Drafting vs. Engineering: Choosing the right partner for commercial projects

County Executive Kathy Klausmeier celebrated the completion of Baltimore County government’s first large-scale ground-mounted solar array on the 213-acre closed Parkton Landfill site. It is expected to lower the County’s electricity costs over the long term, reduce its carbon emissions and repurpose an underutilized site for beneficial reuse.

“This project shows how Baltimore County can turn yesterday’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities,” said County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “We are cutting costs for taxpayers and making investments that benefit our communities for decades.”

Clean, Green, Cost-Efficient Energy
The project will account for about 11 percent of the County government’s annual electricity consumption, lowering current and future energy costs.

The projected first-year annual electricity production is 8,220,710 kilowatt hours. According to the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Equivalencies Calculator, this expected solar generation will reduce the equivalent GHG emissions of: 

• 621,480 gallons of gasoline consumed
• 1,151 homes electricity usage for one year
• 14,064,876 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle

The seven-megawatt system project consists of four large-scale arrays featuring a total of 15,000 ballasted ground-mounted photovoltaic panels.

Baltimore County’s Chief Sustainability Officer Greg Strella reflected, “Adding another large source of solar electricity to power our County’s facilities reflects our community’s values of making smart investments that take care of the health of our community and environment.”

Through a power-purchase agreement with TotalEnergies, who owns and operates the system, the County has locked in reduced electricity costs, which will insulate the County from escalating electricity costs for the entire 25-year contract term with renewal options up to 33 years.

“We're honored to once again partner with Baltimore County on a landmark solar project for the community," said Eric Potts, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Distributed Generation USA. “This installation is a powerful example of transforming underutilized assets into productive resources, further demonstrating how it is possible to achieve both significant cost savings and ambitious sustainability goals for the County.”

Upon the anticipated completion of the Hernwood Landfill ground-mounted solar project by 2028, the County expects to generate an equivalent of 55% of its electricity production from renewable power.

TotalEnergies | https://totalenergies.com/

LandBridge Company LLC (NYSE: LB) (“LandBridge”) announced it has finalized the sale of a solar project to a leading, publicly-traded energy infrastructure developer. In connection with the transaction, LandBridge received an upfront cash payment and the right to receive contingent future cash payments based on the achievement of certain developmental milestones. The solar project is a 3,000-acre photovoltaic solar energy generation project in Reeves County, Texas with a proposed generation capacity of up to 250 MW.

Jason Long, Chief Executive Officer of LandBridge, stated, “LandBridge is excited to announce the successful execution of this transaction with one of the nation's top energy developers. The construction and operation of the project will be the first project of its kind on LandBridge acreage, and it reflects our commitment to using our assets to facilitate energy generation opportunities to support Permian power demand.”

LandBridge | www.landbridgeco.com

GoldenPeaks Capital (GPC), one of the largest independent renewable power producers in Central and Eastern Europe, and Envision, the global greentech leader in total renewable solutions, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the supply and deployment of 1 GWh of advanced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across Europe.

The MoU signing took place in London, attended by Daniel Tain, co-founder and co-chairman of GoldenPeaks Capital and Mr. Lei Zhang, Chairman, Envision, with the MoU formally signed by Fubin Lu, Chief Procurement Officer of GPC and Henry Peng, Senior Vice President, Envision Energy & President of EU & LATAM Regions. The agreement marks a new milestone in GPC’s strategy to expand its energy storage portfolio with cutting-edge technology partners and builds upon Envision’s next generation utility-scale Gen 8 BESS technology.

Under the agreement, Envision will supply its latest generation of high energy density BESS technology, designed to deliver rapid response to renewable intermittency and enhanced system flexibility at grid-scale. The first two projects, totalling 344 MWh of the planned 1 GWh volume, have already been awarded to Envision, marking the initial phase of implementation under this cooperation. The collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of next-generation storage systems that strengthen grid stability and enable the energy transition across key European markets.

GPC has already secured 2.5 GWh of Capacity Market-awarded BESS projects in Poland, reinforcing its leadership in the region’s energy storage market. The company has also funded its first projects with a major European Infrastructure Debt Fund, demonstrating robust investor confidence in GPCH’s business model and execution capability.

"We are entering a critical era in which renewable energy must go hand in hand with world-class energy storage for grid stability and flexibility. This collaboration with GoldenPeaks Capital reflects our commitment to transform Europe’s energy infrastructure at scale," said Lei Zhang, Chairman, Envision.

All GPCH BESS projects have secured long-term revenue streams, having successfully won capacity market contracts, ensuring predictable and stable cash flows for BESS assets that will bring much needed grid support services to the Polish grid.

"This MoU marks another important step in our commitment to deliver innovative and scalable energy storage solutions across Europe," said Daniel Tain, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of GoldenPeaks Capital. "Envision’s high energy density technology perfectly complements our strategic vision to deploy state-of-the-art systems that support the reliability and sustainability of Europe’s power grids."

The partnership builds on GPC’s proven track record in renewable energy development and financing. With more than 15 years of experience and a growing pipeline of solar and storage assets, GPC continues to expand its portfolio of utility-scale BESS projects that integrate seamlessly with its renewable generation base.

Envision | https://www.envision-group.com/

GoldenPeaks Capital | www.goldenpeakscapital.com

Advanced Power continues to cement its leadership in utility-scale power innovation with the sale of Rock Rose Energy Storage LLC (Rock Rose), its first standalone energy storage project. This milestone highlights the company's expertise and deep commitment to enhancing grid reliability through modern power solutions.

Rock Rose is a 200-megawatt/2-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) located in Fort Bend County, Texas. The fully developed project, which is expected to begin operations in 2027, continues Advanced Power's track record of success in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power region. Upon completion, Rock Rose will support grid reliability in the rapidly growing Houston and Freeport areas.

BESS facilities, such as Rock Rose, enhance grid reliability by storing surplus energy from the electric system. Grid operators can strategically dispatch power from BESS during periods of peak demand to support grid stability. BESS also accelerates the transition to cleaner, more resilient power infrastructure.

"The completed development and sale of Rock Rose Energy demonstrates the depth of Advanced Power's capabilities," noted Tom Spang, Advanced Power's CEO. "ERCOT, like other major power markets in the U.S., has an urgent need for projects that enhance grid reliability. As a premier developer of thermal, renewable, and now, BESS technology, Advanced Power is committed to bringing these contemporary power solutions to regions with urgent and growing energy and capacity needs."

Advanced Power was advised by PEI Global Partners, a leader in financing energy projects and infrastructure in the U.S.

Advanced Power | www.advanced-power.com

OnePlanet Solar Recycling, LLC ("OnePlanet"), an advanced materials recovery processor specializing in end-of-life solar panels, today announced that it has secured the R2v3 Certification from SERI, a collaborative nonprofit organization focused exclusively on minimizing the environmental and health risks posed by used and end-of-life electronics. After undergoing a comprehensive audit process, OnePlanet's recycling facility located in Green Cove Springs, Florida, has been certified to uphold SERI's highest standards of traceability for processing photovoltaic modules.

To secure the R2v3 Appendix G certification, OnePlanet was required to track every material that enters and leaves its facilities to establish strong, verifiable traceability and certify that the company is properly recycling the PV modules. In doing so, OnePlanet has established itself as a market leader in end-to-end traceability.

OnePlanet has developed an advanced materials recovery process to leverage aging and damaged solar panels as sources of critical materials – primarily aluminum, copper, and silicon – that are essential for the broader energy, manufacturing, mobility, and semiconductor industries. The company sees an opportunity to create a new circular solar market by reintroducing these materials, from panels that would otherwise end up in landfills, back into domestic supply chains.

"The industry has a responsibility to implement verifiable mechanisms to guarantee that solar panels are being recycled and processed responsibly, yet as we speak with various stakeholders, it is clear that these expectations aren't being met," said André Pujadas, Chief Executive Officer of OnePlanet. "At OnePlanet, we are committed to ensuring that the materials and metals extracted can be definitively traced to compliant, responsible end-users."

OnePlanet recently announced the successful close of a $7 million seed financing round, led by Khasma Capital, to develop its next-generation industrial-scale "River City" Project of a solar panel recycling facility in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Expected to process six million solar modules a year once fully operational, the River City Project is projected to be one of the largest dedicated solar recycling operations in North America.

OnePlanet Solar Recycling | www.1planetrecycling.com

SERI | https://sustainableelectronics.org/

Finish Thompson Inc. (FTI), an international leader in the corrosive chemical transfer industry, highlights its DB Series and UC Series pumps, specifically designed for flow battery applications. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, these innovative pumps are playing a crucial role in advancing energy storage technology, supporting the growing demand for efficient and reliable flow battery systems.

The DB Series and UC Series pumps have been a cornerstone of flow battery technology for over two decades, offering unparalleled performance and reliability. These pumps are engineered to meet the unique challenges of flow battery applications, featuring outstanding chemical resistance and non-conductive materials that ensure optimal performance in diverse battery chemistries.

One of the key advantages of Finish Thompson's pumps is their mag-drive technology, which eliminates the need for mechanical seals. This innovative design not only enhances reliability but also significantly reduces maintenance requirements and potential points of failure. The sealless construction ensures leak-free operation, thereby eliminating the primary cause of failure and improving safety.

The DB Series, known for its compact design and high efficiency, offers a range of benefits tailored to flow battery applications. Its neodymium magnets allow for a space-saving design, while the replaceable shaft and bushing reduce repair costs. The pumps are balanced to ISO 1940 G2.5 standards, ensuring smooth operation with minimal vibration, which is essential for the longevity of flow battery systems.

Complementing the DB Series, the UC Series provides additional options to meet varying flow battery requirements. Both series offer a wide range of pump models, allowing manufacturers to select the perfect fit for different battery sizes and configurations. This versatility, combined with Finish Thompson's proven reliability, makes these pumps an ideal choice for OEMs, engineers, and facility managers involved in flow battery production and implementation.

The pumps' ability to handle a wide range of fluids, coupled with their corrosion-resistant construction, ensures they can withstand the demanding chemical environments typical in flow batteries. This durability translates to reduced downtime and lower total cost of ownership, making Finish Thompson pumps a smart investment for flow battery manufacturers and operators.

As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, flow batteries are becoming increasingly important for grid-scale energy storage. Finish Thompson's commitment to innovation and quality positions the company as a key player in this expanding market.

Finish Thompson | https://www.finishthompson.com/markets/renewable-energy

Nexamp, a leader in distributed solar and energy storage solutions, announced the closing of a three-year, $330 million Construction Warehouse Facility (CWF) with a consortium of leading financial institutions. The financing will enable Nexamp to develop, construct, and finance a revolving portfolio of approximately 20 new distributed generation assets, advancing the company’s mission to address increased energy demand with reliable, affordable domestic resources.

The CWF provides flexible construction capital to support Nexamp’s near-term pipeline of solar and energy storage projects. Once completed, these assets are expected to transition into long-term financing structures, including tax equity funding or refinancing, ensuring sustainable growth and deployment of renewable energy infrastructure nationwide.

MUFG committed $200 million as the largest lender in the facility, also serving as Mandated Lead Arranger and Administrative Agent. ING followed with a $100 million allocation and additional responsibilities as Mandated Lead Arranger, Lender, Hedge Provider, and Green Loan Structuring Agent. Siemens Financial Services contributed $30 million as Joint Lead Arranger. U.S. Bank National Association acted as Collateral Agent.

Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp, said the transaction marks a pivotal moment in the company’s expansion. “This facility underscores the strong confidence leading financial institutions have in our proven national platform,” Ashai explained. “By securing flexible construction capital, we are better positioned to deliver the clean energy projects that communities across the country urgently need as demand rises. Solar continues to be the most cost-effective and easy-to-deploy source of new electricity, outpacing all other sources by a wide margin already this year.”

The lenders also emphasized the importance of the partnership in advancing the clean energy transition, pointing to both the scale of the facility and the innovative structure that will enable rapid deployment of distributed generation assets across the country. Their perspectives highlight the strength of the collaboration and the role of financial institutions in accelerating decarbonization.

“MUFG is proud to partner with Nexamp on this important financing, which advances our shared commitment to accessible, affordable energy,” said Takaki Sakai, Managing Director, Project Finance, MUFG. “As the largest lender and Administrative Agent, MUFG is pleased to leverage our expertise in structuring innovative solutions to support our clients, enhance energy independence, and meet the growing energy needs of the US.” 

“We are proud to support Nexamp with this innovative and sustainable financing solution,” added Filipe Barreto, Director, Renewables and Power, ING Americas. “Putting sustainability at the heart of what we do is a strategic priority, and we are fully committed to enabling the transition to a more resilient, low-carbon future.”

“Siemens Financial Services is proud to support Nexamp’s construction activities and future growth with this financing,” said Jim Fuller, Head of Project Finance, Siemens Financial Services, Inc. “At a time of increasing power demand, these projects will provide local communities with resilient clean energy.”

This transaction underscores the critical role construction warehouse financing plays in accelerating renewable energy deployment, ensuring that projects can be built and brought online quickly and efficiently before transitioning into permanent funding structures.

Nexamp | www.nexamp.com