Electric Cars

Following a subdued initial period, the United States' wind energy sector is on track for a strong resurgence, anticipating a total of 7.7 gigawatts in new capacity installations this year. A report from Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association (ACP) indicated a 60% decline in new wind capacity during the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, with only 593 megawatts installed. However, the industry is projected to experience a significant rebound, with over half of the year's forecasted capacity expected to come online in the final quarter.

The onshore wind development faces both opportunities and challenges. The market outlook for onshore wind saw a 3.6% increase quarter-over-quarter as developers accelerate project completion to capitalize on expiring federal tax credits. Experts note that many projects are construction-ready with necessary permits and turbine orders in place. Nevertheless, the industry faces long-term uncertainties due to ongoing tariff investigations, which could impact a significant portion of the wind turbine supply chain and increase project costs, potentially delaying developments beyond 2027. Additionally, the offshore wind sector, despite regulatory hurdles and stop-work orders, is expected to add 5.9 GW by 2029, with most of this capacity already under construction and slated for completion in 2026 and 2027. Western states are poised to lead onshore wind activity through 2029, followed by the Midwest, with Illinois projected to surpass Texas in new onshore capacity by 2027.

Looking ahead, the next few years are critical for the US wind industry, with 2027 anticipated to be a landmark year for new installations. Wood Mackenzie forecasts an average annual installation of 9.1 GW over the next five years, encompassing onshore, offshore, and repowering projects. By the close of 2029, the total installed wind capacity is projected to reach 196.5 GW. This substantial growth is expected despite political headwinds and anti-wind rhetoric, demonstrating the sector's resilience and its continued significant presence in the energy market, even as solar and energy storage lead overall interconnection activity.

The journey of the wind energy sector, marked by periods of sluggishness and rapid acceleration, underscores the dynamic interplay between innovation, policy, and market forces. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, commitment to sustainable energy solutions can drive remarkable progress. The projected rebound not only signifies economic growth but also reinforces the collective human endeavor towards a greener future, proving that challenges can be overcome through strategic planning and persistent effort, ultimately powering a more sustainable world for generations to come.

Sizable Energy, an innovative ocean energy storage company, has successfully secured $8 million in funding to advance its groundbreaking long-duration offshore pumped hydro system. This significant investment round was spearheaded by Playground Global, with additional contributions from Exa Ventures, Verve Ventures, Satgana, EDEN/IAG, and Unruly Capital. The capital infusion is set to propel Sizable Energy from its successful wave basin tests at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) to comprehensive sea trials near Reggio Calabria, Italy.

This pioneering technology reimagines traditional pumped hydro storage by utilizing the vastness of the ocean. Instead of relying on freshwater and dam constructions, Sizable Energy’s system employs saturated sea-salt brine, which is approximately 20% denser than regular seawater. This brine is dynamically moved between a floating reservoir and a deep-water reservoir, effectively harnessing gravity and the immense depth of the ocean. This method allows for the storage and release of gigawatt-scale power, circumventing the extensive land use and environmental impacts typically associated with onshore hydro projects. Dr. Manuele Aufiero, CEO and co-founder of Sizable Energy, highlights the system’s potential to fortify the grid against the fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources, stating that affordable, long-duration storage is crucial for a stable, resilient, and future-ready energy infrastructure. The company asserts that its system offers the lowest Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) among long-duration storage technologies, even when compared to optimistic projections for lithium-ion battery costs. Its design integrates readily available materials, allowing for manufacturing, assembly, and deployment at depths exceeding 500 meters, leveraging existing maritime infrastructure.

Following its successful concept validation in laboratory settings and at MARIN, where the system demonstrated resilience in harsh ocean conditions, Sizable Energy is now progressing with a new prototype test in the Mediterranean. This pilot project, situated off Reggio Calabria, Italy, is designed to confirm the efficacy of its floating system, assembly processes, and deployment techniques. This critical step is intended to pave the way for a multi-megawatt demonstration plant in the Mediterranean Sea. Looking ahead, the company aims to initiate commercial project development by 2026 across multiple global locations. This expansion will involve collaborations with governments, energy providers, and local manufacturers to scale up long-duration ocean energy storage solutions.

Sizable Energy's innovative approach to energy storage, by transforming ocean depth into a sustainable power reserve, represents a monumental stride towards a more sustainable and resilient global energy landscape. By effectively addressing the intermittency challenges of renewable energy, this technology not only promises economic viability but also underscores humanity's ingenuity in leveraging natural resources responsibly, paving the way for a future powered by clean, stable, and abundant energy.