Energy Social Media and Updates

Flatlined Power Output Signals Efficiency, Not Decline
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Flatlined Power Output Signals Efficiency, Not Decline

Demand is what dominates these electricity charts. Supply has followed demand in the US. Stop posting flatlined generation graphs as if they're evidence of US decline or stagnation. They're evidence of US efficiency and a switch to a knowledge economy.

By Ramez Naam
New CFS Book Showcases Giant SPARC Fusion Magnets
SocialFeb 17, 2026

New CFS Book Showcases Giant SPARC Fusion Magnets

The Book of CFS just arrived The cover shows a top down slice of the SPARC fusion plant, with a ring of 18 D-shaped toroidal magnets, each strong enough to levitate an aircraft carrier. Embedded in the center is a slice...

By Steve Jurvetson
India's Solar Overproduction Turns Boom Into Glut
SocialFeb 17, 2026

India's Solar Overproduction Turns Boom Into Glut

Industrial policy, again: "India’s Solar Manufacturing Excesses Turn a Boom Into a Glut" https://t.co/VEeIUwYmoM https://t.co/r4CohxBgDI

By Scott Lincicome
Effective Battery Management Secures Solar’s Role
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Effective Battery Management Secures Solar’s Role

Battery storage management keeps solar in the energy mix #energysky -- via pv magazine usa: https://t.co/f1Nl7soVAu https://t.co/7w767V89vp

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
GREW Solar Wins 3 GW ALMM Approval in India
SocialFeb 17, 2026

GREW Solar Wins 3 GW ALMM Approval in India

India’s GREW Solar secures 3 GW ALMM approval #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/rJL1FDjPwC

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Pause the Project, Strengthen EIA and Data Quality
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Pause the Project, Strengthen EIA and Data Quality

At this stage, they should quit, but they should beef up the EIA and improve data quality.

By Anas Alhajji
Sanctions Spawn Shadow Fleet, Aging Tankers Scrapped in India
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Sanctions Spawn Shadow Fleet, Aging Tankers Scrapped in India

US sanctions squeezed Russian and Venezuelan oil shipping out of mainstream markets. A shadow fleet emerged. Now aging dark fleet tankers are arriving at Indian scrapyards at a record pace. SANCTIONS = WORKAROUNDS = UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. https://t.co/GddyWzZwZd

By Steve Hanke
IEA: Fixed‑tilt and Bifacial PV Ideal for Arctic Deployment
SocialFeb 17, 2026

IEA: Fixed‑tilt and Bifacial PV Ideal for Arctic Deployment

Fixed-tilt and bifacial PV modules best positioned for Arctic deployment, says IEA #energysky -- via pv-tech: https://t.co/8cSrPrIC6I

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Colombia Adds 333 MW Solar Capacity in 2025
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Colombia Adds 333 MW Solar Capacity in 2025

Colombia deploys 333 MW of PV in 2025 #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/AYKjk6wNph

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
UK Must Become an Electrostate, Economics Drive Energy Shift
SocialFeb 17, 2026

UK Must Become an Electrostate, Economics Drive Energy Shift

INTERVIEW: Chris Stark (@StarkClimate), head of UK govt "mission" for clean power by 2030 Over 40 mins he explains why UK shd be an "electrostate", why attacks on climate policy are "completely crazy" & why economics are driving the global energy...

By Simon Evans
Oil Markets See Trump’s Hawkish Talk as Theater
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Oil Markets See Trump’s Hawkish Talk as Theater

Iran says it has “understanding on principles” with the US That was always the most likely outcome. Trump won't risk higher oil prices into an election cycle, writes @Ole_S_Hansen The oil market correctly judges his hawkish rhetoric as theater. #oil #Brent #Iran #geopolitics...

By Art Berman Blog
Guyana Gains as Venezuela's Maduro Falls, Boosting Investment
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Guyana Gains as Venezuela's Maduro Falls, Boosting Investment

Guyana is the biggest winner from Maduro's ouster in Venezuela. "It removes the biggest barrier for foreign investment," said CSIS's Henry Ziemer Lower risk premium, faster development, higher upside. https://t.co/1Tpj1OK8dp #oil #Guyana #Exxon #geopolitics #energy

By Art Berman Blog
IEA and New Zealand Deepen Energy Cooperation Ahead of 2026
SocialFeb 17, 2026

IEA and New Zealand Deepen Energy Cooperation Ahead of 2026

Productive meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Energy & Climate @simonwatts_mp at IEA HQ ahead of the 2026 #IEAMinisterial We discussed recent developments in regional & global energy markets and opportunities to further strengthen @IEA-🇳🇿 cooperation https://t.co/tI98Et2YHn

By Fatih Birol
Xcel's Virtual Power Plant Plan Sparks Industry Controversy
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Xcel's Virtual Power Plant Plan Sparks Industry Controversy

Why Xcel’s bid to reinvent the virtual power plant is so controversial #energysky -- via Canary Media: https://t.co/GL06liTg7p

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Guyana and Exxon Profit From Venezuela's Turmoil
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Guyana and Exxon Profit From Venezuela's Turmoil

Been saying this for a while: Guyana (and by extension Exxon) was a big collateral winner of Venezuela developments. https://t.co/QzfRIJKK1F

By Rory Johnston
Batteries Will Outpace Solar as Energy’s Top Technology
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Batteries Will Outpace Solar as Energy’s Top Technology

Batteries are the most important and fastest scaling energy technology of the 21st century. They're destined to be even bigger and more important than solar.

By Ramez Naam
Primary Energy Misleads; Seek More Accurate Efficiency Metrics
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Primary Energy Misleads; Seek More Accurate Efficiency Metrics

Primary energy is a terrible measure that glazes fossil fuels, most of whose energy is lost as waste heat. Here's how we can do better.

By Ramez Naam
Reflective Coating Boosts BIPV Output by 11%
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Reflective Coating Boosts BIPV Output by 11%

New reflective coating increases BIPV power output by 11% #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/3jDOHUi90u

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
IEA Paris Meeting Tests Net‑Zero Shift Against US Oil Priorities
SocialFeb 17, 2026

IEA Paris Meeting Tests Net‑Zero Shift Against US Oil Priorities

For energy policy making, a key week in Paris as @IEA energy officials gather Feb 18-19 for a biennial ministerial meeting. The IEA’s drift toward net-zero advocacy and overtures to China will be tested as US officials push to a return...

By Javier Blas
Sungrow and Huawei Earn AAA Bankability Rating
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Sungrow and Huawei Earn AAA Bankability Rating

Sungrow and Huawei achieve AAA rating in new PV InverterTech bankability report #energysky -- via pv-tech: https://t.co/MYSpWj5IGI

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
NJ Law Would Drive Data Centers Out, Still Cost State
SocialFeb 17, 2026

NJ Law Would Drive Data Centers Out, Still Cost State

Great insight from @rtoinsider article about NJ: Brian O. Lipman, director of the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel said that if NJ passed a law requiring data centers to Bring Their Own Generation, "data center developers would...

By Meredith Angwin
US Energy Secretary Meets IEA on African Clean Cooking Summit
SocialFeb 17, 2026

US Energy Secretary Meets IEA on African Clean Cooking Summit

Pleased to meet with US Energy @SecretaryWright at IEA HQ before the #IEAMinisterial We discussed a range of global energy matters including how the @IEA Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa on 9-10 July that we're co-chairing in Nairobi can deliver...

By Fatih Birol
ACEN Adds 400MW Stubbo Solar to $750M financingACEN Adds 400MW Stubbo Solar to $750M Financing
SocialFeb 17, 2026

ACEN Adds 400MW Stubbo Solar to $750M financingACEN Adds 400MW Stubbo Solar to $750M Financing

ACEN Australia integrates 400MW Stubbo solar PV plant into AU$750 million financing pool #energysky -- via pv-tech: https://t.co/5ezLk03ml3

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Plug‑in Balcony Panels Could Democratize Solar Power
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Plug‑in Balcony Panels Could Democratize Solar Power

Balcony plug-in solar panels: Are we ready for this new era of accessible energy? #energysky -- via Solar Power World: https://t.co/ZSpQFGAQDL

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Rhode Island Landfill Installs 5.74 MW Solar Capacity
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Rhode Island Landfill Installs 5.74 MW Solar Capacity

Capped Rhode Island landfill adds 5.74 MW of solar power to grid #energysky -- via Solar Power World: https://t.co/9nE9IPoK5j

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Trump's Shadow Stalls Power Investment, Creating AI Bottleneck
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Trump's Shadow Stalls Power Investment, Creating AI Bottleneck

As the dark shadow of Trump fell over the US power sector & the highly effective IRA, investment in power generation plateaued in 2024. Well-time to create a power bottleneck for AI. More on this in the Chartbook Top Link...

By Adam Tooze
Drone Cleaning Solution Boosts Agrivoltaic Efficiency
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Drone Cleaning Solution Boosts Agrivoltaic Efficiency

Chemitek offers solution for drone-based cleaning of agrivoltaics #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/vedHyZSkO7

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
Contact Energy Raises $316M to Drive NZ Renewables
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Contact Energy Raises $316M to Drive NZ Renewables

Contact Energy seeks US$316 million equity raise to lead New Zealand’s renewable energy transition #energysky -- via pv-tech: https://t.co/CQl7b5EnIT

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
US‑Made Batteries Still Prone To
SocialFeb 17, 2026

US‑Made Batteries Still Prone To

“Made in the USA” batteries might still fail FEOC #energysky -- via pv magazine usa: https://t.co/oBId0q97hY

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
US‑Iran Oil Talks Conclude Second Round, Third Round Pending
SocialFeb 17, 2026

US‑Iran Oil Talks Conclude Second Round, Third Round Pending

OIL MARKET: The 2nd round of US-Iran talks has concluded, and Iranian media says there would be a 3rd round of negotiations in the “near future” after both sides consult with their respective governments.

By Javier Blas
Renewable Energy Leaders Shift Roles Across Industry
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Renewable Energy Leaders Shift Roles Across Industry

People on the move: BluEarth Renewables, Palmetto, Solar Stack and more #energysky -- via pv magazine usa: https://t.co/VObxZV39ij https://t.co/WcbWZ9jKmM

By Tor “SolarFred” Valenza
IEA and Nigeria Commit to Universal Clean Cooking Access
SocialFeb 17, 2026

IEA and Nigeria Commit to Universal Clean Cooking Access

Excellent discussion with Nigerian Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo @Ekperikpe001 on energy security & affordability in African countries & the need to deliver universal clean cooking access across the continent We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding deepening @IEA & 🇳🇬 cooperation https://t.co/NCDHnc9Y8t

By Fatih Birol
Iran and Russia Clash over China Oil Supply Rivalry
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Iran and Russia Clash over China Oil Supply Rivalry

The oil ministers of Iran and Russia met today. Contrary to popular belief, Moscow and Tehran are now bitter rivals in the oil market as the size of the black market for crude shrinks. Both compete to supply China. (My earlier @Opinion...

By Javier Blas
Battery-Powered Cooking Boosts Efficiency in Power‑Scarce Areas
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Battery-Powered Cooking Boosts Efficiency in Power‑Scarce Areas

Battery-enabled electric #cooking has strong potential to expand the use of energy-efficient appliances in settings with limited or unreliable electricity supply. Find out more in this @SEforALLorg, @UKMECS and @geccoHQ white paper. 🔗https://t.co/MvFp8PKN7b https://t.co/EciHWuSOXi

By Damilola Ogunbiyi
Small Distributed Data Centers Ease Grid Load
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Small Distributed Data Centers Ease Grid Load

The question here is how much of this needs to be 1GW data centers that are difficult to add to the grid and driving higher electricity bills? We could build hundreds of thousands of small data centers within existing interconnections for...

By Jigar Shah
EU's 70% Local EV Rule Risks Higher Costs, Trade Friction
SocialFeb 17, 2026

EU's 70% Local EV Rule Risks Higher Costs, Trade Friction

The EU plans to force 70% of EVs sold in Europe to be built there Good luck requiring China to accept higher labor costs & regulatory burden. Success case: higher EV costs, slower rollout & more trade friction. Good plan https://t.co/rHXHgNgJyN #EU #EVs #industrialpolicy #protectionism...

By Art Berman Blog
Iran's Hormuz Drills Raise Risk Premium, Shrink Deal Space
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Iran's Hormuz Drills Raise Risk Premium, Shrink Deal Space

Iran launched naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz “Maximum pressure” cuts both ways. Iran wants nuclear-only talk, while the US wants missiles and proxies too The “deal space” is small and the risk premium stays high. https://t.co/Gs9viHRneW #oil #Brent #Hormuz #Iran #geopolitics #energysecurity #OPEC...

By Art Berman Blog
Shareholders Trade Peak‑Demand Fear for Growth Appetite
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Shareholders Trade Peak‑Demand Fear for Growth Appetite

Peak-demand fear is fading, and now shareholders want growth again. Which do you want? Returns or Growth? Can't have both. People in hell want ice water. https://t.co/NKcPuvbtxE #oil #energy #BigOil #Exxon #Chevron #Shell #BP #TotalEnergies #OPEC #reserves #MAndA #markets #investing #geopolitics

By Art Berman Blog
AI Surge Forces Jet Engines Into Data Center Turbines
SocialFeb 17, 2026

AI Surge Forces Jet Engines Into Data Center Turbines

AI power demand is so desperate we’re turning jet engines into gas turbines. It’s a workaround for years-long turbine wait lists The competition to see which AI companies survive is the main driver. https://t.co/LFKExUsqcY #AI #datacenters #power #naturalgas #turbines #energy #grid #infrastructure #aviation #markets

By Art Berman Blog
Insulation First: Heat Pumps Fail Without Proper Home Sealing
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Insulation First: Heat Pumps Fail Without Proper Home Sealing

Air source heat pumps without well insulated homes are a waste or time. Insulation should always come first. And we need to get a grip on cowboy operators

By Bob Cushing
Developing Nations Leapfrog Fossil Era, Embrace Clean Power
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Developing Nations Leapfrog Fossil Era, Embrace Clean Power

I *love* this ternary chart showing developing economies increasingly go directly for clean electrons (solar plus some wind), bypassing the fossil economy that the US and EU went through. I expect Africa will take an even more direct route than India. https://t.co/KjsZV3S6P1...

By Auke Hoekstra
ITRK Acquires Drone Solar Inspector, Yields Improve
SocialFeb 17, 2026

ITRK Acquires Drone Solar Inspector, Yields Improve

#ITRK bought Aerial PV Inspection GmbH which uses Drones to inspect Solar Panels. No financial details given. ShareScope showing fwd p/e 17.7 falling to 16.2 and fwd Divvy 3.6% rising to 4%; classy business and decent yield now. I don't...

By WheelieDealer
Urgent Shift to Solar and Wind Over Gas
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Urgent Shift to Solar and Wind Over Gas

Forget climate change for the moment. One of the main reasons for supporting green energy is to reduce our reliance on gas for electricity generation. The Ukraine war has compromised access to Russian gas and this has had a massive...

By Bob Cushing
Sinokor's 120‑tanker Dominance Spikes Freight, Rattles Oil Markets
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Sinokor's 120‑tanker Dominance Spikes Freight, Rattles Oil Markets

South Korean Sinokor now controls 120 oil tankers When one buyer controls the tradable fleet, charterers panic-book, freight spikes, and shocks bleeds into physical oil prices and spreads. https://t.co/Z2GsMyfbtl #oil #tankers #VLCC #shipping #freight #supplychain #sanctions #geopolitics #markets #energy

By Art Berman Blog
Regressive Mandates Undermine Climate Resilience, Not Protect It
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Regressive Mandates Undermine Climate Resilience, Not Protect It

During today’s nonstop rain, California’s “fight” against climate danger has featured mandated solar panels that produce no electricity and mandated paper bags that can’t carry groceries. “Fighting” climate via forced technological regression just makes us more vulnerable to it.

By Alex Epstein
Europe Still Buys Russian LNG and Uranium, Despite Criticism
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Europe Still Buys Russian LNG and Uranium, Despite Criticism

🧐This is nonsense hype from the Center for the Study of Democracy. Yet CNN did not bother to check the validity of their claims or ask other researchers. Here's why: 💥Many European countries, including France, buy LNG from Russia. 💥The US and...

By Anas Alhajji
Japan’s Nuclear Restarts Cut Costs, Boost Yen, Tame Inflation
SocialFeb 16, 2026

Japan’s Nuclear Restarts Cut Costs, Boost Yen, Tame Inflation

Japan’s nuclear reactors continue to come back online. This is a major positive for consumers, businesses, and the environment, as it increases the supply of cheap energy, and reduces reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels. This dynamic should also support the...

By Jamie Halse
Solar Overtakes Nuclear; Nuclear Drops to Third by 2026
SocialFeb 16, 2026

Solar Overtakes Nuclear; Nuclear Drops to Third by 2026

I've been cranking numbers. Full year 2025, it looks like nuclear power just about kept its nose ahead of wind and solar. But in H2 2025, while wind didn't quite overtake nuclear, solar did. In 2026 nuclear will drop to...

By Michael Liebreich
Solar Proves Reliable; End Subsidies, Demand Self‑Sufficiency
SocialFeb 16, 2026

Solar Proves Reliable; End Subsidies, Demand Self‑Sufficiency

Wow, the sun shined a lot in the middle of a day. I guess solar is reliable now... If @SEIA really believes in their product, they should join me in calling for an end to all solar subsidies and for requiring...

By Alex Epstein