Commonwealth Fusion Systems has raised $4 billion to build the first commercial fusion power plant, with interest from institutional investors. Their technology involves magnetic confinement fusion, similar to the sun's energy release through fusion of protons. Commonwealth is making progress on its demonstration reactor, SPARC, with plans to achieve net energy gain in 2027. The company aims to apply lessons learned from SPARC to its next-generation reactor, ARC, which will power a commercial plant in Virginia. Several startups are working on fusion technology, but Commonwealth faces limited competition in the field and has secured offtake agreements with ENI and Google for electricity generated by ARC. Scientists and the private sector are working towards achieving meaningful net energy gain in commercial fusion, with challenges including optimizing supply chains and developing efficient tokamak materials.
Author: Utilitydive
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Beyond the home meter: How utilities can eliminate the EV ‘renter’s penalty’
Utilities have the opportunity to address the "renter's penalty" in transportation electrification by implementing affordable public charging programs that are portable and customer-based. By offering discounts through customer accounts and utility-owned public charging stations, income-qualified drivers can access affordable charging rates regardless of housing type. Well-designed programs can also encourage managed off-peak charging, improving system load factors and maximizing the value of grid investments. Regulators are prioritizing equitable transportation electrification, and utilities can demonstrate the economic benefits of driving electric for all customers. GRID Alternatives offers free technical assistance for utilities looking to design, implement, or evaluate affordable public and multifamily EV charging programs.
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Colorado has provided the blueprint for integrating community power
Colorado is leading the way in deploying distributed solar and storage resources through its Dispatchable Distributed Generation program, which prioritizes community scale projects to address rising energy demand and prices. By requiring utilities to purchase community scale solar co-located with mid-scale batteries, the program evaluates projects based on their value to the electric system, considering geographical benefits and impact on the grid. Developed with speed in mind to remove barriers that slow project deployment, this program serves as a guide for other states to utilize distributed energy resources to address grid needs, keep costs low for consumers, and ensure power reliability. Emphasizing the importance of competition, planning, and collaboration among utilities, developers, regulators, and consumers, Colorado aims to fill capacity gaps, reduce peak demand pressures, and tap into private investment and competitive market forces.
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Software-based initiative could unlock up to 20% more bulk capacity: OATI
OATI is seeking federal funding for PowerNow, an initiative that aims to increase transmission capacity without building new infrastructure by using AI-enabled technologies to coordinate between transmission operators, adjust line ratings based on real-world conditions, and dispatch flexible resources more quickly. By increasing line ratings, PowerNow could potentially free up hundreds of megawatts of capacity on individual lines. OATI has recruited a coalition of regional transmission organizations and utilities to implement the program, which could have a significant impact on the bulk power system.
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$700M microgrid bill has state energy office, electrical manufacturer support
A bill introduced in the Senate, known as the STRONG GRID Act, aims to bolster the adoption of microgrids by providing funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and state grants. This legislation seeks to make microgrids eligible for funding under state energy program grants and establish state-run grid resilience programs, emphasizing the importance of modernizing the electric grid. The bill would direct funding towards projects demonstrating microgrid capabilities, including providing ancillary grid services, aggregating distributed energy resources, and implementing advanced cybersecurity systems. Sen. Peter Welch and GridWise Alliance CEO Karen Wayland highlight the significance of microgrids in enhancing grid resilience and protecting communities from reliability risks, particularly in high-risk areas where traditional infrastructure upgrades can be time-consuming.
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California’s carbon-pricing program generated $36.2B for climate initiatives: report
California's Cap-and-Invest program has generated $36.2 billion for climate investments since 2013, with $15.5 billion already deployed across 122 programs, 76% of which target disadvantaged communities. The program aims to reduce emissions and has already driven reductions worth 130.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, while also delivering $44.4 billion in cost savings.
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A plug-in solar solution that utilities and lawmakers can agree on
The momentum for plug-in solar systems is rapidly growing in the U.S. and Europe, with several states passing legislation to allow residents to use these systems in their homes. This legislation aims to help residents save money on energy bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while also potentially reducing or deferring future infrastructure upgrade costs for utilities. The need for a two-pronged approach in plug-in solar state legislation is emphasized, with a focus on establishing tiered wattage definitions and capping energy export to the grid at 400 watts to ensure safety and grid reliability. States like Utah, Colorado, and Maine are leading the way in creating regulations that support the safe and successful implementation of plug-in solar systems, promoting the widespread and safe adoption of solar energy as America's cost-saving energy future.
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Community solar can bridge California’s energy affordability gap
Ardi Arian, founder of Renewable America, highlights the potential of community solar and storage projects through Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs to address high utility bills in California. The proposed legislation, AB 1813, aims to make these programs accessible to all Californians, potentially saving billions in energy costs and reducing the need for costly grid upgrades. With support from a broad coalition of stakeholders and expected approval by the full Senate, this legislation is seen as a common sense solution that will provide all Californians with access to clean energy solutions.
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Google inks deal for massive Arkansas solar and storage project
Google has signed a deal with Cypress Creek Energy to invest in and receive energy from the largest solar facility in the United States, the Steel River Energy Center. The project includes 2.5 GW/2.9 GWh of solar and storage capacity, with Google acting as an anchor investor and offtaker. Expected to create 700 construction jobs during each phase, the project will be built in three phases and fully online by 2029. Solar panels made entirely in the U.S. and steel from Mississippi County facilities will be used, showcasing a commitment to domestic production and renewable energy solutions.
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New York reaches 8 GW of distributed solar capacity
New York has exceeded its goal of 10 GW of distributed solar capacity by 2030, with 8 GW already installed thanks to the NY-Sun Program's financial incentives. The state set a record for solar installations in 2025 and has allocated $200 million for the program in 2027. To replicate this success in other states, experts recommend adopting proven models and establishing uniform statewide interconnection standards.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/new-york-reaches-8-gw-of-distributed-solar-capacity/824867/