Energy, deep tech, and geopolitics at Center on Global Energy Policy @ColumbiaUEnergy | Former Breakthrough Energy policy and strategy leader
New York, NY
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Thrilled to see HRH Prince William closing out the 2024 @Breakthrough Summit in London touching on the importance of clean tech innovation and our partnership with the @EarthshotPrize #BESummit24
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Hug pylons, not trees! The way we will avoid the worst impacts of climate change is to embrace an environmentalism that builds.
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Still sifting thru the bill but a few toplines on tax:
- ITC/PTC extension for wind/solar
- $7,500 EV credit for new vehicles (w/ input sourcing reqs and income limits) and $4k for used
$35B - $40B in credits for emerging techs (!). Direct pay for H2, 45Q+, 48C. No transmission.
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Calling DC #energytwitter! I'm planning to organize a climate and energy people social bike ride in May or June. We can talk about hydrogen hubs, interregional transmission, and the the merits of SRAM vs Shimano. Let me know if you'd be interested and who else I should invite!
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Woke up to see that we finally have an bipartisan infrastructure bill! A reminder of what a HUGE deal this is for clean energy: it has over $40 billion for energy demonstration projects and R&D, $2.5 billion for transmission loans and $2.1 billion for CO2 infrastructure financing
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We're hiring someone on my team at Breakthrough Energy to manage our growing work advancing clean electricity policy. Please send good people to us #energytwitter. Job posting here: boards.greenhouse.io/breakth…
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Friday announcement alert! I'm starting a new role at Breakthrough Energy, where I'll be joining our leadership team to advise on strategy and cross-organizational initiatives. I'm sad to be "leaving" full-time policy world, but I won't be going far!
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The main thing I have to say about the debate that @hollyjeanbuck's article in Jacobin has kicked off is I'm glad there is a contingent of climate world that is committed to civil discourse about economically, technically, and socially feasible strategies to get to net-zero. This is hard.
Long thread...
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Just. Wow. So proud of the incredible policy team at @Breakthrough that worked hard to pass *three* historic climate and clean energy bills alongside all our wonderful friends and partners. Feeling very grateful and optimistic about the future.
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Expanding high voltage transmission is one of the least discussed yet most important things we can do for climate, energy security, and grid resilience. If you want a crash course, check out a new Gates Notes post from @BillGates out today. #energytwitter gatesnotes.com/Energy/Transm…
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Between the Inflation Reduction Act, infrastructure bill, CHIPS, and the Energy Act of 2020 (what a throwback!), we've seen a big revamp of the United States' climate and energy policy in 2 years. Now it's time to build!🙌
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Private capital is waiting on the sidelines because clean energy projects are harder to permit, and I would add that linear infra faces the largest hurdles. Princeton ZERO Lab found expected emissions reductions from IRA may be ~80% less w/o more transmission buildout (below).
New research report from the IMF:
Without permitting reform, we will lose a third of the expected emissions reductions from the IRA.
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One of the holes in our new "industrial strategy" is demand side support to close the cost gap for buyers.
"But [Cleveland Cliffs CEO Goncalves] said his company cannot persuade buyers... to pay the price to cover the costs of producing more environmentally friendly steel."
Big steelmaker weighs abandoning $500M Biden climate grant ow.ly/bNZm105ICX4
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New study from UChicago EPIC & Rhodium finds the CO2 reduction benefits of clean electricity ITC/PTC + a new credit for nuclear retention exceed costs by roughly 3-4x, making these tax credits one of the most cost effective ways to reduce carbon emissions
epic.uchicago.edu/area-of-fo…
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Excited to be here for the signing of the CHIPS and Science Act, which will invest a historic amount in US science, technology, and manufacturing 🇺🇸 @MikeBoots_ @Breakthrough
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It will take courage and commitment from the private sector to invest in the clean energy technologies needed to address climate change. We're tackling this head on at @Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, and announced the first partners today with over $1 billion in committed capital.
Avoiding a climate disaster will require a new industrial revolution. I'm excited to see @Breakthrough Energy Catalyst announce the first private sector anchor partners who will work together to build the clean industries of the future.
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The future is bright! Today was the opening of @heirloomcarbon's Tracy, CA facility, the first commercial scale CO2 removal project in the US. As CEO @ShashankSamala put it, this facility will "make history by helping undo history." Proud @Breakthrough is a partner. Onward!
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Also though it didn't have the transmission credit it has nearly $3 billion in additional transmission funding, including $2B in loan funding and $760M in state planning grants. And at least $375M for agencies to hire ppl to speed up environmental reviews.
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Big day today! H2 hubs selected in:
-Appalachia (WV/PA/OH)
-California
-Gulf Coast (TX)
-Heartland (MN, ND, SD)
-Midatlantic (PA, DE, NJ)
-Midwest (IL, MI, IN)
-PNW (WA, OR, MT)
Hubs are a mix of production types including electrolytic, SMR+CCS, and nuclear, as well as end-uses
Today, @ENERGY announced their hydrogen hubs awards – a historic investment of over $7 billion for seven hydrogen projects across the country. Learn more about what this means for the future of the clean hydrogen industry: nt-z.ro/46qlgF6
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Other big items:
~$48B in authority for LPO, including $3.6B for credit subsidy
- $850M-$1.5B for methane control measures plus a methane leakage charge starting at $900/t CH4 and going up to $1,500/t CH4
- $5.8B via DOE OCED for industrial facilities to reduce GHGs
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BIG NEWS: @Breakthrough Energy Catalyst just opened up its first Request for Proposals. Apply here if you're seeking funding for U.S. projects in these areas:
✅Direct Air Capture
✅Long Duration Energy Storage
✅Green H2
✅Sustainable Aviation Fuel
breakthroughenergy.org/catal…
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As I prepare to shut down for the break I’m reflecting on what a huge year this was and how thankful I am for the people I work with. The Breakthrough policy team is the kindest, hardest working bunch I know. I really couldn’t do without any one of them. Onwards to 2023!
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Awesome to see the new @ENERGY Earthshot announced to bring the cost of carbon dioxide removal down to $100/ton by 2030. It’s a must-do, absolute essential, and the U.S. is ideally positioned to rapidly innovate and bring down costs. nytimes.com/2021/11/05/clima…
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So excited to be at the White House for the signing of the historic bipartisan infrastructure bill! Over $80 billion for the grid and clean energy projects is a big occasion to celebrate. @Breakthrough
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Totally amazed at the level of innovators, investors, philanthropists, companies, and policymakers that are here at the first ever Breakthrough Energy Summit in Seattle to get creative on climate solutions. #BESUMMIT2022 #energytwitter
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Great line from POTUS before signing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: “This bill will allow us to export clean energy technologies to the rest of the world, creating tens of thousands of jobs.”
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Huge news today: @ENERGY announced that 33 projects across more than 20 states will receive $6B to decarbonize energy-intensive industries like steel, iron, cement, and chemicals. Many projects will demo completely new, innovative solutions.
energy.gov/articles/biden-ha…
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My @LTRaceSeries Leadville Trail 100 finisher’s belt buckle finally arrived in the mail. Might actually be my most prized possession! (Is this professional to wear to work?)
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Enjoyed being part of the first Energy Day event at the U.S. Center at #COP26 to discuss the next wave of climate solutions w/a great panel. My summary: innovation and deployment go together, we need as many tech options as possible, and we need a global strategy including trade
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I appreciate all of you, and I'm glad we have a diverse community where many are playing different (and hopefully complementary) roles in making the energy transition a reality.
15/15
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If you read one thing today, read this analysis from @Breakthrough Energy's @AdriaWilson1 laying out where H2 is best deployed as a climate solution, and breaking down costs for different production, transportation, storage, and use combos. #energytwitter breakthroughenergy.org/news/…
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Today @Breakthrough Energy released our annual "State of the Transition" report. It's been an exciting year, as we're now seeing innovative technologies move from the lab to deployment.
We cover the latest developments in everything from transmission, to clean fertilizer and alternative proteins -- and what we're doing at Breakthrough to bring those solutions to commercial scale.
Climate tech has arrived, welcome to the deployment decade!
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@ENERGY announced today they are creating an Undersecretary for Infrastructure and renaming S4 to “Science and Innovation.” This might seem like an administrative change but the benefits are huge. (1/3)
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Without knowing what may happen across a variety of dimensions (social acceptance of what kinds of projects we can build and where, technology progress, market conditions), what I do believe is we are best served by pursuing a portfolio approach to decarbonization.
2/15
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I'm excited to join the @ACORE board of directors to help advance the mission of building a better grid and providing abundant clean energy to all -- we have work to do and there's no better time than now.
We are thrilled to announce and welcome our new Board class for 2024 🎉
“This group has a wealth of experience that will provide invaluable support for ACORE as we work to build America’s renewable energy future.”
More about our new Board members here: acore.org/news/acore-names-2…
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It's 2024 so I wanted to share gratitude for my colleagues at Breakthrough Energy's US Policy and Advocacy team. It's a joy to work with such kind, hardworking, and fun people. I'm also immensely grateful for all our partners out there doing hero's work. Thank you!
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Great to see leadership from @ENERGY in establishing a new office to oversee clean energy demonstrations, including more than $20 billion in funding via the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Having dedicated project management support for large scale demos is essential.
ITIF Welcomes DOE’s New Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations @jetta_wong @_tanyadas @RobinMillican @lindsey_baxter @DrMontoni @JudiGreenwald @NatashaVidangos @powellrich itif.org/publications/2021/1…
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There are some huge science & innovation wins in CHIPS, including those mentioned here 👇
It's a big day in Congress for the clean energy transition. The House also just passed important investments through The CHIPS and Science Act that will drive climate innovation. Here are a few of the provisions we’re most excited about:
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Secretary Granholm’s message at #CERAWeek: government and industry need to work together to tackle the current energy supply crisis while continuing the long term transition to clean energy sources and a diverse portfolio
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For this reason I believe we don't have time to waste in beginning to scale this tech, and I am not personally compelled by the argument that investing in it is inherently a delay tactic.
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Does seem to be the case that, absent advancement in low-cost retrofits (eg robotic coating solutions), we will need new H2 pipelines. IMO that will be complicated by lack of clear fed role at FERC over planning, permitting, and economic matters (unlike w/ nat gas provided by the Nat Gas Act)
Can we reuse extensive natural gas pipeline networks to transport hydrogen in the future? A new study says 'Nope.' At least not without "significant retrofits and replacement" and even then, "serious safety and environmental risks remain." Open access:
scijournals.onlinelibrary.wi…
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One of the sleeper hits of 2024 for energy policy! Excited to see the ADVANCE Act become law to pave the way for a 21st century nuclear renaissance in the US.
Biden just signed the ADVANCE Act, the bipartisan nuclear energy bill the Senate passed 88-2.
@SenCapito called it "a landmark win."
@SenatorCarper called it "a momentous day for our climate and America's clean energy future."
Here's the background: huffpost.com/entry/congress-….
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I don't know that this is a given, and honestly who even can at this point... but simply saying it's a possible strategy to take seriously if we want to get to net-zero on time should not be taken as heretical or de-facto evidence of industry influence. It is acknowledging there are no easy, straightforward paths to making the transition.
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Clean hydrogen is the swiss army knife of decarbonization! But still many challenges lie ahead to deploying at scale. New post out today from @BillGates on The Gates Notes (including a video feat. our resident H2 policy expert @AdriaWilson1!) gatesnotes.com/Energy/Clean-…
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It funds the new Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations at @ENERGY with over $21B, has $8B for clean H2 hubs, $3.2B for the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program to build next generation nuclear designs, $3B for CCUS demos, and over $500 million for storage demos including LDES
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Well this is great news to close out the week: another option for firm, clean power in the US. Happy Friday everyone.
The Commission has directed our staff to issue a final rule certifying the NuScale #SmallModularReactor for use in the U.S. nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-colle…
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Had a great conversation at #CERAWeek last week on the importance of advanced transmission technologies, including advanced conductors, HVDC converters, dynamic line rating, and more. Making our grid 2-3x bigger (and better!) is possible with policy, technology, and partnerships.
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Lots of excitement right now about advanced conductors (shout out new @ENERGY Grid Liftoff Report, Grid Lab report last wk). As a complement, we just released our policy roadmap for getting to deployment of this key tech at the @Breakthrough newsroom here, authored by @daniel_wolf1.
In last week’s newsroom, we discussed advanced conductors and other solutions to enhance existing transmission lines, sparking interest in innovative ways to expand grid capacity. Today, we explore legislative and regulatory barriers to deploying these technologies at scale.
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Making it easier to build more long-distance transmission is essential to a low carbon future. @daniel_wolf1 and I parse the impact of the potential FERC regional planning and cost allocation rule in the @Breakthrough Energy newsroom here. #energytwitter nt-z.ro/3OqDAXU
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And I think it's okay to acknowledge the reality that fossil fuels are terribly and unfortunately cheap and useful, and that this is a real barrier to doing this work we are all committed to seeing through.
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Also excited about the #transmission loans and policy fixes, which will help us ramp up use of renewable energy on the grid. One of the biggest wins is clarifying FERC authority to permit in National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors when permits are withheld or delayed.
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Great to join @AaronL_Power on @POWERmagazine podcast this week. We talked about Breakthrough's mission, the hydrogen ladder, the future of the grid and transmission, DAC, Gen 3/4 fission, fusion, heat pumps, and the importance of optimism. Tune in here: powermag.com/hydrogen-the-sw…
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It is also clear we need gigaton-scale carbon removal to minimize temperature overshoot, which should be the first and primary way it is used.
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It will be a Good Thing for the climate if we reduce the cost of carbon removal, first to clean up legacy emissions... and then second if it ends up being the most cost effective way to bring other emissions to net neutral if/when we have exhausted other options.
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Do you *love* transmission as much as I do? ACEG is the leading federal policy & advocacy org working on building out a modern high-voltage grid, and is looking for an Executive Director. Details at the link below:
ACEG seeks a seasoned clean energy leader with experience in policy advocacy and coalition building to serve as our full-time Executive Director. More information here: driconsulting.com/position/a…
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Pretty excited about supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) -- alternative materials that can at least partially displace use of limestone/Portland cement. As cement is ~8% of emissions, could be big. But would need to update codes in a lot of places to use it.
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CEBA made a great choice for their next CEO -- Rich is one of the smartest, humblest, most hardworking people I know. Congratulations @powellrich, they are lucky to have you.
The Clean Energy Buyers Alliance proudly welcomes Rich Powell as our new chief executive officer! cebuyers.org/blog/clean-ener…
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And I am persuaded by the evidence I've seen that it is possible, if not ideal, that some of those pathways may require offsetting emissions that never become economic to abate as compared to the carbon removal option.
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This is my (informed) opinion, not a statement of fact, but I believe the logic behind it is sound and common sense.
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But having healthy skepticism about what incumbent actor behavior is currently motivated by need not preclude reasoned support for carbon removal as an option -- if you're also (as I am sure Holly Jean Buck is) committed to supporting aggressive pursuit of everything we can do first to reduce consumption and use of fossil fuels in the future.
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I'll be speaking today at the 4th Annual Economist Sustainability Week US event on ethical and sustainable electrification of transportation, moderated by @VijayVaitheesw3. We'll touch on what's needed from the minerals supply chain to the power grid. Tune in at 4:20 ET!
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New @Breakthrough post from brilliant colleagues @AdriaWilson1 @Farah_Benahmed and Tori Fessenden touching on the need for a long-term clean energy innovation strategy to build on all the terrific progress being made at @ENERGY today. #energytwitter
In the first post in a series from BE’s U.S. Policy and Advocacy team, we explore how the U.S. can maintain momentum in clean energy innovation to achieve our decarbonization goals – and what policy solutions are still needed. Read our latest newsroom: nt-z.ro/3ChtYbu
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Enjoyed this thread on lessons learned for translating science into innovation at large scale (and quickly). Not surprised to see mission focus, nimbleness, and reducing barriers between basic and applied R&D are key. Will add this to my reading list!
1/I recently read American Prometheus, about Robert Oppenheimer, to get some insight into rapid, large scale science innovation. Oppenheimer famously led the Manhattan Project that led to the atomic bomb. A lot of interesting lessons, so, a THREAD.
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This makes me hopeful about the future! Congrats @_NETPower on delivering clean power to the grid. Now we need to figure out how transport and store the CO2… good thing the SCALE Act just became law. 45Q up next. Loving the timing of all of this.
This is momentous. First time this new power cycle, the zero-emissions supercritical CO2 Allam-Fetvedt cycle, is producing electricity for export to a regional synchronized AC grid.
The last time this happened must have been 1st power plant w/Brayton cycle gas turbine in 1960!
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And if you have a product you're good at making that people still demand, I agree it's right to question how seriously incumbent suppliers will or can invest in alternatives *unless* policy conditions provide an incentive to internalize the externality (carbon) those products (fossil fuels) produce. I think even the ppl at these companies would agree w/this.
11/15
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Check this out and send ideas👇 The Emerging Climate Technology Framework is a way for companies and investors to value the potential emissions impact of their investments in emerging low-carbon technologies.
CDP and @Breakthrough have made the innovative Emerging Climate Technology Framework available for public consultation. ECT will help companies meet their long-term science-based targets.
Learn more and provide valuable insight: bit.ly/3Dn8Akk
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(As an aside, I'm glad through BIL and IRA we are now providing some of those incentives, but the work is certainly not done. CDR will not scale without a commensurate buyer market, among other things.)
12/15
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Excellent piece out from @AndreasenJack about the significance of the $1.2 billion in awards announced today by @ENERGY to fund the next generation of carbon removal projects in the United States - link to the Breakthrough Energy Newsroom below
To achieve the world’s climate goals, we need all the tools in the tool kit. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is one of those critical tools, making today’s DOE announcement a major milestone. This piece by @AndreasenJack from @Breakthrough is a great explainer on DAC and why we’ll need it alongside the clean energy transition. b-gat.es/4403fLS
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Great event on U.S. clean tech competitiveness this AM. One highlight statement: “The strength of the U.S. position in clean energy technology comes from both its durability and its diversification — we have many different options.” @MikeBoots_ @Breakthrough #whenamericaleads
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And in more good news today, I am so excited for Jeremy to take the reins at ClearPath. Can't imagine a better person and choice to lead the organization forward. Congratulations @jharrell!
ClearPath is incredibly excited to welcome @jharrell as our new CEO! clearpath.org/clearpath-anno…
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Rhodium's annual Taking Stock report is out - it estimates US will cut GHGs 24-35% from 2005 levels by 2030; on a better trajectory but not nearly enough. Decreased emissions are due to macroecon trends and higher energy $, not durable shifts like policy. rhg.com/research/taking-stoc…
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Yes, there are some good reasons to look askance at industry's hopes for CDR. Public companies will always act to maximize shareholder value first, as is their obligation.
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To reach our national energy, climate, security, and competitiveness goals, we need to be able to translate lab bench R&D into market-ready solutions as quickly as possible. I'm excited today @Breakthrough Energy released a proposal for a "Fast Track" program at the Dept of @ENERGY to do just this. Link in thread below ⬇️
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Paging #energytwitter: for people (me) trying to get smarter on energy project and infrastructure financing, any reports, books, courses etc you would recommend?
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Wow. This is incredible news and would be a scientific triumph for the US, the Department of Energy, and @Livermore_Lab. Can’t wait to hear more on Tuesday.
SCOOP: Net energy gain in a fusion reaction has been a holy grail in science for decades. Now I’m told US scientists have done it. A massive breakthrough with revolutionary potential for clean power. US Energy Secretary to hold a press conference Tuesday on.ft.com/3PgDdya
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Important point in a great thread from @Breakthrough Energy's @ddpaolella about new research out today from GridLab & Berkeley Lab on the value of advanced conductors (and continued importance of greenfield transmission lines for interregional capacity).
Importantly, reconductoring is most effective where Tx networks are already robust (e.g., within grid regions). To increase interregional transfer capacity, greenfield transmission will be crucial. Ofc, any new lines can also leverage advanced conductors.
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I am excited about this #1 because @ITIFdc is rolling out a fantastic report and budget tool with a wealth of useful information and #2 I love to see an expert panel bring the heat with women like @erinmburns and @lindsey_baxter. Congrats @colin_cunliff and @ProfDavidHart!
V. pleased @ENERGY deputy secy @turkdm will offer keynote remarks at tomorrow 11 AM EDT @ITIFdc report rollout w @rebeccawdell of @ClimateWorks @erinmburns of @carbon_180 & @lindsey_baxter @cleanaircatf @TheAEIC @Breakthrough @NRDCEnergy @ThirdWayEnergy itif.org/events/2021/05/19/e…
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There is much worthy debate to be had about how cheap DAC/durable CDR can become, which will determine how much it is used in the latter case -- but we know we certainly need it for the former.
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Do you know someone who is looking to make a difference working on clean energy tech? The early application for the next cohort of the @Breakthrough Energy Fellows Program is now open: befellows.smapply.org/
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Good point on the limits of "win it all" industrial policy -- we don't have unlimited people, which is why we need to understand what sectors we want to and can compete in, we need immigration policy overhauls, and we need to work with partners to continue to fortify supply chains for goods and services via trade agreements, export control reforms, etc. Some would say that's still industrial policy, I call it Industrial Policy 2.0!
"Chipmakers face a labour crisis"
ft.com/content/e4dc9ec2-1fcf…
"Until now, the dominant belief has been that increasing chip manufacturing capacity was simply a matter of money" 🤔🤔🤔
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Looking forward to a great event in Houston on Wednesday to discuss the impact of new climate and energy policy on the energy transition, alongside several industry leaders.
This week, BE’s @RobinMillican will join @Reuters Events: Energy Transition North America to discuss the impact of recent policies on the clean energy transition – and how companies can take advantage of government incentives to lead the way.
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New @Breakthrough newsroom post out from our policy experts Abigail Regitsky and David Paolella on why we should care about embodied carbon, including the CO2 we import in products, and what we can do about it. #energytwitter
In our latest newsroom, BE’s @AURegitsky and @ddpaolella highlight the clean energy progress we've made and point out a key source of CO2 emissions the U.S. isn't accounting for. More on the carbon loophole of imported emissions and how we can close it: nt-z.ro/3E8tUeR
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New @Breakthrough blog out today by @ddpaolella looking at the opportunity for the U.S. to lead the global market in EVs, long duration batteries, clean H2, direct air capture, clean steel, and small modular nuclear reactors. tinyurl.com/4y7b7u8c
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Who wouldn't want to work with the inimitable @JamesHewettDC to advance transmission and grid policy? Check out the new role at the link below!
Come join me and @RobinMillican working on high-voltage transmission at @Breakthrough!
recruiting.paylocity.com/rec…
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@AdriaWilson1 gives a comprehensive update on where U.S. hydrogen policy stands in a new @Breakthrough Energy blog out today — including the latest on the DOE H2 hubs and the 45V tax credit. First in a series of posts! Read it here: breakthroughenergy.org/news/…
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