The Solar Product Registry Set to Boost Solar Deployment

ChemFinity Technologies, a company pioneering high-performance recovery systems for critical minerals, announced it has raised an oversubscribed $7 million Seed round. The round was co-led by At One Ventures and Overture Ventures, with participation from Closed Loop Ventures Group, Pace Ventures, WovenEarth Ventures, and Climate Capital. The funds will accelerate the company's piloting efforts and scale deployment of its breakthrough sorbent-based technology, which can selectively recover over 20 targeted minerals from complex waste streams at low cost.

Over 80% of critical minerals essential to key U.S. industries, including defense, manufacturing, and energy, are imported. The escalating demand for critical minerals is also accompanied by declining ore quality, higher associated processing costs in primary sourcing, and stricter environmental regulations for these materials. ChemFinity's refining systems meet this need by providing low-cost, energy-efficient, and modular recovery processes that are tunable and durable across a wide range of domestic feedstocks, producing high-purity metals.

"In a world increasingly dependent on critical minerals, the ability to extract and refine them domestically, cleanly, and affordably is paramount," said Dr. Adam Uliana, Co-founder and CEO of ChemFinity Technologies. "Our platform addresses one of the most difficult bottlenecks in both national security and the energy transition: reliable, local access to high-purity critical minerals, all while dramatically lowering the cost and environmental footprint of recovery."

Founded as a spinoff from research performed in Prof. Jeffrey Long's laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, ChemFinity has invented sorbents that uniquely offer record-breaking recovery efficiencies and exceptional durability, including in hydrometallurgical conditions. Engineered with atomically tunable pore structures for precision separations, these sorbents have been validated for selective capture of target metals from low-grade, highly complex mixtures, recovering critical minerals such as platinum-group metals, rare earth elements, base metals like copper, and even emerging contaminants like PFAS ("forever chemicals").

"With support from this Seed round, we're scaling production, expanding our team, and deploying pilot systems to recover high-value metals that would otherwise be lost," said Dr. Ever Velasquez, Co-founder and CTO. "Our systems are designed to integrate readily into existing infrastructure, and we look forward to expanding deployment with other industrial leaders who share our mission of onshoring a circular minerals supply chain."

With support from Breakthrough Energy Fellows and non-dilutive grants from over 10 U.S. agencies, the company has already scaled up its technology 1,000x from lab beakers to pilot reactors. The company has engaged in projects with leading recyclers and refiners to produce high-purity metals from domestic wastes, such as catalytic converters, mining feedstocks, spent solar panels, and wastewaters.

"With their high selectivity and fast reaction kinetics, ChemFinity's engineered sorbents extract critical metals orders of magnitude faster than conventional methods, achieving market-grade purity with minimal energy and water use," said Helen Lin, Partner at At One Ventures. "This can unlock exciting new value streams and is a true step-change in metal circularity."

"ChemFinity re-enables domestic refining of metals critical to the national interest," said Allison Hinckley, Senior Principal at Overture Ventures. "Their process features a dramatically smaller chemical and energetic footprint than global incumbents, resulting in superior economics."

ChemFinity will be hiring key roles in Brooklyn, NY.

ChemFinity Technologies | http://chemfinitytech.com/

At One Ventures | https://www.atoneventures.com/

Overture Ventures | https://www.overture.vc/

Silicon Ranch, owner and operator of one of the nation’s largest fleets of solar facilities and a community-focused energy infrastructure company, will partner with Columbia-based Central Electric Power Cooperative to build a 100-megawatt solar farm that will support Meta’s first data center in South Carolina.

Meta’s commitment will support Silicon Ranch’s investment in the Orangeburg County solar farm, adding a new energy generation resource to the fast-growing statewide electric cooperative system.

The agreement expands Silicon Ranch’s relationships with both Central and Meta. The 100 MW solar facility will be the fourth between Silicon Ranch and Central, a generation and transmission cooperative that secures power for South Carolina’s 19 distribution electric cooperatives. In addition, the energy infrastructure project is the 18th in the growing partnership between Silicon Ranch and Meta, representing well over 1,500 MW of renewable energy capacity that have catalyzed investments of more than $2.5 billion by Silicon Ranch across four states to support Meta’s operations.

As part of the agreement, Silicon Ranch will fund, build, own and operate the facility in coordination with the system balancing authority, Santee Cooper. Central will purchase energy from the facility as part of its statewide power portfolio, benefiting all 19 of its member cooperatives. Aiken Electric Cooperative, one of those members, will serve the Meta facility — currently under construction in the Sage Mill Industrial Park near Graniteville. In connection with its investment, Meta will receive all renewable energy credits associated with the facility energy.

The solar project represents a capital investment of more than $100 million in Orangeburg County. Silicon Ranch estimates the solar facility will generate more than $8 million in new tax revenues to help fund local schools, infrastructure and other community-identified priorities. Silicon Ranch will also care for the land under its Regenerative Energy® land stewardship program, which seeks to improve the quality of land by promoting deep-rooted, multi-species grasses and pollinator habitat under and around the solar array.

The project reinforces Silicon Ranch’s industry-leading support for American-made energy through its deep commitment to domestic manufacturing, job creation and economic development: nearly all the equipment Silicon Ranch has sourced for the facility will be made in the U.S.

“As Meta progresses construction on our data center in South Carolina, we are pleased to join our new utility partners Central and Aiken Electric Cooperative and our long-term trusted partner Silicon Ranch to announce this project together,” said Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta. “We’re grateful to Central for supporting our energy goals in South Carolina and thrilled to expand our relationship with Silicon Ranch, who shares our commitment to have a positive impact in the communities where we locate.”

“Domestic infrastructure and access to energy are among the most critical factors for economic development, and Silicon Ranch is pleased to partner with Central to help deliver the power generation that Meta requires in support of its significant investment in South Carolina,” said Reagan Farr, Co-Founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch. “We’re honored by the confidence and trust that Meta continues to place in our team to execute on their behalf and grateful to be part of this compelling journey with them while also expanding our meaningful relationship with Central with this additional investment in the state.”

“As the power supplier for South Carolina’s 19 electric cooperatives, Central is laser-focused on meeting our state’s growing energy demands at competitive prices and in a safe and responsible manner,” said Rob Hochstetler, President and CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative. “Our expanded partnership with Silicon Ranch supports our ability to deliver toward this mission, and we are thrilled to help welcome Meta to South Carolina.”

“This announcement is another step forward for this transformative project,” said Gary Stooksbury, CEO of Aiken Electric Cooperative. “Aiken Electric Cooperative is proud to serve Meta, and we welcome them as a long-term partner to our community.”

The data center and Silicon Ranch’s Orangeburg County solar facility are both expected to come online in 2027.

Silicon Ranch | https://www.siliconranch.com/

FlexGen Power Systems, LLC (“FlexGen”), a leader in energy storage technology, announced it closed its acquisition of key assets and intellectual property from Powin. With this acquisition, FlexGen is now supporting over 25GWh of battery energy storage systems across over 200 sites in 10 countries with software and services.

"Batteries are critical to meeting the world’s growing demand for affordable, reliable electricity. This is more than an acquisition – it’s a reflection of FlexGen’s commitment to immediate continuity and the future of grid-scale storage," said Kelcy Pegler, CEO of FlexGen. "FlexGen’s proven operational excellence, hardware-agnostic software, and commitment to innovation uniquely position us to maximize the value of these Powin assets today, while enhancing the reliability and performance of energy grids worldwide for years to come.”

FlexGen has also expanded its team with former Powin team members to ensure continuity for customers and maintenance of technical expertise for systems being supported.

Existing Powin customers will continue to receive uninterrupted support and can choose to enhance system uptime and longevity by transitioning to FlexGen’s HybridOS® platform and lifecycle services.

"Powin is proud of the technology and projects we’ve delivered. The goal was to ensure that those systems and customers are supported by an industry leader that provides the support and services enabling reliable, long-term operation,” said Brian Kane, CEO of Powin. “Based on their experience and reputation, and having collaborated with their team in recent days, we have full confidence that FlexGen is that leader.”

The completion of this acquisition strengthens FlexGen’s global leadership in grid-scale storage, enhancing grid reliability at a time when energy systems worldwide are under rising pressure to perform. FlexGen’s HybridOS® software and lifecycle services are hardware agnostic, enabling flexible deployment models, sophisticated operational controls, and advanced performance analytics—regardless of underlying hardware configurations.

FlexGen | https://www.flexgen.com/powin

PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) ("PowerBank" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Sydney, Brooklyn, and Petpeswick Community Solar projects (the "Projects") in Nova Scotia were granted $1.74 million in funding through the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Changes provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and managed by the Net Zero Atlantic program.

Net Zero Atlantic is a leading research organization with a team of scientists, engineers and project mangers working to support the energy transition and respond to climate change. Their purpose is to advance a sustainable and inclusive transition to a carbon-neutral Atlantic Canada by 2050 through the provision of credible and objective data and support services.

Under the grant, the Company will receive $340k for the Sydney Solar Project, $440k for the Petpeswick Solar Project, and $960k for the Brooklyn Solar Project. The Projects are 48% owned by AI Renewable Flow-through Fund, and 52% owned by a non-profit organization or Potlotek First nation. PowerBank is the lead developer and builder for the Projects, and PowerBank will partner with local Nova Scotia's trusted engineering firm, Trimac Engineering, to deliver the Projects. PowerBank has been at the forefront of community solar development in the United States with over 50 MW of community solar projects completed and is proud to be deploying its expertise in Canada as the community solar market develops there.

"We are proud to support Nova Scotia's goals in developing renewable energy in the province. This funding from Net Zero Atlantic will go far towards the development of long-lasting solar projects that bring clean energy and energy savings to Nova Scotia." said Dr. Richard Lu, President and CEO of PowerBank. "With over a decade of proven experience in solar development and operations—including community solar, commercial and industrial installations, and other government-led initiatives—PowerBank brings the expertise needed to the successful implementation of Nova Scotia's Community Solar projects."

The Nova Scotia Community Solar Program (CSP), is the first CSP in Canada, supporting Nova Scotia's commitment to 80% renewable energy by 2030 and electricity grid reaching net-zero by 2035. The program aims to add 100 MW of solar generation to the grid to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change and foster local economic growth. The clean energy generated by community solar projects feeds directly into the local electricity grid. Depending on the size and number of panels a community solar project has, renters, and business or homeowners can earn credits on their electric bill and save $0.02/kWh from the electricity that is generated by a project. By subscribing to a project, community members can access the benefits of renewable energy without having to install panels on their building or land.

PowerBank Corporation | www.powerbankcorp.com

The Town of Ridgefield, in partnership with Davis Hill Development and the Connecticut Green Bank, is proud to announce the completion and commissioning of a 1,038 kW solar carport at Ridgefield High School, a landmark project that reflects the town's long-standing commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and educational excellence.

Generating approximately 1.3 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, the system will reduce the school's energy costs and carbon footprint while delivering an estimated $1.5 million in savings over the next 25 years. Designed to power the equivalent of nearly 100 homes per year, the solar installation also serves as a highly visible symbol of Ridgefield's leadership in climate action and community stewardship.

"This project is a great example of what's possible when forward-thinking communities and strong partners come together," said Micah Brill, Vice President of Asset Management at Davis Hill Development. "Ridgefield had a clear vision, and with the support of the Green Bank and Patriot Renewable Energy Capital, we were able to bring that vision to life–delivering real savings, clean energy, and long-term value to the town."

The project was financed through an innovative structure that included support from the Connecticut Green Bank and a tax equity investment from Patriot Renewable Energy Capital. AEC Solar served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, completing the carport on an accelerated summer schedule to avoid disruptions to the school year. The project also benefited from federal Investment Tax Credits enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act–highlighting how supportive national policies can translate into local cost savings and environmental impact.

"At the Green Bank, we're always looking to foster partnerships that make the benefits of clean energy projects a reality, including creating significant energy savings and supporting jobs in our communities," said Mariana Cardenas Trief, Director of Investments at Connecticut Green Bank. "This is the latest of multiple solar projects that we have worked with DHD Renewables and the Town to complete, and we are proud to continue this support as they reduce their energy costs and move Connecticut closer to its clean energy goals."

The solar system is uniquely integrated into four separate Town- and School-owned electric meters, allowing for optimal use of on-site solar production and full participation in programs like Connecticut's Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES), Zero Emission Renewable Energy Credits (ZRECs), and Class I RECs.

This solar carport builds on Ridgefield's broader sustainability initiative, which began nearly a decade ago and includes rooftop solar installations at eight other schools and municipal buildings.

Davis Hill Development | www.davishilldevelopment.com

Connecticut Green Bank | ctgreenbank.com

Iberdrola and Ingeteam continue to focus on renewable energy storage as a key technology for the energy transition and decarbonisation. Both companies have collaborated on numerous energy storage projects, both in Spain and abroad. On this occasion, Ingeteam will hybridise the existing PV plants in Revilla Vallejera (Burgos), Andevalo (Huelva), and Almaraz I&II (Extremadura) using a battery energy storage system (BESS). The company will supply and commission its medium-voltage power electronics, control electronics, and SCADA solutions for each of the plants, which will begin operating in the last quarter of the year.

Each project consists of five medium-voltage stations that manage 25 MW / 50 MWh, with a total capacity of 100 MW / 200 MWh. The battery energy storage system (BESS) will store part of the electricity generated at the solar photovoltaic plants, with the aim of improving the management of renewable energy, resulting in a hybrid electrical energy installation. The storage systems supplied by Ingeteam include a proprietary hybrid power plant controller (H-PPC) coordinated with the photovoltaic plant, combining and limiting the power delivered at the point of connection.

These storage systems were recently recognized as Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) and received more than €26 million in funding from the Spanish Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE).

It should be noted that Ingeteam has previously collaborated with Iberdrola on other pioneering projects involving the hybridisation of renewable energies with BESS. These include the first battery system installed in an operational wind farm in Spain, as well as the Puertollano and Campo Arañuelo III pilot projects. In the field of hydroelectric storage, and also using technology developed by Ingeteam, Iberdrola has commissioned the Santiago-Sil-Xares and Valdecañas Spanish pumped storage power plants over the last year, the latter considered one of the largest energy storage batteries in Spain. These infrastructures, known as gigabatteries, are essential for advancing the decarbonisation of the energy system and represent the most efficient form of large-scale storage currently available.

Another project of particular interest carried out by Iberdrola was the installation of what was the first wind energy storage battery in Bizkaia, Spain, which came into operation in 2022. Specifically, it is located at the Abadino substation, where it evacuates the energy from the 6 MW Oiz wind farm. It has a guaranteed storage capacity of 3.5 MWh and was installed by Ingeteam.

These collaborations reflect the strong and long-standing relationship between Iberdrola and Ingeteam, based on mutual trust and a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. From the Basque Country, they provide top-quality, competitive technological solutions that not only meet the needs of the local market but are also exported to international projects, actively contributing to global electrification and the transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy model.

Iberdrola | https://www.iberdrola.com/home

Ingeteam | https://www.ingeteam.com/

Catalyst Power Holdings LLC ("Catalyst Power"), an independent provider of retail energy and complementary energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers, has acquired a 4.5 megawatt portfolio of operational and in-development cogeneration (CHP) projects from Aegis Energy Services. The acquisition expands Catalyst Power's footprint in key Northeast markets and builds on its recent growth momentum following a strategic investment from DRW Holdings LLC, joining BP Energy Partners. 

Cogeneration—also known as combined heat and power (CHP)—produces electricity and heat from a single fuel source. By capturing and reusing waste heat, CHP systems can achieve efficiencies of up to 90%, helping reduce energy costs and emissions for buildings with significant heating or cooling demands.

"CHP is a practical, proven solution for businesses facing rising energy costs and aging infrastructure," said Gabriel Phillips, CEO of Catalyst Power. "This acquisition allows us to deliver efficient, resilient onsite energy to more customers across the region."

Catalyst Power is an independent energy solutions provider that integrates retail electricity with commercial energy solutions, helping businesses reduce costs and generate revenue with no upfront investment. Their turnkey CHP systems deliver efficient, resilient onsite energy tailored to each customer's needs.

Businesses and building owners interested in partnering with Catalyst Power on cogeneration or any of their suite of energy services can contact: 1-888-789-7250 or [email protected]

Catalyst Power Holdings | www.catalystpower.com

DRW Energy Trading | drw.com

BP Energy Partners | www.bpenergypartners.com