Clean firm generation is an important piece of the energy transition, but it’s no silver bullet

Due to the high cost of clean firm energy, it may be best considered as part of a broader generation portfolio that relies on much lower cost wind and solar most of the time.

By Michelle Solomon • Dec. 5, 2024

BOEM issues final federal permit for US Wind’s 2-GW Maryland offshore wind project

The wind farm will be a first for the state of Maryland and will help shore up the offshore wind supply chain, according to the Oceantic Network.

By Emma Penrod • Dec. 5, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

The Energy Transition to Renewables

New policy and business actions are giving a significant boost to renewable energy in the U.S., but opposition is growing and grid interconnection, permitting, labor and other challenges remain.

By Utility Dive staff

Mitigating price volatility: How flexible assets can strengthen renewable portfolios

Together, battery storage, gas generation and demand response provide a crucial buffer against the risks associated with renewable energy, making portfolios more adaptable and financially resilient.

By Andrew Warrell, Spencer Holmes and Tyler Bowen, McKinsey • Dec. 4, 2024

Renewable energy developers urge PJM to drop fast-track interconnection plan

The PJM Interconnection’s proposed Reliability Resource Initiative, if approved, will be challenged at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and in court, the developers said.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 4, 2024

New York finalizes contracts with 23 renewables projects totaling 2.3 GW

The solar and wind projects will provide enough power for more than 700,000 homes and will generate more than $4.7 billion in private investment, the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority said.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 4, 2024

11 Boston-area institutions partner on renewable energy virtual power purchase agreements

Harvard, MIT and the Mass General Brigham health system anchor the Consortium for Climate Solutions, which will help develop renewable energy projects in Texas and North Dakota.

By Brian Martucci • Dec. 3, 2024

Duke pauses consideration of DOE loan program with Trump election, new Congress

Given the uncertainties around future Department of Energy lending, it makes sense to delay a review of potential benefits from the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment program, Duke Energy told North Carolina regulators.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 2, 2024

Inflation Reduction Act changes ‘not a day 1 priority’ for Trump, Congress: Crux

Though a full repeal of the 2022 climate law is unlikely, a Republican-controlled legislature could repeal or phase out some of its individual provisions beginning next year, policy experts said.

By Brian Martucci • Dec. 2, 2024

2025 utility marketing trends: Meeting the needs of the modern customer

As 2025 approaches, utility marketers must prepare to embrace trends in artificial intelligence (AI), hyper-convenience and energy equity to stay agile.

Dec. 2, 2024

Utility-scale US solar installations to surpass 32 GW for record high in 2024: ACP

“Installations in 2025 are expected to be 16% lower than in 2024, but the market will recover,” the American Clean Power Association said.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 27, 2024

EPRI, Kraken advance DER interoperability standards to boost virtual power plant deployment

“Without interoperability standards, VPPs cannot reach scalability, affordability, and reliability as soon or as efficiently as they will be needed,” said Arshad Mansoor, CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 27, 2024

Carbon removal developers unveil first all-wind-powered direct air capture plant

Return Carbon and Verified Carbon’s “Project Concho” hub aims to remove 50,000 tons of carbon annually by 2030 and eventually remove 500,000 tons a year.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 27, 2024

2024 election: US electric power sector impacts

The U.S. energy transition continues, but the shape and pace of change will be significantly impacted by the results of the federal election — for some issues more than others.

By Larry Pearl , Diana DiGangi , Robert Walton , Ethan Howland • Nov. 27, 2024

Largest US pension fund CalPERS over halfway to $100B climate investment goal

CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost called the energy transition “one of the biggest investment opportunities in history” and said the fund aims to “provide the capital necessary” to help build a low-carbon economy.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 26, 2024

US clean energy investments hit record high in Q3: Rhodium

The industry saw $71 billion in investment in the quarter, as clean investments accounted for 5% of total private U.S. structure, equipment and consumer goods spending.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 26, 2024

What do Trump’s picks to head Energy and Interior signal for renewables?

DOE pick Chris Wright is an investor in renewable energy and CEO of fracking giant Liberty Energy. DOI pick Doug Burgum has backed both renewable and fossil fuel generation as North Dakota's governor.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 21, 2024

Data center stakeholders must collaborate to meet clean energy targets: Deloitte

With generative AI driving energy consumption, key players must work together to assess cooling needs and identify heat and wastewater solutions, according to the consulting firm’s report.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 21, 2024

First Solar hit by manufacturing issues, terminated contracts in Q3

The solar manufacturer's revenue declined 10.8% year over year as the clean energy regulatory environment remains unstable.

By Joelle Anselmo • Nov. 21, 2024

IRS finalizes direct pay rules, increasing access to IRA’s clean energy tax credits

Direct-pay-eligible entities like local governments, public school districts, churches and hospitals will more easily be able to jointly invest in clean energy projects under rules released Nov. 19.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 20, 2024

Massachusetts passes clean energy legislation allowing for 30-year offshore wind contracts

The bill allocates $200 million to the state’s Offshore Wind Industry Investment Fund and will allow the state to negotiate offshore wind contracts of up to 30 years, instead of 20.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 18, 2024

As Trump threat to offshore wind looms, BOEM assesses 5 California areas

This marks the second time that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has performed a regional analysis over multiple lease areas owing to their proximity, the agency said.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 14, 2024

PNM plans to join California ISO’s day-ahead market beginning in 2027

Participating in CAISO’s planned market “is the next step in realizing the value of New Mexico’s renewable energy potential for our customers,” PNM President and CEO Don Tarry said.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 12, 2024

DOE earmarks nearly $150M for 67 clean tech projects at federal facilities

The Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies program grants will save a combined $41.7 million in energy and water costs annually, the Energy Department said.

By Brian Martucci • Nov. 11, 2024

Pursuing 24/7 carbon-free energy is complex. Here’s what really matters.

For power providers to monetize the opportunity afforded by the rising demand for nonstop clean energy requires meticulous planning that considers both strategy and operations.

By Goran Vojvodic and Edo Macan • Nov. 11, 2024

Freyr Battery enters solar manufacturing, buys 5-GW plant from Trina Solar

Freyr will pay $340 million for the Wilmer, Texas, facility. It also plans to begin construction next year on another 5-GW solar manufacturing facility.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 7, 2024