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The New European Sovereignty Stack: Energy, Minerals, Compute
PodcastFeb 18, 202643 min

The New European Sovereignty Stack: Energy, Minerals, Compute

The episode examines Europe’s modern sovereignty as an industrial and supply‑chain challenge, focusing on semiconductors, rare‑earth minerals, and energy infrastructure. Guests highlight Europe’s heavy reliance on imports, a thin venture‑capital ecosystem, and the need for coordinated capital to close the...

By The European VC (EUVC)
Fossil Fuels Waste Two-Thirds of Energy; Clean Tech Thrives
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Fossil Fuels Waste Two-Thirds of Energy; Clean Tech Thrives

The remarkable inefficiency - and destructiveness - of the fossil fuel energy system: two-thirds of all primary energy inputs are wasted, and do not convert into useful energy >When petrol powers a car, three-quarters of the energy is wasted as heat...

By Assaad Razzouk
AboitizPower Agrees to Supply 30 Megawatts to Negros Cooperative
NewsFeb 18, 2026

AboitizPower Agrees to Supply 30 Megawatts to Negros Cooperative

Aboitiz Power Corp. will supply Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco) with 30 MW of electricity, combining 10 MW of solar generation and 20 MW of baseload power. The mixed supply aims to meet rising demand in the cooperative’s franchise area while smoothing the...

By Manila Bulletin – Business
Japan to Offer Support for Exports of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Japan to Offer Support for Exports of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells

Japan announced a new subsidy scheme to support overseas installations of flexible perovskite solar cells, aiming to accelerate the export of its homegrown renewable‑energy technology. The program targets projects in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia and Thailand identified as early beneficiaries....

By Nikkei Asia – Economy
Ethiopia’s Car Import Ban Drives EV Surge
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Ethiopia’s Car Import Ban Drives EV Surge

Two years ago, Ethiopia did something no other rich country has yet. It banned the import of new fossil fuel cars. In that time, the country went from less than 1% of its vehicles being electric to more than 6%...

By Akshat Rathi
Subsidized Renewables Force Nuclear Cycling, Raising Costs
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Subsidized Renewables Force Nuclear Cycling, Raising Costs

More bad news for renewables Flooding a low-growth power system with subsidized wind & solar forces nuclear plants to cycle, not run steady. That raises wear, maintenance costs & financial stress, undermining the economics of existing reactors & making new nuclear harder...

By Art Berman Blog
Developer Drops Coal Country Solar and Battery Plans in Face of Mounting Local Opposition
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Developer Drops Coal Country Solar and Battery Plans in Face of Mounting Local Opposition

Elgin Energy, backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, has abandoned its planned 90 MW solar farm and equal‑capacity battery storage at Mitchells Flat, NSW, after intense local opposition. The project, slated for 177,000 panels on low‑quality agricultural land, faced community pushback over...

By RenewEconomy
Varta Launches AI-Powered Residential Battery System
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Varta Launches AI-Powered Residential Battery System

Varta unveils residential battery with AI-driven energy management #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/wUB2FFX3Ky

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Caterpillar VC Funds ElevenEs' 1GWh LFP Factory in Serbia
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Caterpillar VC Funds ElevenEs' 1GWh LFP Factory in Serbia

Caterpillar VC backs startup ElevenEs as it builds 1GWh LFP cell factory in Serbia #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/lb6SNWjg1K

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Stockland Achieves Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 Emissions – Here’s How
BlogFeb 17, 2026

Stockland Achieves Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 Emissions – Here’s How

Stockland announced it has achieved net‑zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions across its entire portfolio by deploying rooftop solar on more than 50 buildings and retiring a modest amount of nature‑based carbon credits. The initiative installed 75,000 panels, delivering up to 45 MW...

By The Fifth Estate
Energy Vault Locks 1.5 GWh Sodium‑ion Supply for AI
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Energy Vault Locks 1.5 GWh Sodium‑ion Supply for AI

Energy Vault secures 1.5 GWh sodium-ion supply for AI #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/GWREdYVRjt https://t.co/vzy2INY2hB

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Ohio Gas Plant Price Tag Hits $33 Billion
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Ohio Gas Plant Price Tag Hits $33 Billion

A gas-fired power plant in Ohio costing $33 billion? I need help here >>> any details?

By Anas Alhajji
China's Solar Industry Braces for Disruption
NewsFeb 17, 2026

China's Solar Industry Braces for Disruption

China’s photovoltaic manufacturing capacity has surged past 1,100 GW annually, roughly twice the world’s current demand of 580 GW. The glut has driven panel prices down and intensified competition among predominantly private firms. Overcapacity is now triggering a wave of bankruptcies and...

By Energy Intelligence
KNESS, Hithium Secure
SocialFeb 18, 2026

KNESS, Hithium Secure

KNESS and Hithium enter 2GWh Ukraine partnership, c.700MWh progressed elsewhere in Finland, Estonia and Southeast Europe #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/tD2KIJSygn

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
2026: Virginia Shows Real Change Comes From Scaling Existing Tech
SocialFeb 18, 2026

2026: Virginia Shows Real Change Comes From Scaling Existing Tech

Virginia just proved that 2026 is not about revolutionary tech. It’s about industrializing what already works. That’s where the real transformation happens.

By Jigar Shah
Thailand: Using Technology and Data to Restore Coastal Ecosystems
NewsFeb 17, 2026

Thailand: Using Technology and Data to Restore Coastal Ecosystems

Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources have signed a five‑year memorandum of understanding to apply data‑driven science, digital monitoring and genomic research to coastal and marine ecosystem management. The partnership will...

By OpenGov Asia
New ROI Models Challenge Traditional Solar Efficiency Assumptions
SocialFeb 18, 2026

New ROI Models Challenge Traditional Solar Efficiency Assumptions

Rethinking solar and storage ROI: Beyond old efficiency assumptions #energysky -- via pv magazine usa: https://t.co/Q0dEuzcdle https://t.co/H10BfEMpva

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Diversity Redefines Energy Storage Industry Expectations
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Diversity Redefines Energy Storage Industry Expectations

‘Greater diversity reshapes expectations’: Women in Energy Storage Network on strengthening and empowering an inclusive industry #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/eoP6Ctpo42

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Execution, Power, and Public Trust: Rich Miller on 2026’s Data Center Reality and Why He Built Data Center Richness
NewsFeb 17, 2026

Execution, Power, and Public Trust: Rich Miller on 2026’s Data Center Reality and Why He Built Data Center Richness

Rich Miller, founder of Data Center Frontier, warns that 2026 will be the execution year for AI‑driven data‑center projects, separating viable builds from hype. Power availability, especially grid constraints, emerges as the primary gating factor, pushing developers toward on‑site generation....

By Data Center Frontier
Data Centers Misjudge Training Vs. Inference Power Needs
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Data Centers Misjudge Training Vs. Inference Power Needs

The dumbest thing is that the data center companies are combining the need for training and inference and assuming that all it needs to be in 1,000MW increments. They don't. Here are some estimates...

By Jigar Shah
Japan Commits $36B to U.S. Energy, Led by SoftBank
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Japan Commits $36B to U.S. Energy, Led by SoftBank

Japan plans to invest $36 billion in US oil, gas and critical mineral projects 🇯🇵 🤝 🇺🇸 The most significant piece is a 9.2GW gas-fired power plant in Ohio. The investment will be led by SoftBank https://t.co/5io8koo0jd

By Stephen Stapczynski
COF Scaffold Membrane with Gate‑lane Nanostructure for Efficient Li+/Mg2+ Separation
NewsFeb 17, 2026

COF Scaffold Membrane with Gate‑lane Nanostructure for Efficient Li+/Mg2+ Separation

Researchers from Tianjin University, NUS and Sichuan University unveiled a covalent‑organic‑framework (COF) scaffold membrane featuring a gate‑lane nanostructure that simultaneously achieves record‑high Li⁺/Mg²⁺ selectivity (231.9) and high Li⁺ flux (11.5 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹). The membrane’s positively charged gating layer rejects Mg²⁺ while an...

By Nanotech Now
Include Land Preservation Costs in Agrivoltaics LCOE
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Include Land Preservation Costs in Agrivoltaics LCOE

Scientists say land-preservation costs should be factored into agrivoltaics’ LCOE calculations #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/jjFYEDWdIc https://t.co/bRlOQUhcvn

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
BHP Gains From Energy Transition, Decarbonisation Remains Low
SocialFeb 17, 2026

BHP Gains From Energy Transition, Decarbonisation Remains Low

Energy transition delivers fresh growth for BHP, but decarbonisation stays on the back-burner #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/o3W8hMqdy5 https://t.co/QgGiAOULsE

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Decoding Hydrogen‑bond Network of Electrolyte for Cryogenic Durable Aqueous Zinc‑ion Batteries
NewsFeb 17, 2026

Decoding Hydrogen‑bond Network of Electrolyte for Cryogenic Durable Aqueous Zinc‑ion Batteries

Researchers at Southern University of Science and Technology and partners introduced a dual‑additive electrolyte—glycerol and methylsulfonamide—that reconfigures the hydrogen‑bond network of aqueous zinc‑ion batteries. The reformulated solvation shell suppresses dendrite formation, hydrogen‑evolution corrosion, and freezes the electrolyte down to –45 °C....

By Nanotech Now
Four‑hour Solar‑battery Project Enters NSW Planning Pipeline
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Four‑hour Solar‑battery Project Enters NSW Planning Pipeline

Locally developed solar-battery project with four hours of storage joins NSW planning pipeline #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/2eebVyrliq https://t.co/TXxxxJss2j

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
California Achieves 24/7 Solar with Battery Storage
SocialFeb 17, 2026

California Achieves 24/7 Solar with Battery Storage

When the sun sets, batteries rise: 24/7 solar in California #energysky -- via pv magazine usa: https://t.co/CNnAz7rQlB https://t.co/hUgLEY189p

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
WATTS UP: Inside the Paarl Solar Panel Plant Trading on Local Agility to Challenge Imported Panels
NewsFeb 17, 2026

WATTS UP: Inside the Paarl Solar Panel Plant Trading on Local Agility to Challenge Imported Panels

Ener‑G‑Africa inaugurated a solar‑panel assembly plant in Paarl, Western Cape, with an annual capacity of about 150 MW, capable of producing panels from 5 W to 620 W. The facility differentiates itself through a locally trained, all‑female workforce and a focus on the...

By Daily Maverick – Business
Google Secures 150 MW Geothermal Power via Nevada Clean Tariff
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Google Secures 150 MW Geothermal Power via Nevada Clean Tariff

Google signs 150 MW deal via NV Energy Clean Transition Tariff for a portfolio of new geothermal projects to be developed by Ormat https://t.co/7hsKR2PAsk #BYONCE (bring your own new clean electricity)

By Jesse D. Jenkins
Rising Demand Meets Intermittent Solar, Threatening Power Reliability
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Rising Demand Meets Intermittent Solar, Threatening Power Reliability

US electricity demand is rising quickly—and it can only be met with 24/7 reliable power. And yet most of the added electricity "capacity" in 2025 came from intermittent solar. If this continues, electricity prices will continue to rise due to reliable power...

By Alex Epstein
New Jersey Promotes Solar To Lower Utility Bills
NewsFeb 17, 2026

New Jersey Promotes Solar To Lower Utility Bills

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed executive orders to speed residential and community solar permitting, pause utility rate hikes, and modernize methane‑fired plants as utility bills climb about a third in two years. The state is leveraging roughly $1.1 billion...

By CleanTechnica
NY Cancels Fifth Offshore Wind Solicitation
SocialFeb 17, 2026

NY Cancels Fifth Offshore Wind Solicitation

New York Abandons Its Fifth Offshore Wind Solicitation #energysky -- via Heatmap News https://t.co/94dqzywhHT https://t.co/NKpJrB5rTK

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Flatlined Power Output Signals Efficiency, Not Decline
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Flatlined Power Output Signals Efficiency, Not Decline

Demand is what dominates these electricity charts. Supply has followed demand in the US. Stop posting flatlined generation graphs as if they're evidence of US decline or stagnation. They're evidence of US efficiency and a switch to a knowledge economy.

By Ramez Naam
Microsoft Brings Two Data Halls Online in São Paulo, Brazil
NewsFeb 17, 2026

Microsoft Brings Two Data Halls Online in São Paulo, Brazil

Microsoft has brought two new data halls online in São Paulo, marking the first operational facilities under its $2.7 bn AI and cloud commitment to Brazil through 2027. The launch was announced at the Microsoft AI Tour by country president Priscyla Laham,...

By Data Center Dynamics
India's Solar Overproduction Turns Boom Into Glut
SocialFeb 17, 2026

India's Solar Overproduction Turns Boom Into Glut

Industrial policy, again: "India’s Solar Manufacturing Excesses Turn a Boom Into a Glut" https://t.co/VEeIUwYmoM https://t.co/r4CohxBgDI

By Scott Lincicome
Effective Battery Management Secures Solar’s Role
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Effective Battery Management Secures Solar’s Role

Battery storage management keeps solar in the energy mix #energysky -- via pv magazine usa: https://t.co/f1Nl7soVAu https://t.co/7w767V89vp

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
EKO Launches Pyranometer Calibration Service for US Solar Players
NewsFeb 17, 2026

EKO Launches Pyranometer Calibration Service for US Solar Players

EKO Instruments USA has introduced a U.S.-based pyranometer calibration service using its new Indoor Calibration Facility (ICF‑02). The automated system meets ISO 9847:2023 and IEC 61724‑1:2021 standards, offering faster turnaround, lower cost, and traceable accuracy for utility‑scale, commercial, and industrial solar projects....

By Solar Power World
GREW Solar Wins 3 GW ALMM Approval in India
SocialFeb 17, 2026

GREW Solar Wins 3 GW ALMM Approval in India

India’s GREW Solar secures 3 GW ALMM approval #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/rJL1FDjPwC

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Connecticut Toyota Dealership Installs Solar Carport with C-PACE Financing
NewsFeb 17, 2026

Connecticut Toyota Dealership Installs Solar Carport with C-PACE Financing

Earthlight Technologies installed a 300‑kW solar carport at Lynch Toyota in Manchester, Connecticut. The project was financed through Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C‑PACE) with backing from the Connecticut Green Bank. The dealership expects the solar canopy to lower operating...

By Solar Power World
IEA: Fixed‑tilt and Bifacial PV Ideal for Arctic Deployment
SocialFeb 17, 2026

IEA: Fixed‑tilt and Bifacial PV Ideal for Arctic Deployment

Fixed-tilt and bifacial PV modules best positioned for Arctic deployment, says IEA #energysky -- via pv-tech: https://t.co/8cSrPrIC6I

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Colombia Adds 333 MW Solar Capacity in 2025
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Colombia Adds 333 MW Solar Capacity in 2025

Colombia deploys 333 MW of PV in 2025 #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/AYKjk6wNph

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
KIT Reaches Milestone: Power Generation with Innovative Compressorless Hydrogen Gas Turbine - NASA Runtime Record Surpassed
NewsFeb 17, 2026

KIT Reaches Milestone: Power Generation with Innovative Compressorless Hydrogen Gas Turbine - NASA Runtime Record Surpassed

Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) set a new runtime record for a compressor‑less hydrogen gas turbine, operating for 303 seconds and surpassing NASA’s 250‑second benchmark. The turbine employs pressure‑gain combustion, eliminating the mechanical compressor that normally consumes...

By Renewable Energy Industry
How to Advance Green Infrastructure F2or Urban Flood Resilience: Eight Lessons From the 2025 Shaw Forum
NewsFeb 17, 2026

How to Advance Green Infrastructure F2or Urban Flood Resilience: Eight Lessons From the 2025 Shaw Forum

The 2025 Charles H. Shaw Forum convened over 40 real‑estate, government and nonprofit leaders to distill eight actionable lessons for scaling green infrastructure (GI) to boost urban flood resilience. Participants highlighted Hoboken’s data‑driven “resist, delay, store, discharge” strategy, the importance...

By Urban Land (ULI) – Technology
IEA and New Zealand Deepen Energy Cooperation Ahead of 2026
SocialFeb 17, 2026

IEA and New Zealand Deepen Energy Cooperation Ahead of 2026

Productive meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Energy & Climate @simonwatts_mp at IEA HQ ahead of the 2026 #IEAMinisterial We discussed recent developments in regional & global energy markets and opportunities to further strengthen @IEA-🇳🇿 cooperation https://t.co/tI98Et2YHn

By Fatih Birol
Xcel's Virtual Power Plant Plan Sparks Industry Controversy
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Xcel's Virtual Power Plant Plan Sparks Industry Controversy

Why Xcel’s bid to reinvent the virtual power plant is so controversial #energysky -- via Canary Media: https://t.co/GL06liTg7p

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Batteries Will Outpace Solar as Energy’s Top Technology
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Batteries Will Outpace Solar as Energy’s Top Technology

Batteries are the most important and fastest scaling energy technology of the 21st century. They're destined to be even bigger and more important than solar.

By Ramez Naam
Primary Energy Misleads; Seek More Accurate Efficiency Metrics
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Primary Energy Misleads; Seek More Accurate Efficiency Metrics

Primary energy is a terrible measure that glazes fossil fuels, most of whose energy is lost as waste heat. Here's how we can do better.

By Ramez Naam
Reflective Coating Boosts BIPV Output by 11%
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Reflective Coating Boosts BIPV Output by 11%

New reflective coating increases BIPV power output by 11% #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/3jDOHUi90u

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Sungrow and Huawei Earn AAA Bankability Rating
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Sungrow and Huawei Earn AAA Bankability Rating

Sungrow and Huawei achieve AAA rating in new PV InverterTech bankability report #energysky -- via pv-tech: https://t.co/MYSpWj5IGI

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza