Tribal Energy Alternatives has awarded $3.2 million in grant funding to support solar energy access, workforce development, and long-term energy resilience among 14 Tribal Nations and related organizations. The grants will promote clean and renewable energy sources like solar power. The funding is provided by Tribal Energy Alternatives, a Tribal-led affiliate of GRID Alternatives.
Construction has begun on the Iron Spur Solar project, a 140-MWDC utility-scale solar plant in Snyder, Texas. The project will use single-axis trackers and generate approximately 317 GWh of electricity once completed. It is being developed by Levona Renewables with financial backing from Energea.
The government of Myanmar has commissioned two 40 MW solar power plants in the Mandalay region, adding approximately 202 million kWh of annual generation capacity to help address ongoing grid constraints and power rationing. The plants, operated by Leader Power Co. Ltd. and Hanzar Solar Energy Co. Ltd., are expected to supply electricity to around 130,000 households annually. This addition is part of efforts to mitigate the effects of transmission losses, natural disasters, and grid overloading that have contributed to frequent power outages in the country.
Virtual power plants (VPPs) could improve grid reliability and save utilities 40% over traditional gas peaker plants. They can free up capacity on the existing grid, helping to address new load growth driven by increasing data center operations. VPPs also help meet emerging demands for reliable energy supply.
Southern Company's electricity sales have seen a surge due to a 42% increase in data center growth. The company has 28 large load projects representing 11 GW under contract, and its capital expenditures for the first quarter increased by 25% year over year from $1.6 billion to $2 billion.
New England transmission owners are seeking an 11.39% return on equity from FERC, up from the previously set rate of 9.57%, due to "current risk conditions" including the Iran war and supply chain constraints. The utilities aim to attract capital in a challenging market. Higher ROE rates will help New England transmission owners to maintain financial stability.
Solar canopies are unlocking clean energy potential in underutilized spaces, but success depends on getting the details right. Solar canopy projects require careful planning and design to ensure they meet performance standards while minimizing visual impact. A well-executed solar canopy project can be a significant source of renewable energy, particularly above parking structures.
Leadership intelligence, including qualities such as resilience and agility, will ultimately determine progress in the energy transition. The success of the industry will not be determined by technology alone, but by how it is led. Leadership's role in driving the energy transition forward was highlighted by industry leaders during a panel discussion at Solar & Storage Live London.
The Maine House voted 82-62 to advance a bill that would impose a moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers, highlighting growing concerns about the impact of data centers on local communities. The conversation around data centers and their energy consumption demands more nuance to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. As data center technology advances, it's essential to consider the complex relationships between energy demand, community development, and technological innovation.
Air Liquide reports a surge in demand for its hydrogen services, with €6.786 million in revenue in Q1 2026, up 3.4% from the previous year, driven by interest in energy independence and industrial decarbonization across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The renewed momentum is rooted in recent crises, including Russia's gas supply disruptions, which has led to a hunt for alternative energy sources. Hydrogen production has become a key solution, with Air Liquide and other companies exploring various pathways to meet growing demand.
CleanTechnica