Two studies conducted by Duke University researchers have found substantial cost and time savings are possible with flexible “connect and manage” interconnection of utility-scale solar and solar-plus-storage projects, reports PV Magazine. The lead researcher for both studies, Duke Ph.D. student Tyler Norris, reported the findings to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in advance of a workshop next week. 

Proposed legislation in the U.S. Senate seeking to speed federal permitting processes for energy projects and strengthen the electric grid is likely positive on balance, said Jackson Ewing, director of energy and climate policy at the Nicholas Institute.

State policymakers seeking to capitalize on the energy transition for the benefit of their constituents must embrace transition-friendly policies, writes Forbes contributor John Kostyack. As an example, Kostyack cites a recent Nicholas Institute policy brief that shows how the direct pay and transferability tax provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act could be “chained” to enhance the benefits for both community organizations and renewable energy developers.

Chaining is an emerging concept to further incentivize private clean energy investment through tax credits established or expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act. A new policy brief by the Nicholas Institute and Grove Climate Group offers a primer on how chaining would work and its potential benefits.

Are you a Duke University alum with plans (or potential plans) to attend Climate Week NYC (September 22-29) or the UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 11-22)? Duke University experts will again take part in these important convenings alongside climate thought leaders and decision-makers from across the world—and we are eager to connect with Duke alumni who will also be joining.

Some of the United States' premiere environmental laws of the 1970s—such as the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act—need to be reformed to more quickly meet today's environmental goals. Jackson Ewing, director of energy and climate policy at the Nicholas Institute, told Newsweek the U.S. must adopt policies that allow for different permitting processes or accelerated approval for renewable energy and infrastructure projects before beginning construction.

The “From Billions to Trillions” summit convened stakeholders at Duke University on Feb. 28 to create a shared vision for unleashing private capital for climate solutions. The summit featured public officials, business leaders, and Duke faculty sharing insights on how the influx of federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act, and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will impact and stimulate private green investment.

Energy Pathways USA hosted a briefing about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s newly released power sector regulations on May 7. Nicholas Institute expert Tim Profeta, former EPA special counsel for the power sector and senior advisor, explained the new standards for existing coal and new gas-fired power plants, outlined the key implications and questions for U.S. decarbonization and answered attendee questions.

The potential for connectivity among Asian carbon markets is significant, with economic, environmental, and strategic benefits anticipated. However, uncertainty persists regarding the extent and nature of market integration. This webinar, including a presentation by Director of Energy and Climate Policy Jackson Ewing, discussed the history and experiences on carbon market linkages, and the potential benefits, barriers to linkages, and paths forward for Asian carbon market connectivity in light of evolving international carbon market trends and policies. The forum is part of the Regional Cooperation and Integration Policy Open Dialogue Webinar Series, organized by the Asian Development Bank's Regional Cooperation and Integration Division.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released four pollution rules that could largely remove coal from the U.S. power grid by the early 2030s, reports E&E News. “These are very significant and important rules for the general transition of [the power] sector,” said Tim Profeta, senior fellow at the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability.