Opinion
The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders
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What the 2024 presidential election could mean for commercial solar
Without full congressional support, and given various investment considerations, a change in administration will likely only stymie and delay certain parts of the IRA’s implementation.
David Wei and Raaghav Salem Karthikeyan • July 19, 2024 -
Roberto N via Getty Images
With huge capital needs, the power sector’s founding regulatory principle is more critical than ever
Any possible energy future is a capital-intensive one, with capital needs that will only increase as the U.S. demand wave and load growth continue.
Ray Gifford and Matt Larson • July 18, 2024 -
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Nowhere to sell: As local bans proliferate, renewable energy companies must prioritize politics
The polluters who want to kill the energy transition have created political headwinds that are grinding the transition to a halt for everyone else, including the companies that really do want to move away from dirty fuels.
Ayelet Hines • July 17, 2024 -
Permission granted by Wärtsilä
When it comes to new thermal generation, small is beautiful
IOUs have long favored larger projects that benefit from economies of scale. However, the evolving energy market suggests investing in smaller, modular, flexible and decentralized power plants is a smarter approach.
July 15, 2024 -
monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images
The No. 1 untapped tool for utilities to engage next-gen energy customers? Influencers.
To overcome existing frictions, energy companies must reach customers where they already are and seamlessly insert education and brand stories.
Kate Finley • July 9, 2024 -
Bilanol via Getty Images
Two bold ideas to change the energy industry forever
Now may be an ideal time to make dramatic, fundamental changes to how we transport electricity, deliver it to customers and fund new projects, writes Anthony Allard, head of Hitachi Energy, North America.
Anthony Allard • July 3, 2024 -
Fleem via Getty Images
Eliminating the discord over FERC Order 1920 — what’s the role for states?
Instead of fighting the rule, a coordinated effort by states of all stripes to help implement the order will ensure least cost, least regrets transmission planning.
Devin Hartman and Kent Chandler • July 2, 2024 -
A YIMBY approach to the transmission buildout
Just as housing advocates are finding new allies at the state and local level for their YIMBY — Yes in My Backyard — movement, the energy community should seek to cultivate proactive community demand for transmission projects.
Robin Allen • June 28, 2024 -
Permission granted by American Biogas Council
America will need 500 TWh more power in 2028. This simple solution could help.
To help solve our grid load dilemma, the U.S. could produce at least 166 terawatt hours of renewable electricity just with the methane captured from biogas projects and recycling our organic waste.
Patrick Serfass • June 27, 2024 -
Roberto N via Getty Images
Transmission planning’s next frontier: A rebuttable presumption for modern grid technologies
Regulators should apply the principle of ‘rebuttable presumption’ — accepting a given fact as true until it is disproved — by ensuring that alternative transmission technologies are prioritized in evaluating system needs.
Jason Marshall • June 11, 2024 -
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Forward-thinking investments and increased power grid flexibility can prevent wildfires
A methodology being developed by Lawrence Berkekey National Lab and others assesses different wildfire mitigation approaches to determine the optimal portfolio of investments to protect power grids.
Alexandre Moreira • June 10, 2024 -
PBouman via Getty Images
Minnesota’s permitting reforms will accelerate its clean energy boom and can serve as a national model
The Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act is expected to cut permitting time for individual projects by nine months to a year, shortening the overall approval timeline by 50% or more.
Mel Mackin • June 5, 2024 -
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Responsible AI in energy: Balancing efficiency, sustainability and trust in a high-stakes industry
Stringent regulations, safety considerations and environmental expectations necessitate robust risk management as AI adoption accelerates in the energy sector.
Alyssa Lefaivre Škopac and Patrick McAndrew • June 4, 2024 -
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Why EPA’s support of school bus electrification is the clear choice to improve America’s future
Focusing on top-line sticker prices obscures the total cost of ownership of electric school buses, as well as their end-of-life value.
Albert Gore • June 3, 2024 -
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Mitigating nuclear industry whistleblower risk after the Supreme Court’s Murray v. UBS ruling
The court’s decision presents an opportunity for employers in the nuclear industry to review their practices and take practical steps to minimize their potential exposure under the Energy Reorganization Act.
Jane Accomando and Lincoln Bisbee • May 24, 2024 -
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Investing in green companies: Why private equity should lead the charge
Investing in green companies not only addresses pressing environmental concerns but offers compelling financial returns as well.
Hajar Jouglaf • May 22, 2024 -
Adeline Kon/Utility Dive
We need long-duration storage for a cleaner and reliable grid. Here’s how policymakers can help.
States could require utilities to procure long-duration energy storage resources to help meet resource adequacy requirements.
Rich Glick • May 21, 2024 -
shulz via Getty Images
Grid modernization plans must consider quantum computing, AI, other innovations
Any policy related to upgrading the grid must include a focus on using new technologies to make the most of these significant investments.
Christina Hayes and Allison Schwartz • May 20, 2024 -
Trong Nguyen via Getty Images
FERC Order 1920 is a big step forward on transmission planning, but it is not the end game
The rule provides the raw ingredients to transmission providers and states, FERC Commissioner Allison Clements writes, but the grid of the future will not be built if these entities do not come together and start cooking.
Allison Clements • May 15, 2024 -
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Requiem for a DRAM: Charting the future of demand response in California
The current situation is anathema to California’s long-running efforts to build a balanced and open market for demand response, one in which utilities and third-party providers compete on a level playing field.
Collin Smith • May 14, 2024 -
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With 78% of requested investments approved, US regulators are backing grid modernization
Contrary to the conventional opinion that regulation is an obstacle to grid modernization, regulators have, in fact, largely demonstrated strong support over the past six years.
Kathy (Huishan) Hu • May 13, 2024 -
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Why the EPA shouldn’t favor school bus electrification
The environmental benefits of vehicle electrification are not as obvious as once thought, and the grid is simply not ready to service the load.
Tucker Perkins • May 10, 2024 -
VISION4RY-L4NGU4GE via Getty Images
Competition in transmission ownership does not lower consumer costs
Opponents of right-of-first-refusal laws claim that incumbent transmission providers have no incentive to reduce costs. The exact opposite is true.
Bill Marsan • May 9, 2024 -
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There are 3 fundamental problems with Scope 2 GHG accounting. Here’s how to fix them.
Society cannot afford actions and expenditures to support claims of progress while not accomplishing real-world emission reductions.
Neil Fisher, Roger Ballentine and Armond Cohen • May 8, 2024 -
Permission granted by sonnen, Inc.
If you want ‘virtual power plants,’ first define them
Persistent confusion around VPPs may impede successful policymaking, challenging regulatory commissions, stalling deployments and delaying important benefits to our electricity system.
Ted Ko • May 7, 2024
