➤ Ameren files plan to add 3,100 MW of renewables by 2030, exit coal by 2042

Ameren Corp. told Missouri regulators it intends to phase out carbon emissions over the next three decades, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To do so, the utility intends to invest nearly $8 billion in renewable energy over the next two decades, accelerate coal plant retirements and extend a nuclear power plant operating license.

➤ New York comptroller comes out against new gas-fired units at Gowanus project

In a letter to the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment, New York City's comptroller asked the agency to reject a plan by Astoria Generating Co. LP to replace old combustion turbines situated on barges at the facility with eight new gas-fired units.

➤ Regulators want utility grid investment, but no blank check for bill increases

U.S. utility commissioners contend they are working to encourage the companies they regulate to pursue necessary investments in innovation and grid modernization while protecting consumers in the midst of a global pandemic.

OTHER NEWS

* In a report examining paths to achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050, the International Energy Agency has reiterated its argument that this goal will be "virtually impossible to reach" without carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies.

* Italy's third in a series of seven renewable auctions drew a lukewarm response with only around 430 MW of capacity requested from 1.34 GW offered.

* There are 38,846 MW of U.S. solar power projects planned for completion by the end of 2024 that include distinct, disclosed utility interconnects.

CHART WATCH

Coal-fired generation has declined to just 17.9% of the net total domestic generation this year to date, compared to the same time period in 2019, when it accounted for 24% of the total.

RESEARCH

* NM commission abruptly changes leadership

* South Carolina legislators open study into electric market reform measures

QUOTED

"The massive size and financial strength of the oil majors may position them best as future consolidators and leaders of a broader energy industry. They need to become energy, not just oil and gas companies, if they want to really change their colors." — S&P Global Ratings credit analysts, in a research note that said that the crash in oil prices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic gives more major oil producers the opportunity to follow the European majors and cut spending on oil volumes and invest instead in renewables.