Julian is a senior reporter at Canary Media, where he covers batteries and emerging technologies to store clean energy and unlock a carbon-free grid. He also reports on the clean hydrogen industry, and chases down clean energy breakthroughs in far-flung locales.
Prior to the launch of Canary Media in 2021, Julian covered the rise of the grid storage industry for much-loved industry news outlet Greentech Media. Previously he covered clean energy and transportation for CityLab at The Atlantic, and conducted grant-funded climate journalism in Bangladesh. His stories have appeared in The Guardian, HuffPost, Al Jazeera America, and other outlets. He speaks regularly at energy-related events and on podcasts. He graduated from Duke University and still misses Carolina barbecue, but enjoys investigating local cuisine wherever his reporting takes him.
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Energy storage
PG&E defers restart of huge grid battery next to Moss Landing fire site
The Elkhorn plant almost got back online in time to help California’s grid handle summer heat. But malfunctions in one of its Tesla batteries gummed up the plans.By Julian Spector .
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Recycling renewables
Li-Cycle’s quest to recycle lithium-ion batteries ends in bankruptcy
The startup halted construction of a major plant in New York and never recovered. Its collapse is one of many setbacks plaguing the nascent battery recycling sector.By Julian Spector .
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Clean energy manufacturing
Just how many jobs and GDP dollars do US clean energy factories create?
A new report aims to quantify how much domestic solar, wind, and battery production uplifts local economies. Its authors hope Republicans in Congress will take note.By Julian Spector .
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Batteries
Could this 1980s battery design unlock long-term clean energy storage?
Utility Southern Co. will install Inlyte's iron-salt long-duration battery, tech the startup has updated for the era of renewables and data center demand.By Julian Spector .
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Solar
Why one major solar developer isn’t worried about tariffs
Tennessee-based Silicon Ranch pulled in a $500 million equity investment this month, betting on its ability to build solar farms despite political headwinds.By Julian Spector .
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Virtual power plants
Haven to install free solar, batteries for thousands of California homes
The startup is tapping a new state funding pool to help low-income families access the benefits of clean energy and battery backup for their residences.By Julian Spector .
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Solar
In California, solar generation could finally surpass gas this year
Solar produced nearly as much electricity as gas in the nation's most populous state in 2024. Could this be the year it takes the lead?By Julian Spector .
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Batteries
Base Power lands $200M for rapidly growing home-battery business
The Texas startup wants to become the fastest battery installer in ERCOT by this summer. It will use the new funds to build a factory and expand into other states, too.By Julian Spector .
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Energy markets
Texas Senate passes bill to upend energy market, spur gas over renewables
The legislation would require half of new power plant capacity come from dispatchable sources other than batteries. Solar and wind developers would pay fees to comply.By Julian Spector .
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Clean energy
Three years into the Ukraine war, is Europe’s energy system cleaner?
In response to the invasion, Europe mostly ditched Russian fossil fuels and built a cleaner grid. But wholesale decarbonization has proven elusive.By Julian Spector .
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