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Good morning, and welcome to the latest Resources Intelligence Report.
A new chapter in national leadership starts Jan. 20, and some marked differences are likely in energy and climate policy. The NetZero Insider team was busy this past week writing about the last actions of the Biden administration and the landscape changes likely under the Trump administration.
Two federal agencies committed as much as $29 billion in loans, loan guarantees and grants during the final week of the Biden presidency. John Cropley wrote about both:
Cropley also has two forward-looking stories based on new reports about nuclear fission and offshore wind. Both reports steered clear of politics, but the two power technologies are expected to have very different prospects under the Trump administration.
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The International Energy Agency report cites strong momentum in the expansion of nuclear energy, with more than 70 GW under construction worldwide, but warns that better control on construction costs and schedules is needed before nuclear power can flourish to the degree many people expect.
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The new report by Oceantic Network, meanwhile, plays up the thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity that have been created or supported by growth of the U.S. offshore wind sector, a direct appeal to the traditional priorities of the Republicans who now control federal government.
Jon Lamson drills down on the political risks facing offshore wind with a story on the Power Up New England Project, a plan to build offshore wind interconnection points in New England. The first FERC filing on the project contains details about both benefits and risks, with National Grid saying it cannot invest in the project without firm assurance of full cost recovery.
Turning to our curated selection of reports by other media outlets, here are a few stories that caught our eye:
Finally, did you catch wind of the outrage over the forest that would be clear cut for construction of a 100-MW solar farm? With the developer dropping the plans, state environmental regulators getting castigated, a misinformation campaign materializing? The Midland Daily News and pv magazine shoot down the narrative, noting that the site is neither pristine nor virgin, having been logged previously, hosting oil and gas wellheads, and being crisscrossed by transmission lines.
All this and much more is gathered in this week's Intelligence Report:
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International
The move comes after a flood of supplies from China reached US shores at cheaper prices than soybean oil produced locally. The decision is a win for American farmers. BNN Bloomberg
International
Key biofuels like FAME and HVO have great potential for reducing emissions, but their benefits could be constrained by limited supply in the future. SAFETY4SEA
North Carolina
Some neighbors of wood pellet mills in the Southeast say they simply avoid outdoor activities such as grilling and gardening to avoid the dust, a byproduct of turning trees into fuel for power plants. Energy News Network
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U.S.
US climate policy has led to a surge in manure-based "biogas." Critics say it's propping up factory farming. Vox
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International
The total number of carbon credit purchases grew marginally year-on-year, being 0.2% higher in 2024 than 2023. edie
U.S.
Over the last two years, developers have generated roughly 5 million carbon credits from cleaning up orphaned oil and gas wells. Grist
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U.S.
Ahead of a new administration, we revisit the outlook for the largest coal burners and consider how growth in electricity demand is leading to talk of delayed closures. Inside Climate News
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International
Australian regulator approves rules to let VPPs participate in wholesale market starting in '27 pv magazine
Texas
Solrite offering solar panels and batteries to Texas customers for free, but will control their output/grid interactions in a VPP to recoup investment. Canary Media
Texas
A new virtual power plant power purchase agreement program offered by Solrite and Sonnen may reinforce the Texas power grid and provide back-up renewable power at no additional cost to enrolled homeowners. pv magazine
U.S.
Virtual power plant capacity must double to meet demand, the Department of Energy said in its latest report on virtual power plants. pv magazine
U.S.
Successful VPPs in Utah and other GOP-controlled areas highlight effective framing around cost reduction, consumer choice, self-reliance and resilience. Utility Dive
U.S.
With demand growing fast, US grid needs VPPs to maintain reliability at an affordable price pv magazine
U.S.
A new report from the U.S. Department of Energy provides a fresh look at the DOE's roadmap for the public and private sector to accelerate the commercialization of virtual power plant technologies. Renewable Energy World
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U.S.
Limited natural gas infrastructure, restrictions on new nuclear power facilities, and slow offshore wind development hinder New England's energy transition. OilPrice.com
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Alaska
After three companies expressed interest, the state Division of Oil and Gas started the formal process that may result in new exploration at Augustine Volcano. Alaska Beacon
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International
Despite the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence across the power and utility sector, its potential remains underused in many areas, writes Mike Duffy, a principal architect at Credera. Utility Dive
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International
Growth in clean H2 dealmaking slowed in the second half of 2024, research house warns. Hydrogen Insight
International
Misinformation, bad economics, lack of demand, technological barriers and regulatory uncertainties have all contributed to the pullback on the clean gas. Net Zero Investor
Michigan
Nel ASA Secures $29M Tax Credit for Michigan Manufacturing Expansion Through 48C. Hydrogen Fuel News
South Carolina
GE Vernova currently plans to make the new DLN system available for new and existing B- and E- gas turbines as early as 2026. Power Engineering
U.S.
Annual matching extension to 2030 and new pathways for biogas could be offset by high costs and regulatory delays. Hydrogen Insight
U.S.
Industry thought leaders indicate that the changes in the final rules for the 45V tax credits are positive, but they will not reduce dependence on polluting fossil fuels. pv magazine
U.S.
Lack of certainty set to put any project dependent on 45V subsidies on hold -- even if president-elect makes no move to cancel them, say analysts. Hydrogen Insight
U.S.
The stipulations would certainly add to costs and create logistical headaches. But many experts see them as ultimately doable and worth the effort. Energy Intelligence
Utah
The Intermountain Power Project represents a rare success story in the nation's quest to transition former coal-producing communities to renewable energy. Utility Dive
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International
The global lithium supply glut is predicted to shrink by half to around 80,000 tons equivalent of lithium carbonate from nearly 150,000 last year, according to Antaike, China's state-owned commodity data provider. Reuters
International
Aramco forecasts a 20-fold increase in domestic lithium demand between 2024 and 2030, sufficient to support 500,000 EV batteries and 110 gigawatts of renewable energy sources. Mining.com
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International
While there are differences between Trump and Biden, growing LNG to serve allies and competing with China will continue to be policies The New York Times
International
Chinese demand for LNG declining with economy, policies leading to less demand for the fuel Bloomberg
International
With a cold winter in Europe, the need to refill storage later this year will put major pressure on global LNG prices and could lead to shortfalls in some poorer Asian countries that rely on imports The Japan Times
International
Nearly three years into Ukraine War, Europe's shift away from Russian gas is still ongoing - fell from 47% to 13% - wants 0 by 2027 Reuters
International
When the nation accelerated the construction of the floating facilities in 2022 to help wean off Russian gas, the ambition was to be able to keep energy costs in check. Energywire
International
Plaquemines LNG is the second facility in the United States after Calcasieu Pass LNG that uses mid-scale liquefaction technology, which has a shorter project construction timeline. Energy Information Administration
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Nevada
The Department of the Interior announced its intent to pull nearly 270,000 acres of public land adjacent to Nevada's Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge from consideration for mineral and geothermal leasing for two years. Nevada Current
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International
Overall U.S. generation M&A held steady in 2024, but the "pendulum" of investment has swung from renewable energy to natural gas and other dispatchable energy assets, according to Scott Wilmot, an energy analyst at Enverus. Utility Dive
International
Bitcoin miner puts up $18.7 million to get old industrial site powered by natural gas ChainCatcher
International
Report finds that pension funds investing in natural gas for the long term is a risky bet given clean energy/climate trends Toronto Sun
U.S.
Consultant finds US could add 80 natural gas plants, 46 GW, to help meet data center demand Financial Times
U.S.
Law firm interprets how appeals court decision in Winter Storm Uri lawsuit will impact force majeure clauses in natural gas supply contracts Spencer Fane
U.S.
Coldest January in a decade has Morgan Stanley raising average gas price prediction for '25 to $4.15/MMBtu from $3.75 Investing.com
U.S.
KC Fed Survey finds drillers in great plains and Rockies have higher price than previously to start drilling for fuel Bloomberg
U.S.
API CEO gives annual speech, says AI data centers need access to affordable natural gas E&E News
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Minnesota
The Coalition for a Nuclear-Free Mississippi River, made up of regional environmental, climate, and justice groups, has vowed to see the reactor closed before the achey, breaky unit causes a more catastrophic radiation release. CounterPunch
U.S.
Through this collaboration, Energy Vault and NuCube will seek to accelerate the deployment of the NuSun platform integrated with VaultOS software controls, grid services and accompanying energy storage systems by the end of 2028/beginning of 2029. Business Wire
U.S.
In much of the world (China being a notable exception), building new nuclear capacity has historically been expensive and slow. MIT Technology Review
U.S.
Trump's first term and his record on supporting reliable nuclear power as a vital energy source provide cause for optimism about the new direction of U.S. energy policy, writes former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Fox News
U.S.
Project 2025, the policy blueprint for the Trump administration prepared by organizations allied with Trump, does not think the Yucca Mountain project is, as Cortez Masto phrased it, "unworkable." Nevada Current
U.S.
Westinghouse secured US $3 million for its eVinci microreactor, and Radiant Industries received $2 million for its Kaleidos microreactor, both in November from the U.S. Department of Energy. Spectrum
U.S.
Industry pressured to build new conversion facilities to cover end of US import waiver and impact of Ukraine war. Financial Times
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Delaware, Maryland
The website was the creation of a coalition of Maryland wind farm opponents, funded and led by the government of Worcester County, home to Ocean City, a summer beach hotspot that is the primary driver of the county's tourism-centered economy. Maryland Matters
Oregon
Sometimes a big challenge can be getting people to trust where the information is coming from. Jefferson Public Radio
U.S.
BOEM willte an environmental review of the Vineyard Mid-Atlantic offshore wind lease area in the New York Bight, where Excelsior Wind coud be built. offshoreWIND.biz
U.S.
New litigation against New England Wind will be early test of incoming Trump administration's approach to defending federal actions. Recharge
U.S.
If even only a few of these ideas are enacted, it would be a harbinger of doom for wind energy in America, local resident Peter Sinclair writes. Heatmap
U.S.
Sector critic Jeff Van Drew tells local media he provided executive order to incoming president's team. Recharge
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International
Even so, the outlook suggests the market will be in surplus this year as supply growth led by countries outside the OPEC+ producer group exceeds subdued expansion in world demand. Reuters
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Texas
Texas natural gas production set repeated records in 2024, also record high oil production Natural Gas Intelligence
U.S.
At the event, policymakers and industry leaders discussed how a pro-energy Washington can chart a new path forward through API's Five Point Policy Roadmap. Daily Energy Insider
U.S.
Oil and gas production setting records, but jobs are down 25% from a decade ago - similar trend happened in coal as employment fell off before production The New York Times
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U.S.
The 2025 RFP includes significant program changes aimed at streamlining the process of innovative design development, optimization, testing, and certification to expand access to distributed wind turbine technology. Renewable Energy Magazine
Wyoming
As the wind energy industry grapples with its industrial waste, Wyoming says it has plenty of space for disposal at world's largest coal mines. WyoFile
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Illinois
The legislation gives state regulators more authority to balance the budget for a key renewable energy financing tool, partially by shifting financial risk to electric utility customers. AOL
International
Asia's total installed renewables generation footprint is now roughly 2,500,000 MW, compared to around 1,000,000 MW in Europe and 700,000 MW in North America. Reuters
International
The National Grid struggled with a lack of wind power, no solar power during the night and interconnector outages. Grid operators had to spend up to 50 times the normal cost of electricity to keep gas power plants running. Daily Mail
International
Both countries are huge with vast, but different, resource bases, leading them to have very different energy systems and respective advantages and disadvantages in the clean energy transition Brookings Institution
U.S.
EIA forecasts electricity demand to continue growing at a 2% annual rate in 2025 and 2026. Energy Information Administration
U.S.
The program was originally established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and subsequently expanded with a $10 billion investment under the IRA. Renewable Energy World
U.S.
Fundamentally, grid planning and operation is a supply-and-demand issue, and the problem is that renewables can't easily satisfy electricity demand that occurs when they are unable to produce power. R Street
U.S.
Despite a record year for clean energy, U.S. emissions fell by just 0.2 percent last year. That's far short of the pace needed to meet climate goals. Canary Media
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U.S.
Pioneering solar installer PosiGen will benefit from Brookfield Asset Management's new investment, but it could face tougher times ahead if policy changes under Trump. Canary Media
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California
The CALNEXT Center for Solar Energy Research is already soliciting and receiving research proposals from UC Berkeley Engineering faculty and graduate students. Solar Builder
Connecticut
Local utility Eversource, which serves customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, is the entity proposing the $26 million estimate. Verogy said the landfill solar project is now at risk of cancelation. Solar Power World
International
The companies are: Donghai JA Solar, Hongyuan Green Energy and subsidiary Hongyuan New Materials, Jiangsu Meike and Shuangliang Silicon Solar Buildier
South Carolina
ES Foundry, a U.S.-owned cell manufacturer based in South Carolina, secured its first contract with top-tier solar module maker. pv magazine
U.S.
New Study Shows Federally Controlled Reservoirs Could Host Enough Energy To Power Approximately 100 Million US Homes a Year. National Renewable Energy Lab
U.S.
CEA said U.S. utilities usually require non-China transformer equipment but the supply of transformers outside of China is limited and is not set up for mass production at scale. pv magazine
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International
For utility executives and real estate investors alike, the opportunity is clear: turn today's challenges into tomorrow's advantages while securing long-term benefits for businesses, communities and the environment, writes Nate Walkingshaw of Torus. Utility Dive
U.S.
The energy transition in the United States requires a durable and dependable clean energy supply chain if it is to succeed. pv magazine
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International
Solar and wind are being installed at a rate that is five times faster than all other new electricity sources combined. pv magazine
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Arizona
The lower price of a repurposed lithium battery pack comes with high sustainability benefits of avoiding emissions from the energy required to produce new batteries, delayed recycling, and diverted waste. Solar Builder
California, Texas
A report from GridBeyond examines how regulations and solar resources drive prices. pv magazine
International
It is the world's first large-scale CAES solution with complete independent intellectual property rights and a full industrial supply chain, designed for long-duration physical energy storage. Business Wire
Maine
CMP and Versant have argued that energy storage should not be considered generation, and that they should be able to own and control such projects. The Maine Monitor
U.S.
A new white paper from GridBeyond shows how regulatory policies and specific market drivers dramatically affect utility-scale battery energy storage system availability and economics in the United States. pv magazine
U.S.
With limited production capacity outside China, CEA's Q4 2024 report sees heavily tariffed Chinese production setting the market price for lithium-iron-phosphate batteries over the next two years. Utility Dive
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New Mexico
The firm plans to produce green hydrogen from repurposed wastewater from a former mining site in the village of Questa and create energy storage technology that could last up to 16 hours. H2 View
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Ohio
The deal will help AEP fund its $54 billion, five-year capital growth plan and will offset a significant amount of AEP's $5.35 billion equity financing needs through 2029, the company said. Daily Energy Insider
Ohio
Google wants to bolster Ohio's grid with efficiency, other investments as its data centers add large demand growth The Columbus Dispatch
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Kentucky
The Martin County Solar Project was developed by Savion and Edelen Renewables on a 1,200 acre former mountaintop coal mine. pv magazine
Michigan
Michigan's Department of Natural Resources offered a 420-acre parcel of "less than pristine" land to a solar developer to expand a nearby project. This sparked backlash from local politicians. pv magazine
Michigan
A breathless viral meme told the story of devious deep-state plotters who were conniving with greedy globalist solar developers to cut down a pristine tract of virgin old growth forest near Gaylord. Midland Daily News
Ohio
Lightsource BP has abandoned plans for a 300 MW solar project in Ohio that was highly opposed by local residents. pv magazine
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International
Wind has been a growing part of Europe's electricity production for more than 20 years, and the European Union wants it to grow much more to meet targets to combat climate change and also as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Reuters
U.S.
Every once in a while Donald Trump says something that shocks Washington with its blunt truth. So it was during last week's discursive press conference when he observed that wind power isn't economic without subsidies. The Wall Street Journal
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