In the news today…
Grid:
- Reuters reports that U.S. gives final nod to huge power line from Wyoming to Nevada. U.S. officials on Tuesday gave final approval for a company owned by billionaire Philip Anschutz to begin building a massive transmission line that will deliver wind energy from blustery Wyoming to power-hungry California.
- Utility Dive reports that the total capacity of generation and storage projects in the U.S. grid interconnection queue grew 40% from 2021 to 2022, with the typical project now waiting five years to plug in, researchers find.
Minerals:
- Roll Call reports the U.S. struck a trade deal with Japan that aims to allow Japanese cars to qualify for a new electric vehicle tax credit and push China out of their critical mineral supply chains. But it’s not clear if Japanese automakers can shake off China in time to meet its increasingly strict sourcing rules.
- Reuters reports General Motors Co on Tuesday said it will invest in lithium technology startup EnergyX as it expands further into the mining industry, the latest deal by the car maker to ensure long-term supplies of the metal used to make electric vehicle batteries.
Coal:
- Mining.com reports coal use in the US power market is set to decline for a second year in succession as utilities increasingly shift to cheaper and cleaner natural gas and renewables.
- Daily News reports that North Dakota’s lignite coal industry generated $5.8 billion in economic activity last year, or 4% of the state’s gross business volume, researchers find.