New Jersey lawmakers have passed a suite of sweeping measures to propel the state’s clean energy agenda under Democratic Governor Phil Murphy's administration. The swift turn of events marks a significant shift from his Republican predecessor Chris Christie who withdrew the state from the carbon market and shunned offshore wind.
The Trump administration is seeking new avenues to revive coal and nuclear, such as research to diversify coal use and design new reactors. Although new technologies may slow the downturn of coal and nuclear, hopes of a renaissance remain dim as the industries lose out to cheaper, cleaner, and more efficient resources.
The New York Independent System Operator says the deactivation of the Indian Point nuclear plant in 2021 will not affect system reliability if approximately 1,800 MW of gas-fired generation come online as planned. Competition from cheap natural gas and Westinghouse reactor design failure have caused nuclear operators and developers to retire their plants early and cancel new projects. Amid state and federal actions to help nuclear power plants remain operational in the face of financial pressures, it remains to be seen whether advanced technologies bring a resurgence and expansion.
The New York Independent System Operator says the deactivation of the Indian Point nuclear plant in 2021 will not affect system reliability if approximately 1,800 MW of gas-fired generation come online as planned. Competition from cheap natural gas and Westinghouse reactor design failure have caused nuclear operators and developers to retire their plants early and cancel new projects. Amid state and federal actions to help nuclear power plants remain operational in the face of financial pressures, it remains to be seen whether advanced technologies bring a resurgence and expansion.
The Connecticut Governor has signed legislation that could allow the state’s only nuclear plant to compete for long-term contracts with renewables provided such rule change is corroborated by a currently ongoing study into the plant's viability. Recently, additional states including Pennsylvania and Ohio have joined in with policies supporting their nuclear facilities. These actions coincide with the Department of Energy’s recently-proposed grid resiliency pricing rule offering hope for financially struggling nuclear power plants.
The Connecticut Governor has signed legislation that could allow the state’s only nuclear plant to compete for long-term contracts with renewables provided such rule change is corroborated by a currently ongoing study into the plant's viability. Recently, additional states including Pennsylvania and Ohio have joined in with policies supporting their nuclear facilities. These actions coincide with the Department of Energy’s recently-proposed grid resiliency pricing rule offering hope for financially struggling nuclear power plants.
Duke Energy Florida has reached an agreement with industry and consumer groups to cancel a nuclear project and invest more in solar and grid modernization. Recent similar proposals from major utilities such as Xcel and AEP reflect growing interest in renewable energy. While the trend towards renewables has been largely attributed to state mandates and improving economics, recent developments show that utilities are increasingly perceiving them as opportunities for growth and profit.
DetailsDuke Energy Florida has reached an agreement with industry and consumer groups to cancel a nuclear project and invest more in solar and grid modernization. Recent similar proposals from major utilities such as Xcel and AEP reflect growing interest in renewable energy. While the trend towards renewables has been largely attributed to state mandates and improving economics, recent developments show that utilities are increasingly perceiving them as opportunities for growth and profit.
Cheap natural gas and the resulting wholesale electricity price declines have squeezed the revenues for nuclear generators, many of which have come under the risk of premature closure due to their inability to compete in the wholesale markets. However, multiple states have expressed support for options to keep nuclear as a low-carbon baseload electricity source in their energy portfolios.
Legislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.
DetailsLegislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.
Multiple proposals to preserve and expand nuclear generation have emerged among states willing to do so. These include zero emission credits (ZEC), categorizing nuclear as an alternative or renewable energy source, easing the construction process, and establishing cost recovery mechanisms. A few states, particularly Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington have passed policies to foster small modular reactors. New York and Illinois, which have established ZEC programs, have sparked a national debate over the premature closure of their nuclear plants due to their inability to compete in wholesale markets.
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