New Power Generation

New figures on global electricity generation show coal remained the largest source in 2024, producing about 34% of the world's power, while wind and solar together reached 15%, up from just 4% a decade earlier. The data, presented as charts mapped onto the world map, are drawing attention to the slow pace of the energy transition despite rapid renewables growth.

Nissan has detailed the third generation of its e-POWER powertrain, the series-hybrid system in which a petrol engine generates electricity to drive the wheels via an electric motor. The company published an overview of the new technology on its global innovation page, drawing attention from tech readers. Discussion centres on what efficiency, refinement and cost improvements the next iteration could bring to Nissan's electrified lineup.

Italy's Senate has given final approval to a law from Giorgia Meloni's government establishing a new framework for producing nuclear energy, nearly four decades after the country abandoned nuclear power following the 1987 referendum. The government plans to focus on new-generation nuclear technology. Supporters see it as a step toward energy security and lower emissions, while critics recall Italy's long-standing opposition to atomic power.

DTE Energy has completed construction of the Cold Creek Solar Park, a 100-megawatt solar facility. The project adds new renewable generating capacity to the utility's power grid, supporting its shift away from fossil fuels toward cleaner energy sources for customers.

A leak suggests Valve's next-generation Steam Deck handheld could be powered by an unreleased AMD processor codenamed 'Gainsborough'. The report hints that Valve's long silence on a Steam Deck 2 is beginning to break, with the chip's significance being parsed mainly by hardware enthusiasts watching AMD's roadmap for handheld gaming devices.

The New York Power Authority is set to become the majority owner of a new solar facility in Canton, New York. The project marks a further step in the state's push to expand renewable energy generation in the North Country region, though details on capacity, cost and timeline have not yet been released.

Media industry veteran Michael Kassan has invested in OptimizeGEO, an $80 million startup. The company operates in the generative engine optimization space, helping brands improve visibility in AI-driven search results. Kassan, founder of MediaLink and a longtime advertising power broker, has a track record of backing influential ventures in the media and marketing ecosystem.

Apple is reportedly set to reveal its first smart home display on October 13, according to a new report. The company is also planning to launch updated versions of the HomePod Mini and Apple TV, both of which will support the new AI-powered Siri. The announcement would mark Apple's biggest push yet into dedicated smart home hardware as rivals expand their own product lines.

A new outlook examines how Europe's military air power is expected to evolve over the next three decades, covering the future composition of national air forces and the programs shaping next-generation combat aircraft, drones and support fleets. The analysis comes as European countries increase defense spending and pursue joint projects such as future combat air systems.

ChatGPT has gained a new capability that lets shoppers see virtual previews of themselves wearing clothes before making a purchase. The feature uses AI image generation to try garments on users digitally, pointing to a push into shopping and e-commerce applications. The news is circulating among technology and consumer gadgets outlets.

The New York Power Authority is becoming the majority owner of a solar project in Canton, New York. The move gives the state power authority a controlling stake in the renewable energy development in the north country. Details on the size of the stake, project capacity and timeline were not immediately available, but the arrangement reflects NYPA's broader push to expand solar generation across the state.

A solar canopy has been installed in Long Island City, New York, adding to the neighborhood's growing renewable energy infrastructure. The structure is designed to generate clean electricity while providing shaded space beneath it, part of broader efforts across New York City to expand solar power in dense urban areas.

A startup is testing geothermal energy systems placed on the seafloor, aiming to replace diesel generators that island communities rely on for electricity. The technology would tap heat beneath the ocean floor to provide steady renewable power where shipping fuel is costly. If proven, it could offer remote islands a cleaner, more secure alternative to imported diesel.

A startup is seeking approval to place more than 450 small nuclear reactors on public land in Utah, with the sole purpose of powering a large data center complex. The proposal stands out for its sheer scale, far beyond any existing deployment, and would tie a massive computing facility directly to new nuclear generation in the US West.

The Northwest Labor Press argues that meeting clean energy targets and keeping the power grid reliable depends on unionized workers building and maintaining the infrastructure. The piece ties organized labor directly to preventing blackouts, framing skilled union workforces as essential to delivering new generation and transmission capacity on the timelines governments have promised.

Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) has announced an expansion of its renewable energy sources, adding new generation capacity to its power mix. The municipal utility's move is part of a broader shift toward cleaner energy in the region. Details on the scale, cost and timeline of the expansion were not included in the initial report.

A new AI tool lets users upload a full-body photo and preview how clothes would look on them, either from an uploaded garment image or from a catalog of 94 men's, women's, formal, casual and cultural outfits. It generates a visual preview of the outfit on the person, but does not measure or predict actual garment fit, a limitation users are noting.

A BBC Future article is drawing attention to homeowners swapping gas generators for personal house batteries as backup power during storms. One household profiled said they did not mind the cold, but just wanted morning coffee and the news back on. Commenters contrast the old, fuel-dependent generator technology with newer direct-current battery systems, and at least one reader is being identified as coming from the Fark community.

Japanese power company JERA has announced a partnership with US technology firm Dell and RHAELM to develop AI infrastructure in Japan. The collaboration aims to build data centre and computing capacity to support growing artificial intelligence demand in the country. JERA, one of Japan's largest power generators, is moving into the AI infrastructure sector amid a nationwide push to expand computing power.