Summary
A British startup called Hydrohertz has developed a revolutionary cooling system for electric vehicle (EV) battery packs, which could potentially halve the time it takes to charge an EV's battery. The system, called Dectravalve, uses a rotary coolant router that fires coolant exactly where temperatures spike, allowing for faster and more efficient cooling. This innovation has shown promising results in laboratory tests.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Hydrohertz's Dectravalve system could significantly reduce the time it takes to charge an EV battery by targeting cooling needs precisely, potentially halving charging times.
- The system uses a rotary coolant router that can direct coolant to as many as four zones within the battery pack, replacing traditional tangle of valves and improving efficiency.
- Dectravalve's ability to respond to temperature spikes in milliseconds could be a major breakthrough in addressing one of the key bottlenecks to faster charging times for EVs.
Summary
The article discusses the importance of considering factors beyond the sticker price when purchasing battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Europe. Industry leaders emphasize that the real cost of a battery goes far beyond the $/kWh price and includes contractual liabilities that can affect returns. A good contract is crucial to aligning with real-world use cases and providing flexibility for future market changes.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The article highlights that the traditional focus on $/kWh pricing can lead to industry players incentivizing customers to take on more risk, as manufacturers push costs into contracts rather than upfront prices.
- Suppliers advise buyers to look beyond headline figures and consider contract terms, such as clear definitions, competitive benchmarked values, and alignment with real-world use cases, to ensure they are making a well-informed investment.
- A good contract is essential to maximizing returns on BESS investments, as it provides flexibility for future market or revenue changes, while a bad contract can erode returns throughout the system's lifetime.
Summary
The article discusses how electric refrigerators, which were once considered a luxury and consumed a lot of electricity, became widely adopted due to their productivity gains. Similarly, the increasing demand for AI data centers requires significant advancements in energy efficiency to prevent straining the grid. As AI demand accelerates, finding ways to bend the power curve is crucial.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The history of electric refrigerators illustrates how initially inefficient technologies can become widely adopted due to their productivity gains, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement.
- The growth of AI data centers poses a significant challenge for the grid, and addressing energy efficiency will be crucial in preventing strain on the power infrastructure.
- The article suggests that learning from the advancements made in electric refrigerators can provide valuable insights into creating more efficient AI data centers, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation.
Summary
Hitachi Energy has announced a $30 million investment to expand and modernize its service operations in Ontario, Canada. The investment aims to address the growing electricity demand in Canada while addressing the challenges posed by aging grid infrastructure. This move is part of Hitachi Energy's efforts to support the country's energy needs.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Hitachi Energy is investing $30 million CAD ($22 million) in its Canadian operations, focusing on expanding and modernizing its service operations in Ontario.
- The investment aims to address Canada's growing electricity demand while mitigating the challenges posed by aging grid infrastructure.
- The expansion and modernization of Hitachi Energy's operations in Ontario will support the country's energy needs.
Summary
The US is planning to embark on its largest nuclear power program since the 1970s, with a partnership worth $80 billion to build new large-scale nuclear reactors. The project involves Westinghouse Electric Company and its co-owners, Brookfield Asset Management and Cameco, using AP1000 pressurized water reactors that can generate about 1,110 megawatts of electric power. This deal represents the US nuclear industry's best opportunity in a generation to secure funding for new reactor construction.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The $80 billion deal is the largest nuclear deal in the US since the 1970s and marks the first time private sector companies are taking on financial risk in building new reactors.
- Westinghouse Electric Company, along with its co-owners Brookfield Asset Management and Cameco, will be responsible for constructing at least 12 AP1000 reactors using pressurized water technology.
- The project aims to generate about 1,110 megawatts of electric power from each reactor, comparable to the output of units 3 and 4 at the Vogtle nuclear plant in Georgia.
Summary
Here are the requested analysis and insights:
The US energy storage market has seen significant growth, with installations in 2025 surpassing those of the previous year. This indicates a strong trend towards renewable energy adoption and a shift away from fossil fuels. The rapid expansion of energy storage capacity suggests that the country is making progress towards meeting its clean energy goals.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Energy storage installations in the US have surpassed last year's total, indicating a significant increase in investment and adoption.
- This growth suggests that the US is on track to meet its renewable energy targets, driven by the expansion of solar and wind power.
- The rapid expansion of energy storage capacity could also help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based power plants.
Summary
US energy storage installations have surpassed total deployments recorded in full-year 2024 by the third quarter of 2025, with over 5.3 GW of energy storage installed nationwide in Q3 2025. This growth is attributed to sustained residential growth and utility-scale projects. The industry's strong growth reflects the increasing need for energy storage to meet rising demand and maintain grid reliability.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- US energy storage installations have already exceeded total deployments recorded in full-year 2024 by the third quarter of 2025, with a 31% year-over-year increase in quarterly installations.
- The industry's growth is driven by sustained residential growth and utility-scale projects, which are contributing to the increased demand for energy storage solutions.
- The third quarter of 2025 remains the record quarter for deployments, with only a 6% decrease from the previous quarter, indicating a strong market trend.
Summary
Thermal energy storage (TES) can make steam from renewable sources economically viable for chemical industries and manufacturing. By storing thermal energy, it is possible to generate steam consistently and efficiently. This innovation has the potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in these sectors.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Thermal energy storage can provide a consistent and reliable source of steam for chemical industries and manufacturing, which can be generated from renewable sources.
- The use of TES can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels in these sectors.
- By storing thermal energy, the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar or wind power can be mitigated, making it possible to generate steam 24/7.
Summary
Bulgaria's Ministry of Energy has awarded over 4 GWh of energy storage capacity across 31 projects through the RESTORE 2 tender, with a total investment of BGN 228.9 million ($137.2 million). This is the second major energy storage subsidy scheme by the country this year. The successful projects will support the construction and commissioning of national infrastructure from renewable energy storage facilities.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Bulgaria has awarded over 4 GWh of energy storage capacity across 31 projects through the RESTORE 2 tender, with a significant impact on the country's renewable energy infrastructure.
- The total investment in these projects amounts to BGN 228.9 million ($137.2 million), supporting the growth of national infrastructure from renewable energy storage facilities.
- This award follows the success of the previous RESTORE scheme, which selected 82 standalone renewable energy storage projects with a total investment exceeding BGN 1.15 billion ($675 million).
Summary
The article discusses EnergyHub's "Huels test", a tool inspired by the Turing test, which compares virtual power plants (VPPs) to gas peaker plants based on their operational characteristics. The test aims to determine if grid operators can distinguish between the two using visibility, schedulability, and availability as metrics. This comparison is important for understanding the role of VPPs in modern power systems.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- EnergyHub's "Huels test" compares virtual power plants (VPPs) to gas peaker plants based on operational characteristics such as visibility, schedulability, and availability.
- The test requires VPPs to match or exceed those of gas peaker plants in order to pass and be considered indistinguishable from traditional peakers.
- This comparison is significant for understanding the role of VPPs in modern power systems and their potential to improve grid resilience and flexibility.
Summary
Ford is shifting its focus from electric vehicles (EVs) to stationary energy storage, specifically lithium iron phosphate batteries, at two of its manufacturing plants in Kentucky and Michigan. The company will utilize DC container systems commonly used by data centers, utilities, and large industrial customers. This move marks a significant change in Ford's strategy.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Ford is abandoning its EV plans to focus on stationary energy storage, indicating a potential shift in the company's overall business direction.
- The company will produce lithium iron phosphate batteries at two of its manufacturing plants, which could be used for various applications beyond electric vehicles.
- DC container systems are being utilized for this purpose, suggesting that Ford is looking to leverage existing technologies and infrastructure to support its new focus on energy storage.
Summary
New York's recently-approved energy plan suggests that nuclear power could play a new role in reducing the cost of achieving a carbon-free power system by 2040, according to advocates from the Clean Air Task Force. The plan aims to increase the use of renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This development indicates a potential shift towards a more diverse energy mix.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- New York's energy plan may lead to a lower cost of reaching a carbon-free power system by 2040, thanks in part to new nuclear power plants.
- The Clean Air Task Force advocates see nuclear power as a key component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a more sustainable energy mix.
- The plan aims to increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which could complement nuclear power in reducing carbon emissions.
Summary
A new white paper by The Brattle Group and cybersecurity firm Dragos warns of potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities in battery energy storage system (BESS) infrastructure. BESS installations are growing rapidly, and the increasing standardization of equipment across the industry poses a significant risk to grid security. A compromised BESS could result in substantial damages from an outage.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The growing standardization of BESS components across the industry makes it easier for attackers to copy and paste attacks across hundreds of sites, posing a significant risk to grid security.
- A malicious actor with access to hundreds of BESS sites could potentially shut them down unexpectedly, disrupting the supply-demand balance and propagating a blackout, which would be difficult for grid operators to anticipate.
- The increasing networked nature of BESS installations makes them an attractive target for state actors, who could attempt to disrupt the grid's operations and cause significant damage.
Summary
The SPEED Act, a key component of the House Republicans' infrastructure permitting reform push, has encountered difficulties due to partisan disagreements over presidential permit reversals. The bill's language on this issue was modified after Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ) secured an amendment that exempted offshore wind projects from permanent protection against reversal. This change aims to protect actions to terminate offshore wind permits and leases.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The SPEED Act faces challenges due to partisan disagreements over presidential permit reversals, with some Democrats seeking stronger protections for existing projects.
- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ) secured an amendment that exempts offshore wind projects from permanent protection against reversal, allowing for future terminations of permits and leases.
- The modification of the bill's language on presidential permit reversals reflects ongoing debates over energy policy and the role of government in regulating offshore wind development.
Summary
A Mexican state court has barred former Baja California Governor Jaime Bonilla from public office for three years due to alleged irregularities related to a failed solar power project. The court found that the state government awarded a contract without securing required federal authorization, leading to the cancellation of the 100 MW solar plant project. This decision is subject to appeal, and Bonilla has the right to take any action he deems necessary.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- A former Baja California Governor has been barred from public office for three years due to allegations of irregularities in a failed solar power project.
- The state government awarded a contract without obtaining required federal authorization, leading to the cancellation of the 100 MW solar plant project and a recovery effort for public funds.
- Investigations linked to the same case have led to action against former executives of Banca Afirme, including the extradition of one executive and an arrest of another.
Summary
Romania has commissioned its largest battery energy storage system (BESS) to date, a 400 MWh project in Cluj County, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to modernize its energy system and integrate more renewable sources.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The 400 MWh BESS, developed by Nova Power & Gas, is Romania's largest battery storage project to date, with a capacity of 200 MW.
- The project was welcomed by Romanian Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, who emphasized the need for "responsible private capital, fair competition and projects that deliver real results for consumers" in Romania's energy sector.
- The BESS is expected to play a crucial role in helping Romania safely integrate more renewable sources into its energy system.
Summary
Ford Motor Company is making a significant shift into the energy storage market, which is characterized as "fiercely competitive." This strategic pivot appears to be a deliberate move by the company. The entry into this market aligns with Ford's broader goals.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Ford's entry into the energy storage market marks a significant departure from its traditional automotive focus.
- Energy storage technology has become increasingly crucial for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy systems, making it an attractive area for companies to expand their offerings.
- By investing in battery storage, Ford aims to improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of its EVs and potentially tap into new revenue streams.
Summary
The Bihar State Power Generation Co. Ltd. (BSPGCL) has selected two private developers, GreenCo Energies and Sun Petrochemicals, to develop a total of 2.12 GW of pumped storage capacity under the state's 2025 policy. The projects aim to improve grid balancing and renewable integration by utilizing off-stream, closed-loop systems that store monsoon water for later generation. Construction is expected to create employment for approximately 8,000 workers.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Two private developers, GreenCo Energies and Sun Petrochemicals, have been selected to develop a total of 2.12 GW of pumped storage capacity in Bihar.
- The projects will utilize off-stream, closed-loop systems that store monsoon water sourced from the Dhanerjay and Sakri rivers for later generation, aiming to improve grid stability as renewable capacity expands.
- The construction activity is expected to create employment for approximately 8,000 workers, with project completion targeted within three years following agency selection finalized within five months of policy notification.
Summary
JA Solar, a Chinese PV manufacturer, has established a new subsidiary focused on energy storage with RMB 300 million in registered capital. This move is part of the company's strategy to diversify into emerging energy technologies and reduce its reliance on PV manufacturing, which has been bleeding red ink. The new subsidiary will focus on research and development, technology services, manufacturing, and sales.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- JA Solar has established a dedicated energy storage subsidiary with RMB 300 million in registered capital.
- The company's push into energy storage is part of its strategy to diversify and reduce reliance on PV manufacturing.
- The new subsidiary will focus on research and development, technology services, manufacturing, and sales for emerging energy technologies.
Summary
The article discusses how the US is losing ground in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with China surpassing it as a leader in EV adoption and solar power. The article attributes this shift to China's strong and aggressive cleantech policies implemented by President Xi Jinping. This has led to China becoming a global leader in clean energy.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- China's strong cleantech policies have made it the global leader in solar power, wind power, and electric vehicles.
- These policies, implemented under President Xi Jinping, are likely contributing to China's success in the EV industry.
- The US is losing ground in the EV market, suggesting that its own approach to clean energy policy may not be as effective as China's.
Summary
The South African government has approved four additional solar projects under the seventh renewables bid window, bringing the total amount of solar energy approved to over 3.9 GW. The projects will be developed by independent power producers (IPPs) such as Red Rocket Solar Africa and Engie, with a total investment of around ZAR 16 billion ($955 million). The government's decision is in response to insufficient wind energy bids, resulting in the allocation of unallocated wind project capacity to solar projects.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The South African government has approved four additional solar projects under the seventh renewables bid window, increasing the total amount of solar energy approved to over 3.9 GW.
- The approved projects are being developed by independent power producers (IPPs) such as Red Rocket Solar Africa and Engie, with a total investment of around ZAR 16 billion ($955 million).
- The government's decision to allocate unallocated wind project capacity to solar projects is due to insufficient wind energy bids, which has resulted in the conversion of this capacity into approved solar projects.
Summary
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has released a report stating that renewable energy sources, specifically solar and onshore wind power backed by storage and either gas or hydrogen, are the cheapest pathway for new electricity supply in Australia. The report projects an average cost of electricity of AUD 91/MWh to meet Australia's 82% renewable energy target, with costs increasing to AUD 135-148/MWh to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The combination of solar PV, onshore wind, storage, and either gas or hydrogen is the least-cost technology mix for new electricity supply in all scenarios examined by CSIRO.
- Meeting Australia's 82% renewable energy target is projected to reduce the average cost of electricity from AUD 129/MWh to AUD 91/MWh, including transmission.
- To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, generation costs are projected to increase to AUD 135-148/MWh, including transmission.
Summary
A recent executive order issued by Donald Trump could potentially block state initiatives aimed at ensuring fair pricing for consumers, particularly in South Carolina's electric utility market. This could exacerbate the affordability crisis affecting the state's residents. The implications of this executive order on consumer protection options are still unclear.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The executive order may threaten consumer protection options by blocking infrastructure development needed to support AI data centers.
- Large load tariffs, a popular initiative in South Carolina, aim to ensure tech companies have financial skin in the game and contribute to affordability for consumers.
- The potential impact of this executive order on state-level initiatives aimed at promoting fair pricing and ensuring affordability in the electric utility market is still uncertain.
- The crisis brewing in South Carolina's electric utility market highlights the need for regulatory measures to protect consumers from high energy costs.
Summary
The article discusses how Ford Motor Company has shifted its focus from electric vehicles to traditional gasmobiles and hybrid vehicles, while expanding its interest in the energy storage industry. A new study on EV energy storage sheds light on Ford's involvement in this field. The company is likely investing heavily in energy storage solutions.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Ford Motor Company has shifted its focus away from electric vehicles and towards traditional gasmobiles and hybrid vehicles.
- The company has expanded its interest in the energy storage industry, indicating a significant investment in this sector.
- A new study on EV energy storage is shedding light on Ford's involvement in this field, likely highlighting the company's innovative approaches to energy storage solutions.
Summary
California is introducing measures to promote the adoption of plug-in heat pumps and battery-equipped induction stoves, aiming to increase energy efficiency in households. These technologies are seen as potential game-changers for reducing carbon emissions. The initiative aims to make these innovative solutions more mainstream.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- California's plan seeks to boost the adoption of plug-in heat pumps, which could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing efficient heating and cooling.
- Battery-equipped induction stoves, a relatively new technology, may also gain traction in the state as part of the initiative, potentially becoming more widely available in the future.
- The move suggests that California is recognizing the importance of innovative technologies like these to combat climate change, building on past successes with energy-efficient products like LED light bulbs and energy-lean appliances.
Summary
The NAACP has hosted a summit to address the growing issue of data center development and its impact on environmental justice. Data centers are being built in low-income and minority-majority neighborhoods, often with onsite generation that can pollute local air quality. The organization aims to develop strategies to ensure responsible data center development that prioritizes community well-being over speed and profit.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Data centers are being built in low-income and minority-majority neighborhoods, exacerbating existing environmental injustices.
- Onsite generation at these facilities can lead to unlicensed air pollution, posing a significant threat to local communities.
- The NAACP is advocating for responsible data center development that prioritizes community well-being over speed and profit.