Policy developments around nuclear energy continue to evolve driven by new reactor technologies and the need for carbon-free power to support clean energy goals. Nuclear operators can have their yellowcake and eat it too as massive federal and state subsidies protect traditional nuclear power plants while underwriting the development of advanced reactors.
Demand response (DR) is becoming an important tool in utility resource plans to manage demand on the power grid and integrate intermittent energy resources. DR programs allow consumers to play a role in the operation of the grid by reducing or shifting their electricity usage during peak periods in response to time-based rates or other forms of financial incentives.
Heightened activity around carbon pricing mechanisms reflects the need for expedited measures to align with ambitious emissions reduction trajectories.
This Earth Day, we discuss initiatives exploring clean hydrogen as an effective option to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
Amid the growing number of initiatives to unlock the benefits of distributed energy resources, states across the U.S. are pursuing measures that support customer-oriented solutions while ensuring reliable system operations.
Energy storage plays a key role in managing the pace of the transformation of the electric system. The versatility of the resource has allowed for multiple grid roles, including supporting transmission reliability.
The focus on decarbonization and energy security has elevated the importance of nuclear power as a critical technology to achieve national and state goals. Recent actions include the second award cycle of a $6 billion federal program established to maintain the existing reactor fleet and proposals to explore the feasibility of deploying advanced nuclear technologies.
Stringent climate policies have prompted discussions around comprehensive cap-and-invest programs to address emissions across multiple sectors. Several U.S. states have devised bold climate action plans that call for transformations across industry, energy, and transportation sectors.
Recent long-term resource plans of several electric utilities include accelerated timelines to develop renewables or retire coal-generation fleet, reflecting the impact of policy changes ensuing from 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA includes provisions to support the transition of the U.S. electricity generation fleet to cleaner energy sources and lower carbon emissions.