Storyline

The New Energy System

The power shift behind demand growth, reliability fights and energy security.

Trump puts $700 million in federal money behind coal plants and an Oakland export terminal as an energy-price bet.

Trump framed the move from the Oval Office as lowering energy prices and living costs.

The next test is whether funded plants and exports deliver the cost relief Trump promised.

The Power Grid, Explained

Operators keep the public grid balanced, matching power supply to customer demand so reliability risk stays visible

Background

Workers move a retired EV battery through a safety gate at a recycling facility, where fire risk and critical materials are at stake

How power grids fail: A grid turns generator output through transmission into power for customers, and sudden imbalance raises blackout risk

Oil prices move on a market price board while buyers need barrels and producers, inventories and shipping routes limit supply

Operators keep the public grid balanced, matching power supply to customer demand so reliability risk stays visible

NRC licensing rules can block or clear a U.S. nuclear power reactor before construction, putting public safety under review

AI data centers turn model demand into pressure on chips, power, cooling and permits.