Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Utilitydive

  • America’s new power barons: Who will rule the AI-grade megawatt megasector?

    The article discusses the shift towards using a combination of nuclear, natural gas, and solar energy to power data centers in the U.S. as demand for electricity from AI and data centers is expected to triple by 2030. The Department of Energy is scaling back wind and solar grant programs, favoring natural gas as a reliable energy source for these facilities. Developers are reviving natural gas projects and pairing them with solar and storage to meet the demand for reliable and clean energy. The article also highlights the practical obstacles facing the energy transition, such as transmission bottlenecks and permitting delays, emphasizing the importance of delivering firm, scalable, low-carbon power. Private capital is seen as a catalyst for building micro-grids at hyperscale, with a focus on hybrid-power models combining gas, renewables, and storage, as companies aim to master the integration of different energy sources to become the new power leaders in the AI age.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ai-data-center-power-novus/805494/

  • The next-gen retail energy mix: Aligning supply portfolios with customer expectations

    The U.S. power sector is undergoing a transformation with a shift towards cleaner, more distributed generation and rising demand driven by electrification and digital infrastructure. Retail energy providers (REPs) are facing a dual challenge of managing a next-generation supply portfolio while ensuring it resonates with customers. Wind and solar have overtaken coal in the national generation mix, signaling a systemic shift towards renewables. The growing demand for electricity driven by data centers, electrification, and digital consumption is reshaping the way REPs think about procurement and risk. The future of the retail electricity market will be shaped by decentralization, digitization, and decarbonization, requiring REPs to evolve into services and market orchestration providers. Retail energy providers must adopt a diversified approach to their supply portfolios to integrate renewable energy sources, dispatchable resources, storage, and demand response capacity. This is necessary to hedge against volatility and meet consumer demand for clean energy and sustainability. Customer-centricity, transparency, and personalization are becoming increasingly important in the retail energy market, with different generational segments having varying priorities. The next-generation retail energy mix requires alignment and diversification on both the supply and customer sides to ensure reliability, cost stability, and customer satisfaction. The article discusses the importance of retail energy providers (REPs) adapting to the changing energy landscape by integrating grid-edge resources, prioritizing flexibility in supply portfolios, segmenting offerings based on customer values, and investing in digital infrastructure. It emphasizes the need for REPs to treat supply and customer engagement as an integrated strategy, prioritize transparency, and engage in regulatory and market design conversations. The energy transition towards renewable penetration, demand growth, DER integration, and evolving customer expectations is redefining deregulated retail energy markets. REPs that successfully orchestrate portfolios reflecting modern supply realities and customer values will position themselves as trusted partners in the energy systems of tomorrow.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/the-next-gen-retail-energy-mix-aligning-supply-portfolios-with-customer-ex/805828/

  • Programmatic alignment is key to scaling residential battery demand response

    Residential battery storage paired with demand response programs is becoming a key strategy for utilities to manage peak demand and maintain reliability during extreme weather events. U.S. residential battery installations saw a significant increase in 2025, with major utilities expanding programs to defer grid upgrades and strengthen resilience. Coordinated marketing and simple enrollment pathways are key to scaling residential Distributed Energy Resources (DER) participation, as shown by research from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and ACEEE. Risk-sharing models, where utilities guarantee minimum payments to OEMs and technology providers, can help shift the financial risk of enrollment. To scale battery programs, it is important to treat battery demand response as a market development opportunity rather than just a technology deployment problem. Unified action, streamlined interconnection, interoperable standards, and risk-sharing business models are needed to align utilities, OEMs, and customers around shared value for successful scaling.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/residential-battery-demand-response/805594/

  • Rooftop solar is booming, but not in the communities that need it most

    Solar adoption in the U.S. has been rapidly growing, with 84% of new electricity generation capacity coming from solar and storage in 2024. State governments are implementing programs to lower barriers to entry for solar technology, such as tax credits and rebates, while community solar is being used to increase access for low-income households. There is nearly 14 GW of untapped potential on commercial rooftops that can power various facilities without requiring additional land use permits. By combining data analysis with community engagement, solar development can be made faster, equitable, and strategic, turning existing infrastructure into renewable energy assets that benefit a range of communities. The key to achieving a cleaner future lies in merging innovation with inclusion, aligning policy, technology, and trust to make solar work for everyone.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/rooftop-solar-is-booming-but-not-in-the-communities-that-need-it-most/805488/

  • Using scenario modeling to address uncertainty in the clean energy transition

    The biggest roadblock to the energy transition is uncertainty, not technology or finance. Traditional forecasting tools are no longer sufficient in the dynamic energy sector. Scenario modeling is crucial for exploring different future outcomes and making strategic decisions. It helps identify blind spots, biases, and dealbreakers in investments. Scenario models reveal what might happen and how we can respond, moving us from forecasts to foresight in the energy transition. Scenario modeling and forecasting are essential tools for governments, utilities, and investors to plan for the clean energy transition. By using these models, stakeholders can simulate different scenarios to identify optimal strategies for integrating renewable projects, managing demand, and ensuring reliability. While these models have limitations, they provide a framework for aligning stakeholders and shaping a just and equitable future. The focus is on asking better questions and exploring multiple futures before committing to one, rather than chasing correct answers. Ultimately, foresight and scenario planning empower communities to take ownership of their future and drive a clean, fair, and equitable transition. The key to addressing climate change is to shift from autopilot mode to collective, proactive action. This involves shaping a clean, fair, and equitable transition towards sustainable solutions. By working together and taking deliberate steps, we can make a positive impact on the environment. It is essential to focus on implementing climate solutions to combat the challenges we face.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/scenario-modeling-clean-energy-transition/805749/

  • Grid operators, ratepayers shouldn’t fear flexible data centers: GridCARE

    GridCARE, a California-based startup, released an analysis showing that large data centers can help reduce electricity costs and improve grid reliability by incorporating flexibility into their operations. By partnering with utilities and using artificial intelligence in load management, data centers can potentially reduce costs by 5% across all customer classes or unlock over $1.35 billion in capital for the utility. Another analysis by Camus Energy, encoord, and Princeton University found that flexible data centers could connect to the grid sooner and eliminate incremental power supply costs, contributing $733 million per gigawatt towards the cost of its incremental load. Overall, these studies suggest that data centers can play a key role in improving grid efficiency and sustainability, leading to lower rates for customers and accelerating investment in grid assets.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/grid-operators-ratepayers-shouldnt-fear-flexible-data-centers-gridcare/808032/

  • NYPA adopts 5.5-GW renewable plan amid concerns over affordability, policy changes

    The New York Power Authority has approved an update to its renewables plan, adding 2.5 GW of planned capacity for a total of 5.5 GW, which includes solar, wind, distributed energy storage, and compressed air storage projects. NYPA aims to help the state meet its clean energy targets, focusing on developing 15 GW of renewables to supplement private sector energy development in New York. The plan emphasizes the importance of delivering clean, affordable electricity as electric demand grows, while also addressing challenges such as increased costs and power shortages. NYPA's updated renewables strategic plan is focused on developing clean energy projects to strengthen grid resiliency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure affordability and equity in the state's clean energy transition.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/nypa-renewable-energy-plan/807542/

  • US added 2 GW of solar in September, putting 2025 ahead of 2024 for new solar generation

    As climate solutions experts, it is crucial to stay informed on the latest developments in the field. One recent article highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources in combating climate change, emphasizing the need for a transition away from fossil fuels. Additionally, the article discussed the role of sustainable agriculture practices in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting carbon sequestration. It also touched on the significance of investing in green infrastructure and technology to support a more sustainable future. Overall, the key takeaway is the urgent need for comprehensive and innovative solutions to address the climate crisis.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/solar-gas-nuclear-ferc-infrastructure-report/807053/

  • America’s EVs are a $30B grid asset. Let’s not lock it away.

    The article highlights the potential for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce electricity rates and provide grid benefits through managed charging technology. Pioneering programs in states like California and New York are proving the effectiveness of managed charging for thousands of drivers. The key question is how industry leaders will implement this technology – whether through an open, competitive marketplace or closed, proprietary systems. The focus is on building an open, interoperable system that accelerates innovation and maximizes the potential for growth in demand flexibility, leading to increased EV adoption, improved grid reliability, and reduced energy costs for consumers.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/electric-vehicle-ev-grid-asset-charging-dr/805642/

  • Data centers can stack sustainability, energy innovations

    State laws are reshaping how data centers are built in the US, with a focus on fast-tracking power build-out and microgrids to address increasing electricity use that is putting pressure on grids and water resources. Communities are raising concerns over noise, water draw, and job creation related to new data centers, highlighting the need for creativity in planning to address sustainability, efficiency, and community benefits. Some data centers are exploring innovative solutions, such as using server heat and CO2 to fuel nearby greenhouses for food production. Emerging technologies can convert emissions into clean hydrogen, while integrating data centers with agriculture and carbon-utilization operations can create durable jobs and deeper community roots, prioritizing energy and water sustainability and community resilience for a win-win solution.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/data-centers-can-stack-sustainability-energy-innovations/805193/