Energy Update: Week of October 13th

Energy Update - October 13, 2025

Friends,

Today is Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day and many of you know between my fall college field hockey umpire schedule and the vowel at the end of my name, I generally am spending this weekend/day in some place like Providence or Boston where they really take this holiday VERY SERIOUSLY. But this year, I was at American University yesterday saves me the Italian Sauage and cannoli, but allows me to get the Update out to you today!!! 

Today is also a truly historic day in world politics with President Trump in Israel to mark the landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which freed the remaining Israeli hostages and scores of Hamas prisoners. Trump heads to Egypt next for a Gaza peace summit with nine European leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Erdoğan. The meetings also will include Qatari leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Canadian PM Mark Carney, U.N. Sec-Gen António Guterres and more.

Despite the focus on the Middle East, the Government shutdown rolls into its third week. The House remains out saying it won’t return until the Senate acts to re-open the government and gets Federal workers and the Military paid. The Senate is returning tomorrow to take an eighth run at re-opening government, but expect similar results. There’s no sign that rank-and-file Senate Democrats are ready to change their votes to support a short-term clean CR.

There are two major energy events of interest this week, both out of town.  On Thursday, Sen. Cassidy. will host his second annual Louisiana Energy Security Summit on Thursday in New Orleans. Then on Friday, Utah Sen. John Curtis holds his 4th Annual Conservative Climate Summit at the University of Utah. Other good events out of town include the Sustainable Aviation Fuel North American Congress tomorrow to Thursday in Houston and the National Hydropower Association’s Clean Currents Forum tomorrow to Friday in Pittsburgh.

In DC on Wednesday and Thursday, the Fall Edition of Semafor’s World Economy Summit will be held at the Gallup Great Hall and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce holds its U.S.- Africa Critical Minerals Forum on Wednesday.

Finally, remember next Monday at 3:00 pm, API is hosting its permitting forum at the API’s event space featuring Chairman Westerman and several others. Don’t forget to RSVP.

Call with questions.

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                     

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“Now, it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”

President Trump’s prepared remarks (as reported by POLITICO) for his speech to the Israeli Knesset. After watching this morning, it is unclear if he actually delivered this line during his 44-minute speech.

ON THE PODCAST

Holmstead, Others Talk Pollution Markets on Shocked Podcast – The latest episode of Amy Harder and EPIC’s Shocked podcasts listens like it’s the 1990’s. No, seriously, it goes back in time to when Republicans were pushing FOR environmental market regulations. This episode explores how emissions markets work, where they’re taking off to reduce pollution, and why economists still believe markets are essential—if politics will let them be. My Bracewell colleague Jeff Holmstead is featured in the podcast.  

Volts Looks at Deep Geothermal – In this episode of the Volts podcast, host Dave Roberts chats with Quaise CEO Carlos Araque about unlocking geothermal energy on a planetary scale by drilling miles into the Earth’s crust. He explains how his company’s technology vaporizes rock with microwaves to reach depths where intense heat sends the water supercritical, packing ten times the energy density of conventional geothermal. The ultimate goal: persuading the oil and gas industry to put its capital and expertise toward mining heat rather than fuels.

FUN OPINIONS

Loris: Democrats Electricity Claims Fall Short on Facts – In an opinion in the Washington Examiner, C3’s Nick Loris explains how political interference and shifting regulations have driven up electricity prices, hurting both consumers and energy producers.

FROG BLOG

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers talks Govt Shutdown with Sen. Smith – Agri-Pulse Newsmakers interviews Minnesota Democrat Sen. Tina Smith in its latest episode amid the government shut down and congressional stalemate. Smith discusses which farmer-facing programs she's worried could be affected. She also expresses concern that the U.S. is losing export markets because of trade disruptions.

FUN FACTS

Gas Storage is Massive Favorite: AGA’s Richard Meyer writes it is hard to overstate just how much energy natural gas storage delivers across time, especially on peak days.

IN THE NEWS

New Data: Utilities Investing More than $200B to Strengthen Grid – EEI recently reported new data on the capital expenditures America’s investor-owned electric companies are expected to make in 2025. The latest EEI research highlights the record investments EEI member companies are making to strengthen America’s critical energy infrastructure, increase grid reliability, and lower costs for the nearly 250 million customers who depend on the electric industry to power their daily lives. Key findings include:

  • EEI member companies are projected to invest nearly $208 billion in 2025 to make the energy grid smarter, stronger, more efficient, and more secure.
  • 91 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity is currently under construction, and 488 GW is planned or has been proposed for the next five years. For comparison, the grid currently has approximately 1,250 GW of capacity.
  • Electricity generation in the United States climbed 3 percent in 2024—the largest annual increase in five years—and is projected to continue growing steadily. 
  • As the economy electrifies and more power flows through the grid, EEI member companies’ investments will be distributed across a larger customer base, driving down costs for American families and businesses while fueling sustained economic growth and prosperity.

Click here for a background document on the 2025 projections, and here for more on EEI’s member companies’ record investments to power America’s economic and energy security.

Air Liquide Investment Strengthens US Gulf Coast Hydrogen Supply Footprint – Air Liquide has secured new long-term hydrogen supply agreements that will significantly reinforce its presence in Texas. To meet this increased demand, Air Liquide will invest in optimizing its existing hydrogen infrastructure. The total investment of nearly $50 million will allow strategic upgrades to its pipeline system and new compression and distribution equipment integrated directly into its existing network.

ACCF Initiative to Highlight Significant Risks of EU’s Extraterritorial Sustainability Law – The American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) Center for Policy Research said today that it has launched an educational initiative designed to inform U.S. and European policymakers about the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and its far-reaching implications for U.S. businesses and their global supply chains. A new video series, featured at StopEUOverreach.com, brings together a compelling series of industry and congressional perspectives that explain the scope of CSDDD and underscore the serious concerns with its extraterritorial reach. Featured segments include commentary from:

  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce – on the broad regulatory burdens facing global businesses
  • National Association of Manufacturers – addressing operational and supply chain risks
  • International Franchise Association – highlighting impacts on franchisors and franchisees
  • Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council – emphasizing disproportionate challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises
  • U.S. Representative Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) – offering congressional perspective on how U.S. policymakers are responding

US Energy Storage Installations Hit New Record in Q2 – The US energy storage market set a record for quarterly growth in Q2 2025, with 5.6 gigawatts (GW) of installations, according to the latest US Energy Storage Monitor report released today by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Wood Mackenzie. The utility-scale market led the way, setting a record with 4.9 GW installed in Q2, enough capacity to power 3.7 million American homes during average peak demand. While early adopters continue leading in deployment, activity across the country shows clear demand for utility-scale energy storage as a solution to rising electricity prices and soaring energy demand. 

  • Texas, California, and Arizona added more than 1 GW each.
  • Markets such as the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) saw renewed activity, with three projects coming online in Oklahoma—the first in the region in three years.
  • Florida and Georgia saw major forecast upgrades due to aggressive procurements by vertically integrated utilities.

According to the report, US storage will reach 87.8 GW by 2029, driven by residential and utility-scale segments amidst a constantly evolving policy environment. However, US utility-scale storage installations could drop 10% year-over-year in 2027 largely due to uncertainty over pending Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) regulations on battery cell sourcing.

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Forum Looks at Energy Transition – The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies holds a virtual discussion today at 6:00 p.m. on the global energy transition focusing on insights from Colombia. The event explore the dynamic landscape of the global energy transition, diving into shifts in energy supply, demand and supply chains.

Bracewell Experts to Speak at SAF Congress – The Sustainable Aviation Fuel North American Congress will be held tomorrow to Thursday in Houston at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. SAF North America 2025 brings together more than 800 decision-makers from across aviation, energy, and government to tackle the biggest challenges in SAF scale-up, infrastructure, and policy. Speakers will include all major airlines, DOE’s Valerie Reed and Blake Simmons, Bracewell’s tax expert Tim Urban and many more.

Hydro Forum to Explore New Opportunities – The National Hydropower Association holds its Clean Currents forum from tomorrow to Friday in Pittsburgh, PA.

Semafor World Economic Summit Set for DC – On Wednesday and Thursday, the Fall Edition of Semafor’s World Economy Summit will be held in Washington DC at the Gallup Great Hall. The event features on-the-record interviews on the state of global growth and finance, AI advancements, powering global energy needs and the forces reshaping the world economy.

Chamber Holds Critical Minerals Forum – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce holds its U.S.- Africa Critical Minerals Forum on Wednesday. This forum highlights Africa's indispensable role in global supply chains, emphasizing its significance in the energy transition and advanced technologies.

Ocean Progress Summit Set – On Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., the Center for American Progress holds its 2025 Ocean Progress Symposium on advancing conservation. The event will discuss a post-2030 vision rooted in justice, stewardship and love for the ocean. Former Assistant Interior Secretary Carmen Cantor, Gulf Research Institute youth advocate Evelyn James and Alissa Weinman, ocean program manager at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, deliver remarks.

Forum Looks at Climate Finance – On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the Stimson Center’s Environmental Security Program holds a conversation on closing the climate finance gap for the world’s most fragile states. The expert panel will explore opportunities to ensure that no one is left behind in the global effort to build climate resilience.

New America Looks at Energy Transition – On Thursday at Noon, New America holds a virtual discussion on power, people and the energy transition. Drawing on their contributions to New America’s Power Switch series, the conversation will dig into the systemic changes needed to achieve a just energy transition. The panelists will examine how critical minerals, sovereign debt, climate finance and shifting geopolitical blocs intersect with questions of justice, equity, and sovereignty.

Cassidy to host Annual Energy Forum – Senator Bill Cassidy will host the second annual Louisiana Energy Security Summit on Thursday in New Orleans. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event in Baton Rouge, this year’s summit will convene leaders from business, academia and government to explore the future of American energy, manufacturing, and trade. The 2025 summit will spotlight Louisiana’s leadership in manufacturing and energy production—driven by abundant resources, world-class infrastructure, and a workforce ready to meet the energy demands of tomorrow. Louisiana is central to securing U.S. supply chains and strengthening America’s industrial competitiveness. The event will focus on how policy, investment, and innovation are converging to secure U.S. energy leadership and grow jobs here at home.

Forum Looks at Climate, Low Income Countries – The Center for Global Development holds a discussion on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. on carbon pricing, trade and what's at stake for low- and middle-income countries. An expert panel of economists and policy experts engaged in the GCPP Working Group on climate coalitions will examine how a climate coalition can align climate ambition with trade and development priorities—and why now, in the critical window ahead of COP30, is the moment to turn this vision into action.

Wright Expected to Speak at Curtis Climate Summit – On Friday at the University of Utah, Sen. John Curtis holds his 4th Annual Conservative Climate Summit. The event brings together conservative leaders, industry innovators and policymakers to shape market-driven climate and energy solutions. The summit will feature distinguished speakers, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and thought leaders across the public and private sectors. Discussions will focus on energy innovation and strengthening American energy through smart policy.

IN THE FUTURE

Ethanol Summit Set for DC – Global Ethanol Summit (GES), organized by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), will be held on Sunday October 19th to Wednesday October 22nd in Washington, DC. GES will include participants from more than 40 countries, expanding global ethanol markets through innovation, renewable solutions and trade.  Former Energy Secretary Ernie Moniz, RFA head Geoff Cooper and Growth CEO Emily Skor are among the many speakers.

API Hosts Permitting Forum – The American Petroleum Institute holds a special panel discussion and reception on Monday, October 20th at 3:00 p.m. at its office looking at the future of US energy infrastructure and permitting reform.  Speakers are expected to include key Hill leaders.

Forum Looks Critically at IEA Critical Minerals Report – On Tuesday October 21 2025 at 10:30 a.m., the National Center for Energy Analytics (NCEA) holds a forum that will challenge the flawed and misleading assumptions in the IEA’s Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025. This effort is part of our broader series to provide independent, reality-based analyses of energy forecasts. The event will look at key findings from NCEA’s upcoming report, evaluate the IEA’s critical minerals market assumptions and discuss the real implications for global energy security.

Agri-Pulse Hosts Ag Jobs, Clean Energy Forum – As world leaders prepare to convene at COP30 in Belém, Brazil this November, American agriculture stands at a pivotal moment to demonstrate its leadership in sustainable food systems innovation. Agri-Pulse and JBS hold a forum on October 21st at 2:00 p.m. in the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to spotlight how U.S. farmers, ranchers, and their supply chain partners are already delivering the solutions the world needs. This timely forum will showcase real-world success stories and policy recommendations from the Sustainable Business COP (SB COP)—a global collaborative of private-sector companies—demonstrating how American agriculture is proving that productivity and sustainability go hand-in-hand.

RFF Hosts Southern on Nuclear – Resources for the Future (RFF) holds a conversation on Tuesday, October 21st at 3:00 p.m. between Billy Pizer and Southern Company’s John Williams on lessons learned from the Vogtle Power project. The webinar will also feature a panel of experts who will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing a potential nuclear renaissance in the US.

House Members Headline US Chamber Chemistry Summit – The U.S. Chamber holds its third annual Chemistry Solutions Forum on Wednesday October 22nd at 9:00 a.m. This event will feature expert voices from the Administration and industry to discuss the most important issues and innovation within the chemical value chain. Speakers include Reps. Scott Peters, Gary Palmer and Jake Auchincloss, as well Huntsman CEO Peter Huntsman. 

USEA Talks AI, Energy – In its next media briefing, the US Energy Assn will hold a press brief on Wednesday October 22nd at 11:00 a.m. on how utilities are adapting to rising data center power demands. Utilities will discuss how they are using AI, how they plan to use it in the future and how the demand for power from AI data centers is affecting them. 

CEN Forum Focused on Permitting – The Conservative Energy Network (CEN) for a practical, solutions-focused discussion on permitting reform that upholds property rights, strengthens grid reliability, and accelerates private-sector investment. Our panel will break down what’s happening at the federal and state levels, the role of meaningful community engagement, and conservative policy ideas that cut red tape without compromising environmental stewardship.

ACP Hosts Energy Storage Summit – American Clean Power holds the Recharge Energy Storage Summit on Monday October 27th to Wednesday the 29th in Austin, Texas. The event features forum and panels focused on energy storage and the shared goal of making American energy more reliable, efficient and affordable. Former FERC Chairs Rich Glick and Willie Phillips speak, as does SAFE’s Abby Hunter, who will address critical minerals.

Former FERC Chair Headlines Power Forum – POWER eXchange holds a forum in Denver on Tuesday October 28th to look at Data Center questions. Former FERC Chairman Mark C. Christie will keynote, bringing two decades of regulatory insight on reliability, market design, and the future of power and digital infrastructure.

BPC Permitting Summit Features Key Congressional, FERC Leaders – On Wednesday  October 29th, the Bipartisan Policy Center holds its Permitting Summit 2025, a half-day event bringing together congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle, key administration officials, and leaders from industry and the nonprofit sector. Through keynote addresses, fireside chats, and expert panels, speakers will explore the questions above and the policy and political dynamics shaping permitting reform. Key speakers include Seb. Dave McCormick, Reps. Bruce Westerman and Jared Golden, FERC Chair David Rosner and FERC Commissioner Lindsay See. 

VA, NJ, NY City Election Day – Tuesday November 4th.

COP 30 Meeting – The 30th UN climate conference will take place on November 10-21 in Belém, Brazil. The event will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to discuss priority actions to tackle climate change. COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29.