Happy Friday! Congratulations on being nominated and voted as the President of WERC, Colleen!
1. Cold weather spotlights increased U.S. energy demand
You couldn’t have missed the snow last week and the freezing temperatures it brought with it. This winter storm hit many U.S. regions and caused power demand in areas like Alabama, Tennessee and Texas to set records.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) hit its highest peak in history of 34,524 megawatts;
Texas saw demand records, with the peak topping out at 78,138 megawatts.
What’s clear: Winter weather isn’t the only factor. With increased economic growth, data centers, AI, and electrification, electricity load demand could double in the next few decades. That means we will need to dramatically increase generation capacity in the United States, which is precisely why we need a better, faster system of permitting new clean energy projects.
2. First CO2 injection permits approved in a decade
The EPA issued its first new permits for two Class VI carbon dioxide injection wells in a decade. Wabash Valley Resources will use the storage permits in West Terre Haute, Indiana, as part of the production process for low-carbon ammonia fertilizer made from hydrogen.
Wabash Valley Resources says they could capture and store 1.65 million metric tons of CO2 annually, and
The permits will attract needed public and private investment for the project.
What’s clear: Capturing and storing carbon dioxide is an emerging trend in the industrial sector’s decarbonization efforts. Expediting state primacy applications for Class VI wells would also unlock projects that can safely sequester CO2 deep underground.
3. Poll preview: Clean energy innovation is popular
ClearPath Action’s annual clean energy issues poll tracking shows that voters still want Congress to support clean energy innovation. Here are a few topline findings:
74% of American voters believe it’s essential that their Member of Congress supports policies that promote clean energy.
60% of voters (including Democrats) believe more innovation and better technology to reduce emissions are the best ways to fight climate change rather than more regulation.
Voters believe affordable, reliable and clean are the three most important attributes of energy.
Stay tuned for the full results at clearpathaction.org/public-opinion/. To schedule a briefing, contact ClearPath Action’s Chief External Affairs Officer at bolar@clearpathaction.org.
4. X-energy completes Canadian nuclear licensing step
New nuclear company X-energy has reached a milestone in deploying its advanced reactor design, the Xe-100, in Canada. In the United States, X-energy has deals with:
Dow Chemical to provide clean power at their refinery in Southeast Texas.
Energy Northwest and Puget Sound Energy, which recently partnered to deploy additional X-energy reactors in the Pacific Northwest.
What’s clear: The success of the U.S. nuclear industry domestically could depend on its ability to export. Building a sufficient order book of projects and customers is necessary to underwrite investments in manufacturing facilities and fuel. Approval in Canada will open up a new market for this technology.
Plug in: X-energy cleared the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s pre-licensing Vendor Design Review for its Xe-100 reactor. To learn more about nuclear clean energy breakthroughs, read this blog by Jeremy Harrell.
5. ICYMI
Rep. Carter (R-GA), new E&C Environment Subcmte Chair, outlines his goals for approaching climate change.
Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant will receive support from bipartisan infrastructure law to remain operational.
Our TED Talk featuring ClearPath CEO Rich Powell is on TED’s YouTube page; tune in!
Politico reports the White House announced it won’t renominate former Nuclear Regulatory Commission member Jeff Baran.
The DOE announced $171M to support industrial innovation and decarbonization in concrete, steel, chemicals and other key industrial sectors.
That’s all from us. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!
