Think‑tank Proposes $8 Billion Renewable Plan to Break Cuba’s U.S. Energy Blockade
The Commonwealth think‑tank’s Transition Security Project says an $8 bn investment in solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy could meet 93% of Cuba’s power needs and end its dependence on imported fossil fuels, offering a model for the Caribbean amid a U.S. energy embargo.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Interface Pushes Perovskite Mini‑Modules to 16.6% Efficiency
Scientists at Prabhat Kumar College in India have fabricated perovskite mini‑modules that deliver 16.6% power conversion efficiency and remain stable for more than 1,300 hours. The breakthrough relies on a reduced graphene oxide (r‑GO) interfacial layer that improves film quality...
Canada’s Edge: Integrating Batteries Beats China’s Production
How Canada Can Beat China in the Battery Battle China won manufacturing. But the next round is about integrating batteries into systems. And that could be where Canada really shines. #cdnpoli #batteries https://markhamhislop.substack.com/p/how-canada-can-beat-china-in-the
New Energy Outlook 1
BloombergNEF’s New Energy Outlook 2025 releases an updated base‑case scenario that projects oil demand peaking in 2032 at 104 million barrels per day and falling to 88 million barrels by 2050, while coal use collapses and natural‑gas consumption rises 25% to 5,449 billion...
Forge Software Platform Uses iPad LiDAR Scanning for Quick Solar Design Proposals
Dominus Foundry has launched Forge, a vertical SaaS platform that uses iPad and iPhone LiDAR to capture roof geometry and instantly generate design proposals. The system replaces fragmented workflows— aerial imagery, separate estimating tools, and office‑side software—with a single end‑to‑end...
Finding the Best Batteries for Electric Off-Highway Machines
Off‑highway sectors such as construction, agriculture and mining are accelerating electrification, with OEMs like Caterpillar, John Deere and Volvo backing the shift. IDTechEx’s updated 2026‑2036 report projects the global off‑highway battery market to expand to over 45 GWh by 2036, driven by...
U.S. Grid-Scale Battery Production to Support 100% of Renewable Generating Capacity
The United States has rapidly built grid‑scale battery manufacturing capacity, reaching roughly 70 GWh of finished storage systems in 2025—enough to meet the entire storage demand of wind and solar generation. Companies such as Fluence, LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, SK On and...
Why Microsoft’s Carbon Removal Pullback Is Such a Big Deal
Microsoft has been the dominant buyer in the carbon‑removal market, purchasing roughly 72 million tons of CO₂‑negative solutions—over 40 times more than any other organization. This week the tech giant announced a pause on new carbon‑removal contracts, although it says the...
Space‑Based Solar Power: The Next Clean Energy Frontier
What if the future of clean energy isn’t on Earth… but in orbit? ☀️⚡ The sun sets. The wind stops. Demand doesn’t. On April 21, during SF Climate Week, we’re bringing together the people building the future of space-based solar power and...
Transmission Line to Ukraine Nuclear Plant Fixed After Disruption
The 330 kV transmission line feeding Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been restored, allowing the six‑reactor complex to resume normal grid connection. Operators confirmed all systems are nominal and radiation remains at background levels. The plant, which generates roughly 5,700 MW—about...
Belgium Shuts Down All Nuclear Power Plants for Seven Months
Belgium will shut down its remaining two nuclear reactors, Doel 4 and Tihange 3, from 1 April to 1 November 2026 for extensive modernization. The outage will repeat in the summers of 2027 and 2028, totaling 21 months of downtime. The plants, each about 1.09 GW, are...
Maryland Regulators Weigh Investor-Owned Utilities’ Flexible Load Proposals
Maryland’s investor‑owned utilities have filed proposals to aggregate up to 440 MW of flexible‑load resources, including thermostats, batteries and bidirectional EV charging, to support virtual power plants and demand‑side management pilots. The DRIVE Act, signed in 2024, requires utilities to develop...
LUMA Installs 20 Transformers to Strengthen Puerto Rico's Power Grid
LUMA Energy installed 20 new transformers across Puerto Rico, enhancing capacity and voltage regulation for roughly 78,000 customers in the eastern and Bayamón regions. The Bayamón TC Substation upgrade fortifies a key northern transmission hub, while the Fajardo unit replaces...
ComEd’s Plan to Protect Key Assets With Resilience
ComEd partnered with Polywater for a May 4 webinar to outline a new resilience strategy aimed at protecting critical transmission and substation assets. The session emphasized shifting from generic to performance‑based specifications to harden infrastructure and curb unnecessary outages. Speakers Mike...
U.S. Distributed Solar Capacity Grows by 6.8 GW in 2025 as Maine Leads on per Capita Basis
The Institute for Local Self‑Reliance reports that U.S. distributed solar installations surged by 6.8 GW in 2025, representing roughly one‑fifth of all new solar capacity. California contributed the bulk with 2 GW, while New York added 1.2 GW and Maine a surprising 1.1 GW. Maine...
Distributed Power Beats Gas Peakers for Data Centers
Today on Volts: I talk with my old friend Jigar Shah about the headlong rush to build data centers, the lunacy of building a bunch of behind-the-meter gas-fired power plants to run them, the benefits of distributed capacity & greater...
JinkoSolar Launches Integrated PV‑plus‑ESS System to Power AI Data Centers 24/7
JinkoSolar and its subsidiary Jinko ESS announced a fully integrated photovoltaic‑plus‑energy‑storage solution built for artificial‑intelligence data centers. The system, showcased at the 14th Energy Storage International Conference, combines SunTera batteries with AI‑dedicated PV modules and includes a 25 MW/200 MWh pilot at...
The Environmental Impact of Electric ATVs vs UTVs: Which Is Greener?
Electric off‑road vehicles are gaining traction as a greener alternative to gas‑powered ATVs and UTVs. While both electric ATVs and UTVs eliminate tailpipe emissions and reduce noise, the smaller, lighter ATV typically consumes less electricity and requires a smaller battery,...
Microsoft Sets 2030 Carbon‑Negative Roadmap Amid AI‑Driven Emissions Surge
Microsoft unveiled a detailed roadmap to become carbon‑negative by 2030 while pausing new carbon‑removal credit purchases. The plan comes as AI‑driven data‑center emissions rose 23.4% in 2024, creating tension between growth ambitions and climate goals.
Environmental Disaster Looming From Renewables
The article argues that the 25‑year, $10 trillion push for wind and solar power represents a strategic misstep. It claims that despite massive public and private spending, the outcomes have been politically divisive and economically disappointing. The piece frames renewables as...
Prepaid Leases Emerge as Residential Solar Customer Pathway to Accessing Federal Tax Credits
The residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) has expired, prompting installers to adopt prepaid lease models that leverage the commercial Section 48 Investment Tax Credit. In a prepaid lease, the solar provider owns the system, claims the 30 percent commercial credit, and passes...
The US Government Will Ask Data Centers How Much Power They Use
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) will roll out a mandatory nationwide survey of data centers to capture detailed energy‑use data, following a letter to Senators Warren and Hawley. A pilot phase is already underway in Texas, Washington state, and...
Solve the Electrification Equation (BOMA 2026 Preview)
The 2026 BOMA International Conference & Expo will host a panel on building electrification, moderated by JLL’s Josh Toothman and featuring leaders from MetLife, Leading Edge Consulting, Southern California Edison, and BXP. Panelists will dissect the financial, regulatory, and technical...
Tigo’s Smallest Inverter Can Now Adjust Its AC Output to Repower Legacy Solar Systems
Tigo Energy has extended its Inverter Power Output Control (IPOC) software to the 3.8‑kW EI inverter, targeting smaller residential solar installations that face utility or permitting limits. The new capability lets installers derate the inverter’s AC output during commissioning, matching...
Canada’s Electrification Lag Threatens Economic Competitiveness
An Electrified Canadian Economy is a More Competitive Economy But Canada is falling behind. Interview with Victor Jacquet (Concordia). Follow for thoughtful energy journalism. Share if it’s useful. https://youtu.be/1D-AbRn8VoM
Spark Gets Australian Approval for Huge Solar‑battery Project
Spark secures Australian approval for massive solar and battery project #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/exu5V1LSDn
‘Act Now and Invest Wisely’: Inside UKGBC’s Retrofit Recommendations for Decarbonising Commercial Buildings
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has released a set of retrofit recommendations aimed at slashing emissions from the nation’s existing commercial building stock. With buildings responsible for roughly a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse‑gas output, the sector must cut...
Desert Solar Farms Could Trigger Rainfall, Supply Water
Model research suggests large solar farms in deserts may generate rainfall through heat-driven updrafts, potentially providing water for arid regions. https://t.co/02xRhLzALC
Nike CEO Eyes AI Data Centers After Allbirds Surge
POV: The CEO of Nike — which is down 28% YTD — calling an emergency meeting with his C-Suite after seeing Allbirds pump +600% and demanding that the fitness giant pivots into AI data centres, leveraging Oregon’s abundance of hydropower....
An Outdated FERC Policy Is Undermining the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge
Data‑center developers pledged to the White House to pay for all new power‑delivery infrastructure, but utilities are rolling billions of dollars of transmission upgrades into rates that all customers share. The practice relies on FERC’s 1994 transmission pricing policy, which...
Thermally Passive BESS Boost Resilience in Desert Conditions
From ‘refrigerators in the desert’ to resilient, thermally passive BESS assets #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/uc72BX3L9l
Bangladesh to Build 442 MW Solar Farm Adjacent to Coal Plant
Bangladesh plans 442 MW solar facility near coal power plant #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/XnTyYpz6g6
Iberdrola Reaches 400MW in Italy with Acquisition of Lazio Solar Plant
Iberdrola is acquiring a 42 MW solar PV plant in Lazio, Italy, raising its Italian solar portfolio to 400 MW. The newly bought asset, commissioned less than six months ago, is covered by long‑term power purchase agreements that guarantee stable cash flows....
Fortescue Launches World's Largest Off‑grid 4‑5 GWh Battery
Fortescue fast-tracks ‘world’s largest off-grid system’ with 4-5GWh battery storage in Australia #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/05BV52AniW
Industry Highlights $6.5B Solar Waste Opportunity Amid Politics
“This is a $6.5 billion opportunity:” Industry claps back at toxic political fear-mongering on solar waste #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/ROFCOP4mYU https://t.co/gzxLpbgXHX
How Energy Productivity Can Unlock $15trn in Energy Savings for Heavy Industries
A new Energy Transition Commission and Mission Possible Partnership report estimates that boosting energy productivity across six heavy‑industry sectors could unlock up to $15 trillion in energy savings by 2050. The analysis shows that measures such as aluminium recycling, plastic‑bottle reuse,...
UGL Progresses 2.1 GWh Neoen Battery Project in Australia
UGL advances construction on 2.1GWh of battery storage for Neoen across two Australian states #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/c5dlRLHS5m
U.S. Community Solar Hits 10 GW Amid Contraction
U.S. community solar passes 10 GW milestone despite market contraction #energysky -- via pv magazine usa: https://t.co/h4GQQW3z4p
Virginia Passes Law to Add 625MW of New Community Solar Capacity by 2028
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed four bills that will add 625 MW of new community‑solar capacity statewide by 2028. Dominion Energy must deliver an extra 525 MW by July 2024, with a portion reserved for low‑income customers, while Appalachian Power will roll out...
Self‑Tracking Solar Panels Boost Efficiency Automatically
Next-Gen Solar Panels That Track the Sun Automatically by @XueJia24682 #Innovation #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Technology https://t.co/dacGpcqiPh
Tigo's Mini Inverter Revives Legacy Solar Systems
Tigo’s smallest inverter can now adjust its AC output to repower legacy solar systems #energysky -- via Solar Power World: https://t.co/DWPwDrcgpD
How Sonnedix Secured Capacity in Italy’s ‘Crucial’ FER X Auction
Spanish renewable developer Sonnedix secured a substantial block of capacity in Italy’s FER X auction, a key mechanism for allocating new renewable projects. The company was awarded roughly 550 MW of solar and wind assets at an average price of about €70...
Third Battery Stage Begins, Adding 312 Tesla Megapacks
Construction and concrete pours begin on third stage of massive battery, adding another 312 Tesla Megapacks #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/0MoRLztKGz https://t.co/Djyf8Vf6jn
Producers Guild Unveils Toolkit to Help Creatives Make Business Case for Sustainability On Set (Exclusive)
The Producers Guild of America unveiled a Sustainability Tool Kit designed to help film and TV producers embed eco‑friendly practices while staying on budget. Developed with labor groups, the kit offers concrete production guidance, climate‑focused storytelling tips, and communication strategies...
How Efficiency Measures Could Almost Halve Industrial Energy Demand Globally
A new study finds that implementing existing efficiency measures could cut industrial energy demand by up to 45%, saving about $15 trillion in capital spending through 2050. The analysis covers steel, cement, chemicals and other heavy manufacturing, showing that upgrades, waste‑heat...
U.S. Community Solar Passes 10 GW Milestone Despite Market Contraction
The U.S. community solar market crossed the 10 GW cumulative threshold in late 2025, even as annual installations slipped 25% to 1.4 GW. Analysts attribute the slowdown to saturation in New York and Maine, but a robust pipeline of more than 8 GW—29% already...
The Very Wild, Very Real Plan To Build AI Data Centers In The Ocean - EP 65 Garth Sheldon-Coulson
In this episode, Ashley Vance talks with Garth Sheldon‑Coulson, co‑founder and CEO of Pantalassa, about their revolutionary ocean‑based energy system that harvests wave power using simple, self‑propelled nodes deployed in the open sea. The nodes act like hollow, balloon‑like structures...
Minnesota Community Solar Garden Program Officially Named for House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman
Minnesota lawmakers renamed the state’s pioneering community solar garden (CSG) program after former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, honoring her role in shaping the 2013 legislation. Governor Tim Walz signed the bill with bipartisan support, cementing her legacy in renewable‑energy policy....
Fermi’s IPO Hype Fades as AI Power Plans Stall
Last October, Fermi Inc. was sizzling. It raised $746 million in an IPO and was planning to build 11 GW of power generation for AI data centers. But Fermi’s sizzle has turned to fizzle. (Article linked below in comments.) My...
Batteries Included: Amazon Makes Record Haul of Hybrid Renewable PPAs to Power Australian AI Push
Amazon Australia announced nine new power‑purchase agreements covering 430 MW and roughly A$2.8 billion ($1.85 billion). Eight of the contracts feature battery storage, including three utility‑scale solar‑battery hybrids—the first such deals Amazon has signed outside the United States. The additions bring Amazon’s Australian...