In 2026, the energy storage industry is focused on advancements in technology to meet the demands of AI-driven load growth, data center demand, and wildfire risks. Longer-duration storage, safer chemistries, and resilient supply chains are key priorities for industry leaders, with a shift towards non-lithium chemistries for safety, affordability, and long-term confidence. Recycling and domestic processing will become essential for maintaining domestic battery supply chains, with a push towards localized materials recovery and finished batteries. Companies investing in secure, scalable supply chains and embracing new chemistries will be well-positioned to succeed in meeting the country's energy needs, particularly in adding flexible power near high-demand areas like AI data centers.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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UK study finds azimuthal trackers boost floating PV performance
A University of Exeter study found that azimuthal tracking systems deliver the largest energy gains and lowest levelized cost of energy for floating solar PV plants in the UK, with a 26.9% increase in production compared to fixed systems. This makes floating solar a competitive option for marine-based renewable energy. Meanwhile, in the United States, Texas has become one of the top states for solar energy production due to its abundant sunlight, large land area, and decreasing costs of solar technology. The expansion of solar power in Texas is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
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Equinor latest US offshore wind developer to challenge Trump
Equinor has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's stop-work order on five offshore wind projects, including Empire Wind 1, in a Washington, DC federal district court. This legal action is crucial for the construction of offshore wind projects, which play a significant role in transitioning to renewable energy sources and combating climate change. The outcome of this lawsuit could have a major impact on the advancement of renewable energy solutions and the fight against climate change.
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2025 Highlight: Guangzhou Shows a Potential Future of Clean City Living
Guangzhou, part of the Pearl River Delta megalopolis, showcases innovative urban planning strategies that prioritize sustainability and quality of life. The city's advanced urban design features vertical greenery, parks over shopping malls, and well-landscaped public spaces, contributing to a pleasant and livable environment. With a focus on sustainable transportation, renewable energy sources, and efficient land use, Guangzhou serves as a model for reducing emissions and promoting green living. Despite facing challenges like scooter traffic and the need for more electrification, embracing clean technology can lead to a cleaner and better future in this vibrant and technology-driven city.
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Last of 1,500 steel towers in Australia’s largest transmission project erected finally erected
Australia's largest energy transmission project, EnergyConnect, has reached a major milestone with the completion of over 1500 steel towers across NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. Despite delays and cost blowouts, the project aims to connect the power grids of three states, supporting Australia's renewable energy and emissions targets. Workers are assembling and erecting towers weighing between 20,000kg to 60,000kg, suspended 65m off the ground. Scheduled for completion by late 2026, EnergyConnect will accelerate Australia's renewable energy transition and strengthen the national grid.
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Nuvve Selected for 40 MWh of Battery-as-a-Service Projects from Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in New Mexico
Kit Carson Electric Cooperative has partnered with Nuvve New Mexico to deploy battery energy storage systems in northern New Mexico, providing peak load mitigation, grid resiliency, and market participation. This Battery-as-a-Service model allows KCEC to access grid infrastructure without upfront capital investment, supporting healthcare operations and enhancing community services. Nuvve's technology turns batteries, electric vehicles, and buildings into grid resources, enabling bidirectional charging and load optimization for a more resilient and sustainable grid. The collaboration aims to explore future opportunities for grid modernization and advance flexible energy solutions globally.
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China powers up world’s largest liquid air storage project
China has activated the world's largest liquid-air energy storage facility, the Super Air Power Bank, with a capacity of 60 MW/600 MWh, co-located with a 250 MW photovoltaic plant in the Gobi Desert near Golmud city. The facility compresses and cools air to -194°C, liquefies it, and stores it in specialized tanks for energy storage. When electricity is needed, the liquid air expands, driving turbines to generate power, transforming air into an energy storage carrier under extreme cold conditions. This innovative project showcases a sustainable solution for high levels of green energy self-sufficiency.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/30/china-powers-up-worlds-largest-liquid-air-storage-project/
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Growing agri-PV tomatoes while producing hydrogen for smart windows
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a concept for a residential building in the UK that combines rooftop agrivoltaics with onsite hydrogen production. The electricity generated by the solar system is used to produce hydrogen for hydrogen vehicles and smart windows, with the system able to meet the annual demand of the smart windows and support up to 64.23 km of driving per day. The study also discusses the thermal performance of vacuum gasochromic windows and the potential of small rooftop areas to support building-scale hydrogen applications. The impact of agrivoltaics on home insulation and the use of produced hydrogen for home heating are areas of future research, as detailed in the publication in Energy and Buildings titled "Rooftop agrivoltaic powered onsite hydrogen production for insulated gasochromic smart glazing and hydrogen vehicles: A holistic approach to sustainable residential building."
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Credo Releases 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd has released its 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, highlighting its progress in providing secure, high-speed connectivity solutions that are energy efficient. The company's focus on responsible growth and long-term value creation includes advancing connectivity solutions that support reduced waste and energy-efficient growth of AI data centers. Credo's commitment to building products with lower power consumption reflects its vision for sustainable connectivity in the face of increasing energy demands. The company's efforts in product innovation and partnerships contribute to education, health, and local community needs, showcasing its integrity and commitment to improvement.
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Vestas gets 390MW wind turbine order in South Korea
Danish wind turbine maker Vestas has secured a 390MW contract for the Shinan-Ui offshore wind project in South Korea, where they will supply 26 of their V236-15.0MW offshore wind turbines. The project, expected to enter commercial operation in 2028, aligns with South Korea's clean energy transition plans and marks Vestas' first offshore wind contract in the country. Additionally, networked microgrids are being implemented to create a more flexible and resilient energy future, rebuilding the grid for better management of energy resources. These microgrids have the potential to improve overall efficiency and reliability of the energy system, contributing to climate solutions by driving large-scale deployment of offshore wind in South Korea.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/vestas-wind-turbine-south-korea/