Commentary
-
Commentary
Direct Pay Proposals in the Build Back Better Act and Observations from Industry Insiders
Under current law, there are significant tax benefits for renewable energy projects in the United States. These benefits include nonrefundable ITC and PTC tax credits and depreciation deductions. From the perspective of a renewable energy developer, however, such tax benefits may be difficult to use effectively. Currently, ITC and PTC tax credits are nonrefundable, meaning that […]
-
Commentary
Keeping the Lights On: Using Advanced Technologies to Protect the Power Grid Against Supply Chain Disruptions and Labor Shortages
Millions of American citizens rely on the power grid for every aspect of their lives, making it a critically vital system that cannot afford to be disrupted. But as the materials shortage continues to hamstring the energy sector, more public utility companies face the threat of potential shutdowns that could leave millions with electricity. COMMENTARY […]
-
Commentary
Leading an Energy Company in the Aftermath of Russia’s Attack on Ukraine
CEOs of energy companies with projects in Russia are facing career-defining leadership moments. What do you do when your corporate investments nearly overnight become politically, economically and socially untenable to your key stakeholders? Within days of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, BP’s Chief Executive Bernard Looney was quick out of the gate to tell the world […]
-
Commentary
Minerals Crucial to Clean Energy Transition Among Ripple Effects of War in Ukraine
The venerable business of commodity trading, already in the news for the supply chain impacts of COVID, has moved to center stage with the war in Ukraine. Impacts of Russia’s invasion could ripple to manufacturing of all kinds, especially the clean energy transition we need to meet climate goals. COMMENTARY Within the first week of […]
-
Nuclear
Natural Gas and Nuclear Power Are Not ‘Green’ Investments
It is not an over-reaction to state that we are in the midst of a planetary emergency. We face the combined threats of climate, nature loss, and human health pandemics. Of the nine planetary boundaries that
Tagged in: -
Commentary
Green Hydrogen Economy: Magic Bullet or Mirage for Africa?
Africa has approximately 600 million people without access to clean, reliable, and affordable electric power (80% of the global total). On the flip side, the continent has some of the fastest growing economies in the world. Countries like Egypt and Ethiopia have recorded more than 6% annual growth in gross domestic product (GDP) with the […]
-
Legal & Regulatory
Wind Power Developers Encouraged by Findings on Bald Eagle Population
In the race to generate and distribute renewable energy, developers must clear numerous regulatory hurdles. For many projects, this may include obtaining a voluntary “incidental take” permit under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA). The BGEPA incidental take permitting program has frustrated both developers and operators due to, among other things, uncertainty of […]
-
Commentary
Renewable Energy Future Includes DERs to Support Decarbonization
All market indicators show that distributed energy resources (DERs) boom will continue into this year and beyond. In fact, a recent Frost & Sullivan report states the global annual investments in DERs will increase by 75% by 2030. We’ve seen many advancements contributing to the growth of the renewable energy market, due to the convergence […]
-
Point-Counterpoint
We Need Nuclear Energy as Part of the Energy Transition
Many people who believe we need a “Green New Deal” will say that Earth faces an existential catastrophe that could cut short the lives of young people who are living now. But if nuclear energy is mentioned
Tagged in: -
Point-Counterpoint
New Nuclear Isn’t Worth Public Investment
Since the inception of the nuclear era more than 70 years ago, federal taxpayers have been bailing out nuclear power plants and keeping the industry afloat with endless, costly subsidies. Yet, the industry is