Energy Digest

Daily Summaries & Key Takeaways of Power & Energy Updates
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Last Updated: December 20, 2025 at 06:01 PM
26
News & Articles
4
Research Papers
1

The backup battery choice you didn’t know you had: natural gas fuel cell

Summary

The article introduces the WATT Fuel Cell, a new backup battery option that uses natural gas fuel cells to generate power when needed. This innovative solution allows homeowners to keep their solar systems online and avoid peak energy rates without relying on traditional batteries like Li-ion or Vanadium Flow batteries. By leveraging existing natural gas connections, the WATT Fuel Cell offers a unique alternative for those looking to enhance their home energy storage.
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Key Takeaways

  • The WATT Fuel Cell uses natural gas fuel cells to generate power, making it an alternative to traditional battery options.
  • This solution allows homeowners to keep their solar systems online and avoid peak energy rates without relying on traditional batteries.
  • By leveraging existing natural gas connections, the WATT Fuel Cell offers a unique and innovative approach to backup energy storage.
2

Hydrogen Firm Lhyfe Pretends Minor Revenue Gain Overcomes Strategy Failures & Massive Net Losses

Summary

Lhyfe, a hydrogen firm, reported a minor revenue gain in 2025 despite strategic failures and massive net losses. The company is now refocusing its strategy and cutting expenses. The report suggests that the firm may be attempting to rebrand itself after previous setbacks.
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Key Takeaways

  • Lhyfe has reportedly doubled its revenues in 2025, which is a minor gain considering the overall context of the company's performance.
  • Despite this revenue increase, the company still experienced massive net losses, indicating significant financial struggles.
  • The fact that Lhyfe is refocusing its strategy and cutting expenses suggests that the firm is attempting to rebrand itself and recover from previous failures.
3

Voices of the Energy Industry: Bobbi Harris utilizes communications and connection to defines the utility journey

Summary

Bobbi Harris is the leader of the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA), which connects over 115 companies to address utility broadband infrastructure challenges. The organization aims to facilitate communication and collaboration among its members to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of broadband services for utilities. Through this effort, Harris is utilizing her communications and connection skills to redefine the utility journey.
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Key Takeaways

  • Bobbi Harris leads the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA), a platform that connects over 115 companies to tackle utility broadband infrastructure challenges.
  • The organization aims to enhance communication and collaboration among its members to improve broadband services for utilities.
  • Harris' leadership utilizes her communications and connection skills to redefine the utility journey, suggesting a focus on building relationships and addressing industry-specific issues.
4

Queensland government says it, not councils, will decide on battery storage projects in Australian state

Summary

The Queensland government has taken control of large-scale battery storage project applications, transferring decision-making authority from councils to the state level. This change is due to new laws that went into effect last week. The move aims to streamline and accelerate the development of renewable energy projects in the Australian state.
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Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government now holds sole responsibility for reviewing and approving large-scale battery storage project applications.
  • Councils will no longer be involved in the decision-making process, potentially simplifying and accelerating the development of renewable energy projects.
  • This shift in authority may impact local community engagement and participation in the approval process, as councils were previously involved in the decision-making process.
5

Hithium launches 8-hour dedicated battery cell and BESS, sodium-lithium hybrid data centre solution

Summary

Hithium has launched an 8-hour dedicated battery cell and BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) solution, featuring a new 1,300Ah larger format battery cell. This innovation is part of the company's expansion into the energy storage market. The new products aim to provide reliable and efficient power solutions for various applications.
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Key Takeaways

  • Hithium has developed an 8-hour dedicated battery cell with a capacity of 1,300Ah, targeting BESS applications that require long-duration power supply.
  • The company has also introduced related BESS products, indicating an expansion into the energy storage market beyond just battery cells.
  • The launch suggests that Hithium is positioning itself as a significant player in the growing energy storage industry, particularly for applications requiring longer-term energy storage solutions.
6

Battery storage system prices continue to fall sharply, BNEF and Ember reports find

Summary

The article reports that the prices of turnkey battery storage systems have fallen by almost a third over the past year, with experts predicting continued sharp cost declines. This trend is significant for the energy industry, as it suggests increased affordability and accessibility of renewable energy solutions. As a result, battery storage systems are becoming more viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based power plants.
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Key Takeaways

  • Global average prices for turnkey battery storage systems have decreased by almost a third year-over-year, indicating a significant decline in costs.
  • Sharp cost declines are expected to continue, making battery storage systems an increasingly attractive option for the energy industry.
  • The decreasing prices of battery storage systems suggest increased affordability and accessibility of renewable energy solutions, potentially driving growth in the sector.
7

Fortescue Infinity Train gets 14.5 MWh battery that never needs charging [update]

Summary

Fortescue has unveiled a prototype of its "Infinity Train" electric locomotive, which features a 14.5 MWh battery that eliminates the need for fuel or charging. The train can complete a 1,100 km journey from Perth to the Pilbara without requiring any energy replenishment. This innovation marks a significant step in decarbonizing heavy haul operations.
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Key Takeaways

  • Fortescue's "Infinity Train" electric locomotive features a massive 14.5 MWh battery, allowing it to travel long distances without needing fuel or charging.
  • The train can cover approximately 1,100 km (685 miles) from Perth to the Pilbara on a single charge, making it an efficient and sustainable solution for heavy haul operations.
  • This innovation is a significant step towards decarbonizing the company's heavy haul operations, reducing its environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future.
8

β€˜We have to hire on merit, but ensuring merit is truly visible’

Summary

The article highlights the importance of gender diversity and inclusion in the solar, energy storage, EV charging, and grid infrastructure sectors. Sonia de Sales, Director of Development at Altano Energy, emphasizes that implementing an equal-opportunities plan is crucial to ensure fair recruitment and hiring on merit. Despite progress made over the past 13 years, women still face underrepresentation in technical, leadership, and decision-making roles.
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Key Takeaways

  • Women are underrepresented in the renewable energy workforce, with only 32% of the renewable energy workforce being women, and just 19% holding leadership roles.
  • Implementing an equal-opportunities plan, including balanced shortlists and actively sourcing female candidates when they are underrepresented, is essential for ensuring fair recruitment and hiring on merit.
  • The solar, energy storage, EV charging, and grid infrastructure sectors can benefit from gender diversity and inclusion, as diverse teams bring different perspectives, backgrounds, and problem-solving approaches that lead to better decision-making and solutions.
9

Trump Media Group, Fusion Company TAE Merging in $6-Billion Deal

Summary

The Trump Media Group (TMTG) is merging with TAE Technologies, a California-based company focused on nuclear fusion development, in an all-stock deal worth $6 billion. This merger will create one of the first publicly traded fusion companies. The transaction was announced on December 18.
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Key Takeaways

  • The merger creates one of the first publicly traded fusion companies, indicating significant investment and recognition for nuclear fusion technology.
  • TAE Technologies is a California-based company with a focus on developing nuclear fusion, highlighting the potential of this emerging energy source.
  • The $6 billion deal suggests substantial financial backing for the fusion development project, which could accelerate progress in this field.
10

Korean floating SMR design certified

Summary

Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle from the American Bureau of Shipping for a floating marine nuclear power platform featuring two SMART100 small modular reactors. This design is developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, marking an important step towards commercialization of South Korea's SMR technology. The approval paves the way for the potential deployment of this innovative floating SMR system.
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Key Takeaways

  • South Korean company Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle from the American Bureau of Shipping for a floating marine nuclear power platform featuring two SMART100 small modular reactors.
  • This design is developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, showcasing the country's advancements in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.
  • The approval marks an important milestone towards commercialization of South Korea's SMR technology and potentially paves the way for the deployment of this innovative floating SMR system.
11

Chevy Powers Holiday Magic Across America

Summary

Chevy is celebrating the holiday season by spreading joy and connecting with customers through its "Holiday Card to America" campaign, a tradition that has been running for five years. The company aims to make family memories in their vehicles during the holidays. This year's focus is on powering up the magic of the season.
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Key Takeaways

  • Chevy's "Holiday Card to America" campaign is a long-standing tradition that showcases the brand's commitment to spreading holiday cheer.
  • The company aims to create memorable experiences for families within and outside their vehicles, highlighting the importance of quality time during the holidays.
  • The specific details of this year's campaign are not explicitly stated in the provided information.
12

Love the Smell of Wind in the Morning

Summary

The article discusses the author's experience of monitoring the source of their electricity in real-time using a widget, revealing the contribution of wind power to their energy mix. The author shares a personal anecdote about waking up early to check the NEM (North American Electric Market) widget. This insight provides a glimpse into the growing importance of renewable energy sources.
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Key Takeaways

  • The article highlights the use of real-time monitoring tools, such as the NEM widget, to track the source of electricity and promote transparency in the energy sector.
  • Wind power is increasingly becoming a significant contributor to the author's energy mix, demonstrating its growing role in the transition to renewable energy sources.
  • The author's personal experience serves as an example of how individuals can make informed decisions about their energy consumption and support the growth of clean energy technologies.
13

Federal Court Strikes Down Trump’s Wind Energy Moratorium

Summary

A US District Court Judge has ruled that the Trump administration's executive memorandum to halt wind energy development was unlawful, striking down the January 2025 moratorium. This decision affects federal agencies' ability to implement related actions on wind energy projects. The ruling provides a boost for wind energy development in the US.
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Key Takeaways

  • A federal court has declared the Trump administration's wind energy moratorium unlawful, effectively halting its implementation.
  • The ruling grants a significant win to the wind energy industry, allowing for continued development and project implementation in the US.
  • The decision may have implications for future policy changes related to renewable energy sources like wind power.
14

National Grid Awards Contracts for Sea Link Subsea Electricity Connection

Summary

The article reports on National Grid's awarding of contracts for the Sea Link subsea electricity connection, a part of The Great Grid Upgrade. This project is expected to contribute to UK jobs, skills, and manufacturing growth through its partnerships with Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. The upgrade aims to enhance the country's energy infrastructure.
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Key Takeaways

  • National Grid has awarded contracts for the Sea Link subsea electricity connection as part of The Great Grid Upgrade.
  • The project is expected to drive UK jobs, skills, and manufacturing growth through its partnerships with Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
  • The upgrade aims to enhance the country's energy infrastructure by connecting the UK to international markets.
15

Year-Round Resilience: A 360Β° Approach to Storm Preparedness and Response

Summary

The article discusses the need for utilities to adopt AI-driven, proactive storm management strategies to enhance resilience and reduce downtime in power infrastructure. Despite no hurricanes making landfall in 2025, extreme weather events still pose a threat to utilities. Utilities must shift from manual, reactive responses to more proactive approaches.
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Key Takeaways

  • Utilities are facing increasing outages and damages due to extreme weather events, necessitating the adoption of new storm management strategies.
  • AI-driven, proactive storm management can enhance resilience and reduce downtime in power infrastructure.
  • The article highlights the need for utilities to adopt a 360Β° approach to storm preparedness and response that incorporates manual, technical, and organizational elements.
16

JCP&L Plans Electric Grid Upgrade to Improve Reliability in Monmouth County

Summary

JCP&L, a utility company, plans to upgrade its electric grid in Monmouth County by adding a new line. The primary goal of this upgrade is to enhance the reliability of the power supply by providing an additional source of electricity when the main line is unavailable due to weather-related events or other issues.
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Key Takeaways

  • JCP&L is investing in a grid upgrade to improve the reliability of its electric service in Monmouth County.
  • The new line will provide an additional source of electricity in case the primary line is unavailable, ensuring a more stable power supply.
  • The upgrade aims to mitigate the impact of weather-related events or other issues that may affect the main power line.
17

Entergy Texas Advances STEP Ahead Plan to Support Southeast Texas Power Needs

Summary

Entergy Texas is advancing its STEP Ahead Plan to support the growing power needs of southeast Texas, with a focus on improving grid reliability and performance.
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Key Takeaways

  • The plan aims to enhance reliability and improve grid performance in southeast Texas.
  • The projects are intended to prepare the system for future energy demand, suggesting an emphasis on long-term planning and sustainability.
  • Entergy Texas is investing in initiatives that will support the region's growing power needs, indicating a commitment to meeting evolving energy demands.
18

Georgia Public Service Commission Issues Final Order on Data Center Power Plan

Summary

The Georgia Public Service Commission has approved an agreement between Georgia Power and PSC Staff, allowing for the construction of expensive gas plants. This decision follows a unanimous vote by the commission, with no public testimony or input from advocacy groups before the final order was released. The plan is expected to support data centers in the state.
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Key Takeaways

  • The agreement approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission allows for the construction of expensive gas plants, which is likely intended to support the growth of data centers in the state.
  • The decision has been met with limited public input or scrutiny from advocacy groups, sparking concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the regulatory process.
  • The approval of this plan could have significant environmental implications, as gas plants are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
  • The focus on supporting data centers raises questions about the priority given to industries that rely heavily on energy-intensive technology versus more sustainable options.
19

Ethiopia and Russia hold talks over potential nuclear power project

Summary

Negotiations have taken place between Ethiopian and Russian officials in Moscow to discuss the possibility of a gigawatt-scale nuclear power plant in Ethiopia. The project aims to increase Ethiopia's energy production, but details about the proposal remain scarce. A potential nuclear power plant could play a significant role in addressing Ethiopia's growing energy demands.
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Key Takeaways

  • Negotiations have been held between Ethiopian and Russian officials in Moscow to advance proposals for a gigawatt-scale nuclear power plant.
  • The project aims to increase Ethiopia's energy production, potentially alleviating pressure on the country's energy infrastructure.
  • Details about the proposal remain limited, leaving room for further discussion and potential developments.
20

Israel Unveils Hydrogen Production Valley in the Negev to Drive Clean Energy Innovation

Summary

The Israel Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has unveiled a hydrogen production valley in the Negev desert, aiming to drive clean energy innovation. The project will integrate hydrogen production, refueling, storage, and power generation into one ecosystem, leveraging the region's high solar irradiance. With an initial budget of over $12 million, the valley is set to transform the previously overlooked area into a hub for high-tech jobs and global research talent.
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Key Takeaways

  • The Negev desert will be home to a hydrogen production valley that combines pyrolysis units with electrolysers to produce green hydrogen.
  • The project aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for hydrogen production, refueling, storage, and power generation in the region.
  • The initiative is expected to bring significant economic benefits, including high-tech jobs and infrastructure development, to nearby towns like Yeruham.
21

Aiko achieves 24.8% efficiency in commercial solar module production

Summary

Aiko, a Chinese solar module manufacturer, has achieved a commercial power conversion efficiency of 24.8% in the production of its Comet 3N panels, which is confirmed by TÜV Nord in Germany. This milestone marks a significant improvement in the company's proprietary all-back-contact (ABC) cell technology. The modules have already been deployed in several megawatt-scale solar projects across China, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
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Key Takeaways

  • Aiko has achieved a commercial power conversion efficiency of 24.8% in its Comet 3N panel production.
  • The high-efficiency panels are based on the company's proprietary all-back-contact (ABC) cell technology.
  • The modules have been successfully deployed in several megawatt-scale solar projects across China, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
22

New York energy plan recognises role of nuclear

Summary

The New York State Energy Plan acknowledges the importance of advanced nuclear energy sources in meeting the state's energy needs over the next 15 years. The plan recognizes that a diversified mix of energy sources is necessary to achieve this goal. This shift towards embracing nuclear energy highlights the evolving role of advanced nuclear technologies in supporting US energy strategy.
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Key Takeaways

  • New York State has recognized the importance of advanced nuclear energy sources as part of its updated State Energy Plan.
  • The plan aims to meet the state's energy needs over the next 15 years by diversifying the energy mix, including incorporating advanced nuclear technologies.
  • This recognition marks a shift towards embracing nuclear energy in US energy strategy, acknowledging its role in supporting overall energy needs.
23

FERC members raise alarms about PJM failure to meet reliability target

Summary

The PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization, is facing concerns from FERC members about its failure to meet reliability targets. Factors contributing to the shortfall include stricter load forecasting and a reduced economic outlook, which may alleviate capacity issues. However, it remains to be seen whether these factors will effectively address the shortage.
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Key Takeaways

  • PJM Interconnection is facing criticism from FERC members due to its inability to meet reliability targets.
  • Stricter vetting of potential large loads and a reduced economic outlook could help alleviate capacity shortfall in the coming months.
  • The outcome of these efforts remains uncertain, leaving questions about the region's ability to maintain reliability.
24

House Passes SPEED Act, Failing to Lower Energy Costs or Speed Clean Energy Deployment

Summary

The House of Representatives has passed the SPEED Act, which weakens the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and fails to address the barriers slowing clean energy projects. This move is seen as a step back in efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce energy costs. The bill's failure to expedite economic development or lower energy costs is disappointing.
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Key Takeaways

  • The SPEED Act weakens the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which could hinder the development of clean energy projects.
  • The bill fails to address the real barriers slowing clean energy projects, such as high permitting costs and regulatory hurdles.
  • The passage of the SPEED Act is seen as a setback for efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce energy costs.
  • The bill's failure to expedite economic development suggests that the focus may be on short-term gains rather than long-term sustainable energy solutions.
25

US wind growth picks up speed as power demand surges

Summary

US wind energy is experiencing a resurgence in growth, driven by increasing power demand and tariffs, despite permitting bottlenecks. This trend is expected to have a significant impact on the renewable energy sector. The article highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the US wind industry.
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Key Takeaways

  • US wind energy growth is picking up speed due to rising power demand, which creates a strong market for clean energy sources.
  • Tariffs are also playing a role in promoting wind energy, as they can make it more competitive with fossil fuels.
  • Permitting bottlenecks remain a significant challenge for the US wind industry, despite the growing trend, and need to be addressed to ensure continued growth.
26

Jackery flash sale first savings on Explorer 300D power station from $169, Segway Max G2 e-scooter $650, EcoFlow, AI robot mower, more

Summary

**SUMMARY** The article features a Christmas flash sale from various brands, offering discounts on popular power and energy systems products such as the Jackery Explorer 300D Portable Power Station, Segway Max G2 Electric Scooter, and EcoFlow's DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station. The sale is available for a limited time and includes other deals on electric vehicles, robot lawn mowers, and more. Discounts range from $169 to $900 savings. **KEY TAKEAWAYS** * The Jackery Explorer 300D Portable Power Station is now available with a 40W Air panel for $249 (originally $169) or as a standalone deal at $169. * Segway's Max G2 Electric Scooter has been discounted to $650, down from its original price. * EcoFlow's DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station is back on sale for $699, offering $900 savings compared to its original price. * ECOVACS' advanced LiDAR and AI-supported robot lawn mower is now available with a discount of over $1,000 off its original price.
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Technical papers from ArXiv - for readers interested in academic research

1

Learning-based Approximate Model Predictive Control for an Impact Wrench Tool

Summary

This article proposes a learning-based model predictive control approach for real-time torque control in impact wrenches, addressing the challenge of handling complex dynamics on resource-constrained embedded platforms while maintaining safety constraints and high-performance control. The proposed framework combines data-driven model augmentation with neural network approximation to achieve efficient inference times. It is evaluated through numerical simulations and hardware experiments, demonstrating successful real-time control with improved tracking accuracy compared to baseline PID control.
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Key Takeaways

  • The article presents a learning-based approach for real-time torque control in impact wrenches, addressing the challenge of handling complex dynamics on resource-constrained embedded platforms.
  • The proposed framework combines data-driven model augmentation with neural network approximation to achieve efficient inference times suitable for battery-powered tools.
  • The approach is evaluated through numerical simulations and hardware experiments, demonstrating improved tracking accuracy compared to baseline PID control.
2

A Comprehensive Benchmark Platform for Process Control Research of Outdoor Microalgae Raceway Reactors

Summary

This article presents a comprehensive benchmark platform for evaluating process control strategies in outdoor microalgae raceway reactors. The platform integrates four key control regulation tasks and features a high-fidelity dynamic model, closed-loop simulation environment, and multiple controller options to evaluate alternative control methods. The goal is to bridge control methodology and outdoor algal bioprocess engineering, enabling the development of multivariable control strategies for disturbance-rich environmental systems.
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Key Takeaways

  • The platform evaluates process control strategies in outdoor microalgae raceway reactors by integrating four key control regulation tasks: pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), culture volume, and temperature.
  • A high-fidelity dynamic model and closed-loop simulation environment are used to capture the strongly coupled thermal, physicochemical, and biological processes governing industrial-scale open raceway ponds.
  • The platform provides a unified global performance index, as well as individual metrics for each control problem, enabling consistent and quantitative comparison of alternative control strategies.
3

Operator-Theoretic Joint Estimation of Aging-Aware State of Charge and Control-Informed State of Health

Summary

The article presents a novel operator-theoretic framework for jointly estimating the aging-aware state of charge and control-informed state of health of lithium-ion batteries. The framework combines a Koopman-based latent dynamics model with a neural operator to predict discharge capacity and estimate state of charge, ensuring stability through spectral-radius clipping. The method is trained end-to-end and demonstrates real-time capability while handling condition shifts and unseen regimes.
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Key Takeaways

  • The proposed framework integrates a Koopman-based latent dynamics model with a neural operator to jointly estimate aging-aware state of charge and control-informed state of health.
  • The method ensures stability through spectral-radius clipping of the Koopman operator, allowing for accurate and real-time capacity forecasts.
  • The framework demonstrates robustness to condition shifts and unseen regimes, utilizing zero-shot and few-shot out-of-distribution adaptation mechanisms.
4

Resilience of coupled systems under deep uncertainty and dynamic complexity: An integrative literature review

Summary

This article conducts an integrative literature review of 102 English-language publications on resilience in coupled systems, highlighting the limitations of current approaches to assessing resilience due to deep uncertainty and dynamic complexity. The study aims to propose a conceptual framework and practical tools to support researchers and decision-makers in evaluating and improving resilience. The findings emphasize the need for more robust, adaptive, and integrative resilience assessments.
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Key Takeaways

  • Most existing research on resilience focuses on lower levels of uncertainty and rarely considers both dynamic complexity and deep uncertainty simultaneously.
  • Current approaches to assessing resilience are limited by their inability to effectively address the interconnectedness and unpredictability of coupled systems under complex and uncertain conditions.
  • The study proposes a conceptual framework and practical tools to support more comprehensive and effective resilience assessments, which could be beneficial for addressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemics.