January 26 NEC Energy News
¶ “US Working With Allies To Shore Up Energy Supplies If Russia Invades Ukraine” • The Biden administration is making contingency plans to shore up Europe’s energy supplies should a Russian invasion of Ukraine create gas shortages and roil the global economy, senior administration officials said. Supplies of natural gas are especially important. [CNN]
¶ “Experts Say Nuclear Energy As Climate Solution Is Total ‘Fiction'” • As global scientists continue to warn of the urgent need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, a quartet of European and US experts on Tuesday made a comprehensive case for why nuclear power should be not be considered a solution to the climate crisis. [Common Dreams]
¶ “West Virginia Senate Votes To End Ban On Nuclear Power” • A bill to lift the ban on nuclear power in West Virginia passed the Senate. Lawmakers voted 24 to 7 to end the ban. West Virginia is one of 13 states that restricts the construction of nuclear power facilities. The ban was enacted at a time when state lawmakers supported coal. [WVPB]
¶ “PG&E Proposes 6.4-GWh Battery Storage Plan” • Last June, the California PUC issued a directive requiring the state’s utility companies to install a total of 11.5 GW of storage between 2023 and 2026, to help replace the 2.2-GW Diablo Canyon nuclear plant. Now, PG&E is proposing nine new battery projects totaling about 1,600 MW and 6,400 MWh. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “CO₂ Emissions Allowance Prices Increased In Latest RGGI Auction” • The most recent Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative quarterly auction resulted in a price of $13.00 per allowance. The previous auction set a record at $9.30 per allowance. Each allowance represents a limited authorization for power plants to emit one short ton of CO₂. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Amp Energy Announces The Largest Battery Storage Facilities In Europe: Two Flagship 400-MW Projects In Scotland” • Amp Energy announced Europe’s two biggest battery storage facilities in its 800-MW battery portfolio in Scotland. The portfolio is due to be operational in April 2024 and will be comprised of two 400 MW battery facilities. [National Post]
¶ “Renewable Energy On The Rise: 37% Of EU’s Electricity ” • In 2020, renewable sources covered 37% of gross electricity demand in the EU, up from 34% in 2019. Windpower provided 36% of renewable power, and hydropower accounted for 33%. Solar power, the fastest growing type of renewable energy, provided 14% of renewables. [European Commission]
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