Energy News for week ending April 7, 2017

Welcome to this week’s edition of New England Energy News.

Let’s start with a State House News Service article on Wicked Local that reports that Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions are down 21 percent compared to 1990. State law requires emissions by 2020 that are 25 percent lower than 1990 levels, and emissions in 2014 were 21 percent below 1990 levels, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. In his article, Michael Norton notes that the greenhouse gas debate is clouded by many factors, including a switch in the policy posture towards energy from the Obama to Trump administrations, the cost and availability of reliable renewable energy resources, natural gas dependence and infrastructure, the pace of the energy storage market development, and plans to close Pilgrim Nuclear Station in 2019.

This week Vox.com gives us a beginner’s guide to the 100 percent renewable energy debate. They say, “it’s not about whether to go to zero carbon, but how to get there.” And, that’s where the dispute comes in. “On one side are those who say we should transition to an electricity system powered entirely by renewables. On the other side are those who say that the primary goal should be zero carbon, not 100 percent renewables…so that in addition to wind, solar, and the rest of the technologies…we’re also going to need a substantial amount of nuclear power and fossil fuel power with carbon capture and sequestration.” Interesting debate. Check it out.

In NH, the Union Leader looks at “Dueling plans to deliver more power.” The article gives a side-by-side comparison of Northern Pass and National Grid’s proposed transmission line dubbed the Granite State Power Link. From timing, to cost savings, to rights of way and delays – the article gives a concise look at the two projects and what comes next for each.

Have a great weekend and if you can, find some time to watch The Masters Golf Tournament. Even if you’re not into the sport, the beautiful course, flowers, trees and birds chirping in the background will give you a nice taste of the spring weather that’s on the way.

Natural Gas/Pipeline

Natural gas price spike hikes New England power prices: report, Platts

Lifeline or Pipedream? EBA Panels Debate Need for More Gas in NE, RTO Insider

Lynch requests suspension of Weymouth compressor project, Wicked Local Weymouth

Rehoboth selectmen draft letter to state opposing compressor station, The Sun Chronicle

Rehoboth voters say ‘no’ to compressor station, WPRI 12 Eyewitness News

Eversource averts strike by gas workers, The Boston Globe

Eversource to Continue Expanding Natural Gas Infrastructure for Norwich Customers, Patch.com

Officials: Construction caused gas-line rupture in Providence, The Providence Journal

Natural-Gas Leak Puts Pressure on Fossil-Fuel Projects, ecoRI news

FERC OKs Atlantic Bridge Construction Despite Challengers, Natural Gas Intelligence

Conservation groups urge Baker to oppose new pipelines, Amherst Bulletin