The US coal industry is shifting to energy storage solutions as the cost of alternative energy sources like solar power becomes more competitive. A new sodium-ion battery technology is emerging as a key player in this shift, with the US Coalition for Advanced Solar Technology (USCAT) playing a significant role. Energy storage has become an increasingly viable option for bridging the gap between energy production and consumption.
CATL has unveiled the world's first field-validated sodium-ion energy storage solution, known as TENER. The solution has reached full commercial maturity and cumulative shipments are expected to reach 1 GWh by the end of the year. This marks a significant milestone in bringing sodium storage to commercial reality.
A Midwest mayor, Barbara Buffaloe from Columbia, Missouri, attended London Climate Week, highlighting her city's efforts to combat climate change despite federal funding cuts. She emphasized the importance of local collaboration in addressing global issues like climate action. The event brought together tens of thousands of attendees, including elected leaders from US cities, to share on-the-ground policies for reducing emissions and scaling renewable energy.
The UK's energy regulator, Ofgem, has shortlisted 16 LDES projects with a total capacity of 7.6GW, ranging from 8- to 22-hour durations, for the first cap-and-floor scheme. Lithium-ion batteries and 18-hour duration projects were among winners selected by Ofgem.
Double standards persist in the energy transition leadership landscape, with women facing structural barriers to visibility, recognition, and progression despite being essential contributors. The "motherhood penalty" also affects female leaders, where pregnancy or motherhood is often viewed as a hindrance to career advancement. These double standards continue to influence opportunities across the solar and storage sectors.
Energy Dome has signed its second low-carbon energy supply contract with Google to secure carbon-free energy, easing grid congestion in Ireland. The project marks the company's second collaboration with Google on a CO2 battery system. The partnership aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the stability of the Irish energy grid.
Powered trailers, such as active-assist campers with built-in battery packs and electric motors, have limitations including the need for charging infrastructure, which may not be readily available in all areas. These trailers also require regular maintenance to ensure their batteries remain healthy, a process that can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, the increased complexity of these systems poses potential risks if not properly designed or installed.
Italy's energy system is being reshaped by a growing energy storage sector, with residential installations becoming increasingly integrated with photovoltaic systems due to government incentives such as the Superbonus rebate scheme. As a result, 80% of new residential PV installations now include storage, totaling an estimated 18 GW of installed capacity. The commercial and industrial segment, however, still lacks a mature storage market due to limited in-house energy expertise within companies.
The smarter E Europe 2026 conference in Munich featured InterSolar Europe co-located with ess Europe, Power2Drive and EM-Power events. Solar energy is increasingly combined with storage, EV charging, and other technologies, blurring the lines between different organizations' focus areas. Key industry trends emerged at the event, including the growth of solar energy and electric vehicle adoption.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been notified of an intent to sue by groups including the Southern Environmental Law Center, Appalachian Voices, and the Sierra Club due to alleged Clean Air Act violations at their Cumberland plants. The TVA's reversal of coal retirement has been cited as a factor in these potential law violations. These organizations have threatened a lawsuit if the TVA does not take corrective action.
CleanTechnica