In the news today…
Grid:
- E&E News reports that New England became the first regional energy market to use a virtual power plant this summer, with thousands of home solar and battery storage projects exporting power to the grid.
Mining:
- The Wall Street Journal reports Peabody Energy Corp. is in talks to combine with an Australian rival that could result in a new global giant worth some $6 billion, illustrating how the coal-price surge that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is transforming the sector’s fortunes.
Coal:
- E&E Energywire reports the future of a Montana coal plant remains unclear after a federal magistrate judge struck down two Montana laws designed to punish owners seeking to close the power station.
- Argus reports two Montana laws intended to preserve operations of the Colstrip coal-fired power plant in the state are unconstitutional, according to a US magistrate judge.
- Reuters reports the Biden administration is letting eight Texas coal-fired power plants avoid pollution controls by sitting on a request to amend the Lone Star State’s plans for pollution reduction, according to a new lawsuit filed by environmental groups.