Solmar Capital, Author at Solmar Capital

Policy and Regulation

Minnesota Approves Xcel’s 200MW Virtual Power Plant Expansion

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has enabled Xcel Energy to expand its virtual power plant by 200MW, marking a significant development in utility-scale grid management.

April 11, 2026

Policy and Regulation

Timely State-Level Permitting Supports U.S. Solar and Wind Expansion in 19 States

Recent analysis shows most solar and wind projects in 19 states clear state permitting efficiently, enabling ongoing clean energy integration.

April 10, 2026

Market Data and Outlook

Energy Storage Summit 2026: What to Expect for BESS Capex This Year

This year’s energy storage capex is shaped by evolving regulatory landscapes, complex supply chains, and shifting market demands, all influencing large-scale BESS deployments.

April 10, 2026

Policy and Regulation

AES Withdraws 320 MW California Battery Project Amid Local Opposition

AES has pulled its proposed 320 MW Seguro battery storage project in San Diego County due to prolonged community resistance over fire safety and location issues.

April 9, 2026

Market Data and Outlook

Innovative Contracting Models Emerge as US Battery Storage Moves Beyond Pure Merchant Strategies

US battery storage developers are adopting creative contractual frameworks to ensure stable, long-term revenues amid shifting market dynamics and regulatory complexities.

April 9, 2026

Policy and Regulation

Arizona Roadmap Advances Virtual Power Plants and Distributed Solar to Manage Rising Energy Demand

Arizona’s Energy Promise Taskforce outlines strategies to harness virtual power plants and distributed solar, addressing a 40% surge in peak electricity demand.

April 8, 2026

Grid Operations and Technology

Maximizing Value from Battery Storage in Australia’s NEM

Exploring technical strategies and regulatory frameworks critical to enhancing the operational value of battery storage assets within the National Electricity Market.

April 8, 2026

Grid Operations and Technology

PV-Driven Hydraulic Hydro Storage Could Deliver $0.022/kWh LCOE in the U.S.

Innovative PV-coupled hydraulic hydro storage systems show potential to achieve remarkably low LCOE in select U.S. regions, offering scalable, reliable long-duration energy storage.

April 7, 2026

Grid Operations and Technology

Emerging Cybersecurity Threats to Power Infrastructure and AI-Driven Defense Strategies

Smart grid infrastructures face evolving cyber threats including DDoS and IoT-based attacks, necessitating AI-enhanced detection and multi-layered defenses to protect critical power systems.

April 6, 2026

Grid Operations and Technology

Ensuring Quality and Performance When Procuring Battery Energy Storage Systems

Expert insights highlight critical technical, regulatory, and market factors to ensure reliable and high-performing battery energy storage systems in evolving energy landscapes.

April 4, 2026