Author: Graham Foster

The United States has stopped construction on a significant $1.5 billion offshore wind farm near Rhode Island, creating difficulties for the Danish energy company Ørsted as it works to stabilize its finances. On Friday, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a stop-work order, citing the need to address national security concerns, but did not provide further information. The project, called Revolution Wind, is being developed by Ørsted along with Skyborn Renewables, part of BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners. It was reportedly 80% complete, with foundations in place and 45 out of 65 planned turbines already installed. The wind farm was…

Key Highlights Challenges in the permitting process are hindering efforts to address the expected rise in U.S. energy demand, as noted by speakers at the recent Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo. With a growth in energy demand driven by AI and data centers, a combination of renewable and fossil fuel sources will be critical for power in the next five to ten years. Industry players pointed out that a lack of domestic manufacturing and transmission capabilities are significant hurdles, alongside uncertainties related to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Insights on Energy Demand The energy demand in the…

Dive Brief: Gravity Climate has introduced a new Energy Management Marketplace designed to help clients find ways to save both energy and money. This was announced on August 14. The platform uses carbon accounting data to pinpoint how switching to certain energy providers can lower costs or emissions based on specific business practices. It also offers financing options and forecasts the expected savings from energy-saving projects, which customers can monitor over time. Dive Insight: Gravity utilizes AI to track energy use and costs by scanning utility bills and invoices. By connecting with over 9,000 utility and telematics providers, the platform…

As various sectors of the U.S. economy shift from fossil fuels to electricity, state regulators face mounting challenges. This includes the New York Public Service Commission, which must evolve the power grid quickly while maintaining reliability and affordability. In New York, home to some of the oldest grid infrastructure in the nation, addressing this issue is urgent. In response, New York is leading the way in rethinking electricity system planning and operation. A big part of this involves grid-enhancing technologies (GETs), which directly improve the electricity system’s performance. GETs include dynamic line ratings for better power flow under favorable conditions…

 Revolution Wind, a significant offshore wind farm aiming to deliver 700 MW of power to Rhode Island and Connecticut, has paused construction following a directive from the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The developer, Ørsted, announced this halt on Friday. The project, developed in a joint venture with Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables, has successfully secured full permits and is now 80% complete. Notable milestones include the installation of all offshore foundations and 45 of the planned 65 wind turbines. Ørsted is currently exploring various options to quickly address the situation. This…

Sweden is making a significant shift in its energy policy by planning to build small nuclear reactors, marking a departure from its previous decision to abandon nuclear technology four decades ago. The state-owned energy company Vattenfall announced that it will select between small modular reactors (SMRs) from American firm GE Vernova or the British company Rolls-Royce. These reactors will be installed at Vattenfall’s existing Ringhals nuclear plant, located in southern Sweden. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed optimism about this project, stating, “Now it’s happening — with new nuclear power, Sweden will get more stable, competitive, and climate-friendly energy generation.” Anna…

Summary: Meta is teaming up with Silicon Ranch to build a 100-megawatt solar farm in South Carolina to supply energy for its data center. Silicon Ranch will invest $100 million in the project, with Meta obtaining all the renewable energy credits. There’s no need for local community or utility investments. The solar facility is set to launch in 2027, coinciding with the opening of Meta’s new data center in Aiken. Details: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is a major purchaser of renewable energy. Since 2020, the company has achieved net-zero emissions for its direct energy use…

Heat pump installations have been outpacing gas furnace sales since 2021, a trend expected to continue as manufacturers improve their energy-efficient products. The Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit in the clean energy sector, has highlighted this shift. Despite some uncertainty surrounding the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) market, the adoption of heat pumps is likely to keep rising, experts suggest. This growth comes even as the recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act phases out some federal incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. Signed into law in July, this act reduces solar and wind incentives and ends key tax credits for residential…

Rasmus Errboe, the new CEO of Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer, faces significant challenges as he works to reshape the company after a tough few years. Appointed in January, Errboe quickly reduced investment plans by 25% to stabilize finances without seeking shareholder funds or risking the company’s credit rating. Ørsted has struggled recently; high interest rates and increased interest in fossil fuels have impacted its aggressive expansion. A critical blow came when a U.S. presidential order halted a major wind project by competitor Equinor, leading investors to become wary and jeopardizing Ørsted’s plans to sell a stake in…

### Key Insights Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a report alerting to potential blackouts if coal and gas power plants are allowed to retire. However, three clean energy groups assert that this report lacks a serious evaluation of reliability and resource adequacy. They filed a formal request for a rehearing to contest the report’s findings. The organizations—Advanced Energy United, the American Clean Power Association, and the American Council on Renewable Energy—argue that what is labeled as a “report” is merely a tool to bolster DOE’s regulatory efforts. They describe it as “arbitrary and capricious,” aimed at increasing…