Data centers, grid reliability, and energy storage dominate this week's energy news.
Grid Modernization and Infrastructure Investments Accelerate
Efforts to strengthen the grid and expand power electronics manufacturing are underway with new projects and funding.
Siemens Energy is building a $300 million switchgear plant, while Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power are allocating gas turbines to a Wyoming hub. Tesla opened its first public megawatt-scale EV charger.
- Alderbuck Energy to Deploy 800 VDC Solid-State Transformer at San Diego Supercomputer Center
- Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Allocate 1,150 MW of Gas Turbines to the Cheyenne Power Hub in Wyoming
- Tesla Opens First Public Semi Megacharger in Bloomington, California, With Six 1.2 MW Stalls
Data Centers Face Scrutiny Over Grid Impact and Reliability Demands
Regulators and grid operators are increasingly focused on the immense power demands of data centers.
Virginia regulators are considering shifting transmission costs to data centers, while Texas ordered them to withstand grid faults. FERC also mandated reliability standards for data centers after a major grid disturbance.
- Virginia Regulators Weigh Shifting $1.5 Billion in Dominion Transmission Costs Onto Data Centers, Decision Due August 1
- FERC Orders NERC to File Mandatory Data-Center Reliability Standards by December 31 After a 1,500 MW Grid Disturbance
- Texas Regulators Order Data Centers to Ride Through Grid Faults, With Compliance Costs up to $1 Million per MW
Energy Storage and Renewables Secure Major Financing Rounds
Significant investment is flowing into utility-scale battery storage and solar projects across the US.
Several large financing deals closed this week, including $355 million for a solar portfolio in Illinois and $2.6 billion for a solar-and-storage complex in Arizona. OCI Energy also secured $130 million for a battery project.
- OCI Energy Closes $130 Million Tax Equity for 120 MW Alamo City Battery Project Near San Antonio
- State of Battery & Energy Storage: $1.35 Billion
- Sol Systems Closes $355 Million Financing for 123 MW Peoria Solar Portfolio in Illinois
States Push Competitive Solicitations and Grid Resilience Funding
States are actively seeking new energy resources and investing in grid hardening initiatives.
Maine launched its first competitive energy storage solicitation, seeking 360 MW. Texas awarded Xcel Energy a $113 million grant to improve grid resilience in its Panhandle region.