Winter storms in Texas have caused significant disruptions to the power grid, yet the state's growing fleet of battery storage systems has played a crucial role in maintaining grid resilience. The effectiveness of these energy storage solutions has been highlighted by recent winter storm events, which have underscored their importance for ensuring reliable and consistent electricity supply. As Texas continues to invest in its energy infrastructure, battery storage is likely to play an increasingly vital role in the state's power grid.
Almost 3TWh of renewable energy was curtailed in France in 2025 due to higher solar output and more frequent negative-price market periods. The increase reflects growing integration challenges as solar and wind capacity expands, with non-dispatchable generation primarily accounting for the curtailment. Solar curtailment nearly doubled compared to 2024, driven by the increasing share of renewable fleets operating under premium schemes.
Osaki Electric has signed an agreement with Kyocera and two Taiwan Plastics Group affiliates to develop its AI-controlled energy management system (EMS) that integrates solar generation, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery storage, and edge AI terminal. The goal is to conclude a final contract by December 2026. The "SmaRe:C" system aims to optimize electricity procurement and renewable energy utilization for corporate customers in Japan, reducing exposure to price volatility and increasing on-site renewable consumption.
Manufacturers are responding to an unprecedented surge in demand for electricity by deploying gigawatt-scale power plants, utilizing fast-start technology, and expanding production capacity. Data centers are driving the insatiable appetite for electricity globally. This growth is leading to new record highs in power plant deployment.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 888 in 1996, requiring public utilities to file open-access plans for their interstate transmission facilities. This led to the creation of regional power organizations and independent system operators (ISOs/RTOs), which have shaped the future of America's power regions. The resulting grid structure has had varying degrees of success in promoting efficiency, reliability, and competition.
U.S.-based Energea has acquired the YO Residence Solar Project, its first microgrid investment and entry into South Africa's renewable energy market. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the company. Energea is expanding its presence in South Africa's renewable energy sector with this deal.
Behind-the-meter (BTM) batteries are becoming increasingly common and playing a vital role in supporting backup power during storms, helping to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on the grid. These batteries have evolved from niche devices to support grid capacity, providing flexible power solutions for a volatile energy ecosystem. BTM batteries are now being recognized as a crucial component in addressing the growing issue of power outages and duration.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled autonomous energy operations, pushing the concept of a "one-button start-up" closer to engineering reality. Industrial AI applications for energy operations are advancing, although fully autonomous systems remain in development. Companies like Aker-BP's Yggdrasil project showcase integrated operations centers that utilize AI to optimize energy performance.
The US nuclear industry cannot succeed without investing in the full fuel cycle, from uranium mining to long-term waste storage. A resurgent nuclear industry requires strengthening this industrial backbone to realize its potential. Without it, nuclear power's potential may remain more aspiration than reality.
Researchers at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche in Spain have developed a dual-condenser air-to-water heat pump system that can maximize solar energy use by shifting domestic hot water production to daylight hours, boosting solar energy use from 9.9% to 55.5%. The prototype achieved a peak coefficient of performance of 7.59 under PV-assisted operation and uses two condensers instead of one to optimize energy storage and targeted heating.
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