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:
NTPC’s Simhadri Plant Clocks 100% Ash Use for 9th Year
NTPC’s 2,000 MW Simhadri super‑thermal plant in Andhra Pradesh has achieved more than 100 percent ash utilization for the ninth consecutive year, underscoring its resource‑efficiency drive. In FY 2025‑26 the plant generated 11,136 million units of electricity with a 64.27 % plant load factor, while also producing 39.36 million units from its solar segment. The station has fully commissioned four flue‑gas desulfurization units and meets over 85 % of its water demand with seawater, reinforcing its low‑emission profile. Recognized with the Greentech Environment Award and Golden Peacock CSR award, Simhadri remains a key power supplier for five southern states.
Chernobyl at 40: The World’s Worst Nuclear Power Accident and Where It Stands Now
The 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster highlights that the site remains an active decommissioning complex rather than a static memorial. Ukraine is transferring spent fuel to the world’s largest dry storage facility and preparing to dismantle the original sarcophagus...
Japan’s Toyo Hits Solar Cell and Module Shipment Targets, Posts 142% Revenue Increase
Japanese solar‑cell maker Toyo reported FY 2025 revenue of $427.4 million, a 142% jump year‑on‑year, driven by a $241.6 million surge in cell sales and a modest $7.6 million lift in module revenue. The firm shipped 4.5 GW of cells and 249 MW of modules, surpassing...
Cracking the Power Supply Chain Code
The power sector is grappling with multi‑year lead times for essential hardware such as large transformers, high‑voltage switchgear, and gas‑turbine components. Rotor forgings and hot‑section blades have emerged as the most acute bottlenecks, while rising demand from data‑center expansions intensifies...
Europe’s Grid Is Already a Hybrid War Target—Most Utilities Aren’t Ready
A February 2026 Eurelectric report warns that Europe’s electricity grid is already a hybrid‑war target, combining physical sabotage, cyber‑attacks and maritime threats, yet most utilities remain under‑prepared. The study cites over 1,000 attacks on Ukrainian energy assets, costly subsea cable cuts...
Every Fifth Pole: Ameren’s Staggered Strategy for Grid Hardening
Ameren Illinois and Missouri are hardening their grid by installing fiber‑reinforced polymer (FRP) composite poles every fifth pole on high‑risk lines. The staggered mix of wood and TridentStrong FRP poles, now over 10,000 in service, has withstood more than a...
Inox Clean Energy Completes Acquisition of Vibrant Energy
Inox Clean Energy has completed the acquisition of Vibrant Energy for an enterprise value of roughly ₹5,000 crore (about $600 million), adding a 1,337 MW renewable portfolio spanning five Indian states. The deal closed in a record four months despite a volatile global...
UT Subsidy Worth ₹3.80 Cr Disbursed to 4,288 Beneficiaries Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana: CM
Jammu’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that a Union Territory subsidy of ₹3.80 crore (approximately $458,000) has been disbursed to 4,288 residential consumers under the PM Surya Ghar‑Muft Bijli Yojana. The payout includes ₹1.80 crore for 2,053 Kashmir Power Distribution Company customers and ₹2 crore for 2,235...
Press Release: ScottishPower Forges Ahead with £60m+ Windfarm Fabrication in North-East on the Day Offshore Wind Leasing Round 6 Is...
ScottishPower announced a $77 million-plus fabrication programme for the steel jacket foundations of its East Anglia TWO offshore wind substation, to be built at Smulders' River Tyne yard. The $5.1 billion, 4‑GW project off Suffolk will generate enough electricity for roughly one million...
Russian Oil & Gas Monthly - March, 2026
The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz prompted a limited easing of sanctions on Russian crude, sparking a sharp surge in Urals oil prices. At the same time, Russia’s oil export capacity is being hampered by a series of...
BBDF: German Network Agency to Release BESS Grid Fee Framework Soon
Germany’s Federal Network Agency announced it will publish the first framework for future electricity network fees in late May or early June 2026. The guidance will outline how fees apply to battery energy storage systems (BESS) and interact with flexible...
Building Better Batteries and Much More: Johns Hopkins Grows Energy Innovation Ecosystem
Johns Hopkins University’s Office of Climate and Sustainability unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Progress Report, showcasing a suite of research breakthroughs and operational gains. Faculty teams led by Susanna Thon and Sara Thoi are pioneering photobatteries and spray‑paintable quantum‑dot solar cells...
Can Sodium-Ion Storage Drive Energy Flexibility in France?
France’s Association Environnement Juste has urged the government to mandate on‑site energy storage for any renewable project larger than 10 kW, aiming to embed flexibility directly at the source. The proposal highlights sodium‑ion batteries as a cost‑effective, metal‑independent solution, with cell...
Energy Security versus Geopolitics: ASEAN States Face Tough Choices over Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Passage
As the Middle East conflict drags on, Iran is selectively allowing ships from energy‑import‑dependent Asian nations to transit the Strait of Hormuz, often under a toll‑booth system. Countries such as Malaysia, India, China and Thailand have secured toll‑free or paid...
Solbian Launches Solar Kit for Boat Davits
Solbian has introduced the SunBoard solar kit for boat davits, offering 80 W and 108 W rigid‑frame modules built with high‑efficiency SunPower Maxeon cells. The panels mount to unused davit surfaces using rope‑secured eyelets and can tilt from 0° to 90° for...
Source Galileo Sells Norway Unit to Unitech
Source Galileo has sold its Norwegian subsidiary, Source Galileo Norge AS, to Unitech Energy Group, which will rename the entity Nordrenergi AS and relocate its operations to Haugesund. The transaction combines Nordrenergi’s renewable assets—including battery storage, high‑voltage technology, the Zephyros...
char.gy to Deploy 1,500 Chargepoints on Isle of Wight
Char.gy has secured a contract with the Isle of Wight Council to install more than 1,500 public electric‑vehicle chargepoints across the island. The rollout is funded by £1.625 million of public money—about $2.05 million—and private investment, with no direct cost to the...
Crude Oil Comes Under Renewed Pressure Amid US-Iran Deal Optimism; Upside Risks Remain
Oil prices slipped after President Trump reiterated his willingness to end the Iran conflict without tying it to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials responded with cautious optimism, saying they are ready to end hostilities but demand...
U.A.E. Preparing to Help Open Strait of Hormuz By Force
The Wall Street Journal’s What’s News covers the United Arab Emirates’ shift toward becoming a combatant in the Iran‑U.S. conflict, as it prepares to help force‑open the Strait of Hormuz by clearing mines and supporting a U.N. resolution authorizing military action. Middle‑East...
Germany to Spend €23m on Largest Post-War Cooperative Housing Renovation
Berlin-based Ecoworks secured a €23 million contract to retrofit 192 apartments across 12 post‑war cooperative buildings in Hagen. The renovation will employ prefabricated façade panels, insulation upgrades, new windows, electric shutters, roof insulation and on‑site photovoltaic integration, aiming for a 36 %...
Biodiesel Aims for a Comeback as New Rules Boost Demand Hopes
The EPA announced new Renewable Fuel Standard rules that raise biodiesel blending obligations and lower the equivalence value for renewable diesel, leveling the credit playing field. The 2024 RVO for biomass‑based diesel jumps to 5.4 billion gallons, a 61 % increase, and...
EnerVenue Raises $300 Million to Commercialize Lithium‑free Nickel‑hydrogen Storage
EnerVenue announced a $300 million Series B+ financing round and the appointment of Henning Rath as CEO. The capital will fund large‑scale manufacturing of its lithium‑free nickel‑hydrogen batteries and the launch of a regional headquarters in Hong Kong, positioning the company...
Drexel Researchers Roll MXene Into Nanoscrolls, Boosting Batteries and Wearables
Scientists at Drexel University have unveiled a scalable method to roll two‑dimensional MXene sheets into one‑dimensional nanoscrolls, delivering up to ten‑fold conductivity gains for batteries, sensors and wearable devices. The breakthrough, detailed in Advanced Materials, could reshape energy storage and...
Norway Backs DTEK Poltavska Wind Farm
Ukrainian energy firm DTEK secured a grant from Norway’s development agency to advance its 650 MW Poltavska wind power plant. The NOK 5.5 million (≈ $605 k) grant will fund geological and engineering surveys and design work, part of a broader €8 million (≈ $8.7 million) Norwegian...
Georgia Power Breaks Ground on Wadley Battery Storage System
Georgia Power has begun construction of a 260 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Jefferson County, Georgia, adjacent to an existing solar site and near key transmission lines. Approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission and built by Burns & McDonnell,...
CSIR, Eskom, SANEDI, Coaltech Launch HELE CFB Localisation Programme
South Africa’s CSIR, Eskom, SANEDI and Coaltech have launched Phase 1 of a High‑Efficiency Low‑Emission (HELE) circulating fluidised bed (CFB) localisation programme, aligning with the Integrated Resource Plan 2025. The initiative will assess feasibility, design engineering and regulatory pathways for a pilot‑scale...
Green Cubes Technology Marks Its 40th Anniversary
Green Cubes Technology celebrated its 40th anniversary, underscoring two decades of lithium‑ion power system leadership. The company highlighted its latest SAFEFlex battery platform and the MAESTRO IoT asset‑management solution, which now monitors over 38,000 batteries worldwide. With more than 90,000...
Finally, Retrieving a New Source of Clean Power
The Energy for Growth Hub, in partnership with Stanford’s LabradorLabX, unveiled K‑9 Kinetic Power™ (K9KP), a consumer device that harvests a dog’s tail wagging to generate electricity. Using a carbon‑fiber micro‑generator and a smart docking pad, each active dog can...
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UAE Energy Minister Says World Must Not Be Held 'Hostage' By Iran over Hormuz
UAE Energy Minister Suhail al‑Mazrouei warned that Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz could hold global trade hostage, urging a unified international response. He highlighted the potential economic fallout if safe passage is not guaranteed and stressed the UAE’s...
Munich Airport Introduces Electric Apron Buses From MAN
Munich Airport and MAN Truck & Bus are rolling out electric apron buses, with 37 already in service and a plan for up to 74 vehicles. The fleet replacement targets diesel shuttles, supporting the airport’s goal to achieve net‑zero Scope 1 and...
Harmony Starts Building Third 100MW/200MWh French BESS
Harmony Energy has broken ground on the 100 MW/200 MWh Foriaux battery energy storage system in Eure, Normandy, marking its third 100 MW BESS to enter construction in France. The project benefits from currently high ancillary‑service prices, though the market is expected to...
PM Urges Australians to Curb Fuel, Use Public Transport
Australia’s prime minister just used a rare national address to urge the nation to use less fuel 🇦🇺 ⚠️ “Over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so… The months...
Industry Lobbying Inflates Oil Forecasts, Not Reality
When the G7 price cap was being negotiated in 2022, one US bank had an oil forecast of $380. That was the oil sector talking. It hates interference in its business. It's the same now. $150 or $200 forecasts...
UL9540A: Shift to System-Level Testing Defines New Edition of Key BESS Safety Standard
UL 9540A’s latest edition redefines battery‑energy‑storage‑system (BESS) safety by mandating system‑level testing rather than isolated component tests. The revision adds performance thresholds for thermal runaway, fire propagation, and integrated control logic, and it rolls out a phased compliance schedule beginning Q3 2024....
Brent Futures Mirror Physical Market, Steep Backwardation
Brent futures are beginning to reflect physical reality $118. 35 closing price was only $0.68 less than peak Ukraine in late March 2022 Much steeper backwardation now https://t.co/N03VvzUcs3
Three Tankers Load Simultaneously at Saudi Al Muajjiz Terminal
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Very rare sighthing — three large oil tankers loading simultanouesly at the Al Muajjiz terminal (Yanbu south) in the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia (one of the end points of the East-West pipeline). 🛰️📷@CopernicusEU Sentinel-2...
WoodMac Says Iran Conflict Should Prompt North Sea Rethink
Wood Mackenzie argues that the Middle‑East crisis, including Iran, should force the UK to reconsider its ban on new North Sea exploration licences. The firm warns that the UK will depend on US LNG for over 60 % of its gas...
Iran's Oil Role Threatened Amid U.S. Military Pullback
It’s a new day & I’m on @Bloomberg Surveillance this morning (6:30am) to discuss #oil #Iran latest devs. Military is building up but Trump wants to wind down operations in 2-3 weeks. Will Iran remain the Persian Gulf toll collector @ACGlobalEnergy...
Live Snapshot Shows Energy Prices Declaring War’s End
For non-Macro Tourist eyes only: LIVE Shot of the "end of the war" in TRENDING Energy Price terms https://t.co/BnmybmKwlL
Sassmann Develops ‘Solar Panel Grid’ for Pigeon Protection
Sassmann, a German specialist, has launched a modular solar‑panel grid that mechanically blocks pigeons from nesting under photovoltaic modules. The system uses clamp‑clips to attach without drilling or gluing, preserving manufacturers' warranties. It can be retrofitted to existing residential and...
Oil's Risk Range Top Surges, Signal Indicates Massive Move
OIL: just wait until you see where the TRR (top-end of the Risk Range™ Signal) just went https://t.co/2qvUoG2qpD
China Leverages Pakistan to Stabilize Hormuz, Bypassing U.S.
China is moving to stabilize Hormuz without the U.S.—using Pakistan as a diplomatic bridge. Power shifts to whoever restores the flows. https://t.co/3LW8TIyS65 #OilMarkets #Geopolitics #China
The Trump EPA Official in Charge of Methane Regulations Helped Write Oil Industry Argument Against Those Rules
Aaron Szabo, a former oil‑and‑gas lobbyist who helped draft a 2022 industry comment opposing methane limits, is now the EPA assistant administrator overseeing air and radiation rules. In his current role, Szabo has been soliciting language and input from the...
India Resumes Iranian Oil Imports, Undermining Sanctions
After a 7-year hiatus, India is about to import its first Iranian oil. At ~$100 a barrel. Quite the achievement in Washington for the long-term strenght of the economic and financial sanctions regime.
Abu Dhabi Extends Solar Self-Supply Policy to Residents
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy has launched the second phase of its solar self‑supply policy, extending the scheme to villa owners and eligible residential buildings. The new rules let households install rooftop photovoltaic systems with optional battery storage, while streamlining...
Hormuz Is Broke; Saudi‑Israel Pipeline Expected in Five Years
As an expert predictor of geopolitics, here’s my prediction: Hormuz is broke. Expect a 5-10m daily barrel capacity pipeline between Saudi Arabia and Mediterranean, via Israel (Ashdod port) in 5 years time.
Wave Energy Pilot Concludes at Port of Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power has completed its on‑shore wave‑energy pilot at the Port of Los Angeles, developed with Shell. A prior feasibility study identified 77 U.S. coastal sites with suitable wave conditions. The pilot met all technical and operational milestones, and the final...
“K” LINE Begins Long-Term Use of Bio-LNG Fuel for Car Carriers
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has begun long‑term use of carbon‑neutral bio‑LNG on its LNG‑powered car carriers after signing a procurement deal for liquefied bio‑methane. The fuel, derived from organic waste, is ISCC‑EU certified and can be burned in existing...
Macron Courts Asian Battery Makers on East Asia Tour
French President Emmanuel Macron is on a diplomatic tour of Japan and South Korea to persuade Asian battery makers to set up production in France. The effort already yielded a $1.75 billion subsidy for Taiwanese solid‑state battery leader ProLogium, which broke...
BP Appoints Meg O'Neill, Fourth CEO in Six Years
In non-Iran news, BP new boss Meg O'Neill started today on her job. She's the fourth CEO in six years running the British oil major. O'Neill will face shareholders first at the company's AGM, secheduled for April 23, and potentially again...