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The future of energy storage is rapidly evolving, fueled by the growing adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. These clean energy technologies, while essential for decarbonizing the grid, make effective energy storage solutions critical for ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply. As the energy sector transitions to a greener future, the energy storage sector will be shaped by rapid market expansion, groundbreaking....
Electricity demand in the U.S. has surged dramatically, with ICF projecting U.S. electricity demand to spike by an average of 9 percent by 2028, after two decades of stagnation. This sharp rise is largely driven by the rapid expansion of data centers — expected to grow to 9 percent of U.S. electricity generation annually by 2030, up from 4 percent today, according to EPRI — and the industrial onshoring and electrification of heating....
The anxiety and, let’s be honest, fear when your phone’s battery hits 20 percent charge is palpable. Perhaps it’s because we have all experienced that moment when a phone went from 20 percent to 0 percent in the blink of an eye. Conversely, many of us also know the joy of when your phone’s last 1 percent magically lasts way, way longer than expected. This happens because the percent charge, the State of Charge (SoC), is not a mea....
Anybody out there have a crystal ball? A tried-and-true way of forecasting the future? In the movies, the crystal ball and fortune-teller always see the future. With all the changes we see on the horizon, especially post-election, we also know there are changes we don’t see. The wind industry is watching carefully to see what our new president and his team do with renewables. One thing we do know is this: As organizations and as professionals, ....
Alternative Energies
Howard Skidmore, P.E.
Solar
Sun Ballast
Wind
Desirée Grace
The American Clean Power Association (ACP), the clean energy industry’s leading trade organization, has announced its new 2025 Officers, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee.
ACP’s new Board features executives from diverse industries investing in America, including leaders across solar, storage, offshore and land-based wind, clean hydrogen, and transmission, as well as manufacturers, financial firms, utilities, construction companies, and developers.
“After many years with the organization, I am honored to now serve as ACP Board Chair and eager to tackle the challenges facing the renewable energy industry,” said Laura Beane, ACP Board Chair and President of Vestas North America. “Our nation requires an all-of-the-above energy approach to drive development, strengthen U.S. energy dominance, and create generational jobs for Americans across the country. I believe this Board is well-equipped to deliver solutions that will advance our priorities and accelerate domestic energy growth to meet the surge in demand.”
The new Board and Officers were approved at ACP’s February Board meeting and will serve a one-year term. They include:
“During a period of rapid demand growth and a push for American energy dominance, leadership in the energy industry has never been more consequential. The 2025 ACP Board represents a wide-ranging group of strong leaders who are meeting the moment,” said ACP CEO Jason Grumet. “Harnessing America’s diverse energy resources is essential to our national security and global power. The ACP Board encourages collaboration across all energy sectors and will drive the policies and innovations needed to contribute to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, strengthen our economy, and secure America’s energy future.”
The ACP Board has also selected a new Executive Committee. Along with the Officers, the committee will include executives from these clean energy-focused companies:
Ex Officio Roles
The 2025 ACP Board of Directors also includes:
Under a proposed investment program with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), nonprofit charitable organization Citizens Energy Corporation expects to provide more than $450 million to help PG&E customers in low- and moderate-income households pay their energy bills.
Submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) late last month, the updated proposal lays out Citizens’ plans to invest up to $1 billion for PG&E electric system upgrades. Citizens would then use a significant portion of its after-tax profits from the program to provide direct bill-paying assistance to PG&E customers in need. These charitable proceeds are estimated to total more than $450 million over a 35-year period.
The program is designed so that customers would pay no more for electric system work on the leased transmission assets than they would without the program.
A community-based organization in California’s Central Valley said the program would provide important benefits.
“We support innovative investments in the electric grid that would help California continue its efforts to transition energy sources for the transportation and housing sectors,” said Tom Knox, executive director of Valley Clean Air Now, a nonprofit charity focused on reducing air emissions in California’s San Joaquin Valley. “We also appreciate that this program would benefit disadvantaged households by providing direct assistance in paying their utility bills.”
PG&E and Citizens first filed with the CPUC for approval of the program last March.
After extensive engagement with consumer and community advocates and other stakeholders, PG&E and Citizens updated their proposal to include a direct bill-paying assistance program.
Citizens President Joseph P. Kennedy III said the program will serve the nonprofit’s mission to support projects and programs that increase grid strength and decrease electricity costs.
“Our vision is a safe, reliable and affordable energy system that leaves no one behind,” Kennedy said. “Along with investing in updated infrastructure for a more resilient grid, Citizens sees an extraordinary opportunity to help address the affordability of electric service—a major challenge throughout California. This program with PG&E will provide much-needed electricity savings to families across the region and at the same time, help fund electric system upgrades that will enable California to meet its bold climate goals.”
Since 1979, Citizens has helped low-income families and disadvantaged communities meet their basic needs, including utility bills. It has provided over $600 million in charitable benefits since its founding, including administering winter heating grants to over 300 homeless shelters in 17 states.
PG&E would use the proceeds to make the electric grid safer, more reliable, and ready to serve increasing demand for electricity, including from electric vehicles and electric heating appliances. The program reflects PG&E’s commitment to tap nontraditional funding to help stabilize bills.
“Our proposed program with Citizens would support system upgrades while providing assistance to our customers to pay their bills,” said Jason Glickman, PG&E Corporation Executive Vice President, Engineering, Planning and Strategy. “Electric demand in California is growing. This program would help us meet that demand while continuing to keep customer bills stable over time.”
Program Details
PG&E would continue to own and maintain the relevant assets.
Citizens’ investment of up to $1 billion would enable Citizens to contribute more than $450 million of its net after-tax profits to direct bill-paying assistance for PG&E customers in need. The proceeds that Citizens has committed for direct bill-paying assistance would start at 50% of the after-tax profits from the first $200 million invested. It would increase to 90% of the after-tax profits from the final $200 million invested.
Pending regulatory approval from the CPUC and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), PG&E and Citizens expect to close on the first lease option in 2026. Up to four more leases would follow.
The CPUC and FERC have approved two similar programs between Citizens and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) to help finance transmission upgrades and fund clean energy projects for communities in need.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company | pge.com
Citizens Energy | citizensenergy.com
Adden Energy has commissioned a state-of-the-art production line for manufacturing batteries which drastically outperform those currently on the market. The batteries produced on this line utilize dynamic-stability, a scientific phenomena discovered at Harvard, to enable differentiation in both the form of the battery and the manufacturing of the batteries. This phenomena allows the batteries to combine two next-generation technologies: lithium metal batteries and all-solid-state batteries.
These batteries are unique in their performance, surpassing current commercial batteries in energy density, charge-rate, and safety. Equally important, Adden Energy has developed processes for producing these next-generation batteries on conventional, readily available manufacturing equipment.
“Our initial prototypes had already shown 50% improvement in energy density over current lithium-ion technology with the added benefits of charging in under 10 minutes and being non-flammable,” said Adden Energy Chief Product Officer Dr. Pu Zhang. “Now we have shown we can manufacture these batteries on the same equipment that is commonly used for lithium-ion production, which gives us a clear route to scale-up and manufacturing.”
This pilot line produces Adden Energy’s batteries on equipment standard for the lithium-ion industry. This is a major differentiator for Adden Energy’s technology. Typical lithium metal solid-state batteries require very slow and expensive equipment to produce. In turn, this makes batteries too expensive to use in applications like electric vehicles. With only minor modifications to standard equipment, along with Adden Energy’s patented technology, large scale lithium metal solid-state batteries can be produced economically.
Adden Energy has already started receiving purchase orders from automakers and other industrial users buying cells for validation in their applications. Those purchased cells will be produced on this new line.
On January 28th, Adden Energy hosted a commissioning event for the new line. The Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, who is also the Chair of MassVentures, joined to tour the new facility and see the batteries in action. MassVentures has supported this technology and team since its inception at Harvard University with a Catalyst grant. Later, MassVentures participated in the company’s Seed round in 2022 and the Series A in 2024 and has maintained a seat on the company’s board since 2022.
“Adden Energy’s story is a perfect example of the entrepreneurial excellence we have in Massachusetts,” said Hao. “The company is a Harvard spin-out, commercializing breakthrough energy science, building domestic manufacturing, and creating high-tech jobs for the Commonwealth.”
The line will reach its full production rate this summer, allowing Adden Energy to meet the rapidly growing demand from its automaker customers across the globe.
Adden Energy | https://www.addenenergy.com/
OCI Energy, a leading clean energy developer based in San Antonio, Texas, and Arava Power, a pioneer in Israel's solar energy sector, have entered into their second agreement – forming a joint venture to develop Project SunRoper, a 260 MWac solar farm in Wharton County, Texas.
Located approximately 60 miles southwest of downtown Houston, the project will provide critical clean energy capacity to one of the highest electricity demands areas in Texas and the United States. Project SunRoper is slated to begin construction in 2025, reinforcing OCI Energy and Arava Power's commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure in the US market.
"The partnership between OCI Energy and Arava Power reflects our shared vision for advancing solar energy solutions and enhancing grid reliability in high-demand markets. Project SunRoper represents a significant step forward to drive economic growth and energy security across communities in Texas and beyond, advancing our mission to enable a sustainable, prosperous future," said Sabah Bayatli, President, OCI Energy.
"We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with OCI Energy. Project SunRoper is a shining example of Arava Power's long-term growth strategy in the US market. Our fruitful cooperation with OCI Energy and the exceptional synergy between our teams have been instrumental in our success. By harnessing our extensive experience with Project SunRay and leveraging our strong partnerships, we are confident that this collaboration will pave the path to a successful and sustainable future," said Ilan Zidkony, CEO, Arava Power.
This joint venture marks the continuation of a strong collaboration between OCI Energy and Arava Power. In 2021, Arava Power, acquired OCI Energy's Project SunRay, a 200 MWac solar farm in Uvalde County, Texas which recently became operational in September 2024.
By leveraging the combined expertise, OCI Energy and Arava Power aim to synergistically provide reliable clean energy while strengthening Texas' overall domestic energy production. Project SunRoper will not only contribute to reducing emissions and providing resilient, affordable electricity, but also support local economic growth through job creation and other investments in the region.
Sidley Austin LLP served as legal counsel to OCI Energy while Norton Rose Fulbright represented Arava Power in this transaction.
Arava Power | https://aravapower.com/
OCI Energy | https://www.ocienergy.com/
Birds Eye Aerial Drones (BEAD) and ARTÉMIA Communications have partnered to help utilities overcome growing challenges in infrastructure maintenance, regulatory compliance, disaster mitigation and reputation management. Together, they deliver a comprehensive suite of customizable, cost-effective end-to-end solutions that combine cutting-edge drone technology with proven communication strategies.
BEAD, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, specializes in GIS, aerial imaging, inspections and environmental monitoring for utilities and critical infrastructure. ARTÉMIA Communications, a full-service communications and marketing agency, boasts nearly two decades of expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications and public relations for regulated industries.
“This alignment promises a faster, safer way to detect issues and deliver concise information to customers, regulators and community stakeholders,” said Barbara Wichmann, founder and CEO of ARTÉMIA Communications. “By combining innovation with strategic communication, we’re enabling utilities to operate more efficiently while building trust with the people who matter most.”
BEAD’s marriage of professionals and technology delivers safe, efficient and cost-effective inspections of power lines, substations and pipelines to mitigate crises and provide rapid post-disaster assessments. They can inspect up to 15-20 miles of powerlines daily and detect defects with over 95% accuracy, compared to ground crews who cover 1-2 miles daily and miss up to 30% of defects.
“Our approach equips companies with critical insights 60% faster than traditional methods, said BEAD co-founder and CEO Sheri Painter. “For utilities, that translates into faster decision-making, fewer safety risks for field crews, improved fire mitigation, lower emissions and significant cost savings.
While BEAD’s technology streamlines operations and regulatory processes, ARTÉMIA’s expert strategists ensure that insights are effectively translated into clear, timely updates for stakeholders. By delivering accurate, proactive communication during routine operations or crises, utilities can improve transparency, reduce customer complaints, and strengthen public trust—a critical advantage in an industry where 71% of customers value proactive communication, yet 45% feel it’s lacking.
The partnership’s offering includes:
● Aerial Data Services: Infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and mapping
● Strategic Communications: Crisis communications, public relations and stakeholder engagement
● Regulatory Support: Compliance documentation and reporting
● Visualization and Messaging: Drone imagery integrated into accessible, actionable formats.
ARTÉMIA Communications | www.artemia.com
Birds Eye Aerial Drones | https://birdseyeaerialdrones.com/
The Cox Cleantech Accelerator, a partnership between Cox Enterprises, gener8tor, and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub, announces its inaugural cohort of cleantech startups poised to transform sustainability in the Southeast. After a highly competitive selection process, the Accelerator selected five companies tackling critical challenges across fleet electrification, financial compliance, industrial wastewater and sustainable buildings.
The 2025 Cox Cleantech Accelerator class includes:
"We are excited to support a new program focused on companies that are not only developing incredible cleantech innovations but also driving value for large-scale customers," said Morgan Phillips, Atlanta Ventures lead at Cox Enterprises.
The Cox Cleantech Accelerator is a 12-week program offering a $100,000 investment to five startups per cohort twice yearly. Participating companies will receive investment, mentorship from Cox business leaders, access to industry leaders and support with landing pilots or commercial agreements.
"Our region is home to nearly 300 global and regional headquarters and has been one of the largest recipients of cleantech manufacturing investment over the past several years. We are excited to plug some of the country's most exciting startups into that ecosystem," said Miguel Granier, managing director of the Cox Cleantech Accelerator.
The program ends on May 16, 2025. For more information about the Cox Cleantech Accelerator or to submit an application for the Fall cohort, visit gener8tor.com/cox.
gener8tor | https://www.gener8tor.com/
Cox Enterprises | https://www.coxenterprises.com/
Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub | gacth.org
Vikram Solar Limited, one of India’s leading solar photo-voltaic (PV) module manufacturers, has successfully increased its manufacturing capacity with a 1 GW expansion at its Falta facility in West Bengal. Additionally, the manufacturing lines in the facility at Oragadam in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, have also been upgraded to allow the facility to manufacture more efficient technology modules, including TOPCON and HJT.
These strategic initiatives are all set to boost Vikram Solar's annual nameplate production capacity to 4.5 GW, marking a significant step forward in the company’s growth trajectory within the renewable energy sector. The Falta Project, which commenced with the installation of essential equipment on December 5, 2024, has now successfully achieved its planned 1 GW capacity expansion. Furthermore, the expansion project in Chennai launched in July 19, has been completed and has further enhanced the production capabilities at the Oragadam manufacturing facility.
Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman & Managing Director of Vikram Solar, further explains, "Vikram Solar’s Kolkata and Chennai manufacturing expansion will help us scale production and augment our capabilities to provide sustainable energy solutions. Both projects leverage advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and ensure adherence to international quality and sustainability standards. They will enable us to supply high quality manufacturing panels, further fulfilling the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It will be yet another milestone in our endeavour to power a cleaner and greener future.”
The expanded capacity and upgraded manufacturing lines underscore Vikram Solar’s commitment to driving innovation and scaling operations sustainably. With a combined nameplate capacity of 4.5 GW, Vikram Solar is positioned to make a significant impact on global reneable energy adoption, solidifying its leadership role in India’s green energy transition.
Vikram Solar Limited | www.vikramsolar.com
Energy Storage Jan 21, 2025
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