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Compressed-Gas Storage Demonstrators Got Bigger. The Economics Didn’t Get Better.

This post examines the economics of compressed-gas electricity storage in light of recent large-scale projects. It highlights China's commissioning of the 600 MW / 2.4 GWh Huai'an compressed-air demonstration and Hydrostor's ongoing efforts. The author argues that despite these larger demonstrators, the fundamental economics of the technology have not improved.

Why it matters — Scaling up physical capacity to gigawatt-hour levels does not inherently solve the unfavorable round-trip efficiency and high capital costs of compressed-gas storage.

CleanTechnica · 19 September 2026 · Read the original →

Solar & Wind

Major US offshore wind farm installs its last turbine

The $6.2 billion Revolution Wind offshore wind farm has successfully installed its 65th and final turbine. The project reached this milestone despite facing two separate stop-work orders from the Trump administration. The wind farm is already actively producing carbon-free power for the U.S. grid.

Why it matters — Large-scale offshore wind projects can successfully reach completion and deliver power despite facing multiple federal regulatory stop-work orders.

Canary Media · 19 September 2026 · Read the original →

Reading

Analysis: Global fossil-fuel emissions set to fall in 2026 amid Hormuz crisis

Global fossil-fuel emissions are projected to fall by 0.5% in 2026 due to trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict has spiked global oil and gas prices, suppressing consumption across the global economy.

Why it matters — Geopolitical supply shocks and resulting price spikes can drive immediate, macro-level reductions in global fossil fuel consumption.

Carbon Brief · 19 September 2026 · Read the original →

Storage

Vistra’s Moss Landing grid battery is on fire yet again

A new fire has occurred at Vistra's Moss Landing battery storage facility in Northern California, sending a plume of smoke from the plant. This incident comes a year and a half after a catastrophic fire previously wrecked the grid storage facility. The site is a critical provider of grid capacity to the region, making safety and reliability key concerns.

Why it matters — Utility-scale lithium-ion battery installations face persistent thermal runaway and safety risks that can cause recurring, multi-year operational disruptions.

Canary Media · 19 September 2026 · Read the original →

Industry & Heat

Holcim Integrates Two Joule Hive Thermal Batteries Into Its Cement Making Facility

Cement manufacturer Holcim is integrating two Joule Hive thermal batteries into its production facility. Developed by MIT spin-off Electrified Thermal Solutions, these batteries use electrified firebrick to convert clean electricity into high-temperature heat. This project targets the decarbonization of cement manufacturing, which typically relies on burning fossil fuels for intense heat.

Why it matters — Electrified firebrick thermal batteries can successfully replace fossil-fuel combustion to provide the high-temperature heat required for heavy industrial processes like cement making.

CleanTechnica · 19 September 2026 · Read the original →

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Physics remains remarkably resistant to the most optimistic project financing.

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