Articles

Carbon-free buildings

New York becomes first state to commit to all-electric new buildings

The state finalized rules ensuring most new edifices will install electric heat pumps and stoves instead of gas appliances, lowering costs and improving air quality.

By Alison F. Takemura . 30 July 2025
Clean aluminum

US aluminum producers need cheap, clean power. That may be tough to get.

Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium want to build the nation’s first smelters in decades, but must compete with data centers for a limited power supply.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 July 2025
Nuclear

A retired nuclear plant in Michigan is about to restart, a first for US

The 800-MW Palisades plant received key federal approvals to open three years after shutting down and has ambitious plans to be operational by the end of 2025.

By Eric Wesoff . 29 July 2025
Energy storage

A pioneering ‘second-life’ battery startup begins major Texas expansion

Armed with lessons from five years of hooking up used EV batteries to the grid in California, B2U is making a 100-MWh foray into Texas’ volatile energy market.

By Julian Spector . 29 July 2025
Energy markets

The country’s biggest energy market struggles to reform amid soaring costs

Mid-Atlantic grid operator PJM is under intense political pressure to solve its interconnection backlog and other problems. But experts warn there are no easy fixes.

By Jeff St. John . 28 July 2025
Virtual power plants

As rooftop solar gets hammered, virtual power plants offer a way forward

VPPs built out of home solar and battery systems could bolster the overtaxed power grid, lower energy costs for consumers, and help invigorate a struggling industry.

By Jeff St. John . 28 July 2025
Clean energy jobs

Energy bill could cost North Carolina billions in lost investments and jobs

As lawmakers decide whether to override the governor’s veto of SB 266, new research estimates the massive economic toll of the legislation.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 July 2025
Electric vehicles

EVs had a decent quarter. The next could be record-breaking.

Tesla had another dreary quarter and GM is doubling down on EV production as automakers gear up for the end of federal tax credits.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 25 July 2025
Heat pumps

Massachusetts could give heat pump owners a huge discount on electricity

The state will lower electricity rates for heat pump owners this winter, and is considering even deeper cuts to encourage residents to ditch fossil-fueled heating.

By Sarah Shemkus . 25 July 2025
EV charging

Chart: Public EV chargers are growing steadily in the US

If the current climb continues, the U.S. could meet an ambitious Biden-era charging goal. But Trump-imposed hurdles won’t make that easy.

By Dan McCarthy . 25 July 2025