Grid operators support Trump's coal revival plan
In various parts of the United States, energy developments and challenges are shaping the country's future energy landscape.
Coal
The Trump administration is pushing to keep retiring coal plants, including in Michigan, online longer, bolstered by grid operators who say existing generation is the easiest path to meet demand growth. However, the future of coal remains uncertain as Illinois lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. J.B. Pritzker that would require the state to pay landowners if their property is disturbed by carbon capture projects.
Carbon Capture
Carbon capture projects are a contentious issue, with Illinois lawmakers proposing to compensate landowners for any disturbances caused by these projects. Meanwhile, analysts suggest that requiring data center operators to secure new generation for their projects could help in preventing grid overload and balancing market conditions within PJM.
Nuclear
Nuclear energy is another significant source of power in the United States. Wisconsin lawmakers are advancing legislation to perform a nuclear siting study within two years after the bill is signed into law. However, an incident at an Illinois nuclear plant in 2023 exposed workers to radioactive coolant, and employees attempted to cover up the incident.
Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric power is also being reconsidered, with Consumers Energy in negotiations to sell its fleet of 13 hydroelectric dams across Michigan, stating they have become too costly to operate.
Agrivoltaics
Researchers at Iowa State University are investigating the impact of varying solar panel heights on crop production for agrivoltaic projects. A fifth-generation Iowa corn grower has advocated for Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign a bill restricting the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Companies such as Dow Chemical, Oklo, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), ENTRA1 Energy, and Holtec International are actively promoting and planning the deployment of SMRs across the United States. Holtec International plans to use lessons learned from deploying SMRs at the decommissioned Palisades nuclear plant in southwestern Michigan to duplicate efforts across the country.
Industrial Decarbonization
Industrial decarbonization is a pressing issue, with analysts predicting that the Trump administration's funding cuts will result in lost opportunities to produce cleaner and cheaper materials in the U.S., potentially leading to job losses overseas.
Micro-hydroelectric Cycling Systems
A state-backed demonstration project will test the viability of micro-hydroelectric cycling systems on a river in Rockford, Illinois.
Carbon Pipelines
In Ohio, environmental groups and oil and gas producers have raised concerns over bills that would give the state oversight over carbon sequestration wells, potentially speeding up development. Meanwhile, a fifth-generation Iowa corn grower has advocated for Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign a bill restricting the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines.
Data Centers
No specific information was provided regarding data centers in this set of facts.
Michigan Coal Plants
Michigan ratepayers may be responsible for the increased maintenance and fuel costs associated with keeping a large coal plant online past its planned retirement.
Ohio's Parks and Recreation Budget
An Ohio proposal aims to reduce the state's parks and recreation budget over the next two years, with the funding gaps being filled by revenue from hydraulic fracturing royalties on public land.
California's Solar Power
California has curtailed 3,400 GWh of solar power this year, indicating the state has the potential to increase demand through electrification or to build out transmission lines to send that power elsewhere.
These energy developments and challenges highlight the complex and evolving nature of the United States' energy sector. As the country continues to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, it is crucial to consider the impact on communities, the environment, and the economy.
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