Luis F. Gonzalez, Chief Data and AI Officer at Aboitiz Power, believes that AI will lead the energy transition by embedding intelligence in power systems, changing the economics of power and unlocking capital for renewables. He envisions a future where computation is distributed, closer to where energy is generated and consumed, empowering consumers. Gonzalez emphasizes the need for a coordinating intelligence layer to efficiently manage energy grids, whether centralized or decentralized. The article discusses the potential for AI and data companies to optimize energy consumption and manage electricity grids, with Gonzalez warning against monopolization and advocating for government-owned regulatory sandboxes. The question remains whether AI will democratize clean energy or shift power to tech platforms, shaping the clean energy transition based on who controls the data layer above the grid.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
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– Shift Production
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Adani to invest $100 billion in AI data centers in India
Adani Group is set to invest $100 billion by 2035 to construct renewable-powered data centers in India, with a goal of reaching 5 GW of capacity and establishing a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem. This investment will facilitate the growth of renewable-energy-powered, AI-ready data center capacity across the country, positioning India as a key player in the global artificial intelligence economy. The planned 5 GW rollout would create the world's largest integrated data center platform, primarily powered by Adani Green Energy's renewable projects. Additionally, Adani plans to expand its renewable portfolio and enhance transmission networks to support high-demand AI workloads.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/18/adani-to-invest-100-billion-in-ai-data-centers-in-india/
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SwitchedOn podcast: How will the data industry control the future of clean energy?
Luis F. Gonzalez emphasizes the crucial role of the data and AI industry in driving the clean energy transition, predicting that data companies will lead the way in financing, shaping, and advocating for decarbonisation efforts. He points to the increasing integration of data and energy, highlighting the potential for AI to revolutionize energy infrastructure and enable consumer energy resources. Despite his optimism for intelligence-driven systems, Gonzalez also raises concerns about the risks of monopoly power and the lack of preparedness among energy regulators for this transformative shift towards a more sustainable future.
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Uber Putting $100 Million into EV Charging for Robotaxis
Uber is investing $100 million in EV charging infrastructure for robotaxis in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Dallas, partnering with companies like Waymo, WeRide, Waabi, and Nuro to deploy autonomous vehicles. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sees this as a multitrillion-dollar opportunity for Uber, focusing on growth investments in self-driving vehicles/robotaxis. CleanTechnica's newsletters feature cleantech stories and affiliate links, with a comment policy in place.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/18/uber-putting-100-million-into-ev-charging-for-robotaxis/
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ACME Solar signs 190 MW hybrid PPA with SECI in India
ACME Solar Holdings has signed a 25-year PPA with SECI for a 190 MW wind-solar hybrid project in India, part of a larger 380 MW capacity. The agreement includes a minimum CUF of 50% and an obligation to meet 80% of peak power requirement daily, with grid connectivity secured for solar, wind, and battery energy storage components. The project, financed by PFC, is scheduled for completion within the COD timeline, contributing to ACME Solar's total PPA-signed portfolio of 5,820 MW. This development highlights a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions and the integration of renewable sources into India's power grid.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/19/acme-solar-signs-190-mw-hybrid-ppa-with-seci-in-india/
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Guatemala PEG-5 tender draws 51 bidders for 4.7 GW of capacity
Guatemala's Generation Expansion Plan 5 (PEG-5) tender has attracted 51 bids totaling nearly 4.7 GW, with around 2 GW of solar projects, including hybrids with storage, competing for long-term supply contracts starting between 2030 and 2033. The Ministry of Energy and Mines and the National Electric Energy Commission (CNEE) opened the technical bids under the PEG-5, seeking to contract firm capacity and associated energy for distributors EEGSA and Energuate to ensure long-term supply amid projected demand growth. The tender, considered the largest in Guatemala's history, could mobilize over $3.7 billion in investment and is expected to increase competitive pressure in the reverse auction set for March 25. The process is part of the government's strategy to advance universal electrification and address new hourly demand peaks, framed within the Law of Incentives for the Development of Renewable Energy Projects.
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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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First stage of Australia’s second-biggest battery starts commercial operations in the Sunshine State
The first stage of the Supernode battery in Australia, developed by Quinbrook and managed by Origin Energy, has commenced commercial operations, with plans to expand to a 780 MW, 3,074 MWh capacity to support Queensland households. Origin has secured contracts for 100% of capacity across Stages 1 and 2, showcasing the crucial role of battery storage in the energy transition. The project serves as a model for large-scale storage supporting power system evolution, emphasizing the use of local labor and equipment. Additionally, the article offers a daily newsletter for clean energy news, attracting over 28,000 subscribers.
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Japan’s Smallest EV Gets Backing From One Of Its Largest Energy Companies
KG Motors delivered the first MiBot units in December 2025, with plans for mass production starting in April 2026, targeting 300-500 units monthly. Idemitsu Kosan's collaboration with KG Motors includes converting apollostation network into electrified energy hubs to support the MiBot and other electric vehicles. The MiBot, designed for short urban commutes, reflects Japan's shift towards micro-EVs and renewable energy-powered service stations. This initiative challenges the traditional model of larger, more expensive EVs and signifies a practical adaptation to the energy transition, with potential global implications if successful.
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Major capital raise seeks $450 million to “lead New Zealand’s renewable energy future”
Contact Energy in New Zealand is raising $NZ525 million to accelerate its renewable energy development plans, with a focus on infrastructure to support the country's growing electricity demand. The company's recent acquisition of Manawa Energy has added hydroelectric and geothermal stations, a grid-scale battery, and a solar farm to their portfolio. Contact Energy will be constructing a 200 MW/400 MWh battery and a 150 MW solar farm, with ongoing development of other renewable projects. This capital raise will fund further geothermal and solar projects, aligning with efforts to combat climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources for a more renewable, resilient, and affordable energy future.