New factories that produce electric vehicles and their batteries are bringing more jobs to the Southeast, but utilities are scrambling to meet their electricity needs with run-of-the-mill power plants. with natural gas instead of renewable energy, according to the report Energy News Network.
According to the report, anticipated demand from the auto industry—as well as data centers and solar panel manufacturing—is leading utilities to forecast single-digit percentage growth annually for by the end of the decade in some areas.
That’s a big change considering demand has been flat—or falling—in most of the United States over the past decade and a half.
Groundbreaking ceremony of Scout EV factory
In the Southeast, major utilities appear to be more focused on natural gas as a solution to meeting this anticipated demand. The Georgia Public Service Commission just this week approved Georgia Power’s plan to build three new methane and oil-burning plants, as well as buy power from sister company Mississippi power, delaying the shutdown one of that company’s coal-fired plants, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center.
According to the report, Duke Energy recently added more gas-fired plants to provide electricity in North Carolina and South Carolina, and lawmakers in the latter state quickly built another gas-fired plant new. And the federal Tennessee Valley Authority is reportedly developing a plan that could include new gas-fired power plants to replace coal plants.
Electricity from natural gas is generally better than electricity from coal—or gasoline itself, in cars—but it still pollutes, producing sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), etc. And of course there’s CO2, so it provides no carbon benefit Energy from solar, wind or hydroelectric sources. Even if electricity demand increases to meet forecasts and additional generation capacity is needed, the question remains whether continuing to use natural gas is necessary instead of adding renewables .
Kia EV is made in Georgia
This is reminiscent of concerns that were expressed years ago when automakers began announcing them new electric vehicle factory and battery manufacturing facility in places where cheap coal energy can be purchased. The majority of electric vehicle and battery factories are located in Southern states eager for jobs, but leading the way is Republicans fight paradoxically policies to encourage electric vehicle production but will generally be willing to take credit for the production that incentives provide.
Once electric vehicles and their batteries are built, Mesh upgrades may also be necessary to support charging, a 2020 report claimed. But various studies show that eventually, electric vehicles will Reduce long-term electricity costs.
