As of September 17, 2025, NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries conducted an optical wireless power transmission experiment using laser beam to wirelessly transmit energy 1 kilometer away. [1] This marks the world’s highest achieved efficiency in an optical wireless power transmission using a silicon photoelectric conversion element, in an environment with strong atmospheric turbulence. This demonstrates the feasibility of delivering power to long distances, a development with many potential applications to on-demand power transmission to remote islands and disaster-stricken areas. The experiment combined NTT’s beam shaping technology with MHI’s light receiving technology to improve efficiency. In this experiment, the average electrical power extracted from the receiving panel was 152 W, corresponding to a wireless power transmission efficiency of 15%.
[USA] Permitting reform framework released by Bipartisan group in House
As of September 18, 2025, a bipartisan House group released a permitting reform framework that aims to simplify the process to build transmission lines, pipelines, and other power projects in the face of rising energy demand. [1] The 47-member group, also known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, intends to transform this framework into legislation. It calls for streamlining the permitting process by setting deadlines for court reviews of permitting decisions. The framework has arisen from repeated calls to address permitting reform in Congress this year. It includes several provisions, including: reducing the statute of limitations for permitting lawsuits to one year or less; restricting judicial standing for litigating projects to parties who submitted detailed comments during public review; requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to initiate interregional transmission planning while prohibiting allocating costs to customers; amending the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) process to allow for individual high-impact transmission lines; among others.
[USA] Connecticut and Rhode Island file injunction for Revolution Wind restart
As of September 17, 2025, the attorneys general for Connecticut and Rhode Island requested an injunction to lift the Trump administration’s stop-work order for the 700-MW Revolution Wind project, which is 80% complete. [1] In their complaint filed with the federal district court of Rhode Island, the states said that the project has been vetted through every layer of the federal and state regulatory process, yet the federal government has “arbitrarily reversed course and issued a Stop Work Order without explanation.” [2] The lawsuit is similar to one filed by Revolution Wind in Washington DC, also seeking an injunction. In response to that request, the Trump administration had replied saying that the fact that Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) previously “approved Revolution Wind’s [construction and operations plan] does not eliminate the Secretary’s authority for continued oversight.” The states have emphasized that the project’s supportive infrastructure is also far along with 90% of physical construction at the mainland interconnection site “substantially completed.”
[USA] Senate committee approves FERC nominees in party-line vote
As of September 11, 2025, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced the nominations of Laura Swett and David LaCerte to fill the empty seats at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). [1] The vote was 12-8, with Senator Angus King (I-Maine) voting with the committee’s Republicans to advance the nominations. The Democrats on the panel opposed the nominations, however the full Senate must ultimately approve the nominations. Swett is an energy attorney at Vinson & Elkins and former FERC staffer. LaCerte is an official in the US Office of Personnel Management. Previously he was acting managing director at the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. During a September 4 confirmation hearing, Swett and LaCerte told senators that if confirmed, they would uphold the agency’s independence while remaining neutral toward generating technologies.
[USA] 2 Entergy gas plants approved by Texas regulators with $2.4B cap
As of September 11, 2025, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved a pair of new gas plants proposed by Entergy, but imposed a hard cap on costs of $2.4 billion to protect ratepayers. [1] This followed regulatory concerns that the utility had not made sufficient efforts to ensure the projects were cost-effective. [2] In a statement, Entergy CEO stated that the 754-MW Legend Power Station and 453-MW Lone Star Power Station plants are critical to serve significant growth in southeast Texas. [3] Entergy expects summer coincident peak load to increase 20% by 2028. According to a memo filed by PUCT Chair Thomas Gleeson, the capital costs for the dispatchable portfolio, inclusive of allowance for funds used during construction on which Entergy Texas may seek a recovery and a rate of return are capped at Entergy Texas’ modified estimated costs for each project in the portfolio ($1.6 billion for the Legend power station and $799 million for the Lone Star). A previous memo by Gleeson had contemplated a lower cost cap of $1.8 billion.
[1] https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/56693_471_1537672.PDF
[2] https://www.entergy.com/news/entergy-texas-receives-puct-approval-for-two-power-plants-to-support-southeast-texas-growth#top
[3] https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/56693_453_1532808.PDF
[Japan] India-Japan cooperation expands to include semiconductors, clean energy and ICT
As of August 29, 2025, India and Japan have strengthened their Special Strategic and Global Partnership with an emphasis on semiconductors, clean energy, critical minerals, and economic security. [1] The two governments launched the India-Japan dialogue on economic security, which aims to address economic issues with energy security implications. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) signed a cooperation pact that has initiated several projects in these sectors. For example, a partnership between Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Renesas Electronics and Indian conglomerate CG Power has emerged to set up an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Gujarat, India. Additionally, a new memorandum of cooperation has expanded collaboration on rare earths and critical minerals, boosting the mineral resources sector. The agreement builds on projects such as Toyota Tsusho’s refining initiative in Andhra Pradesh, India. Both countries are also coordinating through multilateral frameworks such as the Mineral Security Partnership and Quad Critical Minerals Initiatives. Clean energy has emerged as another focal point as India and Japan have signed a memorandum on the Joint Crediting Mechanism and a declaration on clean hydrogen and ammonia. They are also collaborating on battery supply chains and biofuel initiatives, supported by new lines of credit and investments in green projects.
[USA] More than 85 scientists assert that DOE climate report lacks merit
As of September 2, 2025, a group of over 85 scientists has issued a joint rebuttal to a recent US Department of Energy (DOE) report about climate change, suggesting that it misrepresents climate science. [1] The group submitted a 400-page review of the assessment written by five scientists selected by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who allegedly share a contrarian view of mainstream climate science. [2] This comes weeks after the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Environmental Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration that alleges that the secretive selection process of scientists who share only one perspective violates the law. [3] The DOE’s Climate Working Group consisted of four scientists and one economist who have all questioned the scientific consensus that climate change is a threat, sometimes framing global warming as beneficial. The group of climate scientists found several examples where the DOE authors cherry-picked evidence and neglected to mention the negative impacts of heat and climate-change-fueled extreme weather events. They also suggested that the DOE relied too heavily on debunked research, misinterpreted other research, and failed to undertake a peer-reviewed process to ensure credibility.
[1] https://library.edf.org/AssetLink/0kdlw6oq5v8hsvj152eqx01b0qn74uuq.pdf
[2] https://sites.google.com/tamu.edu/doeresponse/home?authuser=0
[USA] Palisades one of the first to reach ‘operations’ status out of decommissioned nuclear plants
As of August 25, 2025, the Palisades power plant in Covert Township, Michigan, became the first decommissioned US nuclear plant to officially transition to “operations” status under the oversight of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), according to owner Holtec International. [1] This milestone follows the agency’s July 24 approval of Holtec’s licensing package to reauthorize power operations. [2] The plant is not yet generating electricity as it still requires extensive work, including reassembling the main generator and turbine. When Palisades returns to service, it will be capable of producing over 800 MW of baseload electricity. The plant’s new status follows its receipt of key licensing and regulatory approvals by the NRC in July. With this transition, Palisades is authorized to receive nuclear fuel and restart the plant once allowable conditions are met. Holtec is also planning to build a new small modular reactor (SMR) on the same site by the start of the next decade.
[1] https://holtecinternational.com/2025/08/26/hh-40-18/
[2] https://www.nrc.gov/cdn/doc-collection-news/2025/25-046.pdf
[Japan] Mitsubishi to withdraw from three offshore wind projects in Japan
As of August 27, 2025, Mitsubishi Corporation announced that, after reviewing business plans for three offshore wind projects in three coastal areas of Japan, it has decided not to proceed with development. [1] The withdrawal stems from concerns over profitability, as well as the business environment for offshore wind power. The release cites the pandemic and the “Ukraine crisis,” which have resulted in tight supply chains, inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and rising interest rates. In 2021, projects were set to be operated in the Akita and Chiba prefectures, with a total projected capacity of 1.76 GW to be launched by 2030. Mitsubishi emphasizes that it continues to recognize offshore wind as an essential element of Japan’s energy mix. Of the three offshore wind auctions held in Japan, Mitsubishi-led groups won the first for the projects in Akita and Chiba.
[1] https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/news/release/2025/20250827002.html
[USA] PacifiCorp urges FERC to dismiss challenges to wildfire-related costs in transmission rates
As of August 22, 2025, PacifiCorp is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to dismiss challenges to the company’s inclusion of $1.7 billion in wildfire-related costs and liabilities in transmission rates. [1] The utility company contends that “formal challenges” and complaints brought by the Bonneville Power Administration, Powerex Corp., Deseret Generation & Transmission Co-operative, and the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems fail to show the costs were imprudently incurred. [2] The dispute arises as utilities face financial challenges stemming from wildfires exacerbated by climate change. In an August 4 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, PacifiCorp stated that outstanding wildfire-related complaints in Oregon and California totaled approximately $54 billion, excluding any potential doubling of damages or punitive damages. PacifiCorp requests FERC for permission to include costs and liabilities related to wildfires from 2020 and 2022 in its transmission rates. The challengers to the updated rates assert that the company failed to show its wildfire-related costs were prudent. In joint comments, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison urged FERC to continue assessing allegations of imprudence on a case-by-case basis.
[2] https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000075594/000108131625000013/bhe-20250630.htm
[USA] 704-MW Revolution Wind project halted by Trump administration
As of August 22, 2025, 704 MW offshore wind farm Revolution Wind was ordered to stop work by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. [1] The project developer Ørsted said that the project is about 80% complete and was set to supply energy to Rhode Island and Connecticut. Ørsted, which owns the project in a 50/50 joint venture with Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables, said that the project is fully permitted and has all offshore foundations installed and 45 out of 65 wind turbines installed. [2] The Trump administration has previously issued a similar stop-work order on the 810-MW Empire Wind 1 project in New York in April. [3] The order was revoked and the project allowed to continue after New York Governor Kathy Hochul negotiated with the administration to move forward on “critical pipeline capacity” for natural gas. In this case, the project is currently complying with the order and taking appropriate steps to stop offshore activities. The uncertainty has caused Ørsted’s shares to tumble to an all-time low of $9.31 following the news. Ørsted said in an August 11 announcement that it plans to move ahead with a $9.4 billion rights issue to shore up its capital structure.
[3] https://www.equinor.com/news/20250519-empire-wind-project-resumes-construction
[Japan] Sharp Corporation signs MOU with Mitsui OSK Lines and AAR Japan to donate solar modules to Kenya
As of August 21, 2025, Sharp Corporation and Sharp Energy Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the donation of solar modules to support electrification-deficient areas in the Republic of Kenya. [1] This MOU is signed with Mitsui O.S.K Lines and Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan), in conjunction with the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development. The MOU states that the donated modules will be transported to Kenya by Mitsui and AAR Japan will support the on-site installation. The modules are for use in lighting, powering projectors and PCs for elementary schools. The project’s goal is to improve education in the region. Sharp has been promoting ESG-based management and this MOU aligns with this purpose.
[USA] Arizona regulators repeal the state’s renewable standard
As of August 14, 2025, the Arizona Corporation Commission voted unanimously to direct Staff to take the next step to repeal the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff Rules (REST), which required electric utilities to deliver 15% renewable energy by 2025. [1] The rule was set by the Commission in 2006 and its targets have already been surpassed by the state’s major regulated utilities. Regulators say the rule drives up energy costs and is unnecessary. Arizona’s two largest regulated electric utilities have already met or exceeded the REST rules requirement. Arizona Public Service Company (APS) reported about 19% of its energy contains renewable energy sources in 2024, in 2023 the number was 13%. Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) reported that 29% of its energy portfolio included renewables in 2024; in 2023, the number was 27%. The debate began when APS backed away from its pledge to go carbon free by 2050. Regulators indicate that cost concerns are at the heart of their efforts to repeal REST rules.
[USA] Alaska residents spent three times more on energy than Florida residents in 2023
As of August 21, 2025, the US Energy Information Administration found that Alaska has the highest per capita energy expenditures of any state at $12,100. [1] According to their recently published State Energy Data System information for 2023, Wyoming and North Dakota spent the next most on energy (spending over twice the national average of $4,700), and Florida had the lowest per capita energy expenditures at $3,700, followed by New York and Maryland. These differences in expenditures are attributable to weather, economic composition, industrial energy consumption, and other factors. Alaska, Wyoming, and North Dakota have cold winters that require more energy for heating, and their state economies also have more energy-intensive industrial sectors. Florida has warm weather and therefore requires less energy for heating. New York has widespread public transit use and lower expenditures for transportation fuels. Both states have less energy-intensive industries. Nationwide average energy expenditures decreased in the US in 2023, but remained higher than long-term averages. Energy expenditures in 2023 were 12% less than in 2022, largely due to lower energy prices.
[Japan] METI holds discussions on the decommissioning and future of TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
As of August 4, 2025, METI conducted discussions with local residents and technical experts from within Japan and abroad at the 9th International Forum on the Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. [1] The forum was held under the auspices of the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation. The purposes of the forum included disseminating accurate information, promoting mutual understanding with local residents, and sharing the latest information and technical achievements regarding the decommissioning. A panel discussion provided an opportunity for local residents to engage in direct dialogue with those involved in the decommissioning work.
[USA] Congress wants the administration to continue ENERGY STAR
As of August 4, 2025, appropriations work is on pause as Congress has left Washington for recess. [1] Despite President Trump’s attempts to eliminate or privatize the Energy Star program, there has been strong bipartisan support for keeping the Energy Star program fully funded at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On July 22, the House Appropriations Committee advanced its fiscal year 2026 (FY26) spending bill for the EPA, with the adoption of a bipartisan manager’s amendment directing the agency to maintain level funding of $32 million for the Energy Star program. Soon after, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted nearly unanimously to pass its own spending bill requiring EPA to fund Energy Star at $36 million for the year. After President Trump’s FY26 budget request proposed eliminating funding for Energy Star and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the program should be privatized, the administration appears to still be considering its next steps for the program. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees, however, have signaled full support for Energy Star and believe it should be preserved at the EPA.
[1] https://www.usgbc.org/articles/congress-wants-administration-continue-energy-star
[USA] President Trump names David Rosner Chairman of FERC
As of August 13, 2025, the White House named David Rosner, a Democratic member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as agency chairman. [1] Rosner joined FERC in 2017 as an energy industry analyst and has been a commissioner since June 2024. He spent two years on detail from FERC to the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. During his time as a staff member at FERC, he led efforts on electric transmission, fuel security, energy storage resources, and natural gas-electric coordination. Rosner was previously a senior policy advisor for the US Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Policy and Systems Analysis and an associate director at the Bipartisan Policy Center’s energy project. Rosner replaces former FERC Chairman Mark Christie, a Republican whom President Donald Trump nominated in his first term. Christie left FERC on Friday after Trump declined to name him to a second term at the agency.
[1] https://ferc.gov/news-events/news/president-trump-names-david-rosner-chairman-ferc
[Japan] JOGMEC to join gallium production study in Australia
As of August 4, 2025, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) announced that it will take part in a joint study for gallium production in Australia in an effort to ensure a stable supply of the critical mineral used to make semiconductors. [1] The study will occur at an aluminum refinery operated by Alcoa of Australia Limited. JOGMEC partnered with Sojitz Corporation and formed Japan Australia Gallium Associates (JAGA), which signed an agreement with Alcoa. The study aims to assess the feasibility of extracting gallium, as a byproduct of alumina refining. The project seeks to establish a long-term gallium supply, with production targeted to start in 2026.
[1] https://www.jogmec.go.jp/english/news/release/news_08_00044.html
[USA] Energy Department announces first pilot project for advanced nuclear fuel lines
As of August 4, 2025, the US Department of Energy (DOE) conditionally selected Standard Nuclear as the first US company accepted into the July 2025 fuel line pilot program. [1] The initiative eliminates America’s use of foreign sources of enriched uranium and critical materials, thereby encouraging private investment in nuclear power. Standard Nuclear, based in Oak Ridge Tennessee, is the first conditional selection under DOE’s new pilot program and will leverage the Department’s authorization process to ensure a robust supply of nuclear fuel in both Tennessee and Idaho. This fuel is in high demand because reactor developers are getting ready to test their designs that use TRISO fuel. They will manage the sourcing of nuclear material feedstock for fuel fabrication, which could be acquired through DOE’s high-assay low-enriched uranium allocation program. The fuel line pilot program supports DOE’s new reactor pilot program that aims to have at least three advanced reactor designs achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.
[USA] DOE issues final non-FTA LNG export authorization for exports from Venture Global Calcasieu Pass Project
As of August 4, 2025, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a final authorization for additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) countries from Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. [1] This allows Calcasieu Pass, an LNG export project that has been in operation since 2022, to export an additional 20 billion cubic feet of natural gas as LNG per year. Venture Global’s second LNG export project, Plaquemines, began exporting late in 2024. The company recently announced a final investment decision on Phase 1 of its third LNG export project, CP2. In March 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a conditional non-FTA export authorization to CP2 that is ready for a final order now that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has concluded its review of the project.