Energy Digest

Daily Summaries & Key Takeaways of Power & Energy Updates
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Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 06:00 PM
17
News & Articles
1
Research Papers
1

De-Risk the Energy Transition with Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing

Summary

The article discusses the benefits of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing for power and energy systems, particularly in validating protection schemes, renewable integration, and HVDC systems before deployment. HIL testing enables closed-loop simulation with actual hardware, reducing risk and accelerating commissioning. It is applied across various sectors, including renewable energy and microgrids.
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Key Takeaways

  • Phasor-domain simulation is insufficient for capturing transient phenomena in inverter-dominated grids.
  • Real-time electromagnetic (EMT) simulation using HIL testing allows for closed-loop testing with actual hardware.
  • Hardware-in-the-loop testing reduces risk, accelerates commissioning, and validates multi-vendor interoperability.
2

SmartestEnergy US Partners with GridBeyond to Optimize Three Energy Storage Resources in ERCOT Totalling 29.7 MW

Summary

SmartestEnergy US has partnered with GridBeyond to optimize three energy storage resources in the ERCOT market, totaling 29.7 MW. This partnership aims to leverage GridBeyond's advanced technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of energy storage systems. The collaboration is expected to enhance the overall energy management and trading process.
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Key Takeaways

  • SmartestEnergy US has partnered with GridBeyond to optimize three energy storage resources in the ERCOT market, totaling 29.7 MW.
  • The partnership aims to leverage advanced technology, including price forecasting, bid optimization, and trading capabilities, to improve energy storage system efficiency.
  • This collaboration is expected to enhance the overall energy management and trading process in the ERCOT market.
3

INTEC Chosen to Build 50-MW Solar Power Facility in Germany

Summary

INTEC Energy Solutions has been selected by a leading European renewable energy investment group, AUKERA, to lead the construction of a 50-MW solar power plant in Lachendorf, Germany. This project marks an expansion of INTEC's involvement in European renewable energy projects. The solar farm is expected to contribute to Germany's growing renewable energy landscape.
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Key Takeaways

  • Global renewable energy contractor INTEC Energy Solutions has been commissioned as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for a 50-MW solar power plant in Lachendorf, Germany.
  • This project highlights INTEC's growth in European renewable energy projects, underscoring its commitment to contributing to a sustainable energy future.
  • The successful selection of INTEC underscores the increasing importance of solar energy in Germany's renewable energy landscape, as the country continues to invest in clean energy solutions.
4

Key takeaways from China-EU Solar & Energy Storage Industries Dialogue 2025

Summary

The China-EU Solar & Energy Storage Industries Dialogue 2025 brought together solar and storage industry leaders from both regions to advance cross-border partnerships, launch a bilateral storage collaboration platform, and coordinate strategies for scaling PV and battery deployment. The forum highlighted the growing interdependence between Chinese manufacturing scale and European strengths in system integration and finance. China aims to continue its rapid growth momentum, entering the "terawatt era" with significant cumulative PV installations.
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Key Takeaways

  • China and Europe have agreed to deepen cross-border cooperation in the solar and energy storage industries to address record PV additions, rising storage demand, and complex market dynamics.
  • A new bilateral storage cooperation platform has been launched, providing warehousing, logistics, recycling, and technical support for Chinese companies operating in Europe and European players seeking opportunities in China.
  • Industry leaders emphasized the need for collaboration to tackle the challenges of terawatt-level growth, citing past successes as an example of how good cooperation built strong companies in both regions.
5

U.S. data center power demand could reach 106 GW by 2035: BloombergNEF

Summary

The power demand for data centers in the US is expected to reach 106 GW by 2035, according to a forecast from BloombergNEF. This represents a 36% increase from its previous estimate and surpasses expectations. The growth in power demand is attributed to an increasing number of AI applications and speculative proposals.
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Key Takeaways

  • The power demand for US data centers is projected to reach 106 GW by 2035, with a significant increase of 36% from the April forecast.
  • The growth in power demand can be attributed to the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and potential speculative proposals.
  • The forecast suggests that an "AI bubble" or excessive speculation on data center projects may be fueling the higher-than-expected load growth projections.
6

Why wireless monitoring belongs in every utility’s security plan

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of wireless monitoring in utility companies' security plans, highlighting its benefits in closing blind spots, supporting critical infrastructure protection, and speeding up incident response. Wireless monitoring can provide real-time insights into radio frequency spectrum activity, enabling utilities to detect potential threats more effectively. By incorporating wireless monitoring, utilities can improve their overall security posture.
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Key Takeaways

  • Monitoring the radio frequency spectrum helps close blind spots in utility companies' security plans, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of potential threats.
  • Wireless monitoring supports critical infrastructure protection by providing real-time alerts and insights into potential vulnerabilities, enabling swift action to prevent disruptions.
  • The use of wireless monitoring speeds up incident response by providing utilities with immediate information about incidents, reducing the time it takes to respond and mitigate the impact.
7

After Ohio’s landmark decisions on HB 6 utility scandal, what’s next?

Summary

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has ordered FirstEnergy's three regulated companies to pay $250 million for violations linked to the state's largest-ever utility corruption scandal, with over $186 million being refunded or credited to consumers. This ruling comes after landmark decisions on HB 6, a key aspect of the scandal. The outcome marks a significant step towards accountability in the case.
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Key Takeaways

  • FirstEnergy's three regulated companies have been ordered to pay $250 million for violations linked to the state's largest-ever utility corruption scandal.
  • Over $186 million of the total amount will be refunded or credited to consumers, marking a positive outcome for affected customers.
  • The ruling comes after landmark decisions on HB 6, highlighting the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions in the scandal.
8

FRV and AGL advance 2,200MWh of grid-forming battery energy storage in Australia

Summary

Two significant battery storage system developments in Australia, led by FRV Australia and AGL Energy, have made substantial progress with a combined capacity of 2,200MWh. These projects aim to enhance the country's renewable energy integration and grid stability. The milestones reached indicate significant advancements in the development and implementation of large-scale battery storage systems.
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Key Takeaways

  • The developments mark a major milestone for Australia's energy storage sector, with a total capacity of 2,200MWh.
  • These projects aim to improve the country's renewable energy integration and grid stability by storing excess energy generated from solar farms.
  • The successful completion of these milestones suggests that large-scale battery storage systems are becoming increasingly viable and attractive in the Australian energy market.
9

State-owned Stanwell bags exclusivity for Quinbrook’s 6.24GWh hybrid energy storage facility in Australia

Summary

Stanwell, a state-owned power and energy systems company in Australia, has secured exclusivity for Quinbrook's 6.24GWh hybrid energy storage facility in Queensland. The Gladstone Energy Hub will combine 780MW battery energy storage with gas generation, providing a unique solution for grid stability and peak demand management. This deal marks a significant win for Stanwell in its efforts to develop a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.
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Key Takeaways

  • Quinbrook's hybrid energy storage facility will utilize 6.24GWh of battery energy storage, which will be combined with gas generation at the Gladstone Energy Hub.
  • The project is expected to provide significant benefits for grid stability and peak demand management in Queensland, Australia.
  • Stanwell has secured exclusivity rights for the facility, indicating a high level of investment and commitment from the company in developing this renewable energy solution.
10

Are battery companies focusing on lithium-ion alternatives financially viable?

Summary

The article discusses the financial viability of non-lithium battery energy storage technology companies, focusing on their alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Solar Media analyst Charlotte Gisbourne assesses the outlook for these companies, which are exploring alternative chemistries such as zinc-air and solid-state batteries. The article aims to provide insights into the potential market opportunities and challenges facing these companies.
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Key Takeaways

  • The development of non-lithium battery technologies is crucial to address the increasing demand for energy storage in the renewable energy sector.
  • Companies like Volkswagen, Toyota, and BMW are investing heavily in solid-state batteries, which could potentially disrupt the traditional lithium-ion dominance in the market.
  • Zinc-air batteries have shown promising results, with some companies claiming higher energy densities and lower costs compared to lithium-ion batteries, making them an attractive alternative.
11

US battery capacity rises 59% with 14 GW added in 12 months, says EIA

Summary

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported a significant growth in battery energy storage capacity, with a 59.4% annual increase of 13,809 MW over the past year. This growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of solar power and battery storage as alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based generation sources. The EIA projects an additional 22,053 MW of battery capacity to be added in the coming year.
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Key Takeaways

  • US battery energy storage capacity has grown by 59.4% over the past year, with a total increase of 13,809 MW.
  • Battery storage is now second only to utility-scale solar in terms of raw megawatts added, with solar capacity growing by 31,620 MW over the same period.
  • The EIA projects another significant growth in battery capacity, with an additional 22,053 MW expected to be added in the coming year.
  • Fossil fuel capacity continues to decline, while natural gas and nuclear capacities added relatively small amounts of new capacity.
12

New generation of IPPs is emerging, says Pexapark

Summary

The article from PV Magazine reports that independent power producers (IPPs) in Europe are evolving into customer-centric platforms, focusing on adding battery energy storage systems (BESS) and structuring capabilities to prepare for the next wave of deals. The IPPs aim to shape, shift, and firm renewable output, rather than just generating it. They are also working towards multi-GW-sized portfolios with multiple technologies and markets.
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Key Takeaways

  • IPPs in Europe are shifting their focus from solely generating power to becoming customer-centric platforms that can shape, shift, and firm renewable output.
  • Many IPPs are adding battery energy storage systems (BESS) to their portfolios to enhance flexibility and capture value beyond generation.
  • The IPPs are also developing more structuring and pricing capabilities to prepare for the next wave of deals, which are expected to focus on BESS and co-located projects.
13

Cache Power plans ‘Canada’s first’ commercial-scale compressed air energy storage facility

Summary

Cache Power is developing the first commercial-scale compressed air energy storage (CAES) facility in Canada, partnering with EllisDon to deliver a project in Northeast Alberta. The CAES system will utilize compressed air to store excess energy generated from renewable sources during off-peak hours and release it when needed. This development aims to provide a reliable and efficient means of grid stabilization.
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Key Takeaways

  • Cache Power's commercial-scale CAES facility is the first of its kind in Canada, marking a significant milestone for the country's renewable energy landscape.
  • The project will utilize compressed air to store excess energy generated from renewable sources, providing a stable source of power during peak demand periods.
  • By leveraging CAES technology, the facility aims to contribute to grid stabilization and help mitigate the intermittency associated with renewable energy sources.
14

Utility consortium looks to Nebraska new build

Summary

A utility consortium, the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium, plans to explore the feasibility and development of deploying new nuclear technology in Nebraska. The goal is to serve the needs of four utilities operating within the Southwest Power Pool market footprint. This project aims to provide a reliable and sustainable energy source.
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Key Takeaways

  • The Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium is exploring the deployment of new nuclear technology in Nebraska.
  • The project seeks to serve the needs of four utilities operating within the Southwest Power Pool market footprint.
  • The consortium's goal is to provide a reliable and sustainable energy source, likely as part of its efforts to mitigate climate change.
15

VIDEO: Powering certainty with Elementa 2 Pro, bankable energy storage from Trina

Summary

The article discusses the benefits of using Trina's Elementa 2 Pro energy storage system, which provides bankable energy storage solutions for power plants and data centers. The system is designed to ensure certainty in power supply and reduce grid reliance on backup systems. This allows for increased efficiency and reliability.
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Key Takeaways

  • Trina's Elementa 2 Pro energy storage system offers bankable energy storage solutions that provide certainty in power supply.
  • The system is designed to reduce grid reliance on backup systems, allowing for increased efficiency and reliability.
  • By providing a stable and predictable source of power, the Elementa 2 Pro can help to mitigate the impact of intermittent renewable energy sources.
16

US government renames National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Summary

The US Department of Energy has renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado as the National Laboratory of the Rockies, reflecting the Trump administration's applied energy priorities. The change aims to align the lab's mandate with a broader vision for research on alternative and renewable sources of generation. This shift comes at a time when the US faces an "energy crisis" driven by soaring demand.
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Key Takeaways

  • The renaming of NREL to National Laboratory of the Rockies reflects the Trump administration's focus on applied energy research that prioritizes restoring American manufacturing, driving down costs, and meeting the country's increasing energy demands.
  • The change in name is seen as a de-emphasis on renewable energy at the lab, with some expressing concern that it may impact the direction of research and priorities within NREL.
  • This shift highlights the evolving priorities of US energy policy under the Trump administration, which appears to prioritize applied energy research over traditional focus on renewable energy sources.
17

Call for Urgent Agreement on EU Battery Carbon Footprint Rules in Support of Europe’s Battery Industry

Summary

A coalition of companies and organizations, including T&E, is urging the EU to agree on carbon footprint rules for batteries in support of Europe's battery industry. The call comes ahead of the upcoming EU Battery Booster event. This agreement would help promote sustainable battery production.
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Key Takeaways

  • The EU battery value chain is calling for urgent agreement on carbon footprint rules for batteries.
  • The proposed rules are expected to support Europe's growing battery industry and promote sustainable battery production.
  • The coalition, which includes companies from across the battery value chain, aims to create a level playing field for all participants in the industry.

Technical papers from ArXiv - for readers interested in academic research

1

Off-grid solar energy storage system with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in high mountains: a case report of Tianchi Lodge in Taiwan

Summary

Here is the analysis: Tianchi Lodge, a mountain hut in Taiwan, has implemented an off-grid solar energy storage system with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries since 2020. The system provides a reliable source of power to the lodge, allowing it to operate independently from the grid. This case report details the design and functionality of the system.
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Key Takeaways

  • The use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in off-grid solar energy storage systems is an efficient solution for remote locations like mountain huts.
  • Off-grid renewable energy systems like solar power can provide a reliable source of energy to isolated locations, such as mountain huts.
  • The implementation of this system at Tianchi Lodge demonstrates the potential of decentralized energy solutions for reducing dependence on traditional grid-based energy supplies.