energy
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International
The comments are the latest in a long line of anti-wind power messages by Trump. BNN Bloomberg
U.S.
The backlash is coming not only from the wind energy industry but also from government officials, as wind energy now accounts for 10 per cent of the US electricity generation. offshoreWIND.biz
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