
States Seek to Unlock Geothermal Potential in the Western US
Western states are increasing their support for next-generation geothermal energy, which could provide hundreds of gigawatts of clean electricity around the clock.
Staff reporter at Grid and Generation, covering Energy.

Western states are increasing their support for next-generation geothermal energy, which could provide hundreds of gigawatts of clean electricity around the clock.

The Ohio Power Siting Board is set to make a final decision on the Oak Run Solar Project, which would bring 800 megawatts of solar and 300 MW of energy storage to the state.

Boston and neighboring Cambridge are home to three projects that plan to tap the city's rivers and harbor to provide emissions-free heating and cooling to some of the area's largest institutions.

The US aluminum sector is experiencing a resurgence, driven by tariffs and a push for domestic manufacturing. However, the industry faces significant hurdles, including high electricity costs and concerns about pollution.

Public frustration with data centers has become a major issue in the 2026 elections, with politicians on both sides of the aisle campaigning on data center crackdowns and moratoriums.

New research shows that replacing a gas-powered car with an electric vehicle (EV) significantly reduces lifetime emissions, even for cars just two years old. The study, published in *Science*, suggests that the emissions saved by driving an EV quickly outweigh those generated during its production. Experts agree that the environmental benefits are clear, though cost and usage patterns remain important considerations.

Despite the expiration of federal tax credits, home battery installations in the U.S. surged in early 2026, driven by high electricity costs and state incentives. California and Hawaii led adoption, while rooftop solar installations declined due to policy changes.