Energy Digest

Kinetic energy storage systems, including flywheels, are experiencing a resurgence in investment and attention as batteries become increasingly overshadowed by advancements in the field. Renewed interest has been building over years, driven in part by significant funding for renewable-friendly flywheel energy storage projects. This shift marks a comeback for flywheels, which were once a niche technology but are now poised to make a bigger impact in the future of energy storage.

Home batteries can do more than just provide backup power during grid outages, including getting away from the grid entirely by selling excess energy back to the utility company or providing stable power for critical loads like medical equipment. Home batteries have other capabilities that are often overlooked, such as reducing strain on the grid and offering grid stability services. These alternative uses of home batteries may be more interesting than traditional backup power.

China plans to double its renewable energy by 2035, marking a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources. Despite this positive development, the country is also building new coal-fired facilities, highlighting conflicting trends in its energy policy. The goal to increase renewables aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.

The levelized cost of hydrogen at Mediterranean ports can be as low as €2.5/kg in hybrid systems using solar energy, with wind energy outperforming it in select locations. The cost ranges from €5.7-8.6/kg for fully renewable configurations. Solar energy emerges as the most consistent resource for hydrogen production.

Building Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is a complex process involving multiple considerations such as supplier contracts, site acceptance tests, and data analysis. Ensuring effective communication and coordination among different contractors is crucial for successful BESS construction projects. These challenges are reflected in recent BESS construction projects that have provided valuable lessons learned for future developments.

A Tesla owner running a solo trip across the Americas had to deploy emergency solar panels on the side of the highway after running out of battery in Chile's Atacama Desert, a region with limited charging infrastructure. The incident was documented on video and highlights both the promise and challenges of long-distance EV travel. The driver managed to survive using the solar-powered charging system.

The US's largest clean energy project, SunZia, has come online after Vestas finished installing its 242 giant wind turbines. The $2.9 billion project, located in Arizona, will generate enough power for approximately 300,000 homes and is considered the largest clean energy project in the US. The solar farm was completed last month, marking a significant milestone for renewable energy development.

Europe's solar manufacturing outlook is shifting from decline to cautious opportunity due to rising energy uncertainty and new regulations like the Net-Zero Industry Act. The industry faces challenges such as complexity, uneven implementation, and competition risks, but demand and policy support are strong. Europe is creating fragmented, nationally defined markets with partial protection for domestic producers, presenting an opportunity for the industry to move before the window closes again.

Australia's solar resource in March was disrupted by record-breaking tropical cyclone activity and polar air intrusions, resulting in below-average irradiance across the south. Coastal regions experienced near or above average irradiance due to clearer breaks between weather systems. Short-lived aerosol impacts linked to cyclone activity briefly reduced irradiance in some areas.

U.S. hydropower generation is expected to increase by 5% in 2026, but still be 1.8% below the 10-year average due to snow drought conditions. Hydropower generation in 2025 reached 245 billion kilowatthours (BkWh), surpassing the record-low generation year of 2024. The recovery is attributed to a relatively wet winter season compared to previous years.