Florida Exceeds California in Solar Panel Installations for Utilities
In the realm of energy and infrastructure, several significant developments are unfolding across the nation. Here's a snapshot of some of the latest news:
West Virginia
A West Virginia state lawmaker has expressed opposition to NextEra Energy's plan to construct a 105-mile transmission line, intended to power data centers in Virginia. The move is part of a larger debate surrounding the energy landscape in the state. Meanwhile, the National Institute for Occupational Safety has returned its mobile black lung screening unit to West Virginia, aiming to address concerns related to occupational health.
Texas
Survivors of the July 4 weekend flooding in Texas' Hill Country are urging state lawmakers to take action. They seek the approval of preventative measures, improved access to resources, and better communication around such disasters.
Mississippi
Elon Musk's xAI company has made headlines by purchasing a defunct Duke Energy gas-fired power plant in Mississippi. The plant will provide energy to the company's supercomputer in nearby Memphis.
Virginia
In Virginia, the push to develop small modular nuclear reactors is under scrutiny, with critics questioning the technology's unproven nature and the assumptions behind its development. Former Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, on the other hand, supports an energy policy that balances renewables and natural gas. She also advocates for data center developers to shoulder the costs of upgrading the power grid.
North Carolina
A bill passed by North Carolina Republican lawmakers requires legislative approval for rules with projected impacts of more than $1 million over five years. This move is expected to slow the response to emerging environmental and public health threats. Meanwhile, Duke University researchers project that a bill to eliminate Duke Energy's emissions reduction mandate could cost ratepayers $23 billion, despite assurances it will save $13 billion.
Georgia
Georgia Power plans to add 10 GW of energy over the next five years, primarily through new gas-fired units, battery storage, and some solar, to meet an expected spike in energy demand from data centers.
Florida
Florida surpassed California in 2024 by adding more than 3 GW of utility-scale solar, a notable milestone in the state's renewable energy efforts. However, concerns have been raised about the potential threat posed by rapidly intensifying hurricanes to a new detainment centre in the Florida Everglades.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is in a strong financial position, growing its revenue, reducing debt, and investing in new generation.
Louisiana
Researchers have warned about the potential risks to staff and prisoners living in tents at President Trump's new detainment centre in the Florida Everglades, should hurricanes approach from the Gulf.
Nationwide
American Electric Power projects that data centers will account for 18 GW of a total 24 GW of new load it will interconnect by 2030, with more than half located in Texas. Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil's CEO is considering purchasing other oil companies after buying Pioneer Natural Resources in 2023.
In the realm of solar energy, installers in coastal Virginia are experiencing a surge in demand for rooftop installations. Additionally, Dominion Energy projects that President Trump's tariffs will increase the cost of its offshore wind farm near Virginia by $500 million.
These developments underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of the energy and infrastructure landscape across the United States. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories continue to unfold.
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