Stepchange News — 2026-07-03

1

Trump administration appoints John Rich as special envoy for American landowners — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

More: Heatmap News

2

Massachusetts Senate passes energy bill targeting $14 billion in resident savings — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

More: Canary Media, PV Tech

3

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector remains robust despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

More: Canary Media, CleanTechnica

4

Moment Energy opens second-life EV battery factory in six weeks — Moment Energy has officially opened what it says is the world’s largest second-life EV battery factory, bringing new battery energy storage…

More: Electrek

5

DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

More: Heatmap News, Utility Dive

6

Iberdrola begins construction on first US battery storage project — Spanish renewable energy and electricity giant Iberdrola is constructing its first battery energy storage project in the US as utilities…

More: Electrek

7

Federal wind and solar tax credits expire July 4 after nearly 50 years — Heatmap AM and Daily will be off tomorrow for the July 4 holiday, but we’ll see you back here on Monday.

More: Heatmap News, Heatmap News

8

World Bank backs $265M pumped hydro storage project in Morocco — Morocco’s state-owned utility ONEE has secured $265 million to build a 300 MW/1,500 MWh pumped hydro storage plant, which is expected to…

More: PV Magazine

9

Carbon Direct researcher finds transparency lacking in data center community disputes — This week’s conversation is with Grant Gutierrez, head of community impacts at carbon management company Carbon Direct.

More: Heatmap News

10

Sinopec says hydrogen trucks losing to electric vehicles as battery technology advances — Hydrogen heavy trucks are being displaced by electric ones, as advancements in batteries and charging infrastructure eat away at the…

More: Electrek

11

Polestar slashes EV prices by up to $25,000 after US sales ban — On the back of the Commerce Department’s incredibly stupid move to ban Polestar from selling EVs in the US, the Polestar 4 is now nearly…

More: Electrek

12

Solar plant uses shallow gabion foundations to minimize disturbance at archaeological site — Shallow gabion foundations enabled the installation of a solar plant on an archaeological site with minimal ground disturbance.

More: PV Magazine

13

Sunner launches predictive system to detect wind-induced solar tracker failures — Spanish control systems specialist Sunner has launched True Wind, a predictive monitoring system that detects wind-induced galloping in…

More: PV Magazine

14

Solar PV levelized cost of electricity rises to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA says — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

More: PV Tech

15

India's MNRE urges separate DSM rules for solar and wind projects to mitigate financial risks — India's MNRE has urged the power regulator to retain separate 'Deviation Settlement Mechanism' rules for solar and wind projects to protect…

More: PV Tech

16

PJM board advances data center backstop procurement plan, targets September auction — The PJM Interconnection’s board expects to file a proposal for meeting its near-term power supply needs with federal regulators this month,…

More: Utility Dive

17

Power purchase agreement prices expected to rise as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

More: Utility Dive

18

Kia discontinues Niro EV in US, plans EV3 as affordable replacement later this year — Kia is dropping the Niro EV from its 2027 US lineup and will only sell the hybrid version.

More: Electrek

19

Firmus secures 600MW energy supply deal linked to 1.2GW of renewables in South Australia — Firmus Technologies has signed a 12-year wholesale energy supply agreement with Gunvor Group, including 1.2GW of renewables by 2032.

More: PV Tech, CleanTechnica

20

Google and Amazon tout efficiency gains amid rising absolute emissions — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

More: Latitude Media

1

Trump Is Trying to Strangle Money-Saving Standards for Appliances — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

More: Heatmap News, Utility Dive

2

Trump's ‘big, beautiful’ law was supposed to kill clean energy. It didn't. — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

More: Canary Media, CleanTechnica

3

Trump Taps Nashville Legend to Fight Solar and Wind Farms — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

More: Heatmap News

4

The rise of hyperscaler efficiency-washing — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

More: Latitude Media

5

Data Centers Are the Election Year Villain — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

More: Heatmap News

6

Why Data Center NDAs Are a Big Mistake — This week’s conversation is with Grant Gutierrez, head of community impacts at carbon management company Carbon Direct.

More: Heatmap News

7

Heat Wave Politics: GOP Leaders Deride Calls to Conserve — Seeking to sow unity amid a pending heat crisis, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reaped a whirlwind of right-wing rage.

More: Inside Climate News

8

As seas rise, American history could be washed away — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

More: Guardian Environment

9

Major energy-affordability bill passes Massachusetts Senate — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

More: Canary Media, PV Tech

10

Extreme heat is everyone's problem — Football speaks up, Europe's worst heatwave on record, and call it what it is — climate change

More: Talking Climate, via Bluesky

11

A warning sign about AI’s real cost, courtesy of Google and Amazon — AI has made it a lot harder for tech companies like Amazon and Google to deliver on their net-zero pledges.

More: TechCrunch Climate

12

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

More: Utility Dive

13

Defra breached law when it let farmers use bee-killing pesticide, watchdog says — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

More: Guardian Environment

14

US solar rush intensifies as ‘safe harbour’ deadline triggers procurement shift — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

More: PV Tech

15

Donald Trump is the accidental hero of a real-life feelgood climate tale even as a creeping horror story plays alongside | Clear Air — Despite a deadly heatwave sweeping through Europe, the US president’s ineptness has created reason for optimism on the climate crisis

More: Guardian Environment

16

PJM anticipates new peak demand record as heat wave tests power grid — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

More: Utility Dive

17

Solar PV LCOE ticks marginally upwards in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh – IRENA — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

More: PV Tech

18

REC Solar rebrands to REC Power to reflect ‘broader’ remit — US IPP REC Solar has renamed to REC Power to reflect its broadening operations and portfolio.

More: PV Tech

19

Q&A: Where do the UN secretary general candidates stand on climate change? — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...

More: Carbon Brief

20

Smart Thermostats Will Soon Come to the Rescue During Heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or…

More: Inside Climate News

1

Trump DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

More: Heatmap News, Utility Dive

2

Google, Amazon tout efficiency gains while absolute emissions rise — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

More: Latitude Media

3

Massachusetts Senate passes $14 billion energy-affordability bill — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

More: Canary Media, PV Tech

4

Google, Amazon struggle to meet net-zero pledges amid AI energy demand — AI has made it a lot harder for tech companies like Amazon and Google to deliver on their net-zero pledges.

More: TechCrunch Climate

5

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

More: Utility Dive

6

PJM braces for peak demand record as heat wave tests grid operator — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

More: Utility Dive

7

Air Products cancels Darrow, Louisiana clean energy complex — The project in Darrow, Louisiana was first announced by Air Products in 2021, representing the company's largest U.S. investment.

More: via Bluesky

8

NRC proposes sweeping overhauls of nuclear power plant licensing rules —

More: Heatmap News

9

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector shows resilience despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

More: Canary Media, CleanTechnica

10

Trump Administration Names Country Music Star to Oppose Large Solar and Wind Projects — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

More: Heatmap News

11

Data centers become political target in 2024 election year messaging — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

More: Heatmap News

12

Rising seas threaten archaeological sites at Jamestown, Virginia — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

More: Guardian Environment

13

UK watchdog finds Defra breached environmental law authorizing banned pesticide — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

More: Guardian Environment

14

Solar industry accelerates procurement ahead of July 4 safe harbor deadline — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

More: PV Tech

15

Solar PV costs rise slightly to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA data shows — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

More: PV Tech

16

UN Secretary General Candidates Address Climate Positions Ahead of Selection — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...

More: Carbon Brief

17

Forecasters warn of record summer heat across US amid El Niño — More than 100 million people could be affected in week leading to 4 July, with increased risks of droughts and wildfires Meteorologists are…

More: Guardian Environment

18

Chicago utility plans demand-response program using smart thermostats during heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or…

More: Inside Climate News

19

World Bank finances 300 MW pumped hydro storage project in Morocco — Morocco’s state-owned utility ONEE has secured $265 million to build a 300 MW/1,500 MWh pumped hydro storage plant, which is expected to…

More: PV Magazine

20

Data center developers face community pushback and energy constraints on powered land — Two data center developers on powered land, community opposition, and finding energy.

More: Latitude Media

1

Trump DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

More: Heatmap News, Utility Dive

2

Google, Amazon tout efficiency gains while absolute emissions rise — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

More: Latitude Media

3

Massachusetts Senate passes $14 billion energy-affordability bill — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

More: Canary Media, PV Tech

4

Google, Amazon struggle to meet net-zero pledges amid AI energy demand — AI has made it a lot harder for tech companies like Amazon and Google to deliver on their net-zero pledges.

More: TechCrunch Climate

5

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

More: Utility Dive

6

PJM braces for peak demand record as heat wave tests grid operator — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

More: Utility Dive

7

Air Products cancels Darrow, Louisiana clean energy complex — The project in Darrow, Louisiana was first announced by Air Products in 2021, representing the company's largest U.S. investment.

More: via Bluesky

8

NRC proposes sweeping overhauls of nuclear power plant licensing rules —

More: Heatmap News

9

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector shows resilience despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

More: Canary Media, CleanTechnica

10

Trump Administration Names Country Music Star to Oppose Large Solar and Wind Projects — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

More: Heatmap News

11

Data centers become political target in 2024 election year messaging — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

More: Heatmap News

12

Rising seas threaten archaeological sites at Jamestown, Virginia — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

More: Guardian Environment

13

UK watchdog finds Defra breached environmental law authorizing banned pesticide — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

More: Guardian Environment

14

Solar industry accelerates procurement ahead of July 4 safe harbor deadline — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

More: PV Tech

15

Solar PV costs rise slightly to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA data shows — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

More: PV Tech

16

UN Secretary General Candidates Address Climate Positions Ahead of Selection — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...

More: Carbon Brief

17

Forecasters warn of record summer heat across US amid El Niño — More than 100 million people could be affected in week leading to 4 July, with increased risks of droughts and wildfires Meteorologists are…

More: Guardian Environment

18

Chicago utility plans demand-response program using smart thermostats during heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or…

More: Inside Climate News

19

World Bank finances 300 MW pumped hydro storage project in Morocco — Morocco’s state-owned utility ONEE has secured $265 million to build a 300 MW/1,500 MWh pumped hydro storage plant, which is expected to…

More: PV Magazine

20

Data center developers face community pushback and energy constraints on powered land — Two data center developers on powered land, community opposition, and finding energy.

More: Latitude Media

1

U.S. grid operators turn to virtual power plants amid data center demand surge — Grid operators across the United States face an unprecedented dual challenge of surging electricity demand from data centers and frequent…

More: PV Magazine

2

Google, Amazon tout efficiency gains despite rising absolute emissions — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

More: Latitude Media, TechCrunch Climate

3

Trump DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

More: Heatmap News, Utility Dive

4

Massachusetts Senate passes $14 billion energy-affordability bill — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

More: Canary Media, PV Tech

5

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

More: Utility Dive

6

Ninth Circuit upholds California's zero-emission standard for boilers and water heaters — San Francisco, CA — The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) zero-emission…

More: CleanTechnica

7

PJM braces for peak demand record as heat wave tests grid operator — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

More: Utility Dive

8

Air Products cancels Darrow, Louisiana clean energy complex — The project in Darrow, Louisiana was first announced by Air Products in 2021, representing the company's largest U.S. investment.

More: via Bluesky

9

NRC proposes sweeping overhauls of nuclear power plant licensing rules —

More: Heatmap News

10

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector shows resilience despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

More: Canary Media, CleanTechnica

11

Trump Administration Names Country Music Star to Oppose Large Solar and Wind Projects — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

More: Heatmap News

12

Data centers become political target in 2024 election year messaging — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

More: Heatmap News

13

Rising seas threaten archaeological sites at Jamestown, Virginia — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

More: Guardian Environment

14

UK watchdog finds Defra breached environmental law authorizing banned pesticide — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

More: Guardian Environment

15

Solar industry accelerates procurement ahead of July 4 safe harbor deadline — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

More: PV Tech

16

Wildfires force evacuations in southwestern France amid record heatwave — Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated in south-western France as the country swelters through a record-breaking heatwave.

More: Guardian Environment

17

Solar PV costs rise slightly to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA data shows — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

More: PV Tech

18

UN Secretary General Candidates Address Climate Positions Ahead of Selection — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...

More: Carbon Brief

19

Chicago utility plans demand-response program using smart thermostats during heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or…

More: Inside Climate News

20

World Bank backs 300 MW pumped hydropower storage plant in Morocco — Morocco’s state-owned utility ONEE has secured $265 million to build a 300 MW/1,500 MWh pumped hydro storage plant, which is expected to…

More: PV Magazine

1

U.S. grid operators turn to virtual power plants amid data center demand surge — Grid operators across the United States face an unprecedented dual challenge of surging electricity demand from data centers and frequent…

More: PV Magazine

2

Trump DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

More: Heatmap News, Utility Dive

3

Google, Amazon tout efficiency gains while absolute emissions rise — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

More: Latitude Media

4

Massachusetts Senate passes $14 billion energy-affordability bill — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

More: Canary Media, PV Tech

5

Google, Amazon struggle to meet net-zero pledges amid AI energy demand — AI has made it a lot harder for tech companies like Amazon and Google to deliver on their net-zero pledges.

More: TechCrunch Climate

6

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

More: Utility Dive

7

Ninth Circuit upholds California's zero-emission standard for boilers and water heaters — San Francisco, CA — The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) zero-emission…

More: CleanTechnica

8

PJM braces for peak demand record as heat wave tests grid operator — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

More: Utility Dive

9

Air Products cancels Darrow, Louisiana clean energy complex — The project in Darrow, Louisiana was first announced by Air Products in 2021, representing the company's largest U.S. investment.

More: via Bluesky

10

NRC proposes sweeping overhauls of nuclear power plant licensing rules —

More: Heatmap News

11

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector shows resilience despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

More: Canary Media, CleanTechnica

12

Trump Administration Names Country Music Star to Oppose Large Solar and Wind Projects — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

More: Heatmap News

13

Data centers become political target in 2024 election year messaging — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

More: Heatmap News

14

Rising seas threaten archaeological sites at Jamestown, Virginia — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

More: Guardian Environment

15

UK watchdog finds Defra breached environmental law authorizing banned pesticide — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

More: Guardian Environment

16

Solar industry accelerates procurement ahead of July 4 safe harbor deadline — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

More: PV Tech

17

Wildfires force evacuations in southwestern France amid record heatwave — Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated in south-western France as the country swelters through a record-breaking heatwave.

More: Guardian Environment

18

Solar PV costs rise slightly to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA data shows — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

More: PV Tech

19

UN Secretary General Candidates Address Climate Positions Ahead of Selection — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...

More: Carbon Brief

20

Chicago utility plans demand-response program using smart thermostats during heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or…

More: Inside Climate News

1

U.S. grid operators turn to virtual power plants amid data center demand surge — Grid operators across the United States face an unprecedented dual challenge of surging electricity demand from data centers and frequent…

More: PV Magazine

2

Google, Amazon tout efficiency gains despite rising absolute emissions — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

More: Latitude Media, TechCrunch Climate

3

Trump DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

More: Heatmap News, Utility Dive

4

Massachusetts Senate passes $14 billion energy-affordability bill — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

More: Canary Media, PV Tech

5

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

More: Utility Dive

6

Ninth Circuit upholds California's zero-emission standard for boilers and water heaters — San Francisco, CA — The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) zero-emission…

More: CleanTechnica

7

PJM braces for peak demand record as heat wave tests grid operator — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

More: Utility Dive

8

Air Products cancels Darrow, Louisiana clean energy complex — The project in Darrow, Louisiana was first announced by Air Products in 2021, representing the company's largest U.S. investment.

More: via Bluesky

9

NRC proposes sweeping overhauls of nuclear power plant licensing rules —

More: Heatmap News

10

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector shows resilience despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

More: Canary Media, CleanTechnica

11

Trump Administration Names Country Music Star to Oppose Large Solar and Wind Projects — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

More: Heatmap News

12

Data centers become political target in 2024 election year messaging — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

More: Heatmap News

13

Rising seas threaten archaeological sites at Jamestown, Virginia — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

More: Guardian Environment

14

UK watchdog finds Defra breached environmental law authorizing banned pesticide — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

More: Guardian Environment

15

Solar industry accelerates procurement ahead of July 4 safe harbor deadline — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

More: PV Tech

16

Wildfires force evacuations in southwestern France amid record heatwave — Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated in south-western France as the country swelters through a record-breaking heatwave.

More: Guardian Environment

17

Solar PV costs rise slightly to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA data shows — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

More: PV Tech

18

UN Secretary General Candidates Address Climate Positions Ahead of Selection — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...

More: Carbon Brief

19

Chicago utility plans demand-response program using smart thermostats during heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or…

More: Inside Climate News

20

World Bank backs 300 MW pumped hydropower storage plant in Morocco — Morocco’s state-owned utility ONEE has secured $265 million to build a 300 MW/1,500 MWh pumped hydro storage plant, which is expected to…

More: PV Magazine

Jul 2, 2026 · 5:01 PM PT edition · 20 stories

Trump administration appoints John Rich as special envoy for American landowners — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

Massachusetts Senate passes energy bill targeting $14 billion in resident savings — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector remains robust despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

Moment Energy opens second-life EV battery factory in six weeks — Moment Energy has officially opened what it says is the world’s largest second-life EV battery factory, bringing new battery energy storage…

DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

Iberdrola begins construction on first US battery storage project — Spanish renewable energy and electricity giant Iberdrola is constructing its first battery energy storage project in the US as utilities…

Federal wind and solar tax credits expire July 4 after nearly 50 years — Heatmap AM and Daily will be off tomorrow for the July 4 holiday, but we’ll see you back here on Monday.

World Bank backs $265M pumped hydro storage project in Morocco — Morocco’s state-owned utility ONEE has secured $265 million to build a 300 MW/1,500 MWh pumped hydro storage plant, which is expected to…

Carbon Direct researcher finds transparency lacking in data center community disputes — This week’s conversation is with Grant Gutierrez, head of community impacts at carbon management company Carbon Direct.

Sinopec says hydrogen trucks losing to electric vehicles as battery technology advances — Hydrogen heavy trucks are being displaced by electric ones, as advancements in batteries and charging infrastructure eat away at the…

Polestar slashes EV prices by up to $25,000 after US sales ban — On the back of the Commerce Department’s incredibly stupid move to ban Polestar from selling EVs in the US, the Polestar 4 is now nearly…

Solar plant uses shallow gabion foundations to minimize disturbance at archaeological site — Shallow gabion foundations enabled the installation of a solar plant on an archaeological site with minimal ground disturbance.

Sunner launches predictive system to detect wind-induced solar tracker failures — Spanish control systems specialist Sunner has launched True Wind, a predictive monitoring system that detects wind-induced galloping in…

Solar PV levelized cost of electricity rises to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA says — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

India's MNRE urges separate DSM rules for solar and wind projects to mitigate financial risks — India's MNRE has urged the power regulator to retain separate 'Deviation Settlement Mechanism' rules for solar and wind projects to protect…

PJM board advances data center backstop procurement plan, targets September auction — The PJM Interconnection’s board expects to file a proposal for meeting its near-term power supply needs with federal regulators this month,…

Power purchase agreement prices expected to rise as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

Kia discontinues Niro EV in US, plans EV3 as affordable replacement later this year — Kia is dropping the Niro EV from its 2027 US lineup and will only sell the hybrid version.

Firmus secures 600MW energy supply deal linked to 1.2GW of renewables in South Australia — Firmus Technologies has signed a 12-year wholesale energy supply agreement with Gunvor Group, including 1.2GW of renewables by 2032.

Google and Amazon tout efficiency gains amid rising absolute emissions — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

Jul 2, 2026 · 5:30 PM PT edition · 20 stories

Trump Is Trying to Strangle Money-Saving Standards for Appliances — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

Trump's ‘big, beautiful’ law was supposed to kill clean energy. It didn't. — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

Trump Taps Nashville Legend to Fight Solar and Wind Farms — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

The rise of hyperscaler efficiency-washing — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

Data Centers Are the Election Year Villain — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

Why Data Center NDAs Are a Big Mistake — This week’s conversation is with Grant Gutierrez, head of community impacts at carbon management company Carbon Direct.

Heat Wave Politics: GOP Leaders Deride Calls to Conserve — Seeking to sow unity amid a pending heat crisis, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reaped a whirlwind of right-wing rage.

As seas rise, American history could be washed away — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

Major energy-affordability bill passes Massachusetts Senate — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

Extreme heat is everyone's problem — Football speaks up, Europe's worst heatwave on record, and call it what it is — climate change

A warning sign about AI’s real cost, courtesy of Google and Amazon — AI has made it a lot harder for tech companies like Amazon and Google to deliver on their net-zero pledges.

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

Defra breached law when it let farmers use bee-killing pesticide, watchdog says — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

US solar rush intensifies as ‘safe harbour’ deadline triggers procurement shift — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

Donald Trump is the accidental hero of a real-life feelgood climate tale even as a creeping horror story plays alongside | Clear Air — Despite a deadly heatwave sweeping through Europe, the US president’s ineptness has created reason for optimism on the climate crisis

PJM anticipates new peak demand record as heat wave tests power grid — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

Solar PV LCOE ticks marginally upwards in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh – IRENA — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

REC Solar rebrands to REC Power to reflect ‘broader’ remit — US IPP REC Solar has renamed to REC Power to reflect its broadening operations and portfolio.

Q&A: Where do the UN secretary general candidates stand on climate change? — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...

Smart Thermostats Will Soon Come to the Rescue During Heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or…

Jul 2, 2026 · 5:32 PM PT edition · 20 stories

Trump DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

Google, Amazon tout efficiency gains while absolute emissions rise — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

Massachusetts Senate passes $14 billion energy-affordability bill — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

Google, Amazon struggle to meet net-zero pledges amid AI energy demand — AI has made it a lot harder for tech companies like Amazon and Google to deliver on their net-zero pledges.

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

PJM braces for peak demand record as heat wave tests grid operator — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

Air Products cancels Darrow, Louisiana clean energy complex — The project in Darrow, Louisiana was first announced by Air Products in 2021, representing the company's largest U.S. investment.

NRC proposes sweeping overhauls of nuclear power plant licensing rules —

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector shows resilience despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

Trump Administration Names Country Music Star to Oppose Large Solar and Wind Projects — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

Data centers become political target in 2024 election year messaging — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

Rising seas threaten archaeological sites at Jamestown, Virginia — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

UK watchdog finds Defra breached environmental law authorizing banned pesticide — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

Solar industry accelerates procurement ahead of July 4 safe harbor deadline — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

Solar PV costs rise slightly to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA data shows — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

UN Secretary General Candidates Address Climate Positions Ahead of Selection — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...

Forecasters warn of record summer heat across US amid El Niño — More than 100 million people could be affected in week leading to 4 July, with increased risks of droughts and wildfires Meteorologists are…

Chicago utility plans demand-response program using smart thermostats during heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or…

World Bank finances 300 MW pumped hydro storage project in Morocco — Morocco’s state-owned utility ONEE has secured $265 million to build a 300 MW/1,500 MWh pumped hydro storage plant, which is expected to…

Data center developers face community pushback and energy constraints on powered land — Two data center developers on powered land, community opposition, and finding energy.

Jul 2, 2026 · 5:33 PM PT edition · 20 stories

Trump DOE proposes sweeping changes to appliance efficiency standards process — The Department of Energy proposed sweeping changes to its rules for updating efficiency standards for household appliances on Thursday.

Google, Amazon tout efficiency gains while absolute emissions rise — Google and Amazon are both emitting more than ever, but emphasizing their improving efficiency even as energy use booms.

Massachusetts Senate passes $14 billion energy-affordability bill — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday passed a sweeping energy-affordability bill that aims to save residents $14 billion over 10 years in a…

Google, Amazon struggle to meet net-zero pledges amid AI energy demand — AI has made it a lot harder for tech companies like Amazon and Google to deliver on their net-zero pledges.

Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out — “That missing money has to come from somewhere to make the project pencil, and that will likely be through PPA prices,” said Josh Price,…

PJM braces for peak demand record as heat wave tests grid operator — PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW.

Air Products cancels Darrow, Louisiana clean energy complex — The project in Darrow, Louisiana was first announced by Air Products in 2021, representing the company's largest U.S. investment.

NRC proposes sweeping overhauls of nuclear power plant licensing rules —

One year after Trump tax bill, clean energy sector shows resilience despite funding cuts — This analysis and news roundup come from the Canary Media Weekly newsletter. Sign up to get it every Friday.

Trump Administration Names Country Music Star to Oppose Large Solar and Wind Projects — After derailing gigawatts of renewable power with a permitting freeze, the Trump administration is expanding its war on renewable energy,…

Data centers become political target in 2024 election year messaging — 1. Kansas City, Missouri – Data centers are so toxic that politicians are using them as boogeymen in totally unrelated policy discussions.

Rising seas threaten archaeological sites at Jamestown, Virginia — In Jamestown, Virginia, one of the most important places in American history is in a race against time from rising waters Sean Romo stops…

UK watchdog finds Defra breached environmental law authorizing banned pesticide — Office for Environmental Protection finds failures by department when it granted emergency authorisation in 2023 and 2024 The UK government…

Solar industry accelerates procurement ahead of July 4 safe harbor deadline — As the 4 July safe harbour deadline nears, VDE Americas’ Lisa Casey says US solar is at a decisive but nuanced turning point.

Solar PV costs rise slightly to $44/MWh in 2025, IRENA data shows — The LCOE for solar PV increased marginally in 2025, reaching US$44/MWh, up from US$43/MWh in the previous year.

UN Secretary General Candidates Address Climate Positions Ahead of Selection — Candidates are being nominated to take over as the UN secretary general, when António Guterres...