Next-Generation Panels Recharge Utility Solar Economics

Next-Generation Panels Recharge Utility Solar Economics

A massive surge in energy demand is about to reshape the U.S. power landscape, presenting an opportunity for forward-thinking utilities. The nation's energy demands are poised to explode, as everything from the enormous data centers powering the artificial intelligence (AI) boom to broad electrification efforts increase the need for electricity. The post Next-Generation Panels Recharge Utility Solar Economics appeared first on POWER Magazine.

Columbia Senior Analyst Threadneedle, Natalia Luna, explains how the rise of AI and the electrification of the economy are driving a new era of energy investments.

AI is booming - but can the grid keep up?

As the U.S. requires increasing amounts of electricity to power the ongoing AI race, it is getting harder to deliver that energy, The Wall Street Journal writes. Investors and developers are putting financing decisions on hold as they try to determine how much more their projects will cost to complete, partially due to tariffs and other economic uncertainties. About 28% of planned wind, solar and battery projects have been delayed or canceled, a…

How AI and Clean Energy Are Competing for Critical Minerals?

The world is rapidly shifting to clean energy, and this is changing how we power our lives. Technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles (EVs) need a lot more minerals than traditional fossil fuel systems. For example, EVs use six times more minerals than regular cars. Onshore wind farms need nine times more minerals than gas power plants. Since 2010, the mineral use for each new power plant has jumped by 50%. This rise i…