As of May 23, 2025, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) unveiled Japan’s first fully battery-driven work vessel, which has been named e-Crea (pronounced “éclair”). [1] Keihin Dock Co. Ltd., an NYK Group company, built the vessel at Koyasu Shipyard. The vessel is designed without an onboard diesel generator and will support the docking and undocking of tugboats at Koyasu Shipyard. NYK Group aims to achieve low- and zero-carbon vessel operations by advancing the implementation of new technologies, such as this. This project came about in response to the growing global demand for decarbonizing maritime transportation, prompting NYK Group to explore next-generation fuels like ammonia. This initiative was spearheaded by Keihin Dock, NYK’s sole shipbuilding subsidiary. e-Crea is powered solely by batteries charged from shore facilities at Koyasu Shipyard and operates without emitting any carbon dioxide. The vessel also features a compact design measuring 9 meters in length and a compact hull, enabling maneuverability in confined spaces. The data and insights gained from e-Crea’s operation will be reflected in the development of an electric-propulsion tugboat scheduled for completion in December 2026.
[USA] DOE orders 1.6-GW coal-fired power plant to delay shutdown
As of May 23, 2025, the US Department of Energy (DOE) directed Consumers Energy to delay the shutdown of a 1,560-MW coal-fired power plant in Michigan by about 3 months, citing concerns of possible power outages in the Midcontinent region this summer. [1] To determine that the J.H. Campbell power plant in West Olive, Michigan should run until August 21 rather than May 31, DOE referenced a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) report that found that the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) faces an elevated risk of power outages during high demand and lower power output periods of the summer. [2] The NERC report found that MISO, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), ISO New England, and the Southwest Power Pool were at elevated risks of not having enough power supplies during the peak demand periods. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cited a MISO report to explain that while the results demonstrated sufficient capacity, the summer months reflected the highest risk and a tighter supply-demand balance, suggesting the need to increase capacity. Wright ordered MISO to dispatch the Campbell plant economically to minimize ratepayer costs and DOE issued the emergency order without a request from the plant owner, transmission provider, or grid operator.
[2] https://cdn.misoenergy.org/2025%20PRA%20Results%20Posting%2020250428694160.pdf
[USA] Trump signs executive order to deploy new nuclear capacity and oversight
As of May 23, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order initiating a plan to deploy 300 GW of net new nuclear capacity by 2050, with 10 large reactors under construction in the US by 2030, while expanding nuclear fuel supplies. [1] President Trump also signed 3 other orders to accelerate Nuclear Regulatory Commission reviews of reactor license applications and reconsider NRC radiation limits. [2] The orders also aim to expand Energy and Defense roles in nuclear power plant licensing and siting and speeding up new test reactor deployment. The order includes a directive to review the statutory authorities to identify any legislative changes needed to achieve the aforementioned national policy, as well as an evaluation of the reprocessing and recycling of spent nuclear fuel from the operation of Department of Defense and Department of Energy reactors. Another order calls on the Secretary of Energy to release at least “20 metric tons of high-assay low-enriched uranium into a readily available fuel bank for private sector projects operating nuclear reactors to power AI infrastructure at DOE sites.” Staffing reductions and budget cuts at DOE and NRC could undermine some of these efforts, making it harder to implement the executive orders. Furthermore, the involvement of federal departments to license and oversee projects could create additional red tape as companies navigate between more than one new oversight body.
[Japan] 16 organizations announce launch of joint research initiative to achieve carbon-neutral society through MEIT program
As of May 19, 2025, Nippon Steel Corporation announced that 16 more organizations, including University of Tokyo, Kobe Steel, ClassNK, JFE Steel Corporation, JERA Co., and Tokyo Gas Network, among others, have jointly established a Social Collaboration Program entitled “Materials for Future Energy Infrastructure Trust (MEIT) to elucidate and standardize the material reliability of energy infrastructure to support a carbon-neutral society. [1] The research commenced on the 1st of May 2025. Kobe Steel, JFE Steel Corporation, and ClassNK play lead roles. The program aims to evaluate the material reliability essential for ensuring the long-term integrity of infrastructure and cargo or fuel tanks for decarbonized energy carriers like liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, and liquefied and high-pressure CO2 in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. The program will establish material selection criteria, post-weld heat treatment omission standards and fracture prevention criteria to optimize construction costs and promote international standardization that contributes to a sustainable energy society.
[USA] TXNM Energy enters agreement to be acquired by Blackstone Infrastructure
As of May 19, 2025, it was announced that Blackstone Infrastructure will acquire utility company TXNM in a $11.5 billion deal, including debt, as the firm bets on rising US electricity demand and a shift to cleaner energy sources. [1] As of early March, the deal valued TXNM at $61.25 per share, representing a 23% premium to TXNM Energy’s unaffected 30-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP). Blackstone, with $60 billion of assets, is betting that stable, regulated returns and high capital needs in grid modernization make TXNM a long-term investment fit. Blackstone is also investing $400 million through the purchase of 8 million newly issued shares of TXNM Energy common stock at $50 per share, by way of a private placement agreement, in order to support TXNM’s growth plans. The deal requires regulatory approvals from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC), Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Department of Justice, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission.
[USA] Energy Department announces emergency actions to provide overdue relief to Puerto Rico power grid
As of May 16, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced new emergency actions intended to provide immediate assistance to Puerto Rico and strengthen the island’s failing power system. [1] Puerto Rico’s most recent island-wide blackout occurred a month ago, which has resulted in Energy Secretary Chris Wright issuing two emergency orders authorized by the Federal Power Act Section 202 (c) to address grid security issues and improve grid resiliency. The orders were issued by the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), and aim to unlock emergency protocols and empower Puerto Rico’s government to address immediate problems plaguing the fragile grid system. This is especially critical to prevent further outages ahead of peak summer demand. Additionally, the DOE’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) will review the $365 million in funding from the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF) to ensure all DOE assistance is used to support practical fixes to the grid. The first emergency order directs the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to dispatch generation units necessary to expand baseload generation for the island and maintain grid reliability. The second directs PREPA to perform vegetation management to reduce risk of shortages and fire.
[Japan] METI signs memorandum with Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
As of April 29, 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan (METI) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on the promotion of bilateral cooperation projects for energy transitions. [1] Both sides signed it, reaffirming the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) principles, especially since it involves pursuing a common goal of net-zero or carbon-neutrality. This pathway addresses economic growth, energy security, and decarbonization simultaneously. Based on this, Japan and Vietnam will proceed with discussions that aim to promote the implementation of the projects for offshore wind, power grid development, decarbonization of industrial zones, and more.
[USA] PJM and utilities want FERC to dismiss the call for colocation settlement discussion
According to a May 5, 2025, filing, PJM transmission owners think that the national interest would be best served by a quick dismissal of the proceeding of a 90-day pause in deliberations over the PJM Interconnection’s rules for colocating data centers at power plants. [1] They urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to dismiss a call for stakeholder settlement talks to instead encourage parties to focus on obtaining service under the rules currently in place. [2] The transmission owners include American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Exelon, FirstEnergy, and PPL Electric. The outcome of FERC’s review could set a precedent for colocated load in the power markets the agency oversees, arriving during a surge in data center development in the US.
[USA] Energy Department slashes 47 costly regulations in mass deregulatory effort
As of May 12, 2025, the US Department of Energy announced the first step in its largest deregulatory effort, proposing the elimination or reduction of 47 regulations. [1] These actions include elimination or modification to consumer appliance standards, regulations limiting building and energy production, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements for grant recipients. [2] The list of regulations targets many longstanding energy efficiency standards for appliances. Trump also signed a series of bills eliminating regulations that were enacted at the end of the Biden administration, making them subject to the Congressional Review Act. This means that Congress and the president can undo rules passed at the end of a previous administration more easily. The rules covered tankless natural gas water heaters, commercial refrigerators, freezers, and walk-in coolers.
[2] https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3143
[Japan] Marubeni and ExxonMobil’s low-carbon ammonia deal marks major step in unleashing new energy supply
As of May 7, 2025, Marubeni Corporation and Exxon Mobil Corporation have signed a long-term offtake agreement for approximately 250,000 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia per year from ExxonMobil’s facility in Texas. [1] The facility is expected to produce carbon-free hydrogen with approximately 98% of CO2 removed and low-carbon ammonia. The ammonia will be supplied by Marubeni to Kobe Power Plant, a fully owned subsidiary of Kobe Steel. Marubeni also agree to acquire an equity stake in ExxonMobil’s low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia facility. The facility is expected to be the world’s largest of its kind, capable of producing up to 1 billion cubic feet (bcf) daily of low-carbon hydrogen, and more than 1 million tons of low-carbon ammonia per year. By Japan’s fiscal year 2030, Kobe Power Plant aims to co-fire low-carbon ammonia with existing fuel, reducing CO2 emissions.
[USA] DOE halts fossil fuel ban for federal buildings
As of May 5, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it has delayed the compliance date for new provisions regarding Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings (CER). [1] The action delays the standards from the previous administration to limit the use of energy sources such as coal and natural gas, to power federal buildings. The original regulations, issued on May 1, 2024, required certain new federal buildings and federal buildings undergoing major renovations to reduce their fossil fuel-generated energy consumption. The delay will be implemented as DOE reviews recently released implementation guidance and a template for petitions for downward adjustments. This review is being undertaken to ensure alignment with the current administration's new energy policies relating to energy security and reliability. As a result of the action, the compliance date will be delayed for one year. During this time, federal agencies are not required to comply with the energy performance standards outlined in the regulations.
[1] https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-halts-fossil-fuel-ban-federal-buildings
[USA] Michigan joins 17 states and DC to sue Trump administration over wind energy halt
As of May 5, 2025, Michigan joined attorneys general (AGs) from 17 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for halting wind energy projects. [1] The plaintiffs, which included New York, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and Delaware, filed the suit against President Trump, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and the Department of Commerce, among others. The AGs allege that their states are being harmed by Trump’s executive order that halted federal approvals for onshore and offshore wind energy projects. In a press release, the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General said that the directive threatens to thwart states’ significant investments in wind industry infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce development, investments that already total billions of dollars. The lawsuit states that “the Wind Directive has stopped most wind-energy development in its tracks, despite the fact that wind energy is a homegrown source of reliable, affordable energy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, creates billions of dollars in economic activity and tax payments, and supplies more than 10% of the country’s electricity.”
[1] https://www.mass.gov/doc/offshore-wind-complaint/download
[Japan] Bison Energy: Three BESS projects win bid in long-term decarbonization auction in Japan
As of April 30, 2025, Bison energy announced that three of its battery energy storage system (BESS) projects of total installed capacity 195,753 kW have successfully won the bid in the Long-Term Decarbonization Auction. [1] The auction is a bidding system that was introduced in 2023 by the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators, Japan (OCCTO). Successful bidders are to supply electricity for 20 years while receiving subsidies for the initial construction and operating costs of the power plants. This enables long-term profit forecasting and supports the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050. The three winning bids are located in Fukushima, Niigata, and Fukui prefectures with the Fukushima project having the highest capacity.
[USA] Summer capacity prices jump to $666.50/MW-day for MISO
As of April 29, 2025, MISO’s capacity prices for the upcoming summer season jumped to $666.50/MW-day from $30/MW-day last year across the operator’s footprint, partially driven by declining surplus capacity, according to the results of its latest planning resource auction. [1] MISO used a reliability-based demand curve for the first time, which introduced a reliability-focused pricing structure that reflects the increasing value of accredited capacity as the system approaches minimum resource adequacy targets. [2] In a press release, MISO’s vice president of system planning and competitive transmission stated that the operator’s market reforms continue to assist in providing pricing signals that improve market efficiency and enhance reliability across the footprint. The auction results leave MISO’s northern and central regions with a 10.1% reserve margin for the summer and its southern region with an 8.7% margin for the same period. Most of MISO’s Load Serving Entities (LSEs) either self-supply or secure the capacity they need prior to the auction. Those that enter the auction to procure capacity must pay the Auction Clearing Price and those holding excess sell it at that price. The impact on consumer costs would vary, depending on the size of capacity shortfalls and the terms of wholesale power purchase agreements or state-regulated retail rates.
[1] https://cdn.misoenergy.org/2025%20PRA%20Results%20Posting%2020250428694160.pdf
[Japan] Press conference regarding response to US tariff measures
As of April 22, 2025, Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced fixed price cuts on gasoline starting in May 2025. Prices will be lowered by 10 yen, or about 7 cents per liter starting in May. [1] The decision follows a proposal made by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party on how to respond to the US tariff measures. In response, the government intends to take immediate action by restructuring the current fuel oil price drastic change mitigation measures and implementing the fixed price reduction measures to address the “old provisional tax rate.” Prime Minister Ishiba stated that diesel oil will be cut by 10 yen per liter, heavy oil and kerosene by 5 yen, and aviation fuel by 4 yen. These measures will be implemented from May 22nd onwards. Additionally, he announced that steps will be taken to support consumers’ electricity and gas bill for 3 months of summer in July, August, and September, when electricity demand usually rises.
[1] https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/103/statement/2025/0422kaiken.html
[USA] EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2025
Published as of April 15, 2025, the Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2025 (AEO2025) explores potential long-term energy trends in the US, including projections of energy consumption and supply. [1] The report can help stakeholders examine the ways in which the US energy system could change through 2050. [2] According to AEO2025, total energy consumption in the US will decline through 2040 before increasing again, due to efficiency and the report’s methodology. The report also indicates significant growth in renewable electricity production through 2050, alongside a decline in coal generation. It forecasts growth from 2.57 quads of wind and solar in 2024 to 13.92 quads in 2050. Coal production will decline from 10.26 quads in 2024 to 2.78 quads in 2050. Meanwhile, natural gas production is expected to rise modestly to 43.5 quads in 2050 up from 40 quads in 2024. In a statement, Department of Energy spokesperson Andrea Woods stated that the report reflects the “disastrous path for American energy production under the Biden Administration.”
[1] https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo/pdf/2025/AEO2025-narrative.pdf
[2] https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-statement-eia-annual-energy-outlook
[USA] FERC approves the PJM capacity auction price cap and floor
As of April 21, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the PJM Interconnection’s proposal to set a price cap and price floor for its next two capacity auctions. [1] This is despite facing opposition from the grid operator’s market monitor LS Power and others. In a 4-0 decision, FERC stated that current market conditions in PJM support a time-limited collar on the capacity market price for two delivery years. [2] The proposal of a $325/MW-day price cap and $175/MW-day floor for its 2026/27 and 2027/28 delivery year base capacity auctions came out of settlement discussions with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. [3] Shapiro filed a complaint at FERC in December seeking to lower the auction’s price cap. Without the collar, the price cap for the next capacity auction in July would have been $500/MW-day and the floor would have been zero dollars. FERC said the proposal represents a balanced approach that addresses past issues with delays by improving short-term cost certainty for electricity consumers and revenue certainty for capacity resource owners. In the meantime, PJM plans to revise key inputs into its capacity price settling process eventually and implement interconnection queue process reforms according to FERC.
[3] https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_number=20250421-3069&optimized=false
[Japan] JERA supplies electricity to BPO sites through solar power PPA
As of April 16, 2025, JERA Co., Inc. began supplying electricity from offsite solar power facilities to PI’s Iwate BPO Fortress last year in June, as part of an effort to move toward zero-CO2 emissions power consumption at all business process outsourcing (BPO) sites run by Prestige International (PI). [1] JERA now announces that it has newly begun supplying it to facilities at six BPO sites in Japan, through an off-site corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) using solar power. Of six sites, one is in the Hokuriku area and the remaining five are in the Tohoku area. As a result, approximately 30% of the electricity used in Tohoku will be sourced from renewable energy derived from the solar power plants. The remaining electricity will be sourced from solar plants in the Chubu area or procured from the market. Eventually, JERA will gradually introduce 24/7 carbon-free electricity at all of PI’s BPO sites, through its subsidiary JERA Cross.
[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20250416_2156
[USA] Trump administration orders Empire Wind offshore wind project construction to cease
As of April 16, 2025, the US Department of the Interior has directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to order the 810 megawatt (MW) Empire Wind 1 project to cease all construction pending further review, announced Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. [1] Burgum alleged that the project was rushed through by the previous administration without sufficient analysis, in a letter to BOEM. [2] The letter states that there was insufficient consultation among relevant agencies as relates to the potential effects from the project, and that construction will remain halted until the deficiencies are addressed. [3] Equinor, the project developer, stated that all offshore construction for the project would be safely halted, but they would engage with relevant authorities to clarify the matter and consider legal remedies. [4] According to a statement by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, D, the New York project is a fully federally permitted one which had already “put shovels in the ground” prior to the President’s executive orders. BOEM had approved Empire Wind 1’s construction and operations plan in February – a final step in the process of authorizing an offshore wind project. The only steps remaining are the lessee’s submission of a facility design report and fabrication and installation report, according to the agency.
[3] https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-74
[USA] Trump administration ordered by court to reinstate IRA funding
On April 15, 2025, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to take immediate action to reinstate the funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that had already been awarded, after the president had frozen it on his first day in office. [1] Judge Mary McElroy of the US District court for Rhode Island ordered the Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Energy, Housing and Urban Development, and Interior and Agriculture to release the awards that were previously withheld, after the ruling. [2] The ruling applies to all awardees across the nation and will remain in effect until McElroy rules on the merits of the lawsuit. The ruling impedes President Trump’s plans to block the Biden administration’s climate funding law, which provides billions of dollars and tax credits for domestic manufacturers. The IIJA provides billions of dollars in clean energy funding. After the funding freeze, six nonprofits sued the agencies in March in an attempt to access their funding, after the other court orders had failed. McElroy’s grant of a preliminary injunction requires agencies to turn the funding back on while the case is pending.
[1] https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.rid.59116/gov.uscourts.rid.59116.45.0.pdf
[2] https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.rid.59116/gov.uscourts.rid.59116.1.0.pdf