grid
Newsletter
Credit: Sungrow EMEA/Unsplash
Maryland pushes for faster clean energy grid expansion
A new federal order aims to reduce grid bottlenecks hindering clean energy projects, but Maryland officials urge faster compliance from their grid operator, PJM Interconnection.
In short:
- Maryland’s coal plant continues to operate due to delays in clean energy project integration.
- PJM Interconnection requested a rehearing of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's order, which mandates long-term grid planning.
- Maryland and neighboring states press PJM to expedite transmission expansion to meet clean energy goals.
Key quote:
"Maryland electric utility customers are now bearing huge costs resulting from the failure of PJM to plan the transmission system to meet customer needs."
— David Lapp, head of the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel
Why this matters:
There is a pressing need for efficient grid management to support the influx of clean energy projects. These projects are pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The slow pace of compliance by PJM Interconnection could delay the state's progress in meeting its renewable energy targets, ultimately affecting public health and environmental sustainability.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Alexandru Boicu/Unsplash
Texas power demand expected to nearly double by 2030, ERCOT predicts
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas forecasts that power demand in Texas could almost double by 2030 due to new demand calculation methods and a surge in large power users.
In short:
- ERCOT’s new prediction considers company requests for grid connections before finalization and an influx of large power users like data centers and hydrogen production facilities.
- Texas’s population growth and increased electrification in the oil and gas sector are major factors driving the expected surge in power demand.
- State officials are concerned about the potential strain on the grid and are considering more oversight and new infrastructure to meet the demand.
Key quote:
“All of that is putting together a picture of a very significant, different demand growth that is forcing us to really re-think how we’re looking at planning ... ”
— Pablo Vegas, president and CEO of ERCOT
Why this matters:
ERCOT’s forecast raises concerns about the state's ability to meet this demand without compromising environmental standards or public health. As Texas continues to attract businesses with its favorable economic conditions, the pressure mounts on the existing infrastructure, potentially leading to increased carbon emissions and higher pollution levels if fossil fuel usage is ramped up to meet the growing energy needs.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Andrey Metelev/Unsplash
Rising electricity needs test US climate ambitions
A surge in power demand poses challenge to U.S. climate goals, driven by data centers and EVs.
Brad Plumer and Nadja Popovich report for The New York Times.
In short:
- The U.S. sees an unexpected surge in electricity demand due to data centers, manufacturing growth, and electric vehicles, doubling utilities' forecasts for 2028.
- This surge strains electric grids and could increase reliance on fossil fuels, potentially derailing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Utilities argue the need for more fossil fuel plants due to slow growth of renewable energy sources and the continuous power demand from new industries.
Key quote:
"I can’t recall the last time I was so alarmed about the country’s energy trajectory."
— Tyler H. Norris, a former solar developer and expert in power systems
Why this matters:
As America grapples with this surge in power use, the ripple effects could touch everyone— from increased energy bills to challenges in meeting climate commitments.
With solar leading the way, clean energy capacity growth is helping the planet avoid billions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
Decision looms on Duke Energy’s bid to use green tariffs
Under a proposal, Duke Energy customers that voluntarily pay extra for renewable energy wouldn’t be adding new clean resources to the grid.
Newsletter
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
Inside Biden's race to connect renewables to the grid
When John Podesta arrived at the White House last year to speed up President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda, the nation’s aging electric grid topped his priority list.
Newsletter
Photo by Andrey Metelev on Unsplash
The US power grid quietly survived record summer heat waves without outages
With little acknowledgment and no applause, the power grid across the continental United States this summer quietly pulled off what may have been its most impressive feat ever.
Newsletter
How a grid rule change could derail Texas renewables
The state’s main grid operator wants to boost reliability by reducing small outages. Wind and solar producers say more time is needed to avoid problems.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
