Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Solar  -  April 5, 2025

Weekend Reads: Data Centers Love Solar; A Rush for Small Nuclear

It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web:

Data centers love solar: Here’s a comprehensive guide to deals over 100 megawatts (TechCrunch)  New and expanded data centers are expected to double the sector’s power demand by 2029, according to JLL. As a result, developers and tech companies have been working overtime to lock in capacity. Nuclear and natural gas have gotten boosts from the forecasted demand, but few technologies have benefited in the near term like solar.

New wave of smaller, cheaper nuclear reactors sends US states racing to attract the industry (Associated Press)  With the promise of newer, cheaper nuclear power on the horizon, U.S. states are vying to position themselves to build and supply the industry’s next generation as policymakers consider expanding subsidies and paving over regulatory obstacles.

Water recycling could ease shrinking of Colorado River, new report finds (ABC News)  Researchers say they have identified a crucial solution for states to prevent continued strain on the Colorado River basin for their water needs.

What next for the energy transition in the US? (World Economic Forum)  The U.S. government is reducing its support for climate change protections, but the U.S. public is largely in favor of protecting their local environment. Finding common ground with a U.S. bipartisan agreement will be key to protecting the planet we leave to our children.

Where battery and hydrogen-powered trains are coming to US commuter rail (Utility Dive)  As U.S. transit agencies increasingly order buses powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, some of these same agencies are beginning to look at trains that use similar technologies. Stadler, an international train manufacturer, already has trains in testing and on order in two states, while other manufacturers of such trains operating in Canada and Europe are eyeing U.S. opportunities, too.

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