Today's Energy Pulse
Policy ambiguity stalls Germany's battery storage growth
German BESS developers say unclear regulations are hampering expansion even after the government granted grid‑fee exemptions through 2029. The absence of a legal definition forces operators to shoulder multiple taxes and levies, creating financing uncertainty for projects.
Also developing:
By the numbers: FuelCell Energy raises $156.6M in secondary share offering
Travelers See Fewer Flights and Higher Airfares as Jet Fuel Prices Swing
Jet fuel prices have surged to about $209 per barrel, roughly double the level at the start of the war in the Middle East, prompting airlines to raise fares and ancillary fees. U.S. carriers such as Delta and United report an additional $2 billion to $11 billion in quarterly fuel expenses, forcing them to trim schedules by 3‑5% and hike checked‑bag fees. Budget airlines and price‑sensitive travelers feel the first squeeze, while premium cabins also see new optional‑service charges. The volatility of oil markets means price adjustments may lag months behind fuel swings.
UMass Study Finds States Approve Most Solar Projects in Under 1 Year
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study of 460 wind and solar projects in 19 states finds most receive permits within roughly a year, with a 90% overall approval rate. Kentucky and Mississippi process applications about five months faster than the...
Oil Prices Edge Higher as Confidence in Cease-Fire Wavers
Oil prices nudged higher on Thursday after a brief dip following a tentative cease‑fire between Iran and the United States. Brent crude settled around $96 a barrel, up roughly 30% since the conflict began, while U.S. WTI hovered near $98,...
Alternatives Standing on Their Own
Conservative critics who once demanded subsidies for renewable energy now observe that solar, wind and other alternatives are becoming financially self‑sufficient. Declining technology costs and improved capacity factors have allowed clean power to compete with fossil fuels on pure market...
Wind/Solar Cost Texans $766M Extra in 17 Hours
Winter Storm Fern forced Texas to import an additional $766 million worth of electricity over a 17‑hour period. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that during the storm’s peak, the state’s thermal fleet—coal, natural gas, nuclear and oil—generated 86 percent of power,...
Scaling Advanced Nuclear: Picking Winners Now
Across the United States, more than 60 advanced nuclear reactor developers are mobilizing billions of dollars in public and private capital to address rapidly rising electricity demand. These next‑generation designs promise carbon‑free baseload power, but scaling them requires a strategic...
Agratas Gigafactory Project Secures £380m in UK Government Funding
Agratas has secured £380 million of UK government funding for its planned gigafactory in Somerset, part of a broader £470 million package aimed at decarbonising road transport. The investment will fund the construction of an EV battery cell plant designed to supply...
UAE Oil Chief Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber: 'The Strait of Hormuz Is Not Open'
UAE oil chief Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed despite a U.S.–Iran cease‑fire, noting that Iran still controls ship movements and imposes permits. About one‑fifth of global oil passes through the narrow waterway, and the continued...
Energy Service Contracts Grow as Operators Look to Spread Costs
Energy‑as‑a‑Service (EaaS) and energy‑service companies are experiencing rapid growth as building operators pursue decentralized, resilient power solutions. The U.S. market, valued at $42.7 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $101.2 billion by 2035. Major players such as ABB, Siemens, and Ameresco...
The Strait of Hormuz Is Not Open as Iran Controls Access After Ceasefire, UAE Oil CEO Says
Following a U.S.-Iran cease‑fire, Iran has begun requiring ships to obtain its permission before transiting the Strait of Hormuz, effectively keeping the waterway closed to free navigation, according to ADNOC CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. The restriction affects roughly 20 % of...
As EV Load Grows, Utilities Use Managed Charging to Harness Flexibility, Lower Costs
U.S. utilities are scaling active managed‑charging (V1G) programs to spread electric‑vehicle load and defer costly grid upgrades. Automakers such as GM, Ford and Rivian are partnering with aggregators like EnergyHub, WeaveGrid and Chargescape to automate charging based on real‑time system...
Jet Fuel Supply Disruptions Are Comparable to 9/11 and Could Take Months to Replenish Even if Hormuz Strait Is Reopening,...
IATA chief Willie Walsh warned that jet‑fuel shortages caused by the Iran‑related war will linger for months even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens. Refining capacity in the Middle East has fallen 10‑12%, removing over 2 million barrels per day from...
Rethinking Air Conditioning for a Hotter, More Humid World
Extreme heat and humidity are driving a surge in air‑conditioner use across India and the global South, exposing the inefficiencies of conventional temperature‑only cooling. A two‑day workshop in Ahmedabad, led by CEPT University, RMI and OTS R&D, equipped engineers with...
Iran Energy Shock Tests Limits of Trump’s Vision of US Energy Dominance
President Trump claims U.S. energy dominance despite Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade, yet gasoline prices surged to over $4 per gallon, costing households $8.4 billion in a month. The United States, while a net exporter, still imports roughly 6 million barrels of...
Orsted: Middle East Energy Crunch Rejuvenates Europe Offshore Wind Push
Ørsted CEO Rasmus Errboe told Reuters that the Middle East war is accelerating Europe’s drive for energy independence, reviving offshore wind development. Soaring oil and gas prices from the U.S.–Israeli conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockage have heightened demand...
Strong Climate Champions Crucial for Clean Energy Policy
Bill McKibben highlights the need for strong climate and renewable energy champions in this terrific article on the CA and NY governors races and how GWP20 v GWP100 plays into it Clean energy needs actual champions https://substack.com/redirect/a647db33-72bf-4a23-aafb-bbbb61eef92b
Reliance Caps Fuel Sales at $11 per Pump Amid Growing Shortages
Reliance Industries, through its Jio‑BP joint venture, has begun limiting fuel purchases to roughly 1,000 rupees ($11) per customer at more than 2,000 retail pumps across India. The caps are a response to supply strain caused by the ongoing Hormuz...
India Mulls Creating 30-Day LPG Strategic Reserve
India is evaluating a 30‑day strategic reserve for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which would require roughly 2.4 million tonnes of storage capacity. The country currently relies on two underground caverns – 80,000 tonnes in Mangalore and 60,000 tonnes in Visakhapatnam – that together...
Inside AMPERA’s Bet on Subcritical Thorium Microreactors
Florida startup AMPERA is developing a factory‑built, subcritical thorium microreactor that fits in a 40‑foot shipping container and can run for 30 years without refueling. The design uses an external neutron generator to keep the core subcritical, TRISO‑encapsulated thorium fuel, and...
How the Global Energy Crisis Is Shaking Canada From Coast to Coast — and Could Leave a Lasting Legacy
The Iran‑Israel conflict has choked the Strait of Hormuz, driving global oil prices above $90 a barrel and prompting Canadian firms to scramble for supply. Irving Oil secured regulator approval to use a foreign tanker to import up to 680,000...
BYD & KFC Team Up For Flash Charging While You Eat. What Would You Like While Charging?
BYD announced a partnership with KFC to install its second‑generation Flash Chargers—over 1 MW units—at KFC outlets across China. The "dual replenishment" model lets drivers order food via the vehicle app and receive a full meal while the car recharges in...
Wind‑Water‑Solar Combo Powers Record Demand, Cuts Gas
This is why we use a combo of WindWaterSolar Wind breaks new CAISO output record - when it is needed - at night - at 10:40 PM on 4/8: 6.699 GW Ignoring batteries, WWS also met the highest % of 24-h demand...
US Natural Gas Prices Drop to 18‑Month Low
In the middle of what some have described as the worst energy crisis ever (worst than 1973+1979+2022 combined), let me tell you that US natural gas prices are falling toward a 18-month low of $2.6 per mBtu. (And yes, North...
Exxon Mobil Production Falls 6% in Q1 as Gulf Conflict Hits Output
Exxon Mobil said its global oil and gas output slipped 6% in Q1 2026 after missile attacks on LNG facilities in Qatar disrupted its Gulf operations. The shortfall translates into a $3.7 billion earnings hit for its energy products division, prompting...
E-Storage Delivers Battery Storage Solutions: Canadian Solar Subsidiary E-Storage Secures Large-Scale Battery Projects in the UK
Canadian Solar’s energy‑storage arm E‑Storage has secured a £420 MWh battery contract with the UK’s Drax Group, split between a 60 MW/120 MWh system at Marfleet, England and a 150 MW/300 MWh system at Neilston, Scotland. The projects, developed by Apatura, will be built starting...
Iran Proposes Bitcoin Toll for Strait of Hormuz Oil Transits, Targeting $1 per Barrel
Iran announced it will require oil tankers to pay a transit fee in Bitcoin, roughly $1 per barrel, for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal aims to bypass sanctions‑linked banking channels and could force the shipping industry to...
Government Eyes P60 Billion Fiscal Support for EVs
The Philippine government is drafting a P60 billion (≈$1.1 billion) fiscal incentive package under the new Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), slated for an executive order before the July State of the Nation Address. EVIS will allocate four slots, each offering P15 billion...
If only We Didn't Need so Much Petrol... The Electrification Plans NZ Has Dreamed up, and Abandoned
Rising diesel prices—now about $4 per litre and up 33 % for households—have revived New Zealand’s stalled electrification agenda. The Clean Car Discount, which collected roughly $71 million USD in levies and paid $173 million USD in subsidies, was terminated in 2023, yet EV...
Lesson From West Asia Conflict Is to Factor-In Adverse Scenarios While Framing Policies: Oil Secretary
India’s petroleum secretary, Neeraj Mittal, warned that the West Asian conflict underscores the need to embed adverse‑scenario planning into the nation’s energy policy. He noted that despite the hostilities, LPG cargoes continue to arrive via the Strait of Hormuz, keeping...
Envision Unveils 12.5 MWh BESS, Begins 790 Ah Cell Output
Envision announced the launch of a 12.5 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and the start of production for a 790 Ah lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) cell at the ESIE 2026 expo in Beijing. The AI‑energy‑systems platform bundles battery cells, power conversion, energy‑management software, SCADA...
How Global Conflicts Are Threatening India’s Maritime Trade and Energy Security | Energonomics Podcast | EP 15
The Energonomics podcast examines how escalating geopolitical tensions are jeopardizing India’s maritime trade and energy security. It highlights the vulnerability of critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, where conflict could disrupt oil and cargo...
Deutsche Bank Says China Is Energy ‘Winner’ in Age of War
Deutsche Bank’s emerging‑markets CIO Jacky Tang argues that the Middle‑East war makes China the clear energy winner. While Iran‑linked oil imports pose a test, China’s rapid clean‑tech expansion and near‑40% renewable electricity mix cushion it from oil price shocks. Tang...
Diesel Supplies to Poland's Ports at Record in March
Seaborne diesel deliveries to Poland’s Baltic ports surged to a record 776,000 tonnes in March, eclipsing the previous high of 667,000 tonnes set in May 2022. The spike was driven by a planned turnaround at the 210,000 b/d Gdańsk refinery and...
Trump's Tax Rollback Fuels Surge in Oil Tanker Orders
Massive surge in new oil tanker orders. And no, this isn’t just about the Iran war. The big reason is that Trump and @michaelgwaltz flattened @IMOSecGen’s UN/IMO carbon tax push last year. Remove the green choke collar and capital starts moving again. Of...
EU Warns as Nations Grapple with Soaring Energy Costs
EU sounds the warning bell as countries face soaring energy prices https://t.co/c7S4lxI7D8 via @suzannelynch1 https://t.co/rMfXvLzmAu
CBAM: EU Carbon Border Levy Certificate Price Confirmed for First Quarter of 2026
The European Commission has announced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate price for the first quarter of 2026 at €75.36 per tonne of CO₂. Importers of carbon‑intensive products into the EU will be required to purchase these certificates starting...
Most Solar Projects Get State Approval in Under Year
UMass study finds states approve most solar projects in under 1 year #energysky -- via Solar Power World: https://t.co/XWhvWAXTye
Solar Trackers Boost Output, Might Shorten Panel Lifespan
Solar trackers have changed the game for PV generation. But are they cutting panel life short? #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/g4uWC9JG79 https://t.co/RvthFUcqSx
Permitting Reform Is the Energy Policy We Need
Senate Democrats have agreed to re‑engage Republicans on a bipartisan permitting reform bill aimed at accelerating energy infrastructure approvals. The legislation seeks to streamline federal and state review processes that have long delayed oil, gas, and renewable projects. By cutting...
Oil Demand Must Plunge 11.5 Mmb/D, Risking Economy
Oil demand has to fall, writes @ericnuttall. Put a number on it: ~11.5 mmb/d. Let that sink in. There is no path to that kind of demand destruction without severe economic damage. No escape hatch. Stop buying the rumor. https://t.co/tQOLjUrEEQ
Energy Market Outlook Shared with Harvard Future Leaders
A great pleasure to speak with future leaders at Harvard Kennedy School @Kennedy_School on the current state of energy markets and what it means for the longer-term outlook. Many thanks to @OSullivanMeghan for the invitation https://t.co/ycBiqaKtEE
ACEN Sees 2026 a Better Year Despite Middle East War
ACEN Corp., the Ayala‑Group renewable energy arm, says 2026 will be a stronger year despite the Middle East war, citing stable operations at its overseas plants and the activation of larger power facilities. CEO Eric Francia noted that fuel‑price spikes...
Oil Supply Becomes Fragile, Disruption Now Easy
Oil isn’t just scarce—it’s fragile. Cheap drones, missiles, and even fear can choke global supply. Disruption is no longer hard—it’s easy. This is a shift toward a more fragmented, insecure energy order. https://t.co/7xfbU20QFT #OilMarkets #Energy #Geopolitics
US Adds 26.6 GW Solar, Renewables Dominate 2025
US adds 26.6 GW of solar in 2025 as renewables dominate #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/uCN0ChKG5d
First Iranian Oil for India in Seven Years
The episode covers three main stories: India’s receipt of its first Iranian oil cargo in seven years following a temporary U.S. sanctions waiver, the ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affecting global shipping and energy markets, and BTS’s kickoff...
Iran Ceasefire Sends Prediction Markets Into Turmoil
"contract resolved to "yes" following Tuesday evening's announcements, but its outcome has since been changed to "disputed" given continued disruptions to Hormuz Strait shipments and enduring hostilities" Iran Ceasefire Wreaks Havoc on Prediction Markets https://t.co/uv56XlWTW9
Trump and Netanyahu Cede Hormuz, Making Iran Toll Road
Trump and Netanyahu have handed Iran the strategic high ground –– the control of the Strait of Hormuz. As I told @SeanPmathews: “The Strait of Hormuz was a freeway. Now it’s an Iranian toll road.” https://t.co/dGLBi5V6KE
Oil Volatility Soars as US‑Iran Ceasefire Uncertain
Volatility remains exceptionally elevated for oil today. Back and forth in the headlines around whether the ceasefire will hold between US-Iran. The 10-day ATR has 'settled' at 9% - which very volatile. The US-Brent spread is still positive - which is...
Empowering Nigerian Women and Youth with Clean Energy
Bringing Clean Energy Opportunities to Women and Youth in Nigerian Agriculture #energysky -- via RMI https://t.co/hRzMrMeISf
JPMorgan Backs Carbon Removal Startup that Also Prevents Wildfires
Exclusive: @jpmorgan strikes carbon removal deal with startup Graphyte @CarbonCasting that doubles as wildfire prevention https://t.co/MCp67lxMCt via @axios