Clean energy’s dramatic expansion

CLEAN ENERGY: A new report highlights clean energy’s dramatic expansion over the past decade, with U.S. solar, wind and geothermal power production more than tripling since 2014. (Floodlight)

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ALSO: The U.S. Energy Department announces $428 million for 14 clean manufacturing projects in areas hit hard by the closure of coal plants and mines, including $52 million for a low-carbon concrete material facility in Utah. (Axios, Canary Media)

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CARBON CAPTURE: The U.S. Department of Energy awards $518 million to develop 23 carbon capture and storage projects across 19 states, which are still being negotiated and face environmental review. (E&E News, subscription)

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NUCLEAR:

• Shuttered nuclear reactors in Michigan, Iowa and Pennsylvania are the country’s most obvious candidates for restarting, a nuclear expert says, adding that others in the U.S. would be long-shots. (Utility Dive)
• Western states team up to create economic development plans around potential advanced nuclear reactor deployment. (Deseret News)

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OIL & GAS:

• State officials say they’re struggling to comply with requirements for accessing federal funding to cap old oil and gas wells. (E&E News)
• A conservative research firm collects information on people supporting climate lawsuits against fossil fuel giants, and climate advocates say the company is trying to discredit them. (E&E News)
• Observers say the outcome of November’s presidential election could determine whether the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is preserved or opened up for oil and gas drilling. (Washington Post)

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SOLAR: Portable solar systems became a lifeline for North Carolina residents during lengthy blackouts caused by Hurricane Helene, especially because solar systems at schools and other community centers lacked battery storage capacity. (WFAE)

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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: The company redeveloping the former site of the East Coast’s largest oil refinery agrees to cut emissions, remove contamination, and work with community groups addressing the health problems caused by pollution from the refinery. (Inside Climate News)

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• An electric vehicle charging business abruptly shuts down, leaving tens of thousands of customers in limbo with potentially “bricked” smart chargers that can no longer access the company’s software. (Canary Media)
• Washington state’s electric vehicle rebate program runs out of funds three times faster than expected after more than 6,000 residents take advantage of the incentives. (My Northwest)
• The Federal Aviation Administration unveils rules that will allow electric air taxis to begin testing. (Axios)

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STORAGE: Long-duration energy storage startup Form Energy raises $405 million in capital to scale up the company. (Utility Dive)

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