Latest news with #cleanEnergy
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Georgia Power's plan to support potential data center surge with fossil fuel energy faces scrutiny
On May 27, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore, left questioned the analysis of PSC staff witnesses who argued that Georgia Power should lower its data center growth forecasts in its 2025 long term plan. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Power The state's largest electric utility says it needs to significantly increase its energy capacity to accommodate a potential wave of data centers. Georgia Power plans to turn to some renewable energy to generate that electricity, but for the most part, the utility intends to lean on fossil fuel sources like gas-fired power plants to boost capacity. Those controversial plans, packed into what's called an integrated resource plan, received a public airing during three days of public hearings. Several clean energy advocacy groups and state regulator staffers urged members of the Georgia Public Service Commission to reject the plan. Commissioners are set to vote on the proposal in July. Georgia Power projects that over the next several years the growth of data centers will significantly increase the state's electricity consumption, and the company is requesting to add about 9,000 megawatts of capacity by 2031. According to the utility's forecasts, data centers will consume about 80% of the new power generated. But some have questioned the accuracy of those projections. PSC staff expert witnesses said this week they are concerned Georgia Power is using incorrect model forecasts. They also say the utility has not provided evidence showing that data centers are likely to materialize at a higher rate than other industries. Georgia Power attorneys say the company's forecast continues to grow based on the state's economic projections for commercial and industrial customers. PSC staff questioned the models used by the company that led to forecasting as much as 13,000 megawatts of peak load growth through 2044. The staff is recommending Georgia Power decrease its load growth projections for data centers by as much as 25%. 'Our recommendation is to adjust down Georgia Power's load forecast,' said Robert Trokey, director of the Public Service Commission's electric unit. 'I think it's important that they continue to file the data that they have been filing in quarterly reports. If we see trends continue over the short term as the projects roll out, then certainly Georgia Power should adjust its forecast methodologies.' Advocacy groups have argued that overbuilding the infrastructure could shift the cost burden to ratepayers. Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore pushed back on the criticism, pointing to a recent rule change that requires data centers and other large companies consuming more than 100 megawatts of energy to cover their full electricity costs. The change included a provision allowing Georgia Power to require companies to put up front-end collateral for energy costs over the lifetime of the contract. State regulators would also review any contract for high-energy users. Georgia Power has come under fire for reversing plans to shutter a pair of coal plants, Bowen and Scherer. The company instead is asking that state regulators sign off on extending the life of the two plants and allow the company to ramp up its fossil fuel energy capacity. The utility had planned to retire Bowen and Scherer by 2028. Since then, Georgia Power has cited the projected industrial growth boom primarily driven by massive data centers as a reason it is now planning to retire Bowen by 2035 and Scherer Unit 3 by 2038. Energy experts and clean energy advocates expressed concerns about the company's potential overestimation of electricity demand and the underestimation of gas-fired unit costs, which could lead to higher rates. They recommended increasing planning flexibility, updating load forecasts, and exploring earlier deployment of renewables and energy storage. Their analysis compared different scenarios, showing that renewables and energy storage are more economical under various future conditions. Critics of the plan advised the commission to require Georgia Power to present additional research portfolios and improve forecast accuracy. The company was also urged to further increase its investments in renewable energies like solar. Energy consultant Maria Roumpani, who testified on behalf of the Georgia Conservation Voters, said that renewable energy and storage are much more economically viable than the expansion of gas-fired power plants. 'The analysis should focus on enabling earlier years of deployment for wind and energy storage, especially medium and low duration, as well as higher limits for solar,' she said. Clean energy and consumer advocates held a rally outside the PSC's downtown offices while the hearing was underway Tuesday, warning of the potential consequences if the commission rubber-stamps Georgia Power's long-term energy plans. The five-member utility regulator is set to vote July 15. Hundreds of written comments poured into the PSC, many of them dominated by concerns about rising utility bills and health risks tied to fossil fuels. However, the three days of hearings began with public comments expressing split reactions to Georgia Power and its energy plans. The long-term energy generation plan is receiving support from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and local chamber officials such as Timothy Craig, director of business development of Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Craig told commissioners that he felt the company's energy plan provides the necessary infrastructure to continue providing reliable electricity to businesses. 'One of the first questions small business owners want to ask is: can I count on the systems that support my business?' Craig said this week. 'Energy is at the top of that list. Whether it's a local bakery or high tech firm, reliable energy is essential. Georgia Power's plan delivers that reliability.' Retired educator Bette Holland, founder of North Georgia Conservation Coalition, said it's important that state regulators accept the science that shows that burning coal, oil and natural gas detrimentally increases the earth's temperature. 'Solar and wind are much cheaper than fossil fuels to create energy,' Holland said. 'The only thing that stops us are the energy companies and regulators who bow to the pressure of the fossil fuel companies. Please begin to think about the survival of the people in Georgia, in this country, on this planet, and about the survival of our natural resources in our wildlife.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Trade Arabia
21 hours ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Abu Dhabi's data centre industry power investments to hit $10bn
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) is poised to significantly bolster Abu Dhabi's burgeoning data and artificial intelligence hub, with its CEO and Managing Director announcing that total investments to support the power needs of the data centre industry in the emirate will exceed AED37 billion. This announcement aligns with Taqa's broader strategy to provide clean, certified, and reliable energy for critical infrastructure. Speaking to the Wam on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2025, Taqa Group CEO and Managing Director Jasim Husain Thabet hlighted the company's robust growth and strategic acquisitions. With a market capitalisation estimated at approximately AED360 billion, TAQA stands among the top five companies in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for electricity generation, transmission, and water desalination, operating across 25 countries. Over the past four years, TAQA has impressively doubled its electricity production capacity to 56 gigawatts, surpassing the total electricity consumption of the United Kingdom. Recent strategic moves include the acquisition of an 875-megawatt gas-powered electricity station in Uzbekistan, in partnership with Mubadala, supporting Uzbekistan's energy transition and opening new Central Asian markets. Additionally, TAQA's acquisition of "Transmission Investment", a leading UK-based energy and utility investment platform. Further enhancing its clean energy portfolio, TAQA is currently constructing a 1-gigawatt gas turbine power station. In collaboration with Masdar, where TAQA holds a major stake, the company is also developing 5 gigawatts of solar energy backed by 19 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. This integrated solar and battery system, designed to deliver a continuous supply of 1 gigawatt for 24 hours, will be the largest project of its kind globally. Taqa aims to invest AED75 billion by 2030 to triple its electricity generation capacity to 150 gigawatts, he said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
US administration cancels $2.9bn loan guarantee for Sunnova Energy
The US administration has withdrawn a $2.92bn partial loan guarantee for Sunnova Energy, a residential solar panel installer, as reported by Bloomberg. The Department of Energy (DOE) has "de-obligated" the loan guarantee, meaning the federal government is no longer responsible for the financing. The move comes as Sunnova is restructuring its debt and has expressed concerns about its ability to continue operations. Sunnova stated in a regulatory filing in March 2025 that it did not plan to utilise the DoE facility, known as Project Hestia, in the foreseeable future. The previous administration under former President Joe Biden announced a partial loan guarantee in April 2023 to support financing for 100,000 rooftop solar installations, particularly for lower-income homeowners. Under Biden, the DoE's Loan Programs Office aimed to accelerate clean energy sector development by providing loans to companies that found it difficult to secure private funding. The Energy Department described Project Hestia as the largest US government commitment to solar power at that time. However, the residential solar sector has faced challenges due to increased interest rates, which have raised the cost of financing. Sunnova has issued $371m in bonds backed by the Project Hestia loan guarantee. These bonds are not part of the debt Sunnova is currently looking to restructure. Project Hestia became less appealing to Sunnova because the company could offer more affordable leased systems to homeowners, capitalising on tax credits from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act introduced by Biden. The tax credits for loans, which were the focus of Project Hestia, are considered less beneficial. The current administration, led by President Donald Trump, is prioritising oil and gas production and has indicated a review of DoE financing for alternative energy companies. The future of the loans office is uncertain, with job reductions implemented by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency and budget cuts proposed in the House budget bill. Since 2009, the office has issued $35bn in loans and loan guarantees, with repayments from companies including Tesla. However, it has faced criticism from Republicans since 2011 following a $535m loan to Solyndra, a solar company that later failed. The Department of Energy has not commented on the cancellation of Sunnova's loan guarantee. "US administration cancels $2.9bn loan guarantee for Sunnova Energy" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi's data centre industry power investments to exceed $10.08bln: TAQA CEO
ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) is poised to significantly bolster Abu Dhabi's burgeoning data and artificial intelligence hub, with its CEO and Managing Director announcing that total investments to support the power needs of the data centre industry in the emirate will exceed AED37 billion. This announcement aligns with TAQA's broader strategy to provide clean, certified, and reliable energy for critical infrastructure. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2025, Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA's Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (GCEO & MD) highlighted the company's robust growth and strategic acquisitions. With a market capitalisation estimated at approximately AED360 billion, TAQA stands among the top five companies in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for electricity generation, transmission, and water desalination, operating across 25 countries. Over the past four years, TAQA has impressively doubled its electricity production capacity to 56 gigawatts, surpassing the total electricity consumption of the United Kingdom. Recent strategic moves include the acquisition of an 875-megawatt gas-powered electricity station in Uzbekistan, in partnership with Mubadala, supporting Uzbekistan's energy transition and opening new Central Asian markets. Additionally, TAQA's acquisition of "Transmission Investment", a leading UK-based energy and utility investment platform. Further enhancing its clean energy portfolio, TAQA is currently constructing a 1-gigawatt gas turbine power station. In collaboration with Masdar, where TAQA holds a major stake, the company is also developing 5 gigawatts of solar energy backed by 19 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. This integrated solar and battery system, designed to deliver a continuous supply of 1 gigawatt for 24 hours, will be the largest project of its kind globally. TAQA aims to invest AED75 billion by 2030 to triple its electricity generation capacity to 150 gigawatts, he said. As part of this growth strategy, the company also plans to develop water desalination plants with a combined capacity of 1.3 billion gallons per day, with two-thirds utilising highly efficient reverse osmosis technology.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Business Council of Australia calls for employer incentives to hire more tradie apprentices
A leading business industry group has called for a critical $40m fund for large businesses to boost apprenticeship programs to avoid oncoming skills shortages in key sectors like clean energy and construction. Australia has a deadline to acquire 32,000 electricians by 2030, before that figure skyrockets to 85,000 in 2050 as it seeks to transition to a renewable-powered grid. As it stands, Jobs and Skills Australia estimates a 27 per cent shortfall in the 25 years to 2050. In the lead up to the federal election, due by May 17, the Business Council of Australia called for a redesign of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS) to prepare small, medium and large businesses to train more apprentices and fill the critical workforce gaps. Their policy wishlist includes a baseline support package for employers of up to $4000 per apprentice for the first two years of an apprenticeship, and up to $3000 per apprentice for the final years. They've also called for additional incentives of up to double the base funding for small and medium sized businesses which can demonstrate high completion rates and a diversity of applicants. Additionally, large businesses would have access to a fund cost at $40m over four years in order to expand their existing support programs. While the incentives would apply to all industries, BCA chief executive noted that skills shortages were exacerbated across the clean energy and construction sectors, however skills shortages are more broadly reported in a third of occupations. The request follows Anthony Albanese's election pitch to give apprentice plumbers, carpenters, electricians and other fields related to housing construction a $10,000 incentive to finish their courses and boost housing completion numbers. However Mr Bran said more investment was needed to aid employers, with programs at large enterprises boasting completion rates of 90 per cent, compared to the national average of 50 per cent. 'Businesses tell me that existing employer incentives don't reflect the true cost of training an apprentice, and that means we need a new approach to ensure businesses are supported to train more people,' Mr Black said. 'Businesses play vital roles in training the next generation of skilled workers, and if employer incentives aren't increased in amount and scope, we'll see fewer employment opportunities offered, which will ultimately exacerbate our nationwide skills gaps.' NSW-based Endeavour Energy chief executive Guy Chalkley said Australia was essentially playing 'catch up' in ensuring our workforce is equipped to handle Australia's green energy transition. The company, which provides energy to parts of Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and the Illawarra, trains 25 apprentices a year through their purpose-built Technical Training Centre, with members aged between 16 to 38. As it stands, Mr Chalkley said he didn't believe Australia was on track to have 80,000 electricians working across Australia. 'What's coming in a decade's time needs to be done today,' he said. 'The whole industry, and the whole world is doing that, and you're chasing the same resource at the moment because we're all going through the same energy transition. 'Part of the challenge is making sure that the infrastructure sitting behind it – TAFE, and the actual spaces and lecturers to actually accommodate the uptake.' Mr Chalkley said the extra funding would allow large businesses to better support their apprentices, while also helping companies attract more school leavers and seek overseas electricians to fill in the gaps. 'Trying to attract a 16-year-old into the industry is very hard in Sydney, from an affordability point of view,' he said. 'Similarly, if you've got a young family and you're doing a career change, you're probably going down in your earning capacity. 'So you've got to support how you're re-skilling people to make sure they do stick in the industry, so they have something that's hopefully better than what they've got at the moment, and makes them more relevant for the future.' It's understood the government will consider the BCA's proposals as part of a wider strategic review of the apprenticeships incentive system, however the program has been costed to be up to $6.5bn. Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said Labor were committed to 'fixing the worst skills shortage in half a century,' pointing to mismanagement by the former Coalition government. 'That's why Labor is making Free TAFE permanent, and it's why we'll pay housing construction apprentices $10,000 to get on the tools,' he said. Deputy Liberal Leader and the Coalition's spokeswoman for industry, skills and training flagged further announcements from the Coalition, she said businesses no longer had the confidence to hire apprenticeships. 'If a business does not know if they are going to survive another week or another month, how can we expect them to have confidence to put on an apprentice for two to three years,' she said.
