Energy Digest

The article highlights the importance of a robust nuclear fuel supply chain for America's future in civilian nuclear energy, as the country seeks to regain its global leadership in this field. The US has traditionally set the standard for nuclear innovation and safety practices worldwide, but concerns over climate change, energy security, and industrial competitiveness have raised alarm about the state of its nuclear fuel supply chain. This challenges the country's ability to maintain its position as a leader in civilian nuclear energy.

The article states that despite a recent shift in federal energy policy, the demand for solar power in the US remains strong due to its economic benefits. Solar investors continue to invest in the US market, indicating a steady interest in renewable energy sources. This trend suggests that solar power is becoming increasingly attractive as an option for powering the nation's grid.

The Iberdrola Group has completed and energized a massive transmission line project in Brazil, known as the Alto Paranaíba Project. The 1,600-kilometer transmission line features 3,250 towers and six substations along its route, making it one of the largest transmission projects in Brazil. This project is Iberdrola's largest transmission project in Brazil and a significant electricity delivery initiative.

AlphaESS has launched a modular energy storage system, StaX-M29.9/M50, designed for small commercial and industrial users with power ratings of 29.9 kW and 50 kW. The system is aimed at businesses seeking flexible energy storage solutions without the complexity of installation. It features a stackable, plug-and-play architecture and incremental expansion capabilities.

Researchers at Overview Energy successfully beamed power from a moving airplane in a test flight, marking the first time this has been achieved. The demonstration is part of a larger goal to develop space-based solar power, where satellites collect energy in geosynchronous orbit and beam it back to Earth as near-infrared waves. This technology has been years in development and is gaining momentum with recent advancements.

SPIC, a Chinese state-owned power group, has launched the world's first ultra-high-temperature heat-pump energy storage system, called "Chuno," which is based on a Carnot battery concept. The 1 MW/4 MWh pilot system has completed seven full charge-discharge cycles and met or exceeded design targets. This technology provides an alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries and compressed air energy storage.

Kazakhstan's President has stated that nuclear energy is a key component of the country's strategic plans to become a "digital power". This emphasis on nuclear energy highlights the nation's commitment to this sector. The partnership with the USA further solidifies Kazakhstan's position in the global nuclear industry.

The Nordic Power-to-Liquid Project aims to produce synthetic aviation fuel in Finland's Tornio, utilizing renewable electricity and steel-mill exhaust to create green hydrogen and CO₂ side streams. The €1.2-1.5 billion facility is expected to produce approximately 100,000 tonnes of synthetic aviation fuel per year. This project represents a significant step towards clean jet fuel production.

SFC Energy AG and Linc Polska have partnered to deploy EFOY Pro 2800 direct methanol fuel cells for off-grid CCTV systems in Central Europe, aiming to reduce noise pollution and emissions. The €1.5 million framework deal will see the rollout of mobile CCTV trailers and autonomous surveillance setups across Germany, Poland, and select Central European markets. This partnership represents a shift towards quieter, cleaner operations powered by sustainable energy.

Plug Power Inc., a hydrogen production firm, is facing financial headwinds due to cash burn outpacing revenue growth. The company's stock is at a 52-week low, and a key shareholder vote is looming, which could impact its ability to secure fresh capital and expand its operations. If investors reject the proposed equity compensation plan changes, Plug Power may struggle to keep up with project timelines.

The article reports that clean energy is expected to play a crucial role in Virginia's upcoming legislative session, driven by concerns over rising electricity prices and the growth of data centers. Democrats, who won a governing trifecta last year, are likely to focus on promoting clean energy as a key strategy. This shift is seen as a response to voters' worries about high electricity costs. KEY TAKEAWAYs: • Clean energy is emerging as a top priority in Virginia's legislature due to growing concerns over rising electricity prices. • The proliferation of data centers in the state has contributed to increased demand for electricity, fueling calls for more sustainable and renewable energy sources. • Democrats' focus on clean energy is seen as an attempt to address voters' concerns about high electricity costs and promote a more environmentally friendly policy agenda.

Evotrex, a startup backed by Anker, has unveiled its new RV concept called PG5, which is claimed to generate its own power. The trailer uses advanced technology to convert waste energy into usable electricity, enabling extended off-grid operation without sacrificing comfort. The company's goal is to provide glampers with the freedom to explore while maintaining their electrified lifestyle.

Meghan Dewey is a key figure at Duke Energy, bridging the gap between corporate scale and human-centric innovation to design utilities for short-term and long-term operations. Her team's work spans multiple areas, including Emerging Technology Office and customer prototype labs, with a focus on transportation electrification. The goal of her efforts is to shape the future of utilities that prioritize human needs.

Masdar, an Abu Dhabi-based developer, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Angola's state-owned transmission company RNT-EP to develop a 150 MW solar project in the Quipungo area of southern Angola. This marks Masdar's first PPA in Angola and is part of its larger Project Royal Sable, which aims to deploy 500 MW of solar across three sites to support the country's power grid. The project is expected to deliver electricity to around 300,000 homes.

Germany has added 6.57 GWh of battery storage capacity in 2025, increasing the total installed capacity to around 24 GWh. This growth is driven by industrial and large-scale systems, with home storage installations declining due to weaker rooftop solar demand. The addition of new battery storage systems is expected to lift the total capacity to approximately 6.57 GWh.

The article reports that an energy storage fleet in Chile successfully mitigated a significant amount of renewable energy curtailment, specifically 2TWh, in 2025. This is part of the growing trend of increasing curtailment of solar PV and wind power in Chile due to various factors such as weather conditions and grid management. The article highlights the importance of energy storage in addressing these challenges.

In December 2025, New South Wales led Australia's utility-scale solar power generation, surpassing the 1 TWh mark for the first time. The state's clean energy assets produced a total of 1,678 GWh of renewable electricity, with utility PV and wind generating 1,052 GWh and 626 GWh, respectively. This milestone marked the highest month of renewable generation in the National Electricity Market.

A research group led by scientists from Qatar's Hamad Bin Khalifa University has conducted a literature review on capital expenditure-driven strategies to optimize the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) in utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems. The study found that LCOE can be reduced by up to 20% through strategic optimization of system-level design, balance-of-systems, and digital tools. The research highlights the need for integrated research that considers financing, execution, and long-term asset performance.

The Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) has awarded a tender for 1.2 GW of interstate transmission system-connected solar projects paired with 600 MW/3,600 MWh of energy storage at a tariff of INR 3.12/kWh ($0.035). The largest allocation went to NLC India Renewables, securing 600 MW of solar capacity. SECI will act as an intermediary nodal agency, selling the contracted power to multiple buying entities across India.

Scatec ASA has secured a 25-year power purchase agreement in Egypt for a 1.95 GW solar and 3.9 GWh battery energy storage project, marking the developer's largest investment to date. The combined capacity of the integrated solar-plus-storage system is expected to deliver 6 TWh of energy annually. This project represents the largest solar and BESS installation in Africa.

Project Jade Wyoming is a pioneering initiative that combines cutting-edge AI data hubs with on-site power plants, utilizing natural gas turbines and fuel cells, to create a sustainable energy infrastructure. The project aims to power the state's growing AI industry and has grown from an initial 1.8 GW capacity to a record-breaking 2.7 GW of behind-the-meter power generation. This innovative approach showcases a potential game-changer for the future of digital backbone and sustainable energy.

The HYENA POWER POD is a innovative solution that converts LPG into clean off-grid power in Africa, reducing particulates and CO₂ emissions by 15% compared to traditional diesel generators. The system uses an LPG-to-hydrogen process right on-site, which is then fed into a fuel cell power system, producing electricity while only emitting water and heat. This technology has the potential to transform energy solutions for off-grid communities in Africa.

A massive solar-storage project in California's Central Valley is taking shape, aiming to provide a quarter of the state's clean energy needs by 2035. The project, led by the Westlands Water District, involves solar panels, battery storage, and integration with the power grid. This development marks an important step forward for the project.

Pacific Hydro has successfully commissioned its 293 MW Desierto de Atacama solar project in Chile, which combines solar power with 110 MW/220 MWh of battery storage. The facility is expected to supply clean electricity to over 310,000 homes annually and represents an investment of around $300 million. The project, situated in the extreme conditions of the Atacama Desert, demonstrates Pacific Hydro's ability to overcome challenging environmental conditions.

Croatia has made significant strides in solar energy deployment, with a record-breaking 417 MW of solar capacity commissioned in 2025. This growth is driven by commercial and industrial customers, which now account for around three-quarters of the country's installed solar capacity. With this pace of deployment continuing, Croatia's solar energy capacity is expected to surpass its wind energy capacity for the first time in early 2026.

Global solar power systems are entering a period of adjustment, driven by market conditions that are redefining the rules of competition. Oversupply from China and India is leading to declining prices and shifting focus towards execution, policy alignment, and system integration. As a result, energy storage is becoming essential for project viability, particularly in major markets such as the US, Europe, and China.

The article reports on a study that predicts the United States could reach 100% renewable energy by 2148 if it maintains its current pace of adding 43 GW of renewables per year. In contrast, China is on track to achieve a fully renewable energy system by 2051, nearly a century earlier than the US. The study suggests that China's transition to renewable energy is happening at an encouraging rate.