Wood Pellets Market Soaring: Renewable Energy Fuels Growth

The global wood pellets market is experiencing a significant upswing driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy sources and the decline in reliance on fossil fuels. This market is projected to reach USD 5.89 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.09%. This growth is fueled by the shift towards cleaner energy sources in the power industry, particularly in countries like China and India, where coal power plants are being replaced with renewable alternatives. Wood pellets, a carbon-neutral energy source, are emerging as a viable replacement for coal in power generation and heating applications.

WattBridge Expands Texas Power Portfolio, Adding 384 MW to Support Growing Energy Demand

WattBridge Energy, an independent power producer, has commissioned its sixth generating facility in Texas, the Remy Jade Generating Station. This new facility, powered by eight LM6000 gas turbines, adds 384 MW of dispatchable power to the ERCOT grid, supporting nearly 2 million homes. WattBridge’s commitment to grid resilience and energy security is further demonstrated through its four projects totaling 1,600 MW submitted to the Texas Energy Fund, aiming to expand its portfolio to nearly 5,000 MW.

India Orders Gas-Based Power Stations Operational Amidst Anticipated Heatwave

As India braces for a potential heatwave, the government has ordered all gas-based power plants to be operational from May 1 to June 30 to meet the anticipated increase in power demand. The move aims to avoid a repeat of last September’s record high demand of 243 gigawatts, which is projected to reach 260GW this summer. Despite the growing concerns over climate change, India’s National Electricity Plan estimates a surge in domestic coal consumption and production in the coming years.

Coal-Based Plants Allowed to Sell Surplus Power in Power Market

The Ministry of Power has clarified that coal-based thermal plants can use linkage coal to offer surplus power in the power market. This move aims to optimize the utilization of generating stations as India anticipates a hotter-than-normal summer with a record peak demand of 260 GW. The clarification enables thermal power plants to sell surplus electricity generated using linkage coal in the power exchange. The Ministry has also instructed imported coal-based thermal power plants to operate at full capacity until October 15, and idling gas-based thermal plants to remain operational from May until the end of June.

AI Data Center Boom Could Drive Surge in Natural Gas Demand

Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers are expected to contribute to a significant increase in natural gas demand in the second half of the decade. According to a report from Tudor Pickering Holt & Co, an additional 8.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day may be required to meet the growing power needs of AI data centers. This increased demand could have a positive impact on pipeline operators and gas producers.

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