US Eases Gasoline Rules Early to Ease Pump-Price Pressure

US eases gasoline rules early to ease pump-price pressure

The EPA will allow E10 gasoline sales with a higher Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) from September 1 and waive additional state controls in Texas, Arizona and California for up to 20 days, aiming to ease tight supply and curb pump prices. U.S. regular gasoline averaged $4.10 per gallon on August 20, versus about $3.13 a year earlier, amid disruption linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. 

The measure is a fast, administratively simple supply-side intervention that may provide modest near-term regional relief by expanding blending flexibility. Still, it cannot materially offset crude-price or geopolitical risk. It also represents a short-term affordability trade-off against summer smog-control standards, with political urgency amplified ahead of November’s midterms.

Singapore awards Tuas Power 670 MW hydrogen-ready plant for 2031

Tuas Power will commission a 670MW hydrogen-ready combined-cycle gas plant by December 2031, supporting Singapore’s rising power demand and replacing retiring generation capacity. The facility can co-fire up to 30% hydrogen while relying primarily on natural gas and retaining diesel as backup; the capital cost is estimated at SGD 700 million-SGD 1 billion. Singapore expects peak demand to rise from roughly 8GW in 2025 to 9.6–11.4GW by 2031, driven by electrification, data centres, and industrial growth. 

This is primarily a security-of-supply investment with a decarbonisation option, rather than a near-term clean-power solution: emissions reductions hinge on affordable, genuinely low-carbon hydrogen becoming available at scale. It strengthens system flexibility but risks extending gas dependence if hydrogen supply chains and pricing do not mature.

ScottishPower completes £19m Southern Scotland grid upgrade

ScottishPower’s Energy Network has completed a £19m refurbishment of the Gretna–Chapelcross 132kV transmission line, upgrading 14.23km of overhead network to improve long-term reliability and resilience in southern Scotland. The project used six local contractors, supported 11 energy-industry trainees, planted three native trees for every tree or shrub removed, and reused materials including 600 tonnes of stone for local track improvements. 

This is a practical example of transmission investment delivering wider “just transition” benefits: stronger grid infrastructure is essential for electrification and renewables. At the same time, local procurement, skills development, and circular-material practices help retain economic value in the region. However, the release does not quantify reliability gains, emissions reductions or biodiversity outcomes, limiting assessment of its full climate impact.

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SSE Advances €300m Biofuel Power Station in Ireland

SSE has delivered the 335-tonne Ansaldo turbine for its 300MW Tarbert Next Generation Power Station in County Kerry, Ireland. This keeps the up to €300 million project on track for completion in late 2027. Replacing the site’s retired oil-fired plant, the biofuel-capable station is intended to supply flexible power when renewable generation is low and demand is high; construction supports around 200 jobs, followed by 14 permanent roles.

The project highlights a pragmatic transition pathway: dispatchable capacity can reinforce Irish system reliability as wind and solar expand, but its climate value will depend on credible sustainable-biofuel sourcing, lifecycle emissions, and clear limits on fossil-fuel operation. Alongside SSE’s planned Platin plant, it signals substantial private investment to address Ireland’s security-of-supply gap.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Louis Velazquez on Unsplash