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EIA Estimates Record U.S. Electric Generating Capacity Additions in 2026, with Solar in the Lead

LCG, February 20, 2026--The EIA today issued an "in-brief analysis" that estimates U.S. power plant developers and operators plan to complete a record installation of 86 GW of new, utility-scale electric generating capacity that is connected to the U.S. power grid in 2026. Last year, 53 GW of new capacity was added to the grid, which was the largest capacity installation in a single year since 2002. Thus the estimate of 86 GW of new capacity in 2026 is a whopping 33 GW greater than the year prior. It should be noted that over 20 GW of the 86 GW of new capacity this year is estimated to be completed in December.

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Enhanced Geothermal Systems May Drive Significant Growth in Geothermal Power Generation

LCG, February 19, 2026--The EIA released an "in-brief analysis" today regarding the expected completion of the first, large-scale commercial enhanced geothermal system (EGS) in June 2026, and the significant growth potential for year-round, 24x7, carbon-free, renewable EGS power generation in the United States.

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Industry News

Valero Board Approves Bay Area Refinery Cogenerator

LCG, March 20, 2001Valero Energy Corp., a petroleum company that recently purchased a San Francisco Bay Area refinery and gasoline stations from Exxon Corp., said yesterday its board has approved investment of $57 million in a cogeneration power plant for its refinery in Benicia, in the East Bay near the mouth of the Sacramento River.

The 51 megawatt facility, which would make the refinery self-sufficient during ordinary times, could be completed by April of next year, if the permitting process runs smoothly never a sure thing in California.

Valero said the decision, made before yesterday's rolling blackouts in California, was in response to the state's power shortage.

Rich Marcogliese, a Valero vice president and plant manager at Benicia, said "It is critical that we keep our refinery running because any power interruption could mean significant downtime, which could ultimately lead to gasoline supply shortages and price spikes. What's more, this project will allow us to retire some older, less efficient boilers, which will lower our air emissions."

Valero said the production of the cogeneration unit will be equal to or greater than the average power demand of the refinery. Additional power will be purchased as required to meet peak demand or, sold as available during low-demand periods.

The cogenerator will be fueled with light gases produced as refinery by-products, the company said, and steam produced by the unit will allow the refinery to retire older, less efficient steam generating equipment.

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