Energy Digest

Lightshift Energy is developing a distributed energy storage system to address PJM's data centre energy demands. The company's approach involves using energy storage to balance energy supply and demand in real-time. This technology aims to reduce PJM's reliance on traditional power plants and enhance grid resilience.

Sonnedix has signed three power purchase agreements for its 644MWh BESS project in Chile, with a total capacity of 117MW. The contracts will provide electricity to Chilean customers over an undisclosed period.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing financing for large-scale solar and storage projects in Egypt and Hungary. The projects are being developed by HAU Energy/Infinity Power and Renalfa, respectively. EBRD will support the expansion of renewable energy capabilities in these countries through its financial backing.

Ming Yang Smart Energy Group and Kemtecnia partner to roll out Spain's first Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, aiming to slash green hydrogen costs and increase electrolysis efficiency. The partnership slots into Spain's National Hydrogen Roadmap target of 4 GW of electrolysis by 2030 and the EU's €5.4 billion REPowerEU initiative for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs). The co-located modular AEM stacks at offshore and onshore wind substations will capture every gust without overloading the grid or curbing production.

Switzerland's NEST innovation building in Dubendorf has successfully trialed using hydrogen fuel cells to reduce grid peaks by over 10% and achieve a total efficiency rate of over 90%, with peak charges slashed, buildings kept warm without space-hogging batteries, and rapid response capabilities. The trial was part of the H2 districts initiative, led by Empa in partnership with Hälg Group, Osterwalder Group, and H2 Energy AG, building on years of research into membrane materials and stack durability for stationary hydrogen systems. The results align with Switzerland's 2019 national strategy on hydrogen and demonstrate clean energy R&D gains following the Paris Agreement.

A UNSW-led research team proposed two low-power ride-through strategies for standalone PV-electrolyzers to maintain stability during sudden solar power fluctuations without using battery storage. The novel configurations include current-reference reduction and control-mode switching, which prevent DC-link collapse during drops in solar output. These strategies allow the electrolyzer system to operate at reduced power levels during grid disturbances, maintaining system stability.

Western Australia is launching an AU$1.4 billion fund to expand its clean energy infrastructure, including the Clean Energy Link, as part of a larger grid expansion project known as SWIS. The funding will support the development of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems across the Southwestern region. This investment aims to increase the reliability and resilience of Western Australia's electricity grid.

Installed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity in Spain increased by 589% between April 2025 and April 2026 following a nationwide blackout. The blackout, triggered by voltage deviations, frequency instability, and automatic shutdowns, highlighted the need for improved real-time system control and ancillary services in systems dominated by non-synchronous renewables. Regulatory responses have reshaped the concept of security of supply in Spain's electricity system.

India's Solar Energy Corporation has launched a tender for 500 MW of renewable energy projects with a guaranteed peak power supply of 1,500 MWh over 12 years through contract-for-difference agreements. The projects will be connected to the interstate transmission system and sold on power exchanges, primarily during non-solar hours. Successful bidders must submit bids for at least 50 MW and a maximum of 125 MW of contracted capacity.

Ann Arbor, Michigan is launching a pilot program to install solar + battery storage systems in 150 homes as part of the city's Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility. The goal is to reduce energy bills for residents and potentially serve as a model for other cities. FranklinWH, an energy management company, will provide the solar and battery systems under the program.