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Plugged In | August 2024

August 16, 2024

The role of Data Centers in Rising Energy Demand 

NCSL Podcast - The role of Data Centers in Rising Energy Demand | OAS Episode 215 

Data centers, the increasing use of AI and reindustrialization in some parts of the country are driving a big increase in energy demand that concerns officials at all levels of government, including state legislators concerned about the ability of their state utilities to meet that growing demand. We sat down with two experts on data centers to find out what’s coming in the next several years. 

Utility Drive 

Supreme Court’s Chevron, Corner Post Decisions Could Delay Energy Investments, Spur Litigation: Analysts 

The Supreme Court’s decision to undo the Chevron Doctrine leaves the energy sector facing uncertainty as regulations will now face a heightened level of litigation in courts.  

Energy Storage News 

Rhode Island Adopts 600MW Energy Storage Target, USDA Funds 92 MWh Alaska BESS 

Rhode Island has adopted a goal of in-state deployment of 90MW of energy storage by 2026; while the Alaskan utility Golden Valley Electric Association has received funding from the USDA for a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) project that would add 46MW. 

Fast Company 

This Michigan Coal Plant Is Being Turned Into A Giant Battery 

The now shuttered coal plant, Trenton Channel Power Plant, will soon be turned into the region’s largest stand-alone energy storage site as they convert the site into a new battery storage facility.  

AP News 

Pennsylvania Authorizes Regulations For Carbon Capture Wells 

The bill authorizes Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection to oversee underground wells that store carbon dioxide as well as enables federally funded hydrogen hubs.  

NJBIZ 

New Jersey Signs Onto Multistate Grid Reliability Collaborative  

New Jersey, along with nine other Northeast states, have signed a memorandum of understanding seeking to increase the flow of electricity between three different planning regions in the Northeast that would increase grid reliability. 

Boston 25 News 

Massachusetts House Approves Bill to Boost Renewable Energy Efforts 

The recently passed bill would streamline the permitting process for renewable energy projects by consolidating state and local permitting timelines to 12-15 months for final permitting decisions. 

Utility Drive 

DOE issues $2.7B for Low-Enriched Uranium In Bid To Grow Domestic Nuclear Supply Chain 

The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking domestic sources of uranium to grow and secure the U.S. nuclear fleet.  

More Energy News  

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