The Energy Industry Update – Volume 17, Issue 2
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Generation to Generation: An Energy Evolution
Our energy industry is evolving. It is a time of surprising developments and new ideas. Themed “Generation to Generation: An Energy Evolution,” this Update examines the direction and magnitude of some of the changes and the forces in play.
Highlights include:
What are the emerging themes and trends defining the energy industry?
Energy Supply, Demand, and Markets
What are the issues in competitive electric markets, and what can be done? How is the U.S. power generation mix changing, and what are its implications? With so much happening for both new and existing nuclear power plants, what is the outlook for that sector? Given still-prolific domestic natural gas production and export capacity development, what are prospects for increased liquefied natural gas exports?
Why is Illinois the best-kept secret in grid modernization? How have state initiatives set the foundation for a modernized grid? What are the prospects for power transmission development, and how are needs changing in a renewable, distributed energy world?
What is community choice aggregation, and why does it matter? What are the benefits and challenges that come with it? What are the implications for incumbent utilities?
Everyone says a lot of solar can make it harder to manage the grid. What three things—the “solar trifecta”—could allow “smart solar” to actually help us manage the grid? What is happening with more traditional energy resources such as energy efficiency and pumped-storage hydropower?
Take a step back and consider what is happening, what it means, and where our industry is headed. Access our webcast recording to hear our industry experts share their views and field questions related to bid-based wholesale power markets, the future of utility-scale solar, and grid investment.
We hope you will find The ScottMadden Energy Industry Update to be a useful and informative resource. If you would like to discuss our observations in greater detail, have us present them to your executive team, or suggest a topic for future issues, please contact us. Learn more about our Energy Practice area.
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View from the Executive Suite
Executive Summary
Change is in the air, and many of our industry challenges are being converted into opportunities by our clients. Energy industry technologies, business and operating models, and markets are evolving—or must evolve—to accommodate new types of energy resources making their way onto the grid. What are some of the big themes and trends? Read more
Energy Supply, Demand, and Markets
Competition at the Crossroads: Reconciling State Policies and Wholesale Power Markets
Trying to make the economic theory work: FERC seeks a price formation construct in competitive electric markets that provides the “right” price signals. Read more
Mixing It Up: Fuel Mix for Power Generation Continues to Shift
Markets and industry players adapt to shifting fuel mix, with long-term implications still to be seen. Read more
Nuclear Power: Living on the Edge
One major nuclear new build project has been abandoned, one forges ahead, and others are taking a cautious stance. Read more
Liquefied Natural Gas: Too Much of a Good Thing?
As U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity is set to grow, worldwide LNG trade heats up. Read more
Infrastructure and Technology
Preparing for the Future: Illinois Prepares for Distributed Energy Resources
Thanks to grid modernization efforts and proactive ratemaking, Illinois has laid the foundation for distributed energy resources. Read more
Grid Investment: Not the Same Old Wires
Even as distributed resources grow in interest and on the ground, continued transmission investment is needed. Read more
Rate and Regulatory Issues
Community Choice Aggregation
As communities use aggregation to secure renewable resources, implications for incumbent utilities and their customers are unclear. Read more
Clean Tech and Environment
The Solar Trifecta: A Path to Smart Utility-Scale Solar
Improvements in solar technology offer the promise of energy plus multiple grid services competitive with gas-fired generation. Read more
Energy Efficiency: Little by Little
States continue to target energy efficiency, and its potential remains high, fortified by technology improvements. Read more
Pumped Storage Hydropower: New Look for Old Tech?
A large installed base of energy storage may get a bit larger. Read more