Fossil fuels

Data centers

Data center demand is soaring, and off-grid gas won’t fix the problem

As tech firms look to build their own gas generators, a new report reveals that likely won’t be enough to avoid a hefty power shortfall in the coming years.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 24 July 2026

Truck beds with gas generators; grassy lot in foreground — Portable gas turbines have been powering xAI’s Colossus data center near Memphis. (Brandon Dill for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Fossil fuels

A $100M Ohio energy fund lacks transparency — and excludes renewables

JobsOhio, which is administering the new fund, has drawn criticism for limiting the opportunity to nuclear and natural gas — and for its opaque process.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 22 July 2026
Utilities

Massachusetts bill would end a costly gas pipeline repair program

Utilities say the GSEP program is essential for safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but critics contend it costs too much and achieves too little.

By Sarah Shemkus . 20 July 2026
Electrification

New Trump rules make it more costly to electrify North Carolina homes

The Department of Energy recently announced new guidance that prevents “fuel switching,” scrambling the state’s first-ever electrification program.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 July 2026
Fossil fuels

Washington coal plant produces no power but plenty of costs. Who pays?

The Trump administration ordered the last coal plant in Washington to be on standby. Its owner wants utilities to pick up the still-running tab for that.

By Tom Banse . 26 June 2026
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 . 22 June 2026
Clean energy

The Iran war sparked a shift toward clean energy. Will it last?

Sky-high fossil fuel prices drove people around the world toward clean energy. But even as the Strait of Hormuz reopens, they may not turn back.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 18 June 2026
Offshore wind

Invenergy says Trump’s offshore wind payout will fund a geothermal push

It’s the third developer to ditch offshore wind leases in exchange for payment from the Trump admin. The proceeds will also fund new gas plants.

By Maria Gallucci . 17 June 2026
Data centers

AI firms are getting creative as they scramble for energy

Desperate for power, companies are pursuing new strategies to run data centers, from repurposing jet engines to beaming solar energy down from space.

By Kathryn Krawczyk, Dan McCarthy . 12 June 2026
Solar

Solar beat coal on the US grid in May — a new milestone

It’s the first time that's happened across an entire month, and it comes despite the Trump administration’s efforts to reinvigorate coal and hamper solar.

By Dan McCarthy . 12 June 2026
Fossil fuels

North Carolina bill would prop up coal until new nuclear is approved

The Republican-backed House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, which could rein in some data center costs but extend the life of costly old coal plants.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 June 2026