In 2025, the US energy storage industry experienced a record-breaking year with 57.6 GWh of new capacity installed, showing a 30% increase from the previous year. The utility-scale segment was the main growth driver, contributing nearly 50 GWh, while residential storage also saw a significant surge. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence report pointed out a "red state" boom in clean energy infrastructure. This surge in energy storage installations signifies a new era of sustained, high-volume deployment in the industry, showcasing promising progress towards climate solutions.
Tag: US
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New Electric Heat Pumps Chase Fossil Fuels Out Of Boilers
AtmosZero, a US startup, is leading the way in developing electric heat pump boilers to replace traditional steam boilers in commercial and industrial operations. These heat pumps are more energy efficient and cost-effective than conventional heating systems. AtmosZero has partnered with companies like R.F. MacDonald and received a grant from the US Department of Energy to further develop their technology. The company has opened a new manufacturing campus and is rapidly expanding its market reach to help accelerate commercial and industrial decarbonization efforts. Quilt is also making strides in the residential heat pump field, attracting numerous partners and expanding into new markets. SHS has partnered with Quilt to offer software-first climate systems, aligning with the trend towards electrification and energy efficiency in the HVAC industry. Gradient is another US innovator in the heat pump field to watch.
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1854 Motors Picks Up The Electric Pickup Torch Dropped By Tesla
Several US startups, including 1854 Motors, are focusing on electric pickup trucks to sustain the vehicle electrification movement following Tesla's Cybertruck flop. 1854 Motors is banking on sodium-ion batteries to release EVs from ethical and environmental complications associated with the cobalt supply chain, targeting socially conscious early adopters. The Pierce electric truck, powered by Na-ion batteries, offers advantages over traditional Li-ion batteries such as better performance in cold weather, longer lifespan, and lower cost. Inspired by the 1987 Chevrolet El Camino, the Pierce aims to dominate cold climate markets in the US with its sleek design. This development comes as Elon Musk faces troubles with controversial features in his ventures, highlighting concerns about privacy and ethics in technology.
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Octopus Energy plans $1bn investment in Californian clean technology
Octopus Energy Generation has announced a $1bn investment in Californian clean technology, focusing on carbon removal and renewable energy projects. The funding will support companies working to restore grasslands and forests to absorb carbon dioxide, as well as invest in heat battery technology to reduce emissions from industries. California's goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045 is being supported by Octopus Energy Generation through investments in clean energy projects across the US, aiding in the transition away from fossil fuels.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/octopus-energy-plans-1bn-investment/
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EVs Lower Nitrous Oxide Levels In California
A study in California has found that increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is linked to lower levels of pollutants, specifically NO2 air pollution. Transitioning to 100% zero emissions vehicle sales by 2035 is projected to reduce ambient NO2 concentrations by 61% in the US and 30-80% in China, leading to significant health benefits and over $1.2 trillion in cumulative health benefits between 2020 and 2050. The study used satellite measurements of NO2 to relate to annual ZEV registrations and confirmed the positive impact of EV adoption on air quality. The researchers suggest that their approach can be generalized globally to other locations without air quality monitoring networks.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/09/evs-lower-nitrous-oxide-levels-in-california/
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US solar market positioned for continued growth in 2026
The US solar industry is experiencing significant growth and job creation, with the global solar industry expected to expand by 2050. Safe harbor provisions are driving project pipelines and domestic manufacturing capacity, making solar the cheapest form of energy with cost declines expected to continue. The trend towards affordable and reliable energy access is benefiting the solar market, with large-scale projects offering low-cost generation capacity. Reshoring efforts in US solar manufacturing are contributing to long-term confidence in solar markets, reducing dependence on foreign entities and supply chains while creating new jobs and guarding against price volatility. Manufacturers investing in domestic operations and onshoring supply chains are well-positioned for success in the face of uncertainty and policy changes, setting the industry up for another record year in 2026.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/09/us-solar-market-positioned-for-continued-growth-in-2026/
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New Solution For Critical Minerals: Recycling, Not Conflict Zones
A new US startup, Supra Elemental Recovery, has developed a sponge-like filter to extract high-purity critical minerals from industrial waste, offering a more secure and sustainable solution compared to overseas mining. The University of Texas has contributed to the funding and development of the cartridge, which is designed to be reusable and environmentally friendly. The technology has shown promising results, with investors backing the project. This innovative approach could potentially revolutionize the extraction and refining of critical minerals needed for EVs and solar cells. The Supra team is working on a commercial-level demonstration later this year, aiming to provide U.S.-based manufacturers with a sustainable source of critical minerals.
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SpaceX Proposes One Million Solar Powered Data Centers In Earth Orbit
The demand for artificial intelligence is driving the need for more electricity, with predictions of up to 20% of global electricity generation being required. Fossil fuel advocates and nuclear power supporters see opportunities for new power stations, but the lack of renewable energy to power data centers remains an issue. Some countries, like Ireland, are mandating that new data centers source 80% of their power from renewables, while the US continues to operate older coal plants despite higher costs and pollution. SpaceX has proposed launching solar-powered satellites to serve as data centers, aiming to reduce environmental impact and energy costs. The section also discusses the Kardashev Scale, which categorizes civilizations based on their energy consumption capabilities, and highlights concerns about satellite pollution and debris in Earth's orbit, as well as the potential power and influence of Elon Musk in controlling global data.
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Scaling Solar Smarter: Innovation, Supply Chains, & the Future of Clean Energy
Marty Rogers, General Manager for SolarEdge North America, discusses the future of solar energy in terms of inverter and storage innovation, reshoring critical manufacturing to the US, and sustainability practices. SolarEdge is focusing on strengthening the domestic solar supply chain, practicing sustainability in its operations, and innovating in the inverters and storage space. The company is leading the way in developing intelligent, grid-connected devices that optimize performance and lower the lifetime cost of ownership. Residential solar trends are shifting towards energy independence and resilience, with a growing demand for battery storage and backup capabilities. States prone to outages or high electricity rates are finding solar + storage more attractive due to sustainability mandates, rising utility costs, and new financing models. Grid services and virtual power plants are becoming essential for sharing and monetizing distributed energy while improving grid stability. CleanTechnica offers in-depth analyses and summaries on clean tech topics, with options to sign up for newsletters and follow on Google News.
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Offshore wind halt would do ‘irreparable harm’ to 67 million Americans: grid operator
The US' largest grid operator is pushing for a swift resumption of work on the country's largest offshore wind project. This project is crucial for advancing renewable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions. Climate solutions experts should prioritize supporting and accelerating the development of offshore wind arrays to help combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable energy system. The success of this project could serve as a model for future offshore wind initiatives in the US. It is imperative that stakeholders work together to overcome any obstacles and ensure the timely completion of this important renewable energy project.