[USA] Biden endorsed Kamala Harris as the next president of the U.S.

On July 21, 2024, Biden nominated Vice President Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States. [1] According to news sources, Harris is expected to continue Biden’s climate achievements if she wins the election. Harris’ governing style as vice president was that of a pragmatic moderate. However, her climate policy leans more leftist than centrist. For example, if elected, she intends to ban fossil fuel leases on public lands and initiate a climate pollution fee for greenhouse gas emitters. She also asserted that a Harris administration would strengthen the prosecution of fossil fuel companies, as evidenced by her history as California attorney general. In her role, she investigated Exxon Mobil for misleading the public about the threat climate change posed to its business based on false financial disclosures.

As vice president, she incorporated climate change into foreign relations by holding a round table in Bangkok to connect environmental activists with clean energy experts. In addition, she has stated that although China needs to be held accountable for intellectual property theft and other issues, it should be an ally in climate action. In terms of legislation, Harris also co-sponsored the Green New Deal, which aimed to transition to 100% clean energy within a decade. Furthermore, she also favored a ban on hydraulic fracking, a technique that environmentalists say pollutes the air as well as groundwater.

[1] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kamala-harris-stands-green-new-deal-climate-initiatives/story?id=112152079

[USA] Biden-Harris administration invests additional $10 Million to build domestic supply chain for critical minerals and materials

On July 16, 2024, The Biden-Harris administration announced investments in two projects at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Utah, that will help mitigate the costs and impacts of producing rare earth elements and critical minerals and materials, from coal and coal by-products. [1] The Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda intends to use these projects as a means to develop more affordable and sustainable production processes while creating good-paying jobs in the energy industry. The initiative will help meet growing demand for critical minerals and materials in the US and also reduce domestic reliance on foreign supply chains. Currently the US imports 80% of rare earth elements despite having 250 billion tons of coal reserves originating from coal by-products and coal waste, and the DOE believes that they can be harnessed to establish a sustainable supply chain that supports the economy, clean energy, and national security.

Managed by the DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, the separation technology will refine rare earth elements in order to extract minerals from unconventional sources, such as coal. As part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, these projects will also ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments in climate, clean energy, and other areas flow to disadvantaged communities who are disproportionately impacted by pollution and underinvestment. This effort is part of a broader strategy by the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, which has committed $151 million to minimizing the environmental impacts of fossil fuels while working to achieve net-zero emissions across the US.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-invests-additional-10-million-build-domestic-supply-chain

[USA] DTE Energy to build region’s largest battery energy storage center at site of retired Trenton Channel coal plant

DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest renewable energy producer, announced on June 10, 2024, plans to transform part of its retired Trenton Channel coal power plant into a 220-megawatt battery energy storage center. [1] Scheduled for completion in 2026, this will be the largest standalone battery storage project in the Great Lakes region, supporting DTE’s CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan and Michigan’s energy storage goals. The facility will store and distribute excess electricity, enhancing grid reliability and supporting renewable energy use.

The project, partially funded by $140 million in federal tax incentives from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aligns with DTE’s net zero carbon reduction goals. CEO Jerry Norcia emphasized the company’s commitment to clean energy, noting that one-third of DTE’s electricity already comes from carbon-free sources. The new center will store enough power for nearly 40,000 homes, contributing to Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the project for its potential to strengthen the grid, reduce energy costs, create jobs, and protect the environment. Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa highlighted the project’s benefits for the local community, including increased tax revenue for public projects. This initiative is a significant step towards doubling DTE’s energy storage capacity by 2042.

[1] https://ir.dteenergy.com/news/press-release-details/2024/DTE-Energy-to-build-regions-largest-battery-energy-storage-center----at-site-of-retired-Trenton-Channel-coal-plant/default.aspx

[USA] U.S. summer natural gas consumption forecast for electric power matches 2023 record

On May 30, 2024, the U.S. Energy Information Administration's May 2024 Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts that natural gas consumption for electricity generation will average 44.7 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) during the peak summer months of June through August, matching the record set in summer 2023. [1] Despite a 3% increase in overall electricity generation, natural gas consumption is not expected to grow due to increased renewable energy production.

The shift towards more renewables and natural gas, and less coal, continues. Since 2014, natural gas-fired generation has become more competitive with coal, and its capacity has increased by 19%, or 79 gigawatts, with a 60% growth in generation. The efficiency and relatively low prices of combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants have boosted natural gas use.

Simple-cycle gas turbine (SCGT) plants, used more frequently during high-demand summer months, have also seen increased utilization, with capacity factors rising from 8% in 2014 to over 20% in recent summers. The share of summer electricity generation from natural gas grew from 29% in 2014 to 46% in 2023 but is expected to decline slightly to 44% in 2024, as renewable sources, particularly solar, continue to grow.

[1] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=62163

[USA] EEI Joins Litigation for EPA’s New Clean Air Act Section 111 Rules

On May 24, 2024, EEI President and CEO Dan Brouillette announced EEI's decision to file a petition for review of the EPA’s final Clean Air Act Section 111 rules and a motion to intervene. [1] While supporting the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, EEI challenges the reliance on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology as a compliance basis, arguing that CCS is not yet adequately demonstrated for broad industry deployment. Brouillette emphasized that no existing coal or natural gas power plants meet the EPA’s CCS requirements and that the implementation timelines are unrealistic. He stressed that EEI’s member companies are committed to reducing carbon emissions and investing in clean energy technologies, but regulations should be practical and achievable to avoid jeopardizing customer affordability and reliability. EEI seeks to ensure that the clean energy transition continues responsibly without relying on unproven technologies and unrealistic deadlines.

[1] https://www.eei.org/News/news/All/eei-joins-litigation-for-epa-clean-air-act-111-rules

[USA] The United States was the world’s largest liquefied natural gas exporter in 2023

On April 1, 2024, EIA announced that in 2023, the United States solidified its position as the top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter globally, with exports averaging 11.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), marking a 12% increase from 2022. [1] This surpasses LNG export levels from other major exporters such as Australia and Qatar. Russia and Malaysia trailed behind as the fourth and fifth-highest exporters, with LNG exports averaging 4.2 Bcf/d and 3.5 Bcf/d, respectively.

The surge in U.S. LNG exports in 2023 was driven by several factors, including the return to full production at Freeport LNG and robust demand from Europe amid high international natural gas prices. Monthly export records were set in November and December, reaching 12.9 Bcf/d and 13.6 Bcf/d, respectively. The utilization of U.S. LNG export capacity averaged 104% of nominal capacity and 86% of peak capacity across seven operating terminals.

Europe remained the primary destination for U.S. LNG exports in 2023, accounting for 66% of exports, followed by Asia at 26%, and Latin America and the Middle East at 8%. The Netherlands, France, and the UK were the top importers of U.S. LNG, collectively receiving 35% of all U.S. exports. LNG imports in Asia, particularly in Japan and South Korea, saw significant volumes, while Brazil's LNG imports declined due to a reliance on hydropower for electricity generation. Looking ahead, Europe's LNG import capacity is expected to expand further by more than one-third between 2021 and 2024.

[1] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61683

[USA] New solar projects approved for Dominion Energy Virginia customers

On April 1, 2024, Dominion Energy Virginia received approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) for over a dozen new solar projects. [1] These projects, totaling 764 megawatts (MW), include four solar projects owned or acquired by Dominion Energy Virginia and 13 power-purchase agreements (PPAs) with independently owned solar projects. Together, they will generate enough electricity to power nearly 200,000 homes at peak output. This approval signifies a significant expansion of Dominion Energy's clean energy fleet, currently the second-largest in the nation. Upon completion, Dominion Energy will have over 4,600 MW of approved solar projects in Virginia, enough to power more than 1.1 million homes. The construction of these projects is expected to create over 1,600 jobs and generate $570 million in economic benefits across Virginia. The projects are scheduled to be completed by 2026 and require local and state permits before construction can begin. Despite the estimated cost adding approximately $1.54 to the average residential customer's monthly bill, Dominion Energy Virginia's rates remain 12% below the national average and 31% below the Mid-Atlantic average. Dominion Energy is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy while working towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.

[1] https://news.dominionenergy.com/2024-04-01-New-solar-projects-approved-for-Dominion-Energy-Virginia-customers

[USA] DOE Releases First Ever Federal Blueprint to Decarbonize America’s Buildings Sector

On April 2, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled the "Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050: A National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector," aiming to reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from buildings by 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050. [1] Led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with other federal agencies, this sector-wide strategy underscores the administration's commitment to combatting climate change and achieving clean energy goals.

Buildings account for over a third of domestic climate pollution and $370 billion in annual energy costs. The Blueprint projects a 90% reduction in total GHG emissions from buildings, potentially saving over $100 billion in annual energy costs and preventing $17 billion in annual health costs.

To address energy insecurity and disparities, the Blueprint emphasizes affordability and resilience, with specific objectives focusing on increasing building energy efficiency, accelerating emissions reductions, transforming building-grid interactions, and minimizing emissions from building materials. These targets require accelerated deployment of decarbonization and energy efficiency technologies, with coordinated federal actions including research and development, market expansion, funding, and support for emissions-reducing building codes.

DOE focuses on building innovations, aiming to advance scalable technologies and installation solutions while expanding workforce capabilities. The Affordable Home Energy Shot™ initiative seeks to reduce upfront home upgrade costs and energy bills, facilitating progress towards emission reduction targets.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-releases-first-ever-federal-blueprint-decarbonize-americas-buildings-sector

[USA] President Biden Announces Three FERC Nominees

On February 29, 2024, President Biden nominated three individuals to serve as commissioners on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), signaling a key move towards shaping the nation's energy policies. [1] The nominees, if confirmed, would bring diverse expertise and backgrounds to FERC, contributing to the agency's oversight of energy markets and regulation. Willie L. Phillips, an attorney with a strong background in energy law, offers insights into regulatory processes and legal frameworks. Ashley L. Poling, known for her experience in energy policy and legislative affairs, brings a deep understanding of the intersection between policy and regulation. Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Jr., a seasoned public servant and advocate for energy infrastructure, provides perspectives on energy security and grid reliability. These nominations reflect the administration's commitment to addressing pressing energy and environmental challenges, including promoting clean energy integration and ensuring equitable access to reliable energy. The confirmation of these nominees would play a crucial role in shaping the nation's energy landscape and advancing the administration's clean energy agenda.

[USA] Biden-Harris Administration Announces $90 Million to Improve Building Efficiency, Increase Resilience, and Lower Costs for American Families and Businesses

The Biden-Harris administration announced on March 4, 2024, a $90 million initiative aimed at improving building efficiency, bolstering resilience, and creating jobs. [1] This investment aligns with their broader climate and economic goals. The initiative targets reducing carbon emissions by accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, supporting research and development, and promoting workforce development in the clean energy sector. Additionally, the funding aims to enhance building resilience to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, ensuring infrastructure readiness for future challenges. Collaborations with research institutions, universities, and private companies are key to driving innovation and creating job opportunities in green industries. This initiative reflects the administration's commitment to combating climate change, transitioning to sustainable energy sources, and promoting economic growth through environmental stewardship. By investing in building efficiency, the administration aims to address climate challenges while simultaneously stimulating job creation and advancing clean energy technology.

[USA] Biden Announces Willie L. Phillips, Jr. as Chair of FERC

On February 9, 2024, President Biden appointed Willie L. Phillips Jr. as Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). [1] Phillips, with extensive experience in energy regulation and law, is poised to lead FERC in advancing clean energy policies. Having served as a FERC commissioner since 2021, Phillips brings a deep understanding of energy markets and regulatory frameworks to his new role. As chair, he will oversee critical aspects of the nation's energy infrastructure, including interstate electricity transmission and natural gas pipelines. Phillips' appointment reflects the administration's commitment to promoting renewable energy integration, grid modernization, and environmental protection. By leveraging regulatory mechanisms, the administration aims to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources and address climate change threats. Overall, Willie L. Phillips Jr.'s appointment signals a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the United States under the Biden administration.

 

[USA] Avangrid and Amazon Expand U.S. Partnership with 98.4 MW Wind Project in Oregon

On February 9, 2024, Avangrid and Amazon announced an expansion of their partnership with a new 98.4 MW wind project in Oregon. [1] This project marks another step in Amazon's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability goals. Avangrid, a leading renewable energy company, will develop and operate the wind project, which will contribute to Oregon's clean energy transition. The agreement between Avangrid and Amazon involves a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), ensuring that Amazon will procure renewable energy generated by the wind project to power its operations. This collaboration aligns with Amazon's broader efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and meet its renewable energy targets. The project underscores the importance of corporate partnerships in driving renewable energy development and advancing climate action. By investing in renewable energy projects like this wind farm, Avangrid and Amazon demonstrate their commitment to building a more sustainable future while fostering economic growth and job creation in the renewable energy sector.

[USA] DOE and FEMA Study Finds Puerto Rico Can Achieve 100% Renewable Energy Future By 2050

On February 7, 2024, the US Department of Energy (DOE) and FEMA released a joint study suggesting that Puerto Rico has the potential to transition to 100% renewable energy. [1] The study highlights the feasibility of this transition, emphasizing the island's abundant renewable resources and the benefits of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. By harnessing solar, wind, and other renewable sources, Puerto Rico could enhance energy resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy costs for residents. The report underscores the importance of strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and policy support in realizing this ambitious goal. It also highlights the role of federal agencies in providing technical assistance and funding opportunities to support Puerto Rico's renewable energy transition. Overall, the study provides a roadmap for Puerto Rico to achieve energy independence and sustainability while enhancing its resilience to future disasters and climate change impacts.

 

[USA] DOE announces $34 million in funding for technologies to underground power lines

On January 16, 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $34 million for 12 projects across 11 states to strengthen and modernize America’s aging power grid through the development of cost-effective, high-speed, and safe undergrounding technologies.[1] Selected projects in the program, called the Grid Overhaul with Proactive, High-speed Undergrounding for Reliability, Resilience, and Security (GOPHURRS), will advance innovative solutions to help upgrade and expand the nation’s grid infrastructure—lowering costs, reducing inefficiencies, mitigating disruptions from extreme weather events, and accelerating the adoption of renewable clean energy resources.

The electric power distribution system in the U.S. has over 5.5 million line-miles with over 180 million power poles and is susceptible to damage by weather and its effects, accounting for a majority of power outages in the country each year. Extreme weather events fueled by climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of power outages across the U.S. Undergrounding power lines can improve the system reliability for both transmission and distribution grids. Managed by DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), projects under the program will play a critical role in developing technologies to reduce costs, increase speed, and improve the safety of undergrounding operations.“Modernizing our nation’s power grid is essential to building a clean energy future that lowers energy costs for working Americans and strengthens our national security,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With today’s announcement, DOE is supporting teams across the country as they develop innovative approaches to burying power infrastructure underground—increasing our resilience and bringing our aging grid into the 21st Century.”


[1] https://arpa-e.energy.gov/news-and-media/press-releases/us-department-energy-announces-34-million-improve-reliability

[USA] Hertz announces plans to sell part of its EV rental fleet

On January 11, 2024, car rental company Hertz Global Holdings said it is selling about a third of its global fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), including 20,000 EVs from its U.S. fleet.[1] Hertz will use some of the proceeds to buy gasoline-powered vehicles. Previously, the company had aimed to convert 25% of its fleet to electric by the end of 2024. The company had also planned to order 100,000 Tesla vehicles by the end of 2022 and 65,000 units from Polestar over five years. In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company cited low customer demand and high maintenance costs for EVs. Hertz expects about $245 million in charges related to depreciation expenses from the EV sale in the fourth quarter of 2023. Hertz said it would focus on improving profitability for the rest of its EV fleet.


[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/hertz-sell-about-20000-evs-us-fleet-2024-01-11/

[USA] Puget Sound Energy and Form Energy partner to evaluate multi-day energy storage solutions

On January 5, 2024, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and energy storage developer Form Energy announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to look into deploying a pilot multiday energy storage system to help PSE meet state requirements for clean energy and customer expectations for reliable service.[1] The partnership will allow both companies to collaborate on the development of a 10 MW, 100-hour iron-air battery pilot within the utility’s service area. The companies will evaluate the potential benefits of Form Energy's technology, as well as determine an initial project configuration that could be deployed by the end of 2026.

Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act requires electric utilities to be coal free by 2025, carbon neutral by 2030, and 100% served by renewable and non-emitting resources by 2045. Utilities in the state must replace dispatchable fossil fuel generation while meeting the growing demand for electricity from electric vehicles and other end uses. Therefore, energy storage is emerging as a key solution. Multi-day energy storage can provide power over several days compared to most commercially available batteries that supply only about four hours of backup power. Energy storage systems are crucial for PSE, offsetting the need for the utility to build additional generation resources that are used only at times of high demand.


[1] https://www.pse.com/en/press-release/details/Puget-Sound-Energy-partners-with-Form-Energy-to-evaluate-multi-day-energy-storage-solutions

[USA] PJM forecasts long-term electricity demand growth through 2039

On January 8, 2024, PJM Interconnection released its long-term load forecast, which laid out its predictions for estimated electricity demand growth.[1] The forecast estimated a 1.7% annual demand growth for summer peaks, 2% for winter peaks, and 2.4% for net energy over a 10-year planning horizon starting in 2024. The 2024 summer peak load is 151,254 MW, increasing to 178,895 MW in 2034 and 193,123 in 2039. Peak winter load is forecasted at 134,663 MW for the 2023–2024 winter, increasing to 164,824 MW in 2034 and 178,241 in 2039. Overall, total annual energy use throughout the PJM footprint is expected to increase nearly 40% by 2039, from 800,000 GWh to about 1.1 million GWh.

According to the long-term forecast, rising energy demand in PJM’s footprint, which includes all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia, is increasingly driven by the development of data centers throughout the PJM footprint. Further, the acceleration of the accelerating electrification of transportation and industry is a big factor. Currently, PJM has about 500,000 light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) as of 2024, and S&P Global is forecasting about 23 million light-duty EVs by 2039, a growth rate of just under 30% annually during that period. Also, PJM has about 25,000 medium- and heavy-duty EVs as of 2024, and S&P Global is forecasting about 1.45 million medium- and heavy-duty EVs by 2039, 30% annual growth rate.


[1] https://insidelines.pjm.com/pjm-publishes-2024-long-term-load-forecast/

[USA] Biden administration grants $623M in funding for EV charging infrastructure

On January 11, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced $623 million in grants to build out the electric vehicle (EV) charging network.[1] The Biden administration aims to build at least 500,000 publicly available chargers by 2030. The grants announced by DOT are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. They will fund 47 EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure projects in 22 states and Puerto Rico, including the construction of about 7,500 EV charging ports. As part of the announcement, the Federal Highway Administration will award $311 million to 36 community projects, including two Indian Tribes in Alaska and Arizona. Community projects invest in EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities. Another $312 million in funding will go to 11 corridor recipients whose projects are located along roadways designated as Alternative Fuel Corridors. Corridor projects will fill gaps in the core national charging and alternative-fueling network.

More than 70% of the announced CFI funding will support project sites in disadvantaged communities, advancing the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal of 40% of the overall benefits of federal investments flowing to disadvantaged communities. EV chargers constructed with CFI funds must follow the same standards established for chargers funded under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program, including domestic manufacturing and workforce standards.


[1] https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/biden-harris-administration-announces-623-million-grants-continue-building-out-electric

[USA] Avangrid, CIP announce first power from Vineyard Wind 1 has been delivered to New England grid

On January 3, 2024, Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) announced that power from the first turbine of the Vineyard Wind project was delivered to the New England grid for the first time.[1] As part of the initial commissioning process, on January 2, 2024, the turbine delivered approximately 5 MW of power, with additional testing expected to happen both on and offshore in the coming weeks. Vineyard Wind is an 806 MW project consisting of consist of 62 wind turbines and located 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The project began offshore construction in late 2022, achieved steel-in-the-water in June 2023, and completed the nation’s first offshore substation in July 2023. Power from the project interconnects to the New England grid in Barnstable and is transmitted by underground cables that connect to a substation further inland on Cape Cod. Avangrid and CIP jointly own Vineyard Wind. The project is being developed and constructed by Avangrid and Vineyard Offshore, CIP’s affiliate development company working on U.S. offshore projects. The developers expect to have five turbines operating at full capacity early in 2024.


[1] https://www.vineyardwind.com/press-releases/2024/1/3/cip-avangrid-announce-first-power-from-nation-leading-vineyard-wind-1-project

[USA] EPSA study examines system-wide costs of integrating energy resources in PJM

On December 18, 2023, the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) released a new analysis that looks at the impacts of different energy resource options on the reliability of the electric grid.[1] The report is an effort to better look at the “full-cycle” levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), including the impact of regional costs, interconnection costs, curtailment costs, and the cost of ensuring that all units can provide an equivalent level of resource adequacy to the grid. It also seeks to provide a fuller picture of the true costs of integrating different energy resources onto the grid—with important implications for policymakers, regulators, and voters. The analysis was conducted by FTI Consulting on behalf of EPSA and utilized publicly available data from PJM Interconnection, which covers more than 65 million Americans across 13 states and the District of Columbia. The metric was developed using PJM’s cost and demand forecasts looking ahead to 2026.

A key finding of the study was that the cost of providing resource adequacy services is more than 100% of the traditional LCOE cost of wind and solar units. In addition, while traditional LCOE is lower for wind and solar units compared to combined cycle natural gas units in PJM in 2026, when accounting for the full cost of connecting to the system and providing resource adequacy services, natural gas plants are more competitive. The study also found that tax credits are crucial for making carbon capture and storage (CCS)-equipped units economical, even at the low technology costs assumed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Further, small modular nuclear (SMR) nuclear units are competitive with other forms of non-emitting generation when accounting for the full cost of connecting to the system and providing resource adequacy services at the technology costs assumed by NREL.


[1] https://epsa.org/new-analysis-examines-system-wide-costs-of-energy-transition/