Energy Digest

Rune Energy's modular data centers, RELIC, are connecting to excess solar power generated by utility-scale solar farms, utilizing up to 100 kilowatts of power and drawing down 50,000 gigawatt hours of wasted energy per year. The company's approach is designed to utilize the abundant renewable energy supply, rather than relying on grid power for data centers. By tapping into this excess energy, Rune Energy aims to reduce waste in the energy system.

The economic impact of a single 1,200 MWe nuclear power plant over its lifecycle is approximately USD27.2 billion, with estimated costs ranging from JPY4.3 trillion. The cost includes construction and operational expenses, fuel costs, and decommissioning fees. This estimate was provided by the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum.

Framatome has renewed its agreement with EDF to provide long-term maintenance and outage services for the Sizewell B nuclear power plant in England. The deal covers a comprehensive range of services to support the plant's long-term operation strategy. The partnership aims to ensure continued safe operation of the plant.

The University of Lomé in Togo and the University of Rostock in Germany have formalized a co-diploma agreement to launch an international double-degree Master's programme in energy and green hydrogen technology, starting on September 28, 2026. The partnership aims to deepen postgraduate training and research cooperation between West Africa and Germany. A signing ceremony was held on September 28, 2026, with Kossivi Hounaké, president of the University of Lomé, and Philippe Marzahn, dean of the Faculty for Agriculture, Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Rostock, as signatories.

The Bluetti Na(Sodium) 900Wh portable power station is available at an exclusive $665 low, while Anker solar multi-cam kits are offered starting from $290. The Navee Fall EV Sale is also on, with up to 65% off on e-scooters, including the premium UT5 Ultra X Electric SuperScooter at $900 off.

Wheel-E podcast discusses popular news from the world of electric bikes and non-traditional vehicles, including new e-bikes from Gazelle, Ride1Up, and SixThreeZero. A solar-powered seated scooter is also featured, as well as a LiveWire Honcho that has been approved for MSF motorcycle training courses. The episode covers various innovative and eco-friendly transportation options.

Engie's two storage projects and LS Power's 455-MW gas-fired power plant are expected to be online by mid-2029, totaling nearly 2.1 GW in capacity under a fast-track interconnection approval from PJM Interconnection. The projects will provide additional energy infrastructure for the region. Online by mid-2029 is expected.

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have reported an integrated seawater-to-hydrogen-and-fresh-water process called the STHW process, which combines alkaline water electrolysis with low-temperature vacuum-distillation desalination to produce high-purity hydrogen and distilled freshwater. The system uses low-grade waste heat generated by the electrolyzer to drive seawater evaporation under reduced pressure, avoiding challenges related to corrosion and scaling. This approach improves operational stability by separating the desalination step from direct electrolysis of untreated seawater.

Italian solar plant decisions can have long-lasting consequences due to a fast-tracked connection queue system that prioritizes projects authorized first. This raises the stakes on choosing which projects to pursue, with developers facing significant pressure to make decisions quickly and with certainty. Effective leadership is critical in this process, involving competence, organization, and honest decision-making to avoid shortcuts and ensure resilience and energy security.

Romanian company PhotoVoltaic Windows SRL has developed a system that uses photovoltaic glass to heat domestic water in apartments, providing a novel approach to renewable energy. This innovative technology utilizes the sun's rays to warm water, reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems. The system aims to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in urban environments.