The Staggering Cost of Replacing Coal with Renewables
A new report reveals a massive cost gap in the energy transition. Replacing coal plants with new solar could cost 10 times more annually, challenging the narrative of cheap renewables.
Category: Energy
Elon Musk’s xAI Deploys $375M in Tesla Megapacks for AI Supercomputer
Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI is deploying a massive energy storage system using Tesla Megapacks at its Tennessee supercomputing facility. The $375 million investment will power what could become one of the world’s largest AI computing clusters. This comes after environmental concerns about the company
Polestar EVs Can Now Power Your California Home
Polestar is bringing vehicle-to-home charging capabilities to Polestar 3 owners in California through a partnership with home energy company dcbel. The system enables using EV batteries as home backup power for up to 10 days during outages while potentially reducing charging costs by $1,300 per year
Clearway’s 27 GW pipeline fuels data center power boom
Independent power producer Clearway Energy is positioning itself as a major electricity supplier for America’s data center boom. The company announced a 27 GW construction pipeline and revealed it’s already secured 1.8 GW in power purchase agreements specifically for data center loads this year. Thi
Xcel wants to double battery storage at retiring coal plant
Xcel Energy is seeking approval to double battery storage capacity at its Sherco coal plant in Minnesota. The utility wants to boost storage from 300 MW to 600 MW at the facility scheduled to retire in 2030. Construction would begin in 2026 with operations starting in late 2027.
Saudi Arabia wants to become an AI superpower using cheap energy
Saudi Arabia plans to transform itself into the world’s third-largest AI player using its abundant, low-cost energy resources. Aramco is investing heavily in both natural gas expansion and the national AI champion Humain to make this vision a reality.
Entergy’s Gas-Heavy Bet on Data Center Boom Faces Cost, Climate Risks
Entergy is betting big on natural gas to power a massive data center expansion across four Southern states. But this fossil fuel-heavy strategy faces significant cost, regulatory, and climate challenges that could undermine its ambitious growth plans.
The Behavioral Grid: How Smart Energy Programs Are Reshaping Power Markets
Traditional energy efficiency programs are undergoing a radical transformation. As grid pressures mount, behavioral approaches are becoming critical demand flexibility tools with billion-dollar market implications.
FERC’s Flexibility Push Meets Grid Modernization Urgency
As electricity demand surges, FERC Commissioner Lindsay See advocates for regulatory flexibility and new approaches to grid development. But staffing shortages and rising costs create significant headwinds for modernization efforts.
Houston Electricity Demand Set to Surge Nearly 50% by 2031, Driving Major Infrastructure Investment
Houston’s electricity demand is projected to increase by nearly 50% over the next six years, according to utility officials. The dramatic growth is driven by data centers, industrial expansion, and port activity, prompting a $65 billion capital investment plan.
Unprecedented Electricity Demand Growth
Houston’s peak electricity load is projected to grow by approximately 50% over the next six years, according to reports from CenterPoint Energy. Utility officials reportedly told analysts that peak demand in their Houston electric service territory is forecast to increase by 10 gigawatts by 2031, representing one of the most dramatic electricity demand surges in the country.