Summary
The California Energy Commission has approved a forecast showing that the state's electricity consumption could surge by up to 61% over the next 20 years, with electric vehicles (EVs) being the biggest driver of peak load growth at 8,234 MW. New data centers are expected to contribute 4,721 MW to peak load growth, followed by fuel substitution and climate change impacts. The forecast is part of the agency's 2025 Integrated Energy Policy Report, which informs the state's resource adequacy requirements and transmission planning.
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Key Takeaways
- Electric vehicles are projected to be the largest contributor to peak load growth in California, with a predicted increase of 8,234 MW by 2045.
- New data centers are expected to drive significant electricity demand growth, with a forecasted contribution of 4,721 MW by 2045.
- Climate change impacts and fuel substitution from electrification will also contribute to increased peak load growth, although to a lesser extent (1,811 MW and 4,464 MW, respectively).
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected a rehearing request from clean energy groups and public interest organizations regarding SPP's Expedited Resource Adequacy Study (ERAS) process. The organizations argued that the commission's decision was arbitrary and capricious, citing implausible assumptions about capacity availability to meet near-term resource adequacy needs. FERC upheld its original 2025 decision approving SPP's ERAS process.
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Key Takeaways
- Clean energy groups and public interest organizations opposed SPP's ERAS process, arguing it amounts to queue jumping and violates FERC's principle of nondiscriminatory access to the grid.
- The organizations claimed that FERC's assumptions about capacity availability were "implausible" and failed to account for historical rates of load growth or the potential contribution of energy storage projects in the queue.
- FERC disagreed with these concerns, upholding its original 2025 decision approving SPP's ERAS process despite the objections from clean energy groups and public interest organizations.
Summary
The European Council of Economic Experts and France's Conseil d'analyse économique have jointly stepped away from hydrogen as a broad energy carrier, highlighting the challenges in supporting its development. This decision is particularly concerning given Germany's existing hydrogen infrastructure with no suppliers or customers for the 400 km pressurized segment. The move underscores the difficulties in scaling up hydrogen production and distribution.
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Key Takeaways
- The European Council of Economic Experts and France's Conseil d'analyse économique have jointly abandoned hydrogen as a primary energy carrier, raising concerns about its feasibility.
- Germany's existing hydrogen infrastructure is being left without suppliers or customers for a 400 km pressurized segment, highlighting the challenges in supporting large-scale hydrogen production.
- The decision to step away from hydrogen highlights the difficulties in scaling up hydrogen production and distribution, which are crucial for its widespread adoption as a clean energy source.
Summary
FERC has approved a 40-year license for the Goldendale Hydro Project, a 1.2-GW pumped hydroelectric storage facility in Washington State. The project will include two reservoirs and a powerhouse with three pump-turbine units, generating power to be sold to utilities in the Pacific Northwest and California. The expected commercial operation date is 2032, with an estimated cost of over $2 billion.
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Key Takeaways
- The Goldendale Hydro Project is a significant investment for the Pacific Northwest, aiming to provide more reliable grid and affordable energy prices to the region.
- The project will utilize closed-loop technology, where water from the Columbia River is used in both reservoirs, reducing environmental impact and minimizing water loss through evaporation.
- The power generation capacity of the Goldendale Hydro Project is expected to be 1.2 GW, with a transmission line connecting it to the Bonneville Power Administration's system and generating electricity for up to 12 hours on a typical day.
Summary
Gogoro, a well-known electric scooter brand, is undergoing a significant transformation to shift its focus from manufacturing to energy infrastructure. The company is trying to "reset" and stop losing money after years of struggles. Although details are limited due to confidentiality agreements, CleanTechnica has managed to gather some information.
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Key Takeaways
- Gogoro is attempting to transition away from its traditional electric scooter business and explore new opportunities in the energy sector.
- The company's goal is to address its financial struggles by diversifying into a different industry, although specifics are not publicly disclosed due to confidentiality agreements.
- Gogoro's shift towards energy infrastructure suggests that the company aims to expand its product offerings beyond electric scooters and tap into emerging markets.
Summary
China's TOPCon solar module prices have risen for the third consecutive week, with a significant increase in forward curve prices, reflecting market participants' concerns over export rebates removal and higher cell prices. The OPIS Global Solar Markets Report shows that TOPCon module prices rose by 12.75% to $0.115/W Free-On-Board (FOB) China, while forward prices for later quarters also increased. This trend suggests that the impact of policy shifts is being felt in the market.
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Key Takeaways
- TOPCon solar module prices have risen by 12.75% to $0.115/W FOB China, marking a third consecutive week of increases.
- Forward curve prices are also higher, with Q2 2026 loading cargoes assessed at $0.120/W and Q3 2026 loading cargoes rising to $0.121/W.
- The impact of export rebates removal and higher cell prices is being felt in the market, with silver prices remaining a key variable for module pricing.
- Expectations suggest that policy shifts could feed through to forward pricing, indicating a potential increase in prices for later quarters.
Summary
The article discusses how the first year of President Trump's second term saw a significant downturn in clean energy manufacturing in the US, reversing years of increasing investment and growth. This decline was unexpected despite rising investments prompted by inflation concerns. The decrease has led to renewed scrutiny on the administration's stance on environmental policies.
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Key Takeaways
- Clean energy manufacturing experienced a surge in investment before President Trump's second term due to inflation concerns.
- However, this surge was followed by a significant downturn in the first year of Trump 2.0, with no clear explanation for the decline.
- The reversal highlights the uncertainty and unpredictability of environmental policies under the current administration.
- The decrease in clean energy manufacturing could have long-term consequences on the US's transition to renewable energy sources and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Summary
New York is extending its nuclear power subsidies, known as the Zero-Emissions Credit (ZEC) program, until 2049 at a cost of up to $33.4 billion to ratepayers. The program was created in 2016 to support the state's decarbonization strategy and ensure the continued operation of four nuclear reactors that are expensive to operate but not economical at market power prices. The extension is seen as necessary to prevent the closure of these reactors, which could impact reliability and achievement of clean-energy goals.
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Key Takeaways
- The ZEC program will be extended until 2049, providing financial support for New York's four operating nuclear reactors that are expensive to operate but not economical at market power prices.
- The extension is seen as crucial to prevent the closure of these reactors, which could have significant impacts on reliability, resource adequacy, and achievement of statewide clean-energy goals.
- Constellation Energy, which operates all four reactors, has sought financial certainty as it plans for the future of its oldest operating reactors, which are licensed to operate only until 2029.
Summary
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N has launched in the UK, offering a sporty electric vehicle experience with up to 641 horsepower and a 0-62 mph time of just 3.2 seconds. In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the IONIQ 6 N also features virtual gear shifts and fun extras. This new model is Hyundai's second performance EV.
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Key Takeaways
- The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N boasts up to 641 horsepower, making it a high-performance electric vehicle.
- The car achieves an impressive 0-62 mph time in just 3.2 seconds, showcasing its rapid acceleration capabilities.
- Virtual gear shifts are among the fun extras available on the IONIQ 6 N, indicating that this model is designed for driving enthusiasts who value unique features and a sporty experience.
Summary
EnergySolutions, a Utah-based nuclear services company, has set a June 2028 deadline to submit an application for a major licensing action for new nuclear generation at the Kewaunee site in Wisconsin.
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Key Takeaways
- EnergySolutions plans to submit an application for a new nuclear generation project at the Kewaunee site by June 2028.
- The company is based in Utah, indicating that it has the necessary expertise and resources to undertake a major nuclear licensing action.
- The Kewaunee site has previously been associated with nuclear power generation, suggesting that EnergySolutions' proposal may involve reviving or repurposing existing infrastructure.
Summary
The EIA forecasts that U.S. crude oil production will remain near the record high of 13.6 million barrels per day in 2026, before decreasing by 2% to 13.3 million b/d in 2027. This would mark the first decline in annual U.S. crude oil production since 2021. The forecast suggests a stable production level for the near term.
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Key Takeaways
- U.S. crude oil production is expected to remain near the record high of 13.6 million barrels per day in 2026.
- A 2% decline in annual U.S. crude oil production is forecasted for 2027, marking the first such decline since 2021.
- This forecast suggests a stable production level for the near term, with no significant changes anticipated until 2027.
Summary
Offshore wind developers in the US have resumed construction on three major projects after federal judges lifted a pause order issued by the Trump administration. The resumption of work comes nearly a month after the court victories, which cleared the way for Ørsted, Equinor, and Dominion Energy to proceed with their multibillion-dollar wind farms. This development marks a significant step forward for the US offshore wind industry.
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Key Takeaways
- Three major US offshore wind projects (Ørsted, Equinor, and Dominion Energy) have resumed construction after being cleared by federal judges.
- The resumption of work comes nearly a month after the court victories, which lifted a pause order issued by the Trump administration.
- This development marks a significant step forward for the US offshore wind industry, which has been facing challenges during the Trump administration.
Summary
KHNP, a South Korean nuclear power company, has acquired a stake in TerraPower, a US-based developer of small modular reactors. This investment marks an expansion of KHNP's nuclear energy portfolio and positions the company for potential growth in the emerging small modular reactor market. The partnership aims to promote the commercialization of TerraPower's technology.
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Key Takeaways
- South Korea's Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has taken a stake in US-based TerraPower, a developer of small modular reactors.
- This investment marks an expansion of KHNP's nuclear energy portfolio and positions the company for potential growth in the emerging small modular reactor market.
- The partnership aims to promote the commercialization of TerraPower's technology, highlighting the growing interest in small modular reactors globally.
Summary
Honda has released its new electric motorcycle, the UC3, which is set to be launched in Vietnam and Thailand. The bike features integrated batteries, a departure from Honda's usual removable-battery standard. This unique design choice may offer potential benefits for the motorcycle.
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Key Takeaways
- Honda is using integrated batteries in its latest electric motorcycle model, the UC3.
- This decision deviates from the company's typical use of removable batteries, which may provide new advantages or challenges for the bike.
- The launch of the UC3 marks another significant release from Honda's expanding electric two-wheeler lineup.
Summary
The article reports that the US has lost its interest in promoting solar power, with President Donald Trump dropping the initiative. In response, Egypt and other countries are stepping up their efforts to develop and invest in solar power projects.
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Key Takeaways
- Elite Solar, a Singapore-based solar manufacturer, is among the companies rushing to fill the demand for solar power in both Egypt and the US.
- The loss of interest from the US government may create opportunities for other countries like Egypt to become prominent players in the global solar energy market.
- This shift could lead to an increase in international investment and collaboration in the development and implementation of solar power projects.
Summary
Environmental groups are challenging Georgia Power's plan to build expensive gas plants, specifically highlighting the issue with the company's data center plan which has been deemed "overbuilt" and "flawed." The groups have filed a response to Georgia Power and the Georgia Public Service Commission's defense of their plan. This challenges the legitimacy of Georgia Power's energy infrastructure.
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Key Takeaways
- Environmental groups are pushing back against Georgia Power's plans, specifically targeting the company's data center infrastructure.
- The groups claim that Georgia Power's data center plan is "overbuilt" and has "flawed" data, suggesting potential issues with the plan's feasibility.
- This development indicates a challenge to Georgia Power's energy strategy and highlights concerns over the company's reliability and sustainability.
Summary
The Washington State Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments regarding the legality of Initiative 2066, which allegedly misled voters by altering existing climate and clean air laws without explicit mention in the ballot title. The initiative's impact on energy affordability and clean air is at stake. The court's decision will determine the effectiveness of the measure.
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Key Takeaways
- Initiative 2066 may have improperly amended existing climate and clean air laws, potentially misleading voters about its content.
- The measure's effects on energy affordability are also being scrutinized, highlighting the importance of transparency in policy decisions.
- The Washington State Supreme Court is playing a crucial role in determining the initiative's legality and impact on the state's environmental policies.
Summary
International safety authorities from several countries are conducting a joint review to assess the safety of Steady Energy's LDR-50 reactor for district heating. This review is part of an ongoing effort to evaluate the safety of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe. The review aims to provide insights into the safety features and design of these reactors.
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Key Takeaways
- Multiple European nuclear regulators are collaborating on a joint review to assess the safety of SMRs, including Steady Energy's LDR-50 reactor.
- This review is part of an ongoing effort to evaluate the safety of SMRs in Europe, which is expected to provide valuable insights into their design and features.
- The assessment of SMRs for district heating applications highlights the potential benefits of these reactors in providing clean and efficient energy.
Summary
The article discusses the overemphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) technology and its use cases, suggesting that the focus should be on solving real-world problems rather than chasing after new technologies. This shift is necessary to ensure that AI solutions are practical and effective in addressing industry challenges. By taking a more problem-focused approach, professionals can avoid getting caught up in the hype surrounding AI.
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Key Takeaways
- The article highlights the need for a more focused approach to artificial intelligence (AI), moving away from a catalog of "use cases" that don't necessarily address real-world problems.
- Chasing after new technologies without a clear understanding of industry challenges can lead to frustration and wasted resources, according to the article.
- A problem-focused approach to AI solutions prioritizes practicality and effectiveness over hype and flashy technology, ensuring that professionals are solving actual issues rather than just pursuing trendy tools.
Summary
A joint study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NuScale Power has validated the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in conjunction with a heat augmentation system to provide nuclear-generated steam and electric power, demonstrating both profitability and reliability for coupling SMRs with chemical facilities.
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Key Takeaways
- The study shows that pairing SMRs with a heat augmentation system can be a profitable and reliable option for providing nuclear-generated steam and electric power to chemical facilities.
- NuScale Power's modular design and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's research capabilities likely contributed to the success of the joint study, highlighting their expertise in this area.
- The use of SMRs could offer an alternative energy source for chemical plants, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Summary
Tokyo Electric Power Company has delayed the restart of unit 6 at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant due to a safety alarm failure during pre-reactor start-up checks, pushing back the scheduled restart from January 20.
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Key Takeaways
- A safety alarm failed to sound during pre-reactor start-up checks at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant.
- The delayed restart of unit 6 has pushed back the scheduled date for the reactor's return to service.
- The incident is a setback for Tokyo Electric Power Company, which was aiming to resume operations at the facility after a prolonged shutdown.
Summary
The Arkansas Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a 23% rate increase for electricity bills in Northwest Arkansas, allowing SWEPCO to raise customers' costs. This decision comes at a time when the region is preparing for an impending winter storm. The PSC commissioners, who were appointed by the governor, made this ruling.
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Key Takeaways
- The Arkansas Public Service Commission (PSC) has given the green light for SWEPCO to increase electricity rates by 23% in Northwest Arkansas.
- This rate hike will likely affect customers' bills and could be particularly challenging during the impending winter storm.
- The PSC commissioners, who were appointed by the governor, have made this decision without much public discussion or controversy.
Summary
VinFast Philippines has introduced a battery subscription program to make electric vehicle ownership more affordable in the Philippine market, as part of its strategy to promote EV adoption. This move aims to reduce the cost barrier for consumers. The company is updating its pricing accordingly.
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Key Takeaways
- VinFast is introducing a battery subscription program in the Philippines to lower the cost barrier to EV ownership.
- This program suggests that the company is willing to take on the risk of battery degradation and maintenance, making it more accessible to customers who may not be able to afford or maintain an entire battery pack themselves.
- Battery subscription programs are becoming increasingly popular among electric vehicle manufacturers as a way to increase adoption rates in markets where high upfront costs remain a barrier to entry.
Summary
The US Department of Energy is launching a new effort to focus on energy efficiency in key industrial sectors, highlighting its importance as a competitive advantage over time. This initiative aims to improve the sector's competitiveness and sustainability. The emphasis on energy efficiency underscores its enduring significance beyond fleeting presidential terms.
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Key Takeaways
- The US Department of Energy is prioritizing energy efficiency as a crucial factor in improving competitiveness in key industrial sectors.
- Energy efficiency is seen as a long-term strategy, distinguishing it from presidential terms that come and go.
- This initiative aims to promote sectoral sustainability through improved energy efficiency.
Summary
Distribution system operators (DSOs) are facing challenges in transitioning to a more efficient and complex system, with data fragmentation and AI integration being major hurdles. To overcome these challenges, DSOs are utilizing human-guided intelligence to make faster and more informed decisions. By leveraging this approach, utilities aim to improve the overall performance of their distribution systems.
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Key Takeaways
- Data fragmentation is a significant challenge in the DSO transition, making it difficult for utilities to access and analyze comprehensive data sets.
- Human-guided intelligence plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between data availability and decision-making capabilities, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.
- The integration of AI technologies into DSO operations is essential for optimizing distribution system performance and reducing energy waste.
Summary
The European Commission has invited offtakers to express interest in supply offers under the Hydrogen Mechanism, aiming to advance market matching for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. Meanwhile, Germany's electrolysis rollout is progressing at a slower pace than planned, with currently only 181 MW of installed capacity, despite new EU-backed funding schemes.
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Key Takeaways
- The European Commission has launched an invitation for offtakers to signal supply interest under the Hydrogen Mechanism, which will run until March 20, 2026.
- Germany's electrolysis rollout is facing challenges, with only 181 MW of installed capacity as of now, despite receiving new EU-backed funding schemes to support its production and use of renewable hydrogen.
- The European Commission has approved a €200 million plan to support the construction of up to 300 MW of electrolysis capacity in Canada.
Summary
The Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC) is a new green hydrogen pipeline project aiming to transform the transportation of renewable hydrogen in Northern Europe. The call for interest, open until March 2026, invites key stakeholders to provide forecast volumes, storage needs, and tariff hopes, marking a significant market signal for the plan. This project could potentially reshape the movement of green hydrogen across the region.
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Key Takeaways
- A 2,500 km pipeline will be constructed, connecting Southern Finland's wind-rich areas with Northern Europe, aiming to link up regions that are well-suited for renewable energy production.
- The project has already received significant funding, including €6.8M EU CEF grant and €51.4 M from Gasgrid Finland, indicating substantial investment in its feasibility.
- The Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor is expected to achieve emission reductions of up to 37 Mt CO₂ annually by 2050, contributing significantly to Europe's renewable energy goals and mitigating the carbon footprint associated with hydrogen production.
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has upheld the fast-track reviews for MISO and SPP, allowing these grid operators to quickly assess new generator projects. This decision is expected to streamline the process for integrating additional power generation capacity into the US energy system. FERC's approval also covers a 1.2-GW pumped storage project planned by Rye Development in Washington.
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Key Takeaways
- The FERC's fast-track review process enables MISO and SPP to rapidly assess new generator projects, reducing the time and effort required for integration into the US energy system.
- This streamlined process is expected to contribute to a more efficient allocation of power generation capacity, supporting the grid operators' ability to meet growing energy demand.
- The approval also covers a 1.2-GW pumped storage project, which is likely to play a role in the overall energy mix and helping to balance supply and demand.
Summary
The Australian federal government has announced an investment of AUD 24.7 million over three years to fund a national pilot program for recycling end-of-life solar panels. The program aims to reduce landfill disposal and recover valuable materials from the country's growing rooftop solar fleet, which includes over 4.2 million installed systems. The goal is to establish up to 100 collection sites across the country and support the development of a circular economy.
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Key Takeaways
- Australia has an estimated 4 million decommissioned solar panels each year, with only 17% currently being recycled, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices.
- The national pilot program will aim to establish up to 100 collection sites across the country to improve the management of end-of-life PV modules and recover valuable materials like copper, silver, silicon, and aluminium.
- The government believes that recycling solar panels can support the clean energy transition and reduce landfill waste, with Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt stating that these materials can be repurposed to help achieve this goal.