Charles Proteus Steinmetz predicted the importance of electric vehicles in 1920, citing low maintenance costs, reliability, and simplicity as advantages, while noting disadvantages such as limited range and charging station dependence. His list remains relevant nearly a century later. Steinmetz was also an early advocate for magnetic hysteresis research and AC circuit analysis, revolutionizing power engineering.
Utilities face a "perfect storm" driven by explosive AI data center demand, rapid EV adoption, and urgent climate resilience needs, forcing the breakdown of traditional, siloed grid planning methods. PG&E is investing in building a smarter, stronger, sustainable grid to address these challenges, but the industry as a whole must adapt to emerging technologies and changing consumer behaviors. Traditional methods are being replaced by more integrated and data-driven approaches to grid management.
A solar boom in Lebanon has led to increased grid resilience through decentralized energy systems, teaching lessons for modernizing grids that can be applied globally. The country's response to a severe electricity crisis highlights the importance of local control, digitalization, and data-driven decision-making in grid management. AI-enabled energy systems are also being explored as a potential solution for achieving greater resilience.
A proposed solar power project, the Esmeralda 7, may move forward in Nevada depending on the outcome of the state's governor election this fall. The project has faced delays and uncertainty since its initial proposal was announced, but a successful election could pave the way for its completion. The project aims to generate 600 MW of solar power.
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is a 2.6-gigawatt offshore wind farm that survived the Trump administration's efforts to block it. The project adds another 2.6 gigawatts to the nation's clean power profile, bringing renewable energy generation to its current level of five offshore projects.
Russia's state-owned nuclear power group Rosatom will continue its foreign nuclear power plant projects despite new sanctions from the UK government against Russian companies, highlighting the company's commitment to international collaborations. The decision reflects Rosatom's ability to adapt to changing geopolitical circumstances and maintain its presence in global energy markets. The move is seen as a testament to the company's resilience and determination to pursue its business goals despite external challenges.
NTS Colocation has partnered with Inlyte Energy to deploy 2MW of iron-sodium battery capacity by 2028. Iron-sodium batteries from US startup Inlyte will be used in the data centre operator's facilities. The deployment aims to enhance energy stability and efficiency for NTS Colocation's operations.
A robotic, smart fabric wrapped plastic dinosaur gained consciousness in 2020 to explore machine learning concepts, including neural nets. Researchers are now working with "Plastic Dinosaur" models that can learn and improve on their own, leveraging the principles of free energy to optimize performance. These advancements aim to create more efficient and adaptive AI systems.
Solar installations in the US surged 205% before a tax credit cut, with the market experiencing one of its wildest six-month stretches ever. The growth was driven by homeowners taking advantage of increased funding opportunities and incentivized installations. The sudden change led to significant reshaping of the solar market.
Tesla's Cybercab is dead on arrival, Donut Lab claims to have developed a "miracle battery" that could potentially double the range of electric vehicles, and Waymo is expanding its self-driving car services.