As of August 19, 2026, Energy Fuels announced that its terbium oxide, a heavy rare earth used to improve the performance and heat resistance of high-strength permanent magnets, has passed qualification for commercial use by one of Japan’s largest permanent-magnet manufacturers. [1] According to Energy Fuels, the approval is significant because terbium is a relatively scarce and strategically important material, and these magnets are used in technologies including EVs, robotics, advanced electronics, aerospace and defense. It also gives Energy Fuels another validated customer as it works to build a non-Chinese supply chain for rare earth materials. The company has already qualified its neodymium-praseodymium and dysprosium products with customers and is pursuing acquisitions that would expand its capabilities from rare-earth processing into magnet production. Energy Fuels believes that for Japan, the development supports broader efforts to diversify critical-mineral supplies away from China, which currently dominates much of the global rare-earth processing and permanent-magnet industry. Energy Fuels intends to make progress toward establishing a more diversified U.S.- and Japan-linked supply chain for the materials needed in advanced manufacturing and clean-energy technologies.
[USA] FERC approves MISO cost allocation framework for transmission projects
As of August 14, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a cost allocation framework for transmission projects from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) built in the PJM Interconnection’s footprint. [1] Under the framework, Exelon’s Commonwealth Edison will build one group of projects worth almost $904 million, and Duke Ohio is set to build $5.3 million in projects. FERC rejected calls for requiring the projects to undergo competitive solicitations. FERC commissioners Judy Chang and David Rosner stated that MISO’s proposal emphasizes the importance of interregional transmission, citing how in certain cases, the most cost-effective solutions for one region’s system needs could include transmission upgrades in another region’s footprint.
[USA] DOE cancels 3 proposed National Interest Electric Transmission corridors
As of August 12, 2026, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will not move forward with the designation of 3 proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) that the Biden administration selected for review in 2024. [1] The release stated that the corridors were selected to advance that administration’s “Green New Scam” agenda. [2] Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that transmission policy must “serve the American people, not special interests or a climate-alarmist agenda.” The release alleged that the current designation framework proved ineffective in strengthening grid reliability and reducing electricity costs. The 3 canceled corridors include the Lake Erie-Canada corridor, the Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor, and the Tribal Energy Access corridor. While Wright said the current designation framework had proven ineffective, DOE’s National Transmission Needs Study from July said that NIETC designation enables DOE and FERC to use valuable federal financing and permitting tools to speed up construction or modification of transmission facilities within a NIETC.
[2] https://www.energy.gov/documents/national-transmission-needs-study-draft-july-2026
[Japan] NextEra Energy, US Department of Commerce, and Government of Japan reach funding milestone for agreement
As of August 12, 2026, NextEra Energy announced agreements with the US Department of Commerce and the Government of Japan to fund the development and operation of up to 10 GW of natural gas-powered generation in Texas and Pennsylvania. [1] The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s approval of the projects, which were selected for Japan’s $550 billion investment commitment to the US as part of the US-Japan trade agreement. This releases the first tranche of funding for the two projects, which will be used for various development activities, such as down payments on long-lead equipment, procurement and construction contractors, etc. These funds are expected to enable NextEra to deliver large-scale power infrastructure. NextEra is continuing to work on project development with federal, state, and local stakeholders, with initial resources expected to come online as early as the end of 2028.
[1] https://www.investor.nexteraenergy.com/news-and-events/news-releases/2026/08-12-2026-211611676
[USA] PJM reviews large load reliability requirements after load trips offline
As of August 11, 2026, PJM is evaluating potential alterations to interconnection reliability requirements for computational loads, such as data centers and crypto-mining facilities. [1] The grid operator intends to consider ride-through standards and other requirements after almost 3,800 MW of data center load tripped offline unexpectedly in Virginia – the largest such event in PJM’s history. [2] It was triggered by a fault on a 230-kV line in Dominion Energy’s zone, causing a high imbalance between generation and load and large swings in voltage and frequency. Once the fault was removed from the system, data centers in the Dominion Energy zone disconnected from the grid, causing the spikes in voltage. This is when the first load drop of 2,970 MW took place. When the first large loads transferred to backup generation, the loss of the loads caused high system voltage disturbances, which resulted in a second wave of 1,099 MW of data centers disconnected. PJM recovered the Balancing Authority Area Control Error Limit – a measure of the imbalance between sources and uses of power – within 9 minutes, and then dispatched reactive power sources to lower the system’s voltage. The issue was discussed at an August 6, 2026, PJM Operating Committee meeting, where PJM staff asserted that data centers may be too sensitive to grid conditions. As a result, PJM is evaluating the possibility of expanding reliability requirements, with consideration for existing and future ride-through standards and practices.
[Japan] Japan revised economic outlook for next fiscal year
As of July 30, 2026, Japan's government lowered its real GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2026 from 1.3% to 0.9%, citing higher energy costs stemming from the Middle East conflict. [1] The revised outlook reflects the economic impact of rising oil and natural gas prices on households and businesses, although the government maintained that the economy is expected to continue a moderate recovery supported by private consumption, business investment, and wage growth. The government also raised its inflation forecast, expecting higher import and energy costs to keep price pressures elevated despite fuel subsidies. Officials said risks remain from continued geopolitical uncertainty and volatile energy markets, but projected that real wages would continue improving as inflation gradually moderates. For the energy sector, the downgrade highlights Japan's continued exposure to imported fossil fuels and the broader economic consequences of energy price shocks. Higher fuel costs are expected to weigh on economic growth while reinforcing the importance of improving energy security and diversifying domestic electricity supply.
[USA] Court blocks Trump administration freeze on wind energy
As of August 7, 2026, a federal judge in Oregon ordered the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to resume national security reviews for onshore wind projects, blocking the Trump administration's indefinite freeze on the permitting process. [1] The injunction came after renewable energy groups argued the DoD had unlawfully halted required reviews, delaying more than 100 wind projects across 25 states representing an estimated $47 billion in investment and 120,000 jobs. The ruling restores a key step in the development pipeline for new wind projects by requiring the DoD to restart reviewing whether proposed projects pose national security risks. While the decision does not automatically approve projects, it allows permitting to move forward after months of uncertainty. The court also found the freeze had already caused billions of dollars in economic harm and threatened developers' ability to qualify for federal tax credits tied to construction timelines. By restarting the review process, the ruling provides greater certainty for wind developers and could help bring additional electricity supply online.
[USA] Texas data center moratorium risks delaying 20% of US pipeline
As of August 3, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, R, implemented a pause on Texas data center grid connections, which, according to Bloomberg NEF, put almost 20% of the total US data center pipeline worth about 49.8 GW at risk of delay. [1] Abbott called for an audit of all data centers in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), leading the grid operator to delay its review to the first set of projects to navigate the state’s new large load interconnection process. [2] As a result, data center revenue losses could reach up to $8 billion by the first quarter of 2027 assuming that 60% of delayed capacity is AI-related. [3] Governor Abbott stated that the total ERCOT interconnection queue requests are worth 474 GW and 90% of new power requests are data centers. The audit will examine if data centers are providing their own power or relying on the grid; their use of water; and which data centers are utilizing state or federal assistance such as tax incentives, grants or abatements. The Texas moratorium follows that of New York, which halted new data center approvals for up to one year.
[USA] DOE considers changing Biden-era transformer rule
As of June 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a request for information signaling it is considering revisions to the Biden administration’s 2024 energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers, reopening debate over rules that utilities and manufacturers had largely accepted after earlier revisions. [1] The review seeks feedback on whether the standards could increase transformer costs, affect manufacturing capacity, alter contract terms for utilities, or exacerbate ongoing supply shortages as electricity demand rises from data centers, electrification, and grid expansion. [2] Utility groups have expressed concern that reopening the rule could create regulatory uncertainty just as manufacturers are investing to comply with the existing standards and expand domestic production, potentially delaying procurement of critical grid equipment needed to connect new generation and large electricity loads. The DOE’s review is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to reassess Biden-era energy efficiency regulations while balancing grid reliability, supply chain resilience, and the growing need for distribution infrastructure to support increasing electricity demand.
[USA] Texas approves data center co-location with wind farm with curtailment limits
As of July 24, 2026, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved a net metering arrangement for a 260-MW AI data center that is co-located with a wind farm of the same capacity. [1] The data center is the second one planned for that site, and the developer argued that it should not be subject to the same curtailment rules as the first since the total load of both, 525 MW, exceeds the generation resource’s capacity of 265.5 MW. The case could serve as a template for other co-located loads in Texas, where bill SB6 became law in 2025, establishing new rules for large loads in the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) territory and giving the grid operator the authority to disconnect data centers during grid emergencies. The PUCT rejected the data center developer’s argument, ruling that the data center must be capable of curtailing its full load within 30 minutes during grid emergencies, with physical breaker disconnection if necessary. It is also banned from participating in paid demand response programs in the arrangement. This means that the decision requires the data center to operate with greater flexibility than a traditional industrial load, stating that ERCOT should provide 60 minutes of advance notice when “practicable,” while allowing the operator to voluntarily commit to a faster 10-minute response.
[Japan] NVIDIA and Noetra launch national AI infrastructure with Japanese government support
As of July 16, 2026, NVIDIA announced a partnership with Noetra Corp. with support from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to develop what it describes as the world's first national AI infrastructure for physical AI. [1] The initiative will establish an AI factory that will provide 140 megawatts of data center capacity and serve as the computing foundation for METI's FRONTia Project. The project is intended to support AI development while strengthening Japan's digital infrastructure and industrial competitiveness. According to NVIDIA, the AI factory will make AI computing resources and pretrained models broadly available to Japanese developers and enterprises. The initiative aligns with Japan's broader strategy to expand AI infrastructure and support growing demand for advanced computing capacity.
[USA] Data centers in Pennsylvania face increased oversight
As of July 12, 2026, Pennsylvania enacted new reporting requirements for data centers and electricity demand forecasting as part of its 2026–2027 state budget. [1] Under the law, data centers with peak electric demand of 10 MW or more must annually report their electricity and water use, projected future energy demand, and any on-site or off-site energy generation measures. [2] Data centers that fail to comply face fines of $10,000 per day, and the state Department of Environmental Protection will publish annual reports on statewide data center energy and water consumption trends. The legislation aims to improve oversight as electricity demand grows alongside rapid data center development in Pennsylvania. It also authorizes the PUC to review and validate utility load forecasts submitted to PJM, coordinate with PJM and other regulators to improve forecasting accuracy, and help prevent duplicate counting of proposed projects, reflecting broader state concerns about grid planning and demand projections.
[USA] PJM capacity prices reach price cap
As of July 14, 2026, PJM Interconnection announced that its capacity auction for the 2028–2029 delivery year cleared at the $325/MW-day price cap, reflecting continued tight electricity supply and demand across the region. [1] The auction resulted in a 6.8 GW shortfall below PJM's reserve margin target, slightly larger than the previous auction, while attracting only about 525 MW of new resources. PJM stated that a roughly 2 GW increase in forecast demand, driven largely by data center development, contributed to the outcome and said it is preparing market reforms, including a backstop capacity auction and a "connect and manage" framework for large new loads. Stakeholders expressed differing views on the results, with some arguing the current market design does not sufficiently encourage new generation or demand response, while others called for reforms to accelerate permitting, interconnection, transmission expansion, and cost allocation for large electricity users.
[Japan] METI White paper on international economy and trade 2026
As of June 30, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) released the 2026 White Paper on International Economy and Trade and the International Trade and Economic Strategy 2026, outlining Japan’s approach to strengthening economic resilience amid rising global uncertainty. [1] The strategy identifies supply-chain diversification and stronger ties with emerging economies as priorities, particularly because these markets are increasingly important sources of critical minerals and resources. METI also highlighted energy supply resilience as a key policy area, calling for stronger cooperation between oil-producing and consuming countries, expanded supply chains, and strategic investment to improve energy security. The strategy specifically references using the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia) frameworks to connect Asia and the Middle East and promote more resilient energy markets. METI also emphasized the importance of maintaining stable access to energy and resources while advancing decarbonization efforts through international cooperation. The strategy further identifies technology development, digital transformation, and innovation as areas where Japan can strengthen industrial competitiveness and address emerging economic challenges.
[USA] Sen. King urges FERC to block NextEra and Dominion Energy merger
As of June 23, 2026, in a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, urged the agency to reject a planned merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy, saying that NextEra engaged in anticompetitive behavior that hurt consumers. [1] He asserted that the combination would create “the largest electric utility in the United States, concentrating an unprecedented mix of merchant generation, rate-based generation, and transmission assets in the hands of a single company” that has a documented record of “using its market position…to suppress competition that threatens its merchant revenues.” The planned $67 billion merger would give the combined company 110 GW of generation and 10 million utility accounts in Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. King contends that NextEra’s efforts to block the New England Clean Energy Connect project in 2021 is proof that the merger would harm ratepayers. He also cited NextEra’s recent agreement to pay $150 million to settle shareholder allegations that the company made misleading statements about its involvement in political interference schemes in Florida. He asserted that 3 features of the deal should be closely reviewed, since it would lead to a high concentration of merchant generation alongside rate-regulated power supplies.
[USA] FERC declines waiver for $2B gas-fired plant in PJM’s fast-track review
As of July 2, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected a request for a waiver from certain PJM Interconnection rules for a $2 billion gas-fired project from PJM’s fast-track Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI) interconnection review process. FERC maintained that granting the waiver for the project would harm third parties by delaying PJM’s review of other grid interconnection requests, including those in its RRI. [1] The RRI process was designed for shovel-ready projects that could meet near-term reliability needs, initially having 51 projects totaling 11.8 GW. It barred changes to a project’s size and capacity interconnection rights. The company implementing the project, Advanced Power, hit an equipment supply hurdle when it was unable to acquire a turbine, which is why it requested a waiver to use alternate turbines and reduce the project’s maximum output by 55 MW and reduce its capacity interconnection rights. In the decision, FERC agreed with PJM that allowing Advanced Power to reconfigure its project could lead to interconnection review delays.
[1] https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_number=20260702-3059&optimized=false
[USA] DOE releases emergency order for PJM during extreme heat
As of June 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to support grid reliability in the PJM Interconnection region amid extreme heat-driven electricity demand. [1] According to the official DOE announcement, the emergency declaration was prompted by forecasted peak load conditions reaching above 160,000 megawatts, creating heightened risk of supply shortfalls during the highest-demand hours. The order temporarily authorizes operational measures intended to maintain sufficient electricity supply, including flexibility for generation resources to operate under emergency conditions to ensure system stability. The action reflects ongoing stress on the bulk power system driven by high temperatures and rising electricity demand, reinforcing the need for adequate resource availability and operational coordination to maintain reliability during peak conditions.
[Japan] India and Japan sign agreements on energy
As of July 2, 2026, India and Japan reaffirmed the advancement of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership through a set of cooperation outcomes covering economic security, digital technologies, and energy-related cooperation. [1] According to official summit outcome documents released by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy security and energy resilience, with emphasis on stable and reliable energy supply chains and reduced vulnerability to disruptions. [2] The outcomes also place energy cooperation within a broader framework that includes critical minerals, industrial inputs, and emerging technologies that support long-term supply chain stability. [3] The agreement further highlights coordination on economic security measures alongside cooperation in artificial intelligence and other advanced technology areas, reflecting a structured effort to integrate energy security considerations into wider economic and strategic planning between the two countries.
[2] https://www.mofa.go.jp/s_sa/sw/in/pageite_000001_01706.html
[Japan] JERA signs time charter agreements with NYK and MOL for fuel ammonia carriers
As of June 18, 2026, JERA announced that it has entered into time charter agreements with NYK Bulkship and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, under which each company will provide two fuel ammonia carriers for a total of four vessels. With the transportation component of the value chain secure, the agreements mark an important milestone toward establishing Japan’s first commercial-scale low-carbon ammonia value chain. The carriers will be used to transport low-carbon ammonia produced at the Blue Point Project in Louisiana, USA, which is expected to be used at JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station, one of the largest thermal power plants in Japan. The station enables commercial-scale ammonia substitution combustion with a 20% heat value ratio and is planned to begin around fiscal year 2029. Under the JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050 Initiative, JERA aims to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions across its domestic and international operations by 2050.
[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20260618_2437
[USA} PUCT approves ERCOT’s Batch Zero process for connecting large electricity users
As of June 18, 2026, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved rules for the state’s grid operator to process large load interconnection requests, including data centers. [1] The first set of projects to navigate the new process is called “Batch Zero.” The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is tracking over 438 GW of large-load requests, and almost 90% are from data centers. Under the framework, ERCOT will look at batches of projects that are 75 MW or larger in a single study to “assess the full picture of future electricity demand at once.” The grid operator stated that the principles established through the Batch Zero framework will be the basis for an ongoing, comprehensive transformation planning process, which includes provisions for large loads to develop their own generation on-site. The process creates a path to interconnect large load customers that agree to let ERCOT curtail their power use in response to local constraints.
[1] https://www.ercot.com/news/release/06182026-puct-approves-ercots