Author: Graham Foster

Dive Brief: A recent report from the NC Clean Energy Technology Center and the Smart Electric Power Alliance reveals that 38 states and the District of Columbia implemented 105 policies regarding virtual power plants (VPPs) and distributed energy resource (DER) aggregations in 2024. This move underscores the growing interest and investment in energy flexibility solutions. In particular, ten states, such as California, Texas, and Illinois, introduced four or more measures linked to VPPs and DERs in 2024. These initiatives often focused on utilizing battery storage and various types of distributed energy resources, signaling an expectation for further advancements in this…

Brookfield, a leading player in the renewable energy sector, is actively seeking investment opportunities in the solar and wind markets. The company believes the recent panic among investors over former President Donald Trump’s stance on green energy has been exaggerated. Connor Teskey, Brookfield’s president, mentioned that the firm manages around $126 billion in renewable and lower-carbon investments and is on the lookout for significant publicly traded sustainable energy companies to acquire. His remarks highlight a confidence in a sector that has been negatively affected by Trump’s policies aimed at scaling back green energy initiatives. Teskey noted the huge disparity between…

Power management company Eaton has announced a significant investment of $340 million aimed at boosting the production of three-phase transformers in the U.S. This decision comes as a response to the current shortage of transformers, which has been affecting various sectors. The company stated that this move is essential to address the rising demand from utility providers, large commercial businesses, industrial clients, and data centers. The new production efforts will take place at an existing facility in Jonesville, South Carolina, with operations expected to commence in 2027. Recent findings from a report by the National Infrastructure Advisory Council highlighted that…

BP has informed its 39,000 employees that their annual cash bonus will be set at just 45% of the target due to a year marked by disappointing financial and operational results. The bonus system, which applies to top management as well, can reach up to 225% of the chief executive’s annual salary of £1.45 million. Murray Auchincloss, who has been leading BP since January, is expected to receive a bonus that amounts to around half of his salary for the year 2024, according to someone knowledgeable about the company’s plans. Recently, BP announced it achieved an underlying profit of $8.9…

European companies are facing increasing pressure to improve their competitiveness, according to Siemens Energy’s CEO, Christian Bruch. He emphasized that without major simplifications to environmental regulations set by the European Union, businesses will struggle to enhance their standing in a competitive global market. Bruch described the current regulations, designed to assess companies’ environmental impact, as having a “disproportionate” burden. He specifically criticized the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), introduced in 2023, which demands extensive reporting on environmental and social impacts. According to him, the directive requires over 1,000 data points, which he insists need to be “radically shortened and simplified”…

Enphase Energy Expands Grid Services Support Enphase Energy has announced its increased support for grid services programs—also known as virtual power plants—in Puerto Rico, Nova Scotia, and Colorado. This update was shared by the solar and battery company on February 6. In Colorado, nearly 1,000 customers are enrolled in Xcel Energy’s Renewable Battery Connect program, with a total capacity of around 10 MW. Xcel’s spokesperson mentioned that there’s an additional 13 MW of distributed battery capacity in the state’s interconnection queue. Xcel is seeking the Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s approval for up to 125 MW of virtual power plant capacity.…

Key Update: Grid operators and energy system regulators in the northern United States are working closely with their counterparts in Canada to address a forthcoming 10% tariff on electricity imports from Canada, which is expected to be implemented next month. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and British Columbia Premier David Eby have warned that they may restrict electricity exports from their provinces if the tariffs take effect, according to a recent report from S&P Global. ISO New England has indicated its commitment to maintain reliable grid operations. A spokesperson noted their focus on ensuring system reliability in light of the potential…

Greenpeace International has taken a bold step by filing a lawsuit against the American pipeline company Energy Transfer in a Dutch court. The environmental organization claims that Energy Transfer is attempting to stifle its voice and financially burden it through what they describe as frivolous legal actions. This case tests new European Union regulations aimed at protecting free speech. The lawsuit, lodged at the Amsterdam District Court, highlights an ongoing legal feud between Greenpeace and Energy Transfer, a company co-founded by Kelcy Warren, known for his significant contributions to political figures like Donald Trump. Greenpeace seeks to reclaim hundreds of…

In New York, investors are keenly observing how BP will react to the news that activist hedge fund Elliott Management is targeting the oil giant. BP has just reported a significant drop in profits, which could lead to major changes within the company, such as shifts in management, potential US listings, or even a breakup, according to some of its largest shareholders. BP’s CEO, Murray Auchincloss, mentioned that a “fundamental reset” may be necessary. David Cumming from Newton Investment Management noted that “radical options will now be on the table, and perhaps even likely.” Elliott Management has a history of…

Brief Overview: Southern California Edison (SCE) reported that its equipment might be linked to some wildfires in the Los Angeles area last month, as per documents submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission. The company is looking into a possible connection to the Eaton Fire in Altadena, though no clear evidence has yet emerged to confirm its equipment sparked the blaze, stated Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International. SCE suspects its equipment could be related to a smaller fire, the Hurst Fire, in Sylmar, located to the northwest of Altadena. Key Insights: In a video statement released on…