Grid & storage buildout: LG Energy Solution will supply batteries for Google and Cypress Creek Energy’s Steel River solar-plus-storage project in California, starting with ~2 GWh (expanding to 2.9 GWh) and targeting 2029, as hyperscale AI demand keeps pushing utilities toward faster BESS deployment. Ireland grid upgrade: EirGrid launched its Group Strategy 2026, backed by an €18.9bn investment plan to 2030, including 29 priority projects such as a new North Connacht 110kV underground cable to add capacity for 150,000 homes. Residential batteries: Vikram Solar’s VSL PowerHive expands its VION LFP lineup with new 10 kWh and 15 kWh systems for India’s rooftop solar and residential energy storage market. Renewables momentum: India added 13.9 GW of renewable capacity in Q1 FY27, led by solar (162.15 GW total solar installed). Long-duration storage in Europe: Airengy and Nobian will assess a 2.5 GWh compressed air energy storage project in Denmark using AirBattery tech. Nuclear pipeline & controversy: India’s ASHVINI/NTPC-NPCIL JV is set to invite EPC bids worth ₹28,000 crore for Rajasthan’s Mahi Banswara nuclear island; meanwhile, activists are challenging a UK “Pioneer Park” SMR plan aimed at powering AI data centres near Sellafield. Geopolitics hitting energy: The US reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and warned strikes could target Iran’s power plants and bridges if talks don’t resume, raising Strait of Hormuz supply-risk. Data centres strain power: A study says global data-centre electricity use rose 17% in 2025, underscoring why grids and regulators are tightening rules. Reliability on the ground: Lodi, New York reported repeated brownouts and low-voltage issues despite prior regulator work, escalating a complaint to the state PSC.