Energy Brief: Policy, Power, and Global Markets
U.S. plans $12B critical minerals stockpile
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will build a $12 billion stockpile of rare earth elements and other critical minerals to counter reliance on China, using a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and nearly $2 billion in private funds.
Senate considers cuts to EV transportation funding
The Senate is weighing a House-passed funding bill that would cut $900 million for electric transportation programs, including $500 million for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
House bill targets faster mining on federal land
The House will consider legislation this week aimed at accelerating mining activity on federal land, aligning with Trump administration orders designed to boost domestic mineral production.
NHTSA to revisit heavy-duty vehicle mileage rules
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to propose rolling back Biden-era fuel economy standards for heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans.
Residential power prices surge as data centers drive demand
According to Yale Climate Connections, residential electricity prices in the U.S. increased 25% between 2020 and 2024. Science writer Karin Kirk said prices are rising fastest for households, while most demand growth is coming from data centers.
Kansas Speedway area targeted for massive data center
A New York-based developer has purchased more than 150 acres for a proposed $13 billion hyperscale data center campus near Kansas Speedway west of Kansas City.
World Energy Brief
Venezuelan oil exports rebound sharply
Venezuelan oil exports climbed to roughly 800,000 barrels per day in January, up from 498,000 bpd in December, after the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro and the lifting of an oil blockade, according to shipping data.
Russian gas flows to Europe rise via TurkStream
Russia’s natural gas exports through the TurkStream pipeline increased 10.3% in January from a year earlier, Reuters calculations showed, as Gazprom boosted supply through the remaining route to the EU.
Siemens Energy commits $1B to U.S. manufacturing
Germany’s Siemens Energy announced a $1 billion investment to expand U.S. manufacturing of gas turbines and power grid equipment, including expansions at four plants, the restart of another, and construction of a new factory.
China’s solar capacity set to overtake coal
China’s top electricity industry group said the country’s solar generating capacity is expected to surpass coal-fired power for the first time this year.
Ørsted sells European onshore renewables unit
Ørsted will sell its European onshore renewables business to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners for $1.7 billion as it works to shore up finances following challenges in U.S. offshore wind development.
China bans hidden car door handles
China is banning hidden door handles on all vehicles sold in the country, becoming the first nation to target the design feature popularized by Tesla due to safety concerns.