** India may build new coal-fired power plants as they generate the cheapest power, according to a draft electricity policy document seen by Reuters, despite growing calls from environmentalists to deter use of coal.
** NextEra Energy Partners said on Monday it would acquire a 391-megawatt (MW) portfolio of four operating wind assets from Brookfield Renewable for $733 million, as renewable power takes up a record share of global electricity production.
** A planned $3.1 billion merger of two Australian miners, Orocobre Ltd. and Galaxy Resources Ltd. is set to create one of the world’s biggest producers of lithium products key to meeting fast-growing global demand for electric vehicle batteries.
** FTC Solar Inc. set terms for its initial public offering on Monday, with plans to offer 18.4 million shares priced at $18 to $20 each. The company, which makes solar tracker systems, has applied to list on Nasdaq, under the ticker symbol ‘FTCI.’
** A group of investors managing $11 trillion in assets, including Pimco, the world’s biggest bond investor has called on banks to set tougher emissions targets ahead of a meeting of world leaders aimed at accelerating efforts to fight climate change.
** Enbridge settles a lawsuit with a shipping firm that damaged the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac in 2018.
** Rivian is preparing to start electric vehicle production in June at a former auto plant in central Illinois.
** A state lawmaker introduces a bill to make Louisiana a “fossil fuel sanctuary state” that could nullify federal policies that harm the oil and gas industry.
** Mississippi Power says it will close the last of its coal-fired plants and some aging natural gas plants to meet a goal set by state regulators of cutting 950 MW of capacity.
** General Motors and LG Energy Solutions announce a $2.3 billion Tennessee battery plant that will support GM’s auto factory next door.
** Interior Secretary Deb Haaland ordered the creation of a new climate task force on Friday that would “coordinate work across the Department, including accelerating renewable energy development and identifying actions to foster investments in energy communities.”