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The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated nearly $2 billion in funding for 38 projects aimed at enhancing grid resilience and innovation. These projects will increase transmission capacity, accelerate clean energy interconnection, and stimulate over $4.2 billion in public and private investments. Under the Biden administration, the DOE has facilitated $36.9 billion in public-private spending on grid initiatives, with plans for a third funding round next year. Selected projects include initiatives by Georgia Power, Exelon, Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative, Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, and GridUnity, focusing on grid-enhancing technologies, distributed energy resources management, and cloud computing for faster grid interconnection. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Energy has finalized an $861.3 million loan guarantee for the development of solar and battery facilities in Puerto Rico, known as Project Marahu. This project aims to add 200 MW of solar generation and up to 285 MW/1,140 MWh of standalone storage to the island's grid, supporting Puerto Rico's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050. The initiative is led by Clean Flexible Energy, an indirect subsidiary of AES Corp. and TotalEnergies Holdings USA, and is part of efforts to modernize and decarbonize Puerto Rico's energy system following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. [Extracted from the article]

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has proposed $3 billion in transmission construction projects, including 500-kV lines in Oregon and Washington, to accommodate regional load growth and integrate wind, solar, and battery storage. These projects are part of BPA's efforts to meet clean energy goals and growing energy demand in the region. Renewable Northwest, a clean energy advocacy group, supports these projects, which are part of BPA's larger plan to invest in over 20 proposed transmission expansion projects totaling around $5 billion. The BPA is considering joining a day-ahead market run by either the California Independent System Operator or the Southwest Power Pool, with a final decision expected in May. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C-MAP) program, which aims to support the development of microgrids in remote, rural, and electrically isolated communities. The pilot program focuses on Alaska, Hawaii, and tribes in the Southwest and the Great Plains. The DOE plans to work closely with rural and tribal communities to develop microgrid technologies that will provide more reliable and affordable energy in isolated regions. Funding is available for various types of projects, and applications are due by December 20th. The DOE expects to announce its selections in the spring. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plans to negotiate the purchase of up to $1.5 billion of capacity on transmission projects being developed by Avangrid, Invenergy, Pattern Energy, and Grid United and its partners. These projects, which could deliver 7.1 GW, were selected in a solicitation for access to DOE's Transmission Facilitation Program. The program allows DOE to serve as an "anchor customer" for transmission projects, providing guaranteed revenue to project developers and helping them obtain financing. The selected projects include Pattern Energy's Southern Spirit Transmission project, Avangrid's Aroostook Renewable Project, Invenergy's Cimarron Link project, and Grid United and Black Forest Partners' Southline Phase 2 project. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a transmission planning study that offers a framework for interregional transmission development. The study, conducted by DOE's renewable energy and Pacific Northwest national laboratories, includes 96 scenarios that consider factors such as electric demand, carbon emissions targets, and transmission technologies. It identifies "high opportunity" transmission interfaces that could be strong candidates for further study and serve as a starting point for accelerated transmission expansion. The study also found that building out interregional transmission can result in significant cost savings and that every dollar spent on transmission saves $1.60 to $1.80 in overall system costs. The DOE plans to share the study's findings and tools with various stakeholders to advance interregional transmission planning. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides a list of notable utility conferences that will take place in 2025. These conferences cover a range of topics including renewable energy trends, energy storage technology, AI energy consumption, electric vehicles, and energy innovation. Some of the highlighted conferences include the National Association of State Energy Officials Policy Outlook Conference, CERAWeek, DISTRIBUTECH, and the conference on offshore wind and ocean-based renewables. These conferences aim to bring together industry professionals, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the clean energy sector. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's annual Distributed Wind Market Report, distributed wind energy is gaining popularity, with an increase in installations in recent years. In 2023, there were 1,994 projects totaling 2.3 MW installed, compared to 1,745 projects totaling 2.3 MW in 2022 and 1,742 projects totaling 1.8 MW in 2021. The report attributes this growth to the availability of grants and loans through programs like the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America program, which received additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. The report also highlights the increasing interest from agricultural, residential, and commercial customers in distributed wind projects. The limited availability of suitable turbines has been a challenge, but new manufacturers are entering the market. With additional incentives and initiatives, there is potential for further growth in distributed wind energy. [Extracted from the article]

A report published by legal experts at Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law examines how a potential second Trump administration could impact the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which is the largest-ever investment in climate action in the United States. The report discusses the possibility of the administration withholding or reallocating unspent funds and even clawing back funds that have already been awarded to states, cities, nonprofits, and others for climate change initiatives. The report suggests that attempts to claw back already-awarded funds are unlikely to hold up in court, but states and cities should still be prepared for potential challenges. Additionally, the report discusses the potential for the Trump administration to reallocate unspent funds or withhold them altogether. It also mentions the possibility of the administration revising IRS regulations and guidance, which could impact the implementation of elective pay, a provision that allows tax-exempt entities to access rebates for clean energy projects. [Extracted from the article]

The National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) has recommended that the US government establish a "virtual" reserve of electric transformers to address concerns about a shortage of these critical grid components. The virtual reserve would allow the government to step in as a buyer of last resort if domestic manufacturers experience a slowdown in orders. The lead time for utilities to procure new transformers has more than doubled in recent years due to factors such as growing energy demand, workforce shortages, and a lack of domestic production capacity. The NIAC report also suggests driving production increases through workforce partnerships, long-term contracts, and federal incentives. The report emphasizes the need for more domestic or diversified production of other critical grid components as well. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the call from the Department of Energy's Shah for a significant cultural shift within utilities to effectively deploy emerging clean energy resources on a large scale. Topics include the specific changes needed in utility practices and attitudes, the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling up clean energy technologies, and the broader implications for achieving energy sustainability and innovation.

The article focuses on the significant growth of clean energy jobs in the U.S., which increased in 2023, surpassing the broader economy's job growth rate. It highlights that the clean energy sector added several jobs, driven by expansions in areas such as electric power generation, solar, and wind, and shows improvements in job diversity and unionization rates.

The article discusses a collaborative plan by MISO and SPP to advance a 1.7 billion U.S. dollars transmission project aimed at supporting up to 30 GW of new generation. Topics include the Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) process, the potential for 464.5 million U.S. dollars in Department of Energy funding, and proposed changes to tariffs and joint operating agreements.

The article discusses the Joe Biden administration's launch of 10 new climate resilience centers to address local climate change impacts with 10 million U.S. dollars in federal funding. Topics discussed include enhancing local risk prediction, translating research into actionable science, and improving community adaptation strategies.

The article focuses on the Energy Information Administration's projection that 62.8 GW of new power capacity will be added in 2024, primarily from solar and energy storage. Topics include the increased rate of new solar and battery storage installations, the slowing pace of power plant retirements, and the anticipated record-breaking addition of solar and storage capacity by the end of the year.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office has awarded Plug Power a conditional loan guarantee of up to $1.66 billion to finance the development of six hydrogen production facilities. This loan will support the creation of a commercial-scale clean hydrogen fueling network in multiple regions of the country. The DOE has recently made similar awards, indicating its strong interest in clean hydrogen. Plug Power plans to sell the hydrogen from its expansion to customers in the material handling, transportation, and industrial sectors. The company already operates a hydrogen production facility in Georgia and estimates that each new plant could create 50 full-time jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 84%. [Extracted from the article]

The University of Texas at Austin has opened a pioneering hydrogen research center, supported by over 20 industry stakeholders and sponsors. The center, referred to as a "proto-hub," is equipped with facilities to produce hydrogen from renewable natural gas and water using an on-site electrolyzer. It will conduct a study for the U.S. Department of Energy for the next year and may expand to test additional hydrogen technologies and offer training opportunities. The research center aims to serve as a proving ground for new technologies and has potential for long-term research and demonstration projects. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved new requirements for issuing backstop siting permits for transmission projects in national interest electric transmission corridors (NIETCs). These corridors are areas that the Department of Energy (DOE) determines to be congested. The new rules allow FERC to issue permits for transmission lines in these corridors when state regulators lack the authority to site the line, have not acted on an application for over a year, or have denied an application. The changes to FERC's permitting process were driven by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which requires permit holders to engage with landowners and stakeholders early in the process and follow an applicant code of conduct. The rule also emphasizes the need for engagement with environmental justice communities and Indian tribes. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office has released a Multi-Year Program Plan that focuses on improving the efficiency, durability, and cost effectiveness of clean hydrogen production systems. The plan aims to achieve the goal of cutting the cost of clean hydrogen production to $1 per kilogram by 2031, as well as reducing the costs of electrolyzer systems, fuel cell systems for heavy-duty transportation, and the final dispensed cost of hydrogen fuel. While some goals are already within reach, others will require significant advancements in industry scale or technology. The plan emphasizes the need for well-planned and deliberate actions to further progress in the clean hydrogen industry. [Extracted from the article]

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service will be issuing up to $6 billion in tax credits for advanced energy projects, with $2.5 billion specifically allocated for projects in communities affected by the closure of coal mines or coal-fired power plants. This funding is part of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit program, which aims to incentivize clean energy manufacturing, recycling, industrial decarbonization, and critical materials processing. The registration for the funding will open later this month, and projects that received funding in the first round can also apply for this second round. The IRS will evaluate if any tax credits remain unallocated and determine if another allocation round is necessary. [Extracted from the article]

The Department of Energy (DOE) has released a report on the progress of the US offshore wind industry towards full-scale commercialization. The report states that the industry is at an "inflection point" and poised for "liftoff," but has not yet achieved it. The DOE outlines three phases for full-scale commercialization, with the first phase on track for liftoff and the second phase underway. The report also addresses the market turbulence in the sector, including the cancellation and delay of several projects in 2023. The DOE emphasizes the importance of infrastructure planning and supply chain expansion for the success of the industry. The report concludes by highlighting the lessons learned from the challenges faced in recent years and the ongoing efforts to refine project procurement and foster regional collaboration. The DOE has also announced plans to fund projects that address various needs for offshore wind, including academic leadership, research and development, supply chain expansion, and wildlife protection. [Extracted from the article]

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a final rule that sets a two-year deadline for permitting decisions on proposed transmission lines on federal land, cutting the average timeline in half. The rule establishes the Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorizations and Permits program, with the DOE as the lead agency on permitting applications. The program aims to streamline the approval process, which currently takes over a decade due to involvement from multiple federal agencies. The DOE's new approach to grid improvements and expansions, including the CITAP program, aligns with the Biden administration's goal of upgrading 100,000 miles of transmission lines in the next five years. Additionally, the DOE has tentatively agreed to enter into a contract to buy capacity on a 500-kV power line between Idaho and Nevada, which could deliver wind power to California and provide grid access to geothermal and solar resources in the Pacific Northwest. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a road map aimed at improving the grid interconnection process for generators. The road map suggests market-based options for interconnection access and separating the interconnection process from network upgrades. The backlog of capacity in grid interconnection queues has increased by 27% to 2.6 TW, with solar, battery, and wind projects making up 95% of the queues. The road map focuses on increasing data access and transparency, improving the process, promoting economic efficiency, and maintaining grid reliability. It includes recommendations such as creating fast-track options for interconnection, investigating interregional transmission projects, and incorporating equity goals in transmission planning. The DOE's road map aligns with a draft plan released in October and has received input from various stakeholders. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is also working on revising its transmission planning and cost allocation requirements. [Extracted from the article]

The Department of Energy (DOE) has released a report stating that the demand for electricity in the United States is expected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years due to factors such as data centers, manufacturing, and electrification. The report recommends a "portfolio approach" to ensure resource adequacy, including the use of various technologies such as long-duration energy storage, hydropower, nuclear energy, and demand-side resources. The DOE also warns against building new natural gas plants without addressing emissions, as it could lead to higher costs and lower reliability during extreme weather events. The report highlights the importance of clean energy alternatives, energy efficiency programs, and distributed energy resources in supporting reliability. The Biden administration has provided incentives and funding to help deploy these solutions and meet the growing demand for electricity. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is recognizing the significant increase in electric demand growth, driven primarily by data centers, which is posing a major challenge for the power sector. To address this surge in demand, the DOE is considering advanced nuclear technology and advanced grid technologies as potential solutions. The DOE has released a report outlining how advanced grid technologies can expand the capacity of existing transmission lines, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution. The DOE is also seeking to collaborate with high-tech companies to leverage their expertise and support the development of advanced nuclear technology. The DOE has received significant funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, and is conducting thorough evaluations of proposed projects to ensure the best outcomes. However, permitting reform is identified as a crucial missing link in facilitating the development of new zero-carbon energy sources. The DOE views this as a pivotal moment for addressing climate change and positioning the American economy as a global leader in a carbon-constrained world. [Extracted from the article]

The Department of Energy (DOE) has stated that advanced grid technologies, such as dynamic line ratings (DLR) and virtual power plants, could expand the existing US grid capacity by up to 100 GW individually, and even more when used in combination. These technologies could also help save $5 billion to $35 billion in transmission and distribution infrastructure costs over the next five years. Advanced grid technologies are more cost-effective and quicker to deploy compared to traditional transmission lines. However, their widespread use is currently limited due to a lack of incentives and integration into utility planning and operations. The DOE suggests that comprehensive valuation and integration of these technologies is necessary for their commercial liftoff. The DOE is offering significant funding opportunities for advanced grid solutions through its Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program. AES and LineVision have released a case study showing the benefits of DLR deployments in Indiana and Ohio, which have improved grid reliability and allowed for strategic investments. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, there was a 27% increase in the number of planned power projects seeking to connect to the U.S. grid in 2023, totaling 2.6 TW. Solar, battery, and wind projects make up 95% of the capacity in the interconnection queues, with over 1 TW of solar and 1 TW of battery storage in the queues. The completion rates for projects in interconnection queues have been relatively low, with only 14% of the capacity from 2000 to 2018 being built. The West, outside of California, has the largest queue at 706 GW. The average time for projects to be built has also increased, with the typical project taking almost five years between requesting an interconnection study and beginning commercial operations in 2023. The researchers noted that variable solar and wind resources contribute a smaller percentage of their nameplate capacity to resource adequacy and peak load compared to dispatchable generation like natural gas, and higher levels of installed solar and wind capacity are needed to achieve the same resource adequacy contributions. [Extracted from the article]

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) staff has recommended joining the Southwest Power Pool's Markets+ initiative instead of the California Independent System Operator's (CAISO) planned day-ahead market. The staff cited concerns with governance and superior features related to greenhouse gas accounting and resource adequacy as reasons for their preference. The BPA's final decision, expected in November, will have a significant impact on market development in the West. The BPA sells wholesale power from federal hydroelectric dams and operates high-voltage transmission across the Northwest. The decision to join a day-ahead market hinges on the requirement for independent market governance that is not obligated to a single state, entity, or trade association. The BPA plans to gather public comments on the recommendation and issue a final decision in November. Advanced Energy United, a trade group for clean energy companies, believes it is too soon to decide which market to join and highlights ongoing efforts to resolve the BPA's primary objection regarding independent governance. [Extracted from the article]