Integration of battery energy storage systems enhances grid reliability by ensuring a constant energy supply, especially for mission-critical facilities. Despite their limited runtime, these systems support grid stability and are complemented by traditional generators. NEMA's Patrick Hughes says energy independence is a key driver for expanding energy storage systems and technology, noting that the Inflation Reduction Act incentives provided reliable policies for renewable energy and storage developers that helped the industry.

Data center energy demand is skyrocketing, with a 300% increase projected over the next decade, according to a National Electrical Manufacturers Association report. The Trump administration is facilitating data center growth through initiatives such as making Department of Energy land available for development. However, permitting delays and energy sourcing, particularly the reliance on natural gas until advanced nuclear is viable, pose significant challenges.

Delta Star plans to invest $35 million to expand its operations in Lynchburg, Va., and create 300 jobs. The move marks the second expansion for the power transformer manufacturer in two years, following a $30 million investment in 2023. "This investment will not only increase our manufacturing capacity but also allow us to continue advancing our technological capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the energy sector," said Delta Star CEO Jason Greene.

Small modular reactors, rather than traditional large-scale plants, are the most realistic path forward for US nuclear energy, according to a new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. SMRs could compete with conventional energy sources and evolve into a strategic export for the US over the next 20 years if they receive adequate federal, state and local support.

There are significant disparities in Ohio's grid infrastructure, with older, outage-prone equipment more prevalent in certain areas, according to a report from the Ohio Environmental Council. The uneven investment impacts access to distributed energy resources and economic development opportunities, as businesses may avoid areas with poor electrical infrastructure. Experts emphasize the need for equitable investment to ensure reliable service that supports economic development.

The California Independent System Operator released its draft 2024-25 Transmission Plan, proposing 31 projects with a total cost of $4.8 billion. The plan focuses on enhancing reliability, meeting load growth and integrating renewable energy sources, including more than 30 gigawatts of solar and 7 gigawatts of wind. Comments on the plan are due by April 29, and it will be presented to the CAISO Board of Governors in May.

President Donald Trump has issued executive orders to bypass the traditional regulatory process, a move legal scholars call a significant and potentially illegal power expansion. The orders include repealing regulations without public comment and sunsetting long-standing environmental protections. "[W]e could see, again, a radical reshaping of the regulatory … structure in a very short time," said Nina Mendelson of the University of Michigan.

An appeals court has temporarily blocked a lower court's order to release contested climate funds to green banks. District Judge Tanya Chutkan had previously stopped the Environmental Protection Agency from reclaiming funds given to climate finance organizations during the Biden administration. The funds are part of a $20 billion program from the Inflation Reduction Act.

High-profile partnerships with energy giants like ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum are at risk due to proposed funding cuts by the Energy Department. These partnerships involve crucial projects in hydrogen fuel, carbon capture and long-duration energy storage. The uncertainty around government support raises concerns about the future of these collaborations and innovation in clean energy technology.

The Philadelphia Fed's Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey reveals a significant decline in local manufacturing, with the index slipping to -26.4 -- its lowest reading in two years. The survey recorded negative trends across multiple metrics, although employment remained steady. Data for future activity expectations was also subdued, with mixed forecasts for jobs and capital expenditures.

China's recent decision to impose export control measures on seven rare earth elements highlights its strategic leverage over the US amid ongoing trade disputes between the two global powers. The US lacks the capacity to replace the supply of certain elements that are crucial for defense technologies, with a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies noting the export controls pose significant risks to US military capabilities.