Articles tagged with "energy-technology"
Europe’s first full design of commercial fusion power plant unveiled
Gauss Fusion, a Berlin-based company, has unveiled Europe’s first full conceptual design for a commercial fusion power plant, named GIGA. The Conceptual Design Report (CDR), spanning over a thousand pages, addresses all critical systems and industrial challenges necessary to transition fusion from scientific research to practical energy production. It covers the plant’s architecture, safety, system engineering, lifecycle operations, and radioactive waste management. The report represents three years of collaborative work by hundreds of European specialists, demonstrating that the technologies, materials, and supply chains required for fusion power are within reach. The CDR also establishes a cost and schedule framework for building the first commercial fusion reactor, estimating an investment of €15-18 billion to achieve operational status by the mid-2040s. Gauss Fusion emphasizes a rigorous project management approach, including risk management and performance metrics, to improve outcomes. Key industrial challenges addressed include developing a closed tritium fuel cycle and mastering advanced superconducting magnets and materials capable of withstanding extreme
energyfusion-powercommercial-fusion-plantsuperconducting-magnetsadvanced-materialsenergy-technologyindustrial-challengesTDK Ventures Invests In Rodatherm Energy, A Geothermal Company - CleanTechnica
TDK Ventures, Inc. has invested $38 million in Rodatherm Energy Corporation, a geothermal power-generation company focused on the Great Basin region in the Western U.S. Rodatherm is developing a novel advanced geothermal system (AGS) that differs from existing technologies by using a fully cased and pressurized design, a unique working fluid, modular wells, and a direct-drive turbine. This system aims to overcome the thermodynamic and economic limitations of current AGS approaches. The investment will support Rodatherm’s efforts to build its first commercial-scale geothermal power plant, targeted to produce 100 MW of electricity, with a pilot project expected by the end of 2026—an ambitious timeline for the geothermal sector. Geothermal energy, while less visible than solar or wind, holds significant potential to provide reliable, firm power that can complement intermittent renewables. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that advanced geothermal technology could generate up to 520,000 MWe, enough to power every U.S
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energyclean-energyenergy-investmentenergy-technologypower-generationMIT filter resists 1,000 Kelvin heat to cut hydrogen production cost
MIT engineers have developed a novel palladium-based membrane filter that can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 kelvins, significantly surpassing the 800-kelvin limit of conventional palladium membranes used in hydrogen production. Palladium is prized for its ability to selectively allow hydrogen molecules to pass while blocking other gases, a critical function in hydrogen fuel generation. The breakthrough comes from redesigning the membrane’s structure: instead of a continuous palladium film that degrades at high heat, the new membrane features palladium deposited as “plugs” within the pores of a silica support. This plug design prevents the metal from shrinking or clumping under extreme temperatures, maintaining stability and hydrogen separation efficiency even after 100 hours of testing at 1,000 kelvins. This enhanced thermal resilience—an improvement of about 200 kelvins—makes the membrane particularly suitable for high-temperature hydrogen-generating processes like steam methane reforming and ammonia cracking, which are essential for producing zero-carbon fuel and electricity
energyhydrogen-productionpalladium-membranehigh-temperature-materialshydrogen-fuelenergy-technologymaterial-scienceARKA Energy's Solar Awning Makes It Easy To Add Standalone Solar Anywhere - CleanTechnica
Arka Energy has developed innovative standalone solar solutions designed to expand solar adoption in settings where traditional rooftop installations are restricted, such as in neighborhoods governed by homeowner associations (HOAs). Their flagship product, the Power Gazebo, is a fully detached gazebo topped with solar panels that simultaneously provides shaded outdoor space and generates clean solar power. This design offers a waterproof roof structure that protects users from the elements while producing renewable energy, making it an attractive option for homeowners unable to modify their roofs. In addition to hardware, Arka Energy has created a comprehensive software suite to support both customers and installers. Key features include a quoting tool for installers to efficiently generate customized proposals and an augmented reality app that allows customers to visualize and customize solar shade structures in their own yards using a smartphone. The company is also developing advanced AI-driven design software for their upcoming solar roof tile product, which uses satellite imagery to model roof layouts and optimize tile placement before onsite surveys. With a global network of 1,500 installers and growing,
energysolar-energyrenewable-energysolar-panelssolar-awningclean-energyenergy-technologyFrom Robinhood to Aetherflux: Baiju Bhatt’s next frontier at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27–29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, will feature a notable fireside chat with Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and current founder and CEO of Aetherflux, a U.S. aerospace company focused on delivering energy to Earth via space-based solar power. Bhatt will share insights from his journey transforming the fintech industry with Robinhood—where he helped democratize investing for over 20 million users—and discuss his transition into the challenging deep tech and aerospace sector with Aetherflux. The session will explore the complexities of scaling businesses in regulated and frontier markets, as well as the intersection of innovation, engineering, and entrepreneurship across vastly different industries. Attendees will gain valuable lessons on navigating regulatory hurdles, driving innovation under pressure, and applying founder experience from fintech to aerospace ventures. Bhatt’s perspective highlights how deep tech companies like Aetherflux can reshape entire industries and generate global impact. TechCrunch Disrupt 202
energyspace-solar-powerclean-energyaerospacedeep-techstartup-innovationenergy-technologyBeyond the Hype: A Clear-Eyed Look at Geothermal’s Role in the Energy Transition - CleanTechnica
The article "Beyond the Hype: A Clear-Eyed Look at Geothermal’s Role in the Energy Transition" from CleanTechnica presents a comprehensive and nuanced examination of geothermal energy’s potential and challenges within the global energy transition. The author’s investigation evolved from initial curiosity into an extensive research project, culminating in a detailed report published by TFIE Strategy in September 2025. The report critically assesses geothermal technologies, balancing enthusiasm with realism by applying Bent Flyvbjerg’s framework on megaproject risks, which highlights the frequent cost overruns and delays in large-scale, first-of-a-kind projects. This approach helps differentiate between geothermal methods with scalable, modular potential—such as district heating and industrial heat pumps—and riskier, ambitious ventures like enhanced geothermal systems and ultra-deep drilling. The article underscores that while conventional geothermal power offers excellent low-carbon energy in select geographies, its global impact remains limited. Enhanced geothermal, often touted as imminent, faces historical setbacks including seismic risks and financial uncertainties,
energygeothermal-energyclean-energyenergy-transitionrenewable-energysustainable-energyenergy-technologySpotlight On Energy Storage For New York Climate Week
The article highlights recent advancements and strategic developments in energy storage technologies showcased during New York City Climate Week 2025. A key focus is on 24M Technologies, a Massachusetts startup that introduced its innovative ETOP™ (Electrode-to-Pack) battery system, which can increase electric vehicle (EV) driving range by up to 50%. This technology streamlines battery pack design by sealing electrodes in thin polymer films, allowing electrodes to occupy 80% of the pack volume compared to 30-60% in traditional packs. The system supports multiple battery chemistries, offering automakers cost-effective options without sacrificing range. 24M recently secured $87 million in Series H funding, bringing its total investment to over $500 million from strategic global investors. The article also covers the Global Solar Council’s (GSC) expanded mission to include energy storage, positioning itself as the first global voice for this rapidly growing sector. GSC emphasizes the integration of solar and storage technologies as a transformative solution for reliable
energy-storageEV-batteries24M-Technologiesrenewable-energybattery-innovationsolar-powerenergy-technologyChina tests world-class robot arms for ‘artificial sun’ project
China has successfully tested a state-of-the-art robotic arm system designed for maintaining future fusion reactors, advancing its ambitious “artificial sun” project. The system, developed for the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, features three robotic arms, including a massive manipulator capable of lifting 60 tons—equivalent to the weight of 10 African elephants—with millimeter-level precision. This remote-handling platform is engineered to operate in the extreme conditions inside fusion reactors, such as high heat, intense radiation, and strong magnetic fields, where human intervention is impossible. During testing, the main arm achieved vertical lifting accuracy of 3 to 4 millimeters, while the smaller arms demonstrated positional accuracy within ±0.01 millimeters, making it the most advanced system of its kind in the fusion field. The robotic system addresses critical maintenance challenges posed by the harsh environment inside fusion reactors, where components like cladding and divertors endure constant stress from plasma and radiation
robotfusion-energyrobotic-armsnuclear-fusionprecision-roboticsremote-handlingenergy-technologyTesla revamps the Megapack in attempt to reverse its declining storage business
Tesla has unveiled an updated version of its utility-scale battery system, the Megapack 3, aiming to revitalize its energy storage business amid recent declines. The Megapack 3 offers approximately 1 megawatt-hour more storage capacity than Tesla’s previous largest model and features an improved thermal management system that enables operation in extreme temperatures ranging from –40˚F to 140˚F. Additionally, Tesla introduced the Megablock, a configuration of four Megapack 3 units that can store 20 megawatt-hours, designed to reduce installation and construction times by 23% and up to 40%, respectively. Production of these new products will begin in the latter half of 2026 at Tesla’s Megafactory near Houston, which will have an annual capacity of up to 50 gigawatt-hours. Tesla’s energy storage segment, once the industry leader in 2024, has experienced a slowdown as competitors rapidly expand their market share. The company installed 9
energybattery-storageTesla-Megapackenergy-storage-systemsrenewable-energyutility-scale-batteriesenergy-technologyNuclearn gets $10.5M to help the nuclear industry embrace AI
Nuclearn, a startup founded by Bradley Fox and Jerrold Vincent, has raised $10.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Blue Bear Capital to advance AI applications in the nuclear power industry. The company focuses on using AI to improve operational efficiency and business processes in nuclear reactors, rather than automating reactor control. Its AI tools are already deployed in over 65 reactors worldwide, helping generate routine documentation and streamline repetitive tasks while ensuring human oversight remains central to liability and safety. Originating from experiments at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Nuclearn’s technology incorporates nuclear industry-specific terminology and offers customizable AI models for utilities. The software can operate in the cloud or on-site to comply with strict security protocols. Reactor operators can adjust automation levels based on their confidence in the AI’s performance, with uncertain cases flagged for human review. Fox likens the AI to a “junior employee,” emphasizing that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission views AI as a supportive tool rather than an autonomous
energynuclear-powerartificial-intelligenceAI-in-energypower-industryenergy-technologynuclear-reactorsNew AI method accelerates plasma heat defense in reactors
Researchers from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, the DOE’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new AI method called HEAT-ML to accelerate the protection of fusion reactors from extreme plasma heat. HEAT-ML enhances the existing Heat flux Engineering Analysis Toolkit (HEAT) by using a deep neural network trained on about 1,000 SPARC tokamak simulations to rapidly generate 3D “shadow masks.” These masks identify regions of the reactor’s inner walls shielded from direct plasma contact, which is critical to preventing damage from plasma temperatures exceeding those at the Sun’s core. Traditional HEAT simulations can take up to 30 minutes per run, whereas HEAT-ML produces results in milliseconds, dramatically speeding up the design and operational decision-making processes for fusion systems. The AI was initially tested on 15 tiles near the bottom of SPARC’s exhaust system, the area expected to experience the highest heat loads. By quickly and accurately locating magnetic shadows, HEAT-ML supports
energyfusion-energyAI-in-energyplasma-heat-managementfusion-reactorstokamakenergy-technologyNew quantum phonon interference sets stage for next-gen sensors
Researchers at Rice University have demonstrated a groundbreaking advancement in phonon interference, achieving interference effects two orders of magnitude stronger than previously observed. By intercalating a few layers of silver atoms between graphene and a silicon carbide substrate—a process called confinement heteroepitaxy—they created a unique two-dimensional metal interface that enhances vibrational mode interactions in silicon carbide. This strong phonon interference, characterized by Fano resonance patterns detected via Raman spectroscopy, reveals highly sensitive vibrational signals that can distinguish even single dye molecules on the surface, enabling label-free single-molecule detection with a simple, scalable setup. This discovery marks a significant step in harnessing phonons—quantum units of vibration that carry heat and sound—as effective carriers of quantum information, comparable to electrons and photons. Unlike bulk metals, the atomically thin 2D metal layer produces unique quantum interference pathways purely from phonon interactions, without electronic contributions. The findings open new avenues for phonon-based quantum sensing, molecular detection, energy harvesting, and
quantum-sensingphonon-interference2D-materialsgraphenesilicon-carbidemolecular-detectionenergy-technologyNextracker invests in field robotics and AI for solar power plants - The Robot Report
Nextracker is significantly advancing its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to enhance solar power plant operations. Over the past year, the company has invested more than $40 million to acquire three key technologies and appointed Dr. Francesco Borrelli as its first chief AI and robotics officer. Dr. Borrelli, an expert in predictive control systems, will lead the integration of AI, machine learning, and robotics into Nextracker’s products to improve scalability, operational efficiency, and long-term return on investment (ROI) for solar asset owners. With a global footprint of approximately 100 GW of operating solar systems equipped with millions of sensors, Nextracker aims to leverage AI-driven autonomy to optimize plant performance and accelerate deployment. A major component of this initiative is the acquisition of OnSight Technology, which specializes in autonomous inspection and fire detection systems for solar farms. OnSight’s AI-powered tools enable predictive maintenance by identifying potential mechanical and electrical failures, thereby reducing operational risks and improving uptime. Additionally
roboticsartificial-intelligencesolar-energypredictive-maintenanceautonomous-inspectionenergy-technologyIoT-sensorsUS supercomputer trains AI to for faster nuclear plant licensing
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), under the U.S. Department of Energy, has partnered with AI company Atomic Canyon to accelerate the nuclear power plant licensing process using artificial intelligence. This collaboration, formalized at the Nuclear Opportunities Workshop, aims to leverage ORNL’s Frontier supercomputer—the world’s fastest—to train AI models that can efficiently review and analyze the extensive technical documentation required for nuclear licensing. By utilizing high-performance computing and AI-driven simulations, the partnership seeks to both ensure the safety of nuclear plant designs and significantly reduce the traditionally lengthy licensing timelines overseen by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Atomic Canyon developed specialized AI models called FERMI, trained on 53 million pages of nuclear documents from the NRC’s ADAMS database, enabling intelligent search and rapid retrieval of relevant information. This approach is intended to streamline regulatory compliance and reporting, helping meet ambitious government deadlines for new nuclear plant approvals. The initiative reflects a broader resurgence in nuclear energy as a reliable, clean power source,
energynuclear-energyartificial-intelligencesupercomputernuclear-licensinghigh-performance-computingenergy-technologyRussia sets nuclear enrichment record with next-gen centrifuge
Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, through its fuel division TVEL, has developed a new tenth-generation gas centrifuge, the HZ-10, which sets a record in uranium enrichment efficiency and productivity. This advanced centrifuge surpasses all previous generations used at Rosatom’s facilities and is entering a pilot industrial testing phase before full-scale production. The HZ-10 is expected to significantly enhance the performance of Russia’s uranium enrichment plants, which currently hold over one-third of the global market share. While detailed technical specifications remain undisclosed, the development continues Rosatom’s long-term modernization program aimed at replacing older centrifuge models with more efficient machines like the GC-9+ and now the GC-10. Gas centrifuge technology enriches uranium by spinning uranium hexafluoride gas at high speeds to separate the lighter uranium-235 isotope from the heavier uranium-238. This process increases the uranium-235 concentration from its natural level of 0.7% to the 3.5
energynuclear-energyuranium-enrichmentgas-centrifugeRosatomnuclear-fuel-cycleenergy-technologyTesla Diner opens in LA with robots serving Cyberburgers, popcorn
Tesla has opened its first-ever retro-futuristic Diner and Drive-In in Los Angeles at 7001 West Santa Monica Boulevard, transforming a historic Route 66 site into a 9,300-square-foot stainless steel hub that combines 1950s diner nostalgia with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. The two-story, flying saucer-shaped building features neon-lit décor, roller-skating carhop servers, a rooftop bar with views of Hollywood, and two large LED movie screens that create a modern drive-in experience by syncing audio to Tesla car stereos. The diner operates 24/7, catering to both late-night visitors and early commuters. A key highlight of the location is its 75 V4 Supercharger stalls, among the largest Tesla charging hubs, supporting fast charging speeds up to 250 kW for most Tesla models and up to 325 kW for the Cybertruck. While all EVs can charge here, Tesla owners enjoy perks like ordering food through their car’s
robotsTeslaelectric-vehiclessuperchargersautomationIoTenergy-technologyGM teams up with Redwood Materials to power data centers with EV batteries
General Motors (GM) has partnered with Redwood Materials to repurpose both new and used electric vehicle (EV) batteries for stationary energy storage applications. Redwood Materials processes these batteries by retaining many packs intact—rather than fully recycling them—because testing shows many cells still have significant usable life. These second-life batteries have been integrated into a 12-megawatt microgrid at Redwood’s headquarters in Sparks, Nevada, which supplies electricity to a nearby 2,000 GPU data center operated by Crusoe. The microgrid is powered by solar panels, enabling the storage of excess renewable energy for later use, and is part of Redwood’s broader initiative launched publicly in June to repurpose EV batteries for grid-scale energy storage. Redwood Materials currently recovers about 70% of used or discarded batteries in the U.S. and aims to deploy 20 gigawatt-hours of energy storage capacity by 2028. The company’s ability to integrate various battery packs from different manufacturers and chemistries may
energy-storageelectric-vehiclesbattery-recyclingrenewable-energymicrogridsolar-powerenergy-technologySam Altman’s next-gen nuclear plant picks builder, eyes 2027 debut
Oklo, a nuclear energy company backed by Sam Altman, has selected Kiewit Nuclear Solutions as the lead constructor for its first commercial Aurora nuclear power plant at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The 75-megawatt advanced microreactor project, named Aurora-INL, aims to begin pre-construction in 2025 with commercial operations targeted for late 2027 to early 2028. Oklo secured access to its preferred site at Idaho Falls earlier in 2025 and has completed key site characterization work, including borehole drilling and preparations for a potential commercial radioisotope production facility at INL. Kiewit was chosen through a competitive process for its technical capabilities and experience in large-scale industrial construction, which complements the largely non-nuclear components of the Aurora plant. Oklo’s CEO Jacob DeWitte emphasized that Kiewit’s expertise is critical for efficient project delivery, cost reduction, and maintaining safety and quality standards. The Aurora reactor features a modular design,
energynuclear-poweradvanced-reactorsclean-energymicroreactorenergy-infrastructureenergy-technologyUS lab plans dual-material 3D printing to boost aircraft, energy tech
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), in partnership with JuggerBot 3D, is developing a novel dual-material 3D printing system capable of processing both thermoplastic and thermoset polymers in a single manufacturing process. This hybrid approach aims to combine the flexibility and ease of thermoplastics with the superior thermal and chemical resistance of thermosets, enabling the production of complex parts with varied material properties. The project builds on prior work that improved large-format thermoplastic printing by refining ORNL’s open-source slicing software and integrating a laser-based real-time calibration system, which enhanced print consistency and reduced the need for post-processing. A significant advancement from the initial collaboration was the automation of material setup through a “Material Card” database, which stores process parameters for different materials. This innovation, paired with ORNL’s Slicer 2 software and calibration technology, streamlines operations by eliminating the need for repeated calibration when switching materials, saving considerable time. The current focus is on adapting this framework to
3D-printingadditive-manufacturingdual-material-printingthermoplasticsthermosetsenergy-technologyOak-Ridge-National-LaboratoryFrench water pendulum tech makes ocean waves a reliable power source
French startup Seaturns has secured $2.9 million in funding to advance and industrialize its innovative wave energy technology, aimed at converting ocean wave motion into reliable electricity. The Bordeaux-based company plans to deploy a full-scale demonstrator at the SEM-REV offshore test site in summer 2025, initiate industrial-scale production, and expand its commercialization globally. The funding round, led by the climate tech platform Keenest and supported by over 1,500 individual investors and institutional backers, will accelerate Seaturns’ efforts to bring its patented, cost-efficient wave energy converter (WEC) to market. Seaturns’ technology features a cylindrical WEC that harnesses the horizontal surge motion of ocean swells, converting it into a pitching motion via a patented anchoring system. Inside the converter, a water pendulum and two air chambers generate airflow that drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. The device is designed for simplified offshore installation, low maintenance, and reduced environmental impact
energywave-energyrenewable-energyocean-powerclean-energyenergy-technologysustainable-powerNavigating Utility-Scale Energy Procurement Just Got Easier - CleanTechnica
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a new web-based tool called the Procurement Analysis Tool (PAT) to simplify large-scale electricity procurement for commercial, industrial, academic, and public-sector organizations. PAT offers a user-friendly, guided interface that enables energy buyers—regardless of expertise—to explore and compare off-site utility-scale energy options across the United States. Key features include scenario planning for multiple sites, exploration of procurement options based on preferred load-serving entities, access to data on renewable energy technologies and resource regions, and personalized recommendations tailored to users’ operational needs and priorities. The tool also allows users to export detailed resources to support their procurement decisions. PAT addresses a significant gap in the market by focusing on off-site energy procurement, an area with few mature analytical tools, especially for organizations lacking in-house technical expertise. Since its beta release in 2022, PAT has been refined through stakeholder feedback and is now used by over 180 early adopters, including local governments, corporations, educational
energyrenewable-energyenergy-procurementutility-scale-energyNational-Renewable-Energy-Laboratoryenergy-planningenergy-technologyUK logs record $3.4B for world's first prototype nuclear fusion plant
The UK government has committed a record £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) to develop the world’s first prototype nuclear fusion power plant, known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production). This ambitious project will be constructed on the site of the former West Burton A coal power station in Nottinghamshire, marking a significant transition from fossil fuels to clean, futuristic energy technology. STEP aims to replicate the sun’s fusion process by heating hydrogen isotopes to 150 million degrees Celsius and confining them with powerful magnetic fields to generate carbon-free electricity. The initiative is central to the UK’s strategy to become a “clean energy superpower” and is expected to create over 10,000 jobs in the region, spanning construction through to operations. This investment reflects a broader global trend of substantial funding in nuclear fusion technology from governments and corporations alike. For example, Google has recently invested in TAE Technologies, which announced a breakthrough in fusion reactor readiness, while US scientists secured $2.3
energynuclear-fusionclean-energyfusion-power-plantUK-energy-investmentrenewable-energyenergy-technologyNREL Announces 2025 Executive Energy Leadership Cohort - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energyenergy-leadershipenergy-technologyNRELclean-energyenergy-innovation'Việt Nam tiến tới làm chủ công nghệ năng lượng hạt nhân'
energynuclear-energygreen-energyenergy-technologyenergy-policyVietnam-energyatomic-energyEnergy Technology Innovation Partnership Project Opens Applications To Support Coastal, Remote, & Island Communities
energyenergy-technologyrenewable-energyenergy-planningcoastal-communitiesremote-communitiesenergy-security