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:
“Definitely Not Good Policy:” Experts Skewer LNP Plan to Pause Major Transmission Upgrades
Victorian Liberal Party (LNP) announced that, if it wins the November state election, it will review the Victorian Transmission Plan and pause two major grid projects – the Victoria‑to‑New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) and the Western Renewables Link. The projects, originally budgeted at about $2 bn AUD (≈$1.3 bn USD) and now projected at $7.6 bn–$11 bn AUD (≈$5 bn–$7.3 bn USD), are seen as essential for connecting over 3 GW of new renewable capacity. Labor’s energy minister warned the pause could stall renewable rollout, raise power bills and risk blackouts, while industry experts called the LNP’s stance “wedge” politics and “definitely not good policy.” Independent analysis of the alternative “Plan B” found it inadequate to meet the state’s energy targets.
China's Oil Imports Drop, Re‑exports Surge, Demand Stalls
China is importing less oil & re-exporting more. This one of the first genuinely bearish physical signals to emerge since the war began. @JavierBlas offers no satisfying explanations but I will China’s overproduction machine has hit a demand wall. https://t.co/snT1YW3WuM #oil #China #energy #economy...
US‑Iran Clash in Hormuz Threatens Global Oil Flow
🇺🇸🇮🇷 US and Iran are fighting again in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has recently attacked ships and the US has hit back. This area moves 20% of the world’s oil every day. If the fighting gets...
How Energy Prices Are Driving Demand for Solar Panels and Heat Pumps
Europe is experiencing a second energy crisis in under five years, spurred by a Middle‑East war that halted most fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Natural‑gas prices have surged roughly 40%, prompting households and businesses to accelerate adoption of...
Manufacturing, Energy Security in Focus as Australian Gov’t Unveils Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme
The Australian government unveiled a domestic gas reservation scheme that will require exporters to set aside 20% of their LNG output for the local market beginning 1 July 2027. The policy aims to curb domestic gas prices, reduce exposure to global price...
Diesel, Kerosene Rollback Likely Next Week, Says DOE
The Philippine Department of Energy said a strong chance exists for diesel and kerosene price rollbacks next week, with diesel expected to fall about P9 (≈ $0.16) per litre and kerosene about P12 (≈ $0.22). Gasoline is projected to rise modestly by...
Monsters of Rock: Albemarle Rides Lithium Turnaround to Print Cash in March Quarter
Albemarle posted a 670% year‑over‑year profit surge in the March quarter, propelled by a dramatic rebound in lithium prices and higher production volumes. Spodumene prices have risen above $2,750 per tonne, with UBS forecasting a peak of $4,250 per tonne...
Australia’s ARENA Targets Sub-AU$30/MWh Solar to Unlock 10GW Annual Deployment Pipeline
Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced a new ultra‑low‑cost solar target of AU$25‑30/MWh (US$18‑22/MWh) to unlock a 10 GW annual pipeline needed for deep decarbonisation. At the Smart Energy Conference, ARENA highlighted that current LCOE levels of AU$50‑60/MWh are too high...
Energy Insiders Podcast: The Man Who Saved Solar and Helped Kill Coal
John Grimes of the Smart Energy Council explains how rapid solar adoption and a surge in home‑battery installations have hastened the shutdown of coal plants across Australia. He details a panel‑by‑panel transition that saw coal output fall while solar capacity...
Oil Futures Rise After U.S., Iran Trade Fire; Stock Futures Quiet After Court Rejects Trump’s Tariffs
U.S. forces launched retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian targets after Navy vessels were attacked, pushing West Texas Intermediate crude up about 2% and lifting Brent prices. The geopolitical flare‑up came as a federal court rejected President Donald Trump’s latest tariff proposal,...
BW Offshore Secures Firmer Timeline for UK North Sea FPSO
BW Offshore has renegotiated the contract for its UK North Sea FPSO, BW Catcher, replacing the previous extension clauses with a fixed term that runs to December 31, 2030, plus or minus six months. The amendment, effective retroactively from February 1, 2026, adds roughly $490 million...
Over 40 India-Bound Vessels Stuck Amid Hormuz Deadlock
Over 40 India‑bound vessels, including 13 Indian‑flagged ships, have been stranded in the Persian Gulf for more than two months because the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial traffic. The cargoes—LPG, LNG, crude oil, and fertilizer—are deemed priority for...
Oil Prices Rise After US and Iran Exchange Fire in Hormuz Strait
Oil prices rose on Friday in Asian markets after the United States and Iran exchanged fire in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military reported intercepting what it called unprovoked Iranian missiles, drones and small‑boat attacks and responded with...
TSMC Signs 30‑year PPA for >1 GW Offshore Wind, Securing AI Chip Power
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has signed a 30‑year power purchase agreement with Northland Power for the Hai Long offshore wind project, covering more than 1 GW of capacity. The deal aims to meet soaring AI‑chip power demand while bolstering Taiwan’s renewable‑energy...
Philippine Peso Gains 1.6% on Oil Price Relief, Eyes Stronger Trade Balance
The Philippine peso rose 1.6% to 60.345 per dollar, its strongest daily gain in a month, after oil prices slipped on optimism surrounding a potential US‑Iran peace deal. The move lifts the peso from its status as Asia's worst performer...
Energy Safe Victoria Calls Out Risky Electrical DIY Behaviour in Latest Campaign via DPR&Co
Energy Safe Victoria has partnered with DPR&Co to launch an updated "Electrical DDIY – Don’t Do It Yourself" campaign, targeting a broader demographic that includes women and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The initiative builds on research showing many...
ESS Shifts to Long‑Duration Energy, Small 202
Macro: ESS pivots to long-duration Energy Base; rev -79% on ramp. Key: cost cuts, SRP/Google & DoD contracts, better adj EBITDA. Risks: runway, execution. Trade: small buy into 2027 catalyst. — Viktor Kopylov, PhD, CFA More insights: t.me/si14Kopylov
US NatGas Surplus Grows to 96 Bcf, Prices Slip
U.S natural gas comparative fell 12 bcf to a surplus of 96 bcf week ending May 1 Spot price fell $0.04 to $2.66 #energy #NaturalGas #shale #fintwit #oilandgas #Commodities #ONGT #natgas #LNG https://t.co/mxouFSaNgi
ZF to Present Retrofit SolarBoost Solar Panels for Urban and Coach Fleets at Milan’s Next Mobility Exhibition / Transpotec
ZF will debut its SolarBoost retrofit solar panel system for buses at the Next Mobility Exhibition in Milan, running May 13-16, 2026. The plug‑and‑play kit fits 24 V urban buses and coaches with batteries of at least 150 Ah, adding roof‑mounted panels...
US Crude Exports Plunge, Net Imports Rise to 0.7 Mmb/D
US crude exports fell 1.7mmb/d from 6.4 to 4.8 mmb/d week ending May 1 Imports decreased 0.3 mmb/d to 5.5 mmb/d Net imports rose 1.4 mmb/d to 0.7 mmb/d #energy #OOTT #oilandgas #WTI #CrudeOil #fintwit #OPEC #Commodities #commoditiesmarket https://t.co/AamhCIUJgi
PJM Admits Capacity Price Surge, Calls for Market Overhaul
PJM just cried "Uncle". They admit that capacity prices are up 1,000%+ in two auctions and that money goes to existing generators, doesn't send a signal to build new on 3 year contracts. The prescription is pretty bold. They aren't...
WA Budget Boosts Manufacturing, Energy Transition and Industrial Investment
The Western Australian 2026‑27 budget earmarks billions of dollars to accelerate manufacturing, renewable‑energy integration and broader industrial diversification. Key allocations include a AUD $1.4 bn Clean Energy Future Fund (≈US $920 m) and AUD $973 m (≈US $642 m) for Western Power’s grid upgrades. The Made in WA...
Jet Fuel Demand Plummets From Record Highs, Trend Downward
Jet fuel demand has collapsed from extreme highs It's still above average, but the trend is down fast. The slowdown is already in motion. #OilMarkets #JetFuel #DemandDestruction #EnergyEconomy https://t.co/JDwHlYnP3u
Europe Chooses Selective Solar, Storage Amid Supply Surge
Europe’s solar and storage development: Selectivity amid rising global supply and returning energy shocks #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/goDZ7IBs66 https://t.co/oLXPEFnY7m
Maersk to Shift $500 Million Monthly Iran War Oil Surge to Shippers
Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc announced the carrier will transfer the $500 million‑per‑month cost increase from the Iran‑driven oil shock to its customers. The move comes as the company posted $1.75 billion EBITDA in Q1, underscoring the pressure on container rates worldwide.
WTI Spot Carries $30 Risk Premium Amid Inventory Gap
WTI spot price includes a $30 risk premium Inventories say $75, markets say $105 CI decreased 7 mmb and price rose $10.14 week ending May 1 #energy #OOTT #oilandgas #WTI #CrudeOil #fintwit #OPEC #Commodities #commoditiesmarket https://t.co/yJuiZBpbBn
Eco‑Right Pushes for Streamlined Energy Permitting Reform
What the ‘Eco Right’ Wants from Permitting Reform #energysky -- via Heatmap News https://t.co/P6isvdp3BG https://t.co/3UzNkcL9w2
Iberdrola Boosts Valdecañas Pumped‑Storage by 355 MW and 210 GWh
Iberdrola has upgraded its Valdecañas pumped‑storage hydro plant in southwestern Spain, adding 355 MW of generation capacity and 210 GWh of additional storage. The upgrade also includes a 15 MW/7.5 MWh hybrid battery, strengthening the grid’s ability to absorb surplus wind and solar power.
Australian Solar Firm Secures Historic Deal to End Diesel
Australian solar company signs historic deal to help “entire country” quit diesel power #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/o9aTghUP2D https://t.co/ncy7M8THPA
Queensland Leads NEM with 100 GWh Monthly Battery Discharge
Australia: Queensland becomes first NEM state to discharge over 100GWh from battery storage in a month #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/tNb31ka2bC
Irish Wind Approvals 'Stall in First Quarter'
Wind Energy Ireland reported that An Coimisiún Pleanála approved no new wind farms in the first quarter of 2026, a sharp drop from seven projects totalling 402 MW approved in the same period last year. The planning pipeline still holds nearly...
Labor Proposes Domestic Gas Reservation, Limiting Exports
Federal Labor unveils plans for fossil gas reservation to ensure share of production is not exported #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/gHBQZoRMoo https://t.co/W6ZJSIY60J
PPL Corp (PPL) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
PPL Corp reported Q1 2026 earnings of $1.81 ongoing EPS, a 7.1% year‑over‑year increase that hit the midpoint of its guidance. The utility announced a $23 billion capital plan through 2029, adding $3 billion of equity needs and raising its quarterly dividend...
Calumet Inc (CLMT) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Calumet reported full‑year 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $293 million, roughly a 30 % increase year‑over‑year, while slashing restricted debt by more than $220 million and improving net leverage to 4.9 ×. The company closed a Department of Energy loan for its Montana Renewables unit,...
One Day in Trump’s Iran War
President Trump’s administration faced a fresh legal defeat as a federal trade court declared his latest global tariff illegal, marking the second broad‑based tariff overturned this year. The ruling comes as Trump threatens the European Union with steep new duties...
Victoria Backs New Gas Project Amid Manufacturing Energy Security Concerns
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed approval of the offshore Otway Basin gas project “Annie,” led by Amplitude Energy, as a step toward bolstering Victoria’s energy security. The state faces projected peak‑day gas shortfalls as Bass Strait output...
Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
Gran Tierra Energy reported Q1 2026 results, posting average working‑interest production of 45,497 boepd, a modest dip from prior periods. The company sold its Simonette Montney block for $49 million, boosting cash to $125 million and repaying $133 million of debt. It also signed an...
How Sunburn Inspired a New Way to Store Energy
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara, led by chemistry professor Grace Han, have demonstrated a molecular solar‑thermal (MOST) energy‑storage system that achieves an unprecedented 1.65 MJ kg⁻¹ energy density—about 1.6 times that of the best lithium‑ion batteries. The system uses DNA‑inspired molecules that twist when...
'We Need that Pipeline': CNRL President on Path to Oilsands Growth
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. president Scott Stauth told investors that a new West Coast oil pipeline and clearer regulatory and fiscal rules are essential for a new phase of oilsands expansion. CNRL has paused its $8.25 billion (≈$6 billion USD) Jackpine mine...
South Korea Could Be Asia’s Green Ammonia Hub
South Korea’s Lotte Fine Chemical completed the world’s first commercial cross‑border import of green ammonia, sourced from Envision’s Chifeng Net Zero Industrial Park in Inner Mongolia. The ammonia was stored at Ulsan’s largest terminal and used in the first ammonia...
Tesla Semi and Megachargers Costs Versus Diesel
Tesla unveiled two charging solutions for its Semi: the $40,000 Basecharger for modest fleet needs and the $188,000 Megacharger capable of 1,200 kW output. A hardware‑only cost analysis shows a 4‑truck electric fleet costs $1.23‑$1.35 M versus $760,000 for comparable diesel Cascadias,...
Labor’s East Coast Gas Reservation Copies Coalition Policy
The Albanese government introduced a 20% East Coast gas reservation on new contracts and spot cargoes, a policy that mirrors the Coalition’s pre‑election proposal. Resources Minister Madeleine King and Energy Minister Chris Bowen not only adopted the idea but added further provisions....
Colorado Passes Bipartisan Balcony Solar Bill, Becomes Fourth State
Today, I was proud to sign bipartisan HB26-1007, which will open the door to balcony solar, making it easier and more affordable for Coloradans to access solar energy right from their homes. With this bipartisan bill, Colorado becomes the 4th...
Residential Solar Decline Cuts German PV Installations Q1 2026
Drop in residential solar drives German PV installations down in Q1 2026 #energysky -- via pv-tech: https://t.co/8lnzuLty5O
US Air Force Sets Its Sights On Space Solar Power
The U.S. Air Force has awarded its first contract to startup Overview Energy to demonstrate space‑solar technology that beams power from geosynchronous orbit to Earth. Overview, which raised $20 million from investors, plans to launch satellites in 2028 and deliver megawatt‑scale...
Australia Pioneers Vapor‑grown Lead‑free Perovskite Solar Cells
Australian researchers develop vapour-based manufacturing process for lead-free perovskite solar #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/nnRq0u1o8s https://t.co/i7LsyNAx4t
Gulf Tensions Are Noise; US Remains Indispensable
The latest Gulf “escalation” looks more like noise than a strategic shift. Iran keeps proving the Strait can’t be secured. The U.S. keeps proving it can’t be ignored. Saudi & Kuwait reopening access to the US acknowledges they can’t defend themselves alone. https://t.co/UbTcninmEd #Oil...
What War On EVs? The EV Battery Ecosystem Continues To Grow
Dragonfly Energy secured a $527,000 non‑dilutive award from Nevada Tech Hub and added $432,000 of internal capital to expand its in‑house cell prototyping and testing capabilities. The company’s patented dry‑electrode battery process eliminates toxic solvents, cutting energy use by roughly...
PV Fingerprint Mapping Predicts Rooftop Solar Growth
How mapping of PV “fingerprints” can indicate what the rooftop solar juggernaut will do next #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/vVbXSN5Cj6 https://t.co/5GKTkewAeX
Trump Allows Destruction of American Energy Industry
Trump Is Getting Away With Murdering an American Industry #energysky -- via Heatmap News https://t.co/cj1LXBak2a https://t.co/qFVyOBaZ3R