Energy Digest

Iron-sodium battery maker Inlyte Energy has completed a factory acceptance test of its first field-ready iron-sodium battery energy storage system, marking a significant step towards its potential US rollout. This milestone demonstrates the company's progress in scaling up its technology from laboratory testing to real-world deployment. The successful test was witnessed by representatives from a major US utility.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is transitioning its market towards storage and solar power, with a significant increase in new electric capacity added in 2025. This includes a notable addition of battery storage and solar power, demonstrating a shift towards renewable energy sources. The transition aims to improve the reliability and resilience of the grid.

The growing demand for power from AI and data centers is placing significant pressure on the grid, creating challenges for utilities and grid operators. As a result, flexible load integration has become a critical strategy to manage this increased demand. The shift towards more decentralized and dynamic energy systems will require utilities to adapt their infrastructure and operations.

A US-based company, Inlyte Energy, has successfully tested a large-scale iron-sodium energy storage system, providing an alternative to the shuttered Natron startup. This development is seen as a positive move in the energy storage sector, particularly for sodium battery technology. The test's outcome suggests that Inlyte Energy is making progress in its innovation.

Overview Energy, a US-based space solar startup, has successfully demonstrated its wireless power beaming satellite system in motion, claiming it's a world first for high-power wireless energy transmission. The company's technology collects solar energy from geosynchronous orbit and beams it back to receivers on Earth as low-intensity near-infrared light. Overview Energy aims to commercialize this system, targeting megawatt transmission from space by 2030.

The article discusses how distributed energy resources, particularly energy storage, can help mitigate soaring electricity costs in the US. John Farrell, Co-Director of The Institute for Local Self-Reliance, highlights the importance of decentralization and community-led initiatives to reduce reliance on utility companies. Energy storage is seen as a key solution to stabilize the grid and provide affordable energy.

**SUMMARY** Trontek, a company with experience in battery technology for electric mobility, has entered the residential energy storage market in India with its Powercube lithium-ion systems. The Powercube range supports both solar and grid charging and offers higher storage efficiency and longer operating life compared to conventional lead-acid options. This marks a significant strategic shift for Trontek as it expands into the home storage market. **KEY TAKEAWAYS** * Trontek has launched Powercube lithium-ion battery systems in India, supporting both solar and grid charging, with capacities of 1.4 kWh and 2.7 kWh. * The Powercube range offers higher storage efficiency, improved performance, and longer operating life compared to conventional lead-acid options. * The batteries feature advanced chemistry (lithium ferro phosphate) and have a guaranteed round-trip efficiency exceeding 90%, reducing energy losses. * The Powercube systems are available in Standard and Premium models, with the Premium versions featuring upgraded LED status displays for improved visibility and monitoring.

The article emphasizes the need for a grid built for speed to power the AI revolution, highlighting the importance of utility incentive reforms that value digital upgrades such as advanced metering and distributed energy resource management systems. This is written by Jeannie Salo, suggesting her expertise in the field. The article likely discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in relation to the electrical grid.

GE Vernova has signed an agreement with Public Power Corporation Renewables (PPC R) to supply, install, and commission 14 of its 6.1 MW–158m turbines for a wind farm in Vaslui County, Romania. This partnership aims to support the development of renewable energy sources in the country. The project is expected to contribute to the growth of wind energy production in Romania.

The New York state government has proposed climate regulations that target power sector carbon allowances, aiming to reduce the annual budget of CO2 allowances through 2037. The amendments would also limit voluntary renewable energy purchases. These changes are part of New York's efforts to meet its climate goals and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

The GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) has achieved a significant regulatory milestone in the UK by completing Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process. This step is an essential part of the licensing process for nuclear power plants in the country. The completion of this step marks a significant progress towards bringing the BWRX-300 SMR online.

The Guayepo I&II solar park, developed by Enel Green Power, is a significant project that not only generates 370 MWac of clean energy but also creates jobs, improves educational access, and protects cultural heritage. This project serves as a model for how solar infrastructure can contribute to social and economic development. It sets a new benchmark for the impact of large-scale renewable energy projects.

A federal judge has ruled that President Trump's executive memorandum, which paused federal permitting for wind energy projects, is illegal. This ruling comes after a lawsuit brought by over a dozen state attorneys general and the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. The decision is seen as a major victory in efforts to deliver clean power to communities across America.

The article highlights the lack of transparency in critical mineral supply chains, which are essential for energy technologies such as copper, cobalt, and silicon. These minerals are vital for various energy applications, but their markets are less transparent compared to mature energy markets like crude oil or coal. The data gaps in these supply chains can lead to difficulties in predicting pricing and managing demand.

A Japanese supermarket chain, Aoki Super Company, has signed a power purchase agreement with Helical Fusion, a Tokyo-based fusion company. This agreement marks the first time a commercial energy provider has committed to purchasing power from a fusion plant. The partnership aims to bring clean and sustainable energy to Japan's retail sector.

The European Union's shift to 15-minute spot-market intervals has led to improved economics for battery energy storage systems (BESS), with estimated profits increasing by more than 20% in some countries. This change allows storage operators to buy power when it is cheap and sell it when prices spike, resulting in higher arbitrage potential across Europe's power markets. The impact varies across countries, with some experiencing significant gains while others see only marginal improvements.

The introduction of 15-minute settlement periods in European power markets could lead to a significant increase in profits for battery storage asset operators, with Rystad estimating a 3% return on investment (ROI) uplift. This change allows for more frequent trading and pricing adjustments, enabling batteries to better match supply and demand. As a result, battery storage assets are likely to become more financially attractive.

ACWA Power and Scatec have signed major deals for two gigawatt-scale solar-plus-storage projects in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, marking significant investments in the Middle East and North Africa region. These projects aim to increase renewable energy production and reduce carbon emissions. The partnerships demonstrate growing interest in clean energy solutions in the MENA region.

A new flow battery technology, vanadium flow battery, is set to be tested at a newly established energy storage test facility hosted by the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. This collaboration aims to advance the development and deployment of this promising energy storage solution. The test facility will provide valuable insights into the performance and efficiency of vanadium flow batteries.

Great British Energy has committed an additional $16 million in funding for local renewable projects in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This new investment brings the total funding to over $21 million, with a focus on community solar farms, wind farms, and public sector energy upgrades. The UK government-owned energy company is also investing in the country's renewables supply chain through its EEUK program.

Germany is making significant strides in large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) adoption, with major power firms EnBW, Vattenfall, and Enertrag announcing projects of 700-800MWh capacity each. This marks a significant shift towards scale in the country's energy storage market. The announcements demonstrate Germany's commitment to renewable energy integration and grid resilience.

The article reports on a civil lawsuit that blames FirstEnergy's bribery scheme for the collapse of an offshore wind farm project in Lake Erie. The lawsuit alleges that the corruption scandal led to the 2019 passage of a bill that ultimately killed the project. This setback is significant, as it had seemed like the Midwest was poised to become a hub for offshore wind energy.

A new study by the Public Advocates Office of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has found that large-scale adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps could moderate rate increases in California if grid upgrades are delivered efficiently. The analysis projects a potential reduction in electric rates of about $0.03/kWh compared to what the rates would be without electrification. This study highlights the importance of planning for distribution grid upgrades as part of California's transition to renewable energy.

The article discusses how utilities are investing in smart technologies to modernize their natural gas infrastructure, leading to improved efficiency and enhanced safety measures. This transformation enables better data collection and optimization of gas delivery systems. As a result, the industry is adopting new technologies to enhance operational effectiveness.

The article discusses Beyond Aero's BYA-1, the world's first hydrogen-electric aircraft designed for business jet travel. The aircraft boasts an impressive range of over 800 nautical miles on a single tank, making it five times longer than battery-only planes. By ditching batteries for a fuel cell stack powered by gaseous hydrogen, Beyond Aero has created a more efficient and sustainable aviation option.

The Energy Minerals Observatory highlights the lack of transparency in critical minerals markets, which are essential for energy technologies. Critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, and silicon are influenced by various market factors, but their supply chains are less transparent than other energy markets. This article aims to shed light on the data deficits in these critical supply chains.

Semiconductor chips are playing a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy, enabling big-picture changes in the energy sector. The small size and high power of semiconductor technology is driving innovation in energy management, grid integration, and energy storage. This technology is paving the way for a more sustainable future.