Energy Digest

The article discusses how US President Donald Trump's administration is taking aggressive measures to hinder the growth of the offshore wind industry in the US, resulting in job losses for thousands of workers. This move is seen as a desperate attempt by the administration to avoid losing and undermining the development of renewable energy sources. The impact of this policy on the environment and the economy is likely to be significant.

The article discusses the growing dependence of our electric grid on big tech companies, which is driven by short-term benefits such as cost savings and increased efficiency. However, this reliance creates a vulnerability in the system that can have severe consequences if the cooperation of these companies is not maintained. As a result, utilities are facing a crisis in managing their power and energy systems.

A US President's lawsuit against an offshore wind project in Scotland was dismissed by a judge, further highlighting the president's long-standing opposition to offshore wind turbines. This decision is part of a pattern of Trump's resistance to renewable energy projects. The article suggests that Trump's stance on offshore wind remains unchanged despite legal setbacks.

Egypt has launched its first 100MW green hydrogen facility in the Ain Sokhna Industrial Zone, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to become a major player in the global green hydrogen market. The project, led by Scatec and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, aims to tap into Egypt's vast solar resources and export clean ammonia to Europe and the US. With this move, Egypt is poised to become a key player in the North African "green hydrogen corridor".

The article discusses a dispute in Wisconsin over clean energy policies for data centers, highlighting the challenges of regulating these energy-gobbling computing facilities. Tech giants are expanding their plans to build data centers, but state legislators face difficulties in setting policies that balance the needs of the tech industry with concerns about environmental impact. The debate underscores the complexities of governing data center development.

The article discusses a report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) that highlights the discrepancy between the growth of renewable energy deployment and the lack of corresponding job creation in the renewable sector. The report emphasizes the need to address the "human side" of the energy transition, which is being overlooked in favor of focusing solely on technological advancements. This oversight may lead to significant social and economic consequences.

The Iberdola-led ASTRA-CC project has successfully developed and integrated solid-state battery cells into a module for stationary applications, marking a significant milestone in the development of solid-state batteries for energy storage. This achievement was made possible through collaboration between Basquevolt and Bcare, with the goal of promoting strategic technologies for the energy transition. The modular design demonstrates technical feasibility and scalability.

A 10-year framework agreement has been signed between X-energy Reactor Company and SGL Carbon LLC, securing the supply of graphite for X-energy's Xe-100 small modular reactor. The deal supports the first deployment of the reactor at Seadrift site in Texas and reserves capacity for a planned 12-unit plant in Washington State. This agreement strengthens X-energy's supply chain for its nuclear energy projects.

Canadian Solar has won a patent infringement case against Maxeon in the United States, with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board ruling that all claims asserted by Maxeon are invalid. This decision is related to an unspecified TOPCon solar cell technology. Canadian Solar's president, Colin Parkin, stated that the company respects intellectual property but opposes the misuse or weaponization of patents.

Namibia's Foreign and Trade Minister, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has held talks with Russian officials in Moscow to discuss growing cooperation in various areas, including nuclear energy. The purpose of the talks is not explicitly stated, but it suggests that Namibia may be exploring opportunities for collaboration in this field. This development indicates a potential shift towards alternative energy sources for Namibia.

The article discusses Ofgem's energy debate from a global perspective, allowing the author to gain insights into the UK's energy regulator as part of their podcast series. The discussion provides an opportunity for international readers to understand how Britain is approaching its energy transition. The conversation highlights the complexities and nuances of transitioning to clean energy.

The article discusses how autonomous drones and AI are being used in utility inspection programs, specifically by AEP Ohio, to improve efficiency and defect spotting. This technology enables earlier detection of defects and speeds up inspection workflows. The integration of autonomous drones with computer vision allows for more accurate and effective inspections.

A federal judge has ruled that work on the Revolution Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut can resume, as the government failed to provide sufficient reasoning for denying the project's approval. The ruling comes amid a statement from President Trump saying the US "will not approve any windmills." This decision is likely related to concerns about offshore wind development in the country.

Rad Power Bikes, a bike brand facing uncertainty due to potential shutdown, has launched a new version of its cargo e-bike called the "New RadWagon", indicating an attempt to stay afloat despite the challenges.

The US electricity demand surged in 2025, with solar power playing a significant role. According to an analysis by Ember, solar accounted for 61% of the growth in US electricity demand last year. This highlights the growing importance of central solar in meeting increasing energy demands.

A group of 8 Democratic governors from the US have signed a deal urging PJM, the nation's largest grid operator, to ensure that big tech companies pay their fair share for their massive power usage. This move comes as PJM is in the process of creating rules to manage energy demand and reduce strain on the grid. The governors aim to address the significant impact of big tech on the power market.

A federal judge has granted Dominion Energy a preliminary injunction, allowing the company to resume construction of the nation's largest offshore wind project, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW). This ruling marks the third injunction issued in five days against stop-work orders imposed by the Trump administration. The decision brings the Trump administration's court record on these orders to 0-4.

EcoFlow is offering a winter sale with discounts of up to 65% off on various products, including the DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station and the Buzz Cerana 2 Commuter e-bike. The sale also includes other deals such as robotic lawn mowers, Greenworks electric tools, and more. Additionally, there are hangover deals available that offer exclusive savings on certain products.

China has begun construction on the Xuwei nuclear power project, a innovative nuclear complex that will combine high-temperature gas-cooled reactors with pressurized water reactors to provide both industrial heating and electricity. The project is located in Jiangsu province and marks an important step forward for China's nuclear energy development. The plant will feature a unique hybrid design.

Vikram Solar Ltd has announced that it is adopting the G12R format across its entire PV module portfolio, reflecting broader industry trends towards larger-format wafers, high-efficiency n-type technologies, and bifacial module designs aimed at improving energy yield and project economics. The company has expanded its module manufacturing capacity to 9.5 GW, enabling standardization on a single technology platform while maintaining consistency and quality. This move is expected to enhance the efficiency and profitability of Vikram Solar's solar projects.

Duke Energy, Elevate Renewables, and Fluence Energy are progressing their Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects with BrightNight and Cordelio Power. These collaborations aim to enhance the energy storage capacity in the US market. The BESS projects will play a crucial role in supporting the grid's stability and reliability.

Masdar, an Abu Dhabi-based developer, has entered into a framework agreement with Montenegro's state-owned power company EPCG to explore the development of large-scale solar projects in the country. The partnership aims to support Montenegro's domestic energy needs while also enabling the export of renewable energy to Southeastern Europe. This joint venture could bring greater energy security, new jobs, and modernization to Montenegro's energy sector.

The article reports that the Public Citizen has challenged the cost recovery for a $546M PSE&G transmission project, citing an imprudent settlement between the utility company and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This settlement indicates that costs from the project were excessive. As a result, the Public Citizen is likely seeking to recoup or recover some of these costs.

Ukraine and Poland have discussed potential cross-border environmental impact issues related to the proposed expansion of the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant, which would include two AP1000 units. Expert consultations have been completed by Ukraine's Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture. The details of these discussions are not further elaborated in the article.

Finnish energy firm Helen is establishing a subsidiary to investigate the feasibility of building nuclear power in Helsinki, with the ultimate goal of preparing the project for an investment decision. This move suggests that Helen is serious about expanding its energy portfolio and exploring new sources of power. The development comes at a time when Finland is looking to increase its energy security and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The article discusses the integration of advanced AI-powered platforms in vegetation management, enabling utilities to adopt a more proactive approach to maintenance. These platforms analyze aerial imagery and geospatial data to detect vegetation encroachment, optimize resource allocation, and forecast growth patterns. This shift towards predictive intelligence aims to transform maintenance from reactive to strategic.

The article discusses the collaboration between grid operators and customers to address the challenge of integrating large loads into the grid, highlighting new utility strategies and best practices for grid planning in a rapidly changing energy landscape. This cooperation aims to ensure reliable and efficient electricity supply while minimizing environmental impact. As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to grow, grid operators are working with customers to adapt their infrastructure and operations.

Unigrid, a US startup, has begun commercial-scale international shipments of its proprietary sodium-ion cells, marking the first time a battery firm outside China has exported sodium-ion technology at scale. This move is enabled by critical transport certifications and Unigrid's cost-efficient foundry manufacturing model. The company has expanded its global manufacturing capacity tenfold, reaching 100 MWh per year.