, , , ,

Surging Demand for Power Generation

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in power demand as data center, AI and crypto technologies are expanding. The need for reliable and sustainable energy sources has become more pressing as these facilities require significant amounts of energy at all times. With AI driving innovation and increased energy consumption, it is imperative that the nation continues to invest in clean energy solutions to ensure reliability and to meet the unprecedented growing demand. The result of this investment is jobs across the chain for the industry, economic development in the communities we serve, and much needed upgrades to our infrastructure.

The Growth of Clean Energy

Driven by the near-term demand for inexpensive and available generation sources, clean energy is growing in the United States. Renewables now account for nearly 25% of the energy mix in the United States, a figure that continues to rise as investments pour into the sector. The pace of renewable capacity installations is forecasted to double between 2024 and 20301. Solar projects in the US hit record breaking years in 2023 and 2024 and accounted for 66% of all new generating capacity in 2024.3
Globally, renewable electricity generation is forecast to climb to over 17 000 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030, likely accounting for half of the global energy generation. Investment in electric power surpassed other energy projects in 2019, and the gap continues to widen.2.
The competitive costs of renewable energy technologies, combined with the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, make clean energy an economically viable and attractive option for meeting the near and long-term growing power demands. As technology continues to advance, the efficiency of these power sources will only improve, further driving down costs and making clean energy more accessible and immediately available at scale and across the country. The U.S. needs to take a strong “all of the above” approach to generation deployment of which renewables and clean power are positioned to meet this moment of need.

The Role of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are also playing a crucial role in the growth and stability of the renewable energy sector. These long-term contracts between energy producers and consumers guarantee that a predetermined amount of energy will be purchased at a fixed price. By providing financial certainty and stability, PPAs have encouraged investment in renewable energy projects and support their long-term viability.

PPAs mitigate the financial risks associated with renewable energy projects by ensuring a stable revenue stream for energy producers. This predictability attracts investors and lenders, who are more likely to fund projects with guaranteed returns. Consequently, PPAs drive the development of new renewable energy facilities, contributing to the overall expansion of the sector.

Supporting Demand
On the buyers’ side, PPAs offer businesses and organizations a reliable and cost-effective source of renewable energy. By locking in energy prices for the duration of the contract, buyers can hedge against future price fluctuations and reduce their exposure to volatile energy markets while also contributing to their sustainability or clean energy commitments. This investment is particularly valuable for large energy buyers, such as data centers and industrial facilities.

PPAs also help facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the power grid. By providing a guaranteed market for renewable energy, PPAs encourage the development of infrastructure needed to support renewable energy generation. This includes investments in grid enhancements, energy storage solutions, and smart grid technologies that improve the efficiency and reliability of energy distribution.

The Role of AI in Power Demand

Cloud computing and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has contributed to exponential growth and increasing power demand in the United States. AI technologies can require significant computational power, leading to higher energy consumption. Data centers, which are the backbone of AI operations, consume vast amounts of electricity to process and store data. As AI applications expand across industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, the demand for power will continue to grow. Each of the major players within the space, are driving towards gaining their own competitive advantage over one another in a race to deploy much needed DC (direct current) capacity, thus driving forecasted and confirmed load growth to unprecedented levels.

Optimizing Energy Use with AI
While AI contributes to the rising power demand, it also offers solutions for optimizing energy use. AI can be employed to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy systems, predict energy consumption patterns, and manage power distribution. By leveraging AI, the clean energy sector can maximize its potential and ensure that the power grid operates at optimal levels.

Diversifying the Energy Grid
Designing better and more efficient power sources is essential for diversifying the energy grid. A diversified grid reduces the risk of over-reliance on a single energy source and enhances the overall resilience of the power system. Clean energy provides a balanced mix of power that meets the varying demands and at a rapid pace in the very near-term. Integrating renewable energy into the existing power grid requires careful planning and coordination by key stakeholders.

Advances in energy storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, are critical for managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. By storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak times, these technologies ensure a steady and reliable supply of power. These technological advancements improve the grid to be smarter and more diversified, so that it can meet the increasing load growth.

Collaboration to Meet Energy Demand

The successful deployment of clean energy projects requires collaboration among hundreds of stakeholders. Landowners, local government agencies and regulators, partner companies, technology suppliers, and the buyers, either utilities or corporate purchasers, must work together to achieve the growing demand for clean energy solutions. Policy incentives, technological advancements, and public awareness are essential components in driving towards a reliable and sustainable energy future. Education, outreach and community engagement programs help raise awareness about the vast number of benefits that these projects bring.

Local Impacts of Clean Energy Projects

Renewable energy projects have far-reaching economic impacts on communities, fostering local development and job creation. These projects stimulate the local economies by generating employment opportunities in construction, maintenance, and operations of renewable energy facilities. Additionally, they often require support services such as engineering, legal, and management roles, further diversifying the job market and resulting in significant direct, indirect and induced benefits, oftentimes in rural areas of the United States which often have less access to diversified jobs and industries of growth.

In rural areas, utility-scale renewable energy projects provide a stable source of income for farmers and landowners through leases and royalties for land use. The integration of renewable energy into local grids also leads to energy resilience, ensuring that communities have access to reliable and affordable power, which is crucial for economic stability and growth. Working with local communities is paramount to the success of a project as each community has unique needs and concerns for which these investments have proven impactful to provide updated school buildings or local services, ability to invest in teaching staff and curriculum, or even supporting local sports and activities for the next generation growing up in these communities.

The Path Forward

The demand for power generation in the United States presents both challenges and opportunities. We will need all available technologies to meet demand and achieve the energy transition. A balanced energy mix is essential to ensuring the flexibility and efficiency of the energy system. By embracing renewable, clean energy and leveraging the potential of AI, the nation can ensure a sustainable and resilient energy future.

As the demand for energy continues to rise, the importance of investing in and supporting renewable energy cannot be overstated. Together, we can build a future where clean energy powers our homes, businesses, and industries, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable tomorrow.

Sources:
1. Renewables 2024 – Analysis – IEA
2. Economic Growth Now Depends on Electricity, Not Oil – WSJ
3. Solar Market Insight Report 2024 Year in Review – SEIA
4. World Energy Outlook 2024 – Analysis – IEA
5. EnergyConnects.com
6. US National Power Demand Study – 2025
7. www.IEA.org
8. www.bcse.org
9. USSMI-2024 YIR-Executive Summary

/by
, ,

Maintaining Safety in the Energy Industry: Our Nine Life Saving Rules

Building and maintaining a safety culture is critical to business success; ensuring employees feel secure in their work and return home safely to their loved ones each day. Making safety a top priority means that every activity, whether on-site or in the office, is conducted with safety at its core. Our commitment to a safe working environment remains unwavering and is reflected in a comprehensive approach to risk management at the individual level.

The primary objective of any safety culture must be to make sure there is no life at risk. Through rigorous analysis, we have identified a few practical rules that if strictly followed, can prevent most accidents in our operational work. These rules, known as our Life Saving Rules, are designed to protect our employees, customers, contractors, and the communities we serve. They are not just guidelines but essential practices that save lives.


Our Nine Life Saving Rules

1. Be Hooked Up

  • Rule: Clip on your harness when working at height.
  • Falls from height are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities. Using a harness ensures that workers are protected from such risks.

2. Step Aside

  • Rule: Stay out of the path of moving vehicles and plant equipment.
  • Being struck by moving vehicles or equipment can result in severe injuries. This rule helps prevent such incidents by keeping individuals clear of these hazards.

3. Check

  • Rule: Verify that there is no live energy (mechanical, chemical, electrical, fluids under pressure, etc.) before starting work.
  • Uncontrolled energy sources can cause serious harm. Ensuring that all energy sources are de-energized before work begins is crucial for safety.

4. Make Sure

  • Rule: Only enter a trench if the appropriate wall supports are in place.
  • Trench collapses can be fatal. Proper wall supports prevent such collapses, ensuring the safety of workers inside the trench.

5. Control

  • Rule: Test that the atmosphere is safe before entering a confined space and monitor it as you work.
  • Confined spaces can contain hazardous atmospheres. Testing and monitoring the air quality to prevent exposure to dangerous gases and lack of oxygen.

6. Halt

  • Rule: Do not perform hot work until the fire or explosion risks have been eliminated.
  • Hot work can ignite flammable materials, leading to fires or explosions. Eliminating these risks before starting hot work is essential for preventing such incidents.

7. Avoid

  • Rule: Do not walk or stand under a load.
  • Suspended loads can fall unexpectedly, causing serious injuries or fatalities. Staying clear of suspended loads eliminates this risk.

8. Ban

  • Rule: Do not work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including driving.
  • Impairment from alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of accidents. This rule ensures that all workers are in a fit state to perform their duties safely.

9. Stop

  •  Rule: Do not manipulate your phone or any other communication device while driving.
  • Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. Keeping attention on the road prevents such incidents, ensuring the safety of drivers and others.

 

Enforcing our Life Saving Rules

It is not enough to have these rules exist simply as policy. Our daily safety culture ingrains these steps at the individual level. By building trust and dialogue about our commitments to safety, we can always “Think, Talk, and Act” through unsafe situations: our method for following our life saving rules. We think (proactive measures, incident monitoring, and root cause analysis), we talk (communicate around safety), and we act (take the correct measures of sharing safety).

 

We have implemented several measures to ensure compliance and foster a culture of safety:

  • Training: All employees and contractors undergo training on our Life Saving Rules, with real-life examples and decision-making exercises on when you would need to use the rules.

  • Assessment: We conduct regular safety audits, management visits and engagements to ensure that the Life Saving Rules are being followed. Any deviations are promptly addressed, and corrective actions are implemented.

  • Reporting: We encourage open communication and reporting of safety concerns. Employees can report unsafe conditions or behaviors without fear of reprisal. This feedback is crucial for continuous improvement.

  • Leadership commitment: Our leadership team is fully committed to safety, and they promote a safety-first mindset through the organization by spreading awareness on safety practices and leading by example.

  • Empowerment: We ensure that all employees understand that they have not only the right, but also the responsibility to speak out against unsafe practices. Everyone on a site has authority to stop work at any time to ensure safe practices are being followed. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Our Nine Life Saving Rules are vital practices that protect lives. By embedding these rules into our daily operations and fostering a culture of safety, we ensure that every individual at ENGIE feels secure in delivering their best work safely, and most importantly, reunites with their loved ones each day.

/by
, , , , ,

ENGIE Expands Partnership with Ares Management with Addition of Nearly 1 GW Portfolio of Solar and Storage Assets in the U.S.

Additional Portfolio Brings Relationship to 3.7 GW of Investment in U.S. Generation

HOUSTON – ENGIE North America (ENGIE) announced that it recently expanded its partnership with Ares Management Infrastructure Opportunities funds (Ares) via the addition of a new almost 1GW portfolio. ENGIE will retain a controlling share in the portfolio and will continue to operate and manage the assets.

The overall 0.9 GW portfolio consists of three solar projects in operation across ERCOT and MISO, and one co-located battery storage project in ERCOT.

“The expansion of our relationship with Ares reflects the strength of ENGIE’s portfolio of assets and our track record of delivering, operating and financing growth in the U.S.,” said Dave Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer and SVP, ENGIE North America. “The addition of another almost 1 GW of generation and storage to our existing relationship reflects the commitment both ENGIE and Ares have to meeting growing demand for power in the U.S. and continuing to deploy clean energy.”

ENGIE is a leader in the energy transition and currently has more than 11 GW of renewable production in operation or construction across the U.S. and Canada. Globally, ENGIE has 51 GW of renewables and storage in operation, and targeting 95 GW by 2030.

This transaction supports ENGIE’s strategy of continued investment in North America by deepening its partnership with a leading infrastructure investor, recycling capital to facilitate continued expansion of renewable generation to meet strong demand for power in the U.S.

“We are excited to be expanding our relationship with ENGIE through this latest transaction,” said Steve Porto, Partner in Ares’ Infrastructure Opportunities strategy. “We have seen first-hand the ENGIE team’s strength as an operator, and the growth of this partnership reflects our shared confidence in the value proposition of this diversified portfolio and opportunities ahead in the infrastructure sector.”

 

###

 

About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a major player in the energy transition, whose purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. With 98,000 employees in 30 countries, the Group covers the entire energy value chain, from production to infrastructures and sales. ENGIE combines complementary activities: renewable electricity and green gas production, flexibility assets (notably batteries), gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks, local energy infrastructures (heating and cooling networks) and the supply of energy to local authorities and businesses. Every year, ENGIE invests more than $10 billion to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net zero carbon goal by 2045. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges.  For more information on ENGIE in North America, please visit our website at www.engie-na.com or our LinkedIn page.

 

About Ares Management

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for our stakeholders and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of December 31, 2024, including the acquisition of GCP International which closed on March 1, 2025, Ares Management Corporation’s global platform had over $525 billion of assets under management, with operations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

 

Contacts:

 

ENGIE North America

Michael Clingan, External Relations

Michael.clingan@external.engie.com

832-745-6057

 

Ares Management

Jacob Silber | Brennan O’Toole

media@aresmgmt.com

/by
, , , ,

ENGIE Powers Einstein Bros. Bagels with Round-the-Clock Renewable Energy

HOUSTON – ENGIE North America (ENGIE) announced today a contract with Einstein Bros. Bagels, a significant step in its commitment to providing 24/7 renewable energy to commercial customers by 2030, reinforcing the Group’s recently reaffirmed ambition to offer round-the-clock clean energy solutions worldwide. With this contract that runs through May 2027, ENGIE intends to match 90% of the hourly electricity consumption for 25 Einstein Bros.® Bagels locations in Texas with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from a portfolio of wind and solar assets including ENGIE’s Live Oak Wind Project in Texas. ENGIE’s unique position as a developer and operator of both renewable and flexible generation across North America, in addition to its market-leading internal risk management function, facilitates its ability to be a pioneer in this space.

As a major player in the energy transition, ENGIE commits to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions. Leveraging its diversified portfolio of renewable generation, storage, and flexible assets, ENGIE ensures reliable, decarbonized electricity supply to businesses of all sizes. The introduction of ENGIE’s 24/7 matching renewable energy solution in the U.S. to a network of food service locations highlights this commitment.

Achieving 24/7 renewable energy with hourly matching and reporting is a complex and technically challenging feat, compared to annual matching. “It requires tracking the hourly generation of multiple renewable resources and matching the RECs generated therefrom with hourly electricity consumption at the 25 Einstein Bros.® Bagels locations,” said David Benhamou, ENGIE North America’s head of power portfolio management.  

Einstein Bros.® Bagels had previously entered a retail energy supply agreement with ENGIE which was matched annually from ENGIE’s Live Oak Wind Project in Texas.

“At Einstein Bros. Bagels, we recognize the importance of sustainable energy solutions, and we’re proud to take this next step with ENGIE toward a cleaner future. By integrating 24/7 renewable energy matching into a number of our Texas locations, we are reinforcing our commitment to responsible energy use and supporting innovative solutions that drive the industry forward,” said Héctor Briones, CMO for Einstein Bros.® Bagels.

 

###

About Einstein Bros.® Bagels

Einstein Bros.® Bagels is a neighborhood bakery known for endless combinations of fresh-baked bagels and premium double-whipped cream cheese. Also serving a variety of breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, coffee, espresso, sweets and catering, Einstein Bros. Bagels has more than 680 locations throughout the United States. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of Panera Brands, one of the nation’s largest fast-casual restaurant companies, comprised of Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Einstein Bros. Bagels. To learn more, visit www.einsteinbros.com.

About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a major player in the energy transition, whose purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. With 98,000 employees in 30 countries, the Group covers the entire energy value chain, from production to infrastructures and sales. ENGIE combines complementary activities: renewable electricity and green gas production, flexibility assets (notably batteries), gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks, local energy infrastructures (heating and cooling networks) and the supply of energy to local authorities and businesses. Every year, ENGIE invests more than $10 billion to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net zero carbon goal by 2045. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges.  For more information on ENGIE in North America, please visit our website at www.engie-na.com or our LinkedIn page.

Media Contact:

ENGIE North America: Michael Clingan, michael.clingan@external.engie.com, (832) 745 6057

/by
, , , , , , , ,

2024 Full-year Results

Another year of strong operational and financial performance
Proposed dividend of €1.48 per share for 2024


Business highlights

  • Record level of activity in Renewables with 4.2GW added in 2024, bringing total capacity to 46GW1
  • Acceleration in battery storage with more than 5GW of capacity in operation or under construction at 31 December 2024
  • Expansion in power transmission with the award of close to 1,200km in Brazil and Peru
  • Continuous progress in our Net Zero 2045 trajectory with a 55% reduction in GHG emissions from energy production compared to 2017 to 48Mt in 2024.
  • Approval by the European Commission of the final agreement on Belgian nuclear

 

Financial performance

  • High end of the 2024 Guidance achieved with NRIgs2 of €5.5bn, an organic increase of 3.4%
  • EBIT excluding nuclear of €8.9bn, down 5.6% organically versus a high 2023 basis for comparison
  • Strong CFFO3 generation at €13.1bn
  • Maintaining a solid balance sheet with economic net debt to EBITDA ratio at 3.1x stable vs. end-2023
  • Net financial debt and economic net debt at €33.2bn and €47.9bn respectively
  • Proposed increased dividend of €1.48 for 2024, corresponding to a pay-out ratio of 65%


Read more >> 

/by
, , , , ,

Norwood Medical adds ENGIE Wind Power to Sustainability Commitment

DAYTON and HOUSTON – Feb. 5, 2025 – Norwood Medical LLC (Dayton) and ENGIE Resources LLC, a subsidiary of ENGIE North America (ENGIE), announce a five-year renewable energy contract. The agreement brings renewable wind energy from ENGIE to Norwood Medical’s headquarters campus in Dayton.

Under the terms of a five-year agreement, Norwood Medical will initially match 50% of its electricity consumption at ¬¬¬¬¬four locations, increasing its commitment to 100% for eleven buildings over the term, including approximately 120,000 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from ENGIE’s Priddy Wind Project in Texas.

Norwood Medical will procure Green-e® Certified RECs that will ultimately deliver the equivalent environmental benefits of avoiding the greenhouse gas emissions from 52 million pounds of coal burned, or 47,223 metric tons of CO2*. Green-e® RECs are certified by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions to verify exclusive use of renewable electricity within an electricity market.

The agreement supports a Norwood Medical objective to reduce carbon emissions. “We have a goal of 50% reduction of scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 versus baseline year of 2021, and net zero by 2050,” said Jeremiah Allen, Vice President, Engineering. “Reducing our impact on the environment is vitally important. Leveraging renewable electricity will help us hit our goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2021 levels.”

Serving as an advisor on this agreement is Statistical Energy (Dublin, OH). “We are proud to bring together two carbon champions,” said Michael Jackson, CEO/Partner, Statistical Energy. “This agreement is proof that renewable energy can be structured in a manner that addresses market volatility and meets the needs of a growing, commercial electricity customer with a commitment to reduce carbon through renewable energy.”

“Norwood asked us for a comprehensive analysis of their usage, plans for growth, historic prices and the forward fixed market. This led us to a structure with some market-based risk and float on the market, rather than to lock in a price now,” said Ron Cantlie, President/Partner at Statistical Energy. “Norwood chose optionality to lock in later, or not lock at all. It addresses the changing nature of supply and demand on the PJM grid.”


*According to EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.

About Norwood Medical
Based in Dayton, Ohio, Norwood Medical is a premier, full-service provider of advanced medical manufacturing solutions for the Medtech industry. The company’s legacy of expertise in complex machining dates back as far as the 1920s. Now, solely focused on medical manufacturing, Norwood has earned a reputation for tackling complex parts and projects that other contract medical manufacturers are unable to produce. Today, the company is a market leader serving leading medical OEM customers across a broad range of products and applications. Norwood Medical is committed to a carbon-neutral world through reducing energy consumption and leveraging renewable energy.

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 97,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our Linkedin page or Twitter/X feed.

About Statistical Energy
Statistical Energy LLC (Dublin, OH) advises industrial and commercial companies on how to optimize energy costs on both sides of the utility meter with sophisticated energy procurement strategies and by reducing unnecessary energy consumption. The end-use customer portfolio currently under management represents more than 500 million kWh in electricity and over 1.5 million MCF in natural gas.

 

Media Contacts:

Norwood Medical
937-228-4101

Statistical Energy
Michael Jackson
614-301-3748

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan
michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

/by
, , , , ,

ENGIE signed 4.3 GW of new Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in 2024

In 2024, ENGIE won 4.3 GW of PPA deals, up from 2.7 GW in 2023, equivalent to 136 TWh of electricity supply. These 85 agreements cover 5 continents: North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. ENGIE confirms its position as a global leader on the PPA market, with a total portfolio of 14 GW of PPAs already contracted.

This performance includes new contracts with Meta in the United States, the expansion of the global partnership with Google including new developments in Belgium and the United States, as well as agreements with other tech companies. ENGIE also signed contracts in new sectors such as utilities, chemicals and in the medical field.

The PPA market is driven in recent years by the growing need for decarbonized electricity in all sectors, particularly in the technology and digital sectors where new energy-intensive uses such as AI have emerged.

ENGIE stands out with a commercial performance of 1.5 GW of PPAs signed in North America, reflecting the high demand for renewable electricity in this region. The contracts signed in 2024 cover eight new projects, with production expected between 2024 and 2026. Among these projects is the Chillingham park (350 MW) located near Austin, north of Texas, ENGIE’s largest solar project to date in the United States.

In addition to PPAs related to the supply of electricity from solar, wind, and hydro assets, ENGIE is a pioneer in the field of Biomethane Purchase Agreements (BPAs), for which it signed several major contracts, such as with Arkema or BASF in 2024.

“In 2024, we confirmed our leading position in the PPA market thanks to our cutting-edge expertise in energy sales to meet a wide range of demand profiles and our diversified renewable asset base. In 2025, we will continue to expand on the fast-growing PPA market, particularly in the United States, as we continue to develop our offer to provide customers with tailor-made supply solutions.” said Edouard NEVIASKI, Executive Vice President in charge of Supply & Energy Management.



About ENGIE
ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. With its 97,000 employees, clients, partners and stakeholders, the Group strives every day to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose statement, ENGIE reconciles economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its clients. Turnover in 2023: €82.6 billion. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40, Euronext 100, FTSE Euro 100, MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World, Euronext Vigeo Eiris – Europe 120 / France 20, MSCI EMU ESG screened, MSCI EUROPE ESG Universal Select, Stoxx Europe 600 ESG-X).


ENGIE HQ Press contact:
Tel. France : +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35
Email: engiepress@engie.com
https://twitter.com/ENGIEnewsroom


Investor relations contact:
Tel. : +33 (0)1 44 22 66 29
Email: ir@engie.com

/by
, , , , , ,

Interconnecting Renewables to the Grid: Opportunities, Challenges and the Future

As energy demand grows, so does the demand to interconnect renewable energy resources to the grid. According to Queued Up: 2024 Edition, an annual study on the characteristics of power plants seeking interconnection in the US published by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL), there is currently more than 1,480 GW of zero-carbon generating capacity seeking transmission access. Although generating capacity and demand grow, grid interconnection remains one of the top challenges for renewable energy.

However, with several major rulings and proposals, there have been important developments in the transmission and interconnection space—from increased interconnection request requirements and costs, to getting the most out of the existing grid with Alternative Transmission Technologies (ATTs). The below explores the current setting and how to navigate the challenges of interconnecting renewable resources to the transmission grid.

FERC Order No. 2023

In response to the interconnection backlog, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 2023 which aims to streamline the interconnection process. This reform required a cluster study approach across all the Independent System Operators (ISO) and Transmission Owners (TO), which attempts to study a group of projects within the same electrical region or zone at once. To standardize the process, the order also increased readiness requirements through a first ready, first served approach.

This regulation poses both challenges and opportunities for organized and non-organized energy markets. The cluster study approach minimizes study time and reduces cost, since traditionally the utilities would study projects serially. However, it also introduces delay in the study process and dependency on other projects studied in the cluster.

In large clusters with more than 20-30 projects it is very difficult to isolate multiple “what if” scenarios and understand the cost implications if other projects decide to drop out of the queue or don’t advance forward. The uncertainty in terms of cost and schedule is far more uncertain in a cluster process.

The organized markets (i.e. the ISOs) have already implemented much of what Order 2023 requires. This includes the cluster studies and requirements like withdrawal penalties, site control, and higher interconnection deposits. Since these requirements have already been implemented by multiple ISOs such as CAISO, SPP, PJM, and MISO, the impacts here are minimal.

Where FERC Order 2023 has greater implications is the non-organized markets. This is also where most of the queue was serial and the cost of entry was fairly inexpensive. Although the changes in these markets will eventually be helpful, there have been some challenges and delays to active projects as the utilities try to transition to the FERC Order 2023 guidelines.

The Order still leaves a gap on how to tie the interconnection process to long-term planning needs, thus exposing the generators to cost and schedule risks and uncertainties. It also leads to inefficiencies in how the system is planned, which is not only inefficient but also more expensive — not only for the developers but also for the rate paying customers.

FERC Order 1920

In 2024, FERC issued Order 1920 which aims to proactively plan for the future transmission system, including the interconnection of new generating resources. These reforms require proactive multi-driver and multi-benefit long term planning that considers any system upgrades identified through the interconnection process. This order also takes into account the integration of Alternative Transmission Technologies and Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to offer potential solutions for a more predictable and efficient energy grid. The criteria laid out in order 1920 aims to extend and apply to not only long-term planning but also the joint targeted interconnection queue, long range transmission planning and intra-regional planning efforts led by various ISOs.

The aging grid and new technologies

The U.S. power grid was designed for a different era and now faces the challenge of integrating renewable energy sources. FERC Orders 2023 and 1920 require transmission providers to evaluate Alternative Transmission Technologies such as dynamic line ratings, advanced power flow devices, and advanced conductors. These technologies, while not mandated, offer a bridge to faster and cheaper renewable energy integration.

Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs)

GETs can typically be deployed in months, if not weeks, and are considerably cheaper than their long-term counterparts. To-date, these GETs have been used in operational scenarios, specifically topology optimization, so it’s in the independent power producers (IPPs) interest to study the benefits of these technologies on their project. Most of the IPPs have performed studies to evaluate cost benefit and then proposed to TOs to implement.

So far, IPPs have evaluated and studied dynamic line rating and topology optimization. These have been deployed by many utilities in their current operating scenarios, while managing outages. The next step is to have enough studies to show the benefits and establish a proactive process for proper evaluation and implementation on the TO side. After several years of effort working with MISO, there is a process to get them evaluated in that grid operator. Some of our recent efforts have also come to fruition in ERCOT, but in SPP we still haven’t been able to make a breakthrough.

Just a few years ago, there was little-to-no discussion happening on how to adopt these grid enhancing technologies. Today, there are several FERC Orders such as 881, 2023 and 1920 that demonstrate the need for adopting GETs not only in the operational environment but also as we plan the grid in transmission planning. FERC Order 1920 requires that GETs be evaluated as the ISOs andTOs plan the system.

Challenges and opportunities for IPPs in GETs adoption

The biggest challenge for IPPs is the lack of clarity and transparency in the evaluation of proposing GET solutions. This is true in both the interconnection process as well as during the operational process. There is no one-stop-shop to where the criteria, contacts and processes are listed, so the evaluation is not transparent for the interconnection customer.

However, the biggest opportunity is that these solutions are win-wins for interconnection customers (IC), ISO’s and TOs. In a study done by ENGIE and New Grid (a TO software provider), by reconfiguring just three constraints resulted in approximately $151M USD market congestion costs saving annually. This was done with minimal investment and was deployed within one month. These congestion costs savings not only help the ICs, but the savings transfer to the rate payers.

Solving this congestion problem will eventually help end customers, who are the main stakeholders for any ISO/TO. We are in a time where ISO/TO do not have to do this on their own, but they can count on ICs as their partners — where we can collaboratively provide detailed technical studies, feedback, and reviews to develop this process. The modern grid needs modern solutions, and GETs are a part of that solution.

Need for future reforms

FERC Order 1920 and 2023 are good initial steps, but there is still more work to be done. Several additional reforms are needed to speed up the interconnection backlog include:

1. Requiring study automation, including quality check reviews to ensure the information passed on to stakeholders is reliable. This should include setting up an independent interconnection study monitor.

2. Fast track projects that do not need or already have network upgrades.

3. Require that all the cost-effective solutions (such as GETs) are studied and evaluated when a transmission constraint is identified during the interconnection process.

4. Ensure transparency of the reporting of transmission construction phases to stakeholders.

The above and more reforms have been proposed by industry groups to FERC, and hopefully we see more improvements coming down the pipeline.

/by
, , , ,

ENGIE and Meta announce new 200 MW renewable energy agreement expanding existing relationship to meet growing power demand

HOUSTON – https://www.engie-na.com/ (ENGIE) and Meta announced they recently completed a second Environmental Attributes Purchase Agreement (EAPA) in 2024. The agreement will see ENGIE supply 200 MW of renewable energy and associated environmental attributes from its Anson 2 solar project in Jones County Texas furthering support of Meta’s growing power needs in line with its net zero goals.

Meta will purchase environmental attributes and energy from the facility which is expected to commence operation in late 2025. Anson 2 solar project was developed by ENGIE, who will also construct and operate the project located northwest of Abilene, Texas.

“We are excited to expand our relationship with Meta, increasing the provision of renewable power that supports their growth and aligns with their net zero commitments,” said Dave Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer and EVP, ENGIE North America. “This is the second agreement we completed with Meta in 2024 and reflects our commitment to develop and operate projects that meet the needs of our customers. We are delighted to further our collaboration with Meta, working together to meet growing demand for power in the U.S. and accelerate the energy transition.”
The 200 MW from Anson 2 will add to the more than 12 GW of renewable energy procurement already announced by Meta.

“We are delighted to be deepening our collaboration with ENGIE, making the clean energy transition a reality through the projects we are working on together,” said Urvi Parekh, Global Head of Energy, Meta. “Since 2020, we have maintained net zero emissions in our global operations – these efforts are supported by relationships such as those with ENGIE with a strong track record of delivering and operating projects that support our operations, help meet our energy needs and implement our net zero goals.”

The Anson 2 project is expected to employ over 300 skilled workers during construction, many of them local to the region and generate more than $56 million in tax revenues to support the local community over the life of the project. This includes some $28 million to local school districts. Once operational it will expand the existing ENGIE portfolio of around 8 GW of renewable projects including solar, wind and battery storage in operation or construction across North America.

This agreement continues to reflect ENGIE’s position as one of the leading providers of power purchase agreements (PPA) globally.

###

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with its 97,000 employees around the globe, clients, partners and stakeholders, the Group strives every day to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose statement, ENGIE reconciles economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its clients. In North America, ENGIE helps its clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contacts:

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

Meta
Ashley Settle
ashleysettle@meta.com
650-512-3565

/by
, , , , ,

Meeting Future Power Needs

It is estimated that the world will need more than 93 million miles of transmission lines, the distance between the Earth and the Sun, to face future power needs (IEA, 2023). Over the past 120 years, 50 million miles of transmission lines have been developed, but experts say we will need an additional 40 to 50 million miles in the next 30 years to keep up with growing demand.

The impact of increased electrical consumption and renewable energy
This rising development is due to increased electrical consumption (electric vehicles, data center development, AI acceleration, etc.) and the evolution of renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources now allow us to focus on developing generation in the places where it is most efficient to do so, instead of having to necessarily be close to our direct customers. In the past, generators were incentivized to develop thermal plants as close as possible from the consumption area to enable better cost efficiency. But today, with renewable energy sources, the focus is generation efficiency. This opens up more options, such as choosing a wind corridor or vast enough land in the desert to deploy a solar plant.

Distance is a major factor to the current delay in keeping up with power demand, as transmission line buildout cannot keep up. This is a huge challenge that we, as an industry, need to prioritize — helping to facilitate faster infrastructure and power generation development. It is critical that we work together to accelerate our decisions and investments to help face these challenges.

Balancing generation and demand
Even if we are successful at accelerating the extension of transmission lines, the operation of our power grid is still a huge roadblock. Increase in power usage, coupled with intermittent renewable power generation, challenges the balance between generation and demand.

The need for energy storage solutions
There’s no doubt that providing power to cover the demand peak in our future is an issue that keeps us up at night. We all know power is very difficult to store, but something must change. We must look at assets that enable flexibility on the grid, such as battery storage or pumped storage, but let’s not forget the importance of green or low-carbon gas. The energy transition needs the alliance of the electron and the molecule. It is important for us to work together, and center the business model, to develop assets involving the synergy between gas and electricity. The affordability and feasibility of the transition depends on it.

The role of gas in the energy transition
Recent pragmatic policies have emerged, calling for new thermal plants to be built (such as in Texas or in the United Kingdom). It is believed that we cannot handle the demand peak, and keep energy affordable, without gas-fired plants until well into the transition. With these gas-fired plants, we should remain open to “hydrogen ready” options, as well as the maturement of renewable gases such as biomethane and e-methane.

Reviving the debate on underground gas storage
The important role gas can play in meeting power demand has also revived the debate around underground gas storage. Embedded in the natural gas seasonal economy, storage is often forgotten in future planning. It has the capability of providing fast cycling services, enabling a mid-term storage delivery (storing gas for several days with the aim for it to become power) which is a smart complement to batteries (storing power for several hours).

Proven solutions for reliable grid service
The industry must consider solutions that are proven to deliver reliable service to the grid — supporting peak generation. At ENGIE, we operate fast cycling storage in the United Kingdom and are actively working on a Hydrogen Underground Storage Business Model with the UK government. As we investigate opportunities to assist with transmission and grid congestion, we must take into consideration lead time on the execution of solutions (such as underground storage), as well as the regularity of investment decisions to enable a delivery at the right time.

Shaping the future of energy
At this moment, it’s exciting to work in the energy industry, as we have been given the opportunity to collaboratively shape the energy systems of the future. By utilizing renewables sources for generation efficiency, looking at assets that enable flexibility on the grid, remaining open to hydrogen-ready options, and valuing underground gas storage, we are empowering low-carbon energy solutions to meet the unprecedented demand for power and facilitate faster infrastructure and power generation development.

/by