AI’s Gas Impact, Global Solar Hits 10% & Next-Gen Energy Storage
From AI’s growing demand for gas to major clean energy gains in solar, storage, and offshore wind, the global energy landscape continues to evolve quickly. This week’s stories explore the implications of new power plant trends, a fresh solar generation record, a smarter approach to EV charging, Poland’s big wind move, and Duke Energy’s test of next-gen battery tech.
🌐 AI Demand Could Lock In Natural Gas for Decades
AI data centers are driving a surge in new natural-gas power plants across the country — raising questions about the long-term impact on clean-energy goals. As highlighted in MIT Technology Review’s AI and energy series, experts warn this growing reliance on gas infrastructure could lock in fossil fuel use for decades.
☀️ Solar Hits 10% of Global Electricity for First Time
Global solar power generation reached a major milestone in April 2025—accounting for 10% of total electricity, doubling its 2022 share. The data highlights rapid progress, driven by falling costs and strong policy support, but also signals growing urgency to scale storage and grids to match solar’s rise.
⚡ Public EV Charging: Smart Pricing, Smarter Timing
New research confirms that dynamic pricing at public chargers helps shift EV charging to off-peak hours.
Backed by data from Centre for Net Zero and Octopus Energy, the findings support long-held calls from advocates like the Regulatory Assistance Project for smarter tariffs to ease grid stress and cut costs for drivers.
🌊 Equinor & Polenergia Greenlight Baltic Sea Wind
Two major offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea have received final investment decisions from Norway’s Equinor and Poland’s Polenergia. Together, the projects are expected to generate enough clean electricity for 2 million households, marking a major step in Poland’s energy transition.
🔋 Duke Energy Tests Next-Gen Sodium-Sulfur Batteries
Duke Energy is piloting a new sodium-sulfur battery system at its Suwannee River site in Florida. The 5 MW system can store energy for up to eight hours—double the duration of most lithium-ion systems. This marks the first U.S. utility test of the newer sodium-sulfur tech, which may offer a scalable alternative for long-duration storage as renewables grow.