Briefs: Companies Aim to Diversify Energy Assets and Reliability

As the energy landscape becomes more complex, energy technology companies are working to provide diversified solutions for a range of energy needs. Amazon Web Services and Siemens Energy are partnering to use cloud services for AI, machine learning, and IoT, serving data centers, microgrids, utility-scale generation, and more.

Additionally, Mortenson has acquired Nor-Cal Controls to enable its expansion of solar and renewable energy solutions. In Minnesota, the state approved Xcel’s plan for a virtual-power plant-managed battery energy storage system. Meanwhile, New Jersey has embarked on a quest to develop more nuclear energy generation.

Energy storage and grid infrastructure. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock

AWS, Siemens Energy Partner for Data Centers and Digital Solutions

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Siemens Energy will collaborate to provide digital solutions for energy infrastructure and Amazon data centers. AWS will serve as the cloud provider for Siemens Energy’s digital transformation efforts using AI, machine learning, and IoT services.

Siemens Energy aims to use the AWS cloud and AI to expand its digital solutions across smart manufacturing, project delivery, supply chain optimization, and autonomous plant operations. AWS’s AI and machine learning services include Amazon Bedrock, Amazon SageMaker, and AWS IoT SiteWise.

Amazon’s latest data center in Indiana opened in October 2025. Image used courtesy of Amazon

Additionally, Siemens Energy will continue to provide substation solutions to allow Amazon to connect its data centers to the grid. The companies will also collaborate on grid-scale generation, microgrids, backup power, and other technologies.

AWS and Siemens Energy previously worked together on Siemens Energy’s IoT Connected Factory platform, which supports real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Mortenson Acquires Nor-Cal Controls for Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Energy infrastructure builder Mortensen has acquired Nor-Cal Controls, which specializes in energy management control systems for renewable energy and microgrids. Mortensen stated the move will allow it to combine advanced controls with its engineering, procurement, and construction abilities to scale up complex, high-performance solar energy solutions.

Nor-Cal Controls provides open-architecture systems for power management and grid interfacing intended to strengthen reliability and long-term performance.

Mortenson contributed to the Edwards & Sanborn solar + storage facility in California. Image used courtesy of Mortenson

Under the agreement, Nor-Cal Controls’ leadership and teams will continue to serve its customers and partnerships. Nor-Cal specializes in grid-scale SCADA, solar, energy storage systems, and microgrids.

Minnesota Approves 200 MW Expansion of Xcel VPP

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has approved Xcel Energy’s request to expand its Capacity*Connect Virtual Power Plant program to 200 MW. The expansion will involve deploying a network of utility-owned, community-based battery energy storage systems across the grid.

The 1 MW-3 MW battery storage units will be sited at businesses, commercial, and industrial centers to maximize grid flexibility. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.

The project faced some objections from several trade groups, including the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the Minnesota SEIA, and the Coalition for Community Solar Access, who argued that the utility-ownership model excludes third-party developers. Others criticized the financial risks to ratepayers.

The MPUC provided an interim approval for 50 MW, requiring that Xcel prioritize underserved sites for the location and provide regular status reports and financial figures on costs and benefits before the full 200 MW is approved. Xcel will also need to partner with trade apprenticeship programs for project construction.

Xcel is working with Sparkfund, a deployment services company, for “as-a-service” implementation of the systems.

Xcel aims to increase its energy storage capacity to 600 MW by 2030 as part of its Upper Midwest Energy Plan.

New Jersey Launches Nuclear Energy Task Force Seeking New Development

New Jersey has passed legislation to create a Nuclear Task Force and eliminate barriers to permits.

The task force will pursue ways to develop additional nuclear energy resources by bringing together leaders from government, industry, labor, and the environment. They will investigate financing, supply chains, technology development, workforce training, regulatory and permitting requirements, and public support.

The Hope Creek nuclear plant. Image used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The bill also eliminates the state’s automatic moratorium on nuclear plant construction. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will approve permits based on waste storage plans compliant with the National Regulatory Commission.

New Jersey has two nuclear facilities, Hope Creek and Salem, which supply 40% of the state’s electricity.