Energy Digest

The article discusses the resurgence of nuclear power globally, which has highlighted a significant gap between uranium consumption and domestic production in the United States. This disconnect poses a critical challenge for America's energy sector. The article aims to address this issue through revitalizing the country's nuclear supply chain.

BayWa r.e. has closed financing for a solar-plus-storage installation in San Diego County, California, with the Jacumba Valley Ranch Energy Park expected to enter commercial operation in 2026. The project will likely provide renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. This development marks a positive step forward for BayWa r.e.'s efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions.

The European Commission has published new grid rules and plans to accelerate interconnection projects between EU member states. The proposals aim to improve the flow of energy, increase cross-border connections, and reduce the lag in achieving the 15% target set for 2030. The move is welcomed by leading solar and energy storage trade bodies.

The United Kingdom's power grid is facing strain due to a surge in renewable energy production from Scottish wind farms and increasing electricity demand, particularly in the south. The lack of transmission lines between Scotland and southern England has led to grid congestion, with new generation falling short of meeting demand. To address this issue, smart valves have been installed at substations to manage power flow.

NextEra Energy Resources and Meta have signed a total of 13 agreements worth 2.5GW for renewable energy projects across the US. The agreements include both power purchase agreements (PPAs) and energy storage agreements, demonstrating a significant commitment to clean energy. This partnership marks a notable expansion in NextEra's efforts to develop and operate large-scale renewable energy projects.

Amazon plans to deploy Trane Technologies' AI-enabled efficiency tool, BrainBox, across its US grocery fulfillment and distribution network after a successful pilot that shaved 15% from energy use. This move aims to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs in the company's operations. The deployment will cover over 30 sites in the US.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has adopted a 5.5-GW renewable energy plan as part of its efforts to transition to cleaner sources of power. The plan aims to reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate concerns over affordability and policy changes. Key developers involved in the project include AES, EDF Renewable Energy, Forward Power, and Orenda.

Poland's state environmental fund has shortlisted 183 energy storage projects for EU funding, with a total value of PLN 4.15 billion allocated from the European Union's Modernization Fund. The projects were evaluated as part of the "Electricity Storage Facilities and Related Infrastructure" program, which was launched in April. The funding is intended to support the development of energy storage facilities across Poland.

S'tile, a French solar company, has launched custom-made PV modules for repowering and revamping existing rooftop PV systems. These modules provide exact-fit replacements or higher-output upgrades tailored to each project, allowing for more efficient use of space and increased output. The custom panels come at a slightly higher cost than standard modules.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has revised down its 2026 power generation forecast, citing increased large load electricity demand in Texas and its implications for near-term growth. This revision is likely due to the rapid expansion of new power capacity online, particularly in Texas. The updated projection reflects a more cautious outlook on energy demand.

EcoFlow is offering a Christmas sale with up to 68% discounts on their power stations, including the Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station. Additionally, Aventon e-bikes are available at discounted prices starting from $999, and Anker security devices are also back at lower prices. The sale includes various discounts and free gifts, making it a great time for customers to score deals.

Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications has launched a public procurement for consultancy services to prepare the groundwork for building a new 600 MW nuclear power plant. The project aims to select a suitable location and conduct environmental impact assessments. This move indicates Estonia's plans to expand its energy capacity through nuclear power.

Corporate buyers have committed to purchasing a significant amount of 'clean' energy, with 20.4 GW of contracts signed so far this year. This increase in demand for clean energy is attributed to the growing willingness of companies to pay their "fair share" to connect to the grid and adopt new tariff structures. The Clean Energy Buyers Association members have demonstrated a commitment to renewable energy.

Engie has partnered with NHOA Energy to develop a 320MWh battery storage project at its Drogenbos power station in Belgium. The 80MW BESS will be used to stabilize the grid and provide renewable energy storage. This project highlights the growing importance of energy storage in supporting the integration of renewables.

Cape Verde has successfully inaugurated a new wind power generation and battery storage project, marking a significant milestone in the island nation's transition to renewable energy. The project, which was developed through a public-private partnership (PPP), brings the country closer to achieving its goal of generating nearly one-third of its energy from renewables. This achievement highlights Cape Verde's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development.

The Cazombo Photovoltaic Park in Angola has come online, marking Africa's largest off-grid renewable energy system to date. The project features 25.40 MW of solar power and 75.26 MWh of battery storage, designed to provide reliable electricity to over 136,000 people in the region. This initiative is part of Angola's Rural Electrification Project, a government program aiming to develop autonomous minigrids using solar power combined with battery storage.

The use of solar power is becoming increasingly important for military applications, particularly in satellite technology. The US Department of War is taking steps to eliminate reliance on China and source fully US-made solar components, recognizing the critical role of American-made solar in defense systems. This move is driven by the need to maintain a technology lead in next-generation solar technologies.

The article discusses the growing space solar power industry, specifically highlighting a US startup called Aetherflux that is working on orbiting data centers powered by solar energy. This innovation has the potential to disrupt traditional data center operations and provide a sustainable solution for large-scale computing needs. The development of such space-based data centers could significantly impact the way we store and process data in the future.

A recent analysis by Charles River Associates found that offshore wind (OSW) is crucial for maintaining reliability, reducing emissions, and lowering electricity prices in Northeastern power systems. The study suggests that retaining existing natural gas while completing queued OSW projects is necessary to mitigate resource adequacy risks in New York City and other parts of the region. This approach outperforms alternatives such as replacing OSW with onshore renewables or gas.

Panasonic has successfully implemented a 100% renewable energy system in its Munich office, utilizing hydrogen fuel cells instead of traditional batteries. The system combines a rooftop solar array with three fuel cells and an AI-driven energy management system to provide power for the office. This pilot project marks Panasonic's first full-scale clean-energy initiative in a commercial office.

Holtec International has been contracted by Taiwan Power Company to establish indoor dry storage facilities for used fuel at two nuclear power plants, Chinshan and Kuosheng. This project aims to provide a safe and secure storage solution for spent nuclear fuel. The partnership between Holtec and Taiwan Power Company demonstrates the growing demand for advanced nuclear energy solutions.

Industry leaders are taking steps to address ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) in tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar modules, a growing concern that can impact cell performance. Manufacturers are implementing measures to mitigate UVID and strengthen resilience to hail damage. These efforts aim to protect the performance of TOPCon solar modules and reduce financial risk.

Calefa Oy, a Finnish heat pump company, has launched the AmbiSteam system, a waste heat-powered steam heat pump that can produce process steam above 5 bar. This modular and turnkey system is based on Calefa's SteamLevel heat pump technology and aims to provide an efficient alternative to combustion-based technologies or electric steam generators. The AmbiSteam solution has been piloted at an undisclosed site and is expected to be used in various industries.

Oscal has launched the Power Max 1800 SE, a portable energy storage system with a capacity of 1,024 Wh and a rated power of 1.8 kW. The system is designed for home backup, camping, and RV life, featuring IP54 dust & water resistance and a reliable battery management system. It can be charged through solar panels or AC outlets and comes with multiple output ports.

**SUMMARY** A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump's executive order halting onshore and offshore wind power leasing and permitting was unlawful, as it failed to provide a reasoned explanation for the change in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The judge sided with 18 Democratic state attorneys general who challenged the order in May. This ruling is a significant win for the renewable energy industry and suggests that such executive orders may be subject to strict scrutiny under the APA. **KEY TAKEAWAYs** * **Trump's Executive Order was Unlawful**: The court ruled that Trump's executive order, which halted wind power leasing and permitting, violated the Administrative Procedure Act due to a lack of adequate explanation. * **Lack of Reasoned Explanation**: Judge Patti B. Saris found that the executive order did not provide sufficient justification for the change in policy, citing a single sentence with vague references to "various alleged legal deficiencies" and "potential inadequacies in environmental reviews". * **Impact on Renewable Energy Industry**: This ruling is a significant win for the renewable energy industry, suggesting that such executive orders may be subject to strict scrutiny under the APA. It also implies that wind power projects may be able to move forward once again with reduced regulatory hurdles.

Peterbilt has entered the medium-duty electric truck market with three new models, offering zero-emissions power, fast charging capabilities, and versatile platforms for various applications.