[USA] EPRI launches initiative to accelerate EV charging infrastructure

On August 7, 2023, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) announced that it is launching a three-year initiative called EVs2Scale2030 that will strive to ready the electric grid to support the accelerated development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.[1] EPRI will collaborate with more than 500 stakeholders, including Amazon, leading electric companies, fleet operators, auto and truck manufacturers, and charging providers. In addition, the initiative features coordination with the Department of Energy, federal agencies and national labs, the Edison Electric Institute, the American Public Power Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Alliance for Transportation Electrification. Founding electric company members include Austin Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Con Edison, FirstEnergy, Great River Energy, National Grid, New York Power Authority, Omaha Public Power District, Pacific Gas & Electric, Portland General Electric, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Salt River Project, Seattle City Light, Southern California Edison, Southern Company, and Xcel Energy. Additional data collaborators include Daimler Truck North America, PACCAR, Volvo Group North America, and the World Resources Institute.

The initiative plans to develop a 50-state visualization and 2030 roadmap identifying the aggregated and anonymized electric vehicle loads, grid impacts, utility lead times, workforce requirements, and costs. The initiative also aims to create an online platform that defines the cross-industry processes needed to support the pace of activity and investment required to meet large-scale electrification by 2030. Further, the initiative seeks to build a secure data exchange platform for fleet operators and charging providers that allows energy companies to better plan and prioritize grid upgrades.

[1] https://www.epri.com/about/media-resources/press-release/3n1exEbFty19NooLIVR9k4

[USA] Vistra completes expansion of 750 MW Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility in California

On August 1, 2023, Vistra Corp. announced that it had completed the 350-megawatt/1,400-megawatt-hour Phase III expansion of its Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility in California, bringing the site’s total capacity to 750 MW/3,000 MWh and making it the largest grid battery system in the U.S.[1] The Phase III expansion reached commercial operation on June 2. The facility will operate under a 15-year resource adequacy agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) beginning August 1, 2023. The Phase III expansion is made up of 122 individual containers that house more than 110,000 battery modules. The project was completed on schedule and within budget in 16 months. Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility is co-located on the site of Vistra's existing natural gas-fueled Moss Landing Power Plant.

Vistra now owns the second-most energy storage capacity in the country. In addition to its California assets, the company owns and operates two solar facilities, one solar-plus-storage facility, and a 260-MW storage facility in Texas. Vistra has plans for four solar installations and ten other storage and solar-plus-storage facilities, all in development in Illinois and Texas. The energy company is also in the process of acquiring Ohio-based Energy Harbor Corp. and its 4,000 MW nuclear fleet.

[1] https://investor.vistracorp.com/2023-08-01-Vistra-Completes-Milestone-Expansion-of-Flagship-California-Energy-Storage-System

[USA] FERC approves new interconnection rules to help spur new generation

On July 27, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved Order 2023, which aims to speed up interconnection processes.[1] The rule is the first major change to FERC’s interconnection requirements in 20 years. Order 2023 largely follows a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) released in June 2022. The rule adopts a “first-ready, first-served” cluster study approach, replacing the practice of looking at individual proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. According to FERC, this approach “will increase the efficiency of the interconnection process, help minimize delays and improve cost allocation by analyzing the transmission system impacts of multiple projects at once.”

It requires interconnection customers to pay increased study deposits, meet more stringent site control requirements, and pay commercial readiness deposits. In addition, Order 2023 sets deadlines for regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and other transmission providers to complete interconnection studies, with penalties set for missing deadlines. The rule also requires transmission providers to allow more than one generating facility on a shared site at a single point of interconnection and share an interconnection request. Transmission operators have 90 days to file plans with FERC explaining how they will put the rule in place.

[1] https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/news/fact-sheet-improvements-generator-interconnection-procedures-and-agreements

[USA] Report: Offshore wind could supply 25% of U.S. power by 2050

According to a report released on August 1, 2023, by the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Environmental Public Policy, the U.S. could develop enough offshore wind to provide up to 25% of the nation’s energy supply by 2050 without spiking the wholesale cost of electricity.[1] The “2035 and Beyond: Abundant, Affordable Offshore Wind Can Accelerate Our Clean Electricity Future” report shows that over 4,000 GW of offshore wind potential is available along the U.S. coastline, including the Great Lakes. The report finds that increasing the offshore wind ambition and a significant increase in the solar and onshore wind resource deployments could help achieve the U.S.’s net-zero goals while keeping the electricity prices affordable and the grid reliable. The report also found that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which included incentives for offshore wind, will help cut the cost of offshore wind in the coming years.

The Berkeley study was released alongside a policy report from Energy Innovation that charts the policy pathway needed to realize offshore wind’s potential and analysis of the supply chain and transmission needs and accompanying employment benefits. Increasing ambition for offshore wind development could inject up to $1.8 trillion of investment into the U.S. economy and employ approximately 390,000 workers in the sector in 2050.

[1] https://gspp.berkeley.edu/research-and-impact/centers/cepp/projects

[USA] APS breaks peak demand record seven days straight

On July 20, 2023, during a record heat wave in Arizona, Arizona Public Service (APS) customers set a new record for peak energy use, with customer energy use reaching 8,193 MW.[1] The new record was the most recent in a string of record-setting days. The previous all-time peak was set on July 15, and starting July 14, APS customers recorded the seven highest peak days ever. The previous peak demand record was 7,660 MW, set on July 30, 2020. APS advised customers to conserve energy during peak hours from 4-7 p.m., noting that the peaks reached during the heat wave were between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

“Despite historic levels of energy usage, APS and its customers experienced no issues related to power supply; and that does not happen by accident. It takes years of planning, maintaining a diverse energy mix, investing in and strengthening the electric system, and most importantly teams of people who are dedicated to keeping the lights on for customers when they need us most,” APS president Ted Geisler said. The utility invests more than $1.5 billion annually to maintain and upgrade the grid to maintain reliable service. In addition, APS will not disconnect customers for past due residential accounts through mid-October 2023 and will waive late fees during this time period.

[1] https://www.aps.com/en/About/Our-Company/Newsroom/Articles/APS-Powers-Seven-Days-In-Row-Of-Highest-Customer-Electricity-Use-Ever

[USA] Policy brief: utilities see EVs as an opportunity for a resilient grid

According to a policy brief published July 24, 2023, by the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), many power providers believe electric vehicle (EV) growth could build grid resilience so long as the federal government and states create certainty through regulations and planning.[1] In its policy brief, titled  ‘Powering the EV Market: How Electricity Providers are Planning for the Future,’ ZETA found that between 2023 and 2050, utilities will need to add 15-27 terawatt-hours of generation (0.3-0.6% of U.S. current capacity) every year to keep up with EV growth and electrification.

The policy brief examined case studies from seven utilities and electricity providers, examining how they prepare for more EVs on the road. The case studies provide insights into managed charging, demand forecasting, community incentive programs, and fleet electrification. For example, in California, where EV adoption is highest, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) expects system demand to increase up to 70% over the next two decades as EV growth increases. The utility developed a forecasting tool to address this projected demand and integrated it into its distribution planning processes. Of the 3 million EVs that the utility expects in its footprint, 2 million will be integrated with the grid by participating in time-of-use rates, managed charging, or vehicle-to-grid bidirectional charging programs.

[1] https://www.zeta2030.org/policy-brief-powering-the-ev-market-how-electricity-providers-are-planning-for-the-future

[USA] PG&E launches two new programs to accelerate EV adoption in underserved communities

On July 18, 2023, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that it has launched two new programs in California designed to improve access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for underserved communities as a way to increase EV adoption.[1] Citing a study from CalMatters that analyzed data from the California Energy Commission (CEC), PG&E pointed out that high upfront vehicle costs, lack of chargers for renters, and inadequate access to public charging stations in underserved communities are limiting EV expansion among these populations.

Through the Empower EV and Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger pilot programs, the utility hopes to address the costs of installing chargers at single-family homes, multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in the region. The Empower EV program will provide income-eligible customers up to $2,500 in incentives to help cover the costs of installing EV charging infrastructure at single-family residences. In addition, Level 2 chargers will be provided free to approximately 2,000 eligible customers, and up to $2,000 in panel upgrades will be offered per eligible household, up to 800 homes. Through the Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger Program, PG&E plants to install approximately 2,000 Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers at 450 multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses, with priority given to properties within low-income, rural, tribal, and other priority populations. The chargers will be provided at no cost to property owners, and the utility will cover two years of networking and software fees.

[1] https://www.pge.com/en_US/about-pge/media-newsroom/news-details.page?pageID=029f3373-c807-4cf1-bfbf-6c65ed571f48&ts=1689881980044

[USA] Federal appeals court strikes down FERC approval of SEEM market

On July 14, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had unlawfully approved the Southeast Energy Exchange Market (SEEM)[1].[2] SEEM is a proposed trading platform for utilities in the Southeast covering 12 states that allows utilities in the region to make automated bilateral trades every 15 minutes using available transmission capacity. The trades are enabled by non-firm energy exchange transmission service (NFEETS).

In a split decision, the court ruled that FERC’s November 2021 decision approving SEEM’s transmission rules went against its open access requirements in Order 888, which aim to ensure transmission owners offer non-discriminatory access to their networks. The appeals court said that FERC failed to explain why the market should be allowed to exclude participants outside the region. The court remanded FERC’s 2021 decision approving the SEEM market. The court also directed FERC to revisit its decision approving SEEM and told the commission to consider an earlier appeal from clean energy companies and environmental groups that it had previously dismissed as untimely.

[1] SEEM members include Associated Electric Cooperative, Dalton Utilities, Dominion Energy South Carolina, Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Florida, Duke Energy Progress, Georgia System Operations Corporation, Georgia Transmission Corporation, JEA, LG&E and KU Energy, MEAG Power, N.C. Municipal Power Agency No. 1, NCEMC, Oglethorpe Power Corp., PowerSouth, Santee Cooper, Seminole Electric Corporation, Southern Company, Tampa Electric Company and TVA.

[2] https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/opinions.nsf/0D7A85E32E0291DF852589EC0050747A/$file/22-1018-2007875.pdf

[USA] PJM releases report finding gas-fired generation accounted for 70% of unplanned outages during Winter Storm Elliott

According to a report released by PJM Interconnection on July 18, 2023, during the peak of Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022, 24% of the grid operator’s generating capacity was unexpectedly offline.[1] Of the generating capacity that was offline, gas-fired power plants made up about 70% of unplanned outages. The report states that generators that failed to meet their capacity obligations during Winter Storm Elliott face about $1.8 billion in non-performance charges, about 45% of the nearly $4 billion in capacity revenue for this capacity year.

The non-performance charges represent 83% of the nearly $2.2 billion in capacity payments earned by the resources facing penalties. Resources that provide more power than their obligations receive bonus payments funded by the penalties. The grid operator stated that, on average, 80% of bonus megawatts were produced by generation, 10% came from net imports from outside its footprint, energy efficiency resources produced 5%, and demand response and price responsive demand resources produced 5%. Nuclear power plants received 34.5% of the bonus pool for generators, followed by gas at 29.2%, coal at 17.3%, and wind at 13.7%. In its report, PJM offered 30 recommendations in response to operations during Winter Storm Elliott. Many of these recommendations are being addressed in its Critical Issue Fast Path – Resource Adequacy process or through other forums.

[1] https://pjm.com/-/media/library/reports-notices/special-reports/2023/20230717-winter-storm-elliott-event-analysis-and-recommendation-report.ashx

[USA] Hawai’i selects Tritium to provide DCFCs under NEVI program

On July 11, 2023, Tritium DCFC Limited, a company that provides direct current (DC) fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs), announced that it was selected to provide all fast chargers for Hawai’i’s first round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program funding.[1] The $5 billion federal NEVI Formula program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in 2021 and aims to develop a national EV charging network. Through the program, Hawai’i has access to $2.6 million of NEVI funding in FY2022. Using the initial round of NEVI funding, Hawai’i is procuring eight Tritium NEVI systems, totaling 32 PKM150 (150kW) chargers and 16 power units. According to Tritium, it is the first manufacturer selected to deliver NEVI-funded chargers. During the initial NEVI program phase, the Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT) will install charging facilities along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC).

“Hawai’i is recognized nationwide and around the world for its commitment to sustainability and has long been at the forefront of the e-mobility transition,” said Tritium CEO Jane Hunter. “We’re not surprised to see the state act so quickly to ensure their community benefits from the emissions reductions that a rapid technology transition to electric vehicles secures. The NEVI funding is designed to ensure this transition occurs quickly and equitably, and Tritium is pleased to partner with the state and its representatives to bolster Hawai’i’s EV charging infrastructure.”

[1] https://tritiumcharging.com/tritium-becomes-first-manufacturer-to-win-nevi-fast-charger-order-company-to-provide-all-fast-chargers-for-first-phase-of-hawaii-nevi-program/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=265786620&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_8tMp-SQ9LLfXicT_WQnADKRTht9bLYof42a9kEkjv3y0D2nELoODxyN8hiP6R1QebRh20ZMygnjLHMtsH39j4YgUmyg&utm_content=265786620&utm_source=hs_email

[USA] DOE announces $45M to bolster domestic solar manufacturing

On July 6, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $45 million to support pilot manufacturing of solar components to help boost the domestic manufacturing sector.[1] The funding, called the Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-use Photovoltaics Incubator, includes $18 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and will also support the development of dual-use solar technologies, such as agrivoltaics, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), floating PV, and vehicle-integrated PV. According to the DOE, dual-use PV has the potential to minimize land-use concerns.

The funding opportunity will fund up to 12 projects to help establish a network of manufacturers focused on key materials such as polysilicon production, silicon ingots and wafers, solar cells, glass and other module components, and associated manufacturing equipment. Concept papers for the funding opportunity are due by September 27, 2023.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-45-million-boost-domestic-solar-manufacturing

[USA] IAEA concludes Japan’s plans to release treated water from Fukushima are consistent with international safety standard

 On July 4, 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded that Japan’s plans to release treated water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the sea are consistent with IAEA Safety Standards.[1] The report, which was presented by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, found that the discharges of the treated water would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. The report is the outcome of nearly two years of work by an IAEA Task Force made up of top specialists advised by internationally recognized nuclear safety experts from eleven countries. The Task Force has conducted five review missions to Japan, published six technical reports, met many times with the Japanese government and the nuclear power station’s owner Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and analyzed technical and regulatory documentation.

The Japanese government decided to discharge the water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in April 2021. Water stored at the nuclear power station has been treated through an Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to remove almost all radioactivity, aside from tritium. Before releasing the water, it will be diluted to bring the tritium to below regulatory standards.

[1] https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/iaea-finds-japans-plans-to-release-treated-water-into-the-sea-at-fukushima-consistent-with-international-safety-standards

[USA] DOE launches $1B plan to support clean hydrogen program

On July 5, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a Notice of Intent (NOI) to invest up to $1 billion in a demand-side initiative to support Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs).[1] Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the H2Hubs program will help form the foundation of a national clean hydrogen network. According to the announcement, the investment will “help ensure both producers and end users in the H2Hubs have the market certainty they need during the early years of production to unlock private investment and realize the full potential of clean hydrogen.” The clean hydrogen sector could provide 100,000 net new direct and indirect jobs by 2030 according to DOE’s Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Clean Hydrogen report.

The NOI includes a Request for Information (RFI) on the program’s design and, among other things, seeks public input on potential benefits and risks, operating models, governance structures, and equipped implementing partners. Later in 2023, the Biden administration will announce the selection of six to 10 H2Hubs for a combined total funding of up to $7 billion in federal funding. The proposed mechanism outlined in the NOI will help connect the H2Hubs to prospective purchasers.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-jumpstart-clean-hydrogen-economy-new-initiative-provide-market

[USA] Duke Energy to sell unregulated distributed generation business to ArcLight affiliate

On July 5, 2023, Duke Energy announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its commercial distributed generation business to an affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners, LLC, a middle market infrastructure investor, for an enterprise value of $364 million.[1] The utility expects approximately $259 million of proceeds from this transaction. Duke Energy intends to finalize the sales for its utility-scale and distributed generation businesses by the end of 2023 and will utilize the proceeds to strengthen its balance sheet and avoid additional holding company debt issuances associated with these assets. The distributed generation business being sold includes REC Solar operating assets, development pipeline, O&M portfolio, and distributed fuel cell projects managed by Bloom Energy. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. In addition, approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will be required for the sale of the Bloom Energy distributed fuel cell assets.

[1] https://investors.duke-energy.com/news/news-details/2023/Duke-Energy-to-sell-commercial-distributed-generation-business-to-ArcLight-for-364-million/default.aspx

[USA] FERC gives approval for construction on Mountain Valley Pipeline

On June 28, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorized the resumption of construction for the Mountain Valley pipeline.[1] Mountain Valley Pipeline, which is set to run about 300 miles from northwestern West Virginia to southern Virginia, was initially approved by FERC in 2017. However, the project has faced several court decisions rejecting its federal permits due to environmental concerns. FERC’s recent order follows the passage of the debt ceiling bill earlier in June, which required federal agencies to approve the pipeline. In FERC’s unanimous order, the commission said that all work, including portions of the project that will run through the Jefferson National Forest, could proceed. The order authorizes FERC’s Office of Energy Projects to approve any future changes to the project as long as the director of the office finds them “to be needed to complete construction.”

[1] https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_number=20230628-3041&optimized=false

[USA] GM announces V2H systems for its EVs

On June 28, 2023, General Motors announced product details for its initial suite of systems enabling owners of its electric vehicles (EVs) to export power to homes and the electric grid.[1] The systems, branded Ultium Home, will be the first solutions to be made available to residential customers through GM Energy. The announcement included three products: Ultium Home V2H Bundle, which will allow customers to use their GM EVs for vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality; Ultium Home Energy System, designed for customers seeking V2H and stationary storage; and Ultium Home Energy Storage Bundle, designed for customers who only want stationary storage.

In addition to these products, GM announced that customers looking to integrate solar can work with SunPower. Each of the products will be connected to the GM Energy Cloud, a software platform that will allow customers to manage the transfer of energy between applicable and connected GM Energy assets. According to the announcement, the exact pricing and rollout dates for the products will vary.

[1] https://investor.gm.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gm-energy-simplifies-energy-management-three-easy-bundle-options

[USA] FlexCharging releases EV demand management solution designed for smaller utilities

On June 15, 2023, FlexCharging, a provider of electric vehicle (EV) managed charging, announced the release of EVision, an EV integration and demand response software solution.[1] As more EVs hit the road, smaller utilities, which may have fewer resources, are faced with the challenge of developing their own demand management initiatives. The cloud-based application allows electric utility cooperatives (co-ops) and municipal utilities to start their own managed charging programs.

EVision, in cooperation with their local utility, turns charging on and off remotely when drivers are home to avoid expensive electricity rates, tracks the charging, and makes sure that the EV owners get incentives. The software uses individual co-ops’ branding to maintain a seamless connection between drivers and utility. According to the press release, EVision “helps reduce the emissions from EV charging, lowers the cost of charging for EV owners, and minimizes charging during peak hours.” The product is available now to utilities of all sizes in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and parts of the EU.

[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flexcharging-launches-evision-managed-charging-solution-301851647.html

[USA] NYISO Board selects transmission project to deliver offshore wind energy from Long Island

On June 20, 2023, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) announced that its Board of Directors had selected the Propel Alternate Solution 5 transmission project to meet the Long Island Offshore Wind Export Public Policy Transmission Need (Long Island Need).[1] The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) initially declared the Long Island Need in March 2021, launching an effort by NYISO’s team of experts, the New York State Department of Public Service, developers, and stakeholders to address transmission needs in and around Long Island.

Propel Alternate Solution 5 will deliver at least 3,000 MW of offshore wind power from Long Island to the rest of New York. The project will add three new underground cables connecting Long Island with the rest of the state and a 345 kV transmission backbone across western/central Long Island. Through a partnership called Propel NY, the New York Power Authority and New York Transco will develop the project. Propel Alternate Solution 5 is expected to be in service by May 2030, with an estimated cost of $3.26 billion. According to NYISO’s analysis, the project's potential economic benefits are comparable to or greater than the project cost over 20 years. NYISO expects the project to bring the state closer to its 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy goal by 2035.

[1] https://www.nyiso.com/-/press-release-%7C-nyiso-board-selects-transmission-project-to-deliver-offshore-wind-energy

[USA] Enel announces plans to build solar PV cell and panel manufacturing facilities in Oklahoma

On May 22, 2023, Enel North America, partnered with Italian company 3Sun USA, announced plans to build one of the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) cell and panel manufacturing facilities in Inola, Oklahoma, about 25 miles east of Tulsa.[1] Enel has a large presence in Oklahoma, with more than 2 GW of renewable energy capacity representing over $3 billion in total investments over the last ten years. Construction for the manufacturing facility is planned to begin in fall 2023, with the first panel produced and available to the market by the end of 2024. The company expects the factory to reach 3 GW of annual capacity in 2025, with a possible future expansion to 6 GW. The factory represents over $1 billion in initial investments and expects to create over 1,800 construction jobs.

According to the press release, the planned facility will be among the first in the U.S. to produce solar cells and will incorporate a high-performance bifacial heterojunction technology (HJT). The bifacial HJT can secure higher than average energy production, producing approximately 15-20% more electricity than conventional single-sided panels. It also provides significant efficiency improvements, with a certified cell efficiency of 24.6%. In addition, the technology’s lower degradation ensures a longer useful life for modules, and the cells’ high density is conducive to a variety of applications, such as land-constrained utility-scale installations or rooftops.

[1] https://www.enelnorthamerica.com/newsroom/news/search-press/press/2023/05/3sun-oklahoma

[USA] DOE announces initiative to encourage clean fuels and products

On May 24, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the launch of the Clean Fuels and Products Shot, an initiative that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from carbon-based fuels and products.[1] The initiative is the seventh under the DOE Energy Earthshots. The new initiative will encourage the development of sustainable feedstocks and conversion technologies necessary to produce crucial fuels, materials, and carbon-based products that are better for the environment than current petroleum-derived components. The Clean Fuels and Products Shot aims to meet projected 2050 net-zero emissions demands for 100% of aviation fuel; 50% of maritime, rail, and off-road fuel; and 50% of carbon-based chemicals by using sustainable carbon resources. According to the announcement, the initiative could help eliminate more than 650 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year by 2050.

During the DOE secretary’s announcement at the Idaho National Laboratory, a ribbon-cutting also took place for the Biofuels National User Facility. The $15 million, 3-year long facility upgrade is designed to solve critical biofuels production challenges associated with the feeding, handling, and preprocessing of diverse biomass and waste materials.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/eere/clean-fuels-products-shottm-alternative-sources-carbon-based-products