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

American Power Company (APC) has been awarded a $100,000 SuperBoost PLUS grant from The Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, a National Science Foundation-funded initiative, to lead a high-impact demonstration of a lithium-ion battery with fully domestic content. This expanded SuperBoost PLUS award follows APC’s initial $100,000 grant and underscores the project's national importance as a model for American-made battery innovation: by Americans, for Americans.

The project unites a collaborative supply chain of domestic pioneers: recycled LFP cathodes from Bridge Green Recycling and Arcam Technologies; electrode manufacturing from Ateios Systems; and artificial graphite from Anovion Technologies. APC will assemble these advanced components into 18650-format cylindrical battery cells, which will be deployed in a real-world drone demonstration, and is a step toward potential military, medical, and homeland security applications.

“SuperBoost PLUS isn’t just more funding. It’s a bigger vote of confidence in our national mission,” said Lincoln Miara, Ph.D., CTO of American Power Company. “We’re showing that the U.S. can not only invent world-class battery tech but bring it together to build solutions that strengthen our security, our economy, and our supply chains.”

This project embodies The Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York’s mission to drive rapid commercialization of advanced energy storage technologies while reinforcing national security and economic sovereignty. The drone demonstration, expected by the end of 2025, will validate both technical performance and the viability of a 100% domestic battery supply chain.

“This is exactly what SuperBoost PLUS was designed to achieve,” said Fernando Gómez-Baquero, Ph.D., the Engine’s Director of Translation. “By leveraging regionally-developed technologies and integrating them into a real application, this project accelerates the kind of deployment we need to secure America's energy future.”

Meera Sampath, Ph.D., CEO of the Engine, added: “We are committed to restoring U.S. leadership in battery manufacturing through bold, collaborative investments. American Power’s ‘Made in America’ battery initiative brings together the best of our Engine network, from recycling to assembly, and delivers exactly what our country needs: resilient, homegrown energy solutions that serve critical infrastructure and national security.”

This project also includes a retrospective report outlining lessons learned, challenges overcome, and key enablers to scaling up a domestically built battery, offering a blueprint for future public-private collaboration in energy manufacturing.

American Power Company | www.americanpower.ai

The Energy Storage Engine | https://upstatenyengine.org

Agile Utility Partners, LLC (“Agile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of utility services that accelerate infrastructure projects, announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Ground Hawk, LLC, a company specializing in subsurface utility inspection, locating and mapping. The acquisition was completed earlier this month and marks a significant step in Agile’s strategy to address and mitigate challenges that delay or create execution risk for infrastructure projects.

A portfolio company of Post Capital Partners, Agile was founded in 2006 to support the utility sector and, through its Agile Sourcing Partners subsidiary, has grown to provide comprehensive Supply Chain and Material Management Solutions for electric and gas utilities. The Company recently announced an expansion into field services such as yard management and construction oversight through its Agile Utility Services subsidiary, and Ground Hawk now expands the Company’s field service offerings into the subsurface damage prevention space.

“As our country carries out historic investments to modernize and expand our infrastructure, identifying and protecting existing utility assets is critical to maintain service to businesses and communities,” said Matt Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Agile Utility Partners. “Ground Hawk’s innovative SUE Lite model provides critical Subterranean Intelligence to asset owners, engineering firms and construction firms to accelerate construction and avoid costly damages and delays. We are excited to welcome Ground Hawk to the Agile team.”

“We are excited to join the Agile team and support its broader mission of facilitating infrastructure projects,” said Ryan McCranie and Alex Whitten, Co-Directors of Ground Hawk. “We look forward to continuing to support our customers and expanding our services across the Southeast.”

“This acquisition represents an important step in Agile’s mission to deliver comprehensive solutions for the utility sector, and we are proud to support the Company as it expands its field service capabilities to meet the critical infrastructure needs of today and tomorrow,” said Mitch Davidson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Post Capital Partners.

Agile Utility Partners | www.agileup.com

Ground Hawk | https://www.groundhawk.com/

Post Capital Partners | www.postcp.com

Aspen Power, a leading distributed generation platform dedicated to building the clean energy future, announced closing on the acquisition of two solar projects in Northampton, Pennsylvania, with a combined capacity of 6.85 megawatts direct current (MWdc). These projects are the first projects to close under a portfolio totaling 18 MWdc under contract with Syncarpha Capital, LLC.

Industry estimates from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) indicate these projects will create approximately 130 jobs. The ground-mounted systems are expected to generate almost 9 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually, which is equivalent to powering over 800 homes.

“Aspen Power is proud to expand our presence in Pennsylvania and deliver the lowest-cost form of new power to communities across the state,” said Jorge Vargas, Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Power. “Solar is now the most affordable source of new electricity in the U.S., and even in a difficult national political environment, we are executing and bringing projects online. Together with our partners at Syncarpha Capital, we are creating reliable, long-term income for landowners, affordable clean energy for residents, and tangible progress toward a more resilient grid. At this pivotal moment for the renewable energy industry, strong execution and strong partnerships are what will drive lasting economic and environmental benefits, and Aspen is proud to be leading that effort in Pennsylvania.”

“As a long-term owner / operator of solar and storage projects, we’re selective about who we partner with when we choose to monetize shovel-ready projects. We chose Aspen Power because they are a reliable counterparty with strong financial backing and a proven ability to execute,” said Cliff Chapman, co-founder and CEO of Syncarpha Capital. “These transactions represent a fraction of Syncarpha’s organically developed Pennsylvania pipeline, and we look forward to continuing to play a significant role in expanding the state’s clean energy future.”

Aspen Power has been highly active in Pennsylvania, with more than 100 MW of operating and in-construction assets across the state. As electricity demand grows, solar’s speed of deployment makes it a critical solution for meeting near-term energy needs. Pennsylvania’s target of sourcing 18% of its electricity from renewables by 2025 underscores the importance of these projects, which will contribute directly to the state’s clean energy goals.

Nationwide, Aspen Power continues to lead in the distributed generation sector, having developed or acquired more than 600 renewable energy projects across 26 states in pursuit of a more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy future.

Aspen Power | aspenpower.com

Nofar USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nofar Energy, announced it has secured over 1 GW of solar development projects across multiple U.S. markets through a combination of acquisitions and exclusive development agreements. The transactions, completed in late August, expand Nofar USA's portfolio and encompasses utility-scale and distributed generation projects with commercial operations expected to start between 2026 and 2029.

“These transactions mark a significant milestone in the expansion of our U.S. pipeline,” said Allon Raveh, Executive Chairman and CEO of Nofar USA. “By securing more than a gigawatt of projects across key renewable energy markets, including PJM, SPP and ERCOT, in combination with our ITC safe harboring strategy, I expect Nofar USA to grow its solar portfolio significantly in the next few years. This, combined with our growing energy storage portfolio which has already reached a contracted pipeline of 1.2 GWh, reinforcing our commitment to supporting America’s demand for clean power while generating long-term value for our shareholders”

The solar portfolio includes projects in various stages of development, from early-stage development through ready-to-build status. Projects span multiple regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, providing geographic and market diversification.

Nofar Energy operates across 10 countries with renewable energy and energy storage projects. The company has 2.4 GW of renewable energy projects connected or under construction globally. In the United States, Nofar has been expanding its presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, developing projects that range from distributed generation to utility-scale installations.

As projects advance through development stages, Nofar USA will work with local communities, landowners, and regulatory authorities. The company's development approach emphasizes stakeholder engagement and environmental stewardship while optimizing project design for local benefits and grid reliability.

Nofar Energy | https://nofarusa.com/

Ever.green announced their support for a 28-megawatt (MW) solar project in Lee County, South Carolina, enabled through a long-term purchase of High-Impact Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) by Wells Fargo, proving that corporate energy buyers can tangibly accelerate the deployment of new clean energy projects. The solar installation, developed by Headwater Energy, will generate approximately 50,000 MWh of electricity annually—enough to power 3,000 homes.

“High-Impact RECs are making it easier for companies to directly support new, impactful projects,” said Cris Eugster, CEO of Ever.green. “This project is a powerful example of how forward-thinking buyers can accelerate the energy transition while advancing grid resilience."

Ever.green’s High-Impact RECs are renewable energy certificates sourced from yet-built clean energy projects via long-term, fixed-price forward contracts that are material to the project’s financeability. Projects are selected for their ability to maximize climate impact, minimize environmental harm, and deliver social benefits.

The Bishopville project uses low-carbon, domestically manufactured solar panels, helping to create new U.S. manufacturing jobs while strengthening the domestic energy supply chain. The panels use thin-film technology, which performs well in hot and humid climates, and they are both sustainably constructed and designed to be recycled at their end-of-life.

A comprehensive environmental assessment of the project ensured compliance with biodiversity and land use protections, including the safeguarding of wetlands and floodplains through best management practices. Non-reflective panels and habitat preservation efforts have helped minimize impacts on 12 migratory bird species. At the end of its useful life, the site will be fully restored with native vegetation to preserve local ecosystems.

“This project is exactly the kind of clean energy development we believe in—one that delivers tangible benefits for the environment, and also for the community by reducing pollution caused by fossil fuels,” said Myles Watson, COO of Headwater Energy. “With support from Wells Fargo and Ever.green, we were able to bring a high-integrity project to a region that has historically lacked investment in renewable infrastructure.”

Ever.green | www.ever.green

Headwater Energy | https://www.headwaterenergy.com/

Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, announced the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Amazon for energy from a new solar project called Oregon Trail Solar. The 57 MWdc (41 MWac) facility will be located in Gilliam County, Oregon and will supply renewable energy for Amazon data centers in the region. The project will be operational in 2027.

"This agreement reflects Amazon and Avangrid’s commitment to delivering reliable energy solutions that will help meet America’s growing energy needs and support the growth of critical infrastructure," said Jose Antonio Miranda, Avangrid CEO. "Oregon Trail Solar builds on our strong presence in Oregon and deep partnership with Amazon, and we’re proud to help power the future with projects that bring lasting economic benefits to local communities, bolster our nation’s energy independence, and maximize energy production."

Oregon Trail Solar represents the second recent renewable energy PPA between Avangrid and Amazon in the Pacific Northwest, adding to a previously announced deal for power from the Leaning Juniper IIA repower project, also located in Gilliam County. Avangrid and Amazon have agreements to generate power from several renewable energy projects in Illinois, Ohio and North Carolina as well.

Construction of Oregon Trail is expected to generate 200 jobs, mostly filled by local union labor. It will use over 100,000 solar panels and produce the same amount of electricity used by about 10,000 U.S. homes each year.

“Oregon Trail Solar is yet another example of how Avangrid works with local communities to build America’s energy future,” said Sy Oytan, Avangrid Power CEO. “With this new project, we are adding to our existing investments in Gilliam County and Oregon in a way that strengthens the region while producing electricity to help meet the growing energy demand across the country.”

Operations at Oregon Trail will also support several new full-time jobs in the community. Over its lifetime, Avangrid expects the project to contribute $6 million in combined PILOTs (payment in lieu of taxes), as well as property taxes for Gilliam County which will support a variety of public services, including schools and infrastructure.

Oregon Trail will add to Avangrid’s longstanding presence in the state, with its oldest project dating back to 2001. Today, the company operates 2.5 GW of capacity in Oregon. Avangrid also maintains its National Training Center in neighboring Sherman County and a large corporate office in Portland.

Avangrid | http://www.avangrid.com

Ateios Systems and Kodak are announcing they have demonstrated the fastest solvent-free production process for high-energy electrodes ever reported. Powered by the RaiCure platform, the system reaches an unprecedented coating speed of 80 meters per minute, nearly three times faster than the industry-standard 30 m/min with fluorine-polymer-based electrodes. The system achieves those speeds while enabling high-voltage stability and thick coatings (>5 mAh/cm²), producing entirely domestic and forever chemical-free electrodes for synthetic graphite, LCO, NMC, and LFP materials that make up 80% of the $196B global lithium-ion battery market.

“Backed by a resilient supply chain, RaiCure delivers high-energy, high-quality, PFA-free electrodes at record-setting speed, giving battery makers the ability to build better batteries for AI, mobility, and the connected world,” said Rajan Kumar, CEO and Founder Ateios Systems. “With Kodak, we've shown that sustainability, scalability, high yields, and speed can coexist without compromising performance. We’ve already secured multiple POs and are shipping electrodes to battery OEMs in Asia and North America.”

Ateios was awarded a $350,000 R&D and Superboost grant from the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, with a selection committee led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Stanley Whittingham. The committee highlighted the platform’s ability to address five of the most urgent challenges in next-generation battery manufacturing:

• Up to 96% reduction in energy consumption
• Elimination of PFAS-based chemicals
• Thick, high-energy cathodes scalable to GWh production
• Recycling-ready electrode designs
• Made from raw materials from domestic, scalable suppliers

“The work shared by Ateios and Kodak highlights promising progress toward solving key challenges in next-generation battery manufacturing,” said Dr. Whittingham.

Fabless Model Built for Scalable and Sustainable Growth

This manufacturing leap builds on Kodak’s 130-year legacy in high-precision coating and materials science, combined with Ateios’ fabless manufacturing model, inspired by leaders such as NVIDIA and TSMC. These companies that helped scale GPUs for the same devices are now demanding advanced batteries.

Kodak’s pilot line supports widths up to 440 mm at speeds over 100 m/min and is capable of producing more than 500 MWh of high-energy electrodes annually. Kodak’s full-scale production line handles widths of up to 1.5 m at a speed over 100 m/min, exceeding the equivalent of 2 GWh of electrode capacity per year.

Ateios leads the development of next-generation electrode chemistries and integration processes. Kodak contributes expertise in mass production with multilayer precision, in-line quality scanning, and full IP and supply chain security. Together, the companies can take new battery designs from lab concept to commercial-scale production in 2-3 months, serving applications in electric vehicles, grid storage, aerospace, fuel cells, and consumer electronics.

“Our work with Ateios demonstrates that RaiCure can be deployed as a drop-in solution for faster, environmentally friendly, and more efficient electrode coating at manufacturing scale,” said Terry Taber, Chief Technical Officer and VP at Eastman Kodak Company.

Battery OEMs can begin accessing next-generation high quality electrodes in under five minutes by submitting a request at https://ateios.com/electrode-request. Depending on specifications, companies can receive production-grade electrodes already in production or commission custom designs for rapid manufacturing.

Ateios Systems | www.ateios.com 

Kodak | kodak.com

NSF Energy Storage Engine | upstatenyengine.org