Energy Digest

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued an emergency order directing PJM Interconnection to use additional generating resources due to an impending crisis, which should serve as a wake-up call for Michigan to build more power generation capacity before the next crisis. The order authorizes specified power plants to operate as needed from October 13-16. This suggests that the region's power infrastructure is not sufficient to handle the increased demand.

At the turn of the 20th century, electric cars were marketed towards women due to their ease of use, requiring only a key to start and producing no foul exhaust. Electric cars were seen as a more suitable option for women, who were expected to be more concerned with the environment and social etiquette, and were also marketed to doctors for nighttime deliveries. This marketing tactic reflects the societal attitudes towards women's roles and the perceived benefits of electric cars for women.

A 230-kilovolt three-phase power transformer was subjected to simulated earthquake conditions at the University of California, San Diego, by the Idaho National Laboratory using a transformer manufactured by Siemens Energy.

SEG Solar plans a $950 million, 4-GW heterojunction (HJT) solar cell plant in Tomball, Texas, expected to create over 700 local jobs, with two 2-GW phases scheduled for completion. The plant is located next to existing facilities, and is planned to come online in two phases. The project's total value is $2 billion, with construction expected to begin in the near future.

Researchers at Finland's LUT University have achieved a record voltage of 1,000 V in a series-connected alkaline electrolysis system, aiming to reduce costs by 10-15% by lowering electrical losses and power electronics costs. Increasing voltage reduces current requirements, which in turn can halve system investment costs. The goal is to optimize system design and minimize stray currents to support the scale-up of high-voltage electrolysis.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, a Danish actor and UN Goodwill Ambassador, has visited the Chernobyl nuclear power plant to raise awareness about the need for international support in restoring the New Safe Confinement, protecting the environment, and ensuring radiation safety.

First Solar reports $1.23 billion in net sales for the third quarter of 2026, a 58% gross margin, and $571 million in net income, with a 23% year-over-year decline in net sales due to lower module sales. The company has reduced its full-year sales forecast to 16.0-17.0 GW and lowered its net sales guidance to $4.6-4.9 billion. First Solar is also adjusting its commercial and operational strategy due to the impact of the Section 232 tariff proclamation.

The midterm elections may not directly impact clean energy, but several ballot proposals could either drive or derail progress in the field, with voters having a say in the future of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and fossil fuel regulations. Ballot measures in states like Arizona, Colorado, and New York could influence the pace of clean energy adoption, while others may threaten progress or introduce new challenges. Some proposals may also allow voters to override state laws or regulations governing clean energy.

India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission sets key frameworks for projects connected to the interstate transmission system (ISTS), which differ from those for state-connected projects, requiring different data formats, timing, and aggregation requirements. Utility-scale projects must submit a 15-minute time block schedule, which may require revisions, and must manage submission status and timestamps. The applicable power purchase agreement, open-access arrangement, or market-participation agreement may add further obligations.

A 201-acre tract in Taylor, Texas was sold from a local family to a parks foundation for $10 and then to a data center developer for $10 million, illustrating the increasing value of rural land for data centers. The sale of the land, which was originally intended for use as a park, highlights the growing demand for data center infrastructure. The shift in land use reflects the growing need for data center capacity in rural areas.