Electricity usage related to U.S. cryptocurrency mining operations in the U.S. has increased significantly over the last few years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Early estimates from the agency report that yearly electricity consumption due to cryptocurrency mining represents from 0.6 percent to 2.3 percent of total U.S. electricity usage. The increase in…...
Houthi led militia attacks on commercial ships passing through the Red Sea since November 2023 has led some vessels to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb checkpoint, which is the southern entrance to the Red Sea, according to a Feb. 1 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Commercial ships are opting to take the longer…...
The Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) operated by the California Independent System Operator Corp has so far generated over $5 billion in collective economic benefits for market participants since its inception in November 2014, according to the fourth quarter 2023 WEIM benefits report. As it stands, there are 22 market participants in the WEIM and…...
Battery, hybrid and plug-in electric vehicle sales as a whole increased across the U.S. during 2023 and accounted for 16.3 percent of total new light duty vehicle sales, according to a Jan. 31 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. During 2022 battery, hybrid and plug in vehicles accounted for 12.9 percent of total…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Jan. 26 announced a temporary pause on pending applications for the export of liquefied natural gas to non-Free Trade Agreement countries while it updates the criteria used to determine whether additional export authorizations are in the public interest. The U.S. is the global leader in LNG exports with 14 billion…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued permits allowing Wabash Carbon Services to build two wells for the injection and storage of carbon dioxide underground, one at a site in Vermillion County and the other at Vigo County, Indiana. The agency announced that the wells met the requirements for initial approval, including rigorous safety measures…...
States with big offshore wind ambitions are planning new strategies to recover the industry from economic challenges that have resulted in some major developers seeking to exit or revise their…Read the full report …...
States with big offshore wind ambitions are planning new strategies to recover the industry from economic challenges that have resulted in some major developers seeking to exit or revise their power purchase contracts.
Discover the Future of Sustainable Finance at The Wall Street Green Summit The Wall Street Green Summit is a key event in the world of sustainable finance and investment. This year’s summit will reveal a wide range of new insights into the fast-changing world of green finance. Attendees will get a special chance to learn…...
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on Jan. 24 announced the award of two offshore wind projects totaling 3,742 megawatts in its third solicitation. This action is significant for the state’s offshore wind pursuit after Denmark-based Ørsted canceled its plans last November to develop two projects with a proposed capacity of 2.2 gigawatts off…...
Join The 2023 Energy Bar Association Rocky Mountain Chapter CLE Event Be part of a transformative experience on February 28, where EBA’s Rocky Mountain Chapter and COSSA join forces for an illuminating CLE event. Gain insights into the evolving landscape of net metering in Colorado and the transformative impact of virtual power plants. This collaboration,…...
U.S. crude oil production reached an all-time high in August 2023, according to a Jan. 23 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The increase in production can be attributed to higher output in Texas. The state has primarily been producing relatively dense crude oil throughout 2023. Oil production in Texas, which has remained…...
Russia’s coal trading dynamics have been significantly impacted by the country’s invasion of Ukraine and the consequent sanctions imposed by some nations. Russian coal imports to China, Turkiye, South Korea and India have increased significantly, while Russian coal imports to European countries declined following the sanctions, according to a report issued on Jan. 22 by…...
The average wholesale electricity price during 2024 across majority of the U.S. regions is projected to be similar or marginally lower than in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The price forecast hinges on the assumption of relatively constant generation fuel costs. The agency acknowledges that temporary price hikes may occur in the…...
The growing interest in carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects driven by supportive policies and tax incentives has prompted state efforts to streamline permitting requirements, including securing primacy to regulate Class VI injection wells to sequester carbon dioxide. CCS involves the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants or industrial processes before they are released into the atmosphere for storage in subsurface geological formations.
The Bureau of Land Management on Jan. 17 issued a draft analysis of an update to its 2012 Western Solar Plan, which guides responsible solar energy development on public lands. The program currently includes six states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah — with high solar potential and low resource conflicts to…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 12 proposed measures to reduce wasteful methane emissions in the oil and gas sector in accordance with the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA. The proposed rule involves imposing charges on significant emitters that exceed emissions intensity levels established by Congress. In December, the agency issued New Source…...
To address the escalating demand on the power grid due to the rise in electric vehicle (EV) charging, electric utilities are compelled to develop rate structures that encourage EV owners to charge during off-peak hours, thereby aiding utilities in managing the…Read the full report …...
To address the escalating demand on the power grid due to the rise in electric vehicle (EV) charging, electric utilities are compelled to develop rate structures that encourage EV owners to charge during off-peak hours, thereby aiding utilities in managing the grid's overall demand.
Join The 2023 National Association Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Western Regional Training on Distribution System Planning and Resilience The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), teaming up with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is hosting again another regional training this Winter 2024. Open to State Energy…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 8 awarded nearly $1 billion under its Clean School Bus Program funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The agency selected 67 applicants in 280 school districts serving more than seven million students across 37 states. With this, the program has awarded nearly $2 billion, funding…...
As renewables continue to grow in the move towards a low-carbon future, energy storage is critical to mitigate the variability of wind and solar resources and enhance reliability and resiliency of the electric grid. Federal and state actions continue to facilitate the adoption of storage as a key solution…Read the full report …...
The Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 5 issued a final rule granting primacy to Louisiana for regulating Class VI wells for geologic carbon sequestration. The rule allows the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources to issue underground injection control, or UIC, permits for geologic carbon sequestration facilities as Class VI wells and ensure compliance under a…...
As renewables continue to grow in the move towards a low-carbon future, energy storage is critical to mitigate the variability of wind and solar resources and enhance reliability and resiliency of the electric grid. Federal and state actions continue to facilitate the adoption of storage as a key solution in this transition. U.S. utility-scale battery storage capacity is expected to increase from 1.5 gigawatts (GW) in 2020 to 30 GW in 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Join The 2024 Energy Bar Association (EBA) Transmission and Market Developments in the western interconnection Delve into the evolving energy terrain of the Western Interconnection at the Energizer Workshop on January 17th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, hosted by the Energy Bar Association’s Rocky Mountain Chapter. This two-hour session features industry experts, including Holly…...
The Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control Department on Jan. 3 submitted an offshore wind procurement report to Governor John Carney and state lawmakers which comprehensively examines the dynamic landscape of the offshore wind industry and identifies factors to consider in developing an offshore wind program. Further, the report discusses key developments that will impact…...
Join The 2024 American Gas Association (AGA) Transmission Measurement Committee (TMC) Winter Meeting The 2024 American Gas Association Transmission Measurement Committee (TMC) Winter Meeting happening from January 30th to 31st in Albuquerque, NM, promises an immersive experience in enhancing natural gas flow measurement methodologies. The TMC extends its support to member companies, focusing on key…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Jan. 2 announced its decision to award credits for the continued operation of the 2.2-gigawatt Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in California under the $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit, or CNC, program established by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support nuclear power plants at risk of closure due…...
The commitment to a low-carbon future is growing stronger, with states and utilities diversifying their energy transition strategies. There is a growing awareness of the magnitude of the transition including the scale of grid modernization, supply chain challenges, and economic realities as renewable resources and decarbonization technologies expand. Supportive policies and technological advancements are key…...
State renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are a key driver behind the torrid expansion of wind and solar generation across the U.S. RPS requires electricity suppliers to obtain a certain percentage of their retail sales from eligible renewable resources, with targets set to increase annually. In recent years, states have expanded their RPS programs to create…
DetailsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Dec. 21 released its 2023 Automotive Trends Report, which incorporates information on greenhouse gas emissions, manufacturer compliance, technology and new light duty vehicle fuel economy numbers. The report finds that for model year 2022 vehicle fuel economy hit a record high, while at the same time emission levels declined…...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Dec. 19 announced a proactive step in supporting the Biden-Harris administration’s renewable energy objectives by initiating a regional environmental review for potential development on five offshore wind lease areas off California’s central and north coasts. A wind energy auction for the five leases held last December drew competitive…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Dec. 18 announced a pioneering initiative, earmarking up to $530 million in competitive grants for technical assistance that not only aims to foster a skilled workforce and inclusive programs aligned with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative but also seeks to expedite energy efficiency projects for the decarbonization of buildings. This initiative…...
Discussions around carbon markets reflect the growing emphasis on collaborative efforts to advance climate solutions. Despite gaining prominence as an efficient market-based solution to reduce emissions, carbon trading initiatives face obstacles due to concerns of…Read the full report …...
Discussions around carbon markets reflect the growing emphasis on collaborative efforts to advance climate solutions. Despite gaining prominence as an efficient market-based solution to reduce emissions, carbon trading initiatives face obstacles due to concerns of higher energy prices.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy have announced a conditional commitments for grant funding for 14 states to assist in both measuring and reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The states will receive a total of $350 million in formula grants, the first in the first in a series…...
Join The 2024 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Winter Policy Summit Energy experts from different corners of the Energy industry will once gather during NARUC Winter Policy Summit, happening on February 25th to 28th, 2024. The summit will once again gather speakers from federal agencies, trade organizations, advocacy groups, lawyers, policymakers and many…...
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $2.25 billion funding opportunity to support carbon capture, utilization, and storage and carbon dioxide removal to reach climate goals. This marks the third opening of the Carbon Storage Validation and Testing program to support the transport and storage of carbon dioxide captured from industrial and power generation…...
Over 20 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of gas pipeline capacity is being developed, completed to some extent or approved to transport gas to five U.S. liquified natural gas export terminals that are also currently under construction, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Natural Gas Pipeline Project Tracker. The five LNG terminals to…...
The drive towards a low-carbon future has prompted changes to solar incentive programs as lawmakers and regulators emphasize the role of the distributed generation market in achieving energy and environmental goals. Recent measures range from…Read the full report …...
The drive towards a low-carbon future has prompted changes to solar incentive programs as lawmakers and regulators emphasize the role of the distributed generation market in achieving energy and environmental goals. Recent measures range from New Jersey’s dual-use solar pilot to California’s revisions to solar tariffs and a report examining virtual power plants for grid reliability.
The U.S. Energy Department has released the first of three assessments on pathways to clean hydrogen production under its Hydrogen Shots initiative, which aims to lower the cost of clean hydrogen by 80 percent to $1 per kilogram by 2031. The report focuses on pathways to reach the goal through thermal conversion, a process that…...
Natural gas storage stocks in the Lower 48 United States will commence the winter heating season with the highest level of gas in storage since 2020, according to a Dec.7 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The U.S. has five percent higher stocks entering the winter period compared to the previous five-year average…...
Join The 2024 American Gas Association (AGA) Best Practices Kickoff Meeting The Kick-off Meeting stands as a pivotal event in validating and refining the 2024 Best Practices Questions, a vital initiative aiming to elevate data quality standards. It convenes stakeholders to meticulously review draft data packs and questionnaires, urging a critical evaluation of their accessibility,…...
Associated natural gas production from the highest three yielding tight oil plays in the Permian region (Wolfcamp, Spraberry and Bone Spring) averaged a total of 13.7 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) during the first seven months of 2023, nearly triple the production level of 4.7 Bcf/d in 2018, according to a Dec. 6 report…...
Fifty companies, representing over 40 percent of global oil production have committed to near-zero methane emissions and end routine flaring by 2030 under the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) launched at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. The charter is part of series of initiatives launched…...
During the first half of this year, northbound crude oil flows through the Suez Canal and the SUMED pipeline rose by over 60 percent from 2020, due to an uptick in demand from Europe and the U.S. following the COVID-19 pandemic induced lows, according to a Dec. 4 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration…....
The U.S. and 21 other countries from four continents have pledged to triple nuclear energy capacity globally by mid-century from 2020 levels at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). The “Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy,” unveiled on Dec. 2, recognizes the crucial role of nuclear energy…...
Grid operators and utilities across the U.S. have enhanced their winter preparation initiatives building on lessons learned from winter storms Uri and Elliott. Higher-than-average temperatures in the northern half of the U.S. are expected to…Read the full report …...
Grid operators and utilities across the U.S. have enhanced their winter preparation initiatives building on lessons learned from winter storms Uri and Elliott. Higher-than-average temperatures in the northern half of the U.S. are expected to lower electricity and natural gas demand, and all regions are projected to have adequate resources for a normal winter. However, extreme weather, such as a prolonged cold snap, continues to pose reliability risks to the grid.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Nov. 30 announced the launch of the state’s fourth offshore wind solicitation as part of a 10-point action plan issued in October to support the growing large-scale renewable industry. The action plan outlines a comprehensive set of actions being taken to lay the foundation for…...
Join The 2023 National Association Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Data Sharing and Data Availability to Improve Affordability Outcomes Discover the power of data in the energy world at the upcoming NCEP Webinar on ‘Data Sharing and Data Availability to Improve Affordability Outcomes’ on December 12, 2023, from 2-3pm ET. This event explores how utilities and…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Nov. 27 announced $275 million in grant selections for seven projects to strengthen clean energy supply chains and revitalize communities impacted by coal mine or coal power plant closures. The projects will leverage over $600 million in private sector investments in small- and medium-sized manufacturers and create nearly 1,500 jobs…....
Long-term planning strategies of natural gas utilities across the U.S. are evolving in response to ambitious clean energy and emissions reduction goals. Policies to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century are leading…Read the full report …...
Long-term planning strategies of natural gas utilities across the U.S. are evolving in response to ambitious clean energy and emissions reduction goals. Policies to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century are leading state regulators and utilities to explore pathways to decarbonize the energy system.
Amid growing federal and state efforts to encourage advanced nuclear technologies to accomplish decarbonization goals, a recent announcement to terminate a first-of-a-kind small modular reactor (SMR) power project in the U.S. signifies…Read the full report …...
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has canceled a procurement from a request for proposals for additional generating capacity this winter due to limited market response. The grid operator received only 11.1 megawatts of potentially eligible capacity, while it sought to procure up to 3 gigawatts of additional capacity that could be called upon…...
As an active player in the Energy industry, offering one-stop solution to access and track critical policy data, EnerKnol, attended the recently concluded NARUC Annual Meeting and Educational Conference, held last November 12th to 15th, 2023. EnerKnol showcased it’s amazing platform. EnerKnol’s Director of Sales, Adam S. Johnson presented a booth at the event to…...
Strategic actions to optimize the distribution grid are imperative to meet the demands of the evolving power sector. Changing policies, climate action, and customer preferences have led to the growth in distributed energy resources and demand-side opportunities, prompting regulators and utilities to explore robust grid planning approaches that accommodate the growth and meet increased demand from electrification.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Oct. 25 issued a four-month extension of the compliance deadline for transmission providers to implement the requirements of Order No. 2023, which adopts reforms to generator interconnection procedures and agreements. The revised deadline of…Read the full report …...
Amid growing federal and state efforts to encourage advanced nuclear technologies to accomplish decarbonization goals, a recent announcement to terminate a first-of-a-kind small modular reactor (SMR) power project in the U.S. signifies the hurdles facing the industry.
President Biden has announced the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment report, or NCA5, which evaluates changes in the climate and its impacts, as well as options to lower present and future risk. Biden also announced more than $6 billion in investments to support climate resilience including strengthening the aging power grid infrastructure, lowering…...
North America’s liquefied natural gas export capacity is expected to increase to 24.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2027, according to a Nov. 13 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Currently, North American LNG export capacity stands at 11.4 Bcf/d. The increase in LNG export capacity can be attributed to Canada…
DetailsStrategic actions to optimize the distribution grid are imperative to meet the demands of the evolving power sector. Changing policies, climate action, and customer preferences have led to…Read the full report …...
Strategic actions to optimize the distribution grid are imperative to meet the demands of the evolving power sector. Changing policies, climate action, and customer preferences have led to the growth in distributed energy resources and demand-side opportunities, prompting regulators and utilities to explore robust grid planning approaches that accommodate the growth and meet increased demand from electrification.
The Florida Public Service Commission on Nov. 9 authorized continued funding for natural gas pipeline replacement programs, in order to enhance the safety of the state’s energy infrastructure. Programs that will receive funding in 2024 include: Florida Public Utilities Company’s Gas Utility Access and Replacement Directive, or GUARD, program Peoples Gas System’s Cast Iron/Bare Steel…...
U.S. coal exports to Europe increased by 22 percent to 33.1 million short tons (MMst) between August 2022 and July 2023, compared to the same period before the implementation of EU sanctions on coal from Russia (August 2021 – July 2022), according to a Nov. 2 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In…...
Even as the offshore wind industry is seeking to scale up, economic challenges cast shadow on future development. Inflation and supply chain disruptions have resulted in some major developers seeking to exit or revise their power purchase contracts. A recent announcement to cancel…Read the full report …...
Even as the offshore wind industry is seeking to scale up, economic challenges cast shadow on future development. Inflation and supply chain disruptions have resulted in some major developers seeking to exit or revise their power purchase contracts. A recent announcement to cancel two large projects off New Jersey has dealt a setback to the industry, reflecting the deepening financial challenges of the sector.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service on Nov. 3 issued a proposed rule that would enable the agency to consider carbon capture and sequestration projects on national forests and grasslands. This move aims to align the regulatory structure with the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and meet President Biden’s ambitious goal…...
Join the 2023 Energy Bar Association (EBA) MOCK DAS SURVEILLANCE INQUIRY WEBINAR Join for a captivating event presented by the Energy Bar Association’s Compliance and Enforcement Steering Committee, where FERC experts and Energy Bar Association members will engage in a “role-play” scenario to illustrate the workings of FERC’s Division of Analytics Surveillance (DAS) inquiry. This…...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Nov. 2 announced that it is postponing Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 261, which was originally planned for Sept. 27 and then rescheduled for Nov. 8 in response to court orders. Last month, the bureau announced that Lease Sale 261 will be held on Nov. 8 pursuant a…...
Gasoline production has become less profitable due to low demand and the shift to winter-grade gasoline, according to a Nov. 1 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As a result, the difference between gasoline blendstock and crude oil prices dropped to multiyear lows in October 2023. The difference in price between a wholesale petroleum…...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Oct. 31 announced its approval of the fifth commercial-scale, offshore wind energy project in the U.S., the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, located about 23.5 nautical miles offshore Virginia Beach. The project, expected to add 2,600 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to the grid, would be capable of…...
Join the 2023 American Gas Association (AGA) Climate & Sustainability Committee Meeting and RNG Workshop The upcoming American Gas Association Climate & Sustainability Committee Meeting and RNG Workshop is a dynamic platform where experts and stakeholders unite to shape a greener future. The Climate and Sustainability Committee (CSC) is at the heart of this endeavor,…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Oct. 30 announced a $1.3 billion commitment in three transmission projects crossing six states – Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, and Vermont. The commitment will support transformative projects aimed to add 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of grid capacity throughout the U.S., equivalent to powering about 3 million homes and…...
There is a growing focus on regional collaboration to improve transmission planning and operations as grid operators and states explore strategies to enhance system reliability while transitioning to a lower-carbon grid. Recent actions include…Read the full report …...
There is a growing focus on regional collaboration to improve transmission planning and operations as grid operators and states explore strategies to enhance system reliability while transitioning to a lower-carbon grid. Recent actions include a comprehensive action plan to connect offshore wind projects to the electric grid and a multi-state proposal to establish a collaborative on interregional transmission.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has finalized four new Wind Energy Areas in the Gulf of Mexico, which have the potential to support offshore wind projects that could collectively power over three million homes with renewable energy, according to an Oct. 27 press release. The Biden administration has set a goal to deploy 30…...
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Oct. 24 awarded conditional contracts for three offshore wind and 22 land-based renewable energy projects that have a combined capacity of 6.4 gigawatts. The projects have the potential to power 2.6 million homes and deliver about 12 percent of the state’s electricity needs. The contracts,…...
Venezuela’s crude oil production growth is projected to be less than 200,000 barrels per day (b/d) by the end of 2024, despite the U.S temporarily lifting most of the sanctions on the country’s energy sector, according to an Oct. 23 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Years of mismanagement and a lack of investment…...
Carbon management is emerging as an important component of regulatory strategies to progress towards a net-zero economy. Recent actions range from…Read the full report…...
Carbon management is emerging as an important component of regulatory strategies to progress towards a net-zero economy. Recent actions range from funding for the first direct air capture facilities to establishing an action committee to advance marine carbon dioxide (CO2) removal.
Join The Energy Bar Association (EBA) 2023 TEXAS CHAPTER ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM The ever-evolving energy landscape demands continuous learning and networking to remain at the forefront of industry developments. The 2023 Texas Chapter Annual Symposium, scheduled for November 2 in Houston, TX, promises to be a pivotal event for professionals, enthusiasts, and thought leaders in the…...
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Oct. 19 announced over $100 million in funding for new loans and subsidies to renovate the living spaces for 1,500 low-income households to cut energy waste and increase resilience to extreme weather events. The funding is a part of the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, or…...
In the U.S. 6.8 gigawatts (GW) of electricity producing capacity from 10 natural gas fired electricity assets have come online so far in 2023 according to an Oct. 16 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency estimates that an additional six natural gas fired electricity plants totalling 1.8 GW of capacity will come…...
