Carbon capture failed. In Norway. If the nanny state of Norway couldn't force carbon capture down its own throat, what do you think will happen in the free market lovefest we call the U.S.?
(Just kidding.)
The point is many utilities think the EPA's emission limits for new power plants are unrealistic. Why? Because they effectively mandate the use of carbon capture technology, which industry claims is not commercially available. So, the EPA is dragging the industry kicking and screaming to invest in R&D of those technologies.
But that's not the worst part for utilities. The worst part is coming next year, when the EPA will announce emission limits for existing plants. That's when utilities will really cry foul and when the big carbon capture question will come to a head.
So is carbon capture truly feasible? We'll find out soon. Until then, here's the Norway story, a lowdown on the new rules and much more. Take a look at Utility Dive's most read stories of the week and, as always, let us know what you think:
- Norway throws in the towel on carbon capture project: What does it mean for the U.S.?
- EPA's McCarthy brings new rulebook to climate change debate : The new EPA administrator is going against the grain, and her plans stand to reshape the regulation landscape.
- New EPA power plant rules: Here's everything you need to know : On Friday morning, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy announced new power plant regulations at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
- New solar to exceed wind for first time: "Dramatic cost reduction" for photovoltaics is the chief reason behind the shift of power.
- 5 new books about the grid that utility professionals need to see: From hard research on the history of renewables to a former senator's new novel, here are some new releases that you should consider for your after-work reading list.
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