VIDEO: Turbocharging Energy Innovation Over Regulation

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has passed a number of clean energy innovation bills this year, industry and environmental groups have urged Senate leadership to act, and Republicans in the House Energy & Commerce Committee are pushing to advance these bills through their committees of jurisdiction. There is real momentum to get some bipartisan wins. Watch Rich’s latest video here

RICH’S TAKE

“The U.S. has an enormous role to play in the global energy picture. Our Department of Energy and national lab system has been the envy of the world, leading to such life-altering creations as nuclear power, the shale gas revolution and the perfecting of the internal combustion engine.

With strategies now laser-focused on affordably meeting both growing global demand for reliable and lower-carbon power, chances remain high that the new generation of miracle technologies will be created in an American national laboratory in collaboration with the U.S. private sector. These low-cost, high-performing technologies will be the backbone of efforts particularly targeting rising carbon emissions in the developing world.” Watch Rich’s latest video here

Duke’s Bold Step for Clean Energy Transition

Jay and Rich wrote a column highlighting North Carolina utility, Duke Energy’s transition to cost-effective carbon-free power after they announced a bold plan to decrease carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030 and ultimately be net-zero by 2050. This means the company would be among the first major investor-owned U.S. utilities to set forth an ambitious plan to transition to clean energy.

After demonstrating that clean resources are market-competitive energy solutions for customers, the path to achieve emissions reductions is more clear and a long-term commitment to clean generation was needed. The company’s 24 million customers across six states have already seen a 31% percent reduction in emissions since 2005 by receiving more of their energy from cost-effective carbon-free power — primarily nuclear, hydro, natural gas, wind and solar. Read more here

GE Hitachi Nuclear Signs MOU with Fermi Energia for SMRs

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Fermi Energia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on potential deployment applications for GEH’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor in Estonia. The two companies have agreed to look at the economic feasibility of constructing a BWRX-300 in Estonia, to review siting requirements and to assess nuclear regulatory requirements.

RICH’S TAKE

“GEH’s small modular reactor is breakthrough technology that will lead to fulfilling carbon-free energy needs. Interest in advanced nuclear technical capabilities, safety features and cost benefits of SMRs in the U.S. as well as with our trading partners continues to grow.”

Qatar Building Biggest Middle East Carbon Capture Plant to go with Booming Liquified Natural Gas Industry

Qatar has commissioned the largest carbon dioxide (CO2) recovery and sequestration facility in the Middle East and North African region. According to Qatar Petroleum their facility is planned to have a capacity of 2.1 million tons of CO2 per year. Read more here

ICYMI: Bloomberg Environment Insight: NELA—A Big, Bipartisan Opportunity for Nuclear

“Advancing our nuclear energy industry through innovation and cutting-edge technology can strengthen the economy, preserve U.S. global leadership, and improve air quality. NELA provides a bipartisan map to guide the U.S. to that future.” Read the full column by Sarah E. Hunt co-founder and CEO of the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy here

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to Get CEO

Adam Seth Boehler, of Louisiana, has been confirmed to be Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

In 2018 Congress passed and President Trump signed the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act into law to reform and strengthen U.S. development finance capabilities into a new federal agency to help address development challenges and foreign policy priorities. The DFC will bring together the capabilities of The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and USAID’s Development Credit Authority, while introducing new and innovative financial products to better bring private capital to the developing world. The DFC will create more flexibility to support investments in developing countries to drive economic growth, create stability, and improve livelihoods.

Oxy Making More Carbon Capture Moves

Velocys, Inc. and Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, LLC (OLCV) reached an agreement to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from Velocys’ planned Bayou Fuels biomass-to-fuels project in Natchez, Mississippi, and store it underground. Read more here

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The Office Manager will support the entire ClearPath team, helping with event planning, property management, and general office administration. We are looking for someone with 3-5 years of project management experience. Click here to read more about the job

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THE PATH AHEAD

October 14-18: Nuclear Science Week is coming to Washington, D.C. this year. On Wednesday, October 16 from 12-5:30pm in the Rayburn Foyer becomes a dynamic, interactive space where people can learn about and discuss the benefits of nuclear science. Food and beverages available. Reception 4-5:30pm. More details here

October 15: Join the Atlantic Council for a roundtable discussion on The Civilian-Military Nexus and the Role of Innovation in Nuclear Energy from 2 - 5 pm. Register here

October 22: ClearPath and the Department of Energy will host an Atomic Wings lunch and learn on Capitol Hill. This event continues the series of educational lunches on nuclear energy. More details to come soon.

October 28: Save the Date - A Conversation With Senator Lisa Murkowski. EPIC and the Becker Friedman Institute will host Sen. Lisa Murkowski, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, for a special conversation with Michael Greenstone. More details and RSVP information to come.