[Japan] Mitsubishi to withdraw from three offshore wind projects in Japan

As of August 27, 2025, Mitsubishi Corporation announced that, after reviewing business plans for three offshore wind projects in three coastal areas of Japan, it has decided not to proceed with development. [1] The withdrawal stems from concerns over profitability, as well as the business environment for offshore wind power. The release cites the pandemic and the “Ukraine crisis,” which have resulted in tight supply chains, inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and rising interest rates. In 2021, projects were set to be operated in the Akita and Chiba prefectures, with a total projected capacity of 1.76 GW to be launched by 2030. Mitsubishi emphasizes that it continues to recognize offshore wind as an essential element of Japan’s energy mix. Of the three offshore wind auctions held in Japan, Mitsubishi-led groups won the first for the projects in Akita and Chiba.

[1] https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/news/release/2025/20250827002.html

[USA] PacifiCorp urges FERC to dismiss challenges to wildfire-related costs in transmission rates

As of August 22, 2025, PacifiCorp is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to dismiss challenges to the company’s inclusion of $1.7 billion in wildfire-related costs and liabilities in transmission rates. [1] The utility company contends that “formal challenges” and complaints brought by the Bonneville Power Administration, Powerex Corp., Deseret Generation & Transmission Co-operative, and the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems fail to show the costs were imprudently incurred. [2] The dispute arises as utilities face financial challenges stemming from wildfires exacerbated by climate change. In an August 4 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, PacifiCorp stated that outstanding wildfire-related complaints in Oregon and California totaled approximately $54 billion, excluding any potential doubling of damages or punitive damages. PacifiCorp requests FERC for permission to include costs and liabilities related to wildfires from 2020 and 2022 in its transmission rates. The challengers to the updated rates assert that the company failed to show its wildfire-related costs were prudent. In joint comments, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison urged FERC to continue assessing allegations of imprudence on a case-by-case basis.

[1] https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_number=20250822-5198&optimized=false&sid=5e2eda9e-6933-44b6-b300-4304f6fb9ce2

[2] https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000075594/000108131625000013/bhe-20250630.htm

[USA] 704-MW Revolution Wind project halted by Trump administration

As of August 22, 2025, 704 MW offshore wind farm Revolution Wind was ordered to stop work by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. [1] The project developer Ørsted said that the project is about 80% complete and was set to supply energy to Rhode Island and Connecticut. Ørsted, which owns the project in a 50/50 joint venture with Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables, said that the project is fully permitted and has all offshore foundations installed and 45 out of 65 wind turbines installed. [2] The Trump administration has previously issued a similar stop-work order on the 810-MW Empire Wind 1 project in New York in April. [3] The order was revoked and the project allowed to continue after New York Governor Kathy Hochul negotiated with the administration to move forward on “critical pipeline capacity” for natural gas. In this case, the project is currently complying with the order and taking appropriate steps to stop offshore activities. The uncertainty has caused Ørsted’s shares to tumble to an all-time low of $9.31 following the news. Ørsted said in an August 11 announcement that it plans to move ahead with a $9.4 billion rights issue to shore up its capital structure.

[1] https://orsted.com/en/company-announcement-list/2025/08/revolution-wind-receives-offshore-stop-work-order--145387701

[2] https://chrissmith.house.gov/uploadedfiles/trump_admin_dept_of_interior_empire_wind_memo_signed_by_secretary_burgum_april_16_2025.pdf

[3] https://www.equinor.com/news/20250519-empire-wind-project-resumes-construction

[Japan] Sharp Corporation signs MOU with Mitsui OSK Lines and AAR Japan to donate solar modules to Kenya

As of August 21, 2025, Sharp Corporation and Sharp Energy Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the donation of solar modules to support electrification-deficient areas in the Republic of Kenya. [1] This MOU is signed with Mitsui O.S.K Lines and Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan), in conjunction with the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development. The MOU states that the donated modules will be transported to Kenya by Mitsui and AAR Japan will support the on-site installation. The modules are for use in lighting, powering projectors and PCs for elementary schools. The project’s goal is to improve education in the region. Sharp has been promoting ESG-based management and this MOU aligns with this purpose.

[1] https://global.sharp/corporate/news/250821-c.html

[USA] Arizona regulators repeal the state’s renewable standard

As of August 14, 2025, the Arizona Corporation Commission voted unanimously to direct Staff to take the next step to repeal the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff Rules (REST), which required electric utilities to deliver 15% renewable energy by 2025. [1] The rule was set by the Commission in 2006 and its targets have already been surpassed by the state’s major regulated utilities. Regulators say the rule drives up energy costs and is unnecessary. Arizona’s two largest regulated electric utilities have already met or exceeded the REST rules requirement. Arizona Public Service Company (APS) reported about 19% of its energy contains renewable energy sources in 2024, in 2023 the number was 13%. Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) reported that 29% of its energy portfolio included renewables in 2024; in 2023, the number was 27%. The debate began when APS backed away from its pledge to go carbon free by 2050. Regulators indicate that cost concerns are at the heart of their efforts to repeal REST rules.

[1] https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2025/08/15/acc-directs-staff-to-begin-process-to-repeal-renewable-energy-mandates

[USA] Alaska residents spent three times more on energy than Florida residents in 2023

As of August 21, 2025, the US Energy Information Administration found that Alaska has the highest per capita energy expenditures of any state at $12,100. [1] According to their recently published State Energy Data System information for 2023, Wyoming and North Dakota spent the next most on energy (spending over twice the national average of $4,700), and Florida had the lowest per capita energy expenditures at $3,700, followed by New York and Maryland. These differences in expenditures are attributable to weather, economic composition, industrial energy consumption, and other factors. Alaska, Wyoming, and North Dakota have cold winters that require more energy for heating, and their state economies also have more energy-intensive industrial sectors. Florida has warm weather and therefore requires less energy for heating. New York has widespread public transit use and lower expenditures for transportation fuels. Both states have less energy-intensive industries. Nationwide average energy expenditures decreased in the US in 2023, but remained higher than long-term averages. Energy expenditures in 2023 were 12% less than in 2022, largely due to lower energy prices.

[1] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65965

[Japan] METI holds discussions on the decommissioning and future of TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

As of August 4, 2025, METI conducted discussions with local residents and technical experts from within Japan and abroad at the 9th International Forum on the Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. [1] The forum was held under the auspices of the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation. The purposes of the forum included disseminating accurate information, promoting mutual understanding with local residents, and sharing the latest information and technical achievements regarding the decommissioning. A panel discussion provided an opportunity for local residents to engage in direct dialogue with those involved in the decommissioning work.

[1] https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0804_001.html

[USA] Congress wants the administration to continue ENERGY STAR

As of August 4, 2025, appropriations work is on pause as Congress has left Washington for recess. [1] Despite President Trump’s attempts to eliminate or privatize the Energy Star program, there has been strong bipartisan support for keeping the Energy Star program fully funded at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On July 22, the House Appropriations Committee advanced its fiscal year 2026 (FY26) spending bill for the EPA, with the adoption of a bipartisan manager’s amendment directing the agency to maintain level funding of $32 million for the Energy Star program. Soon after, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted nearly unanimously to pass its own spending bill requiring EPA to fund Energy Star at $36 million for the year. After President Trump’s FY26 budget request proposed eliminating funding for Energy Star and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the program should be privatized, the administration appears to still be considering its next steps for the program. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees, however, have signaled full support for Energy Star and believe it should be preserved at the EPA.

[1] https://www.usgbc.org/articles/congress-wants-administration-continue-energy-star

[USA] President Trump names David Rosner Chairman of FERC

As of August 13, 2025, the White House named David Rosner, a Democratic member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as agency chairman. [1] Rosner joined FERC in 2017 as an energy industry analyst and has been a commissioner since June 2024. He spent two years on detail from FERC to the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. During his time as a staff member at FERC, he led efforts on electric transmission, fuel security, energy storage resources, and natural gas-electric coordination. Rosner was previously a senior policy advisor for the US Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Policy and Systems Analysis and an associate director at the Bipartisan Policy Center’s energy project. Rosner replaces former FERC Chairman Mark Christie, a Republican whom President Donald Trump nominated in his first term. Christie left FERC on Friday after Trump declined to name him to a second term at the agency.

[1] https://ferc.gov/news-events/news/president-trump-names-david-rosner-chairman-ferc

[Japan] JOGMEC to join gallium production study in Australia

As of August 4, 2025, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) announced that it will take part in a joint study for gallium production in Australia in an effort to ensure a stable supply of the critical mineral used to make semiconductors. [1] The study will occur at an aluminum refinery operated by Alcoa of Australia Limited. JOGMEC partnered with Sojitz Corporation and formed Japan Australia Gallium Associates (JAGA), which signed an agreement with Alcoa. The study aims to assess the feasibility of extracting gallium, as a byproduct of alumina refining. The project seeks to establish a long-term gallium supply, with production targeted to start in 2026.

[1] https://www.jogmec.go.jp/english/news/release/news_08_00044.html

[USA] Energy Department announces first pilot project for advanced nuclear fuel lines

As of August 4, 2025, the US Department of Energy (DOE) conditionally selected Standard Nuclear as the first US company accepted into the July 2025 fuel line pilot program. [1] The initiative eliminates America’s use of foreign sources of enriched uranium and critical materials, thereby encouraging private investment in nuclear power. Standard Nuclear, based in Oak Ridge Tennessee, is the first conditional selection under DOE’s new pilot program and will leverage the Department’s authorization process to ensure a robust supply of nuclear fuel in both Tennessee and Idaho. This fuel is in high demand because reactor developers are getting ready to test their designs that use TRISO fuel. They will manage the sourcing of nuclear material feedstock for fuel fabrication, which could be acquired through DOE’s high-assay low-enriched uranium allocation program. The fuel line pilot program supports DOE’s new reactor pilot program that aims to have at least three advanced reactor designs achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-first-pilot-project-advanced-nuclear-fuel-lines

[USA] DOE issues final non-FTA LNG export authorization for exports from Venture Global Calcasieu Pass Project

As of August 4, 2025, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a final authorization for additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) countries from Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. [1] This allows Calcasieu Pass, an LNG export project that has been in operation since 2022, to export an additional 20 billion cubic feet of natural gas as LNG per year. Venture Global’s second LNG export project, Plaquemines, began exporting late in 2024. The company recently announced a final investment decision on Phase 1 of its third LNG export project, CP2. In March 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a conditional non-FTA export authorization to CP2 that is ready for a final order now that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has concluded its review of the project.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-issues-final-non-fta-lng-export-authorization-additional-exports-venture-global

[Japan] Sempra and JERA enter into 20-year LNG supply deal

As of July 31, 2025, Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra, and JERA announced a 20-year sale and purchase agreement for the supply of 1.5 million tons per annum (Mtpa) of liquified natural gas (LNG) offtake from the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 development project in Jefferson County, Texas. [1] This agreement marks a step beyond the non-binding heads of agreement signed in June 2025. The proposed Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project is under active development, with future phases in the early development stage. The project has received all its main permits. It is expected to include two liquefaction trains capable of producing about 13 Mtpa of LNG, which could increase the total liquefaction capacity of the Port Arthur facility from 13 to 26 Mtpa for Phase 1. The project received authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in September 2023. In July 2024, Sempra announced that Bechtel had been selected for a fixed-price engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the project. The project also received authorization in May 2025 from the US Department of Energy to export US LNG to countries that do not have a free-trade agreement with the US. The project still requires completion of commercial agreements, securing more necessary permits, obtaining financing, and reaching a final investment decision.

[1] https://www.sempra.com/newsroom/press-releases/sempra-infrastructure-and-jera-announce-sale-and-purchase-agreement-us-lng

[USA] DOE allows Talen Energy to operate unit above limits to avoid outages

As of July 28, 2025, the US Department of Energy (DOE) issued an emergency order to allow a nearly 400-MW oil-fired units near Baltimore to run beyond its operating limits as the eastern US endures a heat wave. [1] The request for the order was filed by the PJM Interconnection and the unit is owned by Talen Energy. [2] Talen Energy and its subsidiaries had multiple units slated to retire in May, before reaching a “reliability-must-run” agreement that was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which delayed it. In issuing the order, DOE agreed with PJM in acknowledging an “imminent electric reliability emergency” in the Baltimore Gas and Electric zone in Maryland. According to PJM’s petition to DOE, there could be blackouts in the BG&E zone without the order.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/PJM%27s%20202%28c%29%20Order%20No.%20202-25-6.pdf

[2] https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/PJM%E2%80%99s%20202%28c%29%20Application%20202-25-6.pdf

[USA] Department of Energy issues report evaluating impact of greenhouse gases on US climate, invites public comment

As of July 29, 2025, the US Department of Energy released a new report entitled “A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the US Climate,” which evaluated existing peer-reviewed literature and government data on the climate impacts of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions. [1] The report provides an assessment of the “conventional narrative” on climate change, concluding that CO2–induced global warming “appears” to be less damaging economically than commonly believed and aggressive mitigation strategies may be “misdirected.”  The report was developed by the 2025 Climate Working Group, a group of five independent scientists assembled by Secretary Wright with expertise in physical science, economics, climate science, and academic research. The report also asserts that US policy actions are allegedly expected to have undetectably small direct impacts on the global climate and any affects will emerge “only with long delays.” The report was published as part of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule repealing the 2009 Endangerment Finding.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-issues-report-evaluating-impact-greenhouse-gasses-us-climate-invites

[Japan] KEPCO plans to build first new nuclear reactor since Fukushima

As of July 22, 2025, Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO) announced that it will begin surveys for the construction of a new nuclear power plant at its Mihama power station in Fukui prefecture, western Japan, to replace the existing facility. [1] marks Japan’s first concrete step towards building a new nuclear reactor since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The surveys would focus on topography, geology, and other studies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. They will also include communications with the local community. KEPCO had been analyzing a successor to the Mihama No. 1 reactor since November 2010, but suspended the study after the 2011 disaster. In 2015, it decided to decommission the No. 1 and No. 2 reactors at Mihama.

[1] https://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/ir/brief/pdf/2025_jul22_1.pdf

[USA] DOE terminates funding for Grain Belt Express

As of July 23, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the Loan Programs Office (LPO) has terminated its conditional commitment for the Grain Belt Express Phase 1 project, a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line intended to connect wind and solar capacity across Kansas and Missouri. [1] The commitment, which would have provided a loan guarantee of up to $4.9 billion, was issued by the Biden administration in November 2024. [2] The DOE found after a review of the project’s financials that the conditions necessary to issue the guarantee are unlikely to be met, and it is not critical for the federal government to have a role in supporting the project. Invenergy, the company behind the project, has highlighted the Grain Belt Express’s ability to “unlock access to one of the strongest combined wind and solar energy resources in the United States.”

[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-terminates-taxpayer-funded-financial-assistance-grain-belt-express

[2] https://arpa-e.energy.gov/sites/default/files/migrated/Rajat%20Majumder.pdf

[USA] Constellation-Calpine deal approved by FERC

As of July 23, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved Constellation Energy’s proposal to buy Calpine from Energy Capital Partners. [1] The deal is valued at $16.4 billion and subject to conditions that aim to reduce the expanded company’s ability to exert market power. [2] The proposed mitigation plan involves Constellation selling five power plants in the PJM Interconnection, and FERC believes that the transaction “will not have an adverse effect on competition.” Although Constellation agreed not to enter into colocation data center deals until mid-2026 or until FERC issues an order clarifying PJM’s rules on the issue, the company will be free to partake in above-market data center transactions under the approved conditions. As part of the plan, Constellation will sell four power plants in the PJM Interconnection totaling 3,546 MW. They include: the 1,134 MW gas-fired combined cycle Bethlehem Energy Center; the 569 MW dual-fuel combined cycle Hay Road Energy Center; and the 707-MW, gas-fired simple cycle Edge Moor Energy Center.

[1] https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_number=20250723-3061&optimized=false&sid=ff67ba86-3b04-4705-9f91-9860c7fb29cf

[2] https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_number=20250703-5191&optimized=false

[Japan] GSSG Chikuden launches with US $400M commitment from Vision Ridge Partners

As of July 16, 2025, GSSG Chikuden LLC, a utility-scale battery storage developer focused on the Japanese power market announced its launch today after receiving $400 million commitment from sustainable real assets investor Vision Ridge Partners. [1] GSSG Chikuden intends to use the investment to support its development, construction, and operation of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (“BESS”) across Japan’s power grid. The new company is a joint venture between Vision Ridge and Asia-focused solar-plus-storage investor GSSG Solar LLC, which has committed capital too, and will operate the business. GSSG Chikuden launches with an existing pipeline of development projects with secured grid interconnection rights, and plans to acquire more projects to expand its reach. GSSG Chikuden primarily seeks to accelerate the Japanese energy transition through development, construction, and operation of utility-scale BESS.

[1] https://gssgsolar.com/gssg-chikuden-launches/

[USA] Westinghouse collaborates with Google to accelerate nuclear deployments

As of July 16, 2025, Westinghouse Electric Company and Google Cloud have partnered to deploy artificial intelligence tools in a bid to streamline the construction of advanced nuclear reactors and improve the performance of the existing nuclear fleet. [1] The collaboration will be integrated with Westinghouse’s proprietary nuclear AI tools, known as bertha and HiVE, with Google’s data platforms and machine learning capabilities. The companies say the tools will make nuclear construction more efficient and repeatable, which has continued to remain a challenge for the industry that increasingly gets called upon to deliver more carbon-free power to meet demand. Westinghouse and Google have completed a proof-of-concept by using the AI-enhanced plant design platform that generates and optimizes construction work packages for Westinghouse’s AP1000 modular reactor system. This is an important advancement for reducing project delays and costs that have historically afflicted nuclear projects. While details on deployment timelines are limited, the Westinghouse declared that the collaboration aims to optimize deployments of its full reactor lineup, including the AP1000, the AP300 small modular reactor (SMR) and eVinci microreactor.

[1] https://info.westinghousenuclear.com/blog/westinghouse-shares-vision-for-new-ap1000-reactors-with-president-trump-and-u.s.-senator-dave-mccormick-and-partners-with-google-on-ai-at-energy-summit