Generation: Page 16
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NRC hammers out new licensing rules to adapt to advanced nuclear plants and small modular reactors
Sen. John Barrasso, then chairman of the Senate environment committee, said in 2019 a new law mandating updated reactor licensing rules is “critical if we are going to reduce carbon emissions in a meaningful way.”
By Stephen Singer • March 8, 2023 -
EPA proposes stricter wastewater discharge limits for coal-fired power plants
“We have attempted with this rule, and with some other rules, to align our rulemaking schedule, so that the power sector can be thoughtful about the investments that they have to make,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said.
By Ethan Howland • March 8, 2023 -
Vistra moves more deeply into nuclear power with planned $3.43B acquisition of Energy Harbor
Vistra President and CEO Jim Burke cited the federal nuclear production tax credit that “now has down-side protection against lower power prices” as a benefit of the deal.
By Stephen Singer • March 7, 2023 -
FERC reverses its approval of SPP’s capacity accreditation plan for wind, solar resources
FERC Commissioner Allison Clements urged the Southwest Power Pool to develop an accreditation process that doesn’t discriminate between types of generating sources.
By Ethan Howland • March 7, 2023 -
DC Circuit dismisses utility-backed challenge to EPA cross-state ozone rule
The Midwest Ozone Group, with Ameren, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy among its members, failed to show the EPA’s rule was arbitrary or capricious, the federal appeals court said Friday.
By Ethan Howland • March 6, 2023 -
"Diablo Canyon Family Open House" by Tracey Adams is licensed under CC BY 2.0
NRC grants exemption for PG&E to operate Diablo Canyon nuclear plant during license renewal review
An environmental advocate said the NRC decision was “politically motivated and reckless” and ignored public safety concerns.
By Stephen Singer • March 3, 2023 -
DOE expands reactors eligible for $1.2B second round of Civil Nuclear Credit Program
DOE issued guidance saying power plants that halted operations after Nov. 15, 2021, can apply for support.
By Stephen Singer • March 2, 2023 -
Performance credit mechanism could cost Texas energy consumers $5.7B annually, broad coalition warns
Energy producers and industrial consumers modeled a dispatchable reliability reserve service and found it would incentivize new generation for less than $1 billion in net annual costs.
By Robert Walton • March 2, 2023 -
"Diablo Canyon Family Open House" by Tracey Adams is licensed under CC BY 2.0
California regulators find Diablo Canyon nuclear plant needed through 2030 to support grid reliability
The California Energy Commission on Tuesday approved a staff analysis recommending the state pursue extending the operation of the plant, citing potential energy shortfalls during extreme weather.
By Stephen Singer • March 1, 2023 -
In a mild winter, high natural gas prices plunge, but the cost of electricity could fall more slowly
Gas prices have fallen to the lowest level since Q3 2020, contrasting with sharp spikes last year as demand rose following the end of COVID-19 restrictions and global markets were roiled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
By Stephen Singer • March 1, 2023 -
Katich, David. (2020). "WAPA DSW HEC operations being completed mid-air". Retrieved from Western Area Power Administration.
SRP issues 500 MW all-source RFP as potential replacement for new gas resources
A 2021 request for proposals indicated gas resources were most cost-effective but Salt River Project said the “market is changing and evolving quickly,” and federal incentives may play a role.
By Robert Walton • March 1, 2023 -
PJM capacity prices fall 15% for most of grid operator’s footprint as total cost remains steady at $2.2B
Ratepayers in a Duke Energy zone will pay more than triple the capacity prices that most others pay in PJM because of transmission constraints.
By Ethan Howland • Feb. 28, 2023 -
Deep Dive
Duke, APS planning reforms show ways to work with stakeholders to meet emerging power system needs
Integrated planning with deeper modeling and greater stakeholder engagement may slow overburdened regulators and utilities now, but will lead to better long-term decision-making, planners and analysts agree.
By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 28, 2023 -
APS parent Pinnacle West’s 2022 net income plunges 22% on disallowed cost recovery
Arizona regulators denied APS recovery of more than $200 million it spent to modernize the Four Corners coal plant. As a result, the company “faced major financial headwinds” last year, officials said.
By Robert Walton • Feb. 28, 2023 -
PJM launches fast-track capacity market reform process in face of shrinking reserve margins
The effort comes as the PJM Interconnection finds new resources aren’t keeping pace with power plant retirements and load growth.
By Ethan Howland • Feb. 27, 2023 -
DOE to offer $2.5B for carbon capture projects at power plants, industrial sites
Demonstration projects could be built at two coal-fired power plants, two gas-fired plants and two industrial facilities.
By Ethan Howland • Feb. 24, 2023 -
Retrieved from Westinghouse on February 23, 2023
Westinghouse Electric to submit key nuclear microreactor licensing reports for US-Canadian review
Most microreactors, which can generate up to 20 MW, are designed to be portable and may be hauled by a tractor-trailer.
By Stephen Singer • Feb. 24, 2023 -
FERC approves PJM’s mid-auction capacity rule change over protests from NRG, Vistra, other generators
The decision violates the filed-rate doctrine and is akin to playing blackjack at the “Federal Energy Regulatory Casino,” which can change the rules in the middle of a game, according to FERC Commissioner James Danly.
By Ethan Howland • Feb. 22, 2023 -
PSEG to consider nuclear plant investments, capitalizing on the IRA’s production tax credits, CEO says
The Inflation Reduction Act is a “game-changer that should provide the stability required for long-term viability of the U.S. nuclear fleet,” CEO Ralph LaRossa said.
By Stephen Singer • Feb. 22, 2023 -
EPA reverses Trump-era decision on power plant mercury standards, paving way for stricter limits
The decision on Friday was needed for any future tightening of mercury and other emissions limits for power plants.
By Ethan Howland • Feb. 21, 2023 -
Bipartisan legislation would increase US uranium production to promote nuclear energy
To the extent possible, DOE will not disrupt or replace market mechanisms by competing with U.S. nuclear energy companies, according to the legislation.
By Stephen Singer • Feb. 21, 2023 -
Amid high energy prices, SCE VP, other experts push to reduce California’s reliance on natural gas
The push follows a recent report that found the California Independent System Operator’s energy market saw additional wholesale costs of $3 billion in December.
By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 16, 2023 -
"TVA nuclear plant" by Tennessee Valley Authority is licensed under CC BY 2.0
NRC issues first update of 2010 regulatory guide to strengthen cybersecurity at nuclear plants
The revision incorporates references to industry guidance on identifying and protecting critical digital assets. It also clarifies guidance on comprehensive protections for cybersecurity.
By Stephen Singer • Feb. 13, 2023 -
FERC approves Western Resource Adequacy Program for regional capacity sharing
Utilities such as Arizona Public Service, PacifiCorp and Puget Sound Energy will be able to share capacity through the program that takes effect in 2025.
By Ethan Howland • Feb. 13, 2023 -
Opinion
Renewables would provide cheaper energy than 99% of US coal plants and catalyze a just energy transition
Investment in lower-cost wind and solar resources is an economic opportunity worth up to $589 billion, providing jobs and tax base to coal communities.
By Michelle Solomon and Mike O’Boyle • Feb. 9, 2023