DOE pulls funding for Texas clean coal project

The decision likely kills the Texas Clean Energy Project, which had support from a wide range of backers, including some environmental groups.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2016

Omaha Public Power plans to shutter nation's smallest nuclear plant

The board of the public power district could vote on the proposal to shutter the Fort Calhoun power plant next month, and the plant could cease operations by the end of the year.

By Robert Walton • May 16, 2016

Hawaii biodiesel plant is 1st in US certified as sustainable

Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island plant was certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, following a review that looked at emissions, energy use, water conservation and other factors.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

Updated: EPA finalizes methane rules for new oil and gas facilities

The new rule was decried by oil and gas companies but was welcomed by environmentalists, who have long pushed for stricter methane regulations.

By Gavin Bade • May 13, 2016

CFTC proposes to allow market actors to sue grid operators

The agency has proposed a clarifying amendment to exemptions grid operators received under the Commodities Exchange Act, saying it never intended to limit the ability of private parties to sue.

By Gavin Bade • May 12, 2016

Talen CEO condemns Ohio plant subsidies, remains mute on sale rumors

In its first quarter earnings call, Talen Energy President and CEO Paul Farr argued power subsidies in Ohio will impact wholesale markets while brushing off rumors that the company is nearing a deal with Riverstone Holdings LLC. 

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2016

Ohio PUC greenlights rehearing for FirstEnergy plant subsidy case

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio granted a rehearing in FirstEnergy's bid for power contracts that will guarantee income for some of its older power plants.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2016

An embarrassment of riches? Maui shows why renewables curtailment isn't all bad

While it's something to minimize, curtailment is crucial to the functioning of MECO's grid today, and the goal of reaching 100% renewables by 2045.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

PJM defends market structure, cautions against state intervention in new report

A new report from the grid operator finds that its capacity market structure is functional — as long as state policies don't mess it up.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Better together: How an organized market can help clean up the western US grid

Today 38 separate balancing authorities deliver power out West. A new paper says a single market would be more efficient.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

US solar company inks deal with China to build 1,000 MW concentrating solar power plant

SolarReserve, who developed the Crescent Dunes CSP project in Nevada, just teamed up with China's Shenhua Group to build 1,000 MW of solar power. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

Fuel cells are a good partner for microgrids, but costs limit deployment

But as more microgrids are deployed, fuel cell costs could fall. 

By Peter Maloney • May 10, 2016

EIA: Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions declined 12% in 2015

After increases in 2013 and in 2014, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector declined 12% last year.

By Robert Walton • May 10, 2016

Construction manufacturer Caterpillar enters microgrid and storage market

Caterpillar has launched microgrid suite that combines solar, storage and Caterpillar generators.

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2016

Facing potential blackouts, California regulators boost efficiency spending for low-income communities

The Aliso Canyon gas storage leak has left residents in some parts of California facing possible blackouts this summer if generators run short on fuel, causing California regulators to take steps to protect low-income communities. 

By Robert Walton • May 9, 2016

TVA to sell unfinished Bellefonte Nuclear Plant

The Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors last week voted to declare the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant as surplus, and the utility will now begin preparing for an auction.

By Robert Walton • May 9, 2016

SEC investigates Mississippi Power over Kemper costs

Costs for the Kemper coal gasificiation plant are closing in on $7 billion, prompting the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch an investigation.

By Robert Walton • May 9, 2016

ComEd jumps on the demand charge train with new Illinois proposal

Residential demand charges have been most popular in the Southwest, but the Chicago-based utility features them prominently in a new legislative push.

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2016

Updated: Exelon says 2 nuke plants on the line in sweeping new Illinois energy bill

The Next Generation Energy Plan, announced yesterday, would touch virtually every aspect of the state's power industry. Without it, Exelon plans to retire two challenged nuclear plants.

By Peter Maloney • May 6, 2016

GE deploys first of its latest fast-ramping gas engine in US to support renewables

The 51 MW project in Texas uses a new GE engine that can start in just minutes and is 49% efficient.

By Robert Walton • May 6, 2016

TVA to start 2nd unit at Watts Bar nuclear plant, first new US reactor in 20 years

The Tennessee Valley Authority is also seeking information on renewable energy projects to satisfy plans for more than 5,000 MW of solar and wind.

By Robert Walton • May 6, 2016

NRC demands re-analysis of safety data at Entergy's Indian Point

New York officials hailed the decision as a major step forward in their bid to close the plant.

By Robert Walton • May 6, 2016

'Outnumbered and outgunned,' Dynegy seeks additional coal closures

Hybrid markets that mix competitive generators with utilities do not work, according to Dynegy CEO Robert Flexon.

By Robert Walton • May 6, 2016

CA companies Verengo, Swell companies team up for residential solar-plus-storage

Verengo Solar and Swell Energy is the latest partnership aiming to penetrate the market for residential energy storage.

By Peter Maloney • May 5, 2016

Massachusetts lawmakers mull 2,000 MW offshore wind mandate

Two state lawmakers are working with developers to craft a bill that could come by the end of the month.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 5, 2016