Summary
Battery storage costs have dropped to $65/MWh, making it economically viable for utilities to pair solar with batteries to deliver power when needed. This milestone is expected to further accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar power. The reduced cost has significant implications for the energy landscape.
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Key Takeaways
- Utility-scale battery storage costs have fallen to $65/MWh in markets outside China and the US, making it a more affordable option.
- The new price point makes pairing solar with batteries economically viable, allowing for greater grid flexibility and stability.
- This development is expected to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar power as utilities seek to reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources.
Summary
Anker's SOLIX Christmas Sale offers discounts of up to 65% on power stations, such as the F3800 Portable Power Station. Additionally, there are deals on Autel solar security cameras starting at $156 and Navee's electric scooters with up to 30% off. Other sellers like EcoFlow and Mango Power also have holiday sales.
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Key Takeaways
- Up to 65% discounts are available on Anker power stations during the SOLIX Christmas Sale, including the F3800 Portable Power Station at its second-lowest price of $1,999.
- Autel's Outdoor Wireless Solar Security Camera multi-packs can be purchased for as low as $156, making them a highly discounted option.
- Navee's GT3 Max Electric Scooter is on sale for up to 30% off during their Christmas Sale, with the lowest price being $495.
Summary
A Utah-based energy company has signed a memorandum of understanding with a nuclear power services company to evaluate ways to provide electricity for the world's largest data center site, which is being developed in that state. The partnership aims to support the growth of artificial intelligence through infrastructure. Nuclear power is being considered as an option to power this massive data center campus.
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Key Takeaways
- A Utah-based energy company has partnered with a nuclear power services company to explore ways to provide electricity for the world's largest data center site.
- The partnership aims to support the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) through infrastructure, indicating a potential focus on powering AI-related applications.
- Nuclear power is being considered as an option to power this massive data center campus, suggesting a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Summary
The Greenville Electric Utility System in Texas is building a 104-MW power plant that will utilize 11 Jenbacher J920 FleXtra reciprocating engines, marking the largest U.S. installation of this engine model to date. Commissioning is scheduled for summer 2027. This project reflects growing interest among utilities in generation assets that can respond rapidly to grid fluctuations.
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Key Takeaways
- The Greenville Electric Utility System will be using 11 Jenbacher J920 FleXtra reciprocating engines, which marks the largest U.S. installation of this engine model to date.
- The power plant is expected to improve grid stability by providing a rapid response to fluctuations in the grid.
- The project demonstrates growing interest among utilities in generation assets that can quickly adapt to changes in energy demand and supply.
Summary
The Hungarian government has launched a $305.4 million residential energy storage program to support households with solar panels, providing subsidies for 10 kW battery energy storage systems to boost self-consumption and reduce evening peak demand.
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Key Takeaways
- Hungary has allocated HUF 100 billion ($305.4 million) for a residential energy storage program, which will provide non-refundable subsidies of up to HUF 2.5 million for households installing 10 kW battery systems.
- The program aims to increase energy self-sufficiency among families with solar panels or those planning to install them, helping them store their own electricity and reduce reliance on the grid during evening peak demand.
- Applications for the program are expected to open in early February, with further details to be released by mid-January.
Summary
The article discusses the challenges of diagnosing and prognostics for grid-connected battery energy storage systems (BESS) in a rapidly changing power system landscape. As renewable energy sources like wind and solar become dominant, traditional engineering assumptions are no longer valid, and BESS must adapt to handle rapid fluctuations in power demand and unpredictable disturbances. However, the complex interactions within batteries make it difficult to model their long-term behavior using simple efficiency curves or single models.
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Key Takeaways
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as essential tools for maintaining stability in grid-connected power systems, but they are sensitive to operational history, thermal environment, state of charge window, system architecture, and degradation mechanisms.
- Most laboratory tests and simulations fail to reproduce the operational irregularities of real-world markets, where batteries face rapid fluctuations in power demand, partial state of charge cycling, fast recovery intervals, high-rate events, and unpredictable disturbances.
- The complex electrochemical, thermal, and control interactions within BESS make it challenging to model their long-term behavior using simple models or efficiency curves, highlighting the need for more advanced diagnostics and prognostics techniques.
Summary
The cost of battery systems for utility-scale solar power has dropped significantly, making it economically feasible to deliver dispatchable solar energy when needed. According to Ember, a global energy think tank, the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) is now $65/MWh outside China and the United States, down from previous years. This development is expected to enable more efficient and reliable solar power generation.
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Key Takeaways
- The cost of battery equipment has fallen by 40% in 2024 and is expected to fall further in 2025, making it cheaper for developers to build large-scale storage systems.
- The levelized cost of storage (LCOS) is now $65/MWh outside China and the United States, down from previous years, indicating a significant reduction in costs that can be attributed to advancements in technology, efficiency, and financing.
- With the reduced cost of battery storage, solar power can be delivered when needed, reducing the need for fossil fuels and enhancing the overall efficiency of renewable energy systems.
Summary
Grid-scale battery energy storage systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to the growing demand for power in the U.S., with state-linked threat groups actively seeking ways to disrupt the industry. Experts warn that these attacks could have severe consequences, including widespread power outages and economic losses. The increasing reliance on grid-scale energy storage systems has created new vulnerabilities in the energy infrastructure.
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Key Takeaways
- State-linked threat groups are actively searching for ways to disrupt the energy industry, posing a significant risk to grid-scale battery energy storage systems.
- The growing demand for power in the U.S. has increased the need for advanced energy storage solutions, which in turn has created new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyberattackers.
- The consequences of a successful cyberattack on grid-scale energy storage systems could include widespread power outages and significant economic losses.
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is set to issue a decision on colocating large loads in the PJM region, which is expected to benefit nuclear and gas-fired power plant owners who want to sell electricity to data centers. This decision could provide new revenue streams for these power plants. Analysts view this development as positive news for these industries.
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Key Takeaways
- The FERC's planned decision on colocating large loads in PJM is likely to benefit nuclear and gas-fired power plant owners by allowing them to sell electricity to data centers.
- This move could provide new revenue streams for power plants that own or have access to the necessary infrastructure, such as high-voltage transmission lines.
- Colocating data centers with existing power plants could help address growing demand for clean energy and reduce emissions in the PJM region.
Summary
A recent Iberian blackout in April 2025 highlighted the need for technological upgrades to address vulnerabilities in centralized power grids. The incident emphasizes the importance of investing in energy storage, AI, and hydropower to enhance grid resilience amidst increasing renewable integration and demand. This highlights a broader concern about the global grid's ability to adapt to changing energy landscapes.
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Key Takeaways
- The Iberian blackout serves as a wake-up call for the need for upgraded technologies to address vulnerabilities in centralized power grids.
- Energy storage, AI, and hydropower are identified as key areas of focus to enhance grid resilience amidst rising renewable integration and demand.
- The incident underscores the importance of grid modernization to ensure reliable and efficient energy supply in the face of increasing energy variability.
Summary
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has approved a strategic plan to develop nearly 5.5 GW of renewable energy and storage projects across the state, aiming to diversify energy sources and enhance grid resilience amid rising electricity demand.
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Key Takeaways
- The NYPA plans to increase renewable energy generation in the state by nearly 5.5 GW through various clean energy and storage projects.
- The move aims to enhance grid resilience and mitigate the impact of rising electricity demand on the state's energy infrastructure.
- The project will diversify New York's energy sources, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based power plants and promoting a cleaner environment.
Summary
Georgia Power is investing in transmission projects to enhance the reliability and capacity of its power grid in South Metro Atlanta. The upgrades will include modernizing high-voltage transmission lines, upgrading substations, and integrating smart grid technologies. These improvements aim to support the region's growing energy demand.
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Key Takeaways
- Georgia Power plans to install advanced high-voltage transmission lines as part of its transmission projects.
- Improvements to existing substations are also planned, indicating a focus on upgrading the infrastructure to meet increasing energy demands.
- The integration of smart grid technologies suggests that the company is adopting more modern and efficient methods for managing energy distribution.
Summary
Prisma Photonics, a global provider of optical fiber sensing technology, has deployed grid monitoring equipment in California's Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to address the state's surging data center demand on its electrical grid. The trial deployment is focused on challenging geographic areas in San Luis Obispo and Humboldt counties. This project aims to improve grid management and efficiency.
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Key Takeaways
- Prisma Photonics has partnered with PG&E to deploy grid monitoring solutions, highlighting the increasing need for advanced technologies in the energy sector.
- The deployment targets areas with complex geography, suggesting that the technology will be used to monitor and manage power distribution in challenging environments.
- The project is part of a broader effort by California's electrical grid to cope with the growing demand from data centers, underscoring the importance of innovative solutions like Prisma Photonics' optical fiber sensing technology.
Summary
The Trump administration's anti-renewables policies have hindered the development of new solar and wind projects, leading to a backlog of unpermitted gigawatts. As Congress reviews energy-permitting reform, it is essential to consider the impact on clean energy and its potential for growth. The permitting process is a critical component in determining the viability of renewable energy sources.
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Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration's anti-renewables policies have resulted in a significant delay in the development of new solar and wind projects, hindering the transition to cleaner energy sources.
- The permitting process is a major bottleneck in the adoption of clean energy, with unpermitted gigawatts worth of renewable projects stuck in red tape due to regulatory hurdles.
- As Congress revisits energy-permitting reform, it will be crucial to strike a balance between environmental concerns and economic growth, ensuring that the permitting process is streamlined without compromising safety standards or environmental protections.
Summary
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has secured the ReliabilityOne Award in the Western Region for the 20th consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction through strategic investments in safety programs, transmission and distribution system upgrades, and smart-grid integration.
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Key Takeaways
- SDG&E's efforts to enhance reliability have resulted in fewer and shorter power interruptions for customers.
- The company's focus on implementing safety programs, upgrading infrastructure, and integrating smart-grid capabilities has contributed to its achievement of the ReliabilityOne Award.
- This marks the 20th year that SDG&E has received this prestigious award, solidifying its reputation as a leader in reliability and customer service in the Western Region.
Summary
Táctica Industrial has unveiled an off-grid photovoltaic system that produces green hydrogen at approximately €400/kW using modular alkaline electrolysis without inverters or grid connection. The system is designed for on-site generation and consumption of hydrogen through a medium-voltage direct-current microgrid. This scalable, modular solution aims to power industrial processes and applications.
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Key Takeaways
- The off-grid PV system produces green hydrogen at an estimated €400/kW using modular alkaline electrolysis without inverters or grid connection.
- The system generates and consumes hydrogen on-site through an off-grid PV plant linked to modular electrolyzers integrated into medium-voltage direct-current microgrids, eliminating the need for a grid connection.
- This scalable, modular solution is designed for industrial processes and applications, taking advantage of robust, reliable, and durable alkaline electrolysis technology.
Summary
The devastating impact of Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 highlighted the need for extreme cold weather preparedness in the renewable energy sector. The event exposed critical vulnerabilities across the Bulk Electric System and led to sweeping regulatory changes, including new mandatory NERC standards that require renewable energy facilities to increase generation facility availability during extreme weather events. These new standards present unique challenges and compliance obligations for renewable energy facilities.
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Key Takeaways
- Renewable energy facilities must now determine cold weather operational limitations and create comprehensive cold weather preparedness plans, which they must maintain and provide training on to operations personnel.
- The new regulatory framework requires Generator Owners to take proactive measures to ensure generation facility availability during extreme weather events, enhancing transmission grid reliability.
- The changes aim to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events like Winter Storm Uri, ensuring a more resilient Bulk Electric System that can adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Summary
TCL SunPower has unveiled a new residential battery energy storage system in France, compatible with their solar panels and offering various capacity options. The system aims to increase solar self-consumption for households and will be available through authorized distributors starting in January. The modular design allows for easy configuration and management via the SunPower mobile app.
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Key Takeaways
- The new residential battery energy storage system offers capacities ranging from 10-30 kWh, making it a viable option for various household sizes.
- The system is compatible with TCL SunPower solar panels and can be configured in both DC- and AC-coupled setups, providing flexibility for different installation scenarios.
- The modular design of the batteries allows for easy configuration and management through the SunPower mobile app, making it a user-friendly solution for homeowners.
Summary
The European battery storage fleet is expected to grow significantly, with a projected 45% year-over-year increase to 16 GW by 2025. Germany is leading the charge in Europe's battery energy storage market, with over 18 GW of utility-scale demand and 8 GW from commercial and industrial applications. The market is anticipated to continue growing at a 9% compound annual growth rate, reaching 35 GW by 2034.
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Key Takeaways
- The European battery storage fleet is projected to reach 16 GW in 2025, with a 45% year-over-year increase.
- Germany will lead the way in Europe's battery energy storage market, driving over 18 GW of utility-scale demand and 8 GW from commercial and industrial applications.
- The market is expected to grow at a 9% compound annual growth rate, reaching 35 GW by 2034.
Summary
Origin Energy has selected Wärtsilä to expand its battery storage installation at the Eraring coal power plant site in New South Wales, Australia, increasing the capacity of the largest approved Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the country.
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Key Takeaways
- Origin Energy is expanding its battery storage installation at the Eraring coal power plant site with a new contract for Wärtsilä.
- The project aims to increase the capacity of the largest approved BESS in Australia, highlighting the growing demand for energy storage solutions in the country.
- The expansion is likely to support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid and help mitigate the intermittency of solar and wind power.
Summary
Raya Power is developing a solar-battery system that aims to make renewable energy accessible and easy to install in backyards. The system's goal is to provide reliable backup power during outages, reduce everyday energy bills, and offer a return on investment through increased energy savings. Raya Power's CEO, Meghan Wood, envisions a future where solar and batteries are as ubiquitous as household appliances.
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Key Takeaways
- Raya Power's solar-battery system aims to make renewable energy installation as easy as purchasing a typical household appliance.
- The system is designed to provide backup power during critical events such as storms and heat waves, ensuring reliable access to essential devices.
- The company's goal is to help lower everyday energy bills through the use of solar power and battery storage technology.
Summary
The Ministry of the Environment in Poland has shortlisted projects for a €1 billion energy storage capex support programme, with 183 eligible projects progressing to the next round. This initiative aims to provide financial support for renewable energy projects in Poland. The selected projects will receive funding from the Polish government.
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Key Takeaways
- Poland is investing €1 billion in energy storage projects through its capex support programme.
- The programme aims to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions in the country.
- 183 projects have been shortlisted, indicating a significant interest in energy storage solutions for Poland's energy needs.
Summary
The article highlights the potential of solar PV to drive a sustainable, secure, and self-sufficient economy in tropical islands. With excellent resource conditions and improving economic attractiveness, solar PV is poised to become the bulk energy provider for these regions. The goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is ambitious, but studies suggest that high electrification, rapid renewable energy adoption, and integration of advanced ocean-based energy technologies are key pathways to success.
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Key Takeaways
- Low-cost renewables like solar PV offer a way for tropical islands to break free from costly fossil fuels and create sustainable economies, with excellent resource conditions making them well-suited for renewable energy deployment.
- Despite the technical feasibility and economic viability of highly renewable energy pathways on islands, there are research gaps in areas such as biomass sustainability, hydrogen, synthetic e-fuels, and ocean or geothermal energy, which need to be addressed.
- Advanced ocean-based energy technologies like wave power, offshore wind power, and other innovative solutions are being explored to help tropical islands achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Summary
The article reports on a significant variation in solar irradiance across Northern India and Pakistan, where November brought above-average clear skies and sunny conditions, resulting in improved solar output. In contrast, southeastern India and Sri Lanka experienced reduced solar output due to Cyclone Ditwah's storms and heavy cloud cover. Despite these regional disruptions, India's renewable energy share rose due to strong solar generation in the north.
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Key Takeaways
- Northern India and Pakistan saw a notable increase in solar irradiance levels by 20% or more above average for November, driven by a persistent high-pressure system.
- Cyclone Ditwah caused significant disruptions in southeastern India and Sri Lanka, leading to irradiance levels that were 15-20% below seasonal norms due to cloud cover and intense rainfall.
- Despite regional variations, India's renewable energy share rose due to strong solar generation in the north and overall growth in renewable capacity.
Summary
A new toolkit has been launched in Wisconsin to help communities resist the construction of large-scale data centers by Big Tech companies, which are expected to surge in the state. The toolkit provides information and resources for Wisconsinites to learn more about data centers and take action against their development. This move aims to protect local communities from the environmental and social impacts of these massive facilities.
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Key Takeaways
- A new toolkit has been made available to help Wisconsinites resist the construction of large-scale data centers by Big Tech companies.
- The surge in data center proposals in Wisconsin is driven by Big Tech companies looking for locations with favorable energy policies, which could have negative environmental and social impacts on local communities.
- The toolkit aims to provide residents and community members with the information and resources they need to take action against data center development and protect their rights.
Summary
Australian researchers from Solstice AI have found that improving weather and solar forecasting accuracy can significantly impact the profit margins of utility-scale solar operators in Australia. A 10% improvement in forecasting accuracy could generate an extra AUD 38 million per year for utility solar, while globally, it could result in AUD 9.5 billion. This technology has the potential to transform solar energy from a variable resource to a predictable and manageable component of the energy system.
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Key Takeaways
- Improving weather and solar forecasting accuracy by 10% could generate an extra AUD 38 million per year for utility-scale solar operators in Australia.
- Globally, this improvement could result in an additional AUD 9.5 billion in profit for utility-scale solar operators.
- The Solstice AI technology can help stakeholders make more accurate price bids, avoid forecast error penalties, and manage exposure to market volatility.
Summary
India's solar production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme is drawing strong interest from PV manufacturers, but its implementation remains uneven due to operational capacity constraints and policy gaps. The scheme has laid the foundations for domestic PV manufacturing, with significant progress upstream in polysilicon, wafer, cell, and module capacity. Despite this, implementation challenges persist, including high capital intensity, inadequate incentives, and global raw material price volatility.
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Key Takeaways
- The solar PLI scheme has spurred upstream manufacturing, with India's PV manufacturing base reaching 3.3 GW polysilicon, 5.3 GW wafer, 29 GW cell, and 120 GW module capacity as of June 2025.
- However, the overall achievement rate of awarded commitments stands at roughly 29%, with significant gaps in operational capacity, particularly for downstream components such as modules and polysilicon.
- The scheme faces implementation challenges like high capital intensity, inadequate incentives, inconsistencies in trade policy, import dependency, and global raw material price volatility.
Summary
Astronergy has launched its new Astro N7 TOPCon solar module series, which features an innovative self-cleaning frame design to maximize generation efficiency while reducing soiling-related losses. The module delivers a power conversion efficiency of 23.2% and weighs 38.5 kg. With this new technology, Astronergy aims to address persistent soiling issues on rooftop PV systems.
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Key Takeaways
- The Astro N7 module features an anti-dust frame architecture with a shortened lower frame edge to prevent sediment accumulation and promote natural rain-driven cleaning.
- According to field data from Wuhan, the anti-dust design delivers an average 2.59% monthly energy gain, resulting in reduced cleaning requirements and increased annual energy output (150,000 kWh).
- The module uses n-type TOPCon cell technology, delivering a power conversion efficiency of 23.2% under standard test conditions, making it suitable for residential and commercial rooftop markets.