Articles tagged with "power-plant"
Second unit of world’s largest nuclear power base goes live in China
China has commenced commercial operations of Unit 2 at the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant, marking the completion of phase one of what will become the world’s largest nuclear power base. With a capacity of 1126 MWe, Unit 2 began operations on January 1, 2026, following a series of commissioning tests and a successful 168-hour trial run. The Zhangzhou site plans a total of six reactors, which upon completion will generate 60 billion kilowatt hours of carbon-free energy, aiming to supply about 75 percent of the energy needs for the cities of Xiamen and Zhangzhou in southern Fujian. This development aligns with China’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and transition from fossil fuels to non-carbon energy sources, supporting its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. The project, a collaboration between China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China Guodian Corporation, began construction in 2019 and has been notable for its timely delivery, completing Unit
energynuclear-powerrenewable-energyChina-energy-projectscarbon-free-energypower-plantnet-zero-emissionsPhase 1 of world's largest nuclear power base goes live in China
The Zhangzhou nuclear power base in Fujian Province, China, has completed Phase 1 of construction with the successful commercial operation of its first two units, marking the transition from construction to operational status. Both reactors utilize China’s domestically developed Hualong One third-generation pressurized water reactor, which passed a critical 168-hour full-power continuous operation test, confirming its stability and safety. The initial two units are expected to generate around 20 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 16 million metric tons each year, equivalent to replacing over 6 million tons of coal. The Hualong One reactor, fully designed and owned by China with international certifications such as the European Utility Requirements and the UK’s Generic Design Assessment, is central to China’s strategy to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen its nuclear industry competitiveness. Currently the third-generation nuclear technology with the largest number of reactors in operation or construction globally, the Zhangzhou site will ultimately host six
energynuclear-powerclean-energycarbon-emissionsHualong-One-reactorChina-energypower-plantMassive Solar Plus Storage Facility To Replace Coal And Gas, Too
The article discusses the significant transition underway at the Sherco Energy Hub in Minnesota, where a massive solar plus storage facility is set to replace retiring coal and natural gas power plants. Originally, Xcel Energy planned to build a 786-megawatt gas power plant at the site, but due to regulatory concerns over its $1 billion cost and advocacy for cleaner energy, the plan was scrapped. Instead, Xcel shifted focus to renewables, developing the Sherco Solar array—a 710-megawatt solar plant expected to be fully operational by 2026, which will replace the capacity of a retired coal unit. The remaining coal units at Sherco are slated for retirement by 2030, with Xcel also planning to leverage existing nuclear assets and a potential hydrogen-convertible gas plant, though renewables remain the primary strategy. Xcel’s recent filing with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission outlines plans for a 600-megawatt battery storage system adjacent to Sherco, doubling
energysolar-powerenergy-storagerenewable-energybattery-storageclean-energypower-plantOrganizations Celebrate NTEC Fossil Gas Plant Hitting Major Setback, Groups Call on Dairyland Power Coop to Cancel Plans - CleanTechnica
Minnesota Power has officially withdrawn from the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC), a 625 MW fossil gas plant project it was developing alongside Dairyland Power Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative. This decision follows the co-owners’ earlier withdrawal of the project's air permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the City of Superior’s denial of local zoning permits, which effectively halted the project. The move has been welcomed by local residents, tribal groups, environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), Healthy Climate Wisconsin, and Clean Wisconsin, all of whom have long opposed the plant due to concerns about air quality, climate impact, and public health. Environmental advocates emphasize that the NTEC project was outdated and unnecessary, especially given the availability of cleaner energy alternatives. They call on Dairyland Power Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative to fully cancel the project and shift focus toward clean energy solutions. Elizabeth Ward, Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter Director, and Evan Mulh
energyfossil-gaspower-plantclean-energyenvironmental-advocacyrenewable-energy-transitionair-qualityTrump Media is merging with fusion power company TAE Technologies in $6B+ deal
President Donald Trump’s social media company, Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), is merging with TAE Technologies, a Southern California-based fusion power company, in an all-stock deal valued at over $6 billion. This merger will expand TMTG’s business into the emerging fusion energy sector, which is gaining attention amid rising electricity demands from data centers driven by the AI boom. TMTG, known for its Truth Social platform, went public last year via a SPAC but has struggled to generate significant revenue, though it holds $3.1 billion in assets primarily from cryptocurrency investments. TMTG CEO Devin Nunes emphasized that acquiring TAE would help secure America’s energy dominance for generations. TAE Technologies has been pursuing fusion power for nearly 30 years, developing devices that use magnetic fields and rotating plasma to stabilize fusion reactions. Despite raising nearly $2 billion from investors including Google and Chevron, the company has yet to achieve commercial fusion power. The merged company plans to start building
energyfusion-powerclean-energyTAE-Technologiesrenewable-energypower-plantenergy-innovationThea Energy previews Helios, its pixel-inspired fusion power plant
Thea Energy is developing a novel fusion power plant design called Helios, which aims to overcome key challenges in fusion energy production by using a unique approach to magnetic confinement. Unlike traditional stellarators that rely on complex, irregularly shaped magnets difficult to mass-produce, Thea’s design employs arrays of small, identical superconducting magnets controlled individually by specialized software. This "virtual" stellarator concept allows the company to rapidly iterate on magnet designs and use software to compensate for manufacturing and installation imperfections, potentially reducing the high costs and precision demands that have hindered fusion power development. Thea’s control system, based on electromagnetic physics and enhanced with AI through reinforcement learning, has demonstrated resilience even when magnets were deliberately misaligned or made from defective materials. This flexibility could enable the construction of fusion reactors without the extreme precision typically required, lowering barriers to commercialization. The company has shared detailed physics and design information publicly and is working toward building a working prototype. If successful, Thea’s approach could significantly reduce the
energyfusion-powerstellaratorsuperconducting-magnetsclean-energypower-plantplasma-confinementDonald Trump’s $100 Million Power Plant Boondoggle is Extended for 3rd Time - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica reports that the Trump administration has extended the operation of an expensive coal-fired power plant in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, for the third time, despite widespread criticism. According to the Sierra Club, these extensions have cost utility customers over $156 million to date, with Consumers Energy confirming more than $115 million in costs since the initial order in May 2025. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation recently issued its 2025–2026 report, which appears to be related to this ongoing situation. The Sierra Club strongly condemns the decision, arguing that keeping these aging, costly coal plants online is unnecessary and exacerbates the current affordability crisis for consumers. Patrick Drupp, the Sierra Club Climate Policy Director, criticized the move as an illegal and fabricated emergency order that forces families in the Midwest and Midatlantic to pay higher utility bills to benefit coal companies. The Sierra Club vows to continue challenging these orders to protect consumers and promote cleaner energy alternatives. The article also provides background
energypower-plantcoal-energyenergy-policyutility-billsclean-energyenvironmental-activismChina's 7.2 GW nuclear plant to power energy needs of 5 million people
China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) has begun full-scale construction of the Zhaoyuan Nuclear Power Plant in Shandong Province, aiming to generate 50 billion kilowatt-hours annually—enough to power about 5 million households. The plant will feature six Hualong One reactors with a total capacity of 7.2 GW. Environmentally, the facility is expected to reduce coal consumption by 15.27 million tons and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 46.2 million tons each year, equivalent to planting over 110,000 hectares of forest. A notable innovation at Zhaoyuan is the introduction of a 203-meter-high natural draft cooling tower, the first for the Hualong One reactor model, which shifts the cooling source from ocean water to atmospheric air. This secondary-circuit cooling technology reduces energy use and enables water reuse, expanding siting options for nuclear plants. The plant also incorporates a dual-layer "natural + mechanical" cooling safety system, allowing safe
energynuclear-powercooling-towercarbon-emission-reductionrenewable-energypower-plantenergy-infrastructureSouth Korea begins building world's largest 108 MW hydrogen power plant
South Korea has commenced construction of the world’s largest hydrogen fuel cell power plant, the 108 MW Gangdong Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Generation Project in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang province. Scheduled to be fully operational by March 2028, the plant will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 270,000 households annually. Backed by a USD 580.7 million investment through the Regional Revitalization Investment Fund—which pools government, local authority, and private sector contributions—the facility aims to provide stable baseload electricity to the national grid and stimulate regional industrial growth. The project is viewed as a strategic step toward South Korea’s renewable energy goals and positioning Gyeongju as an energy and industrial hub. The plant will utilize grey hydrogen produced on-site from natural gas to generate electricity via high-efficiency fuel cells, serving as a transitional technology while the country advances toward green hydrogen. It has secured a 20-year renewable energy certificate contract to ensure financial viability through South Korea’s
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellrenewable-energypower-plantSouth-Koreaclean-electricityenergy-infrastructure350-MWe nuclear reactor to turn dead US coal mine into power plant
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has issued a Letter of Intent to Type One Energy to develop a 350-megawatt-electric (MWe) nuclear fusion power plant, named Infinity Two, at the site of the decommissioned Bull Run Fossil Plant near Knoxville, Tennessee. This project aims to repurpose the retired coal plant’s existing infrastructure, such as grid connections and access to cooling water, to support a commercial fusion facility expected to be operational by the mid-2030s. The Infinity Two plant will utilize stellarator fusion technology, which employs a complex, twisted magnetic field configuration to contain plasma, offering stable, steady-state, and high-efficiency operation—advantages over the more common tokamak design. The collaboration between TVA and Type One Energy builds on earlier agreements and commercial contracts under “Project Infinity,” including the development of a smaller stellarator testbed called Infinity One. TVA’s Power Service Shops are assisting in creating specialized welding and fabrication techniques for this prototype, which will
energynuclear-fusionpower-plantstellaratorrenewable-energygrid-integrationfusion-technologyConstruction of world's 1st nuclear fusion plant starts in Washington
Helion Energy, a Washington-based startup backed by OpenAI’s Sam Altman and SoftBank’s venture capital arm, has commenced construction of the world’s first nuclear fusion power plant, named Orion, in Chelan County, Washington. The project aims to produce low-cost, zero-carbon electricity by harnessing nuclear fusion using fuel derived from water. Helion plans to begin electricity generation by 2028 and supply power directly to Microsoft data centers through a power purchase agreement established in 2023, with Constellation Energy acting as the power marketer. The site was chosen for its access to major transmission networks and its history of energy innovation. Helion has made significant technological strides, having previously achieved fuel temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius with its prototype Trenta, a key milestone for commercial fusion viability. The company is currently developing a newer prototype, Polaris, in Everett, Washington, to address the challenge of generating more energy from fusion than is consumed to sustain the reaction—a hurdle that fusion energy research
energynuclear-fusionclean-energyHelion-Energypower-plantzero-carbon-electricitysustainable-energyNew 150-Megawatt Solar Power Plant For New Mexico
The article highlights the approval and upcoming construction of a new 150-megawatt solar power plant in Santa Teresa, Doña Ana County, New Mexico, scheduled for completion around 2026. This project includes a substantial 600 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system, emphasizing the ability of solar power to deliver clean electricity more rapidly than traditional gas power plants, which face significant delays due to turbine shortages. The plant will serve customers of El Paso Electric, a utility spanning parts of Texas and New Mexico, marking a notable interstate renewable energy initiative in a region where Texas has historically relied on in-state resources and maintained limited grid interconnections. The Santa Teresa project is developed by DESRI, a subsidiary of the global investment firm DE Shaw Group, which manages over $60 billion in capital and has a portfolio of 70 solar and wind projects totaling 9 gigawatts. Financing for the project involves several international banks, reflecting strong global investor confidence in the US renewable energy sector despite recent federal policy
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyenergy-storageclean-energypower-plantsustainabilityFrontier is helping Arbor build a “vegetarian rocket engine” to power data centers
Arbor, supported by a $41 million deal with Frontier, is developing its first commercial-scale power plant in southern Louisiana that uses waste biomass to generate electricity for data centers while capturing and sequestering the resulting CO2 underground. This technology, called BiCRS (biomass carbon removal and storage), produces carbon-free base load energy and achieves net carbon removals by burning biomass and capturing 99% of the CO2 emissions. The process involves converting biomass into syngas using a proprietary gasifier that employs supercritical CO2, then combusting the syngas with pure oxygen to generate electricity via turbomachinery, while diverting most CO2 for permanent storage. The approach leverages sustainable biomass sources, with Frontier emphasizing careful vetting to ensure biomass use does not disrupt natural cycles or soil health. Although biomass availability varies, estimates suggest 1 to 5 gigatons of waste biomass could be sustainably utilized annually, offering significant potential for BiCRS and related bioenergy with
energybiomass-energycarbon-capturecarbon-sequestrationrenewable-energypower-plantclean-energy-technologyUS: Vistra’s 1,268 MW nuclear power plant gets 20-year life extension boost
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a 20-year license extension for Vistra’s 1,268 MW Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Ohio, allowing it to operate until 2046. Originally licensed for 40 years since its grid connection in 1986, the plant now has a total operating license of 60 years. This extension follows Vistra’s 2023 application and marks the final life extension approval for all six reactors in Vistra’s fleet, enabling continued emission-free electricity supply. Perry is one of the largest boiling water reactors (BWR) in the U.S., with a licensed thermal output of 3,758 MWt after an upgrade in 2020. Located on a 1,100-acre site on Lake Erie, Perry Nuclear Power Plant powers approximately one million homes daily. Although initially planned to have two reactor units, only one was built, with the second canceled in 1994. Vistra officials emphasized the importance of nuclear power
energynuclear-powerpower-plantVistralicense-extensionelectricity-generationclean-energyGoogle taps ‘world’s first’ nuclear fusion plant for 200 MW power
Google has entered a landmark agreement with Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) to purchase 200 megawatts of clean fusion electricity from CFS’s upcoming ARC plant, slated to be the world’s first grid-scale nuclear fusion power facility. Located in Chesterfield County, Virginia, ARC aims to deliver 400 megawatts of zero-carbon energy by the early 2030s, enough to power around 150,000 homes or large industrial centers. Google will receive half of ARC’s output and has the option to buy electricity from future plants. The tech giant is also participating in a funding round to support CFS’s development efforts, marking its first commercial commitment to fusion energy. Fusion energy, generated by fusing light atomic nuclei at extremely high temperatures, offers a carbon-free power source with fewer safety and waste concerns compared to traditional nuclear energy. CFS, a spinout from MIT, is among the best-funded fusion startups, having raised $1.8 billion in 2021, with Google
energynuclear-fusionclean-energypower-plantrenewable-energygrid-scale-energyfusion-technologyBill Gates-backed AirLoom begins building its first power plant
AirLoom, a wind power startup backed by Bill Gates, is beginning construction on its first pilot power plant near Laramie, Wyoming. The company aims to challenge the traditional wind turbine model by using a novel design that features blades moving along a track, rather than rotating in a large circle. This pilot system will generate about 150 kilowatts, using components scalable to megawatt-level installations. The design allows for shorter tracks initially, with plans for larger systems in the future, and the space between tracks can accommodate solar panels or farming activities, reflecting a multifunctional land use approach. Despite headwinds facing the wind power industry—including political opposition and rising costs, with onshore wind prices reaching $61 per megawatt-hour—AirLoom’s CEO Neal Rickner believes their technology can be cost-competitive even at low volumes and without subsidies. The company targets commercial deployment by 2027 or 2028, slightly later than initially planned, with potential customers including military bases and
energywind-powerrenewable-energypower-plantAirLoomsustainable-technologyclean-energySyncraft Builds High-Altitude Climate Positive Power Plant In The Swiss Alps - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a pioneering decentralized renewable energy project in the Swiss Alps by the cleantech company SYNCRAFT. The Engadine installation converts local forest residues into renewable electricity, usable heat, and biogenic carbon (biocoal), making it a climate-positive power plant. This approach not only generates clean energy but also sequesters carbon in solid form, contributing to long-term carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and supporting net-negative emissions goals. Central to the project is the CW1800-500 system, which integrates with existing infrastructure such as boilers and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) units. SYNCRAFT Automation’s advanced control platform is a key feature, enabling real-time data exchange, thermal circuit control, heat load balancing, indoor ventilation coordination, and overall system efficiency optimization. Despite the challenges of high-altitude construction, SYNCRAFT’s engineering teams have progressed with assembly, including pipework, electrical systems, and automation deployment. Manufactured in Europe to high industrial standards, the
energyrenewable-energybiomasscarbon-captureautomationclimate-positivepower-plantIran claims it confused Israel’s defenses in Monday’s missile strike
On Monday, Iran launched a significant missile strike targeting Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, resulting in the destruction of residential buildings, damage to infrastructure such as a power plant near Haifa’s port, and casualties with at least five dead and over 100 wounded. The attacks were reportedly in retaliation for Israel’s earlier airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile facilities, which killed key Iranian military leaders and caused substantial damage. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed to have employed a “new method” that confused Israel’s missile defense systems into targeting each other, achieving successful hits despite Israel’s advanced technology. Israel has not officially commented on the missile strikes but has previously acknowledged vulnerabilities in its defense systems. The conflict has escalated rapidly, with Israel continuing to target Iranian military and Revolutionary Guard command centers, resulting in heavy Iranian casualties—over 220 killed and more than 1,200 injured, mostly civilians according to Iranian sources. Iran has vowed major retaliation, warning of opening “the gates of hell.”
energymissile-defensemilitary-technologyhypersonic-missilespower-plantregional-conflictdefense-systemsMeta partners with US energy startup for 150 MW geothermal plant
Meta has partnered with US geothermal startup XGS Energy to develop a 150-megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico. Unlike a traditional power purchase agreement, this collaboration aims to advance geothermal energy development rather than directly securing power for Meta. The exact location of the plant remains undisclosed. This move reflects a growing trend among tech giants to incorporate geothermal energy into their clean energy strategies, given its ability to provide reliable, 24/7 emission-free electricity—an increasingly critical factor for energy-intensive data centers supporting AI and cloud computing. XGS Energy distinguishes itself with a closed-loop geothermal system that circulates water through a sealed well, preventing water loss common in traditional open-loop systems. The company also uses a proprietary heat-transfer mud to enhance heat absorption from surrounding rocks. Although still in development, XGS has raised $20 million in Series A funding to build a commercial prototype in California, with the Meta partnership potentially accelerating large-scale deployment. Research suggests advanced geothermal systems could supply up to two-thirds
energygeothermal-energyclean-energyMetaXGS-Energyrenewable-energypower-plantMeta teams with XGS Energy to build a 150 MW geothermal power plant
Meta has partnered with startup XGS Energy to develop a 150 megawatt geothermal power plant in New Mexico, marking the tech giant’s growing interest in geothermal energy as a clean, reliable power source. While specific details about the plant’s location and the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, Meta clarified that the agreement is aimed at advancing geothermal development rather than a direct power purchase contract. This move aligns with a broader trend among tech companies and data center operators who are increasingly exploring geothermal energy due to its ability to provide continuous, emission-free electricity. XGS Energy differentiates itself with a closed-loop geothermal system that circulates water within a sealed well, minimizing water loss, and uses a proprietary mud to enhance heat transfer from surrounding rocks. This technology contrasts with more common open-loop designs that lose some water to the ground over time. The partnership reflects growing momentum in the geothermal sector, with other startups like Fervo Energy securing significant financing to build large-scale plants and companies such as Google investing in geothermal
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energyMetaXGS-Energypower-plantsustainable-technologyFervo Energy lands $206M in financing to build massive geothermal power plant
Fervo Energy, a leading geothermal startup, has secured $206 million in financing to advance the development of Cape Station, poised to be the world’s largest enhanced geothermal power plant located in Utah. The project’s initial phase is expected to begin operations next year, generating 100 megawatts of electricity, with a planned expansion in 2028 adding an additional 400 megawatts. Enhanced geothermal technology, which accesses deeper and hotter underground heat than traditional methods, offers a promising, emissions-free, and continuous power source, particularly appealing for energy-intensive applications like AI data centers. The technology also benefits from expertise derived from the oil and gas industry, potentially aiding its regulatory and political support. The financing package includes $100 million in preferred equity from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, Bill Gates’s investment arm, an additional $60 million loan from Mercuria, and $45.6 million in bridge debt from X-Caliber Rural Capital. This funding follows Fervo’s recent achievement of drilling its hottest and deepest
energygeothermal-energyrenewable-energypower-plantclean-energyenergy-financingsustainable-energyUS firm plans 10 GW power from small reactors at retired nuclear site
Florida-based Holtec International, in partnership with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, plans to deploy advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) at the retired Palisades nuclear plant site in Michigan by 2030. The project, part of Holtec’s “Mission 2030” program, aims to build America’s first SMR-300 units—each a 300 MW advanced, passively safe, pressurized light water reactor—co-located with the existing 800 MW Palisades plant, which is currently being restarted after its 2022 shutdown. Holtec intends to build a 10-gigawatt fleet of SMR-300s across North America during the 2030s, leveraging the cost advantages of deploying SMRs at existing nuclear sites. Holtec is also exploring additional SMR deployments, including up to four units at the Oyster Creek site in New Jersey, where a 625 MW boiling water reactor is slated for decommissioning by 2029. The company sees significant growth potential for SMRs in the Mountain West region, particularly in Utah and Wyoming, supported by ongoing testing at Idaho National Laboratory and recent pro-nuclear legislation in Utah. Holtec’s SMR-300 design emphasizes passive safety features, such as gravity-driven safety systems, earning it a “walk-away safe” designation, and positions the company to compete globally against state-backed reactor vendors by offering comprehensive lifecycle services from construction to decommissioning. The Palisades SMR-300 project is intended to serve as a global benchmark for next-generation nuclear technology deployment, advancing U.S. leadership in clean energy innovation and unlocking worldwide opportunities for SMR adoption. Holtec highlights the project’s role in providing clean, reliable energy capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes while maintaining high safety and operational standards.
energysmall-modular-reactorsnuclear-powerSMR-300clean-energypower-plantHoltec-InternationalTiến độ các dự án hạ tầng thuộc Trung tâm Điện lực Quảng Trạch cập nhật 8 5 2025
energypower-plantrenewable-energyinfrastructure-projectsenergy-managementconstruction-progresssafety-measures