AGP Executive Report

Hydrogen Storage for Industry: Payal Industrial Park in Dahej, Gujarat, is partnering with Fourier to deploy hydrogen-powered long-duration storage, aiming to stretch backup from 12 hours to more than a week and keep renewables-backed power steady for factories. Long-Duration Batteries: HiTHIUM unveiled an 8-hour long-duration energy storage system at SNEC 2026, pushing longer backup as grids add more solar and wind. Energy Meets AI at ENERtec Asia: ENERtec Asia 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur with a big focus on energy infrastructure for AI and data centres, spotlighting grid resilience and power supply readiness. India–Venezuela Energy Talks: India’s petroleum minister says a technical team will visit Venezuela to expand upstream and downstream cooperation, with Venezuela already a major crude supplier. RBI Holds Rates as Energy Costs Bite: India’s central bank kept the repo rate at 5.25%, citing West Asia-driven oil price pressure and rupee weakness. Coal Push in the US: Trump announced nearly $700m to support coal plants and exports, using defense-era powers to extend grid reliability. Grid Pressure from Data Centres: Duke Energy rate hikes face public pushback in North Carolina, with critics linking demand growth to data centres. Clean Power Finance: Inox Clean Energy is buying Vena Energy’s 6 GW renewables portfolio, while Origis Energy secured $75m financing for solar and storage projects. Saudi Stability Message: Saudi’s energy minister told SPIEF the world needs “every molecule” of energy and urged stabilization amid supply disruptions.

AI + Data Centers Power Crunch: Schneider Electric says Malaysia’s next AI buildout must be planned early across power, cooling, water, renewables access, and monitoring as data-center demand rises. Grid Hardware for AI: Estonia’s Skeleton Technologies launched a new UPS for AI data centers, pitching better grid compliance and efficiency. EU Tech Sovereignty (Energy Angle): The EU unveiled a tech sovereignty package to cut reliance on non-EU providers for chips, AI, cloud and energy digitisation, but analysts warn it won’t deliver independence overnight. Coal Revival via Defense Powers: Trump is set to use the Defense Production Act to push nearly $700m for coal plant upgrades, export infrastructure and new capacity—aimed at keeping prices low while expanding lifespans. Energy-Trade Diversification: India and Venezuela are deepening energy ties as Venezuela becomes a top crude supplier for India amid West Asia supply disruptions. Renewables Buildout in Malaysia: TNB says it delivered 4.3 GW of installed renewables and points to grid modernization to support data-center demand. Data Centers’ Environmental Cost: A UN report warns data centers’ electricity, carbon and water footprints are already comparable to major countries and could double by 2030. Storage Push: Romania is seeking Chinese partners for energy storage as high European prices open opportunity; Simtel completed a 100 MW/200 MWh BESS project in Romania. Policy + Affordability Fight: California and New York are weakening climate rules as energy costs rise, while the US debate over affordability vs climate action intensifies.

Energy & AI Infrastructure: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim backed Tenaga Nasional (TNB) to steer an “energy transition” that’s “AI-driven,” as ETCon26 spotlights energy-for-AI and AI-for-energy ties. Emissions Software: IFS launched IFS Zero, an agentic emissions operating system to unify Scope 1-3 carbon calculations and produce audit-ready outputs for asset-heavy industries. Data Centers Power Crunch: EU unveiled a tech sovereignty package that also targets data-center energy demand and limits some U.S. cloud access, while analysts warn Europe still lacks a true Nvidia-scale champion. Grid Rules vs Clean Power: Reuters reports India’s tougher grid discipline for solar and wind (penalties from April 2027) is worrying investors and could cut returns sharply. Renewables Policy Moves: Kenya withdrew a proposed electricity tariff review, keeping bills unchanged; Nigeria’s NERC started Net Billing Regulations 2026 to let renewable “prosumers” export surplus. Geopolitics & Oil: A U.S.-Iran “double-sided ceasefire” paused hostilities and eased oil prices, but markets remain cautious as the situation looks fragile. Storage & Batteries: Indonesia urged to speed up a domestic battery industry roadmap as policy gaps and tech shifts narrow the window. Tech Sanctions: U.S. arrested Iran-linked tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi over alleged exports of restricted networking gear to Iran’s nuclear and military programs.

Nuclear Safety Watch: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi praised the UAE’s integrated peaceful nuclear program after touring Barakah, highlighting safety culture, transparency, and cooperation. Grid & Renewables Bottleneck: India’s SECI says it still can’t find buyers for 9.7 GW of renewable capacity from multiple auctions, even as it has found takers for 425 MW since March. Regulation & Costs: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll intervene in Consumers Energy’s $456M-a-year rate hike request, arguing the cycle of rising bills is squeezing families. EU Tech Sovereignty: The European Commission unveiled a technology sovereignty package targeting cloud, AI, chips, open source and an energy AI roadmap—aimed at cutting dependence on non-EU suppliers. Biofuels Legal Fight: AFPM challenged the EPA’s 2026-27 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes in court, calling them costly and impractical while Growth Energy says it’s ready to engage. Storage Deal: Aukera Energy reached €97.5M financial close for a 170 MW/340 MWh battery project in Belgium, targeting mid-2027 operations. Energy Markets Macro: The OECD cut its global growth forecast, warning the U.S.-Iran conflict is keeping energy disruptions and inflation risks alive.

Renewables in the field: The Philippine National Police’s Eastern Visayas HQ in Palo, Leyte switched on a 48-kilowatt solar PV system to cut power costs and push greener operations. Grid-scale control: Emerson says its Ovation Green SCADA is helping Holy Cross Energy run and optimize solar, wind and battery storage across four sites in Western Colorado. Energy transition execution: Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister backed Energy Transition Conference 2026 as a shift from ambition to delivery, stressing partnerships across utilities, developers and finance. Energy tech for consumers: Sigenergy launched SigenAgent, a goal-based AI energy manager for solar, storage and EV charging, aiming to automate bill savings and system performance. Policy and markets: South Korea and Canada agreed on a critical-minerals and energy plan that includes more Canadian crude and extra LNG supplies. Geopolitics and prices: Oil rose on renewed Middle East tensions, while gold extended gains as investors leaned on safe havens. Industrial decarbonisation: A UK delegation highlighted the Humber region’s hydrogen and carbon capture plans to attract investment and jobs. Power reliability challenge: Nigeria’s Discos collected N196.13bn in March vs N246.43bn billed, leaving revenue recovery at 79.59% amid weaker billing efficiency.

Grid & Renewables in Action: The Philippines’ PNP is going solar, switching on a 48-kilowatt PV system at its Eastern Visayas headquarters in Leyte to cut power costs and push renewable use. Energy Storage Deals: EDF power solutions North America and Masdar secured 15-year power purchase agreements for California’s BigBeau 128 MW solar plus 40 MW/160 MWh battery project. Battery Buildout in the UK: Eelpower Energy bought a 50 MW/100 MWh battery storage project in Devon, targeting construction in 2027 and operations in 2028. Solar Still Growing: A US report argues solar is still booming despite political headwinds, helped by demand from data centers and faster approvals for some projects. AI’s Power Pressure: Australia’s data-center boom could lift household electricity prices by up to 26% by 2035, with AI-driven load growth stressing grids. Inflation Watch: Euro zone inflation hit 3.2% in May as elevated energy prices keep pressure on consumers. Tech for Energy: China says daily seawater desalination capacity has topped 3 million tonnes, with new projects pairing solar and storage. EV Market Reality Check: China’s NEV sales keep rising, but industry profit margins are squeezed, highlighting tougher economics for automakers.

Critical Infrastructure Security: UK campaigners warn the National Grid’s £30bn upgrade plan isn’t doing enough to protect substations and cables from hostile drones, with calls for no-fly zones, drone nets, and more hardened or buried lines. Middle East Energy Risk: Markets stay jumpy as US-Iran ceasefire hopes wobble; oil prices hold up while insurers hike war-risk premiums—reportedly spiking up to 1% of vessel value—especially around the Strait of Hormuz and beyond. Regional Energy Deals: Oman and Libya are deepening cooperation across oil, gas, and renewables, signing an MoU between Libya’s Investment Authority and OQ Group to spur investment. Grid Investment in the UK: SP Energy Networks is funding £800k for Wrexham’s electricity network, adding underground cabling and upgrades to boost capacity for EVs, solar, and heat pumps. Battery Storage Pressure Point: India’s renewable push faces a battery bottleneck, with new reporting highlighting how storage tender outcomes and tariffs will shape whether targets can be met. South Africa Transparency: Eskom complied with an SCA order to release legacy cross-border coal and diesel supply contracts after AfriForum’s PAIA fight. Renewables Testing: A new wave energy testing site is planned off Cuttyhunk, aiming to move ocean power prototypes toward market by proving performance in open-ocean conditions. AI Meets Energy Markets: A Reuters look at Asia markets ties investor caution to Middle East uncertainty even as AI enthusiasm lifts tech stocks.

Energy Security & Investment: Zambia’s ZCCM-IH agreed terms for a 600MW thermal power plant in Sinazongwe to cut a ~1,400MW baseload gap and reduce drought-hit hydro reliance, starting with 300MW coal before doubling. Middle East & Oil Prices: A US-Iran ceasefire extension keeps Strait of Hormuz pressure in focus as Brent and WTI rise, while markets watch for any escalation. Hydrogen Reality Check (UK): UK hydrogen momentum is real, but projects stall on missing long-term offtake deals—policy funding alone isn’t enough to unlock financing. Nuclear Buildout (US): New York Power Authority launched RFQs to develop at least 1GW of advanced nuclear in upstate NY, plus $40M for workforce training tied to a 5GW “reliability backbone.” Grid & Water Costs: Cities urged Congress to reauthorize expiring IIJA water funding, warning PFAS and lead pipe work could stall after Sept. 30. Tech + Energy Demand: A new push for AI-driven infrastructure keeps energy demand and costs in the spotlight, with regulators and boards increasingly treating AI as a major risk. Defense Tech: The US Army seeks nearly $2.9B for counter-drone systems as low-cost unmanned threats intensify.

AI + Power Demand: Sen. Elizabeth Warren says AI data centers are driving up utility costs and straining water supplies for nearby communities, as backlash grows over who pays for the boom. Tech Infrastructure: Google, European Energy Australia and AirTrunk plan to bring a 25MW Mulwala solar farm online in NSW to supply renewable power for data-center needs. Grid + Bills Pressure: A study for Irish groups claims data centers added about €360 per household to electricity bills (2015-2023), with risks of worse volatility ahead. Energy Policy + Standards: Philippines’ DTI is moving to require mandatory certification for solar components and batteries before sale, aiming to curb low-quality imports. Renewables Execution: Nepal’s budget reframes hydropower from generation to economic transformation, targeting 1,040MW more capacity plus transmission, storage and trade reforms. Industrial Policy Shift: New research finds governments are using more industrial policy during crises, including energy-related subsidies and export bans, and that many measures stick after emergencies. Oil Risk: Crude jumped over 2% after Israel intensified attacks in Lebanon, reviving regional supply fears. Nuclear Watch: India’s fast breeder reactor hits first criticality, adding momentum to long-term energy security plans. Market Signals: India cut windfall export taxes on petrol/diesel/ATF, while commercial LPG prices rose sharply in June.

AI & Power Demand: Sen. Adam Schiff introduced the Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act, pushing big data centers to secure their own power and pay for grid upgrades, plus curtail during stress—aimed at slowing electricity bill spikes tied to AI buildouts. Grid & Renewables Buildout: EOLOGIX-PING launched satellite-enabled lightning monitoring for remote wind farms, helping operators pinpoint struck turbines where cellular coverage fails. Wind Supply Chain: GE Vernova hit a 25 GW wind manufacturing milestone at its Salzbergen site, underscoring Germany’s role in scaling turbines. Repowering for Capacity: Shoreline Wind’s report argues repowering legacy wind can bypass grid queues and quickly add clean power for AI-driven demand. Energy Geopolitics: Ukraine denied striking Zaporizhzhia’s nuclear plant while saying drones hit Russian energy targets, as Middle East tensions keep fuel markets jumpy. Affordability Pressure: California gas prices are blamed on shrinking refinery capacity and policy-driven supply constraints, while El Niño warnings point to higher electricity and fuel costs in the Philippines. Policy Shift on Fuels: Malaysia starts raising biodiesel blends from B10 to B15 to cut imported diesel use and boost palm-based fuel demand. UK Solar Deal: Caerphilly sold its approved Cwm Ifor solar farm to Fuse Energy, targeting grid connection in Dec 2026 and power for about 6,000 homes a year. Corporate Earnings: RMC Switchgears reported FY26 revenue up 26.4% YoY to ₹401.6 crore, with a Q4 profit turnaround.

Grid & Market Rules: India’s CERC has floated draft DSM reforms that would change deviation pricing to a daily weighted average ACP, align wind/solar with conventional generators under the same deviation framework, and expand how energy storage is handled from July 1, 2026. UK Household Costs: Britain’s energy bills are set to rise another £100, with network charges and other non-commodity costs driving the jump even as the push for wind and solar ramps up. Renewables Buildout Under Pressure: A $241M solar project in Maui is racing through permitting to lock in expiring tax credits, aiming to power about 18,425 homes annually for 20 years by end-2028. Storage Pipeline: NTPC Green Energy has issued an EPC tender for 1,950 MW / 7,800 MWh BESS at Rajasthan’s Bikaner Solar Plant. Clean Tech & Jobs: Aurora’s new clean-energy job training hub held its first graduation, feeding apprenticeships in construction and solar systems. AI Power Demand: China’s cheap, reliable electricity is boosting its AI data-center buildout faster than rivals, intensifying the global energy race.

Energy Security (EU Gas): EU gas storage is at historical lows, averaging about 38% full, with roughly 10 bcm more needed to hit winter targets—raising fears of supply stress if disruptions linked to the Iran conflict persist. Renewables Pay Off (EU): A new Ember/IEA-linked look says Europe cut fossil fuel import costs by about €51bn in 2025, and could see bigger savings in 2026 as wind and solar hit record output. India Oil Supply Assurance: India’s petroleum ministry says it has “more than adequate” petrol and diesel supplies, with public oil firms acting as shock absorbers on prices despite losses. Clean Power Buildout (India): Andhra Pradesh is pushing a Green Energy corridor to connect 18 GW of renewables (solar plus pumped storage) via 2,261 km of new transmission lines and major pooling stations. Solar Push (US/UK/India): EDF Power Solutions signed a 30-year PPA for a Utah Solar 1 project; Scarborough Hospital in the UK is adding solar and a heat pump; Tata Power Solar Rooftop launched a UP campaign pairing rooftop solar with battery storage. AI + Power Demand: Multiple reports underline that AI data centers are becoming an electricity bottleneck, with power availability and grid capacity now shaping project timelines. Safety & Litigation (US Gas): Lawsuits are piling up after the Dallas Clyde Apartments explosion, alleging Atmos Energy failed to monitor and warn about gas leak risks. Policy Backslide (US/Climate Rules): The SEC formally proposed rescinding its climate disclosure rule, a move critics say would reduce investor information on climate risks.

Energy Policy & Politics: U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn says Tennessee should stay dominant in nuclear, pushing research to counter China’s spending and backing federal “rulebook” ideas for AI. Grid & Inflation Watch: Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman warns the Iran-linked energy shock could keep inflation elevated and force a tougher policy stance if disruptions persist. Clean Power Deals: Mahanagar Gas and Fourth Partner Energy signed an MoU to explore renewable generation and supply for India’s commercial and industrial customers. Green Hydrogen: Ohmium International and InSolare Energy team up on a 4 MW green hydrogen project for NLC India in Tamil Nadu. Renewables Financing Reality Check: A report highlights Africa’s renewable boom, but says high borrowing costs and weak project bankability remain the biggest blockers. Tech for Energy Systems: LAM Research’s event showcased chiplet and photonics startups, while a new “quantum battery” proof-of-concept claims faster charging as size increases. Business & Markets: SEBI fined Suzlon Energy and executives ₹28.95 crore over alleged misleading financial transactions; ClearSign priced an offering to fund R&D and working capital. AI + Power Demand: Port NOLA and NOPB partner on AI rail tech for oversized cargo tied to power and energy projects.

Regional Energy Security: Philippines President Marcos met Japan’s Kishida in Tokyo to deepen energy resilience and speed the fossil-to-renewables shift under AZEC and Japan’s $10B POWERR Asia support package. Grid & Reliability: South Australia approved six battery projects under its FERM scheme, lifting grid-scale storage from 1.1GW to 2.5GW to cut heatwave-driven price spikes. Energy Bills: Australia’s AER set the 2026-27 electricity DMO, with NSW and SE Queensland expected to see drops for most households and small businesses (SA mixed). Battery & AI Power Demand: Nextpower agreed to buy Prevalon Energy to expand BESS and intelligent controls, while MPI Energy rebranded from MPI Narada to reflect a broader storage and power portfolio. Policy for Landowners: Uttar Pradesh approved higher compensation for farmers affected by transmission towers and corridors, aiming to speed power infrastructure. Nuclear Innovation: BLSK Energy signed with Argonne to commercialize pyroprocessing to recycle spent fuel for fast reactors. Renewables Planning: Victoria declared five onshore renewable energy zones to coordinate solar, wind and batteries and reduce extra transmission build.

Data Centers & Grid Planning: New Jersey unveiled a statewide plan to rein in data-center energy demand with “fair-share” rules, more transparency, and guardrails meant to protect ratepayers while supporting AI growth. Transmission Buildout: CAISO approved a $6.7B transmission plan to handle California load growth, with more than half of spending tied to electrification and data centers. AI Power Crunch: TSMC says AI is shifting chip priorities toward energy efficiency as electricity costs and availability become the key constraint. Inflation & Energy Costs: The Fed’s preferred inflation measure rose to 3.8% in April, keeping pressure on rates as Iran-war pricing risks linger. Clean Power Projects: Matrix Renewables and SOLV Energy started construction on a 457MW Tormes solar project in Texas; Treaty Oak hit commercial operation on a 100MW Redfield solar project in Arkansas. Fusion Funding: Thea Energy raised $100M to scale fusion plants, aiming for construction later this decade. Nuclear & Industry: Saskatchewan’s GIEMS got $225k to coordinate nuclear research chairs and nuclear literacy, while ABS introduced a “nuclear-ready” notation for marine and offshore assets.

Household Energy Shock (UK): Ofgem’s new price cap lifts typical bills by 13% from July 1 to £1,862 a year, adding £221, as Middle East conflict keeps wholesale gas prices elevated. Data Centres vs Affordability (Ireland/US): Friends of the Earth Ireland warns data-centre growth could add €644 to household bills over the next decade; Sierra Club flags low-income families facing the heaviest energy burden. Grid & Policy Scrutiny (Philippines/Vietnam): Lawmakers in the Philippines urge a review of DOE/ERC rules after May power interruptions, while Vietnam’s deputy PM orders faster delivery of delayed power projects to protect supply as demand rises from data centres and electrification. Storage Build-Out (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka imports components for a first commercial BESS (20MW of a 160MW plan), aiming to store solar output for night demand. Clean Tech & Industry Moves: OIL Green Energy and Hindustan Waste Treatment sign a 50:50 JV to develop compressed biogas and waste-to-energy in India; Hyosung Heavy Industries expands renewables via a solar PPA at its Changwon plant. Energy Transition Politics (Canada/Australia): B.C. NDP natural gas royalty hikes face industry pushback; Greenpeace warns Australia’s AI data-centre rollout could derail the clean transition.