Data centers functioning as demand-side resources by shutting down during peak demand is not feasible, according to a report from PJM Interconnection's independent market monitor Monitoring Analytic. Data centers require extremely high reliability, and their participation in flexible demand programs is not viable, according to the report, which notes proposals to construct data centers without new generation could increase annual capacity costs by as much as $5.48 billion.

US developers have safe-harbored 33 gigawatts of renewables under President Donald Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, ensuring access to tax credits through 2028, according to a LevelTen Energy report. LevelTen anticipates a decline in safe-harbored projects after 2028, which may drive developers to focus on hybrid systems that blend storage with wind or solar.

Utilities are facing significant challenges in balancing grid resilience with affordability amid extreme weather, rising energy demand and regulatory pressures. The Edison Electric Institute projects $1 trillion in grid investment by 2030, with a significant portion aimed at resilience. In this episode of the Open Circuit podcast, the team explores the affordability challenge and how to solve it.

The Tennessee Valley Authority plans significant investments in nuclear and gas generation after reporting a $1.4 billion increase in operating revenue for fiscal 2025. TVA is constructing 3.7 gigawatts of new generation, including 1.4 gigawatts of natural gas at both the Cumberland and Kingston fossil plants, and is planning up to four small modular reactors at the Clinch River Nuclear Site.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to fast-track the North Coast Transmission Line in British Columbia, a $4.3 billion project aimed at supporting resource projects and clean power. The project, a priority for BC Premier David Eby, will be built in phases and could receive significant funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The NCTL will twin an existing line between Prince George and Terrace, and add new branches to support resource extraction and clean energy distribution.

Wholesale electricity prices in the US are projected to increase this year and next, with the Energy Information Administration forecasting a load-weighted average of $47/MWh in 2025, representing a 23% rise over 2024, and an additional 8.5% increase in 2026 to $51/MWh. These increases are influenced by factors such as rising natural gas prices and regional supply and demand dynamics.

MDU Resources Group has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with North Plains Connector LLC, securing 150 megawatts of capacity on the upcoming North Plains Connector HVDC transmission project. The 420-mile project, jointly developed by Grid United and Allete, will connect three regional energy markets and enhance grid reliability. The agreement makes MDU the first utility from North Dakota to formalize such a commitment, reflecting its focus on strategic investments to improve grid reliability and resilience.

Hydrohertz has introduced the Dectravalve, a battery cooling system that has the potential to reduce electric vehicle charging time to 10 minutes. The system uses a compact, digitally controlled valve to manage cooling zones within a battery, maintaining optimal temperatures for each cell.

Chip designers face increasing difficulties with power integrity and voltage management due to the growing number of features and transistors on modern chips. This results in inconsistent current demand, leading to potential voltage drops and reliability issues. Experts from Synopsys, Siemens EDA and Rambus spotlight the need for early and continuous management of these challenges to ensure device reliability.

Industry 4.0 is improving manufacturing by integrating machines, data and people, but this connectivity also increases the risk of cyberattacks, writes Lou Farrell. A secure smart factory must incorporate security measures from the outset to protect production and intellectual property. This includes maintaining an up-to-date inventory of IoT devices, segmenting IoT traffic, assigning unique identities to devices and developing a comprehensive incident response plan.

Amid rising tariffs and global trade uncertainties, the US energy storage industry is rapidly moving to reshore the battery supply chain, writes Jeremy Furr, senior vice president of strategic sourcing at Stryten Energy. Companies are shifting procurement strategies away from volatile international markets, with larger manufacturers leveraging US-based production via partnerships and smaller firms pursuing consolidation and joint ventures. These efforts are laying the groundwork for a more reliable and resilient domestic battery ecosystem, which is crucial for meeting future energy demand