Today's Energy Pulse
Scania pilots megawatt‑scale V2G for heavy‑duty electric trucks
Scania demonstrated one of the first vehicle‑to‑grid systems for heavy‑duty electric trucks using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). The pilot showed bi‑directional power flow, allowing trucks parked at depots to feed electricity back to the grid, with real‑time communication between the truck, charger and energy‑management platform enabling dynamic charging and discharging. The test marks a step toward integrating large‑capacity EVs into grid balancing.
Also developing:
Hormuz Tensions Heat Up
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to fire on any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and intercepted two super‑tankers attempting to evade traffic restrictions. Iran responded by attacking at least three ships, keeping the waterway effectively shut for an eighth consecutive week. The blockade now spans almost two months, disrupting roughly 20% of global oil and LNG shipments, while Brent crude climbed above $106 a barrel, marking its longest rally since January. Both sides maintain a standoff with no imminent peace talks.
DTU Uses Lithoz Ceramic 3D Printing to Build Gyroid Fuel Cells
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have used Lithoz’s ceramic 3D‑printing platform to fabricate monolithic solid‑oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with gyroid lattice structures made from 8 mol % yttria‑stabilized zirconia. The gyroid architecture delivers a power‑to‑weight ratio of roughly 1 W g⁻¹,...
TEN Extends Shuttle Tanker Deals Into Next Decade
Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) has secured extensions for two shuttle tankers, adding up to five years of charter each starting around mid‑2028. The extensions are projected to generate more than $200 million in gross revenue over their term. The move reinforces...
NUST Student Targets Mining’s Grid Pains With Oil-Free Smart Transformer
National University of Science and Technology student Weston Mabota unveiled an oil‑free smart hybrid transformer designed for Zimbabwean mines. The prototype replaces mineral‑oil insulation with forced‑air cooling and a power‑electronic shunt, enabling bidirectional power flow from on‑site solar and electric...
Bangladesh Launches Tenders for 77.6 MW of Solar
Bangladesh’s Power Development Board (BPDB) has issued tenders for three grid‑connected solar projects totaling 77.6 MW across Chittagong, Rangamati and Dinajpur. The plants will be built on a turnkey basis, financed by BPDB and the Power Sector Development Fund, with completion...
‘Hormuz Crisis Shows Need for New Nuclear Power’. Does It Really, Though?
The article questions the push for a new nuclear renaissance sparked by energy shocks in the Strait of Hormuz, citing recent attacks on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia plant and Iran’s Bushehr facility. It highlights lingering fears from Chernobyl and Fukushima, emphasizing that...
Bunnings Extends Zero Up-Front Home Solar and Battery Deal to Three New States
Bunnings is extending its zero‑up‑front home solar and battery subscription, Zelora, to Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. The service, developed with Intellihub, offers four battery‑only or battery‑plus‑solar packages that are installed for free and paid via monthly fees ranging from...
“I’ll Sign, You Drill:” State Puts Oil and Gas Project on Fast-Track, Two Days After “Calling In” Another Big Battery
Queensland’s Liberal‑National government approved a new Works Regulation that fast‑tracks the Taroom Trough oil and gas field, the first new oil project in Australia in half a century. Deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie framed the move as a boost to national...
“More Gas Will Cook Our Planet:” Protestors Disrupt Oil and Gas Giant AGM as New CEO Lands $17m Package
Climate activists stormed Woodside Energy's annual general meeting in Perth, chanting that additional gas will "cook our planet" and drawing attention to the company's LNG expansion. Shareholders approved the agenda but a notable 34.5% voted against the new CEO Liz...
Iran War Sparks Push to Transform Syria Into Global Energy Corridor
The United States is evaluating a plan to turn war‑torn Syria into a land‑based energy corridor, linking Gulf and Iraqi oil and gas fields to the Mediterranean and Europe. The proposal, outlined by envoy Tom Barrack, emphasizes reviving the $4.5 bn...
Laps of Icy Roads in China Show Sodium Batteries Making an EV Breakthrough
Chinese automaker Changan, in partnership with battery giant CATL, demonstrated mass‑produced electric SUVs and a coupe powered by sodium‑ion batteries on icy tracks in Inner Mongolia. The tests highlighted that sodium‑ion cells can deliver roughly 350 km of range and operate...
Higher Bill Presented for 10 Spinning Machines Fast-Tracked to Protect “Heartbeat” Of Grid
Transgrid has lodged a $1.19 billion Australian‑dollar (about $0.79 bn USD) request to install ten synchronous condensers supplied by GE Vernova. The cost is more than double the 2020 estimate, reflecting global supply shortages as grids shift from coal to renewables. An NSW...
Former ABC Political Editor to Host Fund-Raiser to Help Launch New Nuclear Campaign
Chris Uhlmann, former ABC political editor and vocal anti‑renewables figure, will anchor an invite‑only fundraising dinner for the Nuclear for Australia lobby in Sydney. The event costs AUD 235 per seat (≈US$155) and will preview a new national advertising campaign aimed...
Put a (Roof) Coat On—It Is Hot Out There
EnKoat, a startup backed by Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) and Galvanize Real Estate, applied its dual‑function IntelliKoat roof coating to a 60,000‑sq‑ft warehouse in Pedricktown, New Jersey. The coating acts as a thermal barrier and weather shield, aiming to lower interior...
Fortescue Tips Another $1B Into Pilbara Green Energy Infrastructure
Fortescue Metals Group’s board approved an additional US$680 million (A$954 million) to expand its Pilbara Green Energy Project, fast‑tracking a 200 MW renewable power hub in Western Australia. The investment will broaden the infrastructure to supply electricity to third‑party customers, not just Fortescue’s...
Fortescue Tips Another $1B Into Pilbara Green Energy Infrastructure
Fortescue Metals Group’s board approved an additional US$680 million (approximately A$954 million) to accelerate the 200 MW Pilbara Green Energy Project in Western Australia. The funding will expand solar and battery infrastructure that will supply renewable power to Fortescue’s mines and third‑party customers...
Japan Firms Least Confident on Net Zero Among G7, BSI Survey Shows
A British Standards Institution survey of 7,068 business leaders finds Japanese firms are the least confident among G7 economies about achieving net‑zero emissions. Only 69% of Japanese respondents say they are committed to their national target and just 43% believe...
Most Home Batteries Were Never Designed for a Home, and That’s a Potential Problem
Australia leads global rooftop solar adoption, with one‑in‑three homes equipped. Rising energy costs and government incentives, such as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, are spurring demand for residential battery storage. However, many available systems originate from commercial applications, overlooking space,...
Helix–Hornbeck Merger Creates Deepwater Services Heavyweight
Houston‑based Helix Energy Solutions and Hornbeck Offshore Services have signed an all‑stock merger agreement. Hornbeck shareholders will receive roughly 55% of the combined entity while Helix shareholders retain about 45% on a fully diluted basis. The new company, operating under...
Wärtsilä Lands $790 MW Off‑grid Power Order for Texas Data‑center Hub
Wärtsilä Energy won a 790 MW off‑grid power contract for a Texas data‑center under construction, deploying 42 50SG natural‑gas engines. The plant, scheduled for delivery in 2028 and operation by late 2029, expands Wärtsilä’s U.S. data‑center footprint and underscores the push...
Grid-Forming Inverters Feature in 74% of Australia’s 33.2GW NEM Battery Storage Pipeline
Around 74% of battery projects in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) now feature grid‑forming inverters, a technology that can independently control voltage and frequency. The NEM battery storage pipeline surged to 33.2 GW in Q1 2026, a 62% increase from the previous...
Eurex Report Shows Q1 Bond Volatility Fueled by Inflation Fears and Middle East Conflict
Eurex’s Q1 2026 analysis finds bond markets worldwide saw a sudden surge in volatility after energy‑price shocks from the Middle East reignited inflation expectations. The shift forced investors to price in higher yields across both government and corporate bonds, even...
US Rig Count Down 34% Signals Looming Oil Shortage
Here is a reminder that well before the war broke out: The number of operating rigs had already fallen by roughly 34% over the prior three years in the most critical US energy basin. That has serious implications for future oil supply,...
Solar-Battery Project Seals First Local Benefits Deal Under State’s Rigorous New Planning Regime
Res Australia’s Queensland arm, Central Queensland Power, signed the state’s first solar community benefits agreement (CBA) for the 450 MW Wooderson project, unlocking its development application under Queensland’s new planning regime. The deal obligates the developer to contribute roughly $560 per...
Australian Energy Market Commission Proposes 20-Year Distribution Planning Framework to Ease Solar Curtailment
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has issued a draft rule introducing a 20‑year distribution network development plan, replacing the current annual report with a five‑year horizon. The proposal adds a new data‑reporting framework focused on low‑voltage visibility to better...
Clean Tech Cuts Fossil Demand Beyond India's Coal Use
In 2025 alone, solar, wind, EVs and heat pumps erased 800m tons of coal demand, more than the entire coal use of India. It also wiped out 260 billion cubic meters of gas, nearly half the global LNG market Clean tech...
ICYMI: Iran War Forces Asia Refiners to Slash Runs, Putting Diesel and Jet Supply at Risk
The Iran‑Israel conflict has shut the Strait of Hormuz, slashing Asia’s crude imports by about 22% year‑on‑year to a 10‑year low of roughly 20.4 million barrels per day in April. Refinery runs are projected to dip to around 28.5 million bpd through...
Ceasefire Holds, Yet Energy Flows Remain Stalled
Good morning Asia, It's Day 56 and the ceasefire is on, but oil and gas (as well as aluminum, helium, sulfur etc) are still not flowing. Crude oil is up now to 105/barrel and markets end the week with trepidation. Asia...
Indonesia to Import 150 Million Barrels of Russian Crude
JAKARTA, April 24 (Reuters) - Indonesia will import 150 million barrels of crude oil from Russia this year, the country's deputy energy minister Yuliot Tanjung said on Friday.
Form Energy CEO on the Potential for a 100-Hour Battery
Form Energy CEO Mateo Jaramillo highlighted the strategic value of a 100‑hour iron‑air battery, a duration that can replace or compete with thermal generators on the grid. The company is rolling out its first overseas project in Ireland and recently...
US LNG Exports Surge: 10th Terminal Ships First Cargo
Dynamics and Surging Magnitude of US LNG Exports: Started 10 Years Ago in a Glut of Natural Gas that Collapsed the Price. Now 10th liquefaction & export terminal shipped first cargo. List of LNG export terminals, operating & under construction https://t.co/HdkB6QZpYk https://t.co/chnWGcbNcj
Analysts Misprice Oil Without Industry Experience
Few analysts understand how markets price oil @PodMonsieur That's because most of them have zero experience in the oil industry I can't understand why they don't just ask their chat bots to explain it to them. #OilMarkets #EnergyCrisis #Brent #Geopolitics #Commodities https://t.co/2wSXZg7ytt
Gearing up for MEPC 84
Shipping industry bodies including BIMCO, CLIA and INTERTANKO reiterated their commitment to the IMO’s 2023 GHG reduction strategy, despite the October 2025 postponement of new IMO emissions regulations following U.S. pressure. They have collectively invested billions in alternative‑fuel trials and...
Startup Simplifies Solar Sign‑Up Like Phone Plans
U.S. startup aims to make signing up for solar as easy as signing up for cell phone service #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/0gRf85CNrZ
Oil Futures Hit Record Pessimism Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
The news out of the Middle East might have seemed less dire lately, but oil futures are now basically as pessimistic as they've ever been. This could be a concern that the current war continues, or it could be concern...
Japan FinMin Katayama Warns of Decisive Action on Speculation
Japan’s Finance Minister Shunichi Katayama warned that speculative trading in oil markets has risen sharply and said Tokyo will take decisive action in coordination with the United States. He emphasized that the existing Japan‑U.S. currency swap lines remain unchanged, providing...
Wealthy Exploit Solar Subsidies, Burden the Poor
Big Green Lies: Are the rich using solar to steal from the poor? #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/6EYw2L26dH https://t.co/7hqDkAKRf9
Oil Holds $100; Stocks Rise Despite Hormuz Shutdown
Oil is stuck at $100 even though the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut since late February. Stocks are rallying anyway. 🔒 Members-Only https://t.co/huz3ZbwJ6f
Tokyu Fudosan Launches Japan’s First 100% Renewable Data Center in Hokkaido
Tokyu Fudosan announced the completion of Ishikari Renewable Energy Data Center No. 1, Japan’s first data centre powered entirely by renewable electricity. The facility, built with the city of Ishikari, will start partial operations in August 2026 and exemplifies the company’s...
Guangdong Power Prices Near Double Amid LNG Shortage
Power prices in China's industrial hub have almost doubled due in part due to a natural gas supply crunch 🇨🇳⚡ Spot rates in Guangdong climbed to ~680 yuan/MWh — a three-year high. The region is getting 40% less LNG due to...
Gulf Oil Output Set to Rebound Within Months
Gulf Oil Output Likely To Rebound Within Months After Hormuz Reopening, Goldman Says – RTRS
Andurand Capital's Levered Oil Bet Crashes 52% in Early April
Pierre Andurand’s flagship commodity fund lost roughly 52% in the first two weeks of April after a 5x leveraged long oil position turned sour. The drawdown erased a 31% March gain and left the fund down about 37% for the...
Poilievre Flips From Carbon Price Supporter to Emissions Skeptic
Fun fact: @PierrePoilievre ran on an industrial carbon price rising to roughly the same rates being talked about today and an effective oil sands emissions cap. Now, more than a decade later, he's telling you that meeting any emissions reduction...
Advocates Overstate Oil Industry's Precarious Pipeline Risks
The oil industry's biggest advocates are always keen to tell Canadians how precarious the industry is. If you think the industry is thst close (carbon tax costs are generally <$1/bbl) to not being able to fill a pipeline, the pipeline...
NuScale SMR Stock at Crossroads in 2026: Hype vs Execution Risks
NuScale Power's shares closed at $13.58 on April 22 after a 16.28% jump, reflecting renewed investor optimism ahead of its May 7 earnings. The rally follows a year‑to‑date decline of roughly 22% and underscores the tension between the company's NRC‑approved...
Inside the Hottest Geothermal Startup You’ve Missed
Everything We Didn’t Know About the World’s Buzziest Geothermal Startup #energysky -- via Heatmap News https://t.co/fgEhXuT6uP https://t.co/rqu4UcROdF
U.S. Reluctant to Reopen Strategic Hormuz Strait
As I’ve been saying. For better or worse, practically nobody in America is in a rush to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Definitely not the Commander in Chief.
China’s Oil Independence Prioritizes Security Over Climate
As the U.S. debates energy strategy amid the Strait of Hormuz closure, China has spent decades cutting oil dependence. On @Poli_Climate @Securing_Energy CEO @averyaash explains why this move is about resilience and national security, more than climate. 🎧 https://t.co/eFLD8MCGHu https://t.co/Z5GrGBFZ9P
SF Funds Child‑care Centers to Ditch Gas
San Francisco helps home child care centers wean off gas #energysky -- via Canary Media: https://t.co/B21gEk9Oqy
Permitting Delays Keep Coal Alive Despite Abundant Gas
Indeed, considering we are burning off natgas at the same time. Coal plants are easy to convert to natgas + we are swimming in it. The only reason that coal is an answer for energy is that our slow permitting processes...