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EU Moves to Rate Data Centers on Energy and Water Efficiency as AI Infrastructure Expands
The European Union is introducing a common sustainability rating system for large data centers as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence increases pressure on electricity grids and water resources. Data centers with more than 500 kW of installed IT capacity will receive A-to-G ratings for energy and water efficiency, while labels will also disclose information on low-carbon electricity, waste-heat recovery and grid flexibility. The first sustainability labels are expected in 2027. Separately, the European Commission has begun developing binding minimum performance standards, with a legislative proposal planned for the second quarter of 2027.
US Commits $1.9 Billion to Grid Upgrades as AI Power Demand Forces a Rethink of Transmission Expansion
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected 31 grid modernization projects across 26 states for $1.9 billion in federal support, bringing total planned investment to $5.25 billion when recipient funding is included. The projects are expected to rebuild or reconductor more than 1,500 miles of transmission lines and deploy grid-enhancing technologies across nearly 21,000 miles. Together, DOE expects the upgrades to unlock more than 23 GW of additional transmission capacity. With electricity demand accelerating due to AI data centers and advanced manufacturing, the initiative highlights a broader shift from simply building new transmission corridors toward extracting more capacity from infrastructure already in place.
Taiwan Invests NT$564.5 Billion to Strengthen Grid Resilience as AI Demand Surges, Microgrids Become New Focus
The Executive Yuan has announced a NT$564.5 billion initiative to enhance grid resilience, revising Taiwan’s 2035 electricity demand growth forecast to 2.5% due to surging AI computational needs. Companies like Delta Electronics and TPPower are accelerating microgrid and energy storage deployments to capture regional autonomous power opportunities.
Trump’s Polysilicon Tariffs Boost South Carolina Solar Plant, Creating 167 Local Jobs by Year-End
Translucent Energy launches a 1.3-gigawatt solar module factory in Summerville, South Carolina, with first-phase capacity expected to create 167 jobs by the end of 2026. The Trump administration’s August 6 polysilicon import restrictions provide long-term investment certainty for U.S. solar manufacturers.
2026 Taiwan International Net-Zero and Smart Energy Exhibitions to Launch in October, Creating a Key Platform for Corporate Sustainability Transformation
Taiwan’s largest net-zero and renewable energy exhibitions, the 'Taiwan International Net-Zero Sustainability Exhibition' and 'Taiwan International Smart Energy Week,' will take place from October 14 to 16 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1. The events will showcase the latest decarbonization technologies, CBAM compliance strategies, and diverse energy solutions, alongside high-level forums and a sustainability award to help businesses capture international trends and opportunities.
Taiwan’s Largest Net-Zero and Smart Energy Exhibitions to Open in October 2026 with Online Registration Now Available
Taiwan’s largest professional exhibitions for net-zero sustainability and smart energy, *Net-Zero Taiwan* and *Energy Taiwan*, will take place from October 14 to 16, 2026, at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1. Online registration for attendance is now open. The events will showcase cutting-edge solutions such as decarbonization technologies, green electricity trading, and hydrogen energy, alongside high-level forums and a sustainability award to help businesses capture international trends and opportunities.
Europe’s Hydrogen Financing Divide: Traditional Banks Shun Expansion While EIB Backs Established Industrial Demand
The European Investment Bank has committed €450 million to support OMV’s green hydrogen project in Austria, yet Dutch industrial gas supplier Holthausen faced rejection from traditional banks when seeking loans to expand electrolyzer capacity. Experts suggest banks’ cautious stance reflects hydrogen’s financing viability only where clear industrial demand exists, with broader application prospects remaining uncertain.
Sunrun Partners with Voltus to Power AI Data Centers with Residential Energy Storage, Unlocking Over 16.8GW of Flexible Grid Capacity
Sunrun and Voltus collaborate to integrate residential battery and solar systems into the Bring Your Own Capacity™ program, supplying flexible power to AI hyperscale data centers in the PJM and MISO grid regions. The partnership unlocks over 16.8 gigawatts of distributed energy capacity, enhancing grid stability and generating revenue for customers.
California’s EV Storage Potential: 10% Participation in V2G Could Supply 9 GW of Power
A study finds that if 10% of California’s electric vehicles enroll in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) programs by 2036, they could supply 9 GW of power, meeting over one-third of the state’s long-duration energy storage target—but technical and policy barriers must be overcome.
China’s Solar Installation Growth Slows in First Half of 2026 as Industry Transformation Pressures Emerge
Data from China’s National Energy Administration shows that newly installed solar capacity reached 72.07 GW in the first half of 2026, marking a clear slowdown in growth. The shift to market-based electricity pricing, overcapacity, and adjustments to export policies are reshaping the industry’s development landscape.
Fresno Launches World’s First Steel-Free Ground-Mounted Solar System, Projected to Save Over $122 Million in Electricity Costs Over 20 Years
The City of Fresno’s Northeast Surface Water Treatment Plant has officially commissioned the world’s first Erthos Earth Mount Solar system, featuring a steel-free design. The project is expected to save the city over $122 million in electricity costs by 2045. Early operational data shows the system has outperformed energy production expectations by 1%, validating the new technology’s efficiency.
Tianneng Green Energy and Kingstate Sign 10-Year 550 Million kWh Green Power Agreement to Support Semiconductor Testing Leader in Achieving RE100 Goals
Tianneng Green Energy and Kingstate have signed a 10-year green power purchase agreement with a total supply volume of 550 million kWh, set to commence in January 2027. The deal will help Kingstate achieve its RE100 and SBTi carbon reduction targets while strengthening the green power supply chain for Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.