3 things that didn't make the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2025 list

In the meantime, here are three technologies that we considered including on the 2025 list but ultimately decided to leave off. Though these nominees didn't make the cut this year, they're still worth keeping an eye on. Virtual power plants are energy systems that link together many different technologies to both generate and store power. They allow utility companies to connect solar panels and wind turbines with grid batteries and electric vehicles, and to better manage the flow of power across the grid. During times of peak electricity usage, software linked to smart meters may one day automatically decide to power someone's home by drawing electricity from a fully charged EV sitting in a neighbor's garage, thereby reducing demand on the grid.