Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified power outage hot spots across the US that are more severe than previously thought, using AI to analyze a decade of outage data. The study found a 20% increase in outage frequency and duration since 2019, mainly due to extreme weather events and an aging power grid. Ali Mostafavi, a civil and environmental engineering professor, discusses the study, highlighting the urgent need for significant investment in grid resilience.

Sediver is expanding its manufacturing facility in West Memphis, Ark., with a strategic investment that will double the plant's output capacity amid increased demand for transmission line products. The move builds on ongoing modernization efforts and will leverage the latest technological advancements already used in the company's other insulator factories.

California farmers, with the support of companies like Sunzaun, are adopting vertical bifacial solar technology to address two of their greatest challenges: rising energy costs and drought conditions. Vertical agrivoltaics are enabling farmers to generate electricity while continuing to cultivate crops such as strawberries, increasing land productivity by 30% and reducing water consumption and energy costs.

The public fast charger segment is projected to experience robust growth, with Wood Mackenzie forecasting a 14% compound annual growth rate through 2040. By then, the number of public DC fast charging ports is expected to reach 475,000, generating $3.3 billion in annual market value.

Duke Energy is seeking a 50-year extension of its operating license for the Bad Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Station in South Carolina. The extension would allow the plant, which has been a key part of the company's energy system since 1991, to continue serving as a significant source of reliable electricity. The current license is set to expire in July 2027.

President Donald Trump has expanded 50% steel and aluminum tariffs to include 407 additional product categories. The new tariffs, effective immediately, cover items such as fire extinguishers, machinery and specialty chemicals. The expansion is expected to affect at least $320 billion of imports, up from $190 billion.

The Trump administration has initiated a federal review targeting state laws that are believed to negatively affect the national economy and interstate commerce. The Justice Department and National Economic Council are leading the initiative, which aims to identify and address regulations that raise costs and disrupt markets across state lines.

ChemFinity has secured $7 million in seed funding to advance its mineral recovery system, which is said to be three times more cost-effective, 99% cleaner and 10 times faster than current methods. The process uses a polymer in sorbent filters to capture metals from various feedstocks. "We basically act like a black box where recyclers or scrap yards or even other refiners can send their feedstock to us," said Adam Uliana, co-founder and CEO of the University of California, Berkeley, spinout.

GE Vernova plans to invest $41 million to expand its generator manufacturing facility in Schenectady, N.Y., creating 50 new jobs. The expansion, supported by a $1 million state grant, will increase production of H65 and H84 generators. GE Vernova has announced $720 million in investments in US manufacturing with plans to create 1,800 jobs in two years.

Lithium-ion battery recyclers are adapting to changes under the Trump administration's reversal of clean-energy incentives and emphasis on domestic production. Some in the industry are concerned about reduced demand and fewer government-backed projects, while others see opportunities in the administration's push for domestic mineral production and tariffs that may encourage local sourcing.

NEMA’s grid reliability study projects that energy demand will increase 50% by 2050. To keep up with new expectations for grid reliability, innovative technologies will be vital to ensure America can meet the moment. The Grid Expo, held Sept. 17 on Capitol Hill, will showcase the technologies, projects, and strategies electric power providers are implementing to achieve greater grid efficiency, reliability, and flexibility. Register here.

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