Our energy industry is evolving. It is a time of surprising developments and new ideas. Themed “Generation to Generation: An Energy Evolution,” this Update examines the direction and magnitude of some of the changes and the forces in play.
What are the emerging themes and trends defining the energy industry?
Energy Supply, Demand, and Markets
What are the issues in competitive electric markets, and what can be done? How is the U.S. power generation mix changing, and what are its implications? With so much happening for both new and existing nuclear power plants, what is the outlook for that sector? Given still-prolific domestic natural gas production and export capacity development, what are prospects for increased liquefied natural gas exports?
Why is Illinois the best-kept secret in grid modernization? How have state initiatives set the foundation for a modernized grid? What are the prospects for power transmission development, and how are needs changing in a renewable, distributed energy world?
What is community choice aggregation, and why does it matter? What are the benefits and challenges that come with it? What are the implications for incumbent utilities?
Everyone says a lot of solar can make it harder to manage the grid. What three things—the “solar trifecta”—could allow “smart solar” to actually help us manage the grid? What is happening with more traditional energy resources such as energy efficiency and pumped-storage hydropower?
Take a step back and consider what is happening, what it means, and where our industry is headed. Access our webcast recording to hear our industry experts share their views and field questions related to bid-based wholesale power markets, the future of utility-scale solar, and grid investment.
Since 1983, we have served more than 400 clients, including 20 of the top 20 energy utilities. We have performed more than 3,000 projects across every energy utility business unit and every function.
Change is in the air, and many of our industry challenges are being converted into opportunities by our clients. Energy industry technologies, business and operating models, and markets are evolving—or must evolve—to accommodate new types of energy resources making their way onto the grid. What are some of the big themes and trends? Read more
Trying to make the economic theory work: FERC seeks a price formation construct in competitive electric markets that provides the “right” price signals. Read more
Markets and industry players adapt to shifting fuel mix, with long-term implications still to be seen. Read more
One major nuclear new build project has been abandoned, one forges ahead, and others are taking a cautious stance. Read more
As U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity is set to grow, worldwide LNG trade heats up. Read more
Thanks to grid modernization efforts and proactive ratemaking, Illinois has laid the foundation for distributed energy resources. Read more
Even as distributed resources grow in interest and on the ground, continued transmission investment is needed. Read more
As communities use aggregation to secure renewable resources, implications for incumbent utilities and their customers are unclear. Read more
Improvements in solar technology offer the promise of energy plus multiple grid services competitive with gas-fired generation. Read more
States continue to target energy efficiency, and its potential remains high, fortified by technology improvements. Read more
A large installed base of energy storage may get a bit larger. Read more
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