Energy Update: Week of October 15th

Friends,

Just a short blast from South Africa today to keep you updated on the action. Cape Town is really amazing.  Such a beautiful place.  Lots to do and see, but need a day off from the high-quality field hockey. Today, I just finished Argentina and South Africa Men’s O40s and it was a great fast-paced game!!!  After sending this, I am headed to Signal Mountain and Lions Head for a quick hike.

A good pict of South African umpire Marne Loots and me before our first game from the “pinkhat lady.” Anyway, also a bunch of good events this week in DC even though it is a short week.

Wednesday seems to be the busiest day starting with an all-day member Business Council for Sustainable Energy Tax Summit featuring Treasury’s Wally Adeyamo and Ethan Zindler, as well as DOE’s Jigar Shaw. Also Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., E&E News reporters host a forum as they outline the state of play on the permitting bill talks. The panel will explore how key lawmakers are working behind the scenes to get a deal done.

The Center for the National Interest holds an expert discussion organized by the Center’s Central Asia Connectivity Project on Wednesday at 10:00 am energy from On shipping from the “Middle Corridor.” And Friday, CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program holds a conference critical minerals and a  conversation on U.S.-India cooperation to strengthen critical minerals security with State’s Geoffrey Pyatt.

Out of town on Wednesday, Gevo CEO Pat Gruber is a main speaker at US Energy Stream’s 7^th Energy Infrastructure Forum 2024 held at the Petroleum Club of Houston, TX with a bunch of other members of Congress and Sen. Bill Cassidy holds an energy security summit in Baton Rouge. Key speakers include former DOE Deputy Secretary Mark W. Menezes, former FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee, former CEQ Chairman Jim Connaughton, former Chairman of the US Export Import Bank Kim Reed, NSC Advisor David Banks, cement company Buzzi UnicemUSA CEO Massimo Toso and many more.

Happy Columbus Day (for us Italians!) and Indigenous Peoples Day.  To celebrate, I leave you with a video of the New Zealand O40 Men’s team doing their pregame ritual Haka. Pretty Great stuff.

Call, text or email with any questions, the phone and computer are working in Cape Town!!!!

Best,

Frank Maisano

(202) 828-5864

C. (202) 997-5932                                                                                                     

FRANKLY SPOKEN

“Huge brands are rewiring their communications strategy to weave in a climate story that advances broader market leadership — and that’s when they could be talking about their product or simply keeping quiet,” “Many corporations talked about climate somewhere before, but today it’s much more pervasive.”

Matt Stewart, West Coast general manager for Method Communication in a story for Semafor’s Net Zero on Communications and climate change.  

ON THE PODCAST

California Energy Podcast Rolls Out – In a new podcast from our friend Jason Fordney has rebranded the NewsData podcast. "People in Power” is a brand-new podcast that features in-depth interviews with the power players in the Western energy scene! Hosted by NewsData's Jason Fordney and Abigail Sawyer, PiP explores all the issues of the day, including emerging Western energy markets, the state-level renewables movement, extreme weather and surging load growth, new technologies, and all the other facets of the rapidly changing energy industry in the West. The first one is with Kathleen Staks of the West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative.

FUN OPINIONS

Western Energy Sanctions Are Benefiting China – A new op-ed in Real Clear Energy, MIT Cement sustainability experts write EPA must account for the whole life cycle in low carbon labels. When it comes to understanding the environmental impact of products and materials, EPA doesn’t require a tell-all label. The agency recently took an important step to address that gap. Unfortunately, its efforts fall short.

FROG BLOG

AI Energy is the Big Issue – In a new essay in Foreign Policy, Columbia Center on Global Energy Policy expert Jason Bordoff and Jared Dunnmon write the thirst for more power to fuel the AI boom is just the latest stressor added to an already aging electricity grid. A single user query to ChatGPT or other large language model can use up to 10 times more electricity than a typical Google search uses. The Electric Power Research Institute expects data centers to make up around 9 percent of the United States’ total electrical load by 2030, up from approximately 4 percent today. Goldman Sachs predicts that the AI revolution will require adding as much electricity to the grid globally by 2030 as all of Japan produces today.

FUN FACTS

EIA Winter Fuels Outlook: EIA expects that most U.S. households will spend about the same or less on energy than they did last winter, depending on a household’s main space heating fuel and the region where they live. Generally, retail energy prices in our forecast are less than they were last winter, but temperatures across much of the country are set to be colder this year, meaning homes will use more energy for space heating. The combination of lower prices and colder weather results in relatively little change in expenditures. 

IN THE NEWS

RFF: NatGas Important to PA, But Not as Much as TX, Others – RFF’s Danile Raimi has a new Resources For the Future paper that says despite its rise as a major natural gas producer, Pennsylvania reaps less financial benefit from energy extraction than other states. The oil and gas industry accounted for 1.3% of the state's GDP last year, and 0.1% of wages and benefits for workers in 2022, Raimi notes. Gas plays a larger role in several rural economies, even if the overall state has many big sectors — like info tech and health care — and cities. The shale revolution has upended domestic and global energy markets. It has bestowed the United States with new geopolitical leverage, boosted the national economy by cutting energy prices, and even helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by displacing coal in the power sector. It has provided major economic benefits to regional economies—particularly in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and North Dakota—where it has not only boosted employment and economic output, but also provided windfalls for state and local governments. But it has clearly not been a linchpin of Pennsylvania’s economy. Raimi concludes as voters consider the future of fracking in Pennsylvania this November, it’s worth keeping at least two things in mind. First, presidents can’t ban fracking. And second, Pennsylvania’s dramatic growth in natural gas production has had many impacts, both environmental and economic. But, unlike for some other states (e.g., New Mexico and North Dakota), the shale revolution has not transformed Pennsylvania into a state that is deeply dependent on oil and gas production for employment, economic output, nor government revenues.

Green Hydrogen Questions Raise in Papers—A new report presents a sobering view of the potential for large-scale hydrogen production using renewable electricity. Climate-friendly “Green” hydrogen can reduce carbon from heavy industries, power and heavy-duty and long-haul trucking. But volumes today are small and expensive. A Harvard study in Joule finds "green" hydrogen won't go beyond "niche" uses without big cost reductions. It add many analyses don't adequately weigh the expense of storage and distribution infrastructure — not just production.

IEA Notes Growth in Projects – A separate IEA report last week noted major growth in project announcements, though few have reached final investment stage. It calls for stronger national policies to stimulate demand. 

Takeaway: Of course, NONE of this is a surprise given the state of the Hydrogen industry and its potential.  It is also why there has been a significant fight of the rule for the 45V tax credit and why not having flexibility, as Congressional authors have demanded, is the absolute wrong approach to growing the industry. 

ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Forum Looks at Iraqi Economy Diversity – The Atlantic Council holds its third annual Iraq Initiative Conference all day tomorrow, focusing on "the key challenges and opportunities in advancing the Iraqi energy sector, efforts toward sustainable economic diversification, and the evolving trajectory of US-Iraqi relations. Kimberly Harrington, deputy assistant secretary of State for energy diplomacy in the Bureau of Energy Resources, delivers keynote remarks.  Other speakers include Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Victoria Taylor and U.S. Chamber of Commerce VP of Middle East affairs Steven Lutes.

Gevo’s Gruber, Others to Headline Houston Infrastructure Forum – Leading SAF producer Gevo CEO Pat Gruber will headline US Energy Stream’s 7^th Energy Infrastructure Forum 2024 held on tomorrow and Wednesday at the Petroleum Club of Houston, TX. The Energy Infrastructure Forum brings powerful U.S. Congressmen from both sides of the aisle together with top energy executives and technology leaders to convene for off-the-record discussions and provide market intelligence on the latest energy infrastructure such as LNG infrastructure, hydrogen, ammonia and gas production, storage and transportation, O&G pipelines, power grids and power plants, renewable energy projects, carbon capture and storage, and nuclear SMR. Other speakers include Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and many more.

Forum Tackles Ukraine Energy Challenges – The Wilson Center Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies holds a virtual discussion tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. on Ukraine's Energy Sector and its short-term threats and Long-Term Prospects.

CCS Report Launches – The Global Status of Carbon Capture and Storage 2024 report will be released tomorrow in a web event. This annual report highlights the key milestones achieved in the past 12 months as carbon capture and storage (CCS) continues to expand globally, playing a critical role in the effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It outlines both the opportunities and challenges ahead, providing data designed to inform and accelerate the deployment of CCS—a proven emissions reduction technology essential to meeting global climate goals.

UMich Policy Expert to Discuss Energy Transition – The Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs will host  Dr. Catie Hausman, associate professor at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, and research associate at the National Bureau of Economics Research, for a fireside chat on stranded assets and the energy transition tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. Dr. Geoffrey Heal, professor of social enterprise, and Paul Garrett, professor of public policy and corporate responsibility at Columbia Business School, will moderate.

Cassidy Holds Louisiana Energy Forum – Sen. Bill Cassidy, member of the Senate Energy Committee, announced the slate of keynote speakers and panelists for his upcoming summit, “Louisiana Energy Security Summit: Unleashing American Abundance in a Changing Global Landscape,” in Baton Rouge on Wednesday. Key speakers include former DOE Deputy Secretary Mark W. Menezes, former FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee, former CEQ Chairman Jim Connaughton, former Chairman of the US Export Import Bank Kim Reed, NSC Advisor David Banks, cement company Buzzi UnicemUSA CEO Massimo Toso and many more.

Treasury Officials, DOE LPO Headline BCSE Tax Discussion – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy holds its tax seminar meeting at Bracewell on Wednesday.  The event will feature a discussion on tax credits with Tim Urban and have speakers like Wally Adeyamo and Ethan Zindler.  Jigar Shaw will also speak on the LPO Office activity on Clean Energy at an evening reception.

Forum Looks at Middle Road Energy Challenges – The Center for the National Interest holds an expert discussion organized by the Center’s Central Asia Connectivity Project at 10:00 am. On shipping from the “Middle Corridor.” Amid severe economic sanctions on Russia due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine as well as disruptions to the Suez Canal caused by Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, the Middle Corridor has, over the past two years, garnered increased attention and pledges of funding for its development. What is the Middle Corridor's potential, and what steps need to be taken to ensure it is fully realized.

Forum Looks at Climate Disclosures – The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies' Regulatory Transparency Project holds a virtual discussion Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., on climate disclosure litigation, examining legal battles against California and the SEC. Panelists will address the legal questions raised during litigation over climate disclosure regimes, as well as the regimes’ implications for corporate governance, consumers, and investors.

E&E Panel Discusses Permitting Bill – E&E News reporters host a forum on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. as they outline the state of play on the permitting bill talks. The panel will explore how key lawmakers are working behind the scenes to get a deal done. They will also discuss what political and policy obstacles and opportunities remain that will determine whether a deal gets done or fizzles out. Kelsey Brugger, Nico Portuondo, Pete Behr and Manny Quinones are on the panel.

UN Climate Official to Speak at Brookings – On Thursday at 8:00 a.m., the Brookings Institution’s Global Economy and Development program will host Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to discuss the opportunity we have to make real progress fighting climate change and accelerating global development. Vice President for Global Economy and Development Brahima Coulibaly will provide introductory remarks, followed by Stiell’s address. Senior Fellow Amar Bhattacharya, Nonresident Senior Fellow Vera Songwe and Stiell will then discuss the challenges of addressing global climate risks and the current opportunities to substantially increase climate finance across the developing world.

Book Event Looks at Climate Threat Multiplier – The Truman Center holds a virtual book discussion, Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. on threat multipliers of climate, military leadership and global security. Sherri Goodman is one of the leading voices on climate change and national security and has authored a new book, Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security,

Forum Looks at Transmission, Conductors – On Thursday at 1:00 p.m., Energy Central holds a webinar where we will explore the current applications of Advanced Conductors like ACCC® Conductors to address the immediate system needs of major customers. The event looks at the surge in demand from data centers, crypto miners, fleet electrification, and other major loads and the need for increased Available Transmission Capacity (ATC). However, the challenges of routing and permitting new rights-of-way can extend new transmission project lead times to 10-15 years.

CSIS/West Point Conference Focused on Critical Minerals – The Center for Strategic and International Studies; and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point's Center for the Study of Civil-Military Operations, hold the inaugural conference on Friday looking at the future of critical minerals and national security. Highlights include a panel with former Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Frank Fannon and retired Army Gen. Paul Kern, on minerals for national security.

Brookings Forum Looks at Climate Risks – On Friday at 2:00 p.m., Brookings Metro will host an event reflecting on information gaps on communities climate risk gaps and how a new generation of engaged, civic-oriented science could bolster local-level resilience. Join us for a fireside chat between Senior Fellow Xavier de Souza Briggs and Jainey Bavishi, deputy administrator at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who is leading a new portfolio of work on equitable climate services. Bavishi will then moderate a panel discussion with civic leaders and climate scientists reflecting on the state of climate resilience for disadvantaged communities and the potential pathways for climate services to enable more equitable, and locally led climate action.

CSIS Hosts State’s Pyatt – CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program holds a conversation on U.S.-India cooperation to strengthen critical minerals security with Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources at the U.S. Department of State on Friday at 2:30 p.m.

USEA Celebrates 100 Years – The US Energy Association holds its 100^th Anniversary Celebration and Centennial Awards at the Mayflower Hotel. At this event, USEA will recognize the service of three individuals who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to USEA. For his many years of participation on the USEA board and his dedication to the energy industry, Pulitzer prize winning author Dr. Daniel Yergin will receive the Centennial Lifetime Achievement Award. The Honorable Vicky Bailey will receive the Centennial Executive Service Award for her years of board service and her vision and leadership for steering USEA over the past decade. And to honor the dedication and selfless service of the creator of today’s USEA, they will honor Barry Worthington posthumously by recognizing his contributions through the Centennial Visionary Legacy Award.

IN THE FUTURE

Coal Ash Assn Holds Fall Meetings – The American Coal Ash Assn holds its Fall 2024 ACAA Membership Meeting at the Hilton Lexington Downtown in Lexington, Kentucky Monday October 21^st to Wednesday October 23^rd.  

Stern Headlines Brookings Event on Paris – On Tuesday October 22^nd, Foreign Policy at Brookings will host the former U.S. lead negotiator on climate change Todd Stern in conversation with Sara Schonhardt of Politico to analyze the direction of U.S. policy toward climate change and to offer an insider’s perspective of the negotiations that led to the Paris climate agreement in 2015.

Podesta Headline Climate Event – On Tuesday October 24^th, the CSIS Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative holds an event to discuss the state of support for global climate change adaptation and resilience efforts and the emerging resilience economy. John Podesta will be among the speakers. This event is an opportunity to better understand the financing and implementation challenges current adaptation efforts are facing, and how governments and international institutions are shifting their approaches to emphasize adaptation- and resilience-oriented investments.

ACP Offshore WINDPOWER Conference Set for AC – On Monday October 28^th to Wednesday October 30^th at the Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ, America’s Clean Power holds its Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition. The future of the U.S. offshore wind industry is bright but present challenges persist. This event is dedicated to convening top developers, government officials, and key stakeholders across the industry who are working to achieve the full promise of U.S. offshore wind.  Key Speakers include NJ Gov. Phil Murphy, BPOEM head Liz Klein and NABTU President Sean McGarvey. I will also be moderating a great panel on Tuesday on project misinformation.  

Election day for 2024 – Tuesday, November 5^th