Latest News
-
Maguire: California's solar-battery combo is a game changer
California's rapidly expanding solar farms and batteries systems, although overshadowed by the booming demand for data centers and the U.S. Government's slashing of clean energy policies may still be 2025's biggest power story. California's massive solar farms have produced more electricity in 2025 than the fossil fuel power stations in the state for an unprecedented period of time. This is a milestone for the energy transition in the United States. The swell of solar-powered energy in California has led to the largest drop in fossil-fuel-fired electricity output year-over-year. California's solar- and battery-system output has risen dramatically in recent years. This will serve as a blueprint for other states, even if federal legislators scrape support for clean energy. CLEAN PUSH Ember data show that California's solar farm electricity supply during January-July jumped 15% compared to the same months of 2024, to a new record 54.709 gigawatt-hours (GWh). According to LSEG's data, the increase in solar energy supplies of about 7,200 GWh was accompanied by a 75% increase in California's storage capacity. This allowed utilities to reduce fossil fuel-fired electricity generation by 21%. Solar farms contributed a record amount of electricity to California during the period January-July, with a 39% share, up from the 33% in 2024. As a comparison, Texas, the state with the second largest solar footprint in the U.S.A., has secured 10,4% of its electricity this year from solar farms. The solar portion of California's energy mix has increased, while the fossil fuels share has fallen steadily and reached a new low of 26% in 2025. This compares with a national fossil fuel share so far of 55% in 2025. It cements California as the leader in clean electricity deployment. CRITICAL MASS California utilities are rapidly increasing the capacity of battery storage alongside solar power production since 2022 so that California's abundant solar energy can be used to its maximum effect. Solar output peaked in the middle of the afternoon, just as the state's total power consumption was nearing its lowest point. According to the data portal Cleanview, California utilities are now able to store excess solar power and use it at peak demand. FOSSIL FALLS California's growing solar and battery networks are enabling utilities to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels at a record pace. California has historically used fossil fuels at their highest levels during summer, when air conditioners are most power hungry. California utilities, however, have been able, thanks to the rapidly increasing solar and battery capacities, to reduce fossil fuel deployment, even during periods of peak demand. According to Ember, the total electricity generated from fossil fuels in July 2025 will be just 36,416GWh. This total was a 40% drop from July 2024 and 36% lower than the average July from 2019 to 2024. This steep decline in fossil fuel generation also had a commensurate effect on emissions. In July 2025, they were 2.1 millions metric tons less CO2 than in July 20,24 and the lowest ever for this month. Priced in? After years of retooling California's energy system to favour clean energy over fossil-fuels, its electricity costs have begun to reflect the impact of solar power in the state's generation mix. California's electricity prices are still higher than the national average but have risen less this year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the state has seen a 1% increase compared to a national 3.3% increase. The price-depressing effect of California's large share of solar energy in its generation system will act as a drag for overall electricity costs even though power bills elsewhere are expected to continue to rise. California is also better placed than other states to deploy large-scale solar farms due to its high levels of solar radiation. Its vast desert areas are sparsely populated and have a lot of space. However, several states in the South and Southwest of the United States can also expect to reduce their fossil fuel dependence if they install large battery and solar systems. State utilities who can expand their solar and batteries systems will see quick returns. According to LSEG's estimates, benchmark U.S. Natural Gas prices are 37% higher this year than they will be in 2024. States that reduce their use of natural gases can expect to save a lot on fossil fuel purchases. California is the only state that can compete with its solar and battery network. But those who want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and increase the production of clean, domestic power should look at the Golden State for inspiration. These are the opinions of the columnist, an author for. You like this article? Check it out Open Interest The new global financial commentary source (ROI) is your go-to for all the latest news and information. ROI provides data-driven, thought-provoking analysis on everything from soybeans to swap rates. The markets are changing faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on You can find us on LinkedIn.
-
FAA announces buffer zones at two airports in the Washington DC area
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration announced on Thursday that it would modify helicopter routes at two airports in the Washington area. This comes months after an American Airlines plane collided near Washington with an Army Black Hawk helicopter. The FAA has confirmed that the changes will affect Washington Dulles Airport and Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport. The FAA stated that "These changes will increase separation between helicopters, airplanes, and aircraft operating in and out of airports." The FAA also said that it would be making changes to the traffic around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The FAA was criticized by lawmakers, the National Transportation Safety Board, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy because it failed to act on near-miss reports before the mid-air collision that killed 67 people on January 29, 2013. The FAA banned the Army in May from helicopter flights near the Pentagon following a close call on May 1, which forced two civilian aircraft to abort their landings. At the time of the accident, the Army Black Hawk helicopter had exceeded the maximum altitude allowed. In March, the NTSB reported that there have been 15200 incidents of air separation near Reagan Washington National Airport involving commercial aircraft and helicopters since 2021. This includes 85 close calls. The FAA announced Thursday that it has reduced the boundary of zones around Reagan and added notes on the Reagan helicopter chart to "improve clarity regarding altitude and operation instructions." In April, the FAA has imposed new restrictions in order to prevent The collisions of helicopters with passenger planes at the busy Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas have raised serious safety concerns. The FAA also examined the flow of traffic around Hollywood Burbank Airport, Van Nuys Airport and other airports in Los Angeles. These are all less than 10 miles away and have a variety of aircraft that arrive and depart at close intervals. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson, Jasper Ward)
-
Venezuela accuses US combat planes of flying near its coast
Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino announced on Thursday that five fighter planes were detected near Venezuela's coast. He described this as an American threat. Padrino, speaking from an airbase, said that the imperialist planes were close enough to the Venezuelan coastline to be considered a threat. The comments were broadcast on the state television. He added that the information had been provided to a control center by a carrier. Padrino said that the presence of these planes near our Caribbean Sea was a vulgarity and a provocation, as well as a threat to national security. The Pentagon didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. The government released a statement later stating that the Colombian flag carrier Avianca had reported the planes to be approximately 75 kilometers away from the Venezuelan coastline. Avianca didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Venezuela "urges U.S. Sec. of War Peter Hegseth immediately to cease his reckless and thrill-seeking posture," which disturbs the peace in the Caribbean. Washington claims to be fighting drug trafficking by sending a fleet warships across the Caribbean. The U.S. also killed those on board several boats that it claimed were transporting drugs from Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claims the U.S. wants regime change but also offers to talk with U.S. Envoy Richard Grenell. Trump has downplayed suggestions of regime changes, but has accused Maduro repeatedly of leading drug trafficking network, which the Venezuelan President denies.
-
US Court of appeals to review airline fee decision
On Thursday, a federal appeals court said that it would reconsider its recent ruling that the U.S. Department of Transportation was authorized to require airlines fully disclose all fees upfront when customers book flights. In a short order, the Fifth U.S. The 17 judges of the New Orleans Circuit Court of Appeals will review a decision made by a three judge panel on January 28, "en bloc". Several major airlines have challenged a rule that was issued to protect consumers in April 2024, during the Biden Administration. The rule required ticket agents and airlines to disclose "ancillary charges" like baggage fees during the booking process. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines Delta Air Lines JetBlue United Airlines and three industry groups, including Airlines for America, objected to the rules, claiming that federal law did not give the Transportation Department any power to make such rules. The rule was put on hold by the appeals court in July 2024. In a January ruling, the court ruled that the Transportation Department has the authority to create fee disclosure rules that address the "unfair or misleading practices" of airlines. The agency was criticized for not allowing airlines to comment on the study that it used to evaluate the potential impact of the new fee rule. Instead of canceling the rule, the appeals court sent the case back to the Transportation Department. The airlines stated that adopting this rule would "upend how airlines interact with customers at great cost and without any demonstrated benefit." The Transportation Department opposed the rehearing stating that the appeals court had "properly used its discretion" by remanding this rule. The lawyers of the airline did not respond immediately to comments. Airlines for America refused to comment. Requests for comment were not immediately answered by the Transportation Department or the U.S. Department of Justice. The 5th Circuit is a conservative federal appellate court. It has not announced when it will hold oral arguments. Airlines for America et al v Department of Transportation is the case. Circuit Court of Appeals No. 24-60231. Reporting by Jonathan Stempel, New York; editing by Jamie Freed
-
Bloomberg News reports that Boeing 777X will be delayed until 2027.
Bloomberg News, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported Thursday that Boeing's 777X aircraft will begin commercial flights in 2027, not next year. The report cited a source as saying that Deutsche Lufthansa AG is preparing to take a step back and will not include the 777X until 2027 in its fleet plan. Boeing did not respond immediately to a comment request. When the program launched in 2013, the company had expected to deliver its first 777X aircraft in 2026. This was already six years behind schedule. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg stated last month that Boeing was behind schedule with the certification of the jet. She said a "mountain" of work needed to be completed. He said, however, no new technical issues had been discovered. Boeing announced the plane in 2013 at the Dubai Airshow.
-
NTSB and FAA will investigate crashes of two Amazon drones
Two U.S. agencies announced Thursday that they would investigate the collision between two Amazon Prime Air drones and the boom of an Arizona crane in Tolleson. Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have said that they will both investigate the incident which occurred on Wednesday. Amazon announced in November 2024 that it would begin drone deliveries to the West Valley in Arizona's Phoenix Metro Area from its same-day location in Tolleson. It also said on Thursday that it had temporarily paused Prime Air drone operation in Arizona. Amazon's Terrence Clark, a spokesman for the company, said that the company had been made aware of the incident. "We are currently working with relevant authorities to conduct an investigation." Amazon has announced that customers living near Tolleson can buy an item weighing less than 5 pounds and have it delivered in under an hour by drone. Amazon started delivering prescription medication by drone in 2023 in College Station, Texas, in partnership with Amazon Pharmacy. The U.S. Transportation Department announced new rules in August to accelerate the deployment of drones outside the line of sight for operators. This is a crucial change to help commercial applications like package delivery. Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, said: "It will change the way people and goods move through our airspace... you might get an Amazon package or a Starbucks coffee by a drone." Amazon wants to deliver 500 million packages per year by drones by 2030. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson)
-
Premier: Alberta and Canada have 80% agreement on pipeline proposal
Premier Danielle Smith said on Thursday that Canada and Alberta were not far apart in terms of the terms of an agreement which would set the conditions for the construction in Alberta, in exchange for environmental commitments. on Wednesday The main oil producing province of Canada will take the lead in early planning for a new pipeline. Smith stated in an interview that "we're approximately 80% in accord on most aspects." The ball is in the court of (Canadian prime minister) Mark Carney now. The federal government didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. Smith stated that her government does not intend to build the pipeline directly from Alberta's oilsands up to the Northwest Coast of British Columbia. According to Smith, Canadian pipeline companies Enbridge and South Bow, as well as government-owned Trans Mountain, have agreed to offer advice and technical assistance to Alberta in developing its proposal. Smith is confident that if the Canadian government approves Alberta's pipeline project, a private company will step forward to build it. Greg Ebel, CEO of Enbridge, said in a speech delivered to an audience of businessmen on Thursday that Canada would have to lift its ban on oil tanks off the coasts of B.C. Before any pipeline company will commit to Alberta's proposal, it is important that they first listen to the coast. Ebel stated that "no company would build a pipe to nowhere". B.C. Premier David Eby stated on Wednesday that his province has been in support of the ban since its inception. He is adamant about the law remaining in place. South Bow and Trans Mountain are yet to comment on the proposal. Carney's government was reported to be in talks in September with Alberta and energy companies about removing a federal cap on emissions for Canada's oil & gas industry in exchange for reducing the carbon footprint of the province and industry in other ways. The federal government also made it clear that a pipeline proposal from Alberta would only be considered if the proposed Pathways project for carbon capture and storage was approved. Smith refused to reveal what additional commitments the federal Government may ask Alberta to make. Alberta's government stated that the proposed pipeline would be able to carry up 1 million barrels of oil per day. Canada reached record oil production levels in 2024, as completion of the Trans Mountain expansion pipeline boosted the ability of oil companies to deliver their product. Analysts have predicted that Trans Mountain would be full by 2027 or 2028, as Canada seeks to diversify its oil exports.
-
US public power sector evaluates data center customer risks and rewards
Data centers are a major source of electricity for U.S. power utilities. Some requests exceed the energy consumption by their entire customer base, according to CEOs and investors from the non-profit sector. The data center power demands of Big Tech have created an opportunity for the long-stagnant US power industry to grow revenue and investment. But the record-breaking build-outs of energy-intensive servers warehouses come with new risks, according to market participants at the Large Public Power Council Financial Conference held in New York. Dan Sullivan, CEO of the Grand River Dam Authority in Oklahoma, said that "we're experiencing exponential growth." He said that there were about 2,000 Megawatts in demand, mainly from data centers. They wanted to connect to the roughly 2,000 Megawatt system of his utility. "They will scale as fast as they are allowed to or as quickly as their capabilities allow them." Kirk Hudson, the general manager of Chelan PUD in Washington, said that there is a demand for about 1,400 Megawatts, mostly from data centers, to be connected to their system. The utility averages around 200 Megawatts. Hudson, the Chelan PUD's spokesperson, said that there is significant hydropower surplus, but they are figuring out how to support data centres while maintaining low rates, assuring system reliability and preserving local authority. The data center market is a fast-moving one, and public power utilities that have contracts for 40 years with their municipal customers face a unique challenge in adapting. Data centers are becoming more and more prevalent. Some of them consume as much electricity as an average-sized U.S. town. This has raised concerns over power shortages or excessive construction. Public utilities can issue municipal bonds that are tax-exempt to finance infrastructure. They also explore how to structure data center agreements to avoid stranded cost - the risk associated with building capacity to serve customers who then leave. John Murphy, Director at PFM Financial Advisors, said that the demand from hyperscalers is unlike anything seen before in public power or utility markets. How these projects are funded will be the key to managing risks. OLD RULES, NEW ISSUES In general, public power groups cannot enter into long-term power contracts for data centers, which are commonly used in the power sector that is profit-driven, without compromising the tax status of the entire portfolio. This has led to public utilities issuing short-term contracts that can complicate infrastructure planning in the long term, according to industry executives. They are also seeking clarification from the U.S. Treasury on rules that govern private use contracts. Javier Fernandez is the CEO of Omaha Public Power District. He said, "These rules need to be updated." In order to protect my residential customers from price shock, I must have a contract that is long-term with these data centres. Jason Pollack is the executive director for government and institutional banks at Wells Fargo. He said that utilities also face uncertainty about costs and waiting times of equipment needed to build infrastructure. Reporting by Laila K. Kearney, New York. Editing by Ni. Williams
The death toll from Bualoi in Vietnam has risen to 51, and banks have been told to assist affected firms
According to a government report released on Friday, the death toll from the typhoon Bualoi in Vietnam and the flooding it caused has reached 51. The central bank also urged banks to provide assistance to businesses affected by the typhoon.
Bualoi hit the northern central part of Vietnam on Monday, bringing with it huge sea swells and strong winds, as well as heavy rains. The storm also caused 14 deaths and 164 injuries, according to a report by the government's agency for disaster management.
The agency has also increased its estimate of the property damage caused by typhoons and their flooding from $435.8 to $15.9 trillion dong (or $603 million) in its previous report, released on Thursday.
The report stated that the typhoon caused severe damage to roads, schools, and offices. It also caused power grid failures, which left tens and thousands of families without electric power.
It said that more than 230,000 homes were damaged or flooded, and almost 89,000 hectares (hectares) of rice and other crops had been destroyed.
The report does not mention any significant damage to industrial property.
Vietnam is the regional manufacturing hub. Large factories near or in the path of Typhoon Haiyan were owned by Foxconn and Formosa Plastics.
Pham Thanh Ha, deputy governor of the central bank, said that on Friday banks were told to consider freezing or restructuring loans for companies affected by the typhoon. Reporting by Khanh Vu, Editing by David Stanway.
(source: Reuters)