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Tony Blair’s oil lobbying is a misleading rehash of fossil fuel industry spin

Ex-PM’s thinktank urges more drilling and fewer renewables, ignoring evidence that clean energy is cheaper and better for bills

A thinktank with close ties to Saudi Arabia and substantial funding from a Donald Trump ally needs to present a particularly robust analysis to earn the right to be listened to on the climate crisis. On that measure, Tony Blair’s latest report fails on almost every point.

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) received money from the Saudi government, has advised the United Arab Emirates petrostate, and counts as a main donor Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, friend of Trump and advocate of AI.

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© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

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Ford Will Make a Play for a Different Battery Market

The company, long focused on cars and trucks, plans to begin manufacturing large batteries used by utilities, data centers, other businesses and homeowners.

© Jon Cherry for The New York Times

Ford’s closed battery plant in Glendale, Ky., which it plans to revamp to produce large storage batteries.
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Trump Orders Dept. of Defense to Buy Electricity From Coal Sources

Mr. Trump is trying to revive coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel. At the White House, coal executives awarded him a trophy as the “Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal.”

© Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times

President Trump signed an executive order. On the desk beside him is a trophy labeled “Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal.”
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White House Eyes Data Center Agreements Amid Energy Price Spikes

An anonymous reader shares a report: The Trump administration wants some of the world's largest technology companies to publicly commit to a new compact governing the rapid expansion of AI data centers, according to two administration officials granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. A draft of the compact obtained by POLITICO lays out commitments designed to ensure energy-hungry data centers do not raise household electricity prices, strain water supplies or undermine grid reliability, and that the companies driving demand also carry the cost of building new infrastructure. The proposed pact, which is not final and could be subject to change, is framed as a voluntary agreement between President Donald Trump and major U.S. tech companies and data center developers. It could bind OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Facebook parent Meta and other AI giants to a broad set of energy, water and community principles. None of these companies immediately responded to a request for comment.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Are Big Tech's Nuclear Construction Deals a Tipping Point for Small Modular Reactors?

Fortune reports on "a watershed moment" in American's nuclear power industry: In January, Meta partnered with Gates' TerraPower and Sam Altman-backed Oklo to develop about 4 gigawatts of combined SMR projects — enough to power almost 3 million homes — for "clean, reliable energy" both for Meta's planned Prometheus AI mega campus in Ohio and beyond. Analysts see Meta as the start of more Big Tech nuclear construction deals — not just agreements with existing plants or restarts such as the now-Microsoft-backed Three Mile Island. "That was the first shot across the bow," said Dan Ives, head of tech research for Wedbush Securities, of the Meta deals. "I would be shocked if every Big Tech company doesn't make some play on nuclear in 2026, whether a strategic partnership or acquisitions." Ives pointed out there are more data centers under construction than there are active data centers in the U.S. "I believe clean energy around nuclear is going to be the answer," he said. "I think 2030 is the key threshold to hit some sort of scale and begin the next nuclear era in the United States." Smaller SMR reactors can be built in as little as three years instead of the decade required for traditional large reactors. And they can be expanded, one or two modular reactors at a time, to meet increasingly greater energy demand from 'hyperscalers,' the companies that build and operate data centers. "There's major risk if nuclear doesn't happen," Oklo chairman and CEO Jacob DeWitte told Fortune, citing the need for emission-free power and consistent baseload electricity to meet skyrocketing demand. "The hyperscalers, as the ultimate consumers of power are, are looking at the space and seeing that the market is real. They can play a major role in helping make that happen," DeWitte said, speaking in his fast-talking, Silicon Valley startup mode.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Free Bi-Directional EV Chargers Tested to Improve Massachusetts Power Grid

Somewhere on America's eastern coast, there's an economic development agency in Massachusetts promoting green energy solutions. And Monday the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (or MassCEC) announced "a first-of-its-kind" program to see what happens when they provide free electric vehicle chargers to selected residents, school districts, and municipal projects. The catch? The EV chargers are bi-directional, able "to both draw power from and return power to the grid..." The program hopes to "accelerate the adoption of V2X technologies, which, at scale, can lower energy bills by reducing energy demand during expensive peak periods and limiting the need for new grid infrastructure." This functionality enables EVs, including electric buses and trucks, to provide backup power during outages and alleviate pressure on the grid during peak energy demand. These bi-directional chargers will enable EVs to act as mobile energy storage assets, with the program expected to deliver over one megawatt of power back to the grid during a demand response event — enough to offset the electricity use of 300 average American homes for an hour. "Virtual Power Plants are the future of our electrical grid, and I couldn't be more excited to see this program take off," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "We're putting the power of innovation directly in the hands of Massachusetts residents. Bi-directional charging unlocks new ways to protect communities from outages and lower costs for families and public fleets...." Additionally, the program will help participants enroll in existing utility programs that offer compensation to EV owners who supply power back to the grid during peak times, helping participants further lower their electricity costs. By leveraging distributed energy resources and reducing grid strain, this program positions Massachusetts as a national leader in clean energy innovation.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Court orders restart of all US offshore wind construction

The Trump administration is no fan of renewable energy, but it reserves special ire for wind power. Trump himself has repeatedly made false statements about the cost of wind power, its use around the world, and its environmental impacts. That animosity was paired with an executive order that blocked all permitting for offshore wind and some land-based projects, an order that has since been thrown out by a court that ruled it arbitrary and capricious.

Not content to block all future developments, the administration has also gone after the five offshore wind projects currently under construction. After temporarily blocking two of them for reasons that were never fully elaborated, the Department of the Interior settled on a single justification for blocking turbine installation: a classified national security risk.

The response to that late-December announcement has been uniform: The companies building each of the projects sued the administration. As of Monday, every single one of them has achieved the same result: a temporary injunction that allows them to continue construction. This, despite the fact that the suits were filed in three different courts and heard by four different judges.

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© Boston Globe

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Fourth US Wind Farm Project Blocked By Trump Allowed to Resume Construction

Vineyard Wind (powering Massachusetts) is one of five offshore wind projects "that the Trump administration tried to hold up in December," reports The Hill. This week it became the fourth of those wind projects allowed by a judge to resume construction, the article notes, while even the fifth project "is still awaiting court proceedings." Federal Judge Brian Murphy, a Biden appointee, issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration's stop work order against Vineyard Wind... According to its website, when complete, Vineyard Wind would be able generate enough power for 400,000 homes and businesses. The project already has 44 operational wind turbines and was working on an additional 18. The Trump pause applied to the construction work that was not yet complete.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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99% of New US Energy Capacity Will Be Green in 2026

This year in America, renewables and battery storage "will account for 99.2% of net new capacity — and even higher if small-scale solar were included," reports Electrek, citing EIA data reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign: EIA's latest monthly "Electric Power Monthly" report (with data through November 30, 2025), once again confirms that solar is the fastest-growing among the major sources of US electricity... [U]tility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic expanded by 34.5% while that from small-scale systems rose by 11.3% during the first 11 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The combination of utility-scale and small-scale solar increased by 28.1% and produced a bit under 9.0% (utility-scale: 6.74%; small-scale: 2.13%) of total US electrical generation for January to November, up from 7.1% a year earlier. Wind turbines across the US produced 10.1% of US electricity in the first 11 months of 2025 — an increase of 1.2% compared to the same period in 2024. In November alone, wind-generated electricity was 2.0% greater than a year earlier... The mix of all renewables (wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal) produced 8.7% more electricity in January-November than a year earlier and accounted for 25.7% of total US electricity production, up from 24.3% 12 months earlier. Renewables' share of electrical generation is now second to only that of natural gas, whose electrical output actually dropped by 3.7% during the first 11 months of 2025... Since January 1 to November 30, roughly the beginning of the Trump administration, renewable energy capacity, including battery storage, small-scale solar, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, ballooned by 45,198.1 MW, while all fossil fuels and nuclear power combined declined by 519.2 MW... [In 2026] natural gas capacity will increase by only 3,960.7 MW, which will be almost completely offset by a decrease of 3,387.0 MW in coal capacity.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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99% of New US Will Be Green in 2026

This year in America, renewables and battery storage "will account for 99.2% of net new capacity — and even higher if small-scale solar were included," reports Electrek, citing EIA data reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign: EIA's latest monthly "Electric Power Monthly" report (with data through November 30, 2025), once again confirms that solar is the fastest-growing among the major sources of US electricity... [U]tility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic expanded by 34.5% while that from small-scale systems rose by 11.3% during the first 11 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The combination of utility-scale and small-scale solar increased by 28.1% and produced a bit under 9.0% (utility-scale: 6.74%; small-scale: 2.13%) of total US electrical generation for January to November, up from 7.1% a year earlier. Wind turbines across the US produced 10.1% of US electricity in the first 11 months of 2025 — an increase of 1.2% compared to the same period in 2024. In November alone, wind-generated electricity was 2.0% greater than a year earlier... The mix of all renewables (wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal) produced 8.7% more electricity in January-November than a year earlier and accounted for 25.7% of total US electricity production, up from 24.3% 12 months earlier. Renewables' share of electrical generation is now second to only that of natural gas, whose electrical output actually dropped by 3.7% during the first 11 months of 2025... Since January 1 to November 30, roughly the beginning of the Trump administration, renewable energy capacity, including battery storage, small-scale solar, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, ballooned by 45,198.1 MW, while all fossil fuels and nuclear power combined declined by 519.2 MW... [In 2026] natural gas capacity will increase by only 3,960.7 MW, which will be almost completely offset by a decrease of 3,387.0 MW in coal capacity.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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'Reverse Solar Panel' Generates Electricity at Night

Researchers at the University of New South Wales are developing a "reverse solar panel" that generates small amounts of electricity at night by harvesting infrared heat radiated from Earth. "In the past, scientists have demonstrated that a 'thermoradiative diode' can convert infrared radiation directly into electricity; when used to convert heat from Earth, they exploit the temperature difference between Earth and the night sky, generating a current directly from heat," notes ExtremeTech. "This approach completely eliminates the need for heat to generate steam, though the resulting capacity is fairly low." From the report: The researchers estimate they could generate only about a watt per square meter, which isn't much. One reason for the low output is that the Earth's atmosphere lessens the heat differential that drives the generative process; in space, though, that's not an issue. Now, researchers believe that the ability to generate power in the moments between direct sunlight could help power satellites. That could be especially true in deep space, where periods without sunlight can be longer, and sunlight is often weaker; in these situations, losing electricity to heat loss is unacceptable. Many satellites already use heat to generate electricity, though with a much more rarified "thermoelectric generator" that uses rare, expensive materials like plutonium to create heat. With thermoradiative diodes, the heat source can be the Sun-warmed body of the satellite itself.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Energy Dept. Says It Is Canceling $30 Billion in Clean Energy Loans

Many of the cancellations had been known for months, but the announcement underscored the drastic change in the energy landscape under President Trump.

© Callaghan O'Hare for The New York Times

The Energy Department canceled a partial loan guarantee to Sunnova Energy, a residential solar panel installer that was experimenting with a novel way to link home solar and battery systems.
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Empire Wind Project Can Resume Construction, Judge Rules

A federal judge said the Empire Wind project off Long Island would suffer “irreparable harm” if the Trump administration continued to hold up work.

© Equinor, via Reuters

The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, the staging site for the Empire Wind offshore wind project.
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U.S. Emissions Jumped in 2025 as Coal Power Rebounded

The increase in planet-warming emissions came after two years of decline as demand for electricity has been surging.

© Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

A coal-fired power plant near Emmett, Kan. Demand for power has started surging in recent years amid a boom in data centers, an upswing of domestic manufacturing and the spread of electric vehicles.
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Under Trump, U.S. Adds Fuel to a Heating Planet

The president’s embrace of fossil fuels and withdrawal from the global fight against climate change will make it hard to keep warming at safe levels, scientists said.

© Benjamin Rasmussen for The New York Times

America’s greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of coal, oil and gas, which had finally started to decline, rose 1.9 percent after Mr. Trump returned to office.
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Trump Media Merger With Nuclear Fusion Firm Raises Ethics Questions

Trump Media plans to merge with a company developing nuclear fusion technology, putting the president’s financial interests in competition with other energy companies over which his administration holds sway.

© Pete Marovich for The New York Times

President Trump’s social media company said on Thursday that it had agreed to an all-stock merger with TAE Technologies, a fusion power company.
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Senators Investigate Role of A.I. Data Centers in Rising Electricity Costs

Three Democrats are seeking information from tech firms about the growing energy use of data centers and the utility bills of individuals and other businesses.

© Nathan Howard for The New York Times

The energy needs of data centers used for artificial intelligence are forcing utility companies to spend billions of dollars to upgrade the power grid, the lawmakers said.
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Ford Will Take $19.5 Billion Hit as It Rolls Back E.V. Plans

Ford Motor said the costs came from its decision to make fewer electric vehicles than it had planned and more hybrids that use both gasoline engines and batteries.

© Brittany Greeson for The New York Times

A Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck at the company’s plant in Dearborn, Mich., in 2022. The Lightning will no longer be a pure electric vehicle.
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Score this speedy 3-port Anker USB-C charger with cable for 30% off

If you’re on the lookout for a powerful charger for your phone and other gadgets, then you’re gonna want to jump on this fast Anker Nano USB-C charging block (which comes with a free cable included) that’s now on sale for just $34.99 on Amazon (was $49.99). That’s a lovely 30% discount on a lovely accessory you won’t regret.

This tiny power adapter features three ports: two USB-C and one USB-A. The USB-C ports are faster, each delivering up to 70W of charging, which will juice up your phone in under an hour and is even fast enough to power many laptops, including MacBooks. That’s only when the USB-C ports are used on their own, though. When multiple are being used, the 70W total gets split up. (The USB-A maxes out at 33W, by the way.)

Apart from being able to charge three devices at once, what I love about this wall plug is that it’s compact with foldable prongs. It fits easily into pockets and bags, and you can take it with you while traveling without worrying that it’ll get damaged or scuff up anything else. And don’t forget that it comes with a free USB-C cable that’s capable of handling the fast charging power of this power block.

This is a must-have for anyone, so don’t miss out on this deal. Get this Anker Nano USB-C charger block with cable for $34.99 before this discount expires! It’s the best price we’ve ever seen for it.

A fast 3-port USB-C charger with a cable for $34.99? That's a bargain!

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Anker’s awesome 10-in-1 power strip with USB ports is on sale for $20

One thing you absolutely need but probably don’t even think about is a new power strip—something better and more modern than that clunky traditional six-outlet mess you’ve probably been using for over a decade. This 10-in-1 Anker power strip is such a great upgrade option because it’s way more organized and versatile, and it’s down to just $19.99 right now on Amazon (was $25.99).

Conventional power strips suck because they have lined-up outlets, meaning your chunkier plugs and adapters get in the way of each other and sometimes even cover up neighboring outlets. But with this one, the six AC outlets are spaced out and oriented away from each so your plugs never collide or overlap. That’s plenty for all your devices, monitors, PCs, accessories, and whatever else needs tethered power.

But what takes this power strip a step further is the inclusion of two USB-A and two USB-C ports along the bottom edge, allowing you to charge your phones, tablets, laptops, earbuds, etc. without taking up valuable AC outlet vacancies. (The USB-C ports deliver up to 20W and the USB-A ports up to 12W, so they aren’t blazingly fast but fast enough.)

Other nice details include the 5-foot power cable so you can position this almost anywhere, the flat profile plug that easily reaches behind furniture, and a built-in 8-point safety system to protect your devices from surges, short circuits, excess heat, overloads, fires, and more.

This is a pretty crazy get for just $19.99, allowing you to streamline your charging station setup for years to come. Get this 10-in-1 Anker power strip on sale while you can before this deal expires!

Save on Anker's 10-in-1 power strip with USB ports, now just $19.99

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This super tiny power bank is just over $11 right now

While my current’s phone battery is still in good health, I developed a habit a few years ago where I’d always have a power bank in my bag when leaving the house. If you’re like me and want to ensure you can still recharge your phone anywhere you may be, you should look at batteries too, including this tiny Iniu model that’s only $11.21 at Amazon right now.

With a $30 MSRP, this Iniu power bank has a 10,000mAh capacity, which means it has enough juice to recharge you phone about twice over, although that depends on what phone you have and if you’re using the device while it’s recharging or not.

The Iniu power bank has a cute strap you can use to carry it around town. The best part is that the strap is actually a short USB-C cable you can use to plug your phone in.

The power bank has a total of three ports, two of which are USB-C and one of which is USB-A, which means you can technically recharge multiple devices at once. With the 45W total output, charging speed would drop considerably if you plug in multiple gadgets.

Remember that in order to get the fabulous $11.21 price, you have to redeem the on-page coupon for the extra 40% discount that goes on top of the 38% off that’s already available for the power bank. Stop wasting time because there’s no way to know when this deal will expire.

Take this tiny power bank everywhere you go

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Anker’s ultra-slim 8-in-1 USB power strip is a no-brainer for just $20

Let’s face it: your home office probably deserves a lot more love than you give it. But who has the time (or funds) to deck out a home office as it deserves? Well, one thing you can do without breaking the bank is replace that clunky traditional power strip with a much better one like this Anker 8-in-1 USB charging station—and now’s a great time to grab one because it’s on sale for $19.99 (was $25.99) on Amazon.

This charging station features four three-prong AC outlets oriented in opposite directions so your bulky plugs don’t get in the way of each other. And you know how all your USB power adapters take up so much room on your power strip? This solves that problem with built-in USB ports along the bottom edge—two USB-C, two USB-A—so those AC outlets can be reserved for importance stuff (like monitors).

As far as power, the main USB-C maxes out at 20W, the secondary USB-C at 15W, and the USB-A ports at 12W. When multiple ports are used at the same time, they typically max out around 15W shared (except for the USB-As, which max out at 12W shared). While that’s far from “super fast” charging speeds, it’s still plenty speedy for a budget-friendly charging station that’s meant to be used while you’re at home for a while.

I also love this charging station’s flat profile—measuring 4.72 x 3.15 inches and only 0.71 inches thick—and the AC outlets recess when you aren’t using them, so the whole thing takes up less space than your typical power strip and feels quite sleek. The power cord is 5 feet long so you can position it almost anywhere, and the end plug is flat and angled so you can easily reach it behind furniture hassle-free.

You can’t go wrong with this, especially at this price. Get this 8-in-1 Anker charging station for just $19.99 before this killer deal expires!

Replace your clunky power strip with this sleek, modern upgrade

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Whoa! Save 20% on this super-fast USB-C charger AND get a free cable

Smartphone manufacturers have been omitting the power bricks (you know, the wall plug adapters for USB cables) from their packaging for a while now, and it can suck at times. The silver lining there is that you can grab yourself a much better, much faster one—and it won’t cost you all that much if you wait for a sale like this one.

Today, you can score this Baseus Enercore 100W charger block for 20% off on Amazon, bringing its price down from $59.99 to a more affordable $47.99. But that’s not all! With this special promotion, you can also get a fast 100W USB-C charging cable included for free. (That’s a $15 value!) On the promo page, add both products to your cart and you’ll see the discounts applied at checkout.

The Baseus Enercore is a wall plug adapter that delivers up to 100W of power, meaning it’s super fast at charging devices like phones, tablets, and earbuds, and it’s fast enough to work with most laptops as well. The charger block itself has a built-in retractable USB-C cable, which you can pull out and connect on demand, then push back in when you’re done. It’s really convenient, especially with its 2.6-foot length.

On top of the retractable USB-C cable, this charger block also has two other ports—one USB-C, one USB-A—that you can use to charge other devices. That’s up to three devices at once. (Note that the total 100W of charging power gets split up when multiple ports are being used. When used on their own, the retractable cable and the USB-C port both reach up to 100W max while the USB-A tops out at 22.5W.)

I also mentioned a free USB-C cable with your purchase, right? This Baseus promo tosses in a 3.3-foot 100W cable with a right-angle plug for free at checkout. You can never have too many cables on hand.

Don’t miss out on the chance to get this Baseus Enercore wall plug adapter with a free USB-C cable! Make sure to add the charger to your cart, then use the promo page to add the cable to your cart too.

This 100W Baseus charger block comes with a free USB-C cable

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Prime Day is over, but these 10 juicy tech deals are still under $50

The year’s second Amazon Prime Day may be done, but we’re still seeing steep discounts on all sorts of tech. Looking to mop up any loose ends on your shopping list or simply spruce up your quality of life without breaking the bank? This list of cool tech still going for under $50 is just what you need, Prime Day or not.

Charge it faster: $39.99

Ugreen 100W 4-Port Nexode USB-C Charger.

Ugreen

We don’t know what you need to charge, but we’re sure there’s something in your house with a failing battery. Well, this Ugreen Nexode GaN charger is 41% off on Prime Day and it delivers a 100W max output through the top two USB-C ports — so those are your go-to if you want to recharge your laptop — while the bottom two ports have a max 22.5W output. If you’re charging multiple devices at once, the 100W will get split between all ports.

Get this 4-port charger for $39.99

Get a 2K webcam: $49.99

Anker PowerConf C200

Anker

Webcams are important if you often have to attend online meetings or want to record yourself while streaming. This Anker PowerConf C200 is not only affordable, but it also captures video in 2K, features AI-noise canceling mics, and has an adjustable field of view. Oh, and when you don’t feel like worrying about your privacy, you can just slide in the physical privacy cover.

Get a 2K webcam for $48

Take the data with you: $38.28

Image of the SanDisk 512GB Ultra Fit Flash Drive into a laptop

SanDisk

A long time ago, flash drives were quite large. Now they’re literally the size of your thumbnail, like this SanDisk Ultra Fit. For $38.28, you get 512GB of storage space, which is absolutely amazing. With up to 400MB/s transfer speeds, you’ll be backing up that data in a flash.

Get this super tiny thumb drive for under $38.28

Alexa, get this deal: $44.99

Amazon Echo Spot 2024

Michael Brown/Foundry

One of the best things you can get this October Prime Day is an Echo Spot — they’re cheap, they’re cute, and they give you full access to Alexa’s awesome powers. You can play music, control smart home gadgets, set alarms, and ask Alexa about that recipe you always forget. It also doesn’t hurt that the Echo Spot is cheaper than ever.

Get this smart speaker for $45

Keep your things charged: $39.99

Anker Nano 6-in-1 Charging Station promo

Anker

We love a good upgrade of a power strip and this Anker Nano charging station is a solid model. There’s no direct discount for this thing, but there is a $10 coupon available on the page, so you just have to tick the box. There are two AC outlets, two USB-A and two USB-C ports, therefore allowing you to charge six things at once.

Get the Anker Nano power strip for $40

Keep an eye on your home: $44.99

TP-Link Tapo C402 Kit

TP-Link

A good security camera will make your life so much easier when you’re away and this TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 is one of the best ones you can get for less than $50. Not only is it a wireless camera with 1080p video, but it also comes with a solar panel so it doesn’t need any wiring.

Get a wireless solar cam for $45

Stop blaming your gaming fails on your mouse: $37.99

Razer Basilisk V3 X Hyperspeed

Razer

We know you’ve blamed your mouse at least once when you failed a boss fight, so it’s time to upgrade, right? The super speedy Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed wireless gaming mouse is 46% off. It has an 18K optical sensor, 9 programmable buttons, and gorgeous RGB lighting. What’s not to love?

Get the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed for $38

Read that memory card: $9.99

Acer SD card reader

Acer

I don’t know about your laptop, but I haven’t seen a card reader in the past two laptops I’ve owned — it’s been maybe a decade. Obviously, I’m not buying the right laptops, but what I can get is one of these Acer card readers with both USB-A and USB-C plugs. This will make transfering data off the microSD in your dashcam, security cam, and so on, an absolute breeze. Plus, it’s super cheap.

Get a dual Acer SD card reader for $10

Add another screen to your laptop: $13.99

Ugreen Revodok Pro 6-in-1

Ugreen

Many laptops need a few extra ports, and you can get some for $14 with this Ugreen Revodok Pro 6-in-1 USB-C hub. There’s a 4K HDMI for another display, a USB-C with 100W power delivery, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C data ports for all sorts of peripherals and charging.

Get this Ugreen 6-in-1 hub for a mere $14

Get the party started: $29.99

Anker Soundcore 2 Bluetooth speaker deal

Anker

Everyone needs a cute Bluetooth speaker in their lives because music is everything, right? The Anker Soundcore 2 is an affordable option. Not only is this thing IPX7 waterproof, but you also get an impressive 24-hour playtime on a single charge. It’s great for home use, having fun in the yard, or taking it to the beach.

Get the Anker Soundcore 2 for $30

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Amazon’s long-shelf-life AAA batteries are dirt cheap with this Prime Day deal

We’re smack-dab in the middle of Prime Big Deal Days, also known as October Prime Day, and we’re seeing all kinds of great deals on everyday products and tech goodies—like these Amazon Basics AAA batteries!

These batteries offer 1.5V power and have a shelf life of 10 years, making them ideal for gaming controllers, flashlights, digital cameras, toys and gadgets, remotes, and all the other little things that take AAA. With an improved design, new zinc composition, and corrosion protection, they’re also leak-proof. These batteries have a stunning 4.7 rating across nearly 630,000 reviews—that’s downright insane.

The best part? They come in a pack of 100 and only cost $22.89 right now, which is a 24% discount from its original $29.99. That’s just under 23 cents per AAA battery, and with a bundle this large, you’ll be set pretty much for the next decade (unless you really burn through them).

Note that these are not rechargeable. These are disposable alkaline AAA batteries meant to be used up and discarded. They come in certified frustration-free packaging and a tight seal that ensures longevity.

Everyone could use 100 long-shelf-life AAA batteries

Stock up now and be prepared ahead of time! Get this 100-pack of Amazon Basics AAA batteries before this deal expires. Who knows when the price on this will fall this much again?

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My favorite no-cable portable phone charger is on sale for $19 today

With this pocket-friendly Anker Nano power bank, you’ll never have to worry about your phone’s battery level hitting red while you’re out and about and hours away from a charger. It’s one of the best backup batteries for a phone because it doesn’t even require a cable—just flip out the built-in USB-C connector and plug it in!

Right now, this ultra-portable Anker Nano power bank is only $19.19 on Amazon with this crazy October Prime Day deal. That’s a hefty 36% off its original $29.99 price and one of the best deals of this event.

I gotta tell you, this is one of my favorite power banks ever. It has a super-compact design that makes it so easy to carry around and bust out whenever I need it, and the 5,000mAh capacity is enough to recharge my phone to full from zero. I’ve been using it for well over a year, taking it with me everywhere I go, from concerts to day trips. I love the foldable USB-C connector as I don’t need a separate cable, and I can conveniently keep using my phone even while it’s plugged in.

As an added bonus, there’s another USB-C port on the side that you can use to simultaneously charge a second device if you want to. (That’s the same port you use to recharge the power bank itself, by the way.) Both the built-in connector and this side port can deliver 22.5W each when used on their own, so it’s perfect for fast-charging phones. It’s also compatible with both Androids and iPhones! Love that.

Take this tiny power bank with you everywhere you go

Everyone needs one of these. I couldn’t live without mine. Take advantage of this deal and grab this Anker Nano portable charger for just $19.19 while you still can! And afterwards, check out the best tech deals we found for October Prime Day!

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This cable-free Anker power bank is my favorite and it’s only $19

That sinking feeling you get when you see your phone’s battery levels go red, knowing you’re still hours away from being anywhere near, can have an easy fix because this tiny Anker Nano power bank is only $19.19 right now at Amazon on Prime Day.

This is a super compact power bank with a 5,000mAh capacity that’s enough to give your phone a full recharge anywhere you may be. This is a power bank that I’ve been using for well over a year, taking with me anywhere I go, from concerts to day trips.

The built-in foldable USB-C connector is extremely useful because you don’t have to carry an extra cable with you. Just pop up the USB-C and plug it into your phone, and you’re good to go.

Of course, if you want to use a cable, nothing’s keeping you from doing it because there’s a USB-C port on the side that can be used for both charging the power bank and for recharging your gadgets. Both the plug and the port can deliver 22.5W of power, making this charger perfect for both iPhones and Android devices.

Go ahead and order your Anker Nano Power Bank for just $19.19 while this October Prime Day deal is still around. Check out the best tech deals we found this Prime Day, too, because there are tons of deals available.

Take this tiny power bank anywhere you go

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This gloriously excessive power strip has 22 outlets, 6 USB ports, and no chill for $21

Tech geeks know you can never have too much storage or too many ports. And if you’ve got a gaggle of gadgets cluttering up your desk, the same axiom applies to power outlets (especially if you’re a monitor freak like me). Welp, this October Prime Day deal has you covered on that last front in glorious excess.

Poking around Amazon, I discovered the SUPERDANNY (we don’t normally capitalize names unless they’re acronyms but SUPERDANNY) power strip. Most power strips tap out around 12 outlets and a couple USB ports, but they’re NORMALDANNY. SUPERDANNY’s power strip scoffs at social norms by packing a whopping 22 three-prong AC outlets and 6 USB ports (two USB-C, four USB-A) inside its sleek-yet-bulky frame. You could run the Large Hadron Collider off this thing!

It’s not just a power strip, either. SUPERDANNY provides electrical surge protection for up to 2,100 joules, 15 amp overload protection, protection against overheating, short circuits, you name it. Like Moby Dick, this beast is built to last—and protect your precious gadgets all the while. Four mounting holes and a drill template can help you tuck the strip somewhere nice and discreet if staring at a mass of wires isn’t your thing.

Best of all? The SUPERDANNY power strip is an absolute bargain during October Prime Day, costing a mere $21.59 until the sale ends at midnight Pacific on October 8th. That’s under a buck per outlet! Embrace glorious excess and don’t miss out on this bargain.

SUPERDANNY

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I found the best October Prime day PC tech deals under $50

The year’s second Amazon Prime Day event is here and we’re seeing steep discounts on tech gadgets all over the place, from laptops to fancy monitors and beyond. That’s great and all but if you’re looking for things that you can afford without breaking the bank, this list of cool tech under $50 is just what you need.

An Anker laptop hub: $36

Anker 8-in-1 USB-C hub deal

Anker

Without spending a ton of money, you get to turn one of your laptop’s ports into eight of them. This compact Anker USB-C hub includes a 4K HDMI port, two USB-A ports, a USB-C data port, a USB-C PD port with 85W pass-through charging, an Ethernet port, and both SD and microSD card readers. Since it can also help you add another monitor to your setup, this hub is the perfect splurge during October Prime Day.

Get an Anker 8-in-1 hub for $36

Charge it faster: $33

Ugreen 100W 4-Port Nexode USB-C Charger.

Ugreen

We don’t know what you need to charge, but we’re sure there’s something in your house with a failing battery. Well, this Ugreen Nexode GaN charger is 41% off on Prime Day and it delivers a 100W max output vithrough the top two USB-C ports — so those are your go-to if you want to recharge your laptop — while the bottom two ports have a max 22.5W output. If you’re charging multiple devices at once, the 100W will get split between all ports.

Get this 4-port charger for $33

Turn up the music: $24.95

JBL Go 3

JBL

Everyone needs a fun way to rock out. Whether you set this up in the kitchen while you cook dinner, take it with you in the bathroom for some shower singing, or crank some tunes on your patio, you can jam to your new favorite album while you work, do chores, or chill out. Despite how small this speaker is, it’s actually quite loud. Plus, it also doesn’t hurt that it has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating and that you get 5 hours of playback on a single charge.

Grab a tiny JBL speaker for 38% off

Read those memory cards: $9

Anker microSD card reader

Anker

If your laptop is missing an SD card slot, then you should shell out the $9 to get this Anker card reader. This is a 2-in-1 device that can handle both your SD and your microSD cards, thus enabling you to read recordings off card you used with your dashcam, security cam, or your professional camera. This is a USB-C gadget so you’ll easily be able to plug it into your laptop. With a 50% discount, this is an impulse buy.

Get this half-off Anker SD card reader USB-C dongle

Keep your hand comfortable: $29.49

Logitech M705

Logitech

If you’re going to splurge on just one thing during October Prime Day, make sure to keep your hand comfortable while working or gaming. The Logitech M705 is a stellar mouse with five programmable buttons, a durable build, and cross-platform compatibility. I’m actually using this exact mouse mouse right now and can vouch that it’s absolutely perfect for day-to-day activities and gaming.

Enjoy a rare 26% discount on this Logitech mouse

Get a 2K webcam: $47.99

Anker PowerConf C200

Anker

Webcams are important if you often have to attend online meetings or want to record yourself while streaming. This Anker PowerConf C200 is not only affordable, but it also captures video in 2K, features AI-noise canceling mics, and has an adjustable field of view. Oh, and when you don’t feel like worrying about your privacy, you can just slide in the physical privacy cover.

Get a 2K webcam for $48

Keep an eye on your home: $19.99

Blink Mini 2 security camera deal

Blink

It’s tiny, it’s affordable, and it will keep an eye on your home when you’re not there. It’s great to record video at all times of the day and can even deliver color night vids. It has two-way audio so you can tell your dog off for hopping on the couch, or check in your baby while making lunch.

The Blink Mini 2 is only $20

Plug in everything: $19.99

Anker 10-in-1 USB power strip deal

Anker

Your power strip is probably pretty old, right? Well, let’s upgrade to this one from Anker. There are six AC outlets on this thing, as well as two USB-A and two USB-C ports on its very edge, thus enabling you to charge ten gadgets at once. It will be perfect on your desk, in your office, and just about anywhere you spend a lot of time.

It's only $20 to power ten devices at once

Take the data with you: $35.88

Image of the SanDisk 512GB Ultra Fit Flash Drive into a laptop

SanDisk

A long time ago, flash drives were quite large. Now they’re literally the size of your thumbnail, like this SanDisk Ultra Fit. For $35.88, you get 512GB of storage space, which is absolutely amazing. With up to 400MB/s transfer speeds, you’ll be backing up that data in a flash.

Get this super tiny thumb drive for under $36

Alexa, get this deal: $44.99

Amazon Echo Spot 2024

Michael Brown/Foundry

One of the best things you can get this October Prime Day is an Echo Spot — they’re cheap, they’re cute, and they give you full access to Alexa’s awesome powers. You can play music, control smart home gadgets, set alarms, and ask Alexa about that recipe you always forget. It also doesn’t hurt that the Echo Spot is cheaper than ever.

Get this smart speaker for $45

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Wow! This ultra-portable power bank with built-in USB-C cable is 51% off

I have a weak spot for well-priced power banks in my house because I never leave home without one shoved in a pocket or a backpack. That’s never been easier than with this ultra-portable Baseus Picogo power bank, and right now it’s on sale for just $19.75 (was $39.99) with this 51% discount for Prime Big Deal Days. Make sure you clip the on-page coupon (click the “Redeem” button) to score this price!

What makes the Baseus Picogo so great? For starters, it’s ultra-compact and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand (no matter how small your hand is). Measuring just 3.47 x 2.35 x 1.06 inches, it’s small enough to toss in your bag or pocket without it bothering you. But the next best thing is that it comes with a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying strap, making it perfect for concerts, tourism, and errands.

The Baseus Picogo will quickly recharge your gadgets, delivering up to 45W of power through the built-in cable or through the USB-C port. The USB-A port can only hit 22.5W charging. (Yes, you read that right. This power bank can charge up to three devices at once with the built-in cable plus the other two USB ports!) The Picogo’s 10,000mAh capacity should be enough to recharge your phone about two times over.

Again, this power bank is listed for sale at $24.69, but you can click the “Redeem” button to bring it down to just $19.75. Score this power bank for 51% off while you can with this October Prime Day deal! It’s the lowest price we’ve seen for it yet. Meanwhile, check out some of the other amazing tech deals we found for October Prime Day.

Save 51% on this ultra-portable 3-device power bank with built-in cable

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Best October Prime Day deals on battery chargers & power banks: Last chance!

Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days 2025 sales event is almost over, but there are still some excellent deals to be found on chargers and power banks. This year’s event runs October 7-8 and whether you’re looking to snag a travel-friendly pocket charger or upgrade to a high-capacity drive, there is no better time to get discounted chargers and power banks.

You’ll need to be a Prime member to take advantage of Amazon’s steep discounts. If you aren’t a member already, check out our guide for how to get Amazon Prime for free.

As a tech editor, I’ve been following and writing about the latest tech deals professionally for years, and have developed a keen eye for finding the best sales from all over the internet. My picks take into account a combination of online reviews from tech sites like PCWorld (when available), user feedback, and pricing history. Read on for all of the best deals on chargers and power banks, and be sure to check out our Amazon October Prime Day Tech Deals 2025 hub for more great sales across all the tech categories.

Best October Prime Day 2025 deals on chargers & power banks

This Prime Day 2025 deal are hot. The Anker MagGo wireless charger for $25 off on Amazon is a personal favorite thanks to its charging stand as well as its Magsafe charging compatibility for convenient on-the-go charging.

If you need something rugged and reliable that you can bring on even the harshest of adventures, then look no further than the Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank on sale for $13 off on Amazon. This absolute tank of a power bank can recharge without the need for an outlet thanks to its built-in solar panel, and its IPX5 waterproof rating.

Other great October Prime Day deals

These aren’t the only Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If you’re looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for only the best expert-curated picks we’ve found.

FAQ


1.

What should I look for in a portable charger and power bank?

Quality can differ greatly among power banks, so it’s best to stick to recognizable brands like Anker, Mophie, Belkin, and the like. That said, there are a few things you should always look for when shopping for a power bank.

First, make sure the battery pack is Quick Charge 2.0, 3.0, or PD certified. Next, don’t put too much confidence in a company’s claims that it can charge certain devices in a specific amount of time, such as the pack can charge an iPhone 15 in two hours. Focus more on the battery capacity, along with weight and size. Larger capacities in the 20,000 mAh or higher range should be enough for most small devices such as tablets or smartphones. Finally, make sure that the power bank comes with all of the correct connectivity options you need—USB-A or USB-C, etc.

2.

What battery capacity should I look for in a charger?

For a portable power bank that you can easily travel with, you should look for a minimum of 10,000 mAh. Most models these days even offer 20,000 mAh for reasonable prices. The more mAh, the better. Just be sure to weigh your capacity needs against the physical size of the power bank.

Generally, the more mAh a power bank has, the larger its physical size and the heavier it is, as well. Therefore, we recommend when looking at a power bank, you first consider the amount of power you need to charge your devices, and then adjust your expectations according to the size and weight you are willing to carry around with you.

3.

What is mAh capacity?

The mAh (milliampere per hour) capacity rating refers to the available storage capacity for a battery. A higher number means that the battery can store more energy and has a longer battery life when charging a device. So for example, an iPhone 13 Pro Max’s battery is rated at 4,352 mAh. This means that a power bank with 10,000 mAh can fully recharge that phone a little over twice before running out of power.

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Every laptop owner needs this slim 20K power bank, now 45% off

With cold weather looming ahead, I’m excited for all those days where I’ll be working in a coffee shop with a pumpkin spice latte to warm me up. But what I’m not looking forward to? All those times when I find myself without proper outlet access for my laptop. That’s why I’ve learned to never leave home without a laptop power bank.

If you ever take your laptop on the go, you should also do the same. What’s that? You don’t have a good laptop power bank? Not a problem! Right now, you can snag this large-capacity Baseus Blade for just $54.99 on Amazon (was $99.99). That’s a huge 45 percent discount!

The Baseus Blade has a special laptop-friendly design that’s slim and flat (only 0.7 inches thick), unlike many other high-capacity power banks that are bulky and chunky. You can slip this one right into your bag next to your laptop and it won’t weigh you down (0.98 pounds).

And its 20,000mAh capacity is enough to recharge most laptops one full time (or a phone up to four times), yet it’s still within FAA limits so you can take it with you on planes. The 100W charging power is fast enough for most laptops, and it actually has four ports (two USB-C and two USB-A) so you can charge up to four devices at once.

It’s hard to do better if you’re looking for a laptop-friendly power bank that’s slim, light, fast, and affordable. Get the Baseus Blade for $54.99 on Amazon before this limited-time deal runs out!

Save 45% on this fast-charging Baseus Blade power bank for laptops

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This fast-charging 2-port USB-C wall plug is only $20 right now

One of the silver linings of phones and tablets no longer coming with power adapters in their boxes is that they usually sucked anyway. These days, you can buy your own that’s way better, and it won’t cost you very much if you can catch a good sale. Like right now, this 2-port Anker Nano USB-C charger is only $19.99 on Amazon with a 33 percent discount.

That’s a darn good price for such a useful and versatile accessory that’ll level up your device-charging game. This charger provides up to 45 watts of power when a single USB-C port is used, which gets split up as 27 watts and 20 watts when both ports are being used. If you’re still using that wimpy 5-watt adapter that came with an old phone, you’ll immediately notice how much faster this one charges.

Other nice aspects of this tiny charger block include the foldable prongs (so you can pack it away and take it with you while traveling), the compact size (thanks to the newer GaN tech under the hood), and the real-time temperature protection mechanism that keeps your devices safe.

If you don’t have a fast-charging wall plug yet, this is a great budget-friendly upgrade with instant benefits. Get this Anker Nano 2-port USB-C adapter for $19.99 before this limited-time deal expires!

This fast-charging 2-port USB-C wall plug is 33% off

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