April 13, 2018 – ICYMI: Congress Approved Nuclear Breakthrough
It’s understandable to lose track of every nook and cranny in the massive budget deal Congress recently approved, including an important revision and extension of a key carbon capture incentive (more on that HERE). But embedded in that deal was also the most impactful congressional action to propel the future of nuclear energy in more than a decade. ClearPath’s in-house nuclear guru Spencer Nelson breaks down the significance of this bipartisan fix to the 45J nuclear production tax credit and explains why this alone is likely insufficient to spur those advanced technologies. And in advance of potential committee action, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on the bipartisan and commonsense USE IT Act (S. 2602), which would support carbon capture technologies through public-private partnerships, CO2 pipeline and other infrastructure improvements and R&D. Read More
April 6, 2018 – Big Coalition Pushes Energy Innovation Funding, Goals
ClearPath Action joined a broad coalition of two dozen organizations in pressing congressional appropriators not to shortchange energy innovation funding in FY19. Congress should also help the Department of Energy set ambitious “moonshot” clean energy technology development goals to help prioritize efforts to keep up with China, which recently surpassed the U.S. in late-stage R&D and is continuing to accelerate their effort. Among those organization signing the letter include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Nuclear Energy Institute, Third Way, BPC Action, Natural Resources Defense Council, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, American Council for Capital Formation, Carbon Utilization Research Council and Cloud Peak Energy. Read More
March 16, 2018 – Higgins Introduces Advanced Nuclear Goals Bill
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) introduced H.R. 5260, which would set a goal by 2028 for demonstrating at least four new commercially-competitive advanced reactor designs. The bill mirrors the Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies Act (S. 1457) from Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) that was approved in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Read More
March 9, 2018 – Why We Need “Moonshot” Clean Energy Goals
In his latest video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell explains why “moonshot” clean energy technology goals would allow the U.S. to catch up with China in the clean energy tech race just as President John F. Kennedy’s original “moonshot” goal led to the U.S. catching up to and surpassing Russia in the space race. And the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill that would do exactly that, along with a bipartisan plan providing longer term certainty for energy innovation hubs and modernizing the national laboratory system. Read More
February 23, 2018 – A Looming Crisis in Fueling Advanced Reactors
Lawmakers, policymakers and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must take prompt steps to ensure adequate supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium or risk continued progress in deploying the next generation of U.S. nuclear power, according to a new white paper sponsored by ClearPath and the U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council. ClearPath also joined the Carbon Capture Coalition – a collection of oil and coal companies, clean energy advocates and others pursuing development and commercialization of technologies that can capture, store and use carbon emissions from coal and gas facilities. Read More
February 9, 2018 – Congress Grants Major Carbon Capture, Advanced Nuclear Win
Congress delivered a game-changing clean energy victory by fixing two critical carbon capture and advanced nuclear tax incentives as part of a broader budget deal. And ClearPath Founder Jay Faison explains that carbon capture is not just crucial to the future of coal but also a valuable insurance policy for our booming natural gas industry. Read More
February 2, 2018 – Bipartisan House Push For Carbon Capture Incentive
A bipartisan coalition of 44 House lawmakers pushed for forthcoming tax extenders legislation to include Rep. Mike Conaway’s bill to extend and expand the Section 45Q tax incentive for projects (such as NetPower) that capture and store carbon from fossil fuel power plants and other facilities. Read More
January 26, 2018 – Defining The Value of Grid Resiliency
At a Senate energy hearing, the Department of Energy’s top electricity official touted the need for a “detailed analysis” of North American power grid resiliency and stressed the value of having on-site fuel such as nuclear in the wake of severe winter weather. Read More
January 19, 2018 – Turning The Corner To U.S. Clean Energy Dominance
2018 is the year we can turn the corner toward U.S. clean energy dominance. And we have to. ClearPath Founder Jay Faison and Executive Director Rich Powell lay out some of the success stories of 2017 but also the must haves for 2018 if the U.S. is to start gaining even modest ground with China in the global clean energy race. Read More
January 12, 2018 – DOE Needs “Moonshot” Energy Tech Goals
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell touted the need for “moonshot” clean energy technology goals and private-sector-style management and cooperation, during a Jan. 9 House Energy Subcommittee hearing on modernizing the Department of Energy. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission also approved a novel safety approach included in NuScale Power’s next-generation nuclear reactor design. Read More
January 5, 2018 – A Vision For U.S. Clean Energy Dominance
It’s January 2040 and America is leading the world in clean energy technology. So how do we get there? ClearPath Founder Jay Faison lays out a blueprint for how the U.S. can achieve that clean energy dominance even as the U.S. is swiftly falling behind China especially in commercializing and exporting advanced technologies. Read More
December 22, 2017 – U.S. Nuclear Scores Big Win
The Georgia Public Service Commission voted unanimously to move forward with the expansion of Plant Vogtle, which would be the first U.S. nuclear reactors built and put into operation in decades. A Senate tax extenders strategy includes bipartisan advanced nuclear production and carbon capture technology incentives. Read More
December 15, 2017 – House Backs GOP Bills Expediting Hydropower
House lawmakers approved two more Republican bills to expedite clean U.S. hydropower, while a broad quartet of senators ask leaders to include their carbon capture incentive bill in a tax extenders package. Read More
December 8, 2017 – Future of Clean Energy: Grid-Scale Storage
The future of clean energy will depend on scaling up technologies that can store massive amounts of both constant-running nuclear and intermittent renewable power. In his latest video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell tours various ideas to develop this grid-scale storage, from the typical ion battery to “rock trains” and “fire bricks.” Read More
November 17, 2017 – Nuclear’s Bright (And Non-Negotiable) Future
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell argued in the Wall Street Journal that the future of U.S. nuclear power is not only bright— it’s non-negotiable. A robust civilian nuclear sector is mandatory for the U.S. to remain a major geopolitical, economic, military and environmental leader, Rich wrote. At a Nov. 15 event hosted by Roll Call, Rich also touted the Energy Department’s kickstarting of a grid resiliency review at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a potential opportunity to preserve the existing nuclear fleet, embolden advanced reactor efforts and lower total emissions grid-wide while not disrupting wholesale energy markets that don’t properly price grid reliability. Read More
November 10, 2017 – China Is “Cleaning Our Clock” in Clean Energy Innovation
China is “cleaning our clock” in clean energy innovation, Rep. Ryan Costello said at a Nov. 6 event hosted by ClearPath. A panel of experts moderated by Axios energy reporter Amy Harder further tackled whether China is already winning the clean energy race against the U.S. and, if so, what can be done here to catch up. Read More
November 3, 2017 – The Better Battery
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison explains in his latest blog how a better battery – one that is big enough to store power from day to night and cheap enough to make a profit – could be a big missing piece in making renewable power more reliable. Read More
October 27, 2017 – How ARPA-E Can Modernize Nuclear Power
A widely popular and successful federal advanced energy agency now has its sights set on a new potential breakthrough: next-generation nuclear technologies. In his latest video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell explains how the Energy Department’s ARPA-E will seek to model crucial enabling technologies for advanced nuclear such as advanced manufacturing, automation and robotics. ClearPath Founder Jay Faison joined the American Energy Innovation Council, comprised of leading U.S. business and innovation executives such as Norm Augustine, Tom Fanning and Bill Gates. Read More
October 20, 2017 – China Building U.S.-Pioneered High-Temp Reactors
At the end of this year, China will begin commercializing the first two high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactors in more than three decades. The U.S. first developed the idea 70 years ago but have ceded leadership to China, which recently signed an MOU with Saudi Arabia. A new American Council for Capital Formation analysis explains how a streamlined tax code could benefit clean energy technologies. Read More
October 13, 2017 – Perry: U.S. Losing Nuclear Race
Energy Secretary Rick Perry told the House Energy Subcommittee that the U.S. needs to support its “disregarded” nuclear sector “because we’ve been losing that race” to China, Russia and others in providing clean, reliable power and safeguarding national security in weapons non-proliferation talks. China and Russia are commandeering advanced nuclear technology the U.S. invented but never commercialized here, while the Nuclear Innovation Alliance has recommendations on how to support development and commercialization of small modular reactors by U.S. companies. Read More
October 6, 2017 – The Art of Grid Resiliency
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has opened up a potentially speedy formal rulemaking on the Energy Department’s proposal to improve grid resiliency, an enormously complicated endeavor must be done right and with careful consideration. Senate confirms Bruce Walker to be assistant energy secretary for electricity delivery and energy reliability. Read More
September 29, 2017 – Poll Shows Clean Energy Moves Key Voters; DOE Proposes Grid Resiliency Strategy
ClearPath Action poll shows GOP and independent voters embrace action on clean energy and Republican candidates earn big swing by showing support. Energy Department grid resiliency strategy could boost nuclear. Secretary Perry and Reps. Ryan Costello and Cathy McMorris Rodgers plug nuclear, hydropower, innovation during National Clean Energy Week. Read More
September 22, 2017 – India Serious About Exploring Carbon Capture; Get Ready for National Clean Energy Week
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison met India Secretary of Coal Susheel Kumar and left impressed with Kumar personally and the Indian government’s exploration of carbon capture technologies. Getting ready for a packed National Clean Energy Week, led by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and including ClearPath, Nuclear Energy Institute, National Hydropower Association and others. Read More
September 15, 2017 – Conaway Intros Carbon Capture Bill, What’s At Stake For Energy Innovation
Rep. Mike Conaway introduced a bipartisan effort (H.R. 3761) to extend and expand the Section 45Q tax incentive for projects that capture and store carbon from power plants and other facilities. ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and former Oak Ridge National Lab Director Thom Mason lay out how clean energy innovation has been essential for Tennessee and the rest of the nation, while cautioning budget cuts could derail progress. Read More
September 1, 2017 – Vogtle Decision Good Sign For Nuclear, NET Power Making Progress, ClearPath Joins National Clean Energy Week
The decision by Southern Company to continue conditional expansion of Plant Vogtle is an important step towards broader advancement of U.S. nuclear power. NET Power’s potentially landmark carbon-capture effort is making sound progress towards beginning active demonstration. ClearPath joined leading clean energy organizations to highlight and participate in National Clean Energy Week. Read More
August 25, 2017 – DOE Study Touts Reliable Grid During Market Change, Hydro’s Potential Is Bigger Than One Eclypse
The Energy Department’s power grid study is a much-needed, pragmatic look at U.S. electricity reliability and resilience. Hydropower and natural gas stepped up to provide the needed grid reliability for California during the solar eclipse. Read More
August 18, 2017 – Energy Innovation Heating Up, Perry Visits PNNL, Hydro in Wash State
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy announced plans for a new R&D program seeking innovative designs of advanced nuclear power plants. Energy Secretary Rick Perry trekked to Washington State and Oregon, including visits to the Pacific Northwest National Lab and the McNary Dam hydropower project alongside Reps. Greg Walden and Dan Newhouse. Read More
August 11, 2017 – What should policymakers learn from V.C. Summer?
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and resident nuclear expert Spencer Nelson detail lessons learned for policymakers following the suspension of the V.C. Summer nuclear plant under construction in South Carolina. Read More
August 4, 2017 – V.C. Summer Isn’t Death Knell for Nuclear
The suspension of construction in South Carolina of two of the first new U.S. nuclear reactors in more than three decades isn’t the death knell for nuclear. But ClearPath Founder Jay Faison and NuScale Power CEO John Hopkins argue that it is that much more vital for small modular reactors and other advanced nuclear to progress. Read More
July 21, 2017 – Lawmakers Give Big Vote For Small Hydro; Senate Appropriators Stress Energy Innovation
House lawmakers approved a bill from Reps. Richard Hudson and Diana DeGette that would expedite federal reviews of conduit (or energy-recovery) projects. Senate appropriators include language in an Energy Department spending bill touting advanced nuclear technologies and grid-scale storage. Read More
July 14, 2017 – The Carbon Capture Game Changer
In his latest digital whiteboard video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell explains how the NET Power carbon capture demonstration project may be a true clean energy game changer. Sens. Heitkamp, Capito, Barrasso and Whitehouse lead bipartisan bill supporting the 45Q carbon capture tax incentive. Read More
June 30, 2017 – Flake Champions Advanced Nuclear, Storage Goals; Administration’s Nuclear Review Vital Amid Crisis
Sen. Jeff Flake is leading two bipartisan efforts that hit at a major lapse in real and ambitious goals for applied energy innovation research. An announced Trump administration review of nuclear energy policy may be the catalyst for a wholesale effort to stabilize and modernize the country’s most reliable form of emission-free power. Read More
June 23, 2017 – Lawmakers Defend Clean Energy Innovation Funding
Lawmakers in both parties and a broad coalition of interested parties – including ClearPath, Third Way, the Nuclear Energy Institute, Bipartisan Policy Center, Carbon Utilization Research Council and the American Council on Capital Formation – pressed for congressional appropriators to protect funding for key federal clean energy R&D and other innovation programs. House lawmakers gave swift approval to a bipartisan bill from Reps. Tom Rice and Earl Blumenauer modifying the 45(j) production tax credit for new nuclear reactors. Read More
June 16, 2017 – Small Hydro, Big Opportunity
The future of U.S. hydropower no longer looks like the Hoover Dam – but more like your bathroom sink. ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and resident hydro expert Justin Ong break down challenges and opportunities for small conduit hydro. ClearPath was a proud sponsor of the Congressional Baseball Game, which raised more than $1 million for charity. Read More
June 9, 2017 – House Lawmakers Go Big to Help Small Hydro
Reps. Richard Hudson and Diana DeGette introduced legislation that would cut in half federal reviews of one of the most promising and untapped forms of hydropower: small conduit (or energy-recovery) projects. Senate energy panel forwards major FERC, DOE nominees. Read More
June 2, 2017 – Paris Withdrawal May Weaken U.S.-Led Clean Energy
The decision to withdraw the U.S. from participation in the Paris climate agreement may further weaken American clean energy leadership. Read More
May 26, 2017 – Senate Energy Vets DOE, FERC Noms
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski cited support for key FERC nominees Neil Chatterjee and Robert Powelson and Dan Brouillette to be deputy energy secretary. White House nominates three Republicans for seats on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Reps. Carlos Curbelo and Marc Veasey circulate Dear Colleague letter for their carbon capture private activity bonds bill. Read More
May 19, 2017 – So What Exactly Is Conservative Clean Energy?
Executive Director Rich Powell and Founder Jay Faison offer up the top 10 reasons why ClearPath advocates for conservative clean energy. Jay also joined Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski on a panel moderated by POLITICO’s Nick Juliano to discuss policies boosting reliable and clean energy this Congress and administration. Read More
May 12, 2017 – Why FERC Matters for Nuclear
President Trump nominated two Republicans – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s top energy aide Neil Chatterjee and Pennsylvania utility regulator (and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President) Robert Powelson to create a GOP-led quorum on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Reps. Dan Newhouse and Chris Collins lead 17 House GOP in pushing for small modular nuclear reactor funding. Read More
May 5, 2017 – Getting Federal Energy Innovation Back on Track
ClearPath’s Jay Faison and Rich Powell explain how the Energy Department can get back to consistently doing big, big things – such as sparking the shale gas revolution, commercial nuclear, touchscreens and the human genome project – via more public-private partnerships and goals for our national labs. The House Energy and Commerce Committee takes up major hydropower bills, including from Rep. Richard Hudson making long-overdue reforms to permitting of small conduit hydropower projects. Read More