Why the West Needs to Secure Heavy Rare Earths for the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Through its Clean Buildings Hub initiative, the Maryland Energy Administration published a request for information (RFI) that seeks feedback from industry stakeholders and building owners and operators for its forthcoming Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Technical Assistance Program.

Maryland’s BEPS regulations were required by the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 to move the state’s large buildings toward net-zero direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The new Maryland Energy Administration program will provide technical assistance to building owners and operators subject to Maryland’s BEPS to increase likelihood of compliance.

“The rationale of the Clean Buildings Hub is that with a little initial support, owners of our state’s largest buildings can take steps to reduce their onsite energy use and emissions. Technical assistance is one of the most cost-effective investments that the state government can make,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “Aside from helping these buildings comply with the BEPS requirements, they’ll be rewarded with lower operating costs.”  

The Maryland Energy Administration and the Clean Buildings Hub are seeking feedback in the following areas:

• Barriers and challenges that building owners and operators face in understanding their building or portfolio’s energy use and emissions
• Gaps in existing technical assistance offerings, and how the BEPS Technical Assistance program can be complementary or additive 
• Specific types of buildings, types of owners, or specific geographies in Maryland that the program should prioritize for assistance 

Specific questions for each category can be found in the RFI, which is available on the program webpage. Respondents are encouraged to reply by July 31, 2025, to best assist the Maryland Energy Administration in its BEPS Technical Assistance Program design, but will continue to be accepted continuously. Instructions on how to prepare and submit responses can be found in the RFI document.

Maryland Energy Administration | https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

SJE, the global industry leader in control systems, proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary – a milestone that reflects five decades of passion, purpose-driven innovation, and trusted partnerships with global customers and communities across the U.S., China, and Mexico.

Founded in 1975, SJE has built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance control solutions through the seamless integration of engineering and manufacturing. From residential to commercial, municipal, and industrial applications, SJE has become one of the most trusted names in control solutions, helping to shape the future of the control solution industry.
With more than 800 employees, 65 design and utility patents, 15 locations in three countries, and nine product brands, SJE continues to lead with innovation and quality. Its legacy is powered by a relentless drive to solve problems and protect the world’s most vital resource.

“To reach 50 years in business is both an honor and a reflection of the extraordinary people behind our success,” said Bjorn Haldorsen, CEO of SJE. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just reflecting on our history – we’re honoring the employees, customers, and partners who have shaped it. Thank you for helping us build a proud past and a promising future.”
SJE is comprised of a family of industry-recognized brands such as: SJE Rhombus, CSI Controls, PRIMEX, Ohio Electric Control (OEC), Revere Control Solutions, Horlick, ICON Technologies, Altronex, and L.W. Allen Pumps. 

SJE’s journey began when Steve Johnston had a bold vision to help his neighbor solve a septic holding tank issue. The first product, the Tank Alert Alarm, helped to ensure septic tanks did not overflow. This product laid the foundation for decades of trusted performance and continuous growth. 

Today, SJE engineers and manufactures high-quality products and control solutions that serve customers in the water, wastewater, energy, and industrial OEM markets. The SJE products and solutions have an impact on the environment, improve lives, and protect local communities. 

Looking ahead, SJE remains committed to expanding its impact through investing in the talent that will drive the next era of product innovation, entering new markets, and strategic acquisitions. Its mission remains clear: to deliver reliable, efficient systems that help safeguard the planet’s most essential resource – water.

For more information on the SJE brands, visit https://sjeinc.com/our-brands.

SJE I www.sjeinc.com

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announced the hiring of Chris Nichols as its Interim Chief Executive Officer. IREC is an independent nonprofit that builds the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency. Nichols comes to IREC from Renewables Forward, an initiative of leading U.S. clean energy companies and partners to advance inclusivity and opportunity in the industry, where she serves as Executive Director. Nichols is a long-time partner and supporter of IREC and brings to the role deep familiarity with IREC’s programs. She succeeds Larry Sherwood, who served as IREC President and CEO since 2016.

“I’m excited and honored to join IREC as Interim CEO,” said Nichols. “IREC has a long history of excellence in its work to advance clean power through workforce development, regulatory reform, and innovative programs that help local communities navigate the energy transition. I'm eager to help the organization continue its vision of a clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and affordable.” 

Nichols has a wealth of experience in the clean energy sector, which spans roles at organizations including the U.S. Department of Energy, Groundswell, and SunEdison. Her achievements range from spearheading energy workforce development and credentialing programs to delivering solar and energy efficiency programs for low-income communities to forging public-private partnerships, and more. One of her proudest accomplishments is founding the Solar Ready Vets Network, a well-known industry program creating solar career pathways for military veterans—which IREC currently manages.

Nichols takes the helm of IREC at a time of transition in the clean energy sector, with significant shifts in both the nonprofit fundraising landscape and federal energy policy following the change in presidential administrations. In the position of Interim CEO, Nichols will work with the IREC board and staff to evaluate and buttress IREC’s strategic plan in light of changing federal energy policy priorities, ensuring the organization’s strength and continued service to its mission. IREC’s former President & CEO, Larry Sherwood, has transitioned to the role of President Emeritus as he prepares for retirement. In this capacity, he will collaborate closely with Nichols and remain available to the organization in an advisory capacity. 

“Chris will be an exceptional leader for IREC as the organization navigates a changing clean energy landscape. Under Chris’s leadership, I am confident that IREC will continue to advance its mission to build the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency to benefit people, the economy, and our planet,” said Larry Sherwood, former IREC President & CEO. 

“IREC has found in Chris a phenomenal leader to help navigate a tumultuous time for the clean energy transition in the US,” said Marc Roper, Chair of the IREC Board of Directors and Senior VP & Chief Commercial Officer at OPTERRA Energy Services. “Chris is deeply versed in the technical issues that IREC works on and how that work has helped to drive change over the past four decades. She will provide a steady hand for IREC.”

IREC supports the adoption of clean energy across the nation through three interrelated strategies: regulatory engagement, workforce development, and solutions for local communities. IREC’s Regulatory team improves rules, regulatory policies, and technical standards to streamline the installation of clean energy and decarbonize the nation's buildings and vehicles.  IREC’s Workforce Development team leads initiatives to build a highly-trained, future-ready workforce to meet the rising demand for clean energy. Its Local Initiatives team supports communities in developing policies and practices that accelerate the deployment of clean energy and energy efficiency.

Interstate Renewable Energy Council | irecusa.org

Integrated Power Services (IPS), a leading provider of electrical, mechanical, and power management systems, will showcase its state-of-the-art solutions at the EASA 2025 Convention, July 19-22, 2025, in Nashville, TN at booth 169. IPS will feature in-shop and field services, including distribution and coil manufacturing, as well as breaker and transformer repairs. 

IPS provides turnkey distribution services – whether this means sourcing from the company’s extensive inventory of off-the-shelf products or design and manufacturing to meet customer needs. “In all things, we know that our customers count on us to be responsive and ready to provide optimal solutions on time and on budget,” explains Sam Patrick, IPS Director of Distribution. “Whether it be catalog items or one-off designs, we can provide motors, pumps, and other rotating or power distribution replacement parts all in record time. This efficiency extends to our shop services as well, where we can deliver short production runs of replacement parts, fleet-level motor modifications, and e-houses.”

IPS is also a trusted manufacturer of high-voltage coils. “The coils we manufacture in-house are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure superior performance and reliability,” said Patrick. “We supply coils to customers worldwide across the spectrum of industries, including wind, power generation, pulp and paper, water and wastewater, and oil and gas,” 

In addition, IPS provides dedicated, high-value remanufacturing of customer-supplied circuit breakers, switchgear and related parts, along with proven, experienced remanufacturing, rebuilds, and reconditioning of electrical distribution equipment. 

Operating from 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada, IPS delivers unparalleled responsiveness to the most demanding challenges. “We can meet even the most rigorous deadlines,” added Patrick. “Whether it’s electromechanical or power management solutions, we’re committed to providing unmatched speed and a superior customer experience both in-shop and out in the field.”                                                                                             

The Electrical Apparatus Service Association, Inc. (EASA) is an international trade organization, which includes more than 1,700 firms from nearly 70 countries. Through engineering and educational programs, EASA provides members with a means of keeping up to date on equipment, best practices, and state-of-the-art technology. The EASA 2025 Convention is a four-day event, held from Saturday through Tuesday, July 19-22, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

Integrated Power Services | www.ips.us

Standard Solar and Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) have completed a 7.2 megawatt (MW) solar project engineered to integrate with the operational complexity of an active marine terminal. The project delivers clean energy using rooftop and canopy systems without disrupting port activity. Completed in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the City of Newark, the award-winning system was strategically built over active truck lanes, rooftops and parking areas, maximizing available space while maintaining full operational continuity throughout construction. 

Built across the 320-acre terminal, the installation also has the capacity to send excess power to the Newark grid, supporting local energy resilience and emissions reduction. It now supplies approximately half of PNCT’s annual power needs and reduces emissions by 50 percent.

“Designing and installing a system of this scale within a fully operational, high-traffic container facility required custom engineering and constant coordination,” said C.J. Colavito, General Manager of Integrated Project Teams, Standard Solar. “From elevated canopy structures to rooftop arrays, every component was designed to work around ongoing port activity without compromising safety or performance.”

The project features:

• 3.8 MW of elevated canopy-mounted arrays over active truck lanes

• 3.4 MW of additional rooftop and parking canopy arrays

• Real-time dashboard for monitoring energy production and carbon savings

“This project showcases the ingenuity and adaptability of solar to thrive in even the most complex, space-constrained logistics environments,” said Rick Berube, Chief Operations Officer, Standard Solar. “We’re proud to help PNCT lead the way toward a cleaner, more resilient port, benefiting not just terminal operations but the Newark community and region as a whole.”

“Working with our partners for a more sustainable Newark is an immense priority for my administration,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “We are acting locally while thinking globally on this world-changing issue. Port Newark’s solar energy project will help make our city healthier for present and future generations. We must continue efforts that combine our local infrastructure with clean power generation, driving Newark Forward — building new jobs, increasing the air quality of our community, and doing our part to fight climate change.”

The PNCT solar installation is part of a larger clean energy roadmap developed under a 2011 lease agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. PNCT has implemented a suite of complementary initiatives, including LED lighting upgrades, hybrid straddle carriers, energy-efficient electric cranes and propane-powered yard tractors, all aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing port efficiency.

Standard Solar owns and will operate and maintain the system long-term, ensuring consistent clean energy production and measurable environmental impact for years to come.

“PNCT, Standard Solar and Mayor Baraka, working together with the Port Authority, have been relentless in partnering for responsible expansion of the port to meet the shipping needs of our growing regional and national economy, without sacrificing the health and well-being of our neighbors,” said Jim Pelliccio, president and CEO of Port Newark Container Terminal. “Our investments in sustainability have set the groundwork for an ambitious vision to transform the future of Port Newark — setting unparalleled standards for efficiency, environmental responsibility and economic prosperity.”

Standard Solar | standardsolar.com

Port Newark Container Terminal | https://www.pnct.net/

Tigo Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYGO) (“Tigo” or “Company”), a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, announced that the Company’s entire portfolio of three-phase Tigo EI Inverters has successfully passed the certification tests for compliance with the PPDS P4 requirements in the Czech Republic. Compliance with PPDS P4, formally known as Distribution System Operation Rules, Annex 4, is a prerequisite for grid connection of solar inverters in the Czech Republic, validating the compatibility with the technical conditions defined by the European Commission and adopted by local utility companies. In the wake of the proliferation of rapid shutdown requirements across Europe, with installers in the Czech Republic deploying nearly 107MW of Tigo MLPE in 2024, Tigo products have been deployed by thousands of Czech installers in the past decade. 

As an established brand trusted in the Czech solar installer community, the release of the Tigo EI Residential system capitalizes on the addition of 967MW of primarily residential rooftop solar in the Czech Republic overall in 2024. The Tigo EI Residential system is a cohesive solution that combines every element of solar generation, storage, and energy management. The system features TS4 Flex MLPE, single- and three-phase inverters, modular battery storage, and the EI Link, consolidating all system wiring, communication, and a full backup system into a single, compact cabinet. In addition, Tigo offers the GO EV Charger, which integrates e-mobility directly into the EI platform, and the GO Junction, which brings heat pumps into the energy management mix. These innovations deliver a truly all-in-one energy solution for smart, scalable, and energy transition-ready modern homes.

“Tigo securing this certification for inverter operation on the grid infrastructure of the Czech Republic means that installers like us now have a reliable, all-in-one solution that is easy to install and configure, with a flexible, modular architecture that fits a wide range of residential customer needs,” said Miroslav Vavera, CEO at SUNLUX s.r.o. “Beyond installation, Tigo also offers proactive monitoring through the Energy Intelligence software platform, which will significantly streamline our operations and maintenance program. For homeowners, this means a system that is always ready to deliver energy security, even during outages, elevating the role of batteries from optional add-ons to essential pillars of energy independence, all easily managed through a user-friendly app.”

The installer-focused enhancements Tigo has made to the design, installation, and commissioning of its products were developed based on insights gained from hundreds of engagements through the Tigo Green Glove Service Program, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to Total Quality Solar. With a streamlined commissioning flow within the Tigo EI Residential Solar Solution, the Company has significantly improved the installer experience, reducing setup time and ensuring seamless integration across Tigo inverters, batteries, and the EI Link. Key commissioning enablers from Tigo include reduced installation and setup time with fewer manual steps, enhanced self-sufficiency for installers with tools and resources that simplify system deployment and troubleshooting, and seamless system optimization for better system performance and reliability.

“As one of our strongest global markets, the expansion of the Tigo EI Residential solution into the Czech Republic is yet another sign that integrated solar-plus-storage from Tigo continues to gain momentum across Europe,” said Jing Tian, chief growth and revenue officer at Tigo Energy. “This certification allows us to bring the value of an integrated home energy system that delivers real benefits to Czech homeowners and the skilled professionals who serve them.”

Homeowners can find a comprehensive list of Tigo-certified solar installers in the Czech Republic here. Czech installers and PV professionals are invited to register to meet with Tigo at the Iftech Solar Fvest in September 2025, at the Tigo event page. Iftech Solar Fvest, organized by Tigo distribution partner Iftech, is an all-day event where solar installers can experience the EI Residential Solution firsthand and gain deeper insights into its features. Installers are further invited to sign up for the Czech-language EI Residential Solution webinar for solar installers in July, here.

Tigo Energy | www.tigoenergy.com

esVolta, LP ("esVolta") announced the hiring of Mike Kalansky as Vice President of Accounting. Kalansky will oversee the company’s accounting architecture to ensure the integrity and scalability of esVolta’s financial infrastructure.

As the company’s most senior accounting executive, Kalansky will serve as a key advisor on enterprise-wide policy, risk management, and strategic finance initiatives in addition to providing strategic direction and technical expertise across all accounting areas.

In his role, Kalansky is tasked with establishing and leading the company’s accounting policy framework, ensuring consistent and compliant application of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. His expertise will elevate esVolta’s financial rigor across all of its strategic transactions, supporting investor readiness, and elevating accounting practices to public-company standards.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mike to the esVolta team,” said Randolph Mann, CEO, esVolta. “As we continue to scale and prepare for the next phase of growth, Mike’s deep expertise in accounting policy and financial infrastructure will be essential. His leadership will help ensure the integrity of our financial systems, support strategic decision-making, and strengthen our foundation for long-term success.”

With nearly 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, Mike brings deep expertise in financial reporting and technical accounting, including within the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.  After beginning his career in public accounting at EY, he gained experience across banking and private equity.  Prior to joining esVolta, he served as interim controller overseeing financial reporting for a sustainable infrastructure investment firm and has extensive advisory experience on complex accounting and financial matters.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Kalansky holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fairfield University.  He is based in Los Angeles, CA.

esVolta | www.esvolta.com