Exceeding 1.5 C of global warming is a giant warning flag telling us not to give up, but to redouble our efforts to slam on the brakes on climate change.

Copper underpins everything from energy grids to EVs and home wiring, yet U.S. copper policy remains fragmented. It needs a long-term, strategic approach to close a growing supply and demand gap.

“Public power” organizers are pushing for democratized control and truly public ownership of our energy system.

Understanding the U.S. Power Market Electricity often appears simple to consumers – a switch activates a light. However, rising prices are not always due to a single power plant’s rate increases, nor does electricity necessarily travel directly from a nearby generator. A researcher and former quantitative analyst in electricity markets, Neel Somani, founder of Eclipse,

The United States is undergoing a significant shift in its energy landscape, moving away from traditional power generation, often reliant on coal, and embracing renewable sources like solar and wind. This transition presents substantial challenges, as the existing electric grid was designed for a fundamentally different energy system. Maintaining a dependable power supply remains the paramount concern, demanding that the integration of renewables be carefully managed to ensure consistent electricity delivery. Michigan, geographically situated as a peninsula, faces particular difficulties in directly accessing the richest renewable energy resources found further west. A critical player in this evolving energy system is the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO. Acting as a regional transmission organization, MISO coordinates the electric grid across 15 states and one Canadian province, effectively functioning as an air traffic controller for the power supply. Their responsibilities include continuous monitoring of energy demand and power plant availability, coordinating generator operation based on need and pricing, and spearheading a $30 billion initiative to enhance and expand transmission infrastructure. MISO possesses the authority to direct utility companies regarding power plant operations, and their approach to renewable energy appears comparatively receptive, provided it's economically sound. The Great Plains states boast significantly higher potential for solar and wind energy generation compared to Michigan. To capitalize on this abundance, new transmission lines are essential for transporting this renewable electricity to population centers like Chicago and Detroit. Michigan stands to benefit economically through access to potentially lower energy costs, and the state’s grid reliability would be enhanced through a more diverse energy supply. Key figures involved in these developments include Dan Scripps, Chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), Sri Maddipati from Consumers Energy, and Aubrey Johnson from MISO. Beyond financial considerations, resistance to renewable energy often stems from deeply rooted cultural and political factors, particularly in regions historically dependent on coal. Addressing these barriers is just as important as tackling the economic aspects of the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Unlocking America's Clean Energy Potential: The Power of Surplus Interconnection The United States is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its energy landscape, with the potential to unlock 800 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2030. One key strategy driving this shift is surplus interconnection, a practice that connects low-cost renewable energy projects to existing power grids at idle or underutilized generation facilities. The benefits of surplus interconnection are multifaceted. Firstly, it can help meet the growing demand for electricity from rising data centers and manufacturing activity, providing a quick and affordable solution. Secondly, by integrating more renewable energy into the grid, surplus interconnection can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to mitigating climate change. Furthermore, this approach can provide a near-term solution to add critical resources to the grid during periods of high demand, increasing reliability. Lastly, surplus interconnection can create economic opportunities for utilities, clean energy companies, and other stakeholders. Several regional transmission organizations and utilities have already begun implementing surplus interconnection services. For instance, MISO has established a 4,000 MW capacity in its interconnection queue. However, while these efforts are promising, there are still several challenges to be addressed. One of the primary hurdles is coordination among stakeholders, including utilities, clean energy companies, and regulatory bodies. Additionally, the technical feasibility of surplus interconnection requires further development to ensure safe and reliable operation. To overcome these challenges, it is essential for energy leaders across the country to work together to develop a comprehensive strategy for deploying surplus interconnection services. By embracing this bipartisan solution, the United States can accelerate its transition to a cleaner, more reliable energy system. This approach has the potential to unlock America's clean energy potential and drive significant progress towards a more sustainable future.

Azerbaijan’s dependency on revenues from exporting oil and gas to a shrinking EU market endangers the country’s economic future while the country’s lack of a sound transition strategy exacerbates the ...

A Japanese institute (IIEJ) predicts gas demand growth in Asia, but its assumptions on renewables & carbon capture are questionable.