Dr. Dario Gil, the Department of Energy's Under Secretary for Science, aims to double U.S. research and development productivity within a decade. He believes energy and artificial intelligence are two sides of the same coin, with AI supercomputing playing a key role in reshaping American science and energy. The DOE is likely to play a crucial role in harnessing this technology to achieve its vision.
Pexapark recorded over 1 GWh of European storage PPAs in March, attributed to the war in the Middle East increasing energy market volatility and boosting demand for solar and storage solutions. The conflict has brought a structural shift to global energy markets, posing medium-term supply risks that are being addressed through power purchase agreements and battery energy storage systems. This trend is expected to continue beyond short-term volatility, with Pexapark noting an initial focus on temporary logistical disruptions now giving way to more significant impacts on electricity markets.
Transgrid has shortlisted nine battery energy storage projects with a combined capacity of 2 GW to provide system strength services to the NSW electricity grid, with the first expected to come online in mid-2026. The batteries will help strengthen the grid as aging coal-fired generators exit the transmission network. Third-party owned batteries are seen as an integral part of Transgrid's system strength plan, offering a cost-effective solution without acquiring new plant or major network upgrades.
Europe's growing fleet of residential battery storage systems are offering a new trading potential as the continent experiences an energy storage boom. Residential batteries can now participate in electricity trading, opening up opportunities for households to sell excess energy back into the grid. This development is expected to increase energy efficiency and flexibility in the European energy market.
The US added 26.6 GW of solar capacity in 2025, accounting for nearly 90% of new utility-scale generating capacity, with wind projects making up the remaining 10%. Solar now accounts for 12.16% of the total available installed generating capacity in the United States. The majority of new installations came from 17 solar units totaling 993 MW and a single 200 MW wind project in December 2025.
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) has expanded, connecting western and eastern electric grids across the region of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Utah, and Arizona, providing access to clean energy for major utilities. This expansion increases opportunities for the adoption of renewable energy sources in the Western United States and Great Plains. Regional transmission organizations like SPP enable states and regions to share resources and promote clean energy development.
The world added 692 gigawatts of renewable power in 2025, increasing global capacity to 5,149 GW. This represents a significant growth in renewable energy output and underscores the continued shift towards cleaner energy sources. The increased capacity is attributed to a surge in new renewable installations globally.
Solar energy accounted for more than 72% of new US power generating capacity added in 2025, with wind accounting for another 16%. Renewables made up a total of 88% of the new capacity. This trend highlights the significant shift towards renewable energy sources in the US power generation sector.
The State of Texas has opened applications for $350 million in advanced nuclear grants to support reactor construction and supply chain development. The funding is available through the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, making it competitive with other state-level nuclear programs. This initiative aims to spur reactor buildout and create a robust supply chain for the US nuclear industry.
Italy's grid-scale energy storage market is expected to evolve after the conclusion of the MACSE auction for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The auction's outcome and its impact on the industry will shape the future of energy storage in Italy. Life after MACSE will likely involve increased investment and deployment of BESS projects across the country.
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