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: Other Energy
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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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Green Hydrogen Startup Has A Message For Texas: Hold My Beer
Oklahoma is emerging as a new player in the green hydrogen industry, with startup Tobe Energy receiving a $1.8 million investment for their membrane-free electrolysis system. This technology aims to simplify the production process, reduce costs by up to 75%, and cut waste heat, with a focus on large-scale use in industries like energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Tobe Energy's innovative approach using LED technology in electrolysis has attracted interest from investors and is seen as a promising development in the decarbonization movement. Oklahoma's strong renewable energy profile and focus on attracting new businesses through renewable energy further solidify its position in the US energy transition, with the state actively promoting renewable energy as a way to drive economic growth and sustainability.
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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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Argentina’s YPF Luz begins 100 MW output at El Quemado solar park
YPF Luz has activated the first 100 MW of its El Quemado solar park in Mendoza province, the first renewable energy facility to operate under Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI). With an estimated investment of $210 million, the project is progressing towards a total capacity of 305 MW, generating enough electricity for over 233,000 Argentine households. This milestone marks a significant step towards the country's renewable energy goals, showcasing the potential for large-scale projects in energy infrastructure to accelerate the transition to clean energy sources.
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Massachusetts awards 1.3 GW in first large-scale energy storage tender
The Massachusetts DOER has chosen four energy storage projects, including Jupiter Power's Trimount ESS, to contribute to reaching a goal of 5,000 MW of operational storage capacity by 2030. Trimount ESS will be located at a former Exxon oil terminal in Everett, repurposing the site into a clean energy hub. This project is anticipated to defer $2.2 billion in regional transmission upgrades, showcasing the potential for large-scale energy storage to support the transition to renewable energy sources and reduce the need for costly infrastructure investments.
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How climate change is threatening human rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Professor Joyeeta Gupta emphasized the urgent need to protect people from climate change impacts, which are seen as a violation of human rights. The global consensus to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius is still dangerous, with small island States particularly vulnerable. Gupta's research suggests that crossing one degree Celsius has already violated the rights of over 100 million people, and breaching 1.5° Celsius by 2030 will have irreversible consequences. Climate justice and development are interconnected, and wealthy societies must reduce emissions more aggressively to create space for others to realize their rights. The ICJ has affirmed that continued fossil fuel use may be considered an internationally wrongful act, with states responsible for regulating emissions. Vehicle emissions, diesel generators, and burning of biomass contribute to poor air quality in Lagos Lagoon. Professor Gupta argues for recognizing a collective right to a stable climate, as climate instability undermines existing human rights. UN High Commissioner Türk warns that climate change is eroding fundamental rights and calls for a just transition away from environmentally destructive systems. Professor Gupta emphasizes the need for strong states and cooperation to address climate change as a public good problem.
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ACCIONA Energía starts renewable supply from Logrosan plant in Caceres
ACCIONA Energía's Logrosan biomass plant in Spain, with a capacity of 50 MW, is now supplying renewable energy and is expected to produce 380 GWh of electricity annually, avoiding over 187,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The plant primarily uses forestry residues for biomass, promoting active forest management to reduce wildfire risk. The project, awarded in a renewable energy auction, created over 400 construction jobs and will maintain 30 permanent roles, benefiting the local economy with revenue flowing back into the region. Additionally, the facility supports around 200 positions dedicated to land management and wildfire prevention, showcasing a comprehensive approach to sustainable energy production.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/acciona-energia-renewable-supply-logrosan-plant/