Focus
FERC evaluates alternatives to power capacity auctions
Power Technology – February 24
The U.S. is considering alternatives to multibillion-dollar power capacity auctions as demand surges, driven by AI and data centers. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will hold a two-day conference in June 2025 to discuss the next steps, as reported by Bloomberg. There is a current shortfall in power plant construction to meet the increasing demand.
News
Solar and battery storage will lead new generation in 2025: EIA
Utility Dive – February 24
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) anticipates that 63 GW of utility-scale generation capacity will be brought online this year, with solar and battery storage expected to account for 81% of that capacity. According to EIA, that addition of 63 GW “represents an almost 30% increase from 2024 when 48.6 GW of capacity was installed, the largest capacity installation in a single year since 2002,” EIA said. Solar itself is projected to make up over half of that increase.
Companies are coming to Texas to develop a new generation of nuclear reactors
The Texas Tribune – February 24
The West Texas city of Abilene is better known for country music and rodeos than advanced nuclear physics. But that’s where scientists are entering the final stretch of a race to boot up the next generation of American atomic energy. Amid a flurry of nuclear startups around the country, Abilene-based Natura Resources is one of just two companies with permits from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to construct a so-called “advanced” reactor.
Projects
Arevon secures financing for 200 MW/400 MWh battery in California
Renewables Now – February 26
Arevon Energy Inc. has secured a $258 million financing package for its 200 MW/400 MWh Peregrine energy storage project in San Diego County’s Barrio Logan community. The project, representing a nearly $300 million capital investment, is expected to be operational later this year.
SolarBank and Viridi partner on 3 MW community solar + storage project on closed landfill
Solar Power World – February 20
SolarBank is partnering with Viridi, producer of fail-safe battery energy storage systems, on the development of a combined 3.06 MW ground-mount community solar project and 1.2 MWh battery energy storage system in Buffalo, New York. The project is being constructed on a closed landfill site.
Another Yakima County solar project to begin construction
Yakima Herald-Republic – February 21
Construction is set to begin this month at a solar energy project in northeast Yakima County, Washington. The project, located in the county’s northeast corner, was approved with the adjacent High Top solar facility in April 2023. California-based Cypress Creek Renewables is developing both projects.
Verizon signs four vPPAs with Invenergy for 640 MW of power across U.S.
Data Center Dynamics – February 24
Verizon has signed four virtual power purchase agreements (vPPAs) for 640 MW of power with Invenergy. The vPPAs include the 50 MW Richfield Solar project in Maryland, the 250 MW Maple Flats solar project in Illinois, the 240 MW Cadence Solar project in Ohio, and the 100 MW Chalk Bluff solar project in Arizona.
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