Welcome to NetZero Insider’s latest Resources Intelligence Report.
We lead off with some new headwinds for the struggling U.S. offshore wind sector:
In New Jersey, our Hugh Morley looks at efforts to redesign the net-metering protocol to boost the state’s solar sector, which after 15 years of solid growth is slumping: 44% less capacity was installed in 2024 than in 2023.
The New York Public Service Commission approved an implementation plan for retail and residential energy storage systems, a step toward the state’s goal of 6 GW of installed storage by 2030. Cropley has the details, noting that the plan for the larger component, bulk storage, is still in the works.
Cropley updates us on the year-end financial performance (and clean-energy agendas) of two major energy companies:
Constellation Energy had better-than-expected net earnings from its sale of 269,417 GWh of electricity, two-thirds of which was generated by its nuclear fleet, the largest in the U.S.
James Downing has a fossil fuel update: The U.S. Department of Energy has conditionally approved exports from Commonwealth LNG, a facility planned for construction on the Louisiana coast. It is the first such authorization since the Biden administration paused approvals.
We also have many reading options among our curated collection of news from other media outlets, including:
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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U.S.
Biofuel supporters reintroduced legislation to make higher-ethanol fuel available year-round, keeping up a yearslong fight. E&E News
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Iowa, Missouri
Legislation in Missouri aims to launch a three-year pilot program, whereas a new comprehensive community solar policy goes before the House in Iowa. pv magazine
U.S.
Cumulative national community solar installations to break 15 GWdc by 2030; long-term growth hangs in the balance with federal and state policy uncertainty. Wood Mackenzie
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U.S.
The standard defines characteristics in key domains, electrical, communications and cybersecurity, for permitting of power export between EVSE and an electric power system. Solar Power World
Texas
Article looks into the growing use of VPPs in ERCOT as demand for power surges there. The Texas Tribune
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Massachusetts
These institutions rely on a natural gas and oil plant called the Medical Area Total Energy Plant, one of the largest single sources of air pollution in the area. Commonwealth Beacon
U.S.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cited President Trump's claim of a national energy emergency to speed up permits for new gas pipelines and other projects. The New York Times
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International
This project will start by generating electricity in Geretsried, then add heat as the town fully builds out a district heating system. The Hill
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International
Mountain ranges in which originally deep mantle rocks are found near the surface represent potential natural hydrogen hotspots. Phys.org
International
Repsol now expects to achieve between 0.7 gigawatts (GW) and 1.2 GW of electrolyser capacity by the end of the decade, down from a previous 1.9 GW target. Reuters
U.S.
Analysts and advocates say the $7 billion low-emission fuel program is likely to survive, but it could become more friendly to fossil fuels. Energywire
U.S.
West Virginia lawmaker Shelley Moore Capito had previously stated that the $7 billion allocated by the Biden administration was safe. Hydrogen Insight
U.S.
The letter addressed to US congressional leaders highlighted the critical role of Section 45V tax credits in driving the growth of the hydrogen industry, positioning the nation for "global energy dominance." H2 View
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International
A Chinese company has stopped exporting a piece of equipment used to process the electric vehicle battery metal lithium, in the clearest sign yet manufacturers are already implementing export controls proposed by Beijing. Reuters
Pennsylvania
The potential source may present a dilemma for clean energy advocates, as it comes from hydraulic fracturing, or fracking -- an industry they oppose. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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International
Potential cease fire with Ukraine could end European energy crisis and cut LNG demand, depending on whether/how quickly Russian gas supplies return. Reuters
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International
The world's largest consumer of the metals key to electrical vehicles batteries and energy storage also will support enterprises to strengthen foreign investment and cooperation, and improve the supply of overseas development of the minerals. Reuters
International
If Trump's move towards oil and gas is interpreted by the markets as permanent, the price incentive for new mining projects for critical minerals will fall, along with long-term supply. Tech Xplore
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Alaska
Trump puts Presidential spotlight on Alaska pipeline needed to export gas to Asian countries, but will that help it get built? The Associated Press
California
Republican legislators from California ask Trump to stop efforts to ban natural gas in the state San Diego Voice and Viewpoint
Colorado
Denver area data center strikes deal to get natural gas to power its operations The Business Journals
Illinois
Illinois Commerce Commission clamps down on People's Gas infrastructure replacement program, requiring more oversight as its costs have grown by billions since approval Chicago Sun-Times
Iowa
MidAmerican Energy plans $600 million natural gas plant and solar panels to meet rising demand in Iowa. Des Moines Register
Maryland
Environmentalists blast Md energy legislation for embracing natural gas, say it's a step backwards and blame PJM for years of inaction. Inside Climate News
Massachusetts
Gov. Healy asks DPU to work to cut natural gas and electric rates as prices surge this winter - doesn't mention specific cases/utilities Berkshire Eagle
New England
Cold weather again highlights New England's/Northeast's limited pipeline capacity as prices in the region have been volatile of late Natural Gas Intelligence
New York
A look into whether Trump can revive a natural gas pipeline to serve the Northeast Natural Gas Intelligence
New York
Gov. Hochul approves new pipeline after being resistant to fossil fuel expansion as prices go up Fox News
North Carolina
Duke Energy cuts back on focus on climate, ramps up attention to gas in first quarterly earnings of Trump 2.0 MSN
Pennsylvania
PA PUC delays UGI's request for higher rates, adding 9.7% to its revenue, so it can be reviewed commented on. WVIA Public Media
Texas
Ongoing increases in production and consumption of shale gas continue adding carbon emissions to the atmosphere as industrial power demand soars and Earth barrels past its warming targets. Inside Climate News
U.S.
Today in Energy looks at how cold winter has impacted prices for energy, especially natural gas EIA
Washington
Washington building lobby takes state to court to implement voter initiative that preserved gas a choice for energy. Lost one ruling, will refile. NewsBreak
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International
A look into whether Europe will go back to Russian gas - some countries like Hungary are more likely to. The Economist
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International
The "West" machine, at the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission's Cadarache site, maintained plasma for more than 22 minutes - a total of 1,337 seconds. NucNet
Maine
In arguments against solar tax credits and other forms of renewable energy, Republican leaders have said the state should be more open to considering nuclear energy as a low-emission power source. Maine Morning Star
Texas
The issue at hand: whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission had the legal authority to grant a permit for the construction and operation of a privately-owned temporary spent nuclear fuel storage facility in Texas. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
U.S.
Some expect Trump to back smaller-scale nuclear projects that are faster and cheaper to get up and running. OilPrice.com
U.S.
It's not yet clear what President Trump's Feb. 18 order reining in executive-branch agencies means for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, attorney Scott Clausen said. Utility Dive
Wyoming
Lawmakers and residents want more answers before opening the state to nuclear fuel waste storage. WyoFile
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International
German research team trialling machine learning techniques to predict freak waves that can cause 'enormous damage' to offshore infrastructure Recharge
International
These projects aim to cut CO2 emissions from TotalEnergies' refineries in Belgium and the Netherlands by up to 450,000 tons a year and contribute to the European renewable energy targets in transport. Offshore-Energy.biz
Massachusetts
The move follows President Trump's executive order, on his first day in office Jan. 20, halting permitting for offshore wind. WBUR
New Jersey
Researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick have developed an artificial intelligence tool that will help predict endangered whale habitat, guiding ships along the Atlantic coast to avoid them. Baird Maritime
U.S.
The Trump administration is now being lobbied to nix offshore wind projects already under construction. Heatmap
U.S.
Already, the West Coast's offshore wind prospects have lagged greatly behind East Coast projects, and now experts say they're unsure of the future here. Tech Xplore
U.S.
Companies that once committed to investing in U.S. offshore wind infrastructure and supply chains are now scrapping their plans as the industry experiences significant challenges. Offshore Engineer
U.S.
The clean energy transition, aided with massive subsidies and guaranteed market shares and other policy subventions, is collapsing both in the United States and in Europe, writes senior fellow Benjamin Zycher. American Enterprise Institute
U.S.
Legal experts tell Recharge that president's targeting of approved capacity doesn't need to survive court challenges to undermine sector Recharge
U.S.
New York, New Jersey and other states are counting on offshore wind to decarbonize their grids. The Washington Post
Virginia
The Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy said canceling America's biggest offshore wind project under construction no longer makes economic sense. Canary Media
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Texas
An export infrastructure buildout will enable further growth in American oil production as momentum fades on a phase-out of fossil fuels, even as global temperatures continue to break records. Inside Climate News
U.S.
The president is calling for energy dominance, but aging shale plays aren't positioned to deliver a surge of new oil production. Energywire
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International
German-owned turbine maker fighting damages claim over allegedly defective components. Recharge
International
With wind power a foundation of the energy transition, we forecast how the ageing global fleet will be addressed. Wood Mackenzie
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International
Study found electric vehicles and batteries added largest amount to country's clean-energy economy. The Guardian
Louisiana
Louisiana officials from both political allegiances have welcomed everything from wind energy to controversial carbon capture projects as part of an effort to make the state a nexus in a new domestic supply chain for clean energy. NOLA.com
Texas
The Lone Star State is increasingly wind- and solar-powered, but a proposed legislative bill looks to kneecap those gains. Texas Monthly
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Tennessee
Among 153 local power companies served by TVA, 148 have signed 20-year, long-term agreements with TVA that allow them to generate up to 5 percent of their electricity on their own. Memphis is one of the five without the long-term contract Tennessee Lookout
U.S.
On his first day, the president paused billions of dollars in funding for clean energy projects initiated by Biden. The Guardian
U.S.
Solar projects get a 30% investment tax credit from the Democrat-passed Inflation Reduction Act -- that is, taxpayers essentially pay 30% of the capital costs for solar projects. American Energy Alliance
U.S.
Sunnova said it is positioning itself for long-term success in an evolving market that is currently facing high interest rates and policy uncertainty. Solar Power World
U.S.
Next Energy said its laminated transparent power-generating windows were produced with its pilot production line. pv magazine
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Georgia
The new T1 Energy also has a new strategy: It says it's committed to "becoming a vertically integrated US solar + battery storage leader from its new corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas." Electrek
International
With BESS systems set to pay a vital role in the energy transition it is crucial that the public knows the facts, writes James Li of Sungrow Europe. Recharge
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has approved a rate change that allows large electricity customers, specifically large business customers, to pay a transmission coincident peak demand charge instead of a volumetric transmission charge. pv magazine
U.S.
BCI published a briefing for legislators outlining steps to "create jobs, support domestic battery manufacturers and defend the US economy from unfair foreign competition." Energy Storage News
U.S.
The system features an innovative split design breaking away from the industry standard 20-foot container. It is configurable for storage durations of two to eight hours. pv magazine
U.S.
Battery analytics software provider TWAICE published the results of its first in-depth industry survey of battery energy storage system professionals. North American Clean Energy
U.S.
Less viable facilities are weeded out as US industry matures. Chemical & Engineering News
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International
The multi-stage project, if fully built-out, would be able to meet the peak load demand for Medicine Hat's industrial and commercial facilities as well as its 65,000 residents, a city official said. Canada's National Observer
Iowa
The utility filed plans with the Iowa Utilities Commission to build a solar energy project across several sites in Iowa that is expected to generate up to 800 MW of power and two natural gas-fired combustion turbines that will generate 465 MW of power. Renewable Energy World
Ohio
A large majority of public commenters support Open Road Renewables' plan to build a big agrivoltaics project in central Ohio. Canary Media
U.S.
At the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention on Jan. 28 in San Antonio, Texas, delegates voted to include the prioritization of solar projects with verified shared agricultural use in the AFBF's policy book. Solar Builder
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International
The properties that make these blades light, strong, and weather-resistant also make them hard to recycle. New Atlas
U.S.
When federal policies pick industry winners and losers, it undercuts critical investments, job creation and tax revenues that are significant enough to support or derail rural prosperity, writes Mike Limberhand, policy chair of the Rural & Agriculture Council of America. Lompoc Record
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