Engineers are focusing on extracting more performance from the electricity network using electronics, software, and control systems. The grid is evolving to become smarter, similar to the evolution of transportation systems. FACTS and APFC technologies help operators guide the flow of electrons, allowing the existing grid to carry more power than originally expected. This approach does not eliminate the need for new infrastructure but maximizes the capacity of the current network.
Author: Cleantechnica
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BYD’s 1.5 MW “Flash” Charging Wasn’t A Gimmick. The Battery Chemistry Behind It Could Change The Industry.
The article discusses the new 1.5-megawatt Flash Charging system by BYD, highlighting its fast charging capabilities and potential impact on battery pack sizes and vehicle design. This technology allows for rapid charging, with a vehicle reaching 97 percent charge in just nine minutes, potentially leading to smaller battery packs in commuter cars while still providing a seamless road trip experience. Additionally, the implications of using large battery packs and high-power chargers for heavy electric trucks, like the Chevrolet Silverado EV LT, are discussed in relation to towing. The use of a 1.5-megawatt Flash Charger could potentially recharge 100 to 120 kilowatt-hours of energy in 10 to 15 minutes, making electric trucks a more viable option for towing compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
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The US Offshore Wind Industry Gets An Assist From Singapore
The Empire Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of New York, initially halted by President Trump, is back on track with the use of shuttle models and a Jones-compliant vessel from Singapore for construction. Seatrium has built a new WTIV for the US offshore wind industry, designed to handle large turbines and comply with the Jones Act. Despite challenges, including Trump's attempts to halt projects, the vessel is now in use at the Empire Wind project. The global offshore wind industry is growing, with advancements in technology and construction progressing worldwide, showcasing the potential for renewable energy industries to thrive.
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District Cooling From the Pacific: A Targeted Efficiency for Oʻahu
The article discusses the fully electrified energy system on Oʻahu, focusing on the island's transition to electric technologies and renewable energy resources. Seawater district cooling systems offer a more energy-efficient approach to meeting the cooling demand of densely populated areas in Hawaii, such as Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu. These systems could potentially serve over 50,000 tons of cooling demand in these areas, resulting in energy savings of up to 92.5%. Seawater cooling systems in Oʻahu help reduce electricity consumption during peak hours, lowering the need for generation and storage capacity, and complement other renewable energy strategies in the island's electrified energy system.
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Startup Aims To Help US Farmers With Green H2 & Wind Power
The global green hydrogen industry is facing challenges, but solutions are emerging, such as efforts in the US to replace imported ammonia fertilizer with a domestic product. Startups like TalusAg are developing solar-powered green hydrogen-to-ammonia systems for local deployment, with plans for widespread application in agriculture. Two facilities in Minnesota and northern Iowa will produce green ammonia using electrolyzers powered by Blue Earth Light & Water, benefiting farmers by reducing fertilizer costs and allowing them to participate in overseas carbon markets. The project is supported by organizations like PepsiCo and the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum, aiming to reduce curtailment, create revenue for rural counties, and strengthen industries while also reducing dependence on foreign supply chains. The initiative is seen as a valuable alternative to natural gas for fertilizer production, providing relief to farmers facing challenges such as rising fertilizer and fuel prices, trade wars, and labor shortages.
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Unlocking Vehicle-to-Grid at Scale
The article discusses the potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Electric Vehicles (EVs) to support the electricity grid, integrate renewables, and lower charging costs. It emphasizes the need for EU vehicle type approval standards to enable large-scale deployment of V2G, proposing the introduction of a voluntary 'V2G-ready' label on new EVs with specific requirements such as compliance with interoperability standards and sharing of battery data. By 2032, these requirements should be incorporated into mandatory EU vehicle type approval for all new EVs, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy system.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/06/unlocking-vehicle-to-grid-at-scale/
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A Pseudo Book Review: Solvable: How We Healed The Earth, And How We Can Do It Again
Susan Solomon, a pioneering scientist known for her work on the link between CFCs and ozone depletion, received the Special Prize for Female Innovators in Hanoi and the Crafoord Prize in Geosciences for her research on atmospheric trace gases. Her research led to the successful Montreal Protocol, which has helped the ozone layer recover, demonstrating how evidence, public understanding, and political will can address global environmental crises. Solomon's book, "Solvable: How We Healed the Earth, and How We Can Do It Again," outlines the structure behind her optimism for solving environmental challenges. She argues that environmental progress follows identifiable conditions, known as the three Ps, and emphasizes the importance of political leadership and credible science in shaping environmental policy. Despite current dangers, she remains optimistic that limiting warming to two degrees is achievable with sustained effort, showing that decline is not irreversible when threats are visible and manageable.
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Over 3,000 One-Megawatt EV Charging Stations Planned By BYD For Europe
BYD has introduced ultrafast chargers with a capacity of 1,000 kW, offering the potential for EVs to gain over 200 miles of range in just 5 minutes. While the number of EV models capable of charging at such high rates remains uncertain, BYD's strategy appears to prioritize market dominance through rapid charging speeds and competitive pricing. The practicality of 1,000 kW chargers for the majority of EV owners is debated, with speculation that the focus may be more on business strategy than immediate necessity.
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Meet The Offshore Wind Project That Survived The Trump Chopper
Despite political challenges under the Trump administration, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project led by Dominion Energy has continued to advance with larger, more powerful turbines. Governor Youngkin in Virginia has supported the project's progress, although a federal judge's ruling temporarily halted work on multiple wind projects. Despite delays, Dominion is on track to deliver electricity from turbines this year, demonstrating the resilience of offshore wind energy. The project has added 2.6 gigawatts to the nation's clean power profile and is exploring the potential of piggybacking wave energy converters to increase power generation and reduce costs, highlighting the promising future of marine energy as a solution for increasing renewable energy generation.
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400 MW Solar Power Farm Has Huge Battery System Too (Video)
Robert Llewellyn visited a large solar power and energy storage facility in Australia, which generates enough clean electricity for 300,000 homes. Solar power is cheaper to install than new coal or gas power plants and has decreased in cost by 90% in the last decade. The solar farm provides a dual purpose by allowing sheep to graze on the land, providing lease income for farmers. The battery system onsite stores excess electricity for use during cloudy days or at night, solving the intermittency problem. The decreasing costs of solar panels and batteries have made these projects more feasible and environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuel power plants. The section also discusses the negative portrayal of solar power and wind power in mainstream news, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding these technologies and promoting the advantages of clean energy solutions over harmful emissions and health risks associated with coal and natural gas power plants.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/27/400-mw-solar-power-farm-has-huge-battery-system-too-video/