Welcome to NetZero Insider’s latest Resources Intelligence Report.
We lead off with an update on the floating offshore wind research array planned by the state of Maine. The concept has faced a number of challenges, not least of which has been recent federal policy shifts. The prospective developer has broken off negotiations, citing recent changes in the energy industry landscape. John Cropley has the story.
New York has released the first iteration of its Grid of the Future Plan, an effort to move the state toward greater use of flexible resources to meet future power needs in an affordable, reliable manner. That is not a simple goal, and the report suggests several potential improvements to the process of pursuing it. Cropley reports that the second iteration is due by the end of this year.
The New York Power Authority is spending $206 million to buy a parcel of land in New York City that has had a convoluted recent history. An aging gas-fired power plant was torn down when plans for a new gas plant were rejected, then the site was sold to an offshore wind developer that subsequently withdrew its proposal for the site and is now selling to NYPA, which has not specified an exact use but expects it to be clean energy-related. Cropley has the details.
We have gathered dozens of stories from other media outlets on net-zero resources. Here are a few thematically linked selections:
All this and much more is gathered in this week’s Intelligence Report:
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U.S.
Big Oil and the Farm Belt's biofuels makers are traditional competitors for share in the multibillion-dollar U.S. gasoline market. The Western Producer
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U.S.
Pairing carbon capture with natural gas-fired generation could prove cost-competitive with other baseload options, like nuclear and battery storage. Utility Dive
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International
Last year was a record two decade-low for global coal-fired power plant additions, with just 44 gigawatts of new capacity and 25.2 GW retired for a net gain of 18.8 GW, or a total increase of 1%, a think tank said Thursday. Carbon Pulse
Montana
The facility, in Colstrip, Mont., used a new EPA system for requesting special waivers from President Trump. The New York Times
Ohio
The legislation would strip away utility payments that have cost ratepayers almost $700 million. Energywire
U.S.
The president has put his weight behind boosting coal, but trade associations and the nation's largest union say recent policies spell trouble. Greenwire
Wyoming
Neighboring towns of Kemmerer and Diamondville navigate an uncertain future for coal while holding out hope for nuclear energy. WyoFile
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U.S.
Article argues that VPPs are a great resource to meet demand growth as they are cheap and quick to stand up T&D World
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International
Westwood's research indicates that only 17% (less than a fifth) of the EU's hydrogen pipeline may come online by 2030 without addressing policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and demand-side mandates. Offshore Energy
International
Tariffs may reshuffle supply chains and increase short-term costs, to spelling trade retaliation and undermining global decarbonization. Hydrogen Fuel News
U.S.
Nearly 30 senators write scathing letter to US energy secretary in support of billions of dollars of already-agreed cash for H2 Hubs. Hydrogen Insight
U.S.
Why maintaining US energy leadership requires a robust and sizeable hydrogen market. Rocky Mountain Institute
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International
Whether due to drought, prices, or politics, the weekslong disappearance of Canadian hydropower from New England's grid exposes risks for the region. Canary Media
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California
The region is already a hotspot for air pollution, with residents suffering from asthma and lung disease due to airborne contaminants like arsenic, selenium, and pesticides. MSN
Nevada
The Thacker Pass project is a joint venture between Lithium Americas and US automaker General Motors. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed in late 2027. Mining.com
Oregon
The federal government is proposing to allow an Australian company to explore for lithium on the Oregon-Nevada border and it's giving the public scant time to respond. MSN
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International
Canada is about to ship its first LNG exports as ship is in its waters and will take gas from site in British Columbia. Offshore Energy
International
Europe needs 250 cargoes, $11 billion, to refill gas storage after cold winter last year. Reuters
International
Global gas demand is at decade high largely due to Asian imports Natural Gas Intelligence
International
Shell plans to become a major player in LNG as oil demand drops Barron's
International
Trump wants to sell more gas, but plans to expand LNG capability here and in the Persian Gulf could cut global LNG prices Barron's
U.S.
U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas represent the largest source of natural gas demand growth in our March 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO). Energy Information Administration
U.S.
Trump appointees axing requirement that LNG facilities start exporting seven years after winning approval U.S. News & World Report
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Puerto Rico
The microgrid will produce power that is more reliable, less expensive and cleaner than power generally delivered from the public grid. Marine Link
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U.S.
They haven't even been announced yet, but the idea that they will has sent prices soaring. Heatmap
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Alaska
After selling his state's gas to East Asian countries, Alaska Gov is poised to update President Trump on efforts, after tariffs against those countries were put in place. Reuters
International
All three major OEMs -- GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Mitsubishi Power -- have reported record backlogs. POWER
Maine
Unitil is expanding operations in Maine, buying natural gas utility from Avangrid citybiz
Pennsylvania
Public health advocates assessing Josh Shapiro's first two years as Pennsylvania's governor concluded that he hasn't done enough to protect residents from the damaging effects of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas -- despite charting a road map for such actions almost five years ago while he was attorney general. Inside Climate News
Texas
Tokyo Gas secures Texas gas fields from Chevron for $66 million Nikkei Asia
U.S.
Trump tariffs leave oil, gas and other refined products out, sparing international energy trade for now Reuters
U.S.
In 2024, U.S. natural gas consumption averaged a record 90.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) and set new winter and summer monthly records in January and July, according to data in our Natural Gas Monthly. Overall, U.S. consumption last year increased 1% (0.9 Bcf/d) from 2023. Energy Information Administration
U.S.
Gas futures were up after Trump's Liberation Day - some insulation from trade fights for now MSN
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International
Atomic energy is becoming the preferred solution to address the projected bump in megawatts needed to charge AI in the future, but it simply won't come soon enough in many cases. The Register
International
The Indian government in its budget last month set a target for five indigenous small modular reactors. US firm Holtec has thrown its hat into the ring but is yet to build and commission a small reactor. Strategic News Global
Pennsylvania
On the 46th anniversary of the power plant's partial meltdown, opponents pledged to continue their fight against a planned restart of one nuclear unit. Supporters said the restart is needed amid a surge in power demand. Inside Climate News
U.S.
U.S. states are leading a new wave of investment in advanced nuclear energy, aiming to boost energy security, support industrial growth, and revitalize local economies. The National Interest
U.S.
Shareholders claim audit firm helped hide difficulties at South Carolina power project. Financial Times
U.S.
The prospects for nuclear are indeed brightening, but it is still more expensive and far slower to build than renewables. The upstart approach of making smaller, identikit reactors will struggle even harder to close that gap. Reuters
U.S.
Advanced reactor designs from competing firms are filling up the federal government's regulatory pipeline as the industry touts them as a reliable, climate-friendly way to meet electricity demands from tech giants desperate to power their fast-growing artificial intelligence platforms. The Associated Press
U.S.
NRC's approval of the primary design criteria provides a clear path to licensing the eVinci microreactor for deployment, and simplifies and streamlines the licensing process for customers, the company said. Daily Energy Insider
U.S.
Tech companies and policymakers are betting big on small modular reactors to revive the long-stagnant U.S. nuclear industry and power a boom in artificial intelligence. E&E News
U.S.
SMRs could help meet an expected surge in U.S. electricity demand coming from the expansion of power-hungry data centers but they are still in the development stage and unlikely to become commercially available until at least the end of the decade. Reuters
U.S.
Bringing new nuclear "down the cost curve" requires design standardization and continued support from federal clean energy tax credits, the consultancy said in a white paper. Utility Dive
U.S.
Both the final cost of $36 billion and 15-year schedule were more than double original estimates. POWER
U.S.
Increasing demand for power is leading lawmakers to promote an energy source that's languished for decades. Governing
Vermont
Vermont law sets out a path to phase out nuclear power entirely in the next decade, but the Scott administration sees small nuclear reactors as a promising new source of carbon-free electricity. VTDigger
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International
First shipwrecks. Then oil rigs. Now, it's offshore wind turbines that are becoming artificial reefs for creatures from haddock to lobster. Canary Media
International
Interest for the upcoming tender for three sites in the North Sea is "very low", the Dutch climate ministry said on Monday. Energy firms Eneco and Orsted have already said they will not join the tender in September, as they see no viable business case without subsidies. Baird Maritime
International
The final blades for the 21.5-MW prototype offshore turbine were installed April 2 at the ?sterild test center in northern Denmark. POWER
Louisiana
Wind energy has gained some momentum in Louisiana, where there has been bipartisan support for policy to launch the alternative power source off its coast. But that push faces hostility from the Trump administration, which has halted all offshore wind energy development in federal waters for the time being. Louisiana Illuminator
Maine
The New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association has been a vocal opponent of offshore wind and relied on funding from a right-wing advocacy group connected to one of the most influential conservative activists in the U.S. Connecticut Public Radio
Maine
The University of Maine has launched a quarter-scale prototype of a floating wind turbine base that researchers hope will pave the way for commercial-scale wind power development in the Gulf of Maine. Bangor Daily News
Massachusetts
The appeal was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The plaintiffs are targeting the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, claiming it violated federal law by permitting the project. WBUR
Massachusetts
Negotiating pricing deal is proving difficult amid federal uncertainty. CommonWealth Beacon
U.S.
Legal challenges, economic factors and Trump administration policies are all creating problems for commercial wind farms. Governing
U.S.
The agency, led by Trump loyalist Lee Zeldin, just revoked one offshore wind farm's permit. Now anti-wind groups are trying to leverage a Republican-run EPA. Canary Media
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Georgia
More than a dozen college students from Emory University showed up to a Georgia Public Service Commission hearing to oppose Georgia Power's latest proposed 20-year energy plan. The Telegraph
International
The levies are expected to drive up costs for U.S. companies that rely on renewable energy technology from abroad and scramble supply chains worldwide. The New York Times
New York
According to the company, an incentives program of over $161 million helped more than 338,000 customers in NYC and nearby lower their energy use and save money in 2024. amNewYork
Texas
The Lone Star State has dominated solar and storage development thanks to its competitive energy market. A new bill could derail that. Canary Media
U.S.
They remain in limbo as USDA demands grant rewrites favoring fossil fuels over renewables. Mother Jones
U.S.
Pittsburgh International Airport avoids power outages and reduces its energy costs by generating electricity on site using natural gas and solar panels. The New York Times
U.S.
The components used to assemble wind turbines are made by suppliers around the globe. The New York Times
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Mississippi
The Mississippi Public Service Commission unanimously voted to lift the stay after the state government did not receive any Solar for All funding from the federal government. pv magazine
Nevada
The cost of rooftop solar remains out of reach for many, and development of Nevada's modified community solar program continues to lag. Nevada Public Radio
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Alaska
The Village of Solomon, a tribal corporation based in the Nome Census Area, is hoping to boost its energy security and lower fuel costs by installing nine solar arrays over the next several years. KTUU
International
Some of the highest reciprocal tariff rates target Southeast Asian countries with already high antidumping/countervailing duties on solar cell and panels. Solar Power World
International
Community and utility-scale solar and energy storage developer Emeren Group announced it formed a special committee to evaluate a "going private proposal" it received this month. The committee will evaluate the buyout offer from an undisclosed group. pv magazine
Iowa
Considering the ample room solar energy has to grow in Iowa, Johnson County businesses, public officials, and advocates have come together to launch the Johnson County Solar Task Force. The Daily Iowan
Mississippi
The Mississippi Public Service Commission voted unanimously to lift a stay on programs offering incentives for solar power. The same commission voted to suspend the programs last April. Mississippi Today
U.S.
The 2012, 2014, and 2022 tariffs affecting solar imports were based on the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930. That law, known as Smoot-Hawley, is widely viewed as the most protectionist in the history of U.S. protectionist acts. pv magazine
U.S.
Tariffs of 10% are applied to most products from most countries, but energy and energy products, steel, and aluminum are exempt, as tariffs have already been applied. pv magazine
U.S.
Despite a modest 2% increase since November, the market continues to navigate complex shifts driven by evolving trade policies and buyer caution. Solar Builder
U.S.
The Center for Biodiversity evaluated six investor-owned utilities for recent activities, earnings and demonstrated attitude toward distributed clean energy. pv magazine
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California
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) intends to award up to $43 million in Microgrid Incentive Program grant funding for the development of nine new community-driven microgrids throughout its Northern and Central California service area. pv magazine
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California
The model for regulators comes after a fire burned for several days at the Moss Landing battery storage facility near Santa Cruz. E&E News
California
ACP's Battery Storage Blueprint for Safety outlines key actions and policy recommendations for state and local jurisdictions to regulate battery storage, enforce the country's most rigorous safety standards, and ensure coordination on safety and emergency response in all communities. Solar Builder
International
Cooling demand and policy uncertainty are forcing companies to slow expansion plans. Chemical & Engineering News
International
Recycling provides economic, national security, and environmental benefits. But the United States is playing catch-up to Asian countries, particularly China. Grist
International
Sodium batteries (aka sodium-ion batteries) deploy salt and other inexpensive, abundant materials. They are also non-flammable and nontoxic. Transferring those attributes into long-lasting, high-performing energy storage systems has been a work in progress, with excess weight among the obstacles. Now all that hard work is beginning to pay off and sodium batteries are beginning to emerge on the market, both for stationary energy storage and mobility applications. CleanTechnica
International
Stationary energy storage is a big part of Tesla's business, and competitive new technologies in that space are beginning to surge into the market just as the company lays plans to increase its Megapack output in the U.S. CleanTechnica
International
Donald Trump has announced his sweeping 'Liberation Day' global tariffs, with another new China tariff resulting in an effective doubling of the price of batteries and BESS imported from there to the US. Energy Storage News
Massachusetts
Considering the recent attention to the spike in utility bills, and particularly the added fees related to climate policies, the new industrial battery mandate should be executed with the tangible costs to ratepayers and taxpayers in mind, writes Laurie Belsito, policy director at Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. CommonWealth Beacon
New York
The New York State Public Service Commission approved the draft Bulk Energy Storage Program Implementation Plan filed by the public-benefit corporation New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Energy Storage News
Texas
The 1 million-square-foot facility will allow Tesla to build more Megapack battery storage units. It will be the third manufacturing plant that produces them The Cool Down
U.S.
We hear from XL Batteries and Quino Energy, 'organic' chemistry flow battery technology companies, about how they plan to scale up and reduce costs to compete with lithium-ion. Energy Storage News
U.S.
Across the country, companies have been installing giant batteries that help them use more wind and solar power. That's about to get much harder. The New York Times
U.S.
The three main pillars of the argument in favor of second-life BESS are performance, energy security, and the circular economy. POWER
U.S.
As part of the plan, Stryten said it also will increase domestic processing capacity of recycled plastic from spent batteries. Hart Energy
U.S.
A Roth Capital Partners survey of residential solar and storage installers revealed a market shift away from the leading home battery provider. pv magazine
U.S.
The president's steep tariffs and plans to roll back tax credits could hobble one of the fastest-growing sources of dispatchable electricity. E&E News
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California
The project uses a variety of tools to study just how much water can be saved -- and how much electricity can be generated. ABC30 Fresno
New York
The New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation will construct and operate the 20 MW Somers Solar project in Fort Edward, New York. pv magazine
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