Matthew Jennings

Our grid and our grid security is in serious need of upgrades. We need to upgrade the security of our existing grid while also ensuring our new grid deployments are secure. The DOE recently announced $15 million in grants to establish six university-based centers to address a region’s unique cybersecurity and workforce training needs. The lead campuses for the other centers will be in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Texas. Recent funding will create a new cybersecurity center based at Iowa State called CyDERMS, the Center for Cybersecurity and Resiliency of DERs and Microgrids-integrated Distribution Systems. DERs are distributed energy resources such as wind and solar farms or energy storage technologies. Microgrids are local DER grid systems that can be connected to or isolated from the larger grid. Closing or isolating grid connections can help maintain service during cyberattacks or damaging storms. #gridsecurity #microgrid #vpp https://lnkd.in/eitAFWVY

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Mark Nelson, Managing Director of Radiant Energy Group, appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box this morning to discuss the latest developments in big tech investments in nuclear energy. His appearance coincided with Amazon's announcement of a $500+ million investment to develop nuclear reactors in partnership with X-energy. During the interview, Nelson highlighted the emerging trend among tech giants: "What we'll start to see is a race between the biggest tech companies to make bigger and bigger, more immediate investments in nuclear power." Nelson emphasized the significant shift in the industry's approach to energy: "After a decade of pointing the public, the government, and non-profits in one direction...what we're seeing now is that the big tech companies are finally stepping up to a leadership position...to deploy the nuclear that will benefit all of society." These insights underscore the pivotal role nuclear energy is poised to play in powering the future of technology and data centers. Check out the full interview below: https://lnkd.in/gq_KqqVG

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Natural gas prices have affected electricity rates in Texas less and less in recent years. Still, it's a factor. Let's discuss this latest development and what it means to your long-term energy management plan at your convenience. #ERCOT

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How do you decarbonize the grid and lower energy costs at the same time? VPPs The report’s authors created a detailed model of a Mountain West grid and nationwide network of VPPs for the year 2035. They compared the results of that model to a portfolio without VPPs, concluding that VPPs “can reduce costs and carbon [emissions] while maintaining reliable grid operations.” By 2035, VPPs could prevent up to 12 million to 28 million tons of carbon, 2-4% of projected U.S. power sector emissions, researchers found. They also determined that fully integrating VPPs into the grid could lower net generation costs by 20% or $140 per household each year, reduce carbon emissions by 7%, add 200 MW of renewable capacity to the grid, and avoid the need for 1.5 GW of new gas-powered generation units. #vpp #virtualpowerplant #renewableenergy https://lnkd.in/gvXffsmw

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https://lnkd.in/erB6TYdJ Recent rulings from FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Vexcel Data Program is here to soothe those nerves and help with a path forward.   In the midst of regulatory changes, having access to current and high resolution aerial imagery can provide clarity and confidence in decision-making. With georeferenced data at your fingertips, navigating compliance requirements become easier.   Don't let regulatory rulings disrupt your current roadmap. Empower yourself with Vexcel’s georeferenced aerial imagery and stay ahead of the game!   #FERC #RegulatoryCompliance #AerialImagery #DecisionMaking #Empowerment #Transmission

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Chris Nelder and I discuss load growth, utility incentives, regulatory responses, and how it's all affecting the energy transition in this episode of The Energy Transition Show. I try to explain why utilities are eager to add gas in response, and what cleaner, lower risk alternatives they can pursue instead. Tune in and if haven't already, subscribe to Chris's great podcast. https://lnkd.in/gJWSMkHh

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Realizing this is a snapshot in time but why do utilities and consumers have to deal with the rollercoaster. Look at all the news the past couple of weeks when the stock market went up and down a few times. They call it volatility. It makes people nervous and stressed. If there is one thing we as an energy industry need is stability in energy prices. Yes, wind and solar have caused the volatility with their intermittent and low capacity factor but we need the wind and solar too. What is truly needed is a market that values base load generation for what it does to ensure reliability and avoid the volatility like this. If base load generation is valued properly we would see more utilities and developers investing in the right resources for the grid which is a balanced approach (all of the above).

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Since the implementation of #ERCOT Contingency Reserve Service (ECRS), a new type of reserve to support grid reliability as more intermittent renewable generation enters the market, several changes have been observed. In our recent ERCOT Summer Outlook, we did a deep dive into how coal and #naturalgas generators are offering energy into the market post-implementation. The results of our analysis show that the changes to daily economic strategies have been quite varied. The visual below depicts specific thermal generators in Texas that have adjusted their operational strategies when offering generation into the market. The graphic shows the change in these generator bids when comparing averages of January to March in 2023 and 2024. Possible explanations for these changes include increased competition due to growth in #renewables, limited reserve availability during summer 2023, or the implementation of ECRS stretching the thermal stack to serve both energy and ancillary service needs. While the first reason may explain the lowering of bid blocks, the latter two possibilities would explain the increase shown. While all of these explanations are possibilities generator bidding strategies are ultimately competitive and unique to fit specific needs. To find out more about how generation is bidding into the market, or to request access to our Summer Power Market Outlooks, contact us here: https://okt.to/d0ROoL

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Since the implementation of #ERCOT Contingency Reserve Service (ECRS), a new type of reserve to support grid reliability as more intermittent renewable generation enters the market, several changes have been observed. In our recent ERCOT Summer Outlook, we did a deep dive into how coal and #naturalgas generators are offering energy into the market post-implementation. The results of our analysis show that the changes to daily economic strategies have been quite varied. The visual below depicts specific thermal generators in Texas that have adjusted their operational strategies when offering generation into the market. The graphic shows the change in these generator bids when comparing averages of January to March in 2023 and 2024. Possible explanations for these changes include increased competition due to growth in #renewables, limited reserve availability during summer 2023, or the implementation of ECRS stretching the thermal stack to serve both energy and ancillary service needs. While the first reason may explain the lowering of bid blocks, the latter two possibilities would explain the increase shown. While all of these explanations are possibilities generator bidding strategies are ultimately competitive and unique to fit specific needs. To find out more about how generation is bidding into the market, or to request access to our Summer Power Market Outlooks, contact us here: https://okt.to/9WniBT

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Interesting that this was once one of the best performing plants in the world only to be closed due to economics. Gas plus PJM market rules leading to short terms considerations.

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The US Power grid faces ongoing challenges, with reports painting a worsening picture. The Inflation Reduction Act has unintended consequences, highlighting the need for improved grid management. Integrating renewables poses exponential complexities, a domain where the natural gas industry has long thrived. A recent report sheds light on the critical state of the grid. #PowerGrid #Renewables #EnergyManagement

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On April 14th Utility Dive reporter Diana DiGangi published a story with a headline "Georgia Power receives approval to add 1.4 GW of natural gas generation". Both the headline and the subheading is misleading. Georgia Power received approval to add 4.4 MWs of fossil fuel resources to their generation mix, including a MS Power coal plant (Plant Daniel) under regulatory order to shutter in 2027 due to its uneconomical status for MS Power customers, and the continuation of Ga Power's planned retirement of Plant Scherer, and an oil burner at Plant Yates. The subtitle is especially offensive, dismissing intense opposition to expanding fossil fuels from a wide range of parties as "environmentalists". Perhaps Ms. DiGangi didn't see the Department of Defense attorney John McNutt tear into Georgia Power during hearings, reminding them that the U.S. military is asking for expanded clean energy that this plan does not mention, while claiming huge data center demand is driving emergency requirements for expensive coal, gas and oil, yet those customers are hypothetical? Please stop referring to people opposed to expanding fossil fuels generally, and this terrible fossil fuel plan specifically, as 'environmentalists'. It's not true. There were dozens of opponents of all types. This approval should never have been granted, and the fact that it was speaks to the regulatory capture of the Georgia PSC, whose failure to regulate in the public interest is well known.

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Schaper Energy Consulting is Covering Exciting News from Devon Energy! Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN) has just announced a monumental acquisition in the Williston Basin and an expansion of its share-repurchase authorization by 67%, reaching a total of $5 billion. This strategic move solidifies Devon's position as a top player in the energy sector and promises significant benefits for its shareholders. Key Highlights: Strategic Acquisition: Devon Energy is acquiring the Williston Basin business of Grayson Mill Energy for $5 billion. The deal includes $3.25 billion in cash and $1.75 billion in stock, with an effective date of June 1, 2024. This acquisition enhances Devon's oil production and operating scale, adding 307,000 net acres and increasing oil production to an average of 375,000 barrels per day. Financial Impact: The transaction is immediately accretive to Devon's key financial metrics, including earnings, cash flow, and net asset value. The assets were acquired at less than 4-times EBITDAX, with an estimated free cash flow yield of 15% at an $80 WTI oil price. Devon’s board has also expanded its share-repurchase authorization by 67% to $5 billion through mid-2026. Operational Benefits: The acquisition brings significant operational advantages, including a high-margin production mix and midstream infrastructure ownership, generating over $125 million of EBITDAX annually. Devon expects to realize up to $50 million in annual cash flow savings from operating efficiencies and marketing synergies. Shareholder Value: The accretive nature of this acquisition to free cash flow means increased returns for shareholders. Devon anticipates an improved dividend payout in 2025 and beyond, maintaining a strong financial position with a projected net debt-to-EBITDAX ratio of approximately 1.0 times upon closing. Midstream Assets: The acquired business includes 950 miles of gathering systems, disposal wells, and crude storage terminals, providing marketing optionality and access to multiple end-use markets. This infrastructure enhances Devon's operating margins and supports long-term growth. What do you think? Learn more about Schaper Energy Consulting and our engineering services at https://schaperintl.com/.

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