In the news today and from the weekend…
Grid:
- Utility Dive reports that the North American Electric Reliability Corp. forecasts a high risk of resource shortfalls throughout California and parts of the Midwest grid through 2027.
- Bloomberg reports that the Texas grid operator said it anticipates having enough power supplies to meet demand next week when a polar blast is forecast to grip the Lone Star State.
Mining:
- WFIN reports from Fox News reports the Biden administration opened the door to financing mining projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia to bolster the global green energy supply chain as it pushes ahead with its climate agenda, despite the DRC’s documented issues with child laborers being used in such mines.
Coal:
- Mining.com reports from Bloomberg world coal consumption is set to rise to the highest level ever this year despite ambitious global goals aimed at weaning nations off burning the dirty fossil fuel.
- Argus reports global coal production and consumption reached “an all-time high” in 2022 as geopolitical turmoil prompted a return to coal-fired power generation, according to the Paris-based IEA’s annual global coal report.
- Argus reports US coal mining fatalities are on track to be flat with 2021 despite increased production and mine employment.
Permitting:
- Argus reports the US Senate has rejected a last-ditch attempt by senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) to expedite energy project permitting through an amendment to an annual defense policy bill.