Back to all articles

Weekly Energy Brief: December 1, 2023
Photo representing the subject of the blog

Duke Energy to invest $13 billion in grid modernization


Duke Energy, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, has announced plans to invest $13 billion in grid modernization over the next decade. This significant investment will be used to upgrade aging infrastructure, improve grid reliability, and integrate more renewable energy sources into the grid.


The grid modernization initiative will focus on several key areas, including:


  • Upgrading aging infrastructure: Duke Energy will replace or refurbish thousands of miles of transmission and distribution lines, as well as transformers and other equipment. This will help to prevent outages and improve the overall reliability of the grid.
  • Improving grid reliability: Duke Energy will invest in new technologies, such as smart grids and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), to improve the ability of the grid to respond to disruptions and outages. This will help to ensure that customers have access to reliable electricity when they need it.
  • Integrating more renewable energy sources: Duke Energy will invest in the development of new transmission lines and other infrastructure to connect more renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to the grid. This will help to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of clean energy.

The grid modernization initiative is a critical step in ensuring that the electric grid is reliable, resilient, and sustainable for future generations.


California to invest $10 billion in offshore wind energy


The state of California has announced plans to invest $10 billion in offshore wind energy over the next five years. This investment is part of the state's ambitious goal of generating all of its electricity from renewable sources by 2045.


Offshore wind energy is a promising source of clean energy with the potential to generate large amounts of electricity without the need for land-based wind turbines. California has a vast coastline with strong winds, making it an ideal location for offshore wind development.


The state's investment in offshore wind energy will create jobs, boost the economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also help to reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels and improve air quality.


PJM Interconnection to implement new capacity market rules


PJM Interconnection, the largest wholesale electricity market in the United States, has announced plans to implement new capacity market rules that will make it more difficult for power plants that emit greenhouse gases to compete in the market. The new rules are designed to encourage the development of cleaner sources of electricity generation.


The new rules will require power plants to submit bids that include the cost of their carbon emissions. This will make it more expensive for power plants that emit greenhouse gases to compete in the market. As a result, power plants will be incentivized to reduce their emissions or switch to cleaner sources of fuel.


The new capacity market rules are a significant step in PJM's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a cleaner energy future.


FERC approves Mountain Valley Pipeline project


The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a natural gas pipeline that would transport natural gas from West Virginia to Virginia. The pipeline has been opposed by environmental groups who argue that it would contribute to climate change.


The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a 300-mile pipeline that would transport up to 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. The pipeline is expected to cost approximately $6.6 billion to build.

FERC's approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline is a major victory for the natural gas industry. However, the pipeline is still facing opposition from environmental groups who are planning to appeal the decision in court.


DOE announces $1 billion in funding for clean energy projects


The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $1 billion in funding for clean energy projects. The funding will be used to support the development of new technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


The funding will be distributed through a variety of programs, including:


  • Advanced Energy Projects: This program will provide funding for the development of new energy technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, advanced nuclear reactors, and renewable energy technologies.
  • Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects: This program will provide funding for projects that improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy.
  • Grid Modernization and Smart Grid Infrastructure: This program will provide funding for projects that modernize the electric grid and make it more efficient and resilient.


The DOE's investment in clean energy projects is a critical step in the fight against climate change. These projects will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and boost the economy.