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.
-
Batteries
Base Power raises $1B to get big batteries into more homes
The startup, newly valued at $13 billion, is now manufacturing batteries in Texas. It offers an affordable way for homeowners to get backup power and it helps the grid too.By Julian Spector .
-
Batteries
Biggest battery east of the Mississippi will help power AI complex
The 1-GWh battery project in Ohio will help suppress power prices and reduce grid strain from a nearby data center hub. The region could use a lot more systems like it.By Julian Spector .
-
Clean energy
The US clean energy boom will continue to 2030. Then things get hazy.
Despite Trump’s attacks, renewables are set for big growth over the next few years, a new Rhodium Group study says. Whether it lasts depends on some key variables.By Julian Spector .
-
Solar
Balcony solar is sweeping the US, but who's actually selling it?
As consumer interest surges and state legislators get on board, a few businesses have jumped into the domestic market.By Julian Spector .
-
Corporate procurement
Google buys power from record-busting solar-battery site in Arkansas
Developer Cypress Creek has broken ground on the project, which will eventually deliver 2.5 gigawatts of solar production and 2.9 gigawatt-hours of battery storage.By Julian Spector .
-
Batteries
A pioneering grid-battery factory is headed for this California city
Sodium-ion batteries promise cheaper, more durable energy storage. Peak Energy seeks to kick-start the next-gen battery market by building the first big U.S. plant.By Julian Spector .
-
Liquefied natural gas
Hawaiʻi committed to 100% clean energy. Now it’s flirting with natural gas.
Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat, wants to import LNG to slash energy bills. But the move might not lead to savings — and it could trip up the state’s climate goals. -
Batteries
Base Power brings cheap batteries to residents in power-starved PJM
The unicorn startup launched its first move outside its home state of Texas, pitching low-cost energy and backup power in northern Illinois.By Julian Spector .
-
Solar
California solar surged ahead of gas in the first 5 months of 2026
Utility-scale solar outproduced gas plants on 82% of all days from January through May, with batteries helping to extend solar’s reach into the evening hours.By Julian Spector .
-
Clean energy
This spring, clean energy in the US set record after record
In California, Texas, and other places, solar, wind, and batteries hit new highs. Here are the big takeaways from this year’s shoulder season.By Julian Spector .
Sponsored