U.S. Energy & Infrastructure
• Oregon nuclear and long-term energy planning
Oregon officials announced a 25-year nuclear and energy strategy aimed at meeting surging demand. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reported the Oregon Energy Strategy outlines plans to improve building efficiency and expand adoption of cleaner energy sources, including solar, thermal, wind, and nuclear.
• Americans spend $532 billion annually on utilities
New data from Doxo shows Americans spend $532 billion per year on utilities, driven largely by rising electricity costs. The median U.S. household paid $347 per month, or about $4,168 annually, accounting for roughly 5% of household income.
• Data centers allowed direct power plant connections
According to AP News, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will allow data centers to connect directly to power plants as of mid-December 2025. The move aligns with the Trump administration’s push to expand AI development and domestic manufacturing.
• California drops $4B high-speed rail lawsuit
California has withdrawn its lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking to recover $4 billion in federal rail funding, concluding it can no longer rely on federal support for the long-delayed high-speed rail system.
• Refinery closures may lift California gasoline prices
California gasoline prices are expected to rise in 2026 as Valero Energy plans to close its Benicia refinery, following the shutdown of Phillips 66’s Los Angeles facility. Officials warn the closures could eliminate nearly 20% of state refining capacity.
• AI hardware demand accelerates
The AI boom is fueling near-insatiable demand for GPUs, CPUs, networking equipment, and memory, with companies rapidly purchasing chips from Nvidia and Micron, driving sharp stock gains.
• Florida builds wireless EV charging roadway
Florida is constructing an electrified expressway capable of charging EVs while driving. Technology partner ENRX says the system can deliver up to 200 kW, comparable to many DC fast chargers.
• California expands offshore wind support
The California Energy Commission approved more than $40 million in grants to upgrade port infrastructure for floating offshore wind projects, according to Riviera.
• PJM capacity prices could raise bills
Grid operator PJM expects record-high capacity prices beginning June 2026 could raise electricity bills 1.5% to 5% for some customers, depending on location.
World Energy
• Google backs CO₂ energy storage
Milan-based Energy Dome has developed large-scale energy storage using compressed carbon dioxide. IEEE Spectrum reports Google plans rapid deployment at data centers across Europe, the U.S., and Asia-Pacific.
• China completes critical Algeria rail link
Chinese state-owned China Railway Construction Corporation completed the PK330 Bridge in Algeria’s Sahara Desert, a key section of a 950-km railway designed to move iron ore from the Gara Djebilet deposit to industrial hubs.
• Mexico rail derailment injures passengers
A derailment on Mexico’s Interoceanic Train injured at least 15 people and halted rail traffic between the Pacific and Gulf coasts. Oaxaca Gov. Salomon Jara said emergency agencies responded at the scene.
• EVs catch fire far less than gas vehicles
Data compiled by Interesting Engineering shows electric vehicles catch fire far less often than gasoline vehicles. Australian data showed gas vehicles ignited up to 100 times more frequently, while Sweden showed a 20-fold difference.