Puzzle over the obstacles between solar power and sheep farming.

In the world of energy and climate, there's been a flurry of developments that are shaping the future. Here's a roundup of some of the latest news:

Illinois farmers find a new partnership with solar arrays and sheep

In an interesting turn of events, Illinois farmers are discovering that sheep and solar arrays make a harmonious pair. This innovative approach, first reported by Canary, could pave the way for sustainable farming and energy production.

Google delves into long-duration storage projects

Google is set to research the effectiveness of long-duration storage installations on Salt River Project's electric grid in Arizona. The tech giant will fund a portion of these projects, contributing to the region's renewable energy infrastructure.

U.S. Energy Department invests in fusion energy research

The U.S. Energy Department has announced a $134 million investment in fusion energy research, primarily directed towards national labs. This move is a significant step towards understanding and harnessing the power of fusion for future energy needs.

Interior Department rescinds public lands rule

The U.S. Interior Department has moved to rescind a rule established during the Biden administration that gave equal weight to conservation and drilling, mining, and other purposes on public lands. This decision could have implications for the future management of these lands.

Energy Secretary dissolves controversial research group

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has dissolved the research group behind a report that questioned climate change. However, the report itself will not be withdrawn, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from scientists.

Interior Secretary voices concerns about AI, not climate change

At the global Gastech conference, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum expressed concerns about winning the "AI arms race" as an "existential threat," rather than climate change. This shift in focus raises questions about the priorities being set in the energy sector.

House passes defense bill with energy provisions

The House has passed an $892 billion defense bill that includes support for critical mineral acquisition and advanced nuclear, but also blocks the Pentagon's transition to EVs and hybrids. This bill could have significant implications for the U.S.'s energy strategy in the defense sector.

California could save significantly with targeted virtual power plants

A new report from Canary suggests that California could save big by targeting 'sweet spots' with virtual power plants. This approach could optimise the use of renewable energy sources, potentially leading to substantial savings.

Study reveals eastern U.S. grid vulnerabilities

A yearlong study of the eastern U.S. grid's capacity has found that the region is vulnerable during weather emergencies due to power delivery constraints. This revelation underscores the need for improved infrastructure to ensure a reliable energy supply.

U.S. electricity generation growth expected

The Energy Information Administration predicts that U.S. electricity generation will grow by 2.3% this year and 3% next year due to forecast cold weather and growing demand. This growth is expected to come from data centers and other large power users.

Hyundai's EV battery plant work halted by ICE raid

Last week's ICE raid at Hyundai's under-construction EV battery plant in Georgia has halted its work. This development could potentially deter future U.S. partnerships with foreign manufacturers in the sector.

Connecticut Governor open to federal deal on Revolution Wind construction

Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont is open to making a deal with the federal government regarding Revolution Wind construction. However, details about the nature of this potential deal, including the involvement of natural gas, remain unclear.

Google's partner for long-duration storage systems in Arizona remains unknown

The search results do not provide information about which company will support Google in financing long-duration storage systems at the Salt River Project electricity site in Arizona. This information is eagerly awaited by those following developments in the renewable energy sector.