ERCOT increasingly meets rising demand with solar, wind, and batteries

Published: 22 October 2025
Categories: US Energy Information Administration

RSS feed source: US Energy Information Administration

In-brief analysis

October 24, 2025

Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook
Note: This data set shows demand in the electric power industry only. ERCOT=Electric Reliability Council of Texas

Since 2021, electricity demand within the Texas electricity grid operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has steadily increased. In the first nine months of 2025, electricity demand in ERCOT, which manages about 90% of the state’s load, reached a record high compared with the same period in previous years. Over those same months, ERCOT had the fastest electricity demand growth among U.S. electricity grids between 2024 and 2025. From January through September 2025, demand for electric power in ERCOT increased 5% compared with the same period in 2024 to 372 terawatthours (TWh), 23% more than the same months in 2021. Since 2023, wind

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

U.S. fuel ethanol exports on track to set record, driving more domestic production

Published: 22 October 2025
Categories: US Energy Information Administration

RSS feed source: US Energy Information Administration

In-brief analysis

October 22, 2025

Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly
Note: The 2025 annual average is the year-to-date average through July.

The United States is on track to export a record amount of fuel ethanol for the second year in a row in 2025, driven by growing international demand. This growing market for exports is supporting increased U.S. fuel ethanol production, even as domestic consumption stagnates.

Fuel ethanol is a renewable fuel that is commonly blended with gasoline and is made by fermenting sugar from biomass, typically corn in the United States. The United States is the largest global producer and exporter of fuel ethanol.

U.S. fuel ethanol exports are on track to set new records
In the first seven months of 2025, U.S. fuel ethanol exports averaged 138,000 barrels per day

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

How algae learned to harness the Sun without getting burned

Published: 22 October 2025
Categories: Engineering News

RSS feed source: US Energy Information Administration

Under the sea, green algae have evolved a clever way to handle too much sunlight. Scientists found that a special pigment called siphonein acts like a natural sun shield, protecting the algae’s delicate photosynthetic machinery from burning out. Using advanced imaging and simulations, researchers showed how siphonein helps algae safely manage excess light energy. The discovery could inspire new solar technologies that mimic nature’s built-in protection systems.

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

New ways to reach the Flood Assistance Center and apply for FEMA disaster assistance

Published: 20 October 2025
Categories: FEMA News

RSS feed source: US Energy Information Administration

Lake Traverse Reservation – Renters and homeowners who had wind or water damage from the June 12-16 flooding, and are enrolled SWO tribal members, may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. There are two new ways to reach the Flood Assistance Center, where applications for assistance can be submitted. The tribe is providing free transportation through SWO Community Transport, and there is a new phone number to call the Flood Assistance Center directly with questions or for more information.

Transportation: You can schedule a free ride to the Flood Assistance Center through SWO Community Transport. Call 605-698-7511 and use code 4890. 

Flood Assistance Center 
SWO Tribal Administration Building, 12554 BIA Highway 711, Agency Village 

Hours: 8am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday (closed weekends and holidays)

Questions: You can also now call the Flood Assistance Center directly at 605-776-6003 if you have questions or need more information. 

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to explain disaster assistance programs, help people complete the application for federal assistance, and get information on additional resources including low-interest disaster loans. FEMA disaster assistance is a grant, usually direct-deposited into a bank account.

_________________________________________________________________________

Disaster loans are available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA offers long-term, low-interest direct federal loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofits to help fund repair and rebuilding costs not covered by insurance or

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.