Summary
The article highlights the growing energy consumption of data centers, which are expected to increase by 1,000 TWh by 2030, surpassing the overall grid growth rate. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant contributor to this trend, with AI-optimized facilities potentially exacerbating the problem. The article suggests that existing power solutions may not be fully utilized.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Data centers are projected to consume significantly more electricity by 2030, with the International Energy Agency estimating a growth rate of four times faster than the overall grid.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is a major driver of this trend, pushing energy consumption in data centers to new heights and potentially worsening the problem.
- The article implies that existing power solutions may not be fully utilized or leveraged effectively to address the growing demand from data centers.
Summary
X-energy, a small modular reactor (SMR) developer, has secured a binding reservation agreement with Doosan Enerbility to manufacture main power system steel components for 16 Xe-100 SMRs. As part of the deal, Doosan has also committed to building a new dedicated SMR factory. This partnership aims to industrialize the supply chain for advanced nuclear energy.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Doosan Enerbility will manufacture main power system steel components for 16 Xe-100 SMRs as part of their agreement with X-energy.
- The partnership is aimed at industrializing the supply chain for advanced nuclear energy by securing a dedicated supplier for key components.
- Doosan has also committed to building a new dedicated SMR factory, indicating a significant investment in supporting the development and deployment of Xe-100 reactors.
Summary
Ford Motor Co. is transitioning its Kentucky battery plant to focus on energy storage, resulting in the layoff of approximately 1,500 workers. This shift suggests Ford's expanding interest in renewable energy solutions. The conversion aims to capitalize on growing demand for energy storage systems.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Ford is converting its Kentucky battery plant from electric vehicle production to energy storage, indicating a significant pivot towards renewable energy.
- The company is reportedly laying off 1,500 workers as part of this transition, highlighting the impact of industry shifts on employment.
- This move may signal Ford's involvement in the growing market for energy storage systems, potentially positioning it as a major player in this sector.
Summary
A Colorado-based company has partnered with Wärtsilä and others to build a 500-MWh energy storage project in Texas, near the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This is one of several major battery energy storage installations being built in the state. The project aims to support the increasing demand for renewable energy sources.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- A 500-MWh energy storage project is being constructed in Texas, with a capacity that can store significant amounts of energy.
- The project is part of a larger trend of major battery energy storage installations being built in the state of Texas.
- This investment suggests a growing interest in renewable energy sources and energy storage solutions to support their integration into the grid.
Summary
Greek solar producers have filed complaints with the European Commission over repowering policies and energy storage rules in Greece, citing that these policies block upgrades, raise costs, and hinder the country's energy transition. The policies in question require existing support schemes to be terminated when new projects are installed, introducing discriminatory treatment for investors upgrading or restoring stations. Several hundred Greek solar producers have signed the complaints.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Greece's repowering policies for older renewable projects, including PV arrays and wind farms, may block upgrades, raise costs, and hinder energy transition by requiring full new permitting and submissions of new bank guarantee letters.
- The policies also contradict efficient use of existing infrastructure, as investors who choose to upgrade or restore stations are denied access to support schemes that were available for newer installations.
- Greece's energy storage policies, including a 4.7 GW program for utility-scale battery projects, may be unfair to investors who want to participate in the market by requiring them to submit new permits and guarantees.
Summary
The PJM Interconnection's latest capacity auction results show record-high capacity costs, driven by growing demand from data centers and a lack of new power plant construction. This increase in electricity costs reflects the strain on the grid to meet peak power demands. The growth of data centers is particularly notable as it contributes to the shortage of resources needed to supply the grid.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The capacity auction results indicate that the energy market, specifically PJM Interconnection's region, is facing significant challenges in meeting peak power demands.
- Booming data center growth is a major factor contributing to the strain on the grid, as it increases electricity demand without sufficient new power plant construction to support it.
- The sluggish pace of power plant construction is exacerbating the issue, leading to record-high capacity costs and highlighting the need for increased investment in new energy infrastructure.
Summary
Amea Power has begun construction on a 1 GW solar-plus-storage plant in Egypt, which will be the largest single-site hybrid renewable facility in Africa. The $700 million project was initially planned to be completed after financing was secured, and it is now set to reach commercial operation in June 2026. The facility will integrate 1 GW of solar PV with 600 MWh of BESS and mark a significant step in Egypt's clean energy journey.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Amea Power has started construction on a 1 GW solar-plus-storage plant in Egypt, which will be the largest single-site hybrid renewable facility in Africa.
- The $700 million project is being developed in partnership with Kyuden International Corporation of Japan and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with Amea Power holding a 60% stake.
- The facility, located in southern Egypt's Aswan Governorate, will provide meaningful benefits to the country by enhancing energy security, supporting local employment, and strengthening national development.
Summary
Two US companies, GridStor and CPS Energy, are making progress in Texas energy storage deployments. GridStor has executed a tolling agreement for its Texas BESS project, while CPS Energy has launched a request for proposals (RFP) for a 500MW BESS deployment.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- GridStor is expanding its presence in the Texas market with the execution of a tolling agreement, indicating a growing interest in energy storage projects in the region.
- The launch of CPS Energy's RFP for a 500MW BESS deployment suggests a significant increase in demand for large-scale energy storage solutions in Texas.
- Both companies' initiatives highlight the importance of energy storage in supporting grid resilience and sustainability, particularly in response to growing energy demands and shifting energy landscapes.
Summary
Advanced nuclear developers Radiant, Last Energy, and ARC Clean Technology have raised significant capital investments in mid-December 2025, signaling renewed investor momentum behind microreactors and small modular reactors. This development comes as the companies transition from design and licensing to pilot deployment and early commercialization. The record-breaking investment in 2025 suggests a growing interest in these technologies.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Three advanced nuclear developers (Radiant, Last Energy, and ARC Clean Technology) have secured major private funding rounds, indicating renewed investor confidence in microreactors and small modular reactors.
- The companies are transitioning from design and licensing to pilot deployment and early commercialization, suggesting progress towards commercializing these technologies.
- The record-breaking investment in 2025 suggests a growing interest in advanced nuclear energy solutions, potentially driven by increasing demand for clean and reliable power.
Summary
The Saudi Electricity Co. has completed a massive battery energy storage project across three sites in the southwestern regions of the Kingdom, with a total capacity of 7.8 GWh, making it the world's largest battery energy storage system once fully operational.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The project, owned by the Saudi Electricity Co., spans three sites (Najran, Khamis Mushait, and Madaya) with each site having a capacity of 2.6 GWh.
- The project is connected to the transmission network at 380 kV and will enhance grid stability and renewable integration in the Kingdom.
- National Grid SA acts as the offtaker for the project, which was delivered by Algihaz Holding under a full turnkey EPC contract, including operations and maintenance.
Summary
The US is expected to add over 7 GW of wind installations in 2025, a 36% increase from the previous year, according to the "U.S. Wind Energy Monitor" report by Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association. This growth will be driven by increased turbine order intake and a rebounding market after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The five-year outlook remains unchanged, with 46 GW of new wind capacity projected from 2025 to 2029.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The US is expected to add over 7 GW of wind installations in 2025, a 36% increase from the previous year.
- The market has shown progress despite a challenging environment, with 3.8 GW queued for Q4 2025 and a rebounding turbine order intake.
- The five-year outlook remains unchanged, with 46 GW of new wind capacity projected from 2025 to 2029, driven by increased development pipeline assets advancing through the planning phase.
Summary
The article discusses how large load tariffs could help streamline interconnection processes by reducing queues. This approach would allow more data centers to be connected to the grid, making it easier for companies to deploy their facilities. By shrinking queues, utilities can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Large load tariffs could enable more data centers to be connected to the grid, increasing interconnection capacity.
- This approach would help reduce queues and improve the overall efficiency of the interconnection process.
- Smaller data center operators may face challenges in getting approved for interconnections, but large load tariffs could provide a solution.
- The use of large load tariffs could lead to cost savings for utilities by reducing the administrative burden associated with interconnection requests.
Summary
The California Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) Clean Power Alliance has announced its support for two thermal battery storage startup developers, moving closer to executing agreements for offtake. This development is part of the CCA's efforts to increase renewable energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The partnerships aim to bring innovative thermal battery storage projects online.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) has shown support for two thermal battery storage startup developers, indicating a commitment to integrating innovative energy storage solutions.
- This development is likely part of the CCA's broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and increase the use of renewable energy sources in California.
- Thermal battery storage projects have the potential to provide reliable and flexible energy storage solutions, which can help stabilize the grid and support increased renewable energy production.
Summary
The article discusses the advancement of virtual power plant programmes in the US, driven by new partnerships and investments. These programmes focus on distributed energy resources (DERs) as a solution for consumers to gain independence from rising energy costs. The growing interest in DERs is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of power and energy systems.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The emergence of virtual power plants and distributed energy resources (DERs) offers consumers an opportunity to take control of their energy consumption and reduce reliance on traditional grid-based systems.
- New partnerships and investments are driving the growth of these programmes, indicating a growing recognition of the potential benefits of DERs in addressing rising energy costs and promoting energy independence.
- The focus on DERs as a solution for consumers highlights the need for more flexible and adaptive power and energy systems that can accommodate decentralized energy generation and consumption patterns.
Summary
The article suggests that recent failures of hydrogen bus projects in the UK and elsewhere can be attributed to broken systems, rather than bribery or corruption. This is based on the observation that battery electric buses have been successful in various cities, while hydrogen buses struggle to perform well. The author implies that systemic issues are at play.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Hydrogen bus projects face significant challenges, including struggles with performance and reliability.
- Battery electric buses have proven more successful in city transportation, suggesting a potential advantage for this technology.
- The failures of hydrogen bus projects may be attributed to broader systemic issues, rather than corruption or bribery.
Summary
Nelson Family Vineyards, a 74-year-old family-owned winery in California, has replaced grid electricity with onsite solar generation through two projects: a rooftop solar array and a floating solar array installed on an irrigation pond. The installation is expected to save the winery an estimated $90,000 annually on electricity bills while powering its operations without taking any agricultural land out of production. This project serves as a live test site for floating photovoltaic research.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Nelson Family Vineyards has transitioned to 100% onsite solar generation, reducing its reliance on grid electricity and saving an estimated $90,000 annually.
- The winery's solar projects include both rooftop and floating solar arrays, with the latter installed on an irrigation pond, showcasing innovative and space-efficient solutions for large-scale solar deployment.
- The installation does not require any agricultural land to be taken out of production, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for the vineyard's operations.
Summary
Pakistan's National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has launched a public consultation on proposed revisions to its solar net-metering regulations. The changes aim to reduce tariffs for surplus solar power, making the system more competitive and potentially increasing adoption of rooftop PV systems. The new rules will also introduce a new net billing arrangement and shorten the standard net metering agreement term.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The proposed reduction in tariff for surplus solar power could cut the rate from PKR 26 ($0.093) per kWh to PKR 13 per kWh, making rooftop PV systems more financially viable.
- The new rules will introduce a nationally determined average energy purchase price for purchasing surplus power from PV system owners, rather than full one-to-one net credits.
- The standard net metering agreement term is proposed to be reduced from 7 years to 5 years, with extensions possible by mutual consent of prosumers and utilities.
Summary
The Indian manufacturer Geon has launched a new inverter battery storage system called Gelithium, designed for residential and commercial applications. The system combines an inverter and lithium battery into a single sealed unit, eliminating the need for external cabling or bulky backup batteries. This compact design simplifies setup and reduces installation complexity.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Geon's new Gelithium series offers two versions with rated capacities of 1,250 VA and 2,500 VA, making it suitable for various types of home UPS/inverters, including square wave, sine wave, and solar.
- The all-in-one design eliminates the need for external cabling or bulky backup batteries, reducing installation complexity, saving indoor space, and minimizing routine servicing requirements.
- The system measures 364 mm x 230 mm x 275 mm (for 1,250 VA) and 300 mm x 335 mm x 450 mm (for 2,500 VA), with weights of 25 kg and 50 kg respectively.
Summary
The article discusses how the Liverpool City Region's decision to convert its hydrogen bus fleet to battery electric operation may not be a surprise, as similar failures and challenges have been experienced by other hydrogen transport projects in the past.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The article suggests that hydrogen transport failures are becoming less surprising due to their increasing frequency.
- This trend implies that the industry is still grappling with significant challenges related to hydrogen production, storage, and transportation.
- Battery electric operation may be seen as a more reliable alternative to hydrogen-powered vehicles in certain scenarios.
Summary
NTPC Ltd., India's largest power producer, has successfully commissioned 359.58 MW of solar capacity across projects in Gujarat and Rajasthan, increasing its total commercial capacity to over 85.5 GW. This achievement is part of NTPC's efforts to accelerate renewable deployment through its subsidiaries. The company aims to reach 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032 as part of India's net zero ambitions.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- NTPC has successfully commissioned a total of 359.58 MW of solar capacity across two projects in Gujarat and Rajasthan, increasing the group's total installed and commercial capacity to 85,541 MW.
- The company has set a target of reaching 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032 as part of India's broader net zero ambitions, demonstrating its commitment to accelerating clean energy adoption.
- NTPC has an additional 30.90 GW of capacity under construction, including 13.3 GW from renewable energy projects, indicating the company's ongoing efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio.
Summary
Sungrow has successfully connected three Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects totaling 7.8GWh in Saudi Arabia to the electricity grid. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Sungrow and its partner Algihaz in the region. The connection brings clean energy to the Saudi market, contributing to the country's renewable energy goals.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- Three BESS projects with a total capacity of 7.8GWh have been connected to the electricity grid in Saudi Arabia.
- This achievement marks Sungrow's success in deploying large-scale energy storage systems in the region.
- The connection of these BESS projects brings clean energy to the Saudi market, supporting the country's renewable energy goals and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Summary
The UK has set a new annual record for solar generation, with a total of 18,314 GWh of power generated from photovoltaic (PV) sources in 2025. This represents a 30% increase from the previous year and accounts for 6.3% of Great Britain's total power generation. The surge in solar deployment is attributed to favorable weather conditions, increased capacity, and record numbers of new rooftop installations.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The UK has set a new annual record for solar generation, with a total of 18,314 GWh of PV-generated power, representing a 30% increase from the previous year.
- The growth in solar deployment is driven by increased capacity, record numbers of new rooftop installations, and favorable weather conditions, including record-breaking sunshine hours in 2025.
- Solar energy now supplies six times more generations than hydropower and more than half the output of nuclear in the UK, with deployment expected to rise to almost 60 GW over the coming decade.
Summary
The New York State Energy Plan, updated in December 2025, maintains a zero-emission grid target but acknowledges uncertainty and a potential longer reliance on fossil fuels due to high costs and federal policy gyrations. The plan reflects the current landscape of high energy costs and limited renewable energy options, raising concerns among environmental activists and clean energy advocates. The state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) remains in place, requiring 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The New York State Energy Plan acknowledges uncertainty and a potential longer reliance on fossil fuels due to high costs and federal policy gyrations, which is at odds with the state's goal of achieving a zero-emission grid by 2040.
- Environmental activists and clean energy advocates are criticizing the plan for lacking a focus on renewable energy and failing to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's requirements, which could result in higher energy costs for decades to come.
- The update reflects the challenges of planning for a low-carbon future in a time of high energy costs and limited renewable energy options, with some critics comparing Governor Kathy Hochul's energy policy to that of former President Donald Trump.
Summary
The US Department of Energy has ordered the last coal-fired power generation unit in Washington state, operated by TransAlta, to remain online despite being scheduled for closure by year-end. This move was made by the Trump administration. The Centralia Unit 2 is a 730-MW coal-fired facility.
Read Full Article →
Key Takeaways
- The US Department of Energy has intervened on behalf of TransAlta to keep the Centralia Unit 2, the last coal-fired unit in Washington state, operational.
- This decision was made by the Trump administration and marks one of its last actions related to coal-fired power generation before it left office.
- The ongoing operation of this facility defies a planned closure by year-end, which suggests that the Trump administration is prioritizing coal-fired energy over other energy sources.