The unknown costs of a 100% carbon-free future

State approaches to 100% clean energy vary, and while several costs remain unknown, some utility solutions are emerging.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 3, 2019

Rhode Island issues 10-year tax credit to draw offshore wind business

The state uses its Qualified Jobs Tax Credit program to attract companies to relocate or expand, and wind O&M companies have been approved for $2.8 million in credits over a decade.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 29, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

The Energy Transition to Renewables

Rising demand for power is continuing to drive demand for renewables, but policy uncertainty and mixed signals from the Trump administration add to existing challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

Is PREPA ready for hurricane season?

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority has "a fragile system," according to the utility's director of project management, and "it still hasn't been elevated to the codes and standards for a Category 4" storm.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 29, 2019

Renewable natural gas: The climate change solution with limited awareness of its potential

RNG's immediate benefits include new revenue streams for cities, farmers and others. Long term benefits include enhanced energy security through a diversified resource supply and climate change mitigation, writes Michael Bakas.

By Michael Bakas • Aug. 28, 2019

Rocky Mountain Power to operate largest US residential battery demand response project

Sonnen and the utility are partnering to build a virtual power plant at the new 600-unit apartment complex, with 12.6 MWh of energy capacity from a 5.2 MW solar array.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 27, 2019

DTE resource plan ignores dynamic modeling, undervalues solar, stakeholders complain

The utility's long-term plan is rigid in its resource assumptions, allowing uneconomic coal to stay online longer and undervaluing the potential benefits of renewables, according to expert testimony.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 27, 2019

Hawaiian Electric pursues approximately 900 MW renewables, mandates some storage pairings

It is the utility's largest clean energy procurement effort to date, and it will help position Hawaii to meet a 100% renewables goal by 2045.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2019

In trucking, is it sunrise for solar?

Solar panels on trucks can supplement battery and power lift gates, though the technology today isn't enough to power a truck down the road. 

By Barry Hochfelder • Aug. 26, 2019

PG&E may answer the billion dollar grid modernization question

A step-by-step regulatory process in California confronts the technical challenges and "obscene expenses" of distributed resource investments.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 26, 2019

Achieving 100% renewables by 2050 cannot be summarily ruled out

A Utility Dive opinion piece recently said 100% renewable energy is not possible in the next 30 years. Senior policy advisor Robert Borlick goes point by point to provide a different take.

By Robert Borlick • Aug. 23, 2019

TVA board approves long-term plan adding 14 GW solar by 2038

The board also called for the addition of simple cycle gas units to follow the variable loads created by renewable energy additions.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 23, 2019

An uncertain path to a cleaner future: Zero carbon electricity legislation in New York and California

How should California, New York and other states plan to meet their new 100% zero carbon electricity market goals with minimal impacts on reliability and affordability?

By Thomas R. Brill and Steven C. Russo • Aug. 23, 2019

Virginia regulators allow customers to exit Dominion service for 100% renewables offerings

The utility was ordered to restart processing exit applications in August from customers this summer, as its own 100% renewable energy plan is pending before regulators.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Updated Sept. 19, 2019

Duke renewables program allows large customers to negotiate directly with suppliers

The utility's unsubsidized Green Source Advantage program gives new procurement options for large energy users, starting with 600 MW.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2019

Federal bill aims to extend renewable energy tax credits for biogas and WTE

The bill would incentivize development of qualifying biogas, WTE and biomass projects. While attention to organic waste has spurred recent biogas investment, new incinerator projects have been less frequent.

By Rina Li • Aug. 22, 2019

Walmart sues Tesla, says solar panels caused series of fires

Walmart cites "gross negligence" as the cause of at least seven fires it says were started by Tesla's solar panels. Amazon also alleges the developer was responsible for a fire at one of its warehouses.

By Robert Walton • Updated Aug. 26, 2019

Wisconsin regulators grant wind transmission project preliminary approval

The controversial project would allow the state to add 25 GW of renewable energy capacity to the Great Plains market and ensure reliability. Opponents argue for transmission updates to existing infrastructure.

By Max Witynski • Aug. 21, 2019

What will electricity pricing look like in 2040?

Experts weigh in on their rate design predictions, ranging from complex rates and set-it, forget-it technologies to Netflix-like subscription plans.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 21, 2019

lllinois budget comes up 500K RECs short of 2025 goals

The Illinois Power Agency issued its draft resource plan last week, which outlines scenarios if funding becomes available through legislative action.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

North Carolina clean energy plan could reduce power sector emissions up to 70% by 2030

The state's plan also aims for a carbon-free power sector by 2050 and includes seven "priority recommendations."

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

Tesla relaunches solar division, will rent rooftop systems in 6 states

"With the new lower Tesla pricing, it's like having a money printer on your roof if you live [in] a state with high electricity costs," CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2019

How grid operators forecast weather and output from renewables

RTOs and ISOs told Utility Dive their top challenges and initiatives when it comes to forecasting output from intermittent resources.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 19, 2019

Wisconsin governor orders 100% carbon free by 2050, despite lack of legislative support

Gov. Tony Evers, D, signed an executive order on Friday after being unable to pass more aggressive energy policy through the state's budget.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 19, 2019

Why 100% renewables isn't feasible by 2050

The trillion dollar question is, what's the tipping point that reflects efficient utilization of renewables and fossil-based power in the U.S., while keeping the costs and pollution low and ensuring reliable power, says Harshit Chatur.

By Harshit Chatur • Aug. 15, 2019

EPA details renewables, efficiency health benefits as DOE slows energy savings progress

The agency says the report's purpose is to give state and local officials a clearer roadmap when developing policies around renewables and energy savings.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 15, 2019