U.S. Developments: Data, Energy, and Policy
Plans for an $18 billion data center campus north of Chicago are raising concerns over electricity and water usage. Local officials welcome the investment but residents worry about the strain on public resources.
At the same time, an investor group including BlackRock and Nvidia will acquire Aligned Data Centers from Macquarie Asset Management in a $40 billion deal. The move reflects surging global demand for AI and data infrastructure.
Federal Bureau of Land Management officials clarified that the Esmeralda 7 solar complex in Nevada has not been fully canceled. Instead, each of the seven proposed projects will undergo individual review.
In California, the Energy Commission approved $42.75 million in grants for offshore wind port development. This decision followed the Trump administration’s withdrawal of $427 million in federal funding for a northern facility.
Meanwhile, Clara Pratte, a Democratic advocate and Navajo Nation citizen, announced a run for the Arizona Corporation Commission, potentially becoming the first Native American to serve on the utility-regulating board.
Regional and Industry Updates
Minnesota’s clean energy sector added nearly 1,700 jobs last year, up 2.6%. Analysts, however, warn of a slowdown due to new federal policies impacting renewable energy.
In North Dakota, Xcel Energy’s proposed rate increase—intended to fund its transition from coal—could cost North Dakota State University $1 million annually, according to officials.
Global Headlines
Indian refiners plan to reduce imports of Russian oil amid U.S. diplomatic pressure to curb Moscow’s war financing.
Meanwhile, Russia faces fuel shortages after Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. The Kremlin’s export restrictions have triggered shortages and rising prices in Central Asia.
