Keystone Pediatric Developmental Center is excited to introduce its newest provider, Occupational Therapist Madelyn Box. A graduate of Elizabethtown College, Madelyn chose the field of occupational therapy for its holistic approach and the opportunity to help others.
Madelyn’s favorite aspect of working in pediatric occupational therapy is the variety it brings; no two days are the same, and there’s always something new to learn. She was drawn to Keystone because of its supportive community and robust mentorship program.
Originally from Shippensburg, Madelyn enjoys spending her free time outdoors or shopping with her close friends and family. An interesting tidbit about her is her semester abroad in Scotland during college, which she describes as a transformative experience.
Madelyn is now part of the dedicated team at Keystone, ready to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients. To learn more about the services offered by Keystone Pediatric Developmental Center, click here.
Siemens Energy and Rolls-Royce SMR have entered into a partnership agreement that is expected to lead to the exclusive supply of conventional technology for future small modular reactors (SMRs). Under this agreement, Siemens Energy is to be the sole supplier of steam turbines, generators, and other auxiliary systems for the British manufacturer’s planned Generation III+ modular nuclear power plants. The final contract, detailing all specifics, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
SMRs are considered a promising technology for the future of nuclear energy and a key factor in the success of the energy transition. They are more compact, safer, and more cost-efficient than conventional nuclear power plants. Rolls-Royce SMR is currently developing a “mini nuclear power plant” that can be operational much faster than traditionally built plants, thanks to its standardized, modular design. Rolls-Royce SMR’s pressurized water reactors are designed to achieve an electrical output of up to 470 MW, enough to supply approximately 1.1 million households with electricity.
For decades, Siemens Energy has been a supplier and service provider of components for the so-called “power island,” the non-nuclear part of the power plant. The company’s solutions for nuclear power plants include steam turbines and generators with outputs ranging from 20 MW to 1,900 MW, as well as operational control technology and control systems.
Karim Amin, a member of the Siemens Energy Executive Board, commented: “We are currently experiencing a global renaissance of nuclear energy. Numerous countries are turning to nuclear technology to produce low-emission electricity, and small modular reactors will play a key role in this. Siemens Energy brings decades of experience in conventional equipment, while Rolls-Royce has the necessary implementation expertise. This perfect symbiosis enables us to jointly shape the future of energy supply. We are very pleased to be working with Rolls-Royce SMR on this exciting project.”
—POWER edited this content, which was contributed by Siemens Energymedia relations.
Pixxel, the Google backed space tech startup that is building a constellation of ultra high resolution hyperspectral satellites for earth observation, has now raised an additional $24 million as part of its ongoing Series B round. This new capital injection brings the total Series B funding to $60 million, contributing to an overall funding total of $95 million across all rounds.
The latest infusion of capital saw the participation of new investors, including M&G Catalyst and Glade Brook Capital Partners. These investors join existing backers such as Google, Radical Ventures, and Lightspeed. Pixxel will use proceeds towards accelerating the its plans for the development and deployment of its satellite constellation, which aims to deliver high-resolution hyperspectral data to industries across the globe, said the company in an announcement.
Funds will also be deployed towards growing the firm’s software offerings, including Aurora, which is its AI-driven Earth Observation platform. Aurora enables seamless analysis of hyperspectral data and will help in extracting actionable insights from complex satellite imagery. Furthermore, Pixxel will dedicate some of the capital towards expanding its satellite manufacturing capacity to meet increasing demand.
“This funding positions Pixxel as one of the highest-funded space-tech startups in India and the highest-funded hyperspectral imaging company globally, reinforcing its mission to build a health monitor for the planet through advanced earth observation satellites and drive impactful climate action,” the company said. “This funding echoes the investors’ confidence in Pixxel’s technological capabilities. The new infusion of capital will help us launch more satellites quicker, transforming how humanity understands and acts on the challenges of our time,” Awais Ahmed, founder and CEO of Pixxel, commented on the matter.
Pixxel’s satellites are designed to capture data across more than 250 spectral bands, offering a spatial resolution of 5 meters. Such capabilities enable the satellites to detect and identify details that conventional imaging methods cannot capture. Pixxel aims to leverage the satellites to gather insights into Earth’s natural systems, which would be beneficial for industries such as agriculture, mining, environmental protection, and climate monitoring. For example, the satellites can detect early signs of crop diseases, water stress, and nutrient deficiencies, helping farmers manage their resources more efficiently, as well as monitor deforestation, track ocean pollution, and assess the impacts of climate change in real-time.
In fact, the company’s Fireflies constellation, which consists of six commercial-grade satellites, is set to launch sometime next year, and are set to offer global coverage with the ability to revisit any location on Earth daily. Equipped with a 40-kilometer-wide swath and a native 5-meter resolution, the Fireflies constellation is designed to enhance global environmental monitoring capabilities as well. The company eventually aims to launch its full constellation of 18 satellites.
In the latest release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provisional data indicates a significant decline in drug overdose deaths across the United States. The National Vital Statistics System shows a nearly 24% decrease for the 12 months ending in September 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the lowest figures since June 2020.
Approximately 87,000 drug overdose deaths were recorded from October 2023 to September 2024, a reduction from around 114,000 deaths the year prior. Dr. Allison Arwady, Director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, emphasized the substantial impact of the decline, stating, “It is unprecedented to see predicted overdose deaths drop by more than 27,000 over a single year.”
Despite this progress, drug overdoses remain the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-44. This ongoing crisis underscores the need for continued public health efforts. The CDC has benefited from significant public health investments following the opioid overdose crisis being declared a public health emergency in 2017. These resources have enhanced the nation’s capability to utilize data in preventing overdose deaths effectively.
The report also notes varying trends across states; while 45 states reported declines in overdose deaths, Alaska, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Utah experienced increases. Additionally, there have been slight decreases in nonfatal overdoses and a continuation of lower self-reported substance use among youth.
Key to the decrease in overdose deaths are multiple strategies including the widespread distribution of naloxone, a medication that reverses overdoses, enhanced access to treatment for substance use disorders, and adaptive public health responses post-pandemic disruptions.
The CDC’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program is central to these efforts, providing essential data that supports targeted response strategies in communities nationwide. Moreover, the Overdose Response Strategy, a joint public health-public safety collaboration, facilitates effective interventions by enabling public safety personnel to utilize data in addressing illegal drug activities.
The CDC continues to advocate for expanding access to evidence-based treatments and strengthening community-focused interventions to sustain and build upon the progress in reducing overdose fatalities.
For further details on the CDC’s overdose prevention initiatives, please visit their Overdose Prevention page.
The rise in customer voltage complaints is one of the hot topics in play within the industry forum we recently hosted, “Voltage Matters.” The forum brings together members from across the electricity industry to share their concerns and experiences on all things voltage-related.
More than 60 forum members were presented with figures from a UK Power Networks 2023 study (Figure 1), revealing a 54% increase in voltage complaints from customers. Other grid operators are experiencing similar problems, which are almost certainly set to get worse.
1. Notable findings from a UK Power Networks 2023 study are shown here. Note: PV = photovoltaic, EV = electric vehicle, and PHEV = plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Courtesy: Fundamentals
Distribution network operators (DNOs) are understandably tempted to view this as a low-voltage (LV) problem and focus on applying localised solutions. But many customer complaints on LV networks are symptoms of problems much further up the grid.
The primary cause of voltage problems is that a grid built in the 1950s is being tasked with doing things that it was never designed to handle, such as coping with thousands of new distributed energy resources (DERs), low-carbon technologies (LCTs), and dramatic changes in patterns of customer demand. Meanwhile, many of our legacy transmission and distribution assets are degrading, through age, poor maintenance, and failure to modernise.
Rebuilding the grid from scratch is not an option. And to avoid unnecessary reinforcement, we need a system-wide analysis of where the problems lie in our existing infrastructure—and to apply the most cost-effective solutions to make it fit for purpose in the low-carbon era.
The Grid’s Outdated Model
The 1950s grid was designed to keep voltages high to overcome load-related voltage drops further down the networks. Power flows were in one direction, based on a top-down model, from centralised power stations to consumers and were relatively predictable.
Legacy grid assets were not designed to cope with today’s dynamic grid with large and rapidly changing peaks and troughs in both supply and demand, from intermittent renewable generation, domestic PV, EVs, and heat pumps. The network designers and planners never envisaged the sun breaking through clouds and suddenly adding megawatts of energy to the system, or thousands of EVs plugging in simultaneously.
As many Voltage Matters forum members reported, their biggest challenges are from voltage surges, with symptoms including EV chargers and PV inverters tripping out. Even more concerning, perhaps, is that over-voltages shorten the life of grid assets and customer equipment, waste energy, and increase carbon emissions. In extreme cases, they can cause catastrophic failure of customer equipment. And operators risk being sanctioned when voltages are outside regulatory limits.
Runaway Voltages
Existing grid assets such as transformers and tap changers are obviously under increasing pressure, leading to rapidly growing demand for new units. But there is a global shortage of supply with very long lead times.
Increasing the number of transformers and tap changers is not the only option, however. Our engineers are often called in to deal with problems associated with legacy transformers that have experienced “runaways” whereby tap changers run to their end positions and cause extremely high or low voltages on the network. Runaways are a result of poor maintenance (Figure 2) over the years leading to mechanical breakdown and/or failure of control system components.
2. Regular maintenance on electrical transformers is crucial because it prevents catastrophic failures that can lead to power outages, fires, or explosions; extends the operational lifespan of these expensive assets; ensures reliable electrical distribution; maintains energy efficiency; and helps utilities avoid the substantial costs associated with emergency repairs and unplanned downtime. Courtesy: Fundamentals
The good news is that these issues can be fixed. Legacy assets were well engineered and have plenty of life left in them, given the ready availability of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, repairs, refurbishment, and modernisation upgrades. Major assets such as transformers can be modernised to include new control panels, sensors, and communications add-ons. Expensive asset replacement can be avoided and effectively converted from dumb to smart units, fully integrating with modern voltage control systems and future-proofed for the low-carbon grid.
Taking Back Control
Herein lies a common and serious issue, however. Even the most well-maintained transformers and tap changers cannot work effectively without fully functioning control schemes—the interfaces between the intelligent decision-making device at the “front end” (voltage control relay) and the main asset that affects the voltage regulation for the network (the transformer tap changer [Figure 3]).
3. A tap changer regulates voltage output by selectively connecting to different points (taps) along a transformer winding, allowing utilities to maintain stable voltage levels despite fluctuations in load or supply conditions. Courtesy: Fundamentals
Control schemes involve complex wiring and a high degree of know-how to design and install. The problem is, many of those in service are broken or ineffective, but can be upgraded or replaced—which brings us back to runaway voltages.
Modern smart automatic voltage control relays (AVC relays) provide the intelligence and algorithms needed to change tap positions and keep voltages at optimal levels, even when managing highly dynamic load variations resulting from DER activity. The best of them include runaway prevention functionality.
Equipping the high-voltage (HV) sector of the grid with smart AVCs, linked via well-designed control schemes to well-maintained tap changers, delivers multiple benefits. It ensures that HV assets are running at optimal voltages. This increases their service life, reduces energy wastage, and emissions. It also goes a long way to addressing voltage issues further down in the LV networks—but not all of them.
Smarter Networks
We believe a whole-system approach is needed to apply smart voltage control solutions across the grid. For example, the latest AVC relays are at the heart of Electricity North West’s CLASS (Customer Load Active System Services) voltage control initiative, approved by Ofgem as an example for others to follow. It uses control relays in primary substations (Figure 4), which are linked to an advanced network management system in the control centre, to adjust voltages across a wide network area and provide demand response service. The CLASS system helps the whole energy system balance energy supply and demand.
4. The award-winning CLASS project successfully demonstrated that cutting-edge voltage control can reduce demand for electricity, without customers noticing a difference to their supply. Courtesy: Fundamentals
We also continue to work with Northern Powergrid on its groundbreaking Boston Spa Energy Efficiency Trial (BEET), which uses data from customers’ smart meters to optimise voltages on the network. Like Northern Powergrid, we believe the use of smart meter data has enormous potential for optimising system voltages across the grid and reducing the number of LV issues.
Addressing voltage control applies all the way down to street level. Solutions such as low-voltage static compensators (STATCOMs), which use shunt-connected power electronics to control local voltages by sinking and sourcing reactive power, have a key role to play. Community-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), which can both store and release energy at will, can also be important for balancing local power supplies.
The bottom line is that DERs and LCTs are increasingly causing voltage control problems for a grid built in a very different era. Many of the solutions to solve them already exist. But to fix them, we need to understand the system-wide causes, starting at the HV level and working down to LV.
FirstClub, which is looking to make an entry into India’s bursting quick commerce scene, has announced an $8Mn seed round, making it one of the largest seed rounds raised by an e-commerce startup in the country. The round was led by Accel and RTP Global. Some of India’s top founders in the ecom space joined the round as angels, such as Flipkart founder Binny Bansal, CRED’s Kunal Shah, Myntra’s Mukesh Bansal (Myntra, Cult), Lalit Keshre (Groww) and Ankit Nagori (Eatfit). It also saw participation from Blume Founders Fund, Quiet Capital and 2am VC.
The startup’s approach to quick commerce is slightly different, as it is looking to offer products in a specific niche. FirstClub is looking to start with premium daily essentials, such as grocery, bakery, health among others. In order to ensure accessibility to high quality items, FirstClub aims to become a quick commerce-first omnichannel retailer, leveraging offline experience stores to highlight the difference in the quality of its merchandise.
“Our goal is to create a trusted platform that brings together the best of Indian regional specialties, international gourmet products, and innovative D2C brands. India deserves better and we’re here to empower Indian consumers, ensuring they never have to settle for less, but instead can enjoy the very best,” says Ayyappan R, Founder of FirstClub.
India has an aggressively expanding quick commerce market, a phenomenon that has failed to get much traction anywhere else in the world, but has attracted billions in the country. The market, which basically did not exist until a few years back, is already worth $3.5Bn in 2024, and expected to be over $9Bn in next couple of years. Online grocery is expected to be a $19Bn market in itself by 2025, thus opening up massive potential for newer businesses to thrive.
Who needs that shadowy groundhog, when Greater Morristown offers so much bright entertainment?
Scroll down for this weekend’s details!
Check our handy calendar for even more activities–and add your own events, too.
THURSDAY, JAN. 30, 2025:
Free yoga returns at 10 am to the Morristown & Township Library, after missing last Thursday because of a burst sprinkler pipe. At One Miller Road, Morristown.
The Mayo Performing Arts Center presents the Blackberry Smoke: Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour 2025 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $47-$99. At 100 South St., Morristown, 973-539-8008.
FRIDAY, JAN. 31:
At 7:30 pm, the Folk Project’s Troubadour series presents a special concert featuring Ellis Paulwith Burrie Jenkins. Admission: $25-$30; children 12 and under, free. Livestream: $15. At 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morris Township.
Ellis Paul
The Mayo Performing Arts Center presents the Blind Boys of Alabama at 8 pm. Tickets: $47-$79. At 100 South St., Morristown, 973-539-8008.
The Madison Community Arts Center presents the Rose Buds Comedy Show, showcasing local standup comics, at 8 pm (doors open at 7 pm). Tickets: $10-$16.75. At 10 Kings Road.
SATURDAY, FEB. 1:
The Morristown & Township Library hosts Indoor Qigong at 9:30 am. Free. No experience or registration required. Upstairs in the F.M. Kirby Gallery, at One Miller Road, Morristown.
From 11 am to 3 pm, the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison hosts Makerspace, with activities for kids ages 5-12. Admission: $10 per family. Must be accompanied by guardian. No registration required. In the METC Education Annex at 23 Main St.
The Madison Community Arts Center presents A Work of Heart Productions | Bringing Broadway Home | Journey to the Heart Concert at 7:30 pm At 10 Kings Road.
The Mayo Performing Arts Center presents Magical Mystery Doors – Beatles, Zeppelin, Doors Tribute at 8 pm. Tickets: $47-$67. At 100 South St., Morristown, 973-539-8008.
SUNDAY, FEB. 2: GROUNDHOG DAY:
The Morris Winter Market at Convent Station commences at 9:30 am, and will return virtually every Sunday through April 27, 2025, from 9:30 am until 1 pm. Presented by Grow It Green Morristown.
The Mayo Performing Arts Center presents New Jersey Symphony: Holst’s The Planets—An HD Odyssey at 3 pm. Tickets: $120-$250. At 100 South St., Morristown, 973-539-8008.
The Madison Community Arts Center hosts the New Jersey Jazz Society, presenting the Bruce Williams Quintet in A Celebration of Black History Month with a Centennial Tribute to Gigi Gryce at 3 pm Admission: $5 to $16.75. At 10 Kings Road.
Now, pretend you are Bill Murray and start all over. And over. And over…
WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital implemented precautionary enhanced security measures following a security concern, prioritizing the safety of both patients and staff. Local law enforcement was involved to support the hospital’s security efforts.
Authorities have addressed the security concerns, stating that the individual involved is cooperating with the police. Despite the incident, the hospital remains operational and continues to accept all patients. Enhanced security measures will remain in place to ensure the ongoing safety of the hospital’s team members and patients.
WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital expressed gratitude towards their security team and the local law enforcement officers for their rapid response and efforts in resolving the issue promptly.
In a bid to stave off an escalating power crisis, NAES, one of the largest independent power plant operators in the U.S., and Gecko Robotics, a leader in AI-driven robotic inspection and predictive maintenance, have moved to champion a prominent role for the nation’s existing fleet, launching a $100 million strategic partnership to bolster their modernization and improve their efficiency. The unprecedented collaboration, announced on Feb. 27, comes amid growing concerns over grid reliability and is strongly backed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who warned that sluggish energy project approvals are hindering economic growth and could force the state to reconsider its role in the PJM power grid.
The partnership between NAES and Gecko Robotics, which could expand beyond $250 million as demand warrants, seeks to deploy advanced AI and robotic technologies initially across the 65 GW of power generation assets managed by NAES to enhance efficiency, reliability, and workforce capabilities.
At the heart of the partnership is Gecko’s AI-driven Cantilever platform, an ecosystem of mobile robots, drones, robotic dogs, and fixed sensors that continuously monitor and optimize power plant equipment by collecting real-time data, applying advanced analytics to predict and prevent failures, extending asset lifespans, and uncovering new ways to boost output. While the primary focus is on NAES-operated facilities, the companies are also exploring opportunities to expand Gecko’s Cantilever platform to other power producers through potential licensing agreements or joint ventures, with a broad goal of transforming the entire power generation industry.
In an exclusive interview with POWER, NAES CEO Mark Dobler and Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian underscored the urgent need for technology-driven solutions to meet rising power demands. While energy projections vary, energy policy consulting firm Grid Strategies has foundthe 5-year load growth forecast has increased by almost a factor of five, from 23 GW to 128 GW—and that nationwide, power demand is forecast to increase by 15.8% by 2029 (over the next four years). Data center growth forecasts range from 65 GW to over 90 GW, while manufacturing demand could add up to 20 GW, and electrification and other sources may contribute another 20 GW to overall load growth.
The looming power crisis has been exacerbated by a series of new hurdles, directly impacting the performance of existing power plants. As POWER reported as part of its February Operations and Maintenance (O&M)-focused special report issue, these challenges include the accelerated retirement of fossil-fueled capacity, sluggish progress on new resource additions, rising O&M costs, workforce shortages, regulatory uncertainties, and the growing complexity of integrating renewables into an aging grid. All are straining reliability and forcing operators to rethink maintenance and modernization strategies.
As Dobler noted, workforce shortages pose a major concern.“If the 100 to 400 GW of additional generation we need had to be met with new plants, that’s 15,000 to 20,000 incremental O&M people needed just to run those facilities,” he said. “And we’re already fighting a retirement wave.” An estimated “25% of plant O&M [personnel] across the country will be retiring in the next five to 10 years. That’s a lot of talent leaving the industry, a lot of experience leaving the industry at the same time where you’ve having a lot of new generation coming online,” he said. “So, it’s a bit of perfect storm, related not only to sourcing the new plant and equipment and getting it installed and constructed, but then also the startup and commissioning, and then the O&M of these 25- to 30-year assets,” he added. “There’s really no other way to fill the gap without using technology.”
Loosararian emphasized the gravity of the crisis, warning that its challenges extend beyond grid reliability. “This isn’t just about efficiency or reliability—it’s about national security, global competitiveness, and the future of our entire energy system,” he said. “The time for incremental change is over. It’s time to go big, and go fast.” He added: “We don’t have the people or the capacity to keep the lights on using the old playbook. Artificial intelligence and robotics are the only way we’re going to be able to meet this moment.”
NAES CEO Mark Dobler and Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian discuss the deployment of AI and robotics for power plant modernization at a NAES facility. Courtesy: NAES/Gecko.
Revolutionizing Power Plant Operations with AI and Robotics
Both NAES and Gecko view the $100 million initiative as a transformational imperative for power plant operations. “We want to kill the way that plants are run today,” said Loosarian bluntly. “We’re replacing the old way with a fundamentally new approach, built from first principles using AI and robotics.”
The executives told POWER both companies have commitments to the financial investment, though NAES and Gecko are still working to engineer the structure of the partnership for maximum impact, and declined to share the types of investments it will include, the sources of financing, and assets they will affect. “We really don’t want to box ourselves in in terms of doing what’s right for both businesses and giving the industry a solution,” said Dobler.
Meanwhile, though the scale on which the partnership intends to deliver is unprecedented, it may still encounter industry-wide challenges that have stymied the wider uptake of AI and robotics in the power industry. That includes regulatory hesitance and industry skepticism. “There’s been some resistance from operators, regulators, and utilities,” Loosararian acknowledged. “But the reality is, this isn’t optional. The technology works. If we don’t do this now, we’re going to be left behind.”
Dobler agreed, stressing that the NAES-Gecko partnership goes beyond developing technology. Ensuring its adoption at scale is the primary objective, he said. “We’re not AI experts. We needed a partner who could take a solutions-based approach—not just a tech company selling a product, but someone who understands our industry and works with us to implement real change. That’s what makes Gecko different.”
Loosarian predicted progress over the next year, driven by the partners’ goal to turn power plants into self-optimizing AI-driven systems that will set a new standard for reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. “Within the next 12 months, we’ll start seeing major gains at these facilities, and those without this technology will be left behind,” he said.
A Gecko Robotics wall-climbing inspection robot in action at a power plant, showcasing the AI-driven technology at the core of NAES and Gecko’s new partnership. Courtesy: NAES/Gecko.
An Energy Strategy with Federal and State Backing
Beyond transforming plant operations, the partnership aligns with federal energy priorities. “White House officials are closely monitoring the initiative,” Loosararian said. “We are working closely with key members of the administration to ensure this moves forward as a national priority,” he revealed. “This is a national security issue, not just an industry one. AI’s ties to national security mean defense agencies are paying attention, too.”
During a press briefing on Thursday to shed light on the partnership, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also expressed solid support for the collaboration. Shapiro noted the innovative measure, led by Pittsburg-headquartered Gecko, is pivotal in setting the stage for both the future of technology and energy. “I have an economic development strategy here in Pennsylvania that leans heavily on robotics and technology as a key pillar of opportunity, alongside energy—another pillar of opportunity—and obviously, we’ve got a long legacy of leadership there,” he noted.
While Pennsylvania has long pursued an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy—supporting coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables—Shapiro suggested that adopting cutting-edge solutions like AI-driven robotics would modernize the power sector while attracting investment and high-skilled jobs. “I have a plan to increase generation here in Pennsylvania, while creating jobs, fostering innovation like the kind that occurs over at Gecko every day, so we can both cut costs and take action on climate change and ensure people have reliable, affordable energy all across Pennsylvania and across this great country,” he said.
Shapiro on Thursday, however, framed the state’s energy challenges within a broader economic and technological race, warning that Pennsylvania must take decisive steps to expand power generation.
While the state ranks third nationally in electricity production, it relied on natural gas for nearly 60% of its power in 2023 (up from 22% a decade ago). The state’s four nuclear plants provided about 32%. At least one reactor, the Crane Energy Center (formerly Three Mile Island 1) is undergoing recommissioning to meet soaring data center demand. Coal power has dramatically declined from 39% of generation in 2013 to just 5% in 2023, while renewables provided 4%. For now, three electric-transmission zones in Pennsylvania are expected to see sharp increases—of up 60%—in power demand due to current and new data centers
“We’ve got to have more generation here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, across the PJM states, and across this country, if we’re going to win the race on AI, if we’re going to continue to be able to provide affordable, accessible, reliable power to all Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said.
He stressed that PJM’s protracted interconnection process has slowed critical investments in energy infrastructure, delaying new power plants at a time when electricity demand is projected to surge. “It has proven over the last number of years, too darn hard to get enough new generation projects off the ground because of how slow PJM is,” Shapiro added.
The governor’s frustration with PJM comes after months of escalating tensions. In December, Pennsylvania filed a formal complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), arguing that PJM’s capacity market design had led to volatile electricity prices without ensuring the development of new generation. The complaint cited PJM’s July 2024 Base Residual Auction, which saw capacity prices jump nearly tenfold—from $28.92/MW-day to $269.92/MW-day—amid a worsening supply-demand imbalance.
Shapiro’s administration contended that the grid operator’s interconnection backlog, which includes 3,300 pending projects, has exacerbated the state’s energy shortfall. Pennsylvania warned that if no corrective measures were taken, consumers could face up to $74 billion in avoidable costs over the next two years. A settlement reached in January between Shapiro and PJM resulted in a significant reduction of the auction price cap, lowering it from more than $500/MW-day to $325/MW-day.
On Thursday, the governor explicitly suggested that if PJM cannot adapt, Pennsylvania may seek an independent energy strategy. “We are exploring all options here in Pennsylvania, including removing ourselves from PJM, going in alone and determining if that is a better course for both consumer pricing and power generation in our common market,” he said.
Shapiro’s remarks come as Pennsylvania looks to ramp up energy investments through tax incentives and regulatory reforms. His newly proposed Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition (RESET) Board seeks to fast-track new power plant construction and accelerate permitting for large-scale energy projects. The RESET Board is a key component of Shapiro’s broader “Lightning Plan,” an ambitious, all-of-the-above energy strategy designed to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen Pennsylvania’s position as a national energy leader.
As part of this initiative, Shapiro’s administration is also revamping Pennsylvania’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit program, unlocking billions in untapped economic opportunities through targeted incentives, including up to $100 million per facility for new power plants, $49 million annually for clean hydrogen projects, and $15 million per year to boost sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) investments. “We need shovels in the ground now, not in the years to come,” the governor reportedly said during a speech on Thursday morning.
As Dobler noted, the imperative has been broadly echoed by key Trump administrators. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday called for commitment to utilize and maximize all available energy resources. “The fastest way to get incremental power to the grid today is to further optimize the installed plant that already exists,” Dobler said. “Can we get another 10% to 15% out of the 1,300 GW that exist in the country today? That’s exactly what NAES and Gecko are working toward—deploying technologies that push efficiency limits without compromising reliability.”
Dobler emphasized that NAES has already developed technologies to optimize plant performance, and they are actively being deployed at customer sites to improve turbine efficiency at gas plants. “Being able to integrate that with Cantilever, to augment those capabilities with AI-driven automation, wasn’t even on our radar 30 days ago.” While the power sector faces formidable challenges, Dobler suggested that tackling these hurdles head-on could unlock new opportunities. “It’s such a dynamic time,” he reflected.
Zetwerk, which is reportedly looking to make its IPO debut soon, has raised an additional $70 million (~ ₹590 crore) in its ongoing Series F round. The fresh infusion is led by Silicon Valley-based Khosla Ventures and Indigo airline founder Rakesh Gangwal. Interestingly, reports suggest that UK-based fund Baillie Gifford also joined as a new investor. With this round, the total funding in this round has reached $100Mn. The new funding was first reported by Entrackr.
The B2B e-commerce unicorn now stands at a $3Bn valuation after this investment, up from $2.7 billion in its last round in 2023. With this fresh funding, the startup will scale its core business areas such as renewables, consumer electronics, and aerospace. In addition, the company may also expand into other geographies.
Zetwerk – founded in 2018 – functions as a managed marketplace for contract manufacturing. The company collaborates with industrial and consumer businesses to manufacture their products via a global network of small-scale manufacturers.
Co-founded by Amrit Acharya, Srinath Ramakrishnan, Rahul Sharma, and Vishal Chaudhary, the startup serves industries including automotive, aerospace, and defense, and recently expanded into the IT hardware sector by starting laptop production in 2023.
Interestingly, Zetwerk has recently secured approval for its 60kW and 120kW DC fast chargers, which will be delivered to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and private charge point operators. This development clearly highlights the company’s growing role in the electric vehicle sector.
Zetwerk’s Upcoming Plans
Moreover, Zetwerk revealed plans last year to invest ₹1,000 crore to strengthen its consumer electronics manufacturing capabilities, broaden its product offerings, and expand its manufacturing operations beyond northern India. For now, its operations extend across multiple regions including North America, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East.
The company currently serves over 1,800 active customers and its revenue reportedly reached ₹15,000 crore in FY24. The company has secured approximately $740 million (~ ₹6,200 crore) in funding so far.
As mentioned earlier, the Indian supply chain startup is reportedly gearing up for an initial public offering to raise $1 billion and has initiated talks with investment bankers. The potential listing could value the company at multiple billion dollars.
