Solid-state transformers, VPPs, and AI data centers dominate energy news
Solid-State Transformers Emerge for Megawatt-Scale Power Needs
SSTs are key to enabling V2G, AI data centers, and cleaner power.
Multiple articles highlight the growing importance of solid-state transformers, particularly for megawatt-scale applications like V2G charging and AI data centers. Sungrow and others are preparing entries, while lifecycle emissions are also being considered.
- The Open-Source Solid-State Transformer Control Software Question: Why Vendors Won’t Open Source and Why Customers Want Them To
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Bidirectional Charging Architectures Require Solid-State Transformers at Megawatt-Class Fleet Scale
- Sungrow Power Supply Prepares a Solid-State Transformer Entry for AI Data Center Markets
Virtual Power Plants Expand Across Texas and New Jersey
VPPs are scaling up with significant new capacity and financing.
New VPP projects are launching in North Texas and New Orleans, with New Jersey awarding substantial funding for battery storage. These initiatives aim to enhance grid reliability and integrate distributed energy resources.
- New Orleans Approves $30M Battery Program for 20 MW VPP
- CoServ, Base Power launch 100 MW North Texas VPP
- NJ BPU Awards $413.6 Million to 355 MW of Battery Storage
AI Data Centers Strain Grids, Driving Onsite Generation
AI's massive power demand is creating grid integration challenges and driving new solutions.
The surge in AI data centers is projected to cause significant grid shortfalls, pushing facilities towards onsite generation. This trend also highlights the need for grid resilience solutions like those offered by Generac/EPC.
EV Charging Infrastructure Scales to Megawatt Levels
Megawatt-scale charging and bidirectional power are becoming critical for EV fleets.
Tesla is planning a large network of Megacharger sites, and Zero Carbon Charge is building off-grid solar-powered truck charging. Megawatt-scale infrastructure and bidirectional charging are key trends for 2026.
Microgrid and Onsite Generation See Federal Support
Federal contracts are driving significant investment in microgrids and onsite generation.
The Air Force is testing multi-fuel generators for microgrids, with similar tests occurring at Travis AFB. Federal contracts are a key driver for this infrastructure push through mid-2026.
PJM projects a 49 GW shortfall by 2028, driven by AI data center demand, while Generac and EPC explore grid resilience solutions. Concurrently, 27% of U.S. facilities are expected to shift to onsite generation by 2030, signaling ongoing grid integration challenges.
State of Data Center Power: 27% of U.S. Facilities Shift to Onsite Generation by 2030 as Grid Integration Challenges MountNew financing reached $1.35 billion this week, with over 20 GWh of projects in motion. New Orleans approved a $30M battery program for a 20 MW VPP, CoServ and Base Power launched a 100 MW North Texas VPP, and NJ BPU awarded $413.6 million to 355 MW of battery storage. RWE commissioned its 150 MW Cartwheel BESS, and NHOA Energy targets ERCOT reliability with its 200 MW MACSE project.
State of Battery & Energy Storage: $1.35 Billion in New Financing and 20+ GWh in MotionThe Air Force contracted Mainspring Energy for a 250 kW generator test using six fuels, indicating a push for flexible onsite generation. This aligns with federal contracts driving infrastructure investment through mid-2026, as federal agencies seek resilient and multi-fuel capable power solutions.
State of Microgrids & Onsite Generation: Federal Contracts Drive B+ Infrastructure Push Through Mid-2026Tesla is mapping a 66-site Megacharger network across 15 states, while Zero Carbon Charge builds off-grid solar-powered truck charging. Megawatt-scale infrastructure is arriving, with bidirectional power reaching 750 kW, marking a significant threshold for fleet charging solutions.
State of EV Charging: Megawatt-Scale Infrastructure Arrives as Bidirectional Power Reaches 750 kWGrid operators face an October compliance deadline as AI and EV loads push harmonic limits, underscoring the growing strain on power quality standards.
State of Power Quality & Standards: Grid Operators Face October Compliance Deadline as AI and EV Loads Push Harmonic LimitsAustin Energy achieved 57 MW of demand response in 2025, contributing to a total of 58 GW added this year as markets clear lower. Demand response rules are stabilizing, reflecting a market shift towards more predictable grid services.
State of Grid Policy & Markets: 58 GW Added as Markets Clear Lower and Demand Response Rules StabilizeMegawatt charging has emerged as the 2026 infrastructure threshold, with Tesla mapping a 66-site network. Solid-state transformers, however, remain in single-digit deployments, despite Sungrow's entry into AI data center markets and V2G applications requiring megawatt-scale SSTs. Lifecycle analysis shows SSTs offer 30% lower manufacturing emissions and operational losses.
State of Power Electronics: Megawatt Charging Emerges as 2026 Infrastructure Threshold While Solid-State Transformers Remain Single-Digit Deployments