[USA] NY Gov. Hochul enacts gas ban and carbon trading program

On May 3, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed the FY 2024 Budget, which included several measures designed to accelerate the state’s shift away from fossil fuels, into law.[1] Included in the $229 billion budget is the nation’s first statewide ban on natural gas and other fossil fuels in new buildings, with the requirement coming into effect for new construction in 2025.[2] In addition, the budget includes the first cap-and-invest program on the East Coast. It authorizes the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to act as a developer of renewable power facilities and requires six peaker plants in New York City operated by NYPA to be shut down by 2030. The budget also allocates $400 million to provide relief to residents experiencing high electric bills as well as lowering energy burdens through electrifications and retrofits. New York has one of the most ambitious climate plans in the U.S. The state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, almost half of which must be reached by 2030.

[1] https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-highlights-historic-fy-2024-new-york-state-budget

[2] Hospitals, critical infrastructure, and commercial food establishments are exempt. Buildings where the local grid is not capable of handling the load are also exempt.

[USA] New Jersey initiates process for second offshore wind transmission solicitation

On April 26, 2023, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) requested that PJM Interconnection include New Jersey’s current public policy of 11 GW of offshore wind by 2040 into the grid operator’s Regional Transmission Expansion Planning (RTEP) using their State Agreement Approach (SAA).[1] The SAA is a transmission-building tool established by PJM to allow states in its territory to plan and pay for their own power lines, preventing a more complex development plan involving cost-sharing with other states. The SAA was used previously by New Jersey for another set of transmission projects. SAA 2.0 will solicit proposals to develop an additional 3.5 GW needed at the Deans 500 kV substation to reach the state’s new 11 GW goal. Transmission developers will be allowed to propose cost-effective alternative points of interconnection as well. The Deans 500 kV substation was identified for SAA 2.0 due to its location near load centers, accessibility to offshore wind lease areas, and its capability to accommodate the desired injection.

[1] https://nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/2023/approved/20230426.html

[USA] Environmental groups sue for oil and gas leasing phaseout on federal lands

On April 25, 2023, environmental groups[1] sued the U.S. Department of the Interior for failure to respond to a January 2022 rulemaking petition to phase out oil and gas development on federal lands[2]. More than 360 groups signed the initial petition, which asked the Biden administration to enact a policy framework to phase out nearly all oil and gas development on federal lands by 2035.[3] According to the press release announcing the lawsuit, research published since this petition shows that developed countries must end oil and gas extraction by 2031 to avoid the negative effects of warming 1.5 degrees Celsius, the target the United Nations has set to prevent some of the worst potential climate impacts. In the two years since coming to office, the Biden administration has approved 6,430 permits for oil and gas drilling on public lands, outpacing the Trump administration.

Under the Administrative Procedure Act, federal agencies are required to initiate rulemaking or provide a substantive response to rulemaking petitions within a reasonable timeframe. The lawsuit alleges that the Biden administration’s failure to respond to the petition is an unreasonable delay, citing the urgency of the climate crisis.

[1] Center for Biological Diversity, Wildearth Guardians, and Friends of the Earth

[2] https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/lawsuit-targets-us-delay-on-petition-to-phase-out-public-lands-oil-drilling-2023-04-25/

[3] https://biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/energy/dirty_energy_development/pdfs/Petition-to-Phase-Down-Fossil-Fuel-Production-on-Public-Lands-and-Water-19-Jan-2022.pdf

[USA] Coalition urges Congress to include critical transmission funding in FY 2024 budget

A coalition of over 40 clean energy organizations, environmental groups, developers, manufacturers, labor and consumer groups, and other nonprofits[1] sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 24, 2023, urging Congress to provide robust funding for high-capacity transmission deployment and research through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fiscal Year 2024 budget.[2] The organizations highlighted the new research, such as the DOE’s draft Transmission Needs Study, emphasizing the “pressing need for additional electric transmission infrastructure” in nearly all regions of the country. The letter states that increased funding for the Grid Deployment Office (GDO), Office of Electricity (OE), and Energy Information Administration (EIA) “is critical to drive substantial clean energy deployment, unleash billions in private investment, create thousands of new jobs, deliver low-cost energy to benefit customers, and substantially reduce emissions.”

Specifically, the organizations encouraged Congress to consider funding for the GDO to support innovative efforts to address planning and permitting challenges to enable a resilient and reliable electricity system; support for GDO to designate National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors on a route-specific, applicant-driven basis; funding for the OE to help ensure the electric grid is resilient to increasingly severe weather, cyber, and physical attacks; robust investment in the Transmission Reliability and Resilience and Applied Grid Transformation Solutions programs; and additional funding for the EIA to upgrade its emissions data dashboard.

[1] American Clean Power Association, American Council on Renewable Energy, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, BlueGreen Alliance, Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Cypress Creek Renewables, Enel North America, Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Innergex Renewable Energy, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Unit 1245, Invenergy, Longroad Energy, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, NextEra Energy Transmission, Niskanen Center, Onward Energy, Pattern Energy, Pine Gate Renewables, Sol Systems, Solar Energy Industries Association, SOLV Energy, TPI Composites, VEIR, and Vestas-American Wind Technology.

[2] https://cleanpower.org/news/40-organizations-call-on-congress-to-include-critical-transmission-funding-in-fy-2024-budget/

[USA] EDF study finds utilities, fleet owners, consumers benefit when utilities cover infrastructure costs to support EV charging

According to a new report released on April 14, 2023, by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), an international nonprofit focused on solutions to environmental problems, utilities covering the cost of infrastructure upgrades needed for fleet charging can increase their revenue without raising electricity rates.[1] Large-scale electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is essential for the U.S. to meet its climate goals. However, the cost of upgrading the electrical infrastructure required to make a commercial site ready for EV charging, called “make-ready,” can account for up to 30% of the total cost of charging for fleets. Most U.S. utilities and regulators have been reluctant to finance these grid upgrades due to fears that it will lead to increasing everyone's electricity rates to pay for them.

The analysis, conducted for EDF by Synapse Energy Economics, uses two New York State utilities—Con Edison and National Grid—as case studies. It found that if utilities cover the make-ready cost for both private and municipal fleets, the investment will pay off for utilities and have a positive to neutral impact on ratepayers in both utility service areas. The study finds that with managed charging— the practice of aligning EV charging during times when clean, affordable electricity is most abundant — Con Edison’s make-ready program generates $1.1 billion in net revenue between 2023-2045, while National Grid’s program generates $141 million in the same time period. Managed charging is the practice of aligning EV charging during times when clean, affordable electricity is most abundant, reducing stress on the larger grid and mitigating pollution from power plants. Even without managed charging, the analysis found that investing in make-ready programs still had a positive to neutral impact. In addition, EDF contends that the results can be applied to states across the country due to the nature of the utilities studied; the two New York utilities are at opposite ends of the spectrum regarding grid costs, electricity demand profiles, and region.

[1] https://www.edf.org/media/worth-investment-report-finds-utilities-fleet-owners-consumers-benefit-when-utilities-cover

[USA] PJM asks FERC to help resolve generator complaints about Winter Storm Elliott penalties

On April 14, 2023, PJM Interconnect asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to help lead discussions to resolve eight pending complaints against the grid operator by power plant owners over penalties for failing to meet their capacity obligations during December 2022 Winter Storm Elliott.[1] At the peak of Winter Storm Elliott, about 57,000 MW were offline in PJM’s footprint.[2] About 63% of all outages were natural gas-fired power plants, 28% coal, 4% oil, 2% nuclear, 1% hydroelectric, and about 1% other. According to a fact sheet released by PJM, about 200 market participants face roughly $1.8 billion in performance penalties for falling short of their required power deliveries on December 23 and 24.

In the request, PJM said FERC should appoint one or more settlement judges to help PJM, the complainants, and the intervenors resolve as many of the non-performance charge disputes as possible. PJM said it plans to answer each complaint and show that in each case, the assessed non-performance charges follow its tariff; that the relevant tariff provisions are just and reasonable, assuming they are even open to challenge; and that PJM properly invoked its emergency procedures. However, PJM noted that it recognizes there are benefits to a quick resolution to the dispute.

[1] https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_number=20230414-5132&optimized=false

[2] https://www.pjm.com/-/media/markets-ops/winter-storm-elliott/faq-winter-storm-elliott.ashx

[USA] NARUC, NASEO launch Advanced Nuclear State Collaborative

On April 10, 2023, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) announced the launch of the Advanced Nuclear State Collaborative (ANSC), a program to support the deployment of new nuclear generation in the U.S.[1] The program is supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) and will gather state utility regulators and state energy officials to enhance collective understanding of regulatory and policy questions surrounding reviews and deployment of new nuclear generation. The organizations invited states that are considering or actively working toward deploying advanced reactors to join ANSC because membership offers an opportunity for direct support from nuclear experts while participating in real-time peer learning. More than 30 utility commissions and state energy offices representing 23 states have signed on to join the ANSC. Program activities began in March 2023 with introductory calls from NARUC and NASEO to members, and a site visit to Richland, Washington, is scheduled for late April 2023.

[1] https://www.naruc.org/about-naruc/press-releases/new-naruc-naseo-advanced-nuclear-state-collaborative-helps-better-inform-state-approaches-to-new-nuclear-generation/

[USA] BLM gives final approval for $3B TransWest Express transmission project

On April 11, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) gave final approval, allowing for construction to begin on the TransWest Express transmission project. The BLM started reviewing the project in 2008.[1] The $3 billion transmission project is designed to deliver 3,000 MW of onshore wind generation from Wyoming to California and the Southwest. The 732-mile, bi-directional TransWest Express project is slated to run from a 600-turbine wind farm in Wyoming’s Carbon County to the Eldorado substation in southern Nevada in three segments. The project includes a 3,000-MW direct current (DC) segment between Wyoming and Utah and two 1,500-MW alternating current (AC) segments from Utah to the south of Las Vegas, NV. The project is being developed by TransWest Express LLC, a subsidiary of the Anschutz Corp. TransWest expects the first stage of its project will be completed in 2027. The full 3,000 MW line is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

[1] https://www.transwestexpress.net/news/docs/BLM-Notice-to-Proceed-041123.pdf

[USA] Southeast Hydrogen Hub submits application to DOE for green hydrogen funding

On April 11, 2023, the Southeast Hydrogen Hub coalition announced it had applied to the Department of Energy (DOE) for funding to build a green hydrogen network spanning six states and including five major utilities.[1] Specifically, members of the coalition include Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Louisville Gas & Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company (LG&E and KU), Southern Company, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Battelle. The coalition’s goal is to develop a regional hydrogen hub that will allow members to deploy green hydrogen as a decarbonization solution for customers and communities. According to the press release, a hydrogen hub in the Southeastern U.S. could help in decarbonization efforts in the region and bring development benefits and jobs. The effort has the backing of lawmakers from both parties, including Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

The coalition is seeking funding from the $8 billion made available by the DOE through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create regional clean hydrogen hubs. The Southeast Hydrogen Hub coalition was one of 79 potential hubs to submit initial concept papers to the DOE in 2022. In late December 2022, the DOE issued notices to the coalition and 32 other applicants, encouraging them to proceed with submitting full applications by April 7, 2023. Final funding decisions are expected by the fall of 2023.

[1] https://www.tva.com/newsroom/press-releases/southeast-hydrogen-hub-coalition-submits-formal-application-for-funding-to-the-u.s.-department-of-energy

[USA] GAO warns of growing threats to U.S hydropower

On March 30, 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report finding that four power marketing administrations (PMAs)—Bonneville Power Administration, Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA), Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)—face increasing risks from climate change and must prepare for these vulnerabilities.[1] The four PMAs are run by the Department of Energy (DOE) and sell electricity generated from federal hydropower dams to public utilities, rural cooperatives, and Indian Tribes in over 30 states. These entities face risks to their operations, including reduced dam generation due to drought conditions and extreme heat, wildfires, and extreme storms. Reduced generation could raise power prices and reduce deliveries of low-emission hydroelectricity. Despite this, GAO found that two of the PMAs missed a DOE deadline to write assessments on the risks associated with climate change and develop plans to address them. WAPA and SEPA said that staffing issues contributed to the delay but that they would prepare them before the end of 2023.

[1] https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106224?utm_campaign=usgao_email&utm_content=daybook&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

[USA] ESIG report: EV charging plans should consider grid needs

According to a new report released by the Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG), a nonprofit focused on grid transformation, on April 4, 2023, state transportation plans created to access funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program do not consider the locational needs of the U.S. power grid.[1] The NEVI program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and provides $5 billion to states to develop a national electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved plans submitted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in 2022.

As EV sales increase and charging stations are built, new demands will be placed on electric utilities. ESIG’s report, titled “Leveraging Locational and Temporal Flexibility in Transportation Electrification to Benefit Power Systems,” examined how locationally flexible demand from EVs could be used to address grid needs. It considered potential use cases and their challenges, identified key questions around designing incentives, and offered ideas for regulators and policymakers as they work to support EV infrastructure. The report finds that “Well-managed electrification across the distribution and transmission systems can reduce overall costs and emissions, improve equity outcomes, and help smooth variability in wind and solar generation.” Optimally connecting EV loads means charging site planning “should consider transmission and distribution constraints and locations where customers can take advantage of lower power prices.”

[1] https://www.esig.energy/leveraging-locational-and-temporal-flexibility-in-transportation-electrification-to-benefit-power-systems/

[USA] DOE releases reports highlighting commercialization paths for long-duration storage, advanced nuclear, clean hydrogen

On March 21, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the launch of its Pathways to Commercial Liftoff, a series of reports charting pathways to commercialize long-duration storage[1], advanced nuclear reactors, and clean hydrogen.[2] The reports are designed to help the private sector and other stakeholders make decisions about emerging technologies that are needed to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. Each report highlights possible solutions to the challenges facing the technologies and routes to commercialization. Additional reports are expected in the coming months.

The reports concluded that by 2030, cumulative investments must increase from approximately $40 billion to $300 billion across the hydrogen, nuclear, and long-duration energy storage sectors. In the clean hydrogen report, the DOE found that production for U.S. demand could grow from about 1 million metric tons a year to about 10 MMT/year in 2030. However, despite increased investor engagement and project announcements, the DOE report states that infrastructure buildout, demand uncertainty, workforce development, and other challenges to at-scale adoption need to be addressed for clean hydrogen to realize its full potential. 

In the long-duration storage report, the DOE found that the U.S. grid may need 225 GW to 460 GW of long-duration storage to support power markets for a net zero economy by 2060, representing $330 billion in capital spending. To reach commercial viability, technological progress, cost reductions, and an increase in public and private investment must be achieved. For advanced nuclear reactors, the DOE found that U.S. nuclear capacity could triple by 2050 from about 100 GW today. The report identified several obstacles, including increasing deployment of mature technologies and building efficient and timely delivery models.

[1] The DOE defines long-duration storage as resources that can provide continuous energy for 10 hours to about 160 hours.

[2] https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-releases-new-reports-pathways-commercial-liftoff-accelerate-clean-energy-technologies

[USA] Avangrid signs 240 MW solar PPA with Meta

On March 20, 2023, Avangrid, a U.S. subsidiary of Spanish utility Iberdrola, announced that it has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Meta to procure energy from its True North solar PV project.[1] True North is a 240 MW solar farm under development in Falls County, Texas, and Avangrid’s first solar facility in the state. The solar farm will deliver 240 MW of solar energy to Meta once it reaches commercial operations in early 2025. According to Avangrid, the project will create over 200 local jobs during its construction and operation and generate over $40 million in property taxes over 25 years.

Since 2020, Meta’s global operations have been supported by 100% renewable energy. The True North project will support Meta’s upcoming data center in nearby Temple, Texas, their second data center in Texas. With more than 8.6 GW of installed renewable capacity, including 1.1 GW of solar projects operating and under construction, Avangrid is the third largest renewable energy operator in the U.S. the company has more than 25 GW of clean energy under development, including solar, onshore wind, offshore wind, and battery energy storage.

[1] https://www.avangrid.com/w/avangrid-to-support-meta-s-operations-in-texas-with-new-240-mw-solar-farm

[USA] PG&E reaches 96% greenhouse gas-free electricity in 2022

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced on March 20, 2023, that its customers received 96% of their electricity from greenhouse gas-free sources in 2022, making PG&E’s mix among the cleanest electricity portfolios in the world.[1] About 40% of PG&E’s total electricity mix came from renewable resources such as biopower, small hydroelectric, solar, and wind power in 2022. 49% of electricity came from nuclear power generated by Diablo Canyon Power Plant and 7% came from large hydroelectric power.

According to the press release, PG&E was the first energy company to support the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which set the stage for the state's transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. PG&E is also planning to exceed the state's requirements under Senate Bill 100, which requires 60% renewables by 2030 and 100% renewables and zero-carbon resources by 2045. PG&E’s Climate Strategy Report outlines the company’s plan to meet California's carbon neutrality goals five years early in 2040 and remove more greenhouse gases than it emits by 2050. Going forward, PG&E plans to deploy thousands of battery energy storage projects through 2025 and beyond. PG&E has contracts for battery energy storage projects totaling more than 3,000 MW of capacity being deployed through 2025. The company is also working to enable electric vehicles to participate in vehicle-to-grid integration programs to support grid reliability and climate resilience.

[1] https://www.pge.com/en_US/about-pge/media-newsroom/news-details.page?pageID=58e51c06-83b5-4c6e-bfb2-c10eeae99d59&ts=1679514345499

[USA] Environmental groups file lawsuit against Biden administration over Willow project in Alaska

On March 14, 2023, Trustees for Alaska filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s approval of ConocoPhillips’ Willow project in Alaska.[1] The $8 billion project, approved on March 13, opens three new drilling areas in Alaska’s North Slope and is expected to produce about 600 million barrels of oil over the next 30 years. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a coalition of environmental and Indigenous groups, requested that the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska reverse the administration’s approval because the federal government had not considered the project’s climate risks and harm to wildlife. The lawsuit claims that the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) approval of the Willow project did not take the required "hard look" under the National Environmental Policy Act. They also claimed that BLM violated provisions of the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, procedural law, and other federal statutes. It also alleges that the Biden administration’s environmental review did not address all concerns raised by Judge Sharon Gleason when she blocked the project in 2021.

A similar lawsuit was filed by Earthjustice and the Natural Resources Defense Council on March 14, 2023, claiming that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries had failed to consider the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on two different species of seal.[2]

[1] https://trustees.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-Groups-take-Biden-administration-to-court-over-illegal-approval-of-massive-ConocoPhillips-Willow-proposal.pdf

[2] https://earthjustice.org/press/2023/conservation-groups-sue-to-stop-the-willow-oil-project-in-alaskas-western-arctic

[USA] DOT opens applications for first round of funding for EV charging in communities

On March 14, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) opened applications for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, a $2.5 billion five-year program to support community and neighborhood electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.[1] The program was created by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The first round of funding will make $700 million available from fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to cities, counties, local governments, and tribes. The funding is split into two grant funding categories: the Community Program and the Corridor Program. The Community Program provides $1.25 billion to deploy EV charging infrastructure and other alternative-vehicle fueling infrastructure in communities, while the Corridor Program provides $1.25 billion to deploy projects along designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs). Hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure are eligible under these programs.

The CFI grant program builds on the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and would further the Biden Administration’s goal of building a national network of 500,000 public EV charging stations and reducing national greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52 percent by 2030. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation will offer webinars for potential grant recipients in March and April. Applications for the grant are due by May 30, 2023.

[1] https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/cfi/

[USA] EPA releases new rule to reduce NOx emissions from powerplants, other sources in nearly a dozen states

On March 15, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Good Neighbor Plan to cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution from power plants and other industrial facilities in 23 states.[1] [2] The Good Neighbor Plan ensures that these states meet the Clean Air Act’s “Good Neighbor” requirements by reducing pollution that significantly contributes to problems attaining and maintaining EPA’s health-based air quality standard for ground-level ozone, known as EPA’s 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), in downwind states. The rule limits emissions of NOx during the summertime “ozone season” through a NOx allowance trading program for fossil fuel-fired power plants in 22 states and NOx emissions standards for certain sources within nine industry categories in 20 states.

Under the new rule, power plant owners in these states (except California), will face tighter NOx emissions requirements starting in the 2023 ozone season. Power plants without NOx emissions reduction equipment will have to install the equipment, and power plants with the equipment will be required to run it all the time during the ozone season to protect downwind areas. More reductions will be phased in starting in 2024 and reflect emissions levels that could be achieved through the installation of new emissions controls. In addition, beginning in the 2026 ozone season, the EPA is setting enforceable NOx emissions control requirements for certain sources at new and existing industrial facilities in 20 states. This plan will reduce ozone season NOx pollution by about 70,000 tons from power plants and industrial facilities in 2026.

[1] https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-final-good-neighbor-plan-cut-harmful-smog-protecting-health-millions

[2] Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

[USA] Constellation Energy starts hydrogen production at 1-MW demonstration scale nuclear-powered clean hydrogen facility

On March 7, 2023, Constellation announced that hydrogen production has started at the nation’s first 1 MW demonstration scale, nuclear-powered clean hydrogen production facility at Mile Point Nuclear Plant in Oswego, New York.[1] In 2022, the Department of Energy (DOE) approved moving forward with the construction and installation of an electrolyzer system at Nine Mile Point with an award of $5.8 million. The clean Hydrogen Generation System uses 1.25 MW of zero-carbon energy per hour to produce 560 kilograms of clean hydrogen per day. Constellation said this is “more than enough to meet the plant’s operation hydrogen use.” The Hydrogen Generation System’s Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzer was manufactured by Nel Hydrogen and utilizes electricity generated at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station to separate hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water. According to the press release, the demonstration project helps set the stage for possible large-scale deployments at other clean energy centers in Constellation’s fleet.

As part of its broader decarbonization strategy, Constellation is currently working with public and private entities representing every phase in the hydrogen value chain to pursue development of regional hydrogen production and distribution hubs. The company plans to invest $900 million through 2025 to advance commercial clean hydrogen production and is participating in the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), Northeast Clean Hydrogen Hub, and Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub, all of which are exploring projects to develop hydrogen infrastructure in collaboration with DOE.

[1] https://www.constellationenergy.com/newsroom/2023/Constellation-Starts-Production-at-Nations-First-One-Megawatt-Demonstration-Scale-Nuclear-Powered-Clean-Hydrogen-Facility.html

[USA] SEIA outlines plan to improve U.S. domestic solar supply chain

In a whitepaper released on March 8, 2023, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) outlines steps to secure a stronger domestic solar supply chain in the U.S. and reduce reliance on global imports, particularly from China.[1] The plan, titled “American Solar and Storage Manufacturing Renaissance: Managing the Transition Away from China”, lays out steps for reducing imports at a parallel pace with efforts to reshore manufacturing and scale domestic production in key parts of the supply chain. According to the whitepaper, the current policy environment is enough to meaningfully manufacture all elements of the solar supply chain in the U.S. in the medium and long term. However, the plan does not call for the U.S. to cut itself off fully from global markets, instead recommending reducing reliance on equipment and materials from China and other potential adversaries. SEIA stated that the U.S. could have the most competitive and collaborative solar and energy storage industry by 2030.

In addition to the report, SEIA released an interactive map that tracks new and existing solar and storage facilities in the U.S. The map includes new solar manufacturing investments, such as those made since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). It incorporates facilities across the solar and storage value chain, including facilities that produce raw materials, solar module assembly factories, and component facilities. According to SEIA analysis, the IRA is projected to grow the solar manufacturing workforce in the U.S. from about 34,000 jobs today to more than 115,000 jobs by 2030.

[1] https://www.seia.org/news/us-solar-and-storage-paper-outlines-plan-take-control-us-supply-chain

[USA] Duke to build fleet electrification center in NC with Electrada, Daimler

On February 21, 2023, Duke Energy announced that it will build a fleet electrification center at its Mount Holly Technology and Innovation Center in North Carolina to help develop, test, and deploy zero-emissions light-, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleets.[1] According to the press release, the fleet electrification center will provide a “commercial-grade charging experience for fleet customers evaluating or launching electrification strategies.” The depot is expected to be operational by the end of 2023. Duke’s center will be able to be connected either to the utility’s grid or powered by 100% carbon-free resources through the microgrid located onsite. It is the first electric fleet depot to offer a microgrid charging option.

Duke will partner with Electrada, an electronic fuel solutions company, to develop the fleet charging center. Electrada will invest all required capital behind the meter on behalf of fleet owners and deliver reliable charging to fleet EVs through a performance contract. Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a producer of electric trucks, will be a founding participant in the fleet EV charging program. One of DTNA’s largest East Coast manufacturing facilities is located directly adjacent to the center.

[1] https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-to-mobilize-first-of-its-kind-microgrid-integrated-fleet-electrification-center