In the news today…
Grid:
- Utility Dive reports that Tesla’s Musk urges the power sector to anticipate higher demand—“a tripling of electrical output.” “My biggest concern is there’s insufficient urgency and people just don’t understand how much electricity demand there will be,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Tuesday at a Pacific Gas & Electric summit.
- Utility Dive reports utilities and others work to develop better ways to predict and manage grid loads to prevent electric vehicles from overwhelming the grid.
- Bloomberg reports that PJM Interconnection LLC has declared a level one emergency alert for the 13-state eastern US grid and called on all power plants to operate at full capacity Thursday, July 27, during a heat wave.
Mining:
- The New York Sun reports mining companies and environmental groups are battling over mines on American soil as the demand for critical minerals such as lithium increases.
- The Wall Street Journal Reports that the Biden Administration’s climate goals have clashed with his “Made in America” incentives regarding minerals needed for electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicles:
- Canary Media reports seven major automakers including General Motors, Honda, and Stellantis announce a joint venture to build at least 30,000 fast-charging stations across North America in an attempt to compete with Tesla’s charging network.
WOTUS:
- AgDaily reports the Waters Advocacy Coalition has sent a letter to the EPA urging them to reconsider their interpretation of the definition of Waters of the United States, as the EPA has failed to hold a public hearing on the matter.
Coal:
- Argus reports US coal-fired generation and coal consumption fell year-over-year in May for a fifth straight month as milder weather curbed overall electric power demand.
Commentary:
- Star Tribune carries an op-ed from the head of a trade group representing Minnesota electric cooperatives, who says the state’s new carbon-free power targets can’t jeopardize affordability and reliability.