All articles tagged with #power plants
Hill County, Texas’s commissioners voted 3-2 to impose a yearlong moratorium on data center and related power plant construction in unincorporated areas to slow rapid development and give lawmakers time to address concerns over water use, electric grid strain, and impacts on landowners, amid opposition from residents and threats of lawsuits from developers.
As the war widens, President Trump warns of striking Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz isn’t reopened, prompting Tehran to pledge retaliation against regional energy infrastructure; Iran’s missiles hit Israeli targets near Dimona and Arad while Israel escalates strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah, triggering mass displacement and civilian casualties across the region and raising the risk of a protracted, multi-front conflict.
President Trump threatened to obliterate Iran’s power plants within 48 hours if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened, as Iran fired long-range missiles at US-UK bases and attacked Israeli targets, signaling a sharp escalation in the war that has disrupted shipping, sent energy prices higher, and drawn in regional powers.
The Trump administration extended the operation of two Indiana coal power plants until 2026 and granted additional time for coal plants to manage toxic waste, as part of efforts to support the struggling coal industry amid broader climate policy shifts.
Federal officials ordered two Indiana coal power plants to remain operational for 90 days to ensure regional power stability, amid efforts by the Trump administration to support the coal industry, despite ongoing shifts towards renewable energy and environmental concerns.
A large-scale Russian missile attack has destroyed two Ukrainian power plants, escalating the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
FERC approved cost recovery pathways for Consumers Energy and Constellation Energy to cover expenses incurred from DOE-mandated operations of power plants planned for retirement, affecting regions served by MISO and PJM, amidst ongoing legal and regulatory debates about fossil fuel plant retirements and emergency orders.
US energy companies are investing heavily in new power plants and transmission lines to support the growing demand from data centers, with utility spending expected to reach record highs by 2027. While this could boost the economy, there are concerns about rising costs being passed to consumers and the challenges of funding infrastructure, especially as demand for electricity is projected to increase significantly by 2030 and 2050.
The Trump administration plans to repeal limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants, aiming to boost the coal industry and reduce regulations established during the Biden administration, despite criticism from environmental groups and the potential legal challenges that could follow.
The EPA has proposed repealing Biden-era regulations on power plants, including greenhouse gas standards and mercury emissions standards, citing potential savings of over a billion dollars annually and emphasizing a shift towards deregulation to promote affordable and reliable energy for Americans.
During Trump's presidency, despite plans for closure, certain coal and gas plants were ordered to remain operational under a declared national energy emergency, even though grid operators did not request or plan to use these plants, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers.
An explosion damaged a canal in northern Kosovo, affecting water supply to two major power plants and drinking water for the capital, Pristina. Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti labeled it a "terrorist act" by Serbia, though no evidence of Serbian involvement has been found. The incident exacerbates existing ethnic tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, with recent attacks in northern Kosovo adding to the unrest. The EU condemned the attack, highlighting its impact on water supply.
Russia launched a heavy bombardment targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine, damaging at least three power stations and leaving parts of the country without power. Ukrainian President Zelensky urgently appealed to the Republican leadership in Congress to approve a stalled $60 billion aid package amid relentless Russian airstrikes. The attacks come as Ukraine's resources to stop them may be running out, dealing another blow to the country's weakened wartime economy. Ukraine's air force reported shooting down 84 of 99 targets, but the Russian strikes caused emergency shutdowns in six regions, highlighting the urgent need for more air defense ammunition.
Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, damaging three fossil fuel-fired power plants and leaving utilities, industry, and people without power. Ukrainian air defense forces were able to shoot down 84 out of 99 missiles and drones. The attack involved 60 drones and 39 missiles, including three hypersonic ballistic missiles, and caused power shortages in several regions. The precision and impact of the attacks have escalated, with DTEK operational director describing the damage as "tremendous" and likening it to "scorched earth."
Germany plans to subsidize gas power plants that can switch to hydrogen with $17 billion in subsidies, aiming to supplement intermittent renewable energy and accelerate the transition to low carbon generation. The government will tender up to 10 GW gas power plants, with plans for them to switch to hydrogen by 2040, and also subsidize power plants running exclusively on hydrogen for energy research purposes. The move is part of efforts to help Germany move away from gas and coal, exit coal before 2038, and reach its greenhouse emissions targets faster.