Articles tagged with "energy-infrastructure"
Trump and the Energy Industry Are Eager to Power AI With Fossil Fuels
The article discusses the growing intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) development and the fossil fuel energy industry, highlighting the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for powering AI infrastructure primarily with natural gas and other fossil fuels. At the Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, President Trump emphasized the massive increase in electricity demand AI will require—potentially doubling current capacity—and underscored the importance of fossil fuels in meeting this demand. The summit featured major industry figures, including ExxonMobil’s CEO and AI leaders from companies like Anthropic and Google, and announced $92 billion in investments across AI and energy ventures. Notably, Meta’s upcoming AI data center in Ohio will rely on onsite natural gas generation, illustrating the tech sector’s pragmatic approach to energy sourcing. Pennsylvania’s role as a key natural gas producer, due to its Marcellus and Utica shale formations, was central to the summit’s location and discussions. The natural gas industry, which has faced oversupply and infrastructure challenges, views AI-driven energy demand as a
energyartificial-intelligencefossil-fuelsnatural-gasdata-centersenergy-infrastructureAI-investmentSam Altman’s next-gen nuclear plant picks builder, eyes 2027 debut
Oklo, a nuclear energy company backed by Sam Altman, has selected Kiewit Nuclear Solutions as the lead constructor for its first commercial Aurora nuclear power plant at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The 75-megawatt advanced microreactor project, named Aurora-INL, aims to begin pre-construction in 2025 with commercial operations targeted for late 2027 to early 2028. Oklo secured access to its preferred site at Idaho Falls earlier in 2025 and has completed key site characterization work, including borehole drilling and preparations for a potential commercial radioisotope production facility at INL. Kiewit was chosen through a competitive process for its technical capabilities and experience in large-scale industrial construction, which complements the largely non-nuclear components of the Aurora plant. Oklo’s CEO Jacob DeWitte emphasized that Kiewit’s expertise is critical for efficient project delivery, cost reduction, and maintaining safety and quality standards. The Aurora reactor features a modular design,
energynuclear-poweradvanced-reactorsclean-energymicroreactorenergy-infrastructureenergy-technologyIts Official Fossil Fuels Love Energy Storage Too
The article discusses Ameren Missouri’s recent move to integrate large-scale energy storage with fossil fuel power generation, highlighting a shift in how traditional energy companies view storage technology. Ameren has applied for a permit to build a 400-megawatt lithium-ion battery storage system alongside a new 800-megawatt natural gas power plant at its Big Hollow Energy Center in Jefferson County, Missouri. This marks Ameren’s first large-scale battery project and underscores that energy storage is not only critical for renewable sources like wind and solar but also increasingly important for fossil fuel plants to enhance grid reliability and meet rising energy demands. Despite political resistance to renewable energy expansion, the U.S. Department of Energy continues to support energy storage innovation, recently announcing $15 million in funding to accelerate commercial deployment. Ameren’s president, Mark Birk, emphasized that the new energy center aims to provide reliable backup power and prepare for anticipated increases in demand, reflecting broader concerns about climate impacts and extreme weather events. The battery system
energy-storagebattery-technologylithium-ion-batteriesrenewable-energynatural-gas-power-plantgrid-reliabilityenergy-infrastructureNuclear construction: Palantir partners to help make safer reactors
Palantir Technologies Inc. has partnered with The Nuclear Company to develop NOS, an AI-driven software platform aimed at streamlining nuclear construction projects. Built on Palantir’s Foundry platform, NOS seeks to address common challenges in nuclear plant construction such as budget overruns and schedule delays by providing enhanced schedule certainty, cost savings through supply chain optimization, problem prevention, and regulatory confidence. Palantir is set to receive about $100 million over five years to develop this system, which aligns with recent U.S. government initiatives to expand nuclear energy production. These initiatives include executive orders from former President Trump aimed at accelerating nuclear facility approvals and meeting ambitious goals of 400 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050 and 10 large reactors under construction by 2030. The partnership reflects a broader vision to revitalize nuclear energy as a critical component of America’s energy security and infrastructure. Jonathan Webb, CEO of The Nuclear Company, emphasized the mission to build nuclear power rapidly, safely, and at
energynuclear-energyPalantirAI-softwarenuclear-constructionenergy-infrastructureenergy-securityUS to launch world’s largest power project using nuclear, solar, gas
Fermi America, a Texas-based energy company co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary and Texas Governor Rick Perry, has announced plans to build the world’s largest energy and data campus, called the “Hypergrid,” near the DOE’s Pantex nuclear weapons plant in Amarillo, Texas. Covering 5,800 acres, the facility will integrate multiple energy sources—nuclear, natural gas, solar, and wind—to power 18 million square feet of AI data centers with up to 11 gigawatts of IT capacity, sufficient to supply electricity to over 8.2 million homes. The project is launched in partnership with the Texas Tech University System and aims to address the growing U.S. demand for AI infrastructure while enhancing national energy security. The Hypergrid project is positioned as a strategic response to global energy competition, particularly highlighting the U.S. lagging behind China in nuclear reactor development. The site’s proximity to the Pantex DOE facility and major natural gas fields underscores
energynuclear-powersolar-energynatural-gasAI-data-centersenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energyFive LA Middle Schools To Get 2.7 MW Of Solar Power & EV Chargers - CleanTechnica
Five middle schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)—Northridge, Pacoima, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, Sun Valley Magnet, and Sutter Middle Schools—are set to receive a combined 2.7 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation along with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Ameresco, Inc., an energy solutions provider, was selected by LAUSD in 2023 following a 2022 request for proposals to support the district’s goal of achieving 100% clean, renewable energy by 2040. This project is part of a broader initiative to install solar power at 21 schools across the district. The solar panels will be mounted on shade and carport structures, providing cooling benefits to students, staff, and visitors amid rising temperatures. Ten Level 2 EV chargers (two per school) will be installed, operating on both solar and grid power depending on availability. Although battery energy storage systems were considered to improve energy resilience,
energysolar-powerEV-chargersrenewable-energyclean-energyenergy-infrastructuresolar-PV-systemsAbout One-Fifth of Global Liquefied Natural Gas Trade Flows through the Strait of Hormuz - CleanTechnica
In 2024, approximately 20% of the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint primarily for exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Qatar exported about 9.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of LNG through the strait, while the UAE contributed around 0.7 Bcf/d, together representing nearly all Persian Gulf LNG flows via Hormuz. The majority (83%) of this LNG was destined for Asian markets, with China, India, and South Korea receiving 52% of the LNG transiting the strait. Shifts in LNG trade patterns were also noted in 2024, with exports through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and increased U.S. LNG shipments to Europe redirecting Qatari LNG flows more toward Asia rather than Europe. Additionally, Gulf countries such as Kuwait and the UAE imported LNG sourced from outside the Persian Gulf,
energyliquefied-natural-gasLNG-tradeStrait-of-Hormuzglobal-energy-marketsnatural-gas-exportsenergy-infrastructureChallenges & Opportunities in US Offshore Wind Market - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the current state, challenges, and opportunities of the U.S. offshore wind (OSW) market, based on insights from the Director of the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind. Despite significant potential for offshore wind to provide zero-carbon, homegrown energy that can stabilize prices, create high-quality jobs, and reduce public health harms, the industry faces considerable headwinds under the Trump administration’s energy policies. These policies prioritize fossil fuel production, particularly methane gas, while dismantling support for clean energy, resulting in stalled progress and job losses—over 40,000 clean energy jobs lost nationwide, including more than 11,000 in wind energy. Additionally, federal workforce cuts, such as at NOAA, have hindered thorough reviews critical for offshore wind deployment and wildlife protection. The article highlights that offshore wind is a key opportunity to strengthen American energy infrastructure, enhance energy independence, and drive billions in investments. Nearly 2,000 offshore wind supply chain contracts exist across 40 states, supporting manufacturing
energyoffshore-windclean-energyrenewable-energyenergy-infrastructureUS-energy-marketwind-powerNepal’s Electric Leapfrog: How This Himalayan Nation Is Leading Global EV Adoption - CleanTechnica
Nepal, a Himalayan nation of 30 million people, is emerging as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with about 70% of new passenger vehicles sold recently being electric. This rapid transition defies the common notion that EVs are mainly viable in wealthy countries with advanced infrastructure. Nepal’s success is underpinned by its nearly 100% hydroelectric-powered grid, which supplies clean, reliable, and domestically produced electricity to 94% of the population as of 2024. This extensive electrification, supported by investments in grid reliability and infrastructure upgrades, enables the country to reduce emissions and cut costly petroleum imports, which exceeded $2.5 billion in 2022/23. The shift to EVs has been driven by strategic government policies and a diversified vehicle market featuring Chinese, Indian, Korean, and European manufacturers. Kathmandu, the capital, now hosts a wide range of electric cars and a growing fleet of electric three-wheelers (safa tempos) and
energyelectric-vehiclesrenewable-energyhydroelectric-powergrid-electrificationsustainable-transportationenergy-infrastructureGeothermal Industry Sends A 163-Gigawatt Letter To Fossil Fuels
The article discusses the renewed focus on geothermal energy in the United States amid President Donald Trump’s second term, which prioritized coal, oil, gas, and geothermal energy under a “National Energy Emergency” declaration issued on January 20. While traditional renewables like wind and solar were excluded from this emergency status, geothermal energy, along with biofuels and hydropower, was recognized as a critical energy resource. Despite this inclusion, legislative support—particularly tax provisions in the federal budget bill (BBB)—has yet to fully materialize, leaving geothermal’s financial incentives uncertain as Congress debates the final bill. Significantly, the US geothermal industry is poised for growth, bolstered by new Department of Energy research and development programs that leverage enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) technology. This approach uses advanced drilling techniques adapted from oil and gas to create viable geothermal power sites beyond the limited traditional locations west of the Rockies. A recent US Geological Survey assessment revealed that New Mexico alone holds an estimated 163 gigawat
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energyUS-energy-policybiofuelshydropowerenergy-infrastructureAmazon announces $20B nuclear-powered data center expansion in US
Amazon has announced a historic $20 billion investment to build two large data center complexes in Pennsylvania, marking the largest private sector investment in the state’s history. One complex is under construction near Philadelphia, while the other is planned adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in northeastern Pennsylvania. Amazon intends to power the latter data center directly from the nuclear plant, a move that has drawn federal scrutiny and is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This direct power connection could provide Amazon with up to 960 megawatts—about 40% of the plant’s output—enough electricity to power over half a million homes, potentially at a premium price. The Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro, emphasized that this investment aims to revitalize local communities and reverse the trend of young workers leaving the state for better opportunities. Amazon’s acquisition of the nearby data center and land from Talen Energy for $650 million last year enables the company to expand significantly on that site. This expansion is part of Amazon’s broader strategy, which has seen about $10 billion pledged in 2024 alone for data centers across several states, driven by the growing energy demands of AI technologies. However, the direct power deal raises concerns about grid fairness and energy access, as it may limit availability for others and bypass grid improvement fees, prompting ongoing regulatory review.
energynuclear-powerdata-centersAmazonenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energypower-gridTrump administration takes aim at Biden and Obama cybersecurity rules
The Trump administration has issued an executive order that significantly revises and rolls back several cybersecurity policies established by former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The administration criticized Biden’s recent cybersecurity order, particularly opposing its encouragement for agencies to accept digital identity documents for public benefit programs, citing concerns about potential abuse by illegal immigrants. Experts like Mark Montgomery argue that revoking digital ID mandates prioritizes immigration concerns over cybersecurity benefits. The new order also shifts the federal AI cybersecurity strategy to focus on identifying and managing vulnerabilities rather than censorship, promotes AI use in defending energy infrastructure and Pentagon cybersecurity, and supports federal AI security research. Additionally, the order removes previous requirements for agencies to adopt quantum-resistant encryption promptly and eliminates mandates for federal contractors to attest to software security, labeling these as burdensome and ineffective compliance measures. It also repeals Obama-era policies that allowed sanctions for cybersecurity attacks, restricting sanctions only to foreign malicious actors to avoid misuse against domestic political opponents and clarify that election-related activities are exempt. Overall, the Trump administration’s changes reflect a move away from some compliance-heavy and expansive cybersecurity measures toward a narrower, security-focused approach with an emphasis on AI and foreign threats.
energycybersecurityAI-securityquantum-resistant-encryptionfederal-researchenergy-infrastructurecybersecurity-policyRepublican Bill in Congress Threatens 300 US Factories, 300,000 American Jobs - CleanTechnica
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyenergy-infrastructureclean-energyfossil-fuelsjob-lossTNB Malaysia đề xuất EVN hợp tác kết nối lưới điện khu vực qua biển và đất liền
energyrenewable-energyelectricity-transmissioncarbon-neutralitysolar-powerASEAN-cooperationenergy-infrastructureCập nhật tiến độ dự án giải tỏa công suất Nhà máy điện Nhơn Trạch 3 ngày 5 5 2025
energyrenewable-energypower-transmissionNhon-Trach-3electricity-supplyconstruction-projectenergy-infrastructureFrom Darkness to Light: Iberia’s Rapid Grid Recovery Explained
Iberiagrid-recoverySpainPortugalenergy-infrastructureblackoutrenewable-energy