NextEra Energy, the world's largest publicly traded electricity company, has stopped emphasizing its "leading clean energy company" status and systematically erased or downplayed its clean energy messaging since President Trump returned to office. This is a potent example of the industry's retreat from environmental positioning during his second term. The company had boasted about being a leader in clean energy for years.
California's Appropriations Committee approved two bills that could expand the state's virtual power plants (VPPs) program, addressing smaller-scale solar and energy storage systems to curb costly energy demands. Senate Bills 905 and 913 aim to bolster the use of distributed energy resources in the state. The move is part of California's efforts to build out its VPPs program and support renewable energy integration.
Neom Green Hydrogen Company has started commissioning its 2.2 GW green hydrogen and ammonia project in Saudi Arabia, which will produce up to 600 tonnes per day of green hydrogen. The project is part of a larger solar and wind power generation site that aims to be completed by mid-2026, followed by electrolysers and expected product availability in 2027. The project is a collaboration between Acwa, Air Products, and Neom, with China's Sungrow providing inverter technology for the plant.
Solar modules experience a 16% power loss at temperatures above 65°C compared to standard conditions of 25°C, with higher temperatures revealing existing weaknesses such as dirty modules or damaged cell areas. Extreme heat can also cause hotspots within modules, leading to thermal stresses and electrical imbalances. Battery storage systems, which absorb excess solar energy, become even more complex in the presence of heat due to changes in operating logic.
Quantum computing has the potential to significantly disrupt the way utilities manage electricity grids. The changing demands on these grids, driven by quantum computing's power, may leave current infrastructure unprepared. Experts warn that utilities need to adapt quickly to meet the new challenges posed by this emerging technology.
Nebius Group N.V. has partnered with Bloom Energy to power its 328 MW AI campus in Vineland, New Jersey using solid oxide fuel cells for on-site generation, aiming to reduce reliance on grid connections and minimize wait times for AI workloads. The partnership is part of Nebius' efforts to establish a presence in the US and expand its European operations. The move reflects growing interest in behind-the-meter fuel cells as an alternative energy solution for data centers.
Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a hybrid solar system that combines photovoltaic energy harvesting with radiative cooling through passive daytime radiative cooling, achieving temperatures up to 6.5C below ambient and generating electrical power density of 60.6 W/m². The system integrates photovoltaics with radiative cooling using a light-transmitting cooling layer that emits heat into space as infrared radiation. The prototype tested in outdoor conditions demonstrated successful performance of the hybrid system.
Demand for electricity in Ontario has already reached 145.6 TWh, with a forecasted peak of 250 TWh by 2050, significantly exceeding the current capacity range of 207 to 297 TWh. This suggests that the province is facing an energy shortfall rather than just a capacity shortage. The actual demand may exceed the current capacity projections in the future.
Blue Energy and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) have signed an agreement to advance a 2.5-GW gas-plus-nuclear power project in Victoria, Texas, from collaboration to engineering, licensing, and safety analysis phase. The project aims to provide data-center power, moving beyond its announced status. A definitive project definition is expected as part of the next phase.
Omni Brewing Company installed a custom solar array in Rosemount, Minnesota, as part of its new facility's design. The installation is seen as one of the company's most satisfying investments in sustainability. This move aims to prioritize environmental responsibility from the outset.
Inside Climate News