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
Hawaii used rooftop solar to shore up the grid. New rules threaten that
A nation-leading virtual power plant program helped keep the lights on when Oahu's coal plant shut down. But rule changes may drive away future customers, advocates say.By Julian Spector .
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Energy storage
Chart: The US grid battery fleet is about to double — again
America's energy storage industry is on a tear, installing batteries to store clean wind and solar and make the grid more reliable. -
Energy storage
A huge battery has replaced Hawaii's last coal plant
Plus Power’s Kapolei battery is officially online. The pioneering project is a leading example of how to shift crucial grid functions from fossil-fueled plants to clean energy.By Julian Spector .
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Canary Media
My life on the road for Canary
Our roving correspondent explains how and why he's been traveling the U.S. and the world to report on the clean energy transition.By Julian Spector .
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Climatetech finance
After 2023's wild ride, climate venture capital poised for strong 2024
This year, cleantech startups tightened their spending and focused on revenue, but the latter months presaged a new year with plenty of fundraising.By Julian Spector .
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Clean energy
5 lessons from Portugal’s 6-day renewables streak
The country's grid can handle 100% renewables — but what else needs to happen to go from six days of clean energy to 365?By Julian Spector .
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Climatetech finance
UK’s Octopus Energy raises $800M to expand global clean energy push
The clean power provider is now worth nearly $8 billion and has plans to ramp up heat-pump manufacturing and move into overseas markets.By Julian Spector .
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Clean energy manufacturing
Clean energy factories, thermal storage get boost from new tax credits
The IRS just released rules on incentives for clean energy manufacturers that make stuff in the U.S. Long-duration storage and thermal batteries could benefit the most.By Julian Spector .
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Batteries
Chart: Lithium-ion battery prices are falling again
Covid disruptions broke what seemed like an inexorable trend of annual battery price declines. But this year, average pack prices fell 14% to a new record low.By Julian Spector, Dan McCarthy .
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Clean energy supply chain
New investment firm aims to scale up urgently needed battery materials
Kinterra Capital has raised a $565 million private equity fund dedicated to investing in new mines and processing plants to supply battery and EV factories.By Julian Spector .
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