FERC Approves $4 Billion Transmission Line Connecting Texas and Oklahoma

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the construction of a new $4 billion transmission line that will connect Texas and Oklahoma. The line is expected to be completed in 2027 and will help improve the electric grid's reliability in both states.

The new line will be approximately 345 miles long and run from the Oklahoma Panhandle to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It will carry up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity to power about 750,000 homes.

The line is needed to help meet the growing demand for electricity in Texas and improve the grid's reliability. In recent years, Texas has experienced several blackouts due to extreme weather events and other factors. The new line will help to reduce the risk of blackouts by providing an additional path for electricity to flow.

California to Invest $500 Million in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The California Energy Commission has approved a $500 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The money will be used to build new charging stations and upgrade existing ones. The goal is to make it easier for Californians to own and drive EVs, which will help the state reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

The investment will build charging stations at homes, businesses, and public places. The state will also invest in fast-charging stations that charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes.

California has set a goal of having 5 million EVs on the road by 2030. The new investment will help the state achieve this goal by making it easier and more convenient for Californians to charge their EVs.

New York to Close All Coal-Fired Power Plants by 2025

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the state will close all its coal-fired power plants by 2025. The move is part of New York's ambitious plan to transition to 100% clean energy by 2040.

New York has six coal-fired power plants that generate about 20% of the state's electricity. The state will replace the lost generation from coal plants with new renewable energy projects and energy storage.

Closing the coal plants will help New York reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The state has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050.

Texas Power Grid Operator Warns of Blackouts During Extreme Heat Wave

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the operator of the Texas power grid, has warned that blackouts are possible during an extreme heat wave that is expected to hit the state this week. ERCOT urges Texans to reduce their electricity consumption during peak hours to help avoid blackouts.

ERCOT expects that electricity demand will reach record levels during the heat wave. The grid has enough capacity to meet the demand, but ERCOT is concerned that there may be unexpected outages or other problems.

ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity during peak hours, typically from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Texans can save electricity by turning up the thermostat, turning off unnecessary lights and appliances, and unplugging electronics when not in use.

US Department of Energy Announces $2.5 Billion Investment in Carbon Capture Technology

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $2.5 billion investment in carbon capture technology. The money will be used to develop and deploy new carbon capture technologies to help the United States reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The DOE is investing in various carbon capture technologies, including pre-combustion, post-combustion, and direct air capture. Pre-combustion capture removes carbon dioxide from the fuel stream before it is burned. Post-combustion capture removes carbon dioxide from the flue gas after burning the fuel. Direct air capture removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.

The DOE's investment in carbon capture technology is part of the Biden administration's plan to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Carbon capture technology is a vital tool for reducing emissions from the power sector and other industries.