Data centers, energy storage, and grid policy dominate this week's energy news.
Data Centers Drive Massive Load Growth and Grid Strain
Massive data center expansion is straining grids, prompting policy responses and new infrastructure investments.
Texas is auditing a 474 GW queue of new data center projects, freezing approvals, while Virginia orders utilities to charge data centers directly for infrastructure. NextEra plans a $100 billion AI campus, and Everllence booked a 480 MW gas engine order for an off-grid hyperscale facility.
- Everllence Books 480 MW Gas Engine Order for an Off-Grid US Hyperscale Data Center
- NextEra to Build 2 GW of Gas and 2.6 GW of Batteries for a $100 Billion AI Campus at Paducah
- Virginia Orders Dominion to Charge Data Centers Directly for Connection Infrastructure, Policy Due in 90 Days
Policy and Grid Modernization Efforts Take Center Stage
New legislation and federal actions aim to bolster grid resilience and address emerging energy challenges.
The STRONG GRID Act proposes $700 million for microgrids, while the FCC added foreign inverters to a covered list, impacting solar and storage certifications. Wisconsin is considering a $1.2 billion 765 kV transmission line, and Puerto Rico secured $489 million for storage and solar.
- Public Input Opens on BECI, a $1.2 Billion 765 kV Line Running 190 Miles Across Southern Wisconsin
- Senator Welch Files the STRONG GRID Act, Directing $700 Million to Microgrids
- DOE Closes $489.4 Million Loan for 220 MW of Puerto Rico Storage, Solar Dropped
Energy Storage Solutions Expand Across Grid and Rural Applications
Significant investments are flowing into diverse energy storage technologies for grid stability and rural electrification.
Invinity ordered 43 MWh of flow batteries for a DOE rural program, while Orsted launched a 250 MW storage project in Texas. Base Power closed a $1 billion Series D for its battery, and Antora secured $550 million for thermal storage.
- Dairyland Power Cooperative Orders 43 MWh of Invinity Flow Batteries for a DOE Rural Program
- State of Battery & Energy Storage: $1.35 Billion
- Base Power Launches 39.2 kWh Base Core Battery, Closes $1 Billion Series D