New Solar, Wind, and Nuclear Shaking Up Summer Generation. The Energy Information Administration, in its June 2023 Short-Term Energy Outlook report, said it expects 15% less U.S. coal-fired generation this summer than summer 2022. The analysis notes utilities have retired 6% of coal capacity over the past 12 months. Solar generation this summer will grow 24%, while wind will increase by 7% compared to last summer. Vogtle 3, the nation’s first new nuclear reactor launched in three decades, is also set to begin commercial operation this month. 
 

Flexibility Attributes: Commercial Natural Gas Power Generation. A new study carried out by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) characterizes the flexibility attributes—both performance and cost—of nine standard commercial natural gas–fired units. “Although existing coal-fired power plants have been increasingly relied upon as load-following resources, current natural gas technologies are much better equipped to follow intermittent renewable generation with faster ramping rates, shorter startup durations, higher efficiency, lower minimum loads, lower water usage, lower costs, and lower emissions. NETL believes this study will provide valuable data as the nation pursues decarbonization goals,” said NETL’s Marc Turner, a study co-author.