Texas's ERCOT grid broke electricity demand records twice last week, reaching 91,308 MW. The grid relies on voluntary curtailment agreements with large consumers, primarily Bitcoin miners, a strategy influenced by mining profitability and the state's unique grid isolation.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has asked residents to conserve electricity by adjusting ACs to 78 degrees and limiting power use during an intense heat wave. The city is implementing similar measures in government buildings to ease pressure on the power grid.
US electricity demand is projected to rise significantly by 2027, driven by AI data centers and crypto operations. Bitcoin miners, now categorized alongside AI facilities, face a critical test of their ability to provide flexible load and curtailment services to stabilize the grid, especially during peak demand and scarcity pricing events.
A severe heat wave in the eastern US has pushed electricity demand to near-record levels, prompting PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest power grid operator, to implement emergency measures to reduce consumption and prevent blackouts. Millions remain under heat warnings as soaring temperatures strain the grid, leading to high wholesale electricity prices and disruptions to July 4th celebrations.
Uzbekistan plans to boost electricity generation to over 120 billion kWh in five years, with 54% from renewables by 2030. The country seeks $6B in green energy investment and $4B for transmission networks, also starting its first nuclear power project.
A dangerous heatwave is expected to intensify across the central and eastern US, straining an electric grid already under pressure from record energy consumption driven by AI data centers and electric vehicles. Millions preparing for the Fourth of July holiday and FIFA World Cup events will face extreme temperatures, with heat indices reaching 46°C (114°F).
FERC is ordering US grid operators to revise rules for connecting large energy users like data centers, as demand strains power grids. The move aims to manage demand, expedite connections for AI race objectives, and ensure reliable, affordable power.
GM is entering the booming energy storage market with a new sodium-ion battery chemistry, aiming for cost-effectiveness and supply chain resilience. While Tesla dominates, GM's deliberate approach focuses on long-term product development, with sodium-ion cells expected later this decade.
GM is entering the booming energy storage market with a new sodium-ion battery chemistry, aiming for cost-effectiveness and supply chain resilience. While Tesla dominates, GM's deliberate approach focuses on long-term potential, including future EV applications.
The European Commission plans to propose a new law to accelerate AI-powered smart meter rollout. This aims to encourage households to reduce energy use during peak hours, managing rising demand from AI data centers and economic electrification.
The European Commission will propose a new law to accelerate AI-powered smart meter rollout, aiming to help households shift energy use to off-peak hours. This initiative prepares for increased demand from AI data centers and economic electrification, ensuring grid stability and lower consumer bills.
Ireland's datacentres used 22% of the country's electricity in 2023, increasing household bills by an average of €360 (2015-2023). A report warns this pattern could replicate across Europe, urging stricter renewable energy requirements for datacentres.
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) forecasts peak electricity demand to reach 1.6 billion kilowatts this summer, an increase of 90 million kilowatts from last year. The NDRC is implementing measures to ensure stable energy supply amidst predictions of higher temperatures and potential extreme weather events.
India's peak electricity demand reached an all-time high of 260.5 GW on Tuesday, driven by heatwaves. This surge before peak summer highlights the need for storage and flexible generation.
Southeast Asia is exploring a nuclear energy revival, with China emerging as a strong partner. Leveraging its extensive domestic experience and the Hualong One reactor design, China offers advanced technology and energy security to the region.
The cost to build natural gas power plants for data centers has jumped 66% since 2023, reaching $2,157 per kilowatt of capacity, while construction timelines have extended 23%. BloombergNEF reports gas turbine prices will rise 195% over 2019 by year-end, with waitlists stretching into the early 2030s. Data center electricity demand is projected to surge from 40 gigawatts to 106 gigawatts by 2035, driving tech giants like Microsoft and Meta to invest in gas infrastructure despite public backlash.
India's peak power demand reached an all-time high of 252.1 GW on April 24, surpassing the previous record of 249.9 GW set on May 30, 2024. The surge was driven by increased AC usage in both domestic and commercial sectors as heatwave conditions gripped major parts of the country. The power ministry has estimated peak demand could reach 271 GW this summer.
SEOUL, April 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's annual electricity demand is expected ...
The UK Treasury will increase the windfall tax on electricity generators from 45% to 55% unless they sign long-term fixed-price contracts, in a bid to protect bill payers from gas price shocks. Owners of legacy renewable energy projects face the higher tax rate until they sign contracts for difference. The measures aim to delink electricity prices from gas prices as UK household bills are expected to rise from July due to the Middle East conflict pushing up global energy costs.
The UK government has confirmed plans to move older wind and solar farms, comprising nearly a third of Great Britain's power market, on to fixed-price contracts to protect households and businesses from gas market volatility. The voluntary shift represents the government's most radical attempt to weaken the impact of soaring wholesale gas prices on electricity costs. Under the plans, legacy generators will be offered contracts similar to those used by low-carbon projects since 2017, or face higher windfall taxes. Analysts estimate the change could save between £4bn and £10bn annually if market prices remain high.
The world passed a significant turning point in 2025 as clean power generation rose faster than global demand for electricity, preventing an increase in fossil fuel generation, according to Ember's annual global electricity review. Global clean power generation increased by 887 TWh while demand rose by 849 TWh. Renewables accounted for 34 per cent of total generation, overtaking coal's 33 per cent share for the first time in a century.
