North America News

Latest news and developments from North America region

• New York’s NYSERDA finalises contracts with CPNY and CHPE transmission projects

  December 1, 2021
  The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has finalised contracts with Clean Path New York LLC for its Clean Path NY (CPNY) project, and with Hydro-Québec’s subsidiary HQ Energy Services (US) Inc. (HQUS) for its Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project. Both these projects will deliver clean, renewable solar, wind, and hydroelectric power from upstate New York and Canada to New York City

• IEA anticipates US’ renewable capacity to increase by 200 GW by 2026

  December 1, 2021
  International Energy Agency (IEA) has released a report—Renewables 2021 Analysis and Forecast to 2026—which estimates that renewable capacity in the US will increase 65 per cent from 2021 to 2026, adding more than 200 GW capacity.

• Maine DEP suspends NECEC project

  November 30, 2021
  The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has suspended the permit for Avangrid’s New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) power line, which would transmit electricity from Canada’s Hydro-Quebec to Massachusetts’ utilities

• AEP continues to invest in Lima-area transmission projects in Ohio

  November 30, 2021
  Recently, American Electric Power (AEP) provided an update on the transmission projects being implemented in Lima, Ohio. Four main projects are expected to stimulate nearly USD168 million in economic activities across the state.

• NextEra sells 50 per cent renewable and storage portfolio to OTPP [free access]

  November 30, 2021
  NextEra Energy Resources LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc, has announced the completion of a 2,520-MW portfolio of wind, solar, and energy storage assets spread across nine states in the US.

• States urge FERC to reject utilities’ ROFR proposal for regional transmission projects

  November 29, 2021
  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which is considering revamping its rules for transmission planning, cost allocation and interconnecting generating facilities to the grid, has been urged by utility regulators, and ratepayer advocates from eight states and the District of Columbia to reject calls to give incumbent utilities the right of first refusal (ROFR) to build transmission lines in their service territories, which offer regional benefits.

• CCCE announces biggest utility procurement of vanadium redox flow battery systems

  November 29, 2021
  Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE), a California energy supplier and community choice aggregator (CCA), has announced four new grid-scale battery energy storage projects, including three long-duration flow battery projects.

• US DOI approves South Fork offshore wind project [free access]

  November 25, 2021
  The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has approved construction and operation of the 132 MW South Fork wind project offshore Rhode Island, making it the country’s second commercial-scale offshore wind project to get DOI approval.

• DLC plans BI-Crescent transmission upgrade project for Pennsylvania

  November 24, 2021
  Pennsylvania-based Duquesne Light Company (DLC) has planned the 138 kV Brunot Island–Crescent transmission line, or BI-Crescent upgrade project in five phases starting from December 2021.

• Hydrostor applies for CAES project approval to CEC

  November 24, 2021
  Pecho LD Energy Storage, a Hydrostor affiliate, filed an application with California Energy Commission (CEC) to build a 400 MW/3,200 MWh compressed air energy storage (CAES) project in San Luis Obispo County.

• Canadian CSI Solar inks framework agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology

  November 24, 2021
  Canadian Solar's CSI Solar business unit announced the signing of a framework agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL), to collaborate on battery energy storage systems (BESS), lithium-ion battery module supply, battery storage project operation and maintenance services, and innovative renewable energy technology.

• Southwest Intertie Project-North approved by White Pine County Commission

  November 23, 2021
  The White Pine County Commission unanimously endorsed a resolution to support the of Southwest Intertie Project-North (SWIP-North).

• US House of Representatives pass Build Back Better Bill

  November 22, 2021
  The US House of Representatives passed the USD1.85 trillion Build Back Better Bill and sent it to the US Senate.

• FERC considers changes to reactive power regulations

  November 22, 2021
  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced a new inquiry (RM22-2) into its reactive power regulations on November 18, 2021, citing the need for a more generic approach to compensating electric generators for providing a service that helps maintain the US power system.

• ERCOT’s analysis estimates Texas Grid still vulnerable to blackouts this winter

  November 22, 2021
  According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), power outages in Texas may occur this winter if the state has a cold spell that may force many power plants offline when electricity demand is high, despite increased preparations.

• SunPower launches VPP to help stablise grid in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut

  November 22, 2021
  SunPower Corp, a leading solar technology and energy services provider, launched its Connected Solutions virtual power plant (VPP) solution, which allows SunVault battery energy storage system (BESS) customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut to get paid for allowing utility access to their stored energy at peak demand.

• FERC releases final report on February 2021 event [free access]

  November 17, 2021
  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and NERC's regional entities released a final report on the impact of the February 2021 extreme cold weather event on the US bulk electric system.

• Louisiana to stay in MISO after PSC puts off decision

  November 17, 2021
  The Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) decided against voting on an effort to quit the regional transmission organisation (RTO), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).

• Breakthrough Energy Ventures, National Grid Partners and NextEra invest in TS Conductor

  November 17, 2021
  San Clemente-based TS Conductor Corp. has raised USD25 million through a Series A funding round.

• NYPA’s Smart Path transmission project reaches midpoint of completion

  November 16, 2021
  New York Power Authority‘s (NYPA) Smart Path Moses–Adirondack transmission project has reached the halfway mark to completion.