STORAGE: A growing number of Americans are buying home battery storage systems to counter power outages occurring as the grid faces higher demand and more extreme weather. (Associated Press)

GRID:

  • Xcel Energy in Minnesota says virtual power plants that aggregate generation and storage from distributed sources would provide a host of clean energy and financial benefits, though advocates raise concerns about the utility’s interest in owning the resources. (Energy News Network)
  • Virtual power plants are “well past pilot scale” and ready for full deployment in North America, analysts conclude. (Utility Dive)
  • Midwest grid operators MISO and Southwest Power Pool seek federal approval for changes to their joint operating agreement that would advance $1.7 billion in transmission projects and enable up to 30 GW of new generation. (Utility Dive)
  • Researchers say the addition of new solar and battery resources has bailed out the standalone Texas grid this summer amid high temperatures and growing demand from data centers and crypto miners. (NPR)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: 

  • Experts say solid state batteries have the potential to transform the auto sector by giving electric vehicles hundreds of miles more of range per charge. (Inside Climate News)
  • A company opens a $400 million central Ohio plant for recycling lithium-ion batteries, the first of its kind to open with support from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure law. (Canary Media)
  • States and utilities are advancing dozens of rebates and incentives for electric vehicle purchases, while also moving forward with changing electricity rates for EV owners and building chargers. (PV Magazine)

EFFICIENCY: The U.S. Energy Department announces $53.6 million to expand weatherization efforts and clean energy installations benefitting low-income communities in 13 states and the Virgin Islands. (Utility Dive)

WIND: New Mexico is emerging as a wind energy powerhouse, trailing only Wyoming in new capacity this year, as state officials approve two new leases that could add another 550 megawatts. (Renewable Energy World, Albuquerque Business Journal) 

FOSSIL FUELS: Rhode Island regulators decide that a liquefied natural gas facility that was supposed to only operate temporarily can stay online for another five years, despite the community’s noise, light and climate pollution concerns. (Newport Daily News)

COMMENTARY: A sustainability advocate says Los Angeles will need an “epic transportation reboot” to achieve a zero-emission Olympic Games in 2028. (Los Angeles Times)

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Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.