Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming essential for managing rapid demand fluctuations in data centers due to the changing nature of workload profiles, which can cause stress on electrical infrastructure and increase power quality issues. The global potential for storage linked to data center demand is estimated at around 170 GW, with BESS gaining attention as a practical way to improve flexibility and support growth. By working alongside other technologies, BESS is helping data centers adapt to new requirements and overcome operational challenges caused by variability in electrical infrastructure.
A partnership between Sugar Hollow Solar, PODER Emma, and Footprint Project is providing clean energy to the rural community of Emma, North Carolina through solar power, offering energy access as a solution. This initiative expands renewable energy options in rural areas, transforming traditional approaches to energy access. The project demonstrates growth in energy access for communities with previously limited or no electricity.
ABB's new power conversion solutions offer industry-leading efficiency up to 99.45 percent, enabling maximum energy yield from utility-scale renewable electricity generation and battery energy storage systems. These solutions include bi-directional converter stations and control systems that facilitate seamless grid integration. The enhanced portfolio is aimed at meeting the growing demand for reliable and efficient power conversion solutions in the solar and storage industries.
Solar electricity surpassed coal electricity in the USA for the first time, with a full month of solar power production exceeding that of coal. This milestone marks a historic shift towards renewable energy sources in the US. Solar electricity has now been the leading source of electricity generation in the country for at least one month.
Elementl Power has signed an agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy to develop a 1.5 GW nuclear power plant utilizing small modular reactors (SMRs) along the Ohio River, approximately 100 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio. The project was announced on June 18 and marks Elementl Power's entry into the utility-scale nuclear power project development market. The facility is expected to be built using Hitachi's BWRX-300 SMR design.
REV Renewables, a developer of renewable energy and energy storage projects, has successfully commissioned its Tumbleweed Energy Storage facility in Kern County, California, marking a major milestone. The company is an LS Power company and works with community choice aggregators. The project's commissioning brings energy storage solutions to the region.
A 550-mile power line in the US, known as SunZia, has been completed and is now operational. The project provides enough electricity to power approximately 1 million homes using wind energy. It was a $11 billion investment in one of the largest US clean energy transmission projects ever built.
Utility-scale solar output in CAISO surpassed natural gas-fired generation for the first five months of 2026, with solar generating 15.7 million MWh per month compared to 14.6 MWh from natural gas. CAISO's expanding battery fleet helped capture excess solar production during the day and discharged energy at night, reducing reliance on natural gas generation and increasing battery discharge by triple. The net capacity of CAISO's batteries increased 79% to 16 GW over the period, while natural gas capacity remained nearly the same.
A Florida-based firm, Origis Energy, is accelerating its solar power plant pipeline with a new round of $900 million in financing despite the shift in federal energy policy. The company's investment plans are unaffected by the U-turn in wind energy policy under the current administration. Origis Energy is expanding its solar power projects in the US, particularly in Texas.
The Utility Broadband Alliance has expanded its membership, adding Eversource Energy and Hawaiian Electric among others, to improve grid communication infrastructure as part of grid modernization efforts. This move aims to strengthen the role of communication networks in supporting sustainable energy systems. The enhanced network will facilitate more efficient and effective management of utility operations.
PV Magazine