CLEAN ENERGY: Solar is set to make up half of new U.S. electric generation installed this year, followed by battery storage, while the pace of wind additions is expected to decline. (S&P Global)

ALSO:
• Renewables and nuclear power are poised to meet almost all of the world’s growing electricity demand over the next three years, displacing fossil fuels along the way, the International Energy Agency finds. (Washington Post)
• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs legislation requiring the state’s utilities to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. (MPR News)

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POLITICS:
• President Biden celebrates passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and calls out the “existential threat” of climate change in his State of the Union, pointing out measures to boost electric vehicle and clean energy adoption while condemning fossil fuel companies’ record profits last year. (Grist, E&E News)
• Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and Republicans wanted President Biden to mention energy permitting reform in his State of the Union, saying it’s needed to roll out the Inflation Reduction Act’s promised clean energy deployment. (E&E News)

OIL & GAS:
• Private teams are using new technology to track offshore oil’s methane emissions, finding actual emissions are likely far higher than fossil fuel companies report. (DeSmog)
• Minnesota’s largest electric co-op wants the option to burn fuel oil at an existing gas peaker plant, which environmental groups call a step backward that will increase air pollution. (Energy News Network)

CARBON STORAGE: Two tech companies inject carbon dioxide into freshly poured concrete, demonstrating a potential new way to safely store carbon and reduce the cement industry’s carbon footprint. (Washington Post)

GEOTHERMAL: Viewing geothermal as part of its climate strategy, a Vermont gas utility identifies possible locations for its first networked geothermal project. (Energy News Network)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Cities across the U.S. are scrambling to install more electric vehicle chargers to encourage EV adoption, while studies and advocates note the importance of prioritizing low-income households and renters when placing chargers. (Axios)

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ELECTRIFICATION:
• The Inflation Reduction Act’s narrow definition of inverters that qualify for tax incentives is making some manufacturers hesitant to expand domestic manufacturing of the pieces necessary for expanded electrification. (Solar Power World)
• Eugene, Oregon, votes to prohibit natural gas hookups in new low-rise residential buildings and becomes the state’s first city to enact such a ban. (KLCC)

COMMENTARY:
• The world doesn’t need “miracle” technologies to combat climate change, and instead needs to quickly install solar and other proven clean energy, an environmental engineering professor writes. (Guardian)
• President Biden’s State of the Union encapsulates his success on creating jobs while boosting clean energy deployment and confronting climate change, writes the head of the Natural Resources Defense Council. (USA Today)

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Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.