Energy Digest

Daily Summaries & Key Takeaways of Power & Energy Updates
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Last Updated: November 21, 2025 at 01:01 PM
18
News & Articles
1
Research Papers
1

Australia’s Raystech to supply 1 GWh of Sungrow battery storage in 2026

Summary

Raystech Group has signed agreements with Sungrow to supply 800 MW of solar inverters and 1 GWh of battery energy storage systems in Australia. These deals cover residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications, and are expected to support the growth of renewable energy in the country. The partnerships will also help expand Sungrow's presence in the Australian market.
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Key Takeaways

  • Raystech Group has signed agreements with Sungrow to supply solar inverters and battery storage systems, covering a total capacity of 800 MW of solar inverters and 1 GWh of battery energy storage.
  • The deals include large-scale distribution agreements for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications, indicating a strong focus on meeting Australia's growing demand for renewable energy.
  • The partnerships with Sungrow are part of Raystech's efforts to expand its presence in the Australian market, as well as strengthen its relationships with key players in the industry.
2

Santa Cruz County publishes draft BESS zoning ordinance, officials delay environmental review by another three months

Summary

The Santa Cruz County Community Development and Infrastructure Department has published a draft zoning ordinance regulating the deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The ordinance aims to provide clear guidelines for BESS installations, but its publication has sparked concerns about delays in environmental reviews. The county's decision to delay environmental review by another three months may impact the development timeline.
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Key Takeaways

  • Santa Cruz County is the latest California jurisdiction to develop a zoning ordinance for battery energy storage systems (BESS), indicating growing regulatory interest in BESS deployment.
  • The publication of the draft zoning ordinance aims to provide clarity and consistency in BESS installations, but its release has led to concerns about environmental review delays.
  • The delay in environmental review by another three months may slow down the development timeline for BESS projects in Santa Cruz County.
3

Trump Admin Is Pushing Polluting Fossil Fuels Across United States

Summary

The article discusses how the Trump administration is actively promoting and pushing polluting fossil fuels across the United States, despite the growing importance of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
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Key Takeaways

  • The Trump administration's policies are seen as contradictory to the growth of clean energy technologies.
  • The push for polluting fossil fuels may undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
  • The article suggests that the actions of the current administration have significant implications for the country's energy policy and the environment.
4

VIDEO: Surviving energy storage nightmares – true tales and expert advice

Summary

The article discusses a webinar hosted by Energy-Storage.news and GridBeyond, where experts share their experiences and advice on overcoming common challenges in energy storage systems. The webinar aims to provide insights and strategies for mitigating issues such as scalability limitations, quality control problems, and grid integration complexities. By sharing true tales of successes and failures, the webinar hopes to educate attendees on how to navigate the complexities of energy storage.
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Key Takeaways

  • Energy storage systems often face scalability limitations, requiring careful planning and consideration to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
  • Quality control is crucial in energy storage, as even small issues can have significant impacts on system performance and overall reliability.
  • Effective grid integration is essential for widespread adoption of energy storage, necessitating collaboration between utilities, grid operators, and technology providers.
5

Efficient solar PV cooking with sand-based thermal energy storage

Summary

Scientists in Ghana have developed a device that combines solar PV-powered steam cooking with sand-based thermal energy storage. The system, which achieved a thermal efficiency of 38.9%, uses a conventional steam cooker with a sand container filled with quarry sand to store heat. This innovative setup has shown promise for efficient and sustainable solar-powered cooking.
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Key Takeaways

  • The device combines solar PV electricity with sand-based thermal energy storage (TES) to achieve high thermal efficiency, with a value of 38.9%.
  • The system consists of a steam cooker with a water chamber, where steam is generated by heating water, and a sand container filled with quarry sand for thermal energy storage.
  • The development marks a novel area in integrating steam cooking with TES in solar PV-electric systems, offering potential for efficient and sustainable solar-powered cooking.
6

Oscal releases 2 kWh battery for home, off-grid, on-grid use

Summary

The article reports on Oscal's launch of a portable energy-storage system, the Power Max 2400 Pro, which features a 2 kWh battery and can be expanded to 22.1 kWh capacity. The system delivers 2400 W output, has 16 ports, and offers app-based control with built-in audio and lighting features for home, travel, and off-grid use.
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Key Takeaways

  • The Oscal Power Max 2400 Pro is a portable LiFePO₄ energy-storage system that can be expanded to 22.1 kWh capacity using additional battery modules.
  • The system delivers 2400 W output and has 16 ports, including 12 V/24 V interfaces for RV and truck users.
  • The device offers app-based control, lifestyle features such as audio and lighting components, and can be used for both off-grid power sources and connecting to a home's on-grid setup.
7

Engie completes 800 MWh battery in Belgium, considers expansion

Summary

Engie has successfully commissioned its 200 MW/800 MWh battery in Vilvoorde, Belgium, and is now exploring the possibility of expanding the project to a total capacity of 300 MW/1,200 MWh. The battery energy storage system was completed ahead of schedule and just two months after the completion of the first half of the project. This milestone marks Engie's largest battery park in mainland Europe.
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Key Takeaways

  • Engie has fully commissioned its 200 MW/800 MWh battery in Vilvoorde, Belgium, making it one of Europe's largest battery parks.
  • The company is considering expanding the project to a total capacity of 300 MW/1,200 MWh, which would increase its energy storage capabilities.
  • The battery energy storage system was completed ahead of schedule, just two months after the completion of the first half of the project.
8

Classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer gets a battery electric makeover [video]

Summary

A Texas-based tuning firm, Vigilante 4×4, has developed an electric skateboard chassis to transform the classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer into a modern, all-electric SUV. The project aims to prove that the company is more than just a hot rod shop, showcasing its capabilities in electric vehicle design and engineering. This bespoke makeover offers an exciting glimpse into a potential future for classic vehicles.
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Key Takeaways

  • Vigilante 4×4 has developed a bespoke, all-electric skateboard chassis designed specifically for the classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
  • The project demonstrates the company's capabilities in electric vehicle design and engineering, showcasing its versatility beyond traditional hot rod restomods.
  • The electric transformation of the classic Grand Wagoneer represents an exciting opportunity to reimagine iconic vehicles as modern, environmentally friendly SUVs.
9

Sheep Make The Case For Solar Power In Deep Red Coal State

Summary

A new solar grazing project in Monongalia County, West Virginia, is being promoted as a potential catalyst for increased adoption of utility-scale solar power in the traditionally coal-dependent state. The project's success could help shift public perception and pave the way for more solar initiatives. This effort aims to demonstrate the viability of solar energy in an area previously resistant to renewable energy.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • A new solar grazing project in Monongalia County, West Virginia, is being developed as a potential catalyst for increased adoption of utility-scale solar power.
  • The project's success could help shift public perception and pave the way for more solar initiatives in traditionally coal-dependent states like West Virginia.
  • Solar energy may be viable in areas previously resistant to renewable energy, such as deep-red coal states.
10

Is AI’s power problem becoming the US energy storage market’s golden opportunity?

Summary

The development of data centers is seen as a potential savior for the US battery energy storage system (BESS) industry, which has been facing challenges due to AI's growing power consumption. As AI continues to advance and become more powerful, it requires increasing amounts of electricity, leading to a surge in demand for renewable energy sources. The BESS market can benefit from this trend by providing cost-effective energy storage solutions.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • The growth of the data center industry could create a significant demand for battery energy storage systems (BESS) as AI and other power-hungry applications continue to drive electricity consumption.
  • As AI's power requirements increase, BESS providers can capitalize on this trend by offering energy storage solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
  • The US BESS market has the potential to become a golden opportunity for companies looking to supply energy storage solutions to support data center operations and other power-intensive applications.
11

Utility operating systems at the grid edge pose an overlooked risk

Summary

The article highlights the overlooked risk of utility operating systems at the grid edge, which can pose a vulnerability to the entire power and energy system. Utilities often focus on network security and access control, but neglect to address the underlying operating systems that manage these systems. This oversight can lead to serious consequences, including potential disruptions to the grid.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • The utility operating system remains a vulnerable foundation for the power and energy system, despite its importance.
  • Utilities tend to focus on network security and access control, but neglect to address the underlying operating systems that manage these systems.
  • This oversight can lead to serious consequences, including potential disruptions to the grid.
12

The week in 5 numbers: Power outages stretch, data center load overstated

Summary

The article discusses the rising winter peak demand for power, outpacing the rate of new resource additions. A bribery scandal has resulted in a massive payout, while data center load is being overstated. These trends suggest challenges in meeting increasing energy demands.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • Winter peak demand is rising faster than the addition of new resources.
  • A recent bribery scandal has ended with a substantial payment, indicating corruption and potential regulatory issues.
  • Data center load is being overstated, raising concerns about accurate energy consumption tracking.
13

New FERC commissioners say connecting data centers is key priority

Summary

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has identified connecting data centers as a key priority, indicating the growing importance of infrastructure to support the increasing demand for data storage and processing. This focus on data center connectivity is part of FERC's broader efforts to streamline permitting processes for various energy projects. Additionally, the agency will also examine ways to simplify permitting for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydroelectric projects.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • Connecting data centers is a key priority for FERC, highlighting the growing need for infrastructure to support the increasing demand for data storage and processing.
  • The agency aims to streamline permitting processes for various energy projects, including data centers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, and hydroelectric projects.
  • FERC's focus on simplifying permitting processes suggests an effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its regulatory framework.
14

Sheep Make The Case For Solar Power In Deep Red Coal State

Summary

A new solar grazing project in Monongalia County, West Virginia, is being promoted as a potential catalyst for increased adoption of utility-scale solar power in the traditionally coal-dependent state. The project's success could help shift public perception and pave the way for more solar initiatives. This effort aims to demonstrate the viability of solar energy in an area previously resistant to renewable energy.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • A new solar grazing project in Monongalia County, West Virginia, is being developed as a potential catalyst for increased adoption of utility-scale solar power.
  • The project's success could help shift public perception and pave the way for more solar initiatives in traditionally coal-dependent states like West Virginia.
  • Solar energy may be viable in areas previously resistant to renewable energy, such as deep-red coal states.
15

Is AI’s power problem becoming the US energy storage market’s golden opportunity?

Summary

The development of data centers is seen as a potential savior for the US battery energy storage system (BESS) industry, which has been facing challenges due to AI's growing power consumption. As AI continues to advance and become more powerful, it requires increasing amounts of electricity, leading to a surge in demand for renewable energy sources. The BESS market can benefit from this trend by providing cost-effective energy storage solutions.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • The growth of the data center industry could create a significant demand for battery energy storage systems (BESS) as AI and other power-hungry applications continue to drive electricity consumption.
  • As AI's power requirements increase, BESS providers can capitalize on this trend by offering energy storage solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
  • The US BESS market has the potential to become a golden opportunity for companies looking to supply energy storage solutions to support data center operations and other power-intensive applications.
16

Utility operating systems at the grid edge pose an overlooked risk

Summary

The article highlights the overlooked risk of utility operating systems at the grid edge, which can pose a vulnerability to the entire power and energy system. Utilities often focus on network security and access control, but neglect to address the underlying operating systems that manage these systems. This oversight can lead to serious consequences, including potential disruptions to the grid.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • The utility operating system remains a vulnerable foundation for the power and energy system, despite its importance.
  • Utilities tend to focus on network security and access control, but neglect to address the underlying operating systems that manage these systems.
  • This oversight can lead to serious consequences, including potential disruptions to the grid.
17

The week in 5 numbers: Power outages stretch, data center load overstated

Summary

The article discusses the rising winter peak demand for power, outpacing the rate of new resource additions. A bribery scandal has resulted in a massive payout, while data center load is being overstated. These trends suggest challenges in meeting increasing energy demands.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • Winter peak demand is rising faster than the addition of new resources.
  • A recent bribery scandal has ended with a substantial payment, indicating corruption and potential regulatory issues.
  • Data center load is being overstated, raising concerns about accurate energy consumption tracking.
18

New FERC commissioners say connecting data centers is key priority

Summary

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has identified connecting data centers as a key priority, indicating the growing importance of infrastructure to support the increasing demand for data storage and processing. This focus on data center connectivity is part of FERC's broader efforts to streamline permitting processes for various energy projects. Additionally, the agency will also examine ways to simplify permitting for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydroelectric projects.
Read Full Article →

Key Takeaways

  • Connecting data centers is a key priority for FERC, highlighting the growing need for infrastructure to support the increasing demand for data storage and processing.
  • The agency aims to streamline permitting processes for various energy projects, including data centers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, and hydroelectric projects.
  • FERC's focus on simplifying permitting processes suggests an effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its regulatory framework.

Technical papers from ArXiv - for readers interested in academic research

1

Spatially Dependent Sampling of Component Failures for Power System Preventive Control Against Hurricane

Summary

The article discusses a new approach to modeling spatial dependence in component failures of power systems during hurricanes. The proposed method generates correlated meteorological intensity random variables, which enables joint sampling of multiple component failures. This approach captures long-tailed scenarios and reveals more extreme events than conventional methods, improving the realism of scenario generation for preventive control.
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Key Takeaways

  • Strong spatial correlations in weather intensity lead to interdependent component failures, regardless of their mean value level.
  • The proposed spatially dependent sampling method uncovers more high-severity scenarios that are missed by independent sampling.
  • Preventive control requires balancing load curtailment and over-generation costs under different scenario severities, and ignoring failure correlations can result in underestimated risk from high-severity events.