A growing number of states are investigating long-term planning of natural gas utilities to explore cost-effective alternatives that better align with climate policies. Investigation into the future of the gas industry is becoming important to develop strategies that facilitate progress toward a net-zero emissions energy future while safeguarding ratepayer interests and ensuring reliable service.
Amid gigawatt-scale goals for energy storage, U.S. state policies are evolving to create more opportunities for the technology. Storage is poised to play an integral role in the changing resource mix as more states pursue zero-carbon goals, driving the need for innovative policy initiatives and programs that optimize renewable energy sources and enhance grid reliability.
The California Public Utilities Commission approved $108.5 million in additional funding for the Self-Generation Incentive Program’s “Equity Budget,” to support energy storage installations for disadvantaged or low-income communities. The decision transfers funds to the Equity Budget from the funding allotted for general large-scale projects installed by customers that are not in the low-income or disadvantaged…...
The U.S. Energy Department announced the first awards for two projects under the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program launched in May. The program is designed to establish cost-shared partnerships with U.S. industry to expedite the demonstration of advanced nuclear reactors. TerraPower LLC and X-energy received $80 million each in initial funding to build two reactors that…...
Hydrogen is emerging as an important player in the U.S. energy landscape because of its ability to decarbonize multiple sectors. A number of exciting projects harnessing the technology are taking shape as hydrogen and fuel cells can store energy to help enhance the power grid and maximize opportunities to deploy renewable energy.
The U.S. Energy Department on Sept. 16 announced $24 million in funding for projects designed to commercialize efforts in sodium-ion battery development and methane detection technologies. The initiative, titled Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential, is the first-of-its kind to build on the research and development efforts of the agency’s Advanced…...
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Sept. 17 approved a long-awaited rule, directing regional grid operators to open their markets to distributed energy resource aggregations. The order removes barriers preventing these resources from competing on a level playing field in the wholesale capacity, energy, and ancillary services markets. The rule requires regional grid operators to…...
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, on Sept. 16 announced a draft regulatory framework to implement a recently-enacted law, which established the Office of Renewable Energy Permitting to expedite the siting and regulatory review of large-scale renewable energy facilities. The proposed framework is expected to dramatically speed up clean energy project development and help…...
The New York Independent System Operator Inc. on Sept. 8 announced it has finalized the process required to allow full participation of energy storage resources in the grid operator’s wholesale energy markets. The rules are required for compliance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order No. 841, which directed grid operators to establish a market…...
The Bureau of Land Management on Sept. 4 released its final environmental assessment for the Yellow Pine Solar Project, which would be located on about 3,000 acres of public land in Nevada. The review address two related applications. The first one consists of a 500-megawatt solar energy generation station and ancillary facilities including battery storage…...
Proposals to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired generation appear more prominently in long-term resource plans of U.S. electric utilities, reflecting the growing shift to renewable energy. The transition from coal continues to be driven by state clean energy mandates, emissions reduction goals, low natural gas prices, and increased availability of low-cost renewables and storage resources.
Duke Energy Carolinas LLC and Duke Energy Progress LLC on Sept. 1 unveiled their 15-year integrated resource plans for the Carolinas, presenting a range of scenarios with accelerated coal retirement options and substantial increases in solar, wind, and energy storage technologies. The proposal details six generation portfolios that would keep Duke Energy Corp. on a…...