Articles tagged with "energy-policy"
US fast-tracks nuclear reactor testing to catch up with China’s boom
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a pilot program to accelerate the testing and commercial licensing of advanced nuclear reactors, aiming to catch up with China’s rapid nuclear energy expansion. This initiative, authorized under President Donald Trump’s executive order on reforming nuclear reactor testing, allows private companies to construct and operate test reactors outside national laboratories. The program seeks to streamline development by requiring applicants to demonstrate technological readiness, financial viability, and a plan to achieve reactor criticality by July 4, 2026. Selected companies will bear all costs related to design, construction, operation, and decommissioning, with applications due by July 21, 2025. This move is part of a broader effort to boost American innovation in nuclear technology, enhance economic growth, and strengthen national security. It builds on existing DOE and Department of Defense projects involving microreactors and advanced reactor demonstrations. The urgency stems from China’s aggressive nuclear expansion, which includes 102 reactors operating, under construction, or approved
energynuclear-energyadvanced-reactorsDOEnuclear-reactor-testingenergy-policyclean-energyBig Oil Has A Plan - Waste As Much Energy As Possible - CleanTechnica
The article discusses recent actions by the U.S. government, specifically the elimination and de-prioritization of the Energy Star program by the EPA under the Trump administration. Energy Star, a bipartisan initiative started by Republicans, has been highly effective in saving consumers money—$14 billion in 2024 alone—and significantly reducing carbon emissions since 1992. The program’s termination is seen as a deliberate move to slow the transition to renewable energy and prolong fossil fuel dependence, benefiting incumbent energy producers like Big Oil. Environmentalist Bill McKibben highlights that such policies appear designed to waste energy, aligning with fossil fuel industry interests that historically favor energy inefficiency to maintain market dominance. The article also contrasts this approach with the preferences of businesses globally, where 97% reportedly favor switching to renewable energy due to its efficiency, cost stability, and reduced geopolitical risks. McKibben criticizes the U.S. government’s contradictory stance, citing a Department of Energy goal to increase fossil fuel exports and foreign
energyfossil-fuelsrenewable-energyEnergy-Star-programemissions-reductionenergy-policyclimate-changeState vs. Local Control Over Energy Siting Sparks Debate In Pennsylvania - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the longstanding controversy over who should control the siting of new electrical generating facilities, focusing on recent debates in Pennsylvania. Historically, energy siting decisions have been contentious due to the trade-offs between proximity to demand centers and local community impacts, especially with thermal plants and now renewable projects like solar farms and wind turbines. Local communities, particularly in rural areas, often oppose such developments due to concerns about aesthetics and quality of life, fueling political tensions between rural and urban interests. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are considering establishing a state-level board called the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board (RESET) to centralize authority over energy siting decisions, replacing the current patchwork of local regulations. Proponents argue that localities lack the expertise to handle complex, costly energy projects and that local opposition causes delays and increased costs. However, opponents fear the board could favor thermal generation projects, increasing carbon and methane emissions contrary to climate goals. Clean energy advocates emphasize the need to streamline approvals for renewable projects,
energyenergy-sitingrenewable-energypower-generationenergy-policysolar-farmswind-turbinesSenate GOP bill spares nuclear and geothermal energy while hammering wind and solar
Senate Republicans have introduced a budget reconciliation bill that significantly scales back renewable energy incentives established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), particularly targeting solar, wind, and hydrogen energy. The bill proposes ending residential solar tax credits within 180 days of enactment and disqualifying solar leasing companies from receiving credits, which would severely impact the residential solar market. Commercial wind and solar projects would face a shortened timeline for tax credits, with full credits only available for projects starting within six months of the bill’s signing and phased reductions thereafter, disappearing entirely after 2027. Hydrogen tax credits would also end this year, creating additional challenges for hydrogen startups. In contrast, the bill largely spares geothermal, nuclear, hydropower, and long-duration energy storage technologies, with only slight extensions to their tax credit phase-outs. Carbon capture incentives would be modified to eliminate distinctions based on the use of captured carbon, making all projects eligible for the same credit level. Notably, the inclusion of long-duration energy storage could
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerwind-energynuclear-energygeothermal-energyenergy-policyThe Unbelievably Big Bad Bill Hurts IRA Incentives And Red States - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the significant negative impact of the proposed "One BIG Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) on the clean energy incentives established by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The OBBBA, supported by former President Trump and the House Ways and Means Committee, aims to end tax credits for cleaner vehicles by 2025 and gradually eliminate incentives for wind, solar, and nuclear energy projects by 2032. This rollback threatens to derail the rapid growth of clean energy in the U.S., which saw a 47% increase in capacity in 2024, with solar and battery technologies leading the expansion. The article highlights that clean energy investments have created over 240,000 manufacturing jobs, with 78% of spending benefiting Republican-held suburban and rural districts. The rollback is linked to the Trump administration’s preferential treatment of oil and gas exploration and its suspension of clean energy development on federal lands. Since January, businesses have canceled or delayed more than $20 billion in clean energy
energyclean-energyrenewable-energyelectric-vehiclessolar-powerbattery-manufacturingenergy-policyRepublican Budget Bill to Raise People's Energy Prices - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the potential negative impacts of a Republican budget bill that aims to repeal clean energy tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act. According to a report by NERA Economic Consulting, commissioned by the Clean Buyers Energy Association, removing these technology-neutral tax incentives—such as the §45Y production tax credit and §48E investment tax credit—would lead to higher energy prices across 19 states. The analysis highlights that without these credits, energy systems would rely more heavily on traditional, costlier energy sources, resulting in significant electricity price increases, with seven states facing double-digit percentage hikes between 2026 and 2032. The broader economic consequences of repealing clean energy tax credits are severe. The report warns that inflated energy costs would suppress commercial and industrial activity, reduce labor and capital demand, and cause wage losses and declining household incomes. This combination would constrain consumer spending and economic resilience, leading to shrinking economies, increased financial strain on households, and potential job losses in key
energyclean-energytax-creditselectricity-priceseconomic-impactrenewable-energyenergy-policyRepublicans in House Who Don't Want Clean Energy Tax Credits Cut Look to Senators to Save Them - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the political dynamics surrounding clean energy and electric vehicle tax credits established by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Although these incentives disproportionately benefit districts represented by Republican lawmakers, many Republicans initially voted to cut these tax credits to align with party and oil and gas industry interests. However, 13 Republican House members from vulnerable districts, led by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), have recently expressed strong concerns about provisions that would phase down these incentives and impose strict new supply chain requirements, warning that such measures could threaten billions in investments and thousands of jobs. These lawmakers have appealed to Senate leaders, urging them to restore the tax credits in the final bill to support U.S. energy producers, manufacturers, and workers, emphasizing the need for a "pro-energy growth" approach that balances taxpayer protection with economic opportunity. Notably, while tax credits for renewables face cuts, incentives for nuclear power and biofuels remain intact, reflecting political preferences that may not align with maximizing competitiveness against
energyclean-energytax-creditsrenewable-energyInflation-Reduction-Actenergy-policyenergy-investmentAlberta's Renewable Energy Sabotage: Time For Federal Intervention - CleanTechnica
The article highlights Alberta’s newly introduced reclamation security requirements for renewable energy projects, set to take effect by May 31, 2025, which are described as unprecedentedly severe and punitive. Developers must post securities equal to 30% of anticipated decommissioning costs at project start, increasing to 60% after 15 years, with these rules applied retroactively to existing projects by 2027. The exclusion of salvage value from these calculations inflates financial burdens well beyond international norms, making Alberta’s requirements the highest globally. This regulatory shift contrasts sharply with Alberta’s historically lax reclamation policies for fossil fuel industries, which have accumulated tens of billions in unfunded cleanup liabilities with minimal upfront financial assurances, effectively shifting cleanup costs to taxpayers. The article argues that this move represents a politically motivated, ideologically driven attack on the renewable energy sector, undermining investor confidence by breaking contractual norms through retroactive application of harsh financial obligations. Such instability threatens to halt billions in investments and push companies to relocate
energyrenewable-energyAlbertaenergy-policyenvironmental-regulationfossil-fuelsinvestment-risks3 Ridiculous Things About Donald Trump Forcing A Coal Power Plant To Stay Open - CleanTechnica
The article by Steve Hanley criticizes the Trump administration, specifically the Department of Energy led by a fossil fuel billionaire, for forcing a Michigan utility company to keep an outdated and polluting coal power plant operational despite having a newer natural gas plant built to replace it. This mandate is described as absurd and counterproductive, especially given the administration’s contradictory stance on climate change: denying global warming publicly while invoking emergency powers due to expected extreme heat to justify keeping the coal plant running. Hanley highlights this as a hypocritical and environmentally harmful approach that exacerbates global heating rather than addressing it responsibly. Additionally, the article points out the irony of a Republican-led government, which typically advocates for limited government intervention, imposing a heavy-handed federal order that disrupts market efficiency and forces Consumers Energy to maintain an uneconomical power source. This intervention leads to higher electricity costs for ratepayers across Michigan and 14 other states, with no prior consultation from state regulators or grid operators. The author condemns this as unnecessary government overreach that increases financial burdens on consumers while undermining clean energy progress, labeling the policy as “brilliant idiocy” for its counterproductive and costly consequences.
energycoal-power-plantfossil-fuelselectricity-gridenergy-policyclimate-changeutility-costsHigh Energy Bills? Blame A Republican! - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the impending rise in energy bills this summer, largely due to increasing natural gas prices and higher temperatures driving up air conditioning use. It emphasizes the role of the US solar industry as a sustainable solution to these challenges, but criticizes Republican lawmakers for advancing policies that threaten this progress. Specifically, the article points to a recently passed House budget bill—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump and House Republicans—that includes provisions undermining domestic solar manufacturing and installation, particularly harming states that supported Trump in the 2024 election. The piece details how the Biden administration had invested federal grants and loans into solar manufacturing facilities in Trump-voting states, aiming to create jobs and economic growth. However, the new budget bill threatens to eliminate these programs, which the Solar Market Insight report warns will disproportionately impact solar jobs and factories in these regions. With Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, the article argues that they hold the power—and responsibility—to reverse these damaging changes but are unlikely to do so. Instead, the article suggests that Republicans favor building more gas power plants, a less sustainable approach that could further exacerbate high energy costs. Overall, the article assigns significant blame to Republican congressional actions for the rising energy bills and job losses in the renewable energy sector, while acknowledging other factors also contribute to energy cost increases. It underscores the political dynamics at play, where Republican control of Congress and the administration’s policies are at odds, with the future of clean energy incentives and programs hanging in the balance.
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyenergy-policyenergy-billssolar-manufacturingUS-energy-industryEnergy Department Orders Michigan Coal Generating Station To Remain Open - CleanTechnica
The U.S. Energy Department, led by Chris Wright, issued an emergency order mandating that the 63-year-old J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan remain operational for at least 90 days, overriding a previously approved decommissioning plan set by the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2022. The plant was scheduled to close as part of a transition plan that included replacing its capacity with a methane-fired power plant already purchased by Consumers Energy, the utility owner. Wright justified the order by citing concerns over potential electricity shortages in the Midwest during the summer due to insufficient baseload power from coal, gas, and nuclear plants. However, the Michigan PSC and the utility company stated they neither requested nor were consulted about the emergency order, highlighting a lack of coordination and transparency. The decision has drawn criticism for bypassing the usual regulatory process, which typically involves public comment and agency review, and for imposing significant financial burdens on consumers. Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan PSC, estimated that keeping the coal plant running could cost ratepayers across 15 states tens of millions of dollars, potentially nearing $100 million. The Energy Department defended the order by referencing longstanding warnings from grid operators about the risks of decommissioning baseload power sources but did not provide evidence of a cost-benefit analysis or acknowledge the existing replacement plan. Emergency orders of this nature are described as highly unusual, underscoring the controversial and unprecedented nature of this intervention.
energycoal-powerenergy-policypower-gridelectricity-generationfossil-fuelsenergy-departmentWhy Clean Equals Competitive When Building Canada’s Trade Alliances Beyond the US - Clean Energy Canada
The article from Clean Energy Canada highlights the urgent need for Canada to diversify its trade alliances beyond the United States in response to deteriorating trust and unpredictable trade policies under the Trump administration. Canada is well-positioned to pivot towards global markets, as it holds trade agreements covering 60% of the global economy. Importantly, Canada’s top non-US trade partners have committed to net-zero emissions, implemented carbon pricing, and are adopting carbon border adjustments and electric vehicle (EV) requirements. These policies signal a global shift away from fossil fuels toward clean energy, creating growing demand for low-carbon products and technologies. Canada’s competitive advantage lies in its abundant clean energy resources, low electricity costs, and rich deposits of critical minerals essential for clean technology, such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, and copper. The country’s renewable energy capacity has expanded significantly and continues to attract substantial investment, with Indigenous partnerships playing a key role. The global market for clean energy technologies is projected to nearly triple by 2035, offering Canada an opportunity to grow its clean economy, support domestic demand, and increase exports. To capitalize on this, the article recommends a coordinated industrial policy focused on industries that align with net-zero goals, trade diversification, and building domestic clean supply chains using Canadian resources and expertise. In summary, Canada’s future economic competitiveness hinges on embracing clean energy and leveraging its natural and technological assets to meet the evolving demands of global trade partners committed to sustainability. This strategic shift will help Canada reduce reliance on the US market, enhance energy security, and position the country as a leader in the global clean economy.
clean-energyrenewable-energycarbon-pricingelectric-vehiclesclean-technologyenergy-policylow-carbon-economyTransforming Canada: Mapping A 100% Electrified Energy Economy - CleanTechnica
The article "Transforming Canada: Mapping A 100% Electrified Energy Economy" explores Canada’s critical juncture in transitioning its energy system toward full electrification and renewable integration. Drawing on the author's experience with Ireland’s 2050 energy roadmap and collaboration with Canadian energy leaders, the piece highlights the opportunity for Canada to adopt a similarly ambitious, clean, secure, and affordable energy framework. Despite differences in scale, Canada and Ireland share challenges like decarbonization, energy independence, and affordability. Canada’s abundant renewable resources and technological capacity position it well for this transformation. Currently, Canada’s energy system is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, primarily oil and natural gas exports to the U.S. and increasingly Asia, which creates economic vulnerabilities amid global market and geopolitical uncertainties. Domestically, fossil fuels dominate heating, transportation, and industry, resulting in significant inefficiencies and energy waste—about 1,500 TWh of the roughly 2,500 TWh primary energy consumed annually is lost, mainly as waste heat from combustion processes. The author presents Sankey diagrams illustrating current energy flows and envisions a fully decarbonized, electrified Canadian energy economy. While the diagrams are preliminary, they underscore the scale of inefficiency in the current system and the potential gains from electrification and renewable integration. The article serves as an initial reflection and call to action for inclusive, forward-looking energy planning in Canada.
energyrenewable-energyelectrificationdecarbonizationenergy-policyclean-energyenergy-transformationWant to Claim the Solar Tax Credit? Get Installing Now
energysolartax-creditphotovoltaicinstallationrenewable-energyenergy-policyRepugnican Budget Bill Could Decimate US Solar Industry - CleanTechnica
solar-energyrenewable-energysolar-industryenergy-policyclean-energymanufacturingenergy-incentivesSEIA: Solar & Storage Industry Statement on U.S. International Trade Commission Injury Determination - CleanTechnica
solar-energysolar-manufacturingclean-energyrenewable-energyenergy-policysolar-industryenergy-storageTrump Loses Big Game Of Offshore Wind Chicken, Bigly
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energyconstructionEquinorTrump-administrationenergy-policyNew Texas Bill Threatens Growth Of Wind & Solar Industry - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energywind-powersolar-powergrid-reliabilityTexas-legislationenergy-policySolar & Storage Industry Statement on Proposed Reconciliation Legislation in U.S. House Committee Markups
energysolar-powerclean-energyenergy-policyenergy-securityrenewable-energysolar-industryChuyên gia hạt nhân Dubna làm việc với Viện Năng lượng Nguyên tử Việt Nam
energynuclear-energyVietnamcollaborationatomic-energysustainable-developmentenergy-policyKinh nghiệm quốc tế chuyển từ FIT sang đấu thầu và cơ chế khác cho năng lượng tái tạo Gợi ý với Việt Nam
energyrenewable-energyFITauction-mechanismenergy-policyclimate-changeenergy-transitionThủ tướng Phạm Minh Chính tiếp Chủ tịch Tập đoàn Hoa Điện Trung Quốc
energyrenewable-energyclean-energyhydropowerenergy-storageenergy-policysustainable-developmentJob posting: Policy Analyst
clean-energyrenewable-energyclimate-actionenergy-policyclean-technologyenergy-transitionsustainability'Việt Nam tiến tới làm chủ công nghệ năng lượng hạt nhân'
energynuclear-energygreen-energyenergy-technologyenergy-policyVietnam-energyatomic-energyThúc đẩy chuyển dịch năng lượng tái tạo Việt Nam chủ động tìm lời giải công nghệ và chính sách
energyrenewable-energyVietnamenergy-policysustainable-developmentenergy-transitionclean-technologyTình hình đàm phán giá năng lượng tái tạo chuyển tiếp cập nhật 14 5 2025
energyrenewable-energyenergy-transitionpower-purchase-agreementsenergy-policyelectricity-marketenergy-projectsTham khảo một số Luật Năng lượng Nguyên tử trên thế giới
energynuclear-energyenergy-policyenergy-regulationclean-energyenergy-securityatomic-energyTrump Should Be Held Accountable For Defunding Renewable Energy Projects
renewable-energyclimate-changesolar-powerwind-energyenergy-policyclean-energygreenhouse-gas-emissionsSolar Power Has Surged in “Trump States” in 2020s
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyclean-energysolar-capacityenergy-policyenergy-investmentTrao đổi của EVN về điều chỉnh giá điện tháng 5 2025 và các tác động đến từng nhóm khách hàng
energyelectricity-pricingnuclear-energyEVNenergy-policyconsumer-impactenergy-regulationCơ chế cho nguồn điện sử dụng khí trong nước và LNG nhập khẩu Nghị định 100 2025
energynatural-gaselectricity-generationrenewable-energypower-systemsenergy-policythermal-powerQuy định chi tiết về cơ chế cho các dự án điện sử dụng khí trong nước và LNG nhập khẩu
energynatural-gaselectricity-generationrenewable-energyenergy-policythermal-powerenergy-regulationBàn về Dự thảo Luật Năng lượng Nguyên tử Việt Nam sửa đổi
energynuclear-energyenergy-policyVietnamsafety-regulationsenergy-lawatomic-energyTầm nhìn chính sách năng lượng Việt Nam Tham khảo gợi ý của chuyên gia quốc tế
energyrenewable-energyenergy-policysustainable-developmentVietnam-energynuclear-energyclimate-changeNhững điểm mới quan trọng tại Dự thảo Luật Năng lượng nguyên tử sửa đổi
energynuclear-energyenergy-policysafety-regulationssustainable-energyenergy-strategyatomic-energyPhê duyệt khung giá phát điện cho loại hình nhà máy thủy điện tích năng năm 2025
energyhydropowerelectricity-pricingrenewable-energyenergy-policyenergy-generationenergy-marketKế hoạch giảm lệ thuộc nước ngoài về nhiên liệu hạt nhân của Hoa Kỳ
energynuclear-energyuranium-enrichmentrenewable-energyenergy-supply-chainsustainable-developmentenergy-policyBlue States Sue Feds Over Halt To Wind Energy Projects
energywind-energyrenewable-energyclean-energyfederal-regulationsenergy-policyjob-creationUS Offshore Wind Industry Lives To Fight Another Day
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energyclean-energyenergy-policywind-powerenergy-industryTrump’s Policies Are Creating Uncertainty for Fossil Fuel Companies
Trump-policiesfossil-fuel-industryenvironmental-regulationsproject-approvalenergy-policyuncertaintypipeline-developmentFinland Could Be the First Country in the World to Bury Nuclear Waste Permanently
nuclear-wasteFinlandpermanent-disposalnuclear-powerspent-fuelenergy-policyenvironmental-sustainability