This week, Fervo Energy, a clean energy start-up, announced a partnership with Google to develop a next-generation geothermal power project. In 2022, this project will add always on, carbon-free, “firm” geothermal energy to the electric grid that serves Google’s data centers and infrastructure throughout Nevada. This collaboration also sets the stage for next-generation geothermal to play a key role as a firm and flexible resource that reduces global emissions. Read more
The Versatile Test Reactor’s Role in Decarbonization
Next Wednesday, May 26, ClearPath Senior Program Director for Nuclear Energy Niko McMurray is joining the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) Program and the Nuclear Energy Institute for a discussion about the VTR’s essential role in expanding U.S. research capabilities and supporting the next generation of nuclear power. Register here
Illinois Needs Nuclear
Illinois has until the end of the month to decide whether to keep four nuclear reactors online this year. New research out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE) department found Illinois’ nuclear plants are essential to providing carbon-free power in the state. Read the study
Nevada Republican Looks to Accelerate Project Permitting
Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) last week introduced the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act, which would speed up permitting for mines that target metals considered critical to national security and energy infrastructure. Read more
Unlocking Advanced Nuclear Innovation: The Role of Fee Reform and Public Investment
Judi Greenwald, NIA’s Executive Director, also joined Former Commissioners of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Jeff Merrifield and Stephen Burns to publish an op-ed on the report in Morning Consult. Read the op-ed
NuScale and Prodigy Sign MOU to Support Business Development for a Marine-Deployed Nuclear Generating Station
NuScale Power and Prodigy Clean Energy, a Canadian company that designs and develops marine nuclear plants, announced a second Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support business development opportunities for a marine-deployed nuclear generating station powered by the NuScale Small Modular Reactor. Read more
Mitsubishi & South Pole Partner to Develop Carbon Removal Portfolio
Mitsubishi, a Japanese auto manufacturer, and South Pole, a carbon project portfolio developer, have partnered to create a virtual “Next Generation Carbon Removal Purchase Facility.” Throughout this year, the “virtual facility” will seek to secure investors for a portfolio of direct air capture, carbon mineralization, biochar and other “technological carbon removal solutions” that will be worth between $300 million and $800 million in certified credits by 2030. Read more
DOE Lab to Pilot Green Hydrogen Production Using Nuclear
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development, is partnering with Bloom Energy to demonstrate the capability of nuclear energy to efficiently produce green hydrogen. Read more
ITIF Presents Interactive Tool: Energizing Innovation in FY 2022
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) developed an interactive data visualization that illustrates the funding pathways for research, development and demonstration at the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as how those pathways compare to the Energy Act of 2020. Check it out
Clean Hydrogen: A Trend Built for the Long Haul
What’s old is new isn’t just true for fashion (and advanced nuclear reactors, for that matter). Hydrogen is making a ferocious comeback with a twist after going out of style nearly a decade ago. Instead of hydrogen-powered passenger cars, the hydrogen hype of today promises a holistic path for power, industrial, and transportation decarbonization.
Happening Now: The Global CCS Institute is hosting its final installment of a three-part series of webinars about Carbon Capture and Storage: CCS Policy for a Net-Zero Future at 10am.
May 26: The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) Program and the Nuclear Energy Institute are hosting a discussion about the VTR’s essential role in expanding U.S. research capabilities and supporting the next generation of nuclear power. Register here