Neglected PV Maintenance Fuels Fire Risk

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, is launching the industry’s first public tender portal for e-methanol procurement within the European Union and the United Kingdom via the DNV.com website. The initiative connects a leading e-methanol producer with industrial offtakers across EU and UK markets, creating a new pathway to secure long-term, reliable supplies of this key low-carbon fuel.

As the global energy transition accelerates, demand is growing for clean energy carriers that can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like maritime transport, heavy industry, and aviation. Among e-fuels, e-methanol stands out as a technically mature, scalable and commercially viable solution. Produced from renewable hydrogen and captured biogenic carbon, it supports compliance with key European regulatory frameworks, including RED III, Fit for 55, EU ETS, ReFuelEU Aviation, and FuelEU Maritime, and contributes to achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization targets.

Across Europe, renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) are becoming central to national decarbonization strategies. Several member states (including Germany, Spain, France and Belgium) are adopting or proposing blending mandates that exceed EU-level targets, in some cases doubling or quadrupling the minimum thresholds. Meanwhile, constraints on biofuel feedstock and tightening regulations are putting upward pressure on prices and supply, highlighting the need for alternative renewable fuels to meet national and regional targets. However, sourcing reliable and verifiable supply remains a market barrier.

To bridge this gap, and acting on behalf of a European e-methanol producer, DNV has structured a transparent, competitive tender to secure long-term offtake agreements for upcoming RFNBO-certified volumes across the EU and UK. The tender enables companies to lock in reliable, price-stable, and regulation-compliant supply, ensuring predictability and alignment with future fuel mandates while reducing exposure to compliance risks. It is open to industrial users, maritime operators, traders, and other organizations committed to net-zero targets and sustainable sourcing.

“The technology for e-methanol exists, but the market mechanisms to scale it are still forming,” said Santiago Blanco, Vice-President and Regional Director at DNV. “By launching this tender, we are applying our neutral expertise to de-risk the procurement process for both producers and offtakers. This is about turning ambition into actionable supply agreements and accelerating the fuel transition in Europe.”

The tender process consists of two stages:

1. A non-binding qualification phase to identify a shortlist of serious potential offtakers.

2. A second phase of direct negotiations between the shortlisted parties and the producer.

This structured approach enhances confidence for all participants and supports the establishment of e-methanol as a bankable commodity. The product offered will be fully compliant with RED III and the Delegated Acts governing RFNBO certification, with certification in place from project start. Production will take place in, with flexible delivery options to offtakers across the EU and UK with an expected start of delivery date in H2 2028.

Companies interested in procuring e-methanol and participating in the tender can find more information and access the tender portal via the DNV website.

DNV | www.dnv.com

Aurora Solar, the leading global platform for solar sales and design, announced renewed recognition of HelioScope as the first web-native bankable solar design platform. For years, financial institutions, including Sunstone Credit, a commercial lending platform that helps businesses switch to distributed energy, have trusted HelioScope’s production estimates in their underwriting processes:

• “We love when solar installers use HelioScope to estimate the production of a system,” said Duncan Hinkle, Chief Commercial Officer at Sunstone Credit. “If we know HelioScope generated the production estimate and optimized the system size, we’ll basically accept the output in our analysis of the system’s performance — no questions asked.”
• Solar installer SunGain added, “HelioScope gives us confidence in our design accuracy without the hours of engineering work other solutions require,” said Robert Neifert, Director of Business Development, SunGain. “Working with lenders like Sunstone that trust HelioScope’s production estimates makes the financing approval process smoother and faster.”
• Commercial solar business owner Hector M. Burruel of Chucho Produce agrees: “Working with SolarGain and Sunstone Credit was a seamless experience from start to finish. Everyone was transparent, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping us make the switch to solar. We’re thrilled about the clean energy our system is generating, and even more excited about the long-term savings on our utility bills. It feels great to be making a smart financial decision that’s also good for the planet.”

HelioScope combines accuracy with speed and ease of use, empowering developers and installers to design solar projects in record time without compromising quality. Its proven track record of bankable production accuracy sets HelipScope apart as the industry’s most trusted design tool, providing both customers and lenders with the confidence needed to accelerate the adoption of commercial solar.

Installers who choose HelioScope cut preliminary design time from 2 hours to 20 minutes, empowering solar professionals to create 20 percent more proposals per year with the same headcount.

The Market Demands Bankability
“In today’s commercial solar market, access to capital can make or break a project,” said Chris Collins, CEO of Ohm Analytics. “With financing playing such a critical role in scaling commercial and industrial solar, lenders need confidence that production estimates are accurate and defensible. Bankable production estimates are the key that unlock access to capital for developers and customers alike. Our latest forecast calls for continued C&I market growth despite policy headwinds and bankable production estimates can help developers take advantage of this demand.”

With HelioScope’s unmatched combination of accuracy, speed, and long-standing bankability, Aurora Solar is helping developers, installers, and financiers design and sell C&I solar projects faster and easier. See here to learn more about how HelioScope can support your next project. 

Aurora Solar | www.aurorasolar.com

Alsym Energy, an American battery technology company, announced the launch of its Na-Series energy storage battery. Purpose-built for energy storage applications, Na-Series batteries offer a non-flammable, non-toxic, and cost-effective solution to meet the surging demand for power driven by data centers, electrification, and accelerating renewable energy deployment.

Alsym’s Na-Series sodium-ion batteries’ unique chemistry formulation enables confident deployment in populated areas, on rooftops, in basements, and within critical infrastructure while also easing permitting approvals. By using abundant, low-cost minerals and requiring fewer auxiliary systems, Na-Series batteries reduce both capital and operational expenses, resulting in lower LCOS (levelized cost of storage) compared to prevailing solutions. High charge and discharge rate capabilities enable multiple daily cycles and flexible energy market participation, delivering a versatile, high-performance solution for a wide variety of applications such as data centers, buildings, industrial facilities, mining, oil & gas, and defense installations.

“The Na-Series is the result of our team’s commitment to developing the best battery for the critical needs of the stationary storage sector,” said Mukesh Chatter, Co-Founder and CEO of Alsym Energy. “Energy storage systems have high energy concentrations and are expected to perform reliably under a wide range of conditions, for years and years. Our batteries are exactly what is needed by the market right now, and can deliver peace of mind to homeowners, businesses, communities, and grid operators who are eagerly seeking safe and reliable energy storage solutions.”

Alsym’s Na-Series sodium-ion batteries stand apart from others by offering better safety, longer cycle life, and a wider operating temperature range, all coupled with competitive energy density. Through their proprietary sodium-ion formulation, Na-Series batteries utilize non-FEOC sourced materials and can provide integrators and OEMs with a supply-secure energy storage solution.

“The Na-Series represents an extraordinary effort by Alsym’s team of scientists and engineers,” said Dr. Kripa Varanasi, co-founder and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT. “By rethinking the possibilities of what can be accomplished in energy storage, we’ve developed an innovative battery that combines high-performance, non-flammability, affordability with a reliable supply chain that enables applications that were not feasible before.”

Building on the company’s earlier breakthroughs in battery chemistry, Alsym’s development of the Na-Series was led by its distinguished team of battery scientists and engineers. Looking ahead, Alsym is advancing its commercialization roadmap, working with strategic partners, and invites additional partners to join in driving the global adoption of safer, cost-effective energy storage.

Alsym Energy | https://www.alsym.com/

Amprius Technologies, Inc. (“Amprius” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AMPX), a leader in next-generation lithium-ion batteries with its Silicon Anode Platform, announced Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero), a leading producer of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) platforms, chose the Amprius SiCore SA08 cell for integration into battery packs powering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) supporting defense, security, logistics, and public safety applications.

Amprius’ high-power cell was selected by ESAero for its ability to significantly increase flight times and payload capacity, which are essential for UAV platforms operating in demanding environments. The SA08 cell is available in volume today, allowing ESAero to accelerate the development and integration of Amprius’ cells into its UAVs.

“Amprius offered the best combination of advanced battery technology, production readiness, and cost competitiveness to meet the demands of this program,” said Andrew Gibson, CEO and President of ESAero. “Their silicon anode cells deliver the performance and reliability needed to accelerate our path from development to production while setting a new benchmark for what our battery packs can achieve for both our in-house and customer platforms. Amprius’ cells have enabled ESAero to create and maintain industry leading Group I and Group II UAV endurance.”

“This collaboration highlights the momentum Amprius is building across the UAV space,” said Dr. Kang Sun, CEO of Amprius Technologies. “By growing our production capacity through strategic partnerships, we’re delivering customers high-performance silicon anode cells at scale and at a competitive price. This allows companies like ESAero to develop more capable battery packs for aircraft, flying farther, carrying more, and operating more efficiently in the field.”

Amprius’ SiCore SA08 battery cells have successfully completed formal qualification and are now integrated into ESAero’s products. Building on this success, Amprius is gaining additional traction with other UAV partners, further solidifying its position as a leading solution for next-generation electric aviation platforms.

Amprius Technologies | amprius.com

ESAero | www.esaero.com

PowerBank Corporation (Nasdaq: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) ("PowerBank" or the "Company") announces that it has executed lease and power purchase agreements with the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA) for the development of a portfolio of ground mount, rooftop and parking canopy solar power projects and battery energy storage systems with a cumulative total of 20 MW DC (the "Projects"). PowerBank intends to develop, finance and construct the Projects, a combination of behind-the-meter systems and community solar projects on land owned by the DMNA. Once operational, the clean energy generated by the Projects will be sold to the DMNA under long term power purchase agreements that have an initial term of 20 years or will be sold to local residents through community solar subscriptions.

PowerBank, through its US subsidiary Abundant Solar Power, was selected in a competitive bidding process managed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for the development of the Projects with DMNA. The portfolio consists of approximately 19MW of solar photovoltaic systems and 1MW/2MWh of battery energy storage.  Individual systems will be located at a variety of New York Army National Guard facilities or properties across New York State administered by the DMNA.  Developing the portfolio will help DMNA meet a variety of resiliency, climate, and economic savings goals. Construction is expected to start by the end of the 2025 calendar year.

Dr. Richard Lu, President & CEO of PowerBank commented: "This is another exciting development project for PowerBank. With over a decade of experience as a trusted developer of power projects, PowerBank was able to secure the support of the DMNA to develop these projects that will provide sustainable green energy and resiliency services for years to come."

"The Division of Military and Naval Affairs is looking forward to partnering with PowerBank and the New York Power Authority to bring this first of its kind 20-megawatt renewable energy and microgrid project to our Camp Smith Training Site and facilities in Ithaca, Kingston, and Newark.  This project will decrease utility costs and increase energy resiliency while making significant progress towards meeting Governor Hochul's efforts to reduce carbon emissions", said Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York.

Justin E. Driscoll, President and CEO of the Power Authority, said: "The Power Authority is pleased to collaborate with PowerBank on this extensive set of projects that will make the Department of Military and Naval Affairs one of New York State's leaders in on-site solar generation. Public-private partnerships that provide power and help local residents through utility bill credits are a significant factor in delivering New York State's reliable, affordable and clean energy future."

The DMNA is New York State's executive agency responsible to the governor for managing New York's military forces, which consist of nearly 20,000 personnel. DMNA has direct responsibility to maintain and secure more than 50 installations across the Empire State. These installations are state owned or federally licensed properties which include air bases, armories, armed forces readiness centers and other logistical and training sites.

Some of the projects in the portfolio will be operated as community solar projects. The clean energy generated by a community solar project feeds directly into the local electricity grid. Depending on the size and number of panels the project has, dozens or even hundreds of renters and homeowners can earn credits on their electric bill and save money from the electricity that is generated by the project. By subscribing to a project, community members can access the benefits of renewable energy without having to install panels on their home. PowerBank's strategic focus on community solar aligns with its goal of powering thousands of homes with clean and affordable energy. 

Any project development is subject to receipt of interconnection approval, required permits, the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements and the risks associated with the construction of a solar power project and battery energy storage project. In addition, governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar power, which could result in future projects no longer being economically feasible. Please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" for additional discussion of the assumptions and risk factors associated with the statements in this press release.

PowerBank Corporation | www.powerbankcorp.com

TOYO Co., Ltd (Nasdaq: TOYO) (OTC: TOYWF),  ("TOYO" or the "Company"), a solar solution company, announced that its new solar module manufacturing facility in the Houston metropolitan area (the "Houston Facility") has received its Certificate of Occupancy issued by the City of Houston on 13 October 2025. This milestone marks TOYO's commencement of full commercial operations at the Houston Facility, reinforcing TOYO's commitment to expanding its U.S.-based manufacturing footprint.

The Houston Facility is designed to produce up to 1 GW of high-efficiency solar modules annually. During the trial production phase, the Company has received strong demand from its U.S. clients for the modules manufactured at the Houston Facility. As operations scale, TOYO anticipates robust demand from utility-scale developers seeking reliable and domestically manufactured modules that qualify for favorable tax incentives.

"This certification is a major step forward in our 'made-in-USA-for-the-USA' strategy," said Junsei Ryu, Chairman and CEO of TOYO. "We're proud to bring high-quality solar module production to Texas and to support our partners with dependable U.S.-based supply. The strong momentum in customer orders reflects our partners' trust in TOYO's technology, execution and long-term commitment to the U.S. market."

The Houston Facility is expected to qualify for tax incentives under Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code, providing up to $0.07 per watt in production credits through 2030. This strengthens TOYO's cost competitiveness while supporting broader goals for domestic energy manufacturing.

TOYO Solar | https://www.toyo-solar.com/

Wallbox (NYSE: WBX), a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management solutions, announced the successful completion of the first U.S. residential installations of its Quasar 2 bidirectional charger. American households can power their homes directly from their Kia EV9, turning the car in the driveway into a reliable and sustainable source of energy. 

Six Quasar 2 units were deployed in Menifee, California, through a collaboration with Kia America and the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The project brought vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology into real residential settings, showing how EVs can deliver benefits far beyond mobility by powering homes, reducing costs, and strengthening the grid. 

Quasar 2 enables compatible electric vehicles not only to charge but also to discharge energy back into the home. This allows homeowners to lower electricity bills by using stored energy when rates are highest and contribute to grid stability during peak demand. 

“This is more than a technology milestone. It is a glimpse of a future where every EV is an energy asset,” said Douglas Alfaro, Chief Business Development Officer at Wallbox. “Quasar 2 puts homeowners in control of their energy, helping them achieve resilience, independence, and sustainability in their daily lives.” 

The project is part of a broader effort to explore how EVs, homes, and smart energy systems can work together to create more sustainable, resilient communities. Set in a newly built all-electric neighbourhood, it demonstrates how integrated clean energy technologies can support both individual homeowners and the wider grid. 

As part of Kia’s commitment to delivering smart, intuitive mobility solutions, V2H is a part of the Kia Connect1 suite of services and will soon be available for eligible EV9 vehicles. “As we continue to expand our lineup of electric vehicles, projects like this help us showcase how EVs can deliver value beyond mobility, playing a central role in energy management and sustainability at home.” said Sujith Somasekharan, Director, Connected Car & Mobility at Kia America. “Partnering with Wallbox and UCI allows us to show how our vehicles can power homes, reduce costs, and create meaningful environmental impact for families.” 

“This initiative illustrates the importance of collaboration between research institutions and industry,” said Professor Scott Samuelsen, project director and founding director of the UCI Advanced Power and Energy Program. “Real-world deployment of bidirectional charging is essential for gathering the data, and the technical and customer adaptation insights needed to scale V2H deployment across the grid.” 

Quasar 2 represents a breakthrough in redefining the role of the electric vehicle. With these first installations now live, Wallbox is preparing for broader U.S. availability. The company’s goal is to enable drivers to unlock the full potential of the energy in their EVs and support a cleaner, more resilient grid. 

Wallbox | www.wallbox.com