Large-load customers are turning to clean firm technologies like advanced geothermal and small modular nuclear reactors to power their operations, with the help of clean energy tariffs and bilateral customer-utility arrangements. Hyperscalers like Google and Microsoft are investing in clean energy power purchase agreements, focusing on nuclear, hydropower, and geothermal, to drive the development of new technologies and protect ratepayers. Small modular reactors are attracting investments for future data center operations due to their smaller footprint, and durable clean energy tariff designs are crucial for supporting these initiatives. Partnerships between customers and utilities are leading to innovative solutions, such as in Minnesota where Google and Xcel Energy utilized a green energy tariff to bring online a portfolio of resources including solar, wind, and long duration energy storage, resulting in the largest long duration energy storage system seen so far.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
-
German consortium developing aluminum facade elements with integrated PV modules
Researchers from Germany have developed a PV-activated design facade element with aluminum as the base material, funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The approach involves directly laminating a PV module onto the aluminum facade element, with challenges such as bending and electrical insulation addressed. The prototypes of the PV-activated facade element differ from a facade element without PV by only two connectors, making them more likely to be accepted and used by installers. Scientists have developed a prototype called BIPV-4 for a façade element that utilizes aluminum-based PV technology, demonstrating that it can match conventional module performance while maintaining safe electrical isolation. The design includes rear junction boxes, insulated cross-connectors, a zigzag 3D structure, golden anodized aluminum, and optimized use of M12 cells. The group also created multiple PV design façade variants with adaptable cell formats, different surface geometries, and customizable color options, allowing for integration into diverse façade geometries and scalable to different module sizes up to 2 meters.
-
California regulators approve major Bay Area battery development
The California Energy Commission has approved a 400-megawatt battery project in Alameda County, emphasizing the state's commitment to renewable energy goals and grid reliability. The project, known as the Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System, will store excess solar electricity during the day and discharge it at night, aligning with the state's clean energy objectives. This utility-scale battery project is a crucial component of Governor Newsom's efforts to decarbonize the grid and integrate renewables, showcasing the significance of energy storage in advancing climate solutions in California.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/california-regulators-approve-major-bay-area-battery-development/
-
Tesla batteries to power up in landmark Australian energy storage project
German power company RWE has been approved to operate Australia's first eight-hour battery energy storage system using Tesla Megapack batteries. This innovative solution will help improve grid stability and reliability, as well as support the integration of renewable energy sources. The project highlights the growing importance of energy storage in transitioning to a more sustainable energy system. Experts in climate solutions should take note of this development as a successful example of utilizing battery storage technology to support the transition to a low-carbon future.
-
State locks in six renewable energy zones after final round of nips, tucks and rethinks
Victoria has declared five onshore renewable energy zones and one shoreline zone to increase its share of battery-backed wind and solar energy to 65% by 2030 and 95% by 2035. The final design includes zones in South West, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Western, and North West, with the Central North zone still under consideration. Changes were made to the South West and Central Highlands zones based on environmental concerns and land availability. The Gippsland region will host both onshore and shoreline renewable energy zones, with the latter connecting offshore wind farms to the grid. The government considered feedback but not all requests were implemented. The zones aim to balance community concerns with developer interests, utilize strong wind and solar resources near existing transmission lines, exclude areas of high biodiversity value, facilitate the transition away from coal-fired power stations, and ensure better coordination of renewable energy projects. VicGrid is also working on developing guidelines for the next Victorian Transmission Plan to meet the state's transmission and renewable energy generation needs.
-
Environmental News Network – New Method Turns Ocean Water Into Drinking Water, Without Waste
A new energy-efficient desalination system developed at the University of Rochester produces fresh water without chemical additives and transforms leftover salts into useful materials. The solar-thermal desalination process overcomes the drawbacks of traditional techniques by producing fresh water in an energy-efficient way that does not leave behind harmful brine. This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution to the global water crisis and reduces the negative impact on sea life caused by traditional desalination methods.
https://www.enn.com/articles/78036-new-method-turns-ocean-water-into-drinking-water-without-waste
-
Battery storage key to solar project bankability in Africa
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for solar project bankability in Africa, focusing on delivering flexible, dispatchable power for long-term value creation in the energy transition. Key factors for successful projects include credible counterparties, clear dispatch frameworks, and robust engineering structures. Strategies for scaling commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage projects in Africa involve long-term financing, standardized contracts, and risk mitigation techniques to attract private capital. Challenges include financing constraints, currency risks, and the need for innovative financing models like power support agreements. The African storage market is growing, with over 31.8 GWh of projects under development, emphasizing the importance of credible partners, bank guarantees, and effective project management to address collection risks.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/28/battery-storage-key-to-solar-project-bankability-in-africa/
-
Elemental Impact Launches the Data Center Innovation Initiative with Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft
Elemental Impact, supported by leading technology companies and philanthropic partners, has launched the Data Center Innovation Initiative (DCII) to accelerate the deployment of next-generation energy and materials technologies in data center environments. With investments ranging from $500,000 to $5 million per project, the DCII will focus on technologies such as energy storage, advanced electrical systems, industrial cooling solutions, and low-carbon materials to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. The goal is to scale these solutions to improve local energy availability, reduce emissions, and accelerate integration into new data center builds and retrofits, with the support of partners like Salesforce and Wilson Sonsini. Through collaboration with companies, local stakeholders, and investors, Elemental aims to de-risk projects and accelerate the path to deployment, ultimately creating environmental and economic benefits while supporting local communities in the face of increasing demand for power.
-
“World first” power-beaming breakthrough, as laser tech wirelessly electrifies robot for 24 hours
A New Zealand-founded, Australia-based company, Aquila Earth, has set two world records by powering a moving warehouse robot for 24 hours straight using a laser to beam electricity through space via infrared light. The laser delivered a steady 4 kilowatts of wireless electricity to the robot, allowing it to travel 25 kilometers on light alone. Aquila Earth's CEO, Ruby Jones, envisions a future where drones and robots can be powered indefinitely without relying on battery technology. The company's power beaming technology has the potential for commercialization, offering a new solution for autonomous machines to operate continuously without the need for frequent recharging. Aquila is also working on making laser technology for sending and receiving electricity more economically feasible, with plans to target commercial laser power by 2027 through partnerships with drone companies aiming for long-lasting flights.
-
Storing renewables with compressed air in urban heating pipeline
Researchers in China have developed a heating pipeline compressed-air energy storage (HP-CAES) concept that repurposes urban district heating networks for storing surplus renewable electricity. The system stores compressed air and recovered compression heat within existing pipelines, improving efficiency and reducing infrastructure requirements. The method allows for simultaneous heating and energy storage functions without complex modifications, enabling widespread application in urban heating networks. The HP-CAES system was designed using thermodynamic modeling and simulations, with a total compressed-air storage volume of 38,334.69 m3 in three pipeline sections. A study compared an adiabatic compressed air energy storage (HP-CAES) system using a heating pipeline as storage with a metal tank-compressed air energy storage (MT-CAES) system. The HP-CAES system showed higher energy storage density and efficiency, especially when using sliding pressure mode. Optimizing pressure ranges and stage numbers is crucial for balancing energy efficiency, storage density, and ecological performance. The HP-CAES system also had lower investment costs and shorter payback periods compared to the MT-CAES system, making it a favorable option for urban heating networks.