We start our latest NetZero Insider Intelligence Report with a broad overview of the past year:
The American Clean Power Association published its “Snapshot of Clean Power in 2024,” a preview of the annual market report the trade organization will present to its members in April. A record 49 GW of solar, storage and wind was connected to the U.S. grid last year, nearly 33% more than in 2023. John Cropley summarizes the details for us.
Geothermal power is absent from 2024 tally, but it may be part of future ACP reports. Our K Kaufmann has a story from an industry event in D.C., at which Energy Secretary Chris Wright, as well as the oil and gas industry, signaled strong support for geothermal.
Cropley has an update on offshore wind, which is the subject of a 2025 outlook published by Rystad Energy. The report says that after a sluggish 2024, the sector is poised for a worldwide rebound in 2025 — except in U.S. waters, where policy changes made by the new administration are expected to sharply hinder development.
Amanda Durish Cook reports that the Minnesota PUC has instructed Amazon to prove it needs a fleet of 250 backup diesel generators at the data center it is proposing to build. State statute requires the developer of any power plant rated at 50 MW or higher to prove there are no cleaner or less expensive alternatives.
A Brattle Group study commissioned by the New York Department of Public Service found that the state could achieve 8.5 GW in grid flexibility measures by 2040, reducing the need for higher-cost resources and saving consumers more than $2 billion a year. Vincent Gabrielle has the details.
And in Washington state, John Stang reports on a legislative proposal designed to attract nuclear fusion developers by allowing them to choose the authority that will review their plans — either the state itself or the appropriate county government.
We also have gathered several dozen reports from other media outlets on net zero resources. Here are a few reading suggestions:
Seatrade Maritime News contrasts the state of the offshore wind industry on the east and west sides of the North Atlantic Ocean, and Recharge ponders whether Canada’s ambitions will be enough to keep the sector alive in the western Atlantic, given its uncertain prospects in U.S. waters.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal looks at the growth plans for Silver Peak, which still is the only operating lithium mine in the United States and is seeking federal authorization to expend by 1,600 acres.
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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International
Tree-planting is the most cost-effective form of carbon removals, as long as climate and economic risks are considered, concluded a new study. Carbon Pulse
Louisiana
A US environmental group is suing the state of Louisiana over a proposed CO2 pipeline project that would cut through a protected wildlife area along the Gulf Coast. Carbon Pulse
South Dakota
The issue has been at the center of a contentious debate over Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions' proposed $9 billion carbon capture pipeline. Iowa Capital Dispatch
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California
Should the state improve air quality and preserve land? Or should it pay for projects that will protect utility customers from rate hikes? Climatewire
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International
The United States is withdrawing from the Just Energy Transition Partnership, a collaboration between richer nations to help developing countries transition from coal to cleaner energy, the U.S. Treasury Department said on Thursday. Reuters
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Massachusetts
Owners of an eligible electric vehicle, or school districts that own eligible electric school buses, could receive one of 100 free bidirectional chargers plus compensation for participating. pv magazine
U.S.
ESIG report finds demand response participation low in USA despite clear benefits - 7% of peak load across all markets. The Energy Mix
U.S.
The standard provides vehicle manufacturers and electric vehicle supply equipment with the technical parameters to enable the bidirectional charging of electric vehicles. pv magazine
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International
Emissions from the North American power sector is expected to fall 24% from 2024 levels in the next five years, according to a report by a global energy consulting firm. Carbon Pulse
International
Researchers say data strengthens case for holding firms to account for their contribution to climate crisis. The Guardian
International
Companies can sue governments for closing oilfields and mines - and the risk of huge damages is already stopping countries from passing green laws, ministers say. The Guardian
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Pennsylvania
Investing in geothermal energy could help the state generate enough energy to meet 100 percent of its electricity, heating and low-to medium-temperature industrial process needs in as little as a decade, a new report finds. NewsBreak
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International
Industry insiders expect that nearly all of the large-scale projects built this decade will have hundreds, rather than thousands, of megawatts of electrolyser capacity. Hydrogen Insight
New York
But the New York state-based company did secure a $53M increase in electrolyser sales for the year. Hydrogen Insight
U.S.
StormFisher Hydrogen and its recent investor Hy24 anticipate US to be a major exporter in the long-term based on renewable resource, land and strong demand from Europe and Asia. Hydrogen Insight
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California
EnergySource Minerals was awarded the conditional loan for its ATLiS project on Jan. 15, five days before President Donald Trump was sworn in Desert Sun
Nevada
Known as Silver Peak, the mine in rural Esmeralda County has operated since the mid-1960s and is still the nation's only functional lithium mine despite a boom in popularity due to the mineral's use for producing electric vehicle batteries. Las Vegas Review-Journal
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Alaska
Trump tariff threats have East Asian allies considering investing in pricey Alaska LNG/pipeline project The New York Times
International
Chinese LNG imports fall to lowest level since height of the pandemic, Japan beat it as top global buyer two months in a row. Bloomberg
International
US gas industry in talks with EU to eliminate bloc's methane emission rules as part of bid to avert trade war POLITICO
International
Despite winter nearing its end, European demand for LNG is expected to remain high for moths - adding volatility to market. Reuters
International
Japan's investment in the Alaska project depends on whether private companies see a viable business case. LNG Industry
Texas
Developers of the Golden Pass LNG project sought extra time, citing a bankruptcy filing by a lead contractor. Energywire
U.S.
DOE is cutting rules regulating the transfer of LNG between ships when it is used as fuel for shipping. E&E News
Virginia
Dominion wins approval for LNG storage facility in Virginia - meant to ensure winter reliability Inside Climate News
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California
The 250-kVA battery back up and generator aided the microgrid in generating close to 740 MWh of electricity capacity in 2024. Microgrid Knowledge
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International
President's ambitious plan to revive the industry risks being thwarted by high electricity price. Financial Times
International
Extreme weather, fired-up environmentalists and other factors have tempered hopes of a bonanza. The New York Times
U.S.
Randall Atkins is hoping to land metallurgical coal on the government's list of critical minerals, a move that would bolster funding and permitting. Greenwire
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U.S.
US natural gas prices jump on record demand from LNG exports and domestically Pipeline and Gas Journal
U.S.
This decline has been concentrated in the natural gas-rich Haynesville and Appalachia regions and coincides with record-low natural gas prices for most of 2024 and the wider adoption of advanced drilling and completion technologies. Energy Information Administration
U.S.
Renewable energy broke records last year, but so did gas generation. That's a climate problem. Climatewire
West Virginia
FirstEnergy's proposal to repower coal plants to gas instead of retiring them leads to opposition from Sierra Club West Virginia MetroNews
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Kentucky
The $3.7 billion plan comes as Kentucky Utilities and Louisville Gas and Electric expect their annual electric sales to jump nearly 50% by 2032. Utility Dive
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Florida
Regulators extended the life of two of the oldest US reactors in Miami. The Guardian
International
Countries want to squeeze more electricity from ageing power plants to help meet global demand, but the strategy has its own challenges. Financial Times
Michigan
Michiganders who reside near the Palisades nuclear plant had increased thyroid cancer rates, study shows. As the plant prepares to reopen this year, residents want updated safety and health protocols. Inside Climate News
Pennsylvania
Westinghouse collaboration would add eVinci microreactor to University Park campus. Penn State University
Tennessee
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, helped birth the Atomic Age. Now it wants to be the center of a nuclear energy revival. Energywire
Texas
The company is exploring front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter options for a phased deployment that would eventually add 600 MW of nuclear capacity to the ERCOT grid. Utility DIve
U.S.
As the Trump administration makes key nuclear energy policy appointments, tariffs threaten to undermine U.S. competitiveness in next-generation reactors. The National Interest
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International
The impact of Trump's actions will likely lead to lost business for Canadian ports, but may drive demand for eventual development off the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador, industry insiders tell Recharge. Recharge
International
The companies all point to the fact that the business case was not viable due to a combination of sharply rising costs and the prospect of narrowing revenue sources in the Danish electricity market. Offshore Engineer
International
While US under President Donald Trump has pulled back from offshore wind developments are powering ahead in Europe. Seatrade Maritime News
Massachusetts
Trainees in full gear can practice everything from routine maintenance chores to partner rescues, dangling from harnesses like the real thing while 20 feet from the floor instead of 200 feet from the ocean's surface. SouthCoastToday
Massachusetts
Iberdrola's CEO offered an optimistic view of a U.S. offshore wind industry that has been rocked by President Donald Trump. E&E News
Massachusetts
According to DNV, a global assurance and risk management company, "lightning damage is the single largest cause of unplanned downtime in wind turbines and the most common insurance claim filed by wind farm owners." Nantucket Current
New York
Long Island is situated to be one of the few areas in the country where offshore wind projects already completed or under construction may power our communities in the years ahead. East End Beacon
U.S.
As director of BOEM, Elizabeth Klein shepherded almost 19GW to approval but new administration could undo that progress. Recharge
U.S.
Scores of employees working to ensure offshore wind has a low impact on whales, birds, and other wildlife were cut in a major round of layoffs at the agency. Canary Media
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U.S.
It's the second Congressional Review Act resolution approved this year. Greenwire
U.S.
The cost of steel pipe used to line oil and gas wells rose after President Trump said he would impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The New York Times
U.S.
President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers have moved to undo the Biden administration's offshore restrictions. Some Republicans say, "Not so fast." Energywire
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U.S.
CRA resolution passes Senate to end Biden EPA fee on methane emissions from oil and gas Reuters
U.S.
Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas asked the administration to toss a regulation they sued to overturn last year. Energywire
U.S.
Energy prices and other market forces may deter energy companies from increasing drilling, noting that the US has been the world's top crude oil and liquefied natural gas producer for several years now. World Economic Forum
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Oklahoma
Turbine collapse on clear and windless day felt like an earthquake and sounded like an explosion, according to local media reports. Recharge
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Hawaii
The order outlines new policy objectives and directives for the state, including accelerating renewable development for neighbor island communities to hit 100 percent renewable portfolio standards to 2035 from 2045. Daily Energy Insider
International
China now eclipses every other country in the world -- including the United States -- in the green technologies of the future. Here's how it achieved this lead. The Washington Post
Texas
The Legislature has tried to clamp down on renewable energy resources in the past, but many lawmakers are recognizing the need to support all types of generation to meet record demand growth. The Texas Tribune
U.S.
Wind turbines, solar panels, and the batteries that prop them up are made of non-renewable, critical elements that must be mined from the earth, just like nuclear and fossil fuels, writes Joshua Antonini. Mackinac Center for Public Policy
U.S.
The Trump administration is determined to promote fossil fuels, but the economic and technological forces driving solar, wind and other sources are now too powerful to resist. The Wall Street Journal
U.S.
While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are expanding rapidly, their inherent volatility challenges the grid's ability to maintain a reliable power supply for America. POWER
U.S.
Solar, wind and battery storage have dominated new power installations but data centers need a steady supply of power both day and night, requiring either dispatchable power plants or a combination of generation technologies. Reuters
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U.S.
Tax incentives for clean fuels and hydrogen production in the US do not adequately support Renewable Natural Gas growth, according to an industry expert. Carbon Pulse
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California
Incentivizing solar power is a mainstay of environmentalist policy. But Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration says it's costing everyone else. SFGATE
California
Advocates fear more cuts to the state's battered rooftop solar incentives as regulators consider "cost-shift" arguments in their bid to lower utility bills. Canary Media
Colorado
A new report highlights the permitting issues in Colorado, which had some of the longest solar permitting timelines in the western U.S. in 2023. Solar Builder Magazine
Maine
The legislators seeking to repeal the program argue it is driving up costs for ratepayers, especially small businesses and low-income households who can't afford to get solar panels. Maine Morning Star
U.S.
The dire outlook for one of the wealthiest U.S. solar companies highlights the challenges facing the rooftop industry. Energywire
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Ohio
The business group has sided with solar developers in multiple recent cases and says it would support efforts to reform a state law that lets townships and counties block state siting decisions. Ohio Capital Journal
U.S.
Corning, Suniva and Heliene combine strengths to produce what will be the first solar module with polysilicon, wafers and cells made in the United States. pv magazine
U.S.
The industry is adapting to the new political climate by rebranding itself as an essential part of American "energy dominance." Canary Media
U.S.
At $2.04 billion, the solar company's revenues declined by 10% on the year as solar energy systems and product sales contracted by 50% to $532.5 million. Renewables Now
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U.S.
Up from the 60% registered during Q3 2024, the attachment rate for customers opting for batteries with their solar PV installation varies per region, with the two island regions of Hawaii and Puerto Rico at nearly 100% energy storage attachment rate followed by California with approximately 89% and Texas at 66%. Energy Storage News
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U.S.
Researchers say the 10 countries with the most golf courses could install up to 842 GW of utility-scale solar or 659 GW of wind capacity on land equivalent in size to that used for the sport. pv magazine
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Alabama
The new Gorgas Battery Facility will store up to 150 MW of electricity generated by other Alabama Power resources. North American Clean Energy
California
Regulators and policymakers should encourage on-site storage solutions that customers, especially commercial buildings and facilities, can install now on their own. POWER
International
Recent BESS project cost reductions have significantly improved the investment case for 6 to 8-hour systems, with 8-hour IRR approaching 11.5%. Energy Storage News
New York
The New York Power Authority and Israeli firm Phinergy are collaborating on a project that aims to catalyze replacing diesel generators at commercial and industrial facilities across the U.S. Power Engineering
New York
Did a battery plant disaster in California spark a PR crisis on the East Coast? Heatmap
U.S.
The fire that destroyed a 300-MW battery installation is a "learning opportunity" for a safety-conscious industry, experts say. Will non-lithium chemistries benefit? Utility Dive
U.S.
Experts at Intersolar and Energy Storage North America highlight key reforms to accelerate interconnection and reduce project delays. pv magazine
U.S.
Through 2035, Clarios said it will launch initiatives to enhance U.S. battery manufacturing. The Buzz
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Illinois
State lawmakers are pushing for more grid-enhancing tech, gigawatts of new energy storage, and the creation of a virtual-power-plant program. Canary Media
U.S.
Improving energy affordability and grid reliability can guide the way on modernizing the grid for tomorrow's challenges. Utility DIve
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International
Medicine Hat, Alberta decided to drop a 325 MW solar project planned to be installed on contaminated lands down to 75 MW. pv magazine
New York
The project comes as the state likely will not reach its 2030 renewable energy goals, at least partly because many projects face funding challenges or misinformation about clean energy. FingerLakes1
U.S.
Study finds methane rises in small ponds, but adverse impacts are easy to mitigate. IEEE Spectrum
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International
Four of the world's largest original equipment manufacturers of wind turbines are bracing for blowback from changes to US wind policies in an already challenged industry. Journal of Commerce
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