Companies like BP are rethinking their renewable commitments, while startups like Proxima Fusion are pushing the boundaries of nuclear fusion. Meanwhile, innovative projects—such as using sugarcane waste for sustainable aviation fuel and repurposing data center heat to provide free hot water—are redefining the future of clean energy. Here’s a look at the top ten energy technology stories shaping the industry this month.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered an unprecedented rise in electricity demand, forcing energy policymakers to reconsider nuclear power as a stable and scalable solution. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has emphasized nuclear energy’s potential to support the tech sector, comparing the AI revolution to a modern-day Manhattan Project. With states like Arizona, California, and Wyoming exploring nuclear options, federal and state governments are working on solutions for nuclear waste storage and uranium mining concerns.
To keep pace with the surging energy needs of AI-driven data centers, NRG Energy, GE Vernova, and Kiewit Corp. are teaming up to construct four natural gas-fired power plants. The facilities, expected to supply around 5 gigawatts of electricity across ERCOT and PJM markets, are scheduled to begin operations between 2029 and 2032. While proponents argue that natural gas remains a necessary bridge fuel for grid stability, critics fear it could slow the transition to renewable energy.
Germany-based Proxima Fusion, a spinout from the Max Planck Institute, has released open-source plans for a commercial nuclear fusion reactor—an approach that could speed up industry-wide innovation. Unlike traditional tokamak designs, the company is developing a Stellarator, which theoretically offers a more stable plasma containment system. With backing from private investors and a goal of operating a functional pilot plant by 2031, could this open-source strategy fast-track fusion energy’s long-awaited commercialization?
BP has announced a significant strategic shift, increasing its oil and gas production target to 2.4 million barrels per day by 2030 while scaling back investments in low-carbon energy. The company cites slower-than-expected global adoption of renewables and the need for financial sustainability. While BP insists it remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, critics argue this pivot could undermine the company’s leadership in the energy transition.
Green hydrogen is often hailed as the future of clean energy, but efficiency challenges have slowed its widespread adoption. A research team at the University of Wollongong has developed a breakthrough electrolyser that achieves 95% efficiency—far exceeding current models, which typically waste around 25% of input energy. The team’s startup, Hystata, is already attracting global interest, with potential to revolutionize hydrogen production and position Australia as a leader in the hydrogen economy.
British Gas is piloting an innovative program that captures excess heat from data centers to provide free hot water to households. Partnering with cloud computing provider Heata, the initiative involves installing small data processing units on home water heaters, allowing computing workloads to double as a heating source. Early estimates suggest this could save homes up to £350 per year on energy costs. If successful, the initiative could set a new standard for repurposing waste heat from energy-intensive industries.
SolarBank and Viridi are repurposing a closed landfill in Buffalo, NY, into a solar energy hub equipped with advanced battery storage. The initiative seeks to generate clean energy while giving new life to otherwise unusable land. With landfill solar projects gaining traction as a viable renewable energy solution, this development highlights a growing trend of turning former waste sites into energy assets.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is funding an $8 million study to explore producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from sugarcane waste. Led by technology firm Licella, the study will determine whether the Isis Central Sugar Mill in Queensland can provide SAF to Brisbane Airport. With aviation accounting for a significant share of carbon emissions, this project could be a game-changer for the airline industry’s sustainability goals.
The European Commission’s 2025 report on clean energy technology competitiveness reveals a concerning trend: while the EU remains a global leader in net-zero innovation, its industry is struggling with high energy prices, supply chain bottlenecks, and skilled labor shortages. Policymakers are now under pressure to introduce targeted incentives that will maintain the EU’s position in clean energy manufacturing and deployment.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects a record-breaking expansion of battery storage capacity in 2025, with 18.2 gigawatts set to be added to the grid. The growth is being driven by increased renewable energy deployment, regulatory incentives, and advancements in lithium-ion and alternative battery technologies. As energy storage becomes a crucial component in balancing the grid and supporting renewable power, will this expansion be enough to stabilize the evolving energy landscape?
