West

Geothermal

Geothermal has big potential. Here’s how states can help realize it.

Next-generation geothermal projects are underway in the U.S. West, but states will need more targeted policies for the industry to scale, a new report argues.

By Maria Gallucci .

18 August 2026

Fervo Energy says its 3.5-megawatt Project Red, which went online in Nevada in late 2023, is the world's longest-running enhanced geothermal system. (Fervo Energy)

Politics

California gubernatorial candidate pledges two hours of free power a day

Democrat Xavier Becerra estimates his plan can cut bills by $1,000 per year. A similar program in Australia offers a blueprint — and some caveats.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 August 2026
Data centers

Major data center bills advance in California despite industry pushback

As the legislative session nears an end, lawmakers push ahead bills that aim to stop AI centers from raising utility costs and spur builders to opt for clean energy.

By Jeff St. John . 18 August 2026
Utilities

3 ways to fix California's utility spending problem — if lawmakers act

SB 905 would curb returns on wildfire costs, seek new financing, and explore performance metrics to curb sky-high electric rates. Can it overcome utility opposition?

By Jeff St. John . 11 August 2026
Nuclear

Microreactor startup Valar Atomics raises $1B

Valar, which has been called “the Trump administration’s favorite nuclear startup,” faces a steep path to realizing its vision — even with a giant funding round.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 4 August 2026
Geothermal

How to bring a geothermal well back from the dead

Startup Zanskar has created one of the most productive geothermal wells in the U.S. by squeezing more life out of a power plant that had been in decline for years.

By Molly Taft . 4 August 2026
Solar

California was mostly solar-powered in May — a global first

No major economy had previously received over half its electricity from solar across an entire month. Thank the mild, sunny spring weather, and batteries.

By Dan McCarthy . 31 July 2026
Climatetech finance

Antora snags $550M for heat batteries to run data centers and factories

As the California firm boots up a giant thermal battery system in South Dakota, fresh funds will help it build a second U.S. factory and more large-scale projects.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 July 2026
Electric vehicles

California to offer a novel $3,500 rebate for first-time EV buyers

Research shows that once drivers try an EV, they stick with them. That's why these incentives target those who’ve never owned one to maximize the bang for the buck.

By Jeff St. John . 27 July 2026
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 . 10 July 2026
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.

By Julian Spector, Savannah Harriman-Pote . 9 July 2026