Editor's note: We're looking back at the top energy transition news for the first part of April 2025, including tapping into AI to boost grid reliability, new ERCOT energy storage projects, Greentown Labs' newest members, and more. Read on for the five most-read EnergyCapital stories from April 1-10.
CenterPoint partners with AI and infrastructure companies to boost reliability
CenterPoint has partnered with Atlanta-based Osmose and Australia-based Neara to use AI-powered predictive modeling to inform decisions on restorations and risk. Photo via Getty Images
Houston utilities giant CenterPoint is partnering with companies from Atlanta and Australia to use AI to increase data accuracy and strengthen the power grid. The partnership is part of a collaboration between AI-powered predictive modeling platform company Neara and utility infrastructure asset assessment solutions company Osmose. Continue reading.
Houston startup secures $22 million for ERCOT energy storage projects
Houston's GoodPeak is breaking ground on its first energy storage projects. Photo via Getty Images.
Houston-based GoodPeak has nailed down $22 million in construction debt financing to help build its first two 10-megawatt battery energy storage projects, both of which are expected to come online in the Houston area at the end of 2025. GoodPeak secured the debt financing from financial services company Pathward and renewable energy lender BridgePeak Energy Capital.
GoodPeak says an undisclosed amount of funding from private equity firm Current Equity Partners and other investors will further spur growth. That growth starts with the construction of the two Houston-area battery energy storage projects, which will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), whose power grid serves most of the state.Continue reading.
Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week announces 2025 dates, key events
Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week is coming back for a second year. Photo via GHP
Six local organizations focused on the energy transition have teamed up to bring back Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week. The second annual event will take place Sept. 15-19. The Ion District will host many of the week's events.
Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week was founded in 2024 by Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Halliburton Labs, Greentown Labs, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), Digital Wildcatters and Activate. Continue reading.
Greentown Labs announces newest startups to join Houston climatetech incubator
Five companies have joined Greentown Labs Houston, specializing in various "green" applications, from converting plastic waste into sustainable materials to developing energy-storage solutions. Photo courtesy Greentown Labs.
Greentown Labs announced that it added five startups to its Houston community in Q1 of 2025. The companies are among a group of 19 that joined the climatetech incubator, which is co-located in Houston and Boston, in the same time period. The companies that joined the Houston-based lab specialize in a number of "green" applications, from converting plastic waste into sustainable materials to developing energy-storage solutions. Continue reading.
Houston geothermal company closes $13M in investments to fuel growth
XGS Energy plans to “aggressively expand” its team in Houston this year thanks to its latest round of investments. Photo via Getty Images
XGS Energy, a California-headquartered geothermal power company with a major presence in Houston, has closed $13 million in new financing that included new investors Aligned Climate Capital, ClearSky, ClimateIC and WovenEarth Ventures, in addition to inside investors. The company plans to “aggressively expand” its team in Houston this year. Continue reading.