The Latest
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OpinionMinnesota overhauls interconnection standards to streamline clean energy
The standards are the great equalizer in clean energy markets, and remain a key building block to support a strong foundation for continued clean energy growth, writes IREC Counsel Sky Stanfield.
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New Jersey Gov. Murphy signs bills creating zero emission credits for nuclear
The plan is to move the state toward 100% clean energy with nuclear power as an essential part of the mix.
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How can existing coal plants run better? DOE wants to know
Continuing on President Trump's vow to resurrect the coal industry, the U.S. Department of Energy has opened an inquiry into improving the efficiency, reliability and flexibility of coal-based power plants.
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Pittsburgh sets goal of 50% energy reduction in revised climate plan
Behind local leadership and strong public support, the plan also calls for the city to turn its operations to 100% renewable energy and to adopt a 100% fossil fuel-free vehicle fleet.
Solar & Renewables -
PJM loses a quarter of its nuke capacity in latest power auction
Cleared nuclear capacity fell by more than 7 GW from PJM's last base residual auction, while demand response, renewables, gas and coal all saw their shares expand.
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Southern Co. unit to sell 33% of solar assets for $1.2B
Executives are exploring third-party equity financing for much of the subsidiary's wind portfolio.
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New Mass., R.I. projects to add 1.2 GW US offshore wind capacity
While some question the economics of offshore wind, several states have made multi-gigawatt commitments to deploying more of the renewable resource.
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13 projects from the leading edge of the utility transformation
One nonprofit's invite-only policy forums provide utility stakeholders a "safe space" to work out contentious proceedings and advance ambitious projects.
Transmission & Distribution -
80% of transit buses expected to go electric by 2040, report forecasts
California regulators expect to vote in September on a proposal to transition all transit systems in the state to 100% zero emissions by 2040.
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Deep DiveGetting paid to charge a battery is an attractive but limited opportunity, analysts say
While Tesla's Australian energy storage facility apparently made a windfall from negative prices, analysts say such prices are too rare to be reliable.
Transmission & Distribution -
New Jersey regulators approve PSE&G's $1.9B gas system modernization plan
Urgency played a role in the decision to replace about 900 miles of pipelines, which were prone to leaks.
Transmission & Distribution -
Utility trade groups press EPA to embrace EVs in fuel standard rewrite
Major utility trade groups EEI, NRECA and APPA joined with automakers to press the agency to include electric vehicles as a compliance option in any revision to fuel economy standards.
Distributed Energy -
US nuke rules soured acquisition interest from European utilities, former regulator says
Former NRC Commissioner Jeffrey Merrifield made the comment while testifying at a House hearing on four nuclear bills, including one that would push DOE to focus on more highly enriched fuels.
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Navigant cuts growth estimates for customer-focused DSM
Navigant says it expects roughly $270.5 million to be spent globally in 2018, rising to $1.1 billion by 2027. Strong growth, but a significant cut from 2015 estimates.
Efficiency & Demand Response -
EV charging could significantly reduce storage needs, DOE lab finds
Electric vehicles could play a major role in balancing the grid by soaking up excess solar generation during the middle of the day, according to analysts at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Energy Storage -
RMI says rush to build gas plants could cost investors, customers billions
With thermal generators quickly aging, researchers at Rocky Mountain Institute say a clean energy portfolio can address U.S. power needs more cheaply than gas-fired plants.
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No changes to Xcel nuclear cost recovery after bill dies in Minnesota House
The bill would have altered how Xcel Energy recovers investments in its nuclear fleet, but drew concern from customer advocates, large industrial customers and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton.
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Invenergy widens capital base with investments in its gas, renewables arms
The latest equity infusions from Canadian and Australian fund managers are expected to consolidate its investor base, enhance the company’s financial position and fund development activities.
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Trump Administration advances 500 MW solar project
The Bureau of Land Management has completed its environmental assessment of the Palen project, which would be among the largest solar generating facilities in the country.
Solar & Renewables -
Maine eyes lower ratepayer costs from increased electric integration with Canada
Central Maine Power was recently selected by Massachusetts to build a transmission line to deliver hydroelectric power from Quebec through Maine into the New England grid.
Transmission & Distribution -
Dominion invests seed money in GE-Hitachi small modular nuke
The BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe reactor that is expected to require up to 60% less capital costs per MW than conventional light water reactors.
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NextEra to buy Gulf Power, gas assets from Southern for $6.5B
NextEra has long wanted more regulated utility assets but failed to close two high-profile acquisitions in recent years.
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What are utilities doing about the growing need for grid security?
Utility Dive takes an in-depth look at how utilities are addressing cybersecurity on a distributed grid, hardening against natural disasters and training utility workers.
Distributed Energy -
North Carolina lifts limits on Duke residential efficiency program
As part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Duke is expanding its efficiency programs and expects cumulative energy savings to grow to 22,000 GWh by 2030.
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Boring Company previews Los Angeles plan: $1 rides on all-electric underground pods
Elon Musk’s underground ambitions to defeat what he calls "soul-sucking traffic" are sky-high.
Technology