Articles

Nuclear

America’s nuclear dry spell is over

After years of no new nuclear power construction in the U.S., both Kairos and TerraPower broke ground on reactors last month. Other projects are moving ahead too.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 5 May 2026
Emissions reduction

Can a carbon price lower power bills? Virginia is betting yes.

With power demand from data centers skyrocketing, the state is rejoining a regional climate initiative.

By Jake Bittle . 5 May 2026
Batteries

For cheaper power, Virginia’s local utilities build small grid batteries

Rural co-ops and a city utility will save big with a collection of 5-MW batteries, which are easier to site and faster to get up and running than megaprojects.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 4 May 2026
Nuclear

Top US nuclear regulator is rewriting its rules for new era of reactors

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has in recent weeks proposed a process for approving microreactors and finalized one for reactors with nontraditional designs.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 4 May 2026
Hydrogen

SoCalGas customers spared paying $266M for hydrogen pipeline project

Regulators nixed the utility's funding plans for a massive, controversial hydrogen pipeline. Enviro groups say there are better ways to decarbonize heavy industry.

By Jeff St. John . 1 May 2026
Hydropower

Hydropower is in hot water. Will Trump’s DOE release funding to help?

The agency is signaling it may unblock $430M in Biden-era funds to help keep the aging U.S. dam fleet online, though money won’t solve all the industry’s problems.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 1 May 2026
Electric vehicles

Used EVs are on the upswing in America

While sales of new electric vehicles are stalling out, more consumers are buying used EVs than ever. Price has a lot to do with it.

By Dan McCarthy . 1 May 2026
Green steel

US Steel to build $2B lower-carbon iron plant in Arkansas

The new "direct reduced iron" facility at Big River Steel is part of parent company Nippon Steel’s larger $11 billion investment in U.S. operations.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 April 2026
Distributed energy resources

Two California bills would push utilities to get more out of their grids

The state’s three big utilities typically overbuild to meet peak demand. The legislation would order them to try virtual power plants and smarter grid tech instead.

By Jeff St. John . 30 April 2026
Heat pumps

New winter rates saved at least $37M for Massachusetts heat-pump owners

Rhode Island and New York are in the early stages of considering similar discounts for households that install the electric, clean-heating technology.

By Sarah Shemkus . 30 April 2026