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.
Tag: California
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CDR Monthly Recap
In September 2025, the durable carbon removal market saw nearly 119,000 tonnes of CDR contracted, with deals involving Google, Vaulted Deep, Schneider Electric, and Climeworks Solutions. Various new projects, partnerships, and funding opportunities are driving momentum in the industry, including investments in high-impact carbon removal projects, solid-sorbent DAC technology deployment, and the launch of commercial Direct Air Capture units. Companies like Ucaneo, Equatic, Boeing, and Origen Carbon are scaling up their CDR technologies, while initiatives such as the Carbon Removal Challenge and university-led online courses on carbon removal are being launched. California passed bills to accelerate CDR, COP30 will host a carbon removal pavilion, and the World Resources Institute published a roadmap for U.S. states to scale DAC.
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Another EV Charging Hub Running On Renewable Energy Launches In California
Terawatt Infrastructure has launched a new fleet charging hub in Rialto, California, with 18 fast chargers for fleet vehicles powered by 100% renewable energy. The hub includes amenities like a driver lounge, license plate recognition for seamless entry, and 24/7 security, part of Terawatt's vision to create a connected, electrified network for EV fleets. Solar power canopies at the hub generate electricity, provide shade, and protect vehicles from precipitation, contributing to emissions reduction. The installation of new EV chargers not only benefits the environment by reducing harmful air pollution but also creates jobs in the EV industry, with Southern California employing 119,200 workers in the sector.
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The Coming Slow Fade of America’s Corn Ethanol Industry
The United States corn ethanol industry is facing challenges as gasoline demand decreases due to efficiency gains, hybrid vehicles, and EV adoption. Ethanol demand is shrinking within the declining gasoline market, with higher blend rates not able to compensate for the base decline. California and New York are leading the way in transitioning to electric vehicles, while the aviation industry is projected to see a shift in fuel demand towards batteries and biofuels. Global shipping is moving towards electrification and alternative fuels, with a decline in demand for fossil fuels. The US corn ethanol sector is expected to decline by 20% to 50% in the next twenty years due to the growth of electric vehicles and the need for producers to diversify.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/29/the-coming-slow-fade-of-americas-corn-ethanol-industry/
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Largest Tesla Supercharger Hub Opens — Is Powered By Solar
Tesla has launched its largest Supercharger hub in Lost Hills, California, powered by solar energy and battery storage. The hub features 164 V4 Supercharger stalls delivering over 300 kW of electricity each and is mostly off-grid, thanks to the solar power array and Megapacks. By bypassing the slow permitting and grid connection process, Tesla is able to provide sustainable and reliable travel options for EV drivers, including those with trailers. Located 146 miles north of Los Angeles, this achievement marks a significant step forward in the advancement of climate solutions in the transportation sector.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/27/largest-tesla-supercharger-hub-opens-is-powered-by-solar/
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Big batteries hit world-leading 40 pct share of evening demand in stunning new record for South Australia
South Australia's big battery fleet achieved a world-leading 40% share of instantaneous demand during the evening peak, delivering a record 611 MW, surpassing California's recent peak. The state leads in wind and solar energy, aiming for 100% net renewables by 2027. The batteries provide grid stability, allow for time shifting of excess renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The addition of a new transmission link to NSW will further support the state's transition to cleaner energy sources, with synchronous condensers and large batteries ensuring grid stability and steady power feeds for industrial operations. The increasing share of battery discharge and integration of large scale solar-battery hybrids are key steps towards a more renewable energy future.
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This Week in CDR
This week saw key developments in durable carbon removal (CDR) with companies like Google, Schneider Electric, and Cawa signing agreements for the purchase of CDR credits. Deals were made with Vaulted Deep, Climeworks Solutions, and Carboneers for the removal of thousands of tonnes of carbon by 2030. Partnerships were also announced, including TechGen by South Pole and a strategic agreement between Microsoft and Equinor to advance CO2 transport and storage. Additionally, Carbon Removal Canada launched Carbon Console to track carbon removal projects in Canada. Altitude and Deep Sky have expanded their financing facilities for carbon removal technologies, while California passed bills to accelerate carbon removal projects and established a state CDR Purchase Program. COP30 will feature a carbon removal pavilion to showcase durable CDR solutions, and various reports and studies have been released on biochar deployment, carbon removal modeling, and legal frameworks for commercialization. The section discusses the state of the durable CDR market, with options ranging from very optimistic to very pessimistic, and encourages reader participation in a poll. The CDR.fyi Portal offers free access for companies to gain market insights and showcase their profiles, with affiliations mentioned with companies like Milkywire and Charm Industrial. Data and content published by CDR.fyi are vetted and reviewed by individuals with no conflict of interest.
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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/
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Used EVs Pull New Duty As Guardians Of The Grid
The article discusses the benefits of purchasing used EVs, highlighting potential savings, grid balancing opportunities, and revenue generation through bidirectional charging. Newer EV models with higher driving ranges are retaining their value better than older models, debunking concerns over battery degradation. The inclusion of bidirectional charging technology in more EVs is expanding possibilities for using them as power generation stations to support local grids. A microgrid pilot project at Redwood Coast Airport in California is utilizing older Nissan Leafs to increase renewable energy, cut electricity costs, and participate in California's Emergency Load Reduction Program. The growing appeal of used EVs in the market is helping fortify US automakers and promote grid resiliency and mobility.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/14/used-evs-pull-new-duty-as-guardians-of-the-grid/
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Environmental News Network – In a Death Valley Shrub, Scientists See a Blueprint for Heat-Proof Crops
A study on the desert shrub Tidestromia oblongifolia in Death Valley, California, reveals its ability to thrive in extreme heat, offering insights for engineering heat-resistant crops. Scientists recreated Death Valley conditions in the lab and observed T. oblongifolia growing faster compared to other desert plants. This research has the potential to aid in the development of crops that can withstand more extreme heat conditions, providing valuable solutions for climate change adaptation.