The North American power grid is facing its biggest reckoning in a generation due to a sudden and unexpected supply crisis, triggered by the rapid growth of data centers. This boom has put immense strain on the grid, forcing utilities to confront the reality that they can no longer rely on their traditional methods of power generation to meet demand. The industry's long-standing assumption of "growth at a snail's pace" is no longer tenable.
A 500MW/1,000MWh battery energy storage system with grid-forming inverters has begun commercial operation in Cambodia. This project marks a "significant and historic achievement" for the country's energy sector. The system is designed to stabilize the grid and provide reliable power supply.
Ukraine has introduced new rules governing its energy market, prioritizing solar-plus-storage systems as a separate auction category to ease regulatory barriers and increase predictability for investors. The law also extends renewable energy auction support horizon from 2029 to 2034 and introduces minimum quotas for storage systems colocated with PV projects. These changes aim to strengthen energy resilience in Ukraine's occupied territories.
Australia's energy storage market is facing significant changes as rooftop solar increases in popularity, potentially rendering utility-scale power uncompetitive due to the decreasing cost advantage of grid-connected systems. Distributed energy resources are gaining momentum, threatening the economics of traditional utility-scale energy production. This shift is expected to have a profound impact on Australia's energy sector and its business models.
Utility-scale solar projects face challenges such as slower interconnections and larger sizes, requiring engineering decisions that anticipate regulation and supply chains years in advance. The CT Solar Platform development revealed issues with micro-terrain on the site, including natural drainage swales and soil transitions, which required design evolution to accommodate tracker installation. The experience highlights the need for more detailed geotechnical and civil modeling on large-scale solar projects.
The Generac PWRcell 2 Energy Storage System has won the 2025 GOOD DESIGN Award for its outstanding design, functionality, and sustainability. This award recognizes Generac's home battery products among other innovative solutions. The award honors the brand's commitment to creating cutting-edge energy storage systems that benefit both consumers and the environment.
AI is enhancing the accuracy and speed of weather forecasts, having a significant impact on energy markets and the power grid with potential cost savings and efficiency improvements. This improvement in forecasting can help utilities better predict and manage energy demand, reducing costs and optimizing supply chains.
An Australia-backed project has installed rooftop solar, batteries and a minigrid upgrade for remote communities in Samoa, providing clean energy to 108 households and five community centers on Upolu and Savai’i islands. The AUD 1.2 million project is supported by the Australian government's REnew Pacific initiative and aims to reduce reliance on diesel, kerosene and wood for energy. The upgrade will provide round-the-clock renewable electricity to many families facing barriers to accessing traditional grid-based power services.
Salem Electric has upgraded a utility substation with JST's OD3Mag breaker to ensure reliable power for over 20,000 electricity customers in the Pacific Northwest. The upgrade uses robust technology from JST’s OD3Mag breakers, offering a significant improvement at the substation.
Austrian researchers estimate that 5-16% of its cropland could be used to generate 90 TWh of solar electricity through agrivoltaics. This would require significant changes to agricultural practices and production levels in the country. The study found limited climate change adaptation effects under agrivoltaics, but results depend on chosen crops and country-specific factors.
Power Magazine