Welcome to this week’s NetZero Insider Resources Intelligence Report.
Offshore wind opponents are swinging for the fences on their challenge of the federal review and permitting of Vineyard Wind 1: They have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. Very few such petitions are granted, John Cropley reports, but if this one is, defending the challenge will fall to lawyers who answer to the offshore wind opponent-in-chief, President Trump.
Elaine Goodman updates us on green hydrogen in California, where consultants presented their analysis of potential production pathways to a California Air Resources Board workshop. Bottom line: It is too soon to eliminate any of the four options they are evaluating.
Across the continent, FERC has approved a guarantee for National Grid to recoup costs in the event of cancellation of the Power Up New England transmission project, which would interconnect electricity generated by offshore wind. Jon Lamson fills us in.
Finally … there’s an old newsroom saying along the lines of, journalists are supposed to report the news, not be the news. But NetZero Insider had a good reason to bend the rule last week: Parent company RTO Insider LLC has been acquired by Yes Energy. Look for the same great coverage of energy markets and clean-energy initiatives to continue, bolstered by the additional resources and synergistic mission of our new owners.
From other media outlets, we offer the usual collection of noteworthy reporting:
Our own Tom Kleckner covered CERAWeek 2025, but it is a major event, and he could not be everywhere. Carbon Pulse, POLITICO, Renewable Energy World, Reuters, The Guardian, The New York Times and The Washington Post all filed stories from Houston, each with its own focus.
POLITICO looks at U.S. emissions regulation rollbacks, and Fast Company looks at the potential consequences — a resurgence of coal-fired power generation.
You’re no doubt wondering what’s new with renewables in Alaska. Well, here’s two updates: The Alaska Beacon reports a geothermal lease sale is scheduled on a volcanic island, and the Anchorage Daily News reports a developer is continuing to plan onshore wind farms despite the headwinds created by the Trump administration.
There’s bad news from Scandinavia, where another Great Green Hope has tanked: Denmark’s Green Hydrogen Systems A/S will enter restructuring. Also last week, the long-floundering Northvolt formally filed for bankruptcy in Sweden. Bloomberg and POLITICO covered the news.
Speaking of floundering, MarineLink offers an overview of the U.S. offshore wind market and dubs it a “morass” in the headline. But Heatmap and Riviera
Maritime have stories that find some room for optimism for the floundering U.S. industry.
Finally, a blue-red contrast: New York, which has some of the strongest green energy ambitions of any state, is confronting the staggering cost of the energy transition it is trying to engineer. Texas, whose politicians voice contempt for renewable energy, set records in a single week for solar, wind and battery storage. The New York
Times and Canary Media lay out the dichotomy.
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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Minnesota
Minneapolis is launching a municipality-owned and -operated biochar production facility, reinforcing the city's commitment to climate resilience and carbon sequestration. Carbon Pulse
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South Dakota
Summit Carbon Solutions requested a scheduling change after a new state law blocked it from using eminent domain. Energywire
U.S.
The proposed safety rules would have been the first. Grist
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International
The establishment of a global carbon accounting approach would help spur significant global emissions reductions if adopted in key sectors and markets, energy sector representatives said Wednesday at CERAWeek. Carbon Pulse
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U.S.
The administration is clawing back regulations and mulling executive authorities to prop up the nation's coal-fired power fleet and mining sector. Greenwire
U.S.
Hundreds of coal plants have been retired in recent years for both economic and environmental reasons. Bringing them back would only benefit coal companies. Fast Company
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Montana
The bill enables customers of investor-owned utilities to subscribe to community solar. pv magazine
U.S.
The Energy Democracy Initiative must contend with the federal government while continuing to tussle with lawmakers, regulators and utility executives. Minnesota Reformer
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California
Haven Energy was hired by a community choice aggregator to install 300 distributed solar and batteries for free at low income consumer homes, combine them into a Virtual Power Plant. pv magazine USA
Illinois
ComEd is the latest major utility to adopt voluntary time-of-use rates, which can save residents -- particularly EV owners -- money on their energy bills. Canary Media
U.S.
EEI wants an exemption from do not call lists for its members to ask customers for DR in emergencies. The National Law Review
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International
Chris Wright's remarks were welcomed at a time when countries across the region have felt whipsawed by cuts to longstanding African energy initiatives. The New York Times
International
New study claims that asset writedowns could reach $2.3 trillion. Financial Times
U.S.
Chris Wright signals abandonment of Biden's 'irrational, quasi-religious' climate policies at industry conference. The Guardian
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International
The antiquated one-way system of poles and wires that comprise the U.S. electric grid will one day be almost unrecognizable. Renewable Energy World
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International
Acting as a blueprint, the flagship Sorel-Tracy facility will be connected to the Hydro-Qu?bec grid by the end of Q2 2025, using hydroelectricity to power two electrolysers. H2 View
International
Green Hydrogen Systems A/S will go into a restructuring process, the latest sustainable energy company in the Nordic region to collapse, following last year's traumatic demise of Sweden's Northvolt AB. Financial Post
International
The deal envisages RWE supplying TotalEnergies' Leuna refinery near Leipzig in eastern Germany, via its 300-megawatt electrolysis plant in Lingen in the west, which is set to start operation in 2027. Reuters
Texas
In comparison to big water draws, such as irrigation or municipal use, hydrogen's demand is relatively small, but it has the potential to disproportionately affect communities that face future water issues. Hydrogen Central
U.S.
At least two hubs -- Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (Mach2) and the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub (Arch2) -- continue to push forward with their plans, even with no guarantee of securing future government contracts. Hydrogen Central
U.S.
A realism seems to have settled in that an interconnected US clean hydrogen economy will take more time and effort to develop, and some players will simply get squeezed out as the landscape grows tougher. Energy Intel
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International
New membranes promise a more environmentally friendly solution for brine. EV in Focus
International
New recycling method offers environmentally friendly way to deal with increasing e-waste from old smartphones and electric cars. The Independent
Nevada
Tribes have tried and failed to stop the project in court. Grist
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Michigan
If it works as planned, a sustainable energy utility like this could quickly build the clean energy grid of the future by shedding outdated infrastructure while creating a reliable, clean and resilient model. The Conversation
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International
It takes 29 years to get approval for a new mine in the US but the industry is hoping that will change. Financial Times
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Colorado
The Platte River Power Authority wants to install five natural gas turbines to ease its transition into renewables, but local residents and state lawmakers don't want to go backward. The Colorado Sun
International
Mexico, a major importer of US gas, needs to plan for more fuel supply if it wants to build out combined cycle plants as planned. Natural Gas Intelligence
International
With increased security for oil pipelines, thieves in Nigeria are turning to illegally tap natural gas pipelines to earn money Bloomberg
New York
The approval of Iroquois' enhancement project, which utility companies argue is needed to heat New Yorkers' homes in the coldest months, amps up planet-warming pollution -- and signals that the state's commitment to reaching its climate goals is faltering, critics say. Grist
New York
A look at how to balance the need to maintain gas delivery systems when state policy aims to kill the industry by mid century. New York Focus
Pennsylvania
Article looks into light tax burden on Pa. gas industry, which can have lower burdens than in other big producers like Texas WTAJ
Tennessee
TVA is replacing major coal plant outside Knoxville with natural gas and batteries. Knoxville News Sentinel
U.S.
Demand is surging from LNG and AI, but natural gas industry needs to invest in pipelines to keep up the pace Yahoo Finance
U.S.
FERC's Christie tells CERA Week that natural gas is needed to meet rising demand - more pipes and more powerlines Reuters.com
U.S.
The industry is ready for a surge in demand, but tariffs, permitting delays and prices could disrupt projects. Energywire
U.S.
Higher winter natural gas prices helped keep inflation higher as other prices declined Natural Gas Intelligence
U.S.
Microsoft looking to natural gas with CCS to meet data center demand Carbon Herald
U.S.
Natural gas is not enough to meet surging power demand, NextEra Energy CEO says MSN
U.S.
Coal plant retirements, 8.1 GW planned for '25, are adding to the rising demand for natural gas Natural Gas Intelligence
Virginia
Dominion in its filing said the new plant would have four, 250-MW simple-cycle gas turbines, and would not need new pipelines or transmission infrastructure. Dominion said it expects construction would begin next year, with commercial operation of the plant expected in 2029. POWER
West Virginia
Coal industry in West Virginia criticizes FirstEnergy for plan to switch fuels at power plant West Virginia MetroNews
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Connecticut
Lamont said he's found at least one area where his interests and the president's align: Getting more power from nuclear and natural gas. The Connecticut Mirror
International
The pledge is expected to gain more support in the coming months from industries including maritime, aviation and oil and gas, said the World Nuclear Association, the nuclear industry group that facilitated the pledge. Reuters
International
The United States -- and allies with nuclear industries such as France and South Korea -- could further convert the commercial interest for non-Russian products into strategic wins by focusing on countries with Soviet-era reactors. Atlantic Council
International
Nuclear power plants in the US get a lot of uranium from Canada and prices could rise with tariffs. The Verge
Texas
The state has the technology and labor market for a major nuclear build-out, according to bill sponsors. Energywire
U.S.
Alphabet's Google unit struck a deal last October to buy power from small modular reactors under development by Kairos Power. CNBC
U.S.
Donald Trump's historic focus on building things needs to be extended to U.S. nuclear energy deployment if the new administration's professed desire to Unleash Commercial Nuclear Power is going to become a reality at home and abroad. The National Interest
U.S.
Google parent company Alphabet is seeking to reduce the cost of constructing new nuclear reactors by deploying a series of small modular reactors through its partnership with developer Kairos Power. NucNet
U.S.
Backers of small modular reactors say the technology will eventually be cheaper and faster than today's nuclear power plants because it would be built out of mass-produced parts rather than as massive bespoke projects. MSN
U.S.
Executives reported continued progress on NuScale's Romania power project and U.S. regulatory engagement for its modified reactor design. Utility Dive
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International
Who should pay for wake loss assessments, who should decide and which models to use are among key issues offshore wind developers are arguing about. Recharge
International
The power purchase agreement included unrealistic expectations about how much electricity the farm would produce around the clock. When there wasn't enough wind, or the turbines were offline, Markbygden Ett had to make up the difference by buying electricity on the spot market Bloomberg
International
Canadian moratorium is a response to calls from the fishing industry. CBC
Maine
Last year, Gov. Janet Mills announced that Sears Island is the preferred site for a designated port to support the state's goals to develop 3,000 megawatts of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine by 2040. News From The States
Massachusetts
Last year, RWE delayed investments in its U.S. offshore wind projects due to "market conditions and increased risk profile." Marketscreener
U.S.
The actual build out will depend heavily on what the Trump administration does next, following the President's recent executive order. Riviera Maritime
U.S.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's comments during a visit to a natural gas export terminal in Louisiana suggest the administration may apply less scrutiny to wind farms that have already secured federal permits and are under construction. Yahoo
U.S.
In the last decade, changing U.S. administrations have become increasingly tumultuous, as the swings in priorities and directives have a real, material impact on business. Read on for insights on the current and future of U.S. Offshore Wind. MarineLink
U.S.
A conversation with Katherine Kollins of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. Heatmap
Virginia
Officials hope the site will help make Hampton Roads a hub for offshore wind development along the East Coast. WHRO
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U.S.
Burgum explained how the Energy Dominance Council works to the audience. Renewable Energy World
U.S.
Chris Wright claims industry can raise output even if crude falls to $50 a barrel, as administration has suggested. Financial Times
U.S.
Bosses warn potential consumer benefits would be offset by squeezed domestic shale industry. Financial Times
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Alaska
Alaska Renewables has proposed wind projects that would provide a chunk of power along the Alaska Railbelt, reducing demand for natural gas from Cook Inlet that's set to run short starting in 2027, likely leading to costly imports. Anchorage Daily News
Oklahoma
Italian renewables giant was previously ordered to remove 84 wind turbines built on Osage Nation land without proper permit. Recharge
U.S.
Many have claimed that noises from wind turbines can affect people's health or, in the words of US President Donald Trump, drive people 'crazy.' Recharge
U.S.
Utility had alleged main bearings of GE Vernova turbines had completely failed after just a few years in lawsuit. Recharge
U.S.
What these kill numbers add up to is a secret that should be public information. Is it hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands? tippinsights
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Illinois
The state is working on its third major climate bill in the last decade, after the past two propelled solar deployment and clean jobs. Canary Media
International
The world's largest producer of climate-warming greenhouse gas said it would develop new offshore wind farms and accelerate the construction of "new energy bases" across its vast desert areas Reuters
International
The shift could drive an emissions spike. Grist
New York
The utility that serves New York City and Westchester County has filed a request to raise its rates to help pay for the shift to cleaner energy, sparking dismay among residents. The New York Times
North Carolina
As Congress weighs budget cuts, advocates work to convince Republicans not to eliminate federal clean energy programs. Canary Media
Texas
Renewables and batteries are playing an increasingly crucial role for the state in the shoulder season, when coal and gas plants fall offline in large numbers. Canary Media
U.S.
Still, the renewables industry faces potential upheaval at the hands of the Trump administration. NPR
U.S.
Fossil fuels industry should collaborate more closely with NGOs to help ensure acceptance of low-carbon energy projects -- including carbon capture and storage -- amidst a shift in the US political paradigm, panellists said Wednesday at CERAWeek. Carbon Pulse
U.S.
Solar, wind and storage developers' confidence is waning with the threat to the IRA. Wood Mackenzie
U.S.
The uncertainty created by the funding freeze has affected projects at "various stages of development," a clean energy executive said on a recent press call. ESG Dive
U.S.
New England's energy path the past few decades has been as twisty-turny as a gravel road through the Green Mountains of deepest, darkest Vermont. RBN Energy
U.S.
Experts say that President Trump may be able to slow the transition away from fossil fuels, but he won't be able to stop it completely. The New York Times
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U.S.
Despite the down year, Wood Mackenzie forecasts the market to more than triple in size by 2035. pv magazine
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Florida
The Sunshine State built more large-scale solar than California last year and was again No. 2 for residential, despite state leadership opposed to climate action. Canary Media
International
A research team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has evaluated over 70,000 power measurements on photovoltaic modules that have been carried out in the institute's calibration laboratory, CalLab PV Modules, since 2012. Tech Xplore
U.S.
The added capacity for the year was the most from any single source in more than two decades. The New York Times
U.S.
The polysilicon to PV panel supply chain has been elusive to this point, with polysilicon being a huge barrier. Solar Builder
U.S.
According to the U.S. Solar Market Insight 2024 Year in Review report by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie, solar and storage account for 84% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid last year. Solar Power World
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U.S.
"There is simply no physical way that wind, solar and batteries could replace the myriad uses of natural gas," Energy Secretary Chris Wright said at S&P Global's CERAWeek. Utility Dive
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California
It's now been nearly two months since the Moss Landing fire of 16 January, 2025, but the local and industry-wide ramifications of the event may be felt for some time. Energy Storage News
California
More batteries, better safety measures, and policy shifts are defining the next phase of energy storage in the world's fifth-largest economy. pv magazine
International
In this report, our lawyers outline key developments and emerging trends that will shape the energy storage market in 2025 and beyond. Morgan Lewis
International
Its demise leaves Europe without a home-grown champion to compete with Chinese battery-makers. Energywire
International
To enhance the use of green energy and lessen reliance on fossil-fuel-based grid electricity, combining battery energy storage systems (BESS) with hybrid solar and wind power systems is a practical solution. pv magazine
Massachusetts
Fourth Power's thermal batteries offer several advantages over lithium ones. Inc.
Michigan
The Gotion case shows the disconnect between national economic goals and local concerns, especially in communities wary of globalization and foreign investment. Rest of World
Tennessee
Once completed, the state-of-the-art energy complex will deliver 750 megawatts of combined cycle natural gas, 800 megawatts of flex-fuel aeroderivative turbines, 100 megawatts of battery storage and up to four megawatts of solar, which is enough electricity to power about 900,000 homes. PR Newswire
U.S.
Another year of growth in the utility-scale storage market also marked a second consecutive year of record lows in the installed cost of lithium-ion batteries. However, trade actions and changes to tax policy have the potential to increase costs and dampen short-term growth. Morgan Lewis
U.S.
Industry leaders are cautiously optimistic about the state of U.S. energy storage despite a murky landscape. pv magazine
U.S.
The Tehachapi Energy Storage Project in California shows how large-scale lithium-ion batteries may promote renewable integration and grid stability. Reve
U.S.
Preliminary rulings on new countervailing and antidumping duties on certain Chinese components are expected this month, on top of President Trump's decision to increase tariffs on China by a further 10% from March 4, representing a 20% tariff since he began his second term. Reuters
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Ohio
The Grange Solar project would have brought millions of dollars in economic benefits to the area, but state regulatory staff deemed it not in the public interest. Canary Media
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U.S.
Beyond Trump's executive order, the wind industry is hurting from uncertainty around potential import tariffs and the fate of the tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest climate investment in US history. CNN
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