The Solar Product Registry Set to Boost Solar Deployment

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from ACP CEO Jason Grumet in response to the Treasury guidance released for wind and solar projects: 

“The Treasury Department’s decision to accelerate the phase out of clean energy tax credits undermines the integrity of our energy grid and our legislative process. In the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congress explicitly chose to provide energy companies with one year to phase out tax credits to keep energy prices low while meeting growing power demand. We acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of Senators who led the effort to elevate pragmatism over partisanship in the legislative process. Their continued advocacy to protect this legislative agreement was instrumental in avoiding greater impediments to energy deployment.”

American Clean Power Association | cleanpower.org

OCI Energy and Sabanci Renewables announced the successful closing of the sale of Project Lucky 7 Solar, a 100 MWac / 130MWdc project located in Hopkins County, Texas, within the ERCOT-North market. The project, which was developed by OCI Energy, will now move forward to construction and operation under the leadership of Sabanci Renewables. In July, OCI Energy sold Project Pepper to Sabanci Renewables, a 120 MWac / 156 MWdc solar project in McLennan County.

Spanning approximately 745 acres, Lucky 7 Solar will deliver clean, reliable energy to the electrical grid to meet increasing power demand in the region. The project is expected to reach commercial operation in 2027.

To commemorate the agreement, executives from both companies gathered for a signing ceremony at OCI Energy’s headquarters in San Antonio earlier this week. The event marked the second successful transaction between the companies in the last couple of months.  

“Our expanding collaboration with Sabanci Renewables reflects both companies’ commitment to delivering high-impact, long-lasting clean energy projects that strengthen grid security and support power market affordability” said Sabah Bayatli, President, OCI Energy. “We’re proud to hand off Project Lucky 7 and excited to see them carry it forward to construction and ultimately to commercial operation. Our shared vision makes Sabanci an ideal partner for advancing clean energy in Texas.”

“At Sabanci Renewables, we remain focused on creating long-term value in line with our Bridge to a Better Future vision while expanding our renewable energy investments in the United States. Project Lucky 7 marks another significant step in delivering clean and reliable energy,” said Tolga Kaan Doğancıoğlu, CEO, Sabanci Renewables. “The acquisition aligns with Sabanci Group’s 100-year legacy of responsible growth and long-term value creation. We sincerely appreciate the OCI Energy team’s professionalism and collaborative spirit throughout this process. Their dedication and shared vision have been important to the success of this transaction, and we look forward to continuing our partnership. The next step is to bring the project into commercial operation in 2027, contributing to the region’s energy needs."

In addition to the closing, OCI Energy and Sabanci Renewables agreed to explore future project opportunities together, with both companies expressing mutual interest in developing and delivering energy solutions that are secure, reliable, and affordable.

Sidley Austin LLP provided legal services to OCI Energy and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP provided legal services to for Sabanci Renewables.

Sabanci Renewables | sabanciclimatetech.com

OCI Energy | https://www.ocienergy.com/

Virtual Peaker, a leading virtual power plant software company, has partnered with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) and ICF (NASDAQ: ICFI), a global consulting and technology services provider, to launch the FlexHome Pilot, a demand response program for residential members in southern Maryland. This voluntary program is the first in the state to go beyond traditional thermostat-based demand response by leveraging Wi-Fi-connected water heaters to optimize energy usage.

The FlexHome Pilot is designed to reduce energy consumption during peak demand by adjusting water heater usage on weekdays for short periods, typically lasting just a few hours. By doing so, SMECO aims to lower reliance on more expensive and environmentally taxing power sources, helping keep energy costs low for all members while reducing the grids carbon footprint.

Participant Incentives
Residential participants in the program will receive significant financial benefits, including up to $96 in annual bill credits and a one-time enrollment payment of up to $800 if purchasing a new heat pump water heater compatible with pilot participation.

“SMECO is proud to lead the way in Maryland by introducing this innovative flexible load management program,” said Jennifer Raley, Energy & Technology Programs Manager, Demand Side Management. “The FlexHome Pilot is focused on advancing SMECO’s demand-side management capabilities by testing the coordination and participation of multiple grid-connected devices in residential homes—such as water heaters, in addition to thermostats and electric vehicles. This specific initiative also focuses on integrating smart technologies to lower energy use during times of peak energy demand, which can reduce the use of more expensive power sources. That’s good for the environment, and it helps keep energy costs low for everyone.”

Virtual Peaker’s virtual power plant software for the grid-edge powers the FlexHome Pilot, enabling SMECO to seamlessly enroll and manage the load-shedding capabilities of up to 500 grid-enabled water heaters over the span of the three-year pilot. Utilizing Virtual Peaker’s cutting-edge platform, SMECO can monitor and measure energy reduction performance while improving grid reliability and resilience.

“SMECO’s FlexHome Pilot is a milestone program that illustrates how technology can transform energy management into a powerful peak management asset for utilities and their customers,” said Dr. William Burke, Founder and CEO of Virtual Peaker. “This collaboration with SMECO and ICF is a testament to the power of partnerships in creating scalable solutions that support decarbonization and grid modernization while benefiting residential members directly. We’re thrilled to be part of this pioneering initiative.”

“Since the launch of the SMECO FlexHome Pilot in September 2024 through the end of May 2025, 70 events have been called. These adjustments typically last only a few hours, with little to no impact to members’ comfort. The pilot runs through the end of 2026, and SMECO is excited to share a full report detailing findings at the pilot’s conclusion,” said Katherine Jackson, Manager, Flexible Load Management at ICF.

To learn more about Virtual Peaker’s virtual power plant software for the grid-edge, visit virtual-peaker.com/platform.

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative | https://www.smeco.coop/

ICF | icf.com

Virtual Peaker | www.virtual-peaker.com

Virtual Peaker, a leading virtual power plant software company, announced an additional round of funding from Veriten, a research, investing, and strategy firm focused on the long-term energy outlook and its implications.

This strategic investment will support Virtual Peaker’s continued expansion as it brings grid-edge innovation to utilities navigating the complexities of a decentralized energy landscape. With this new capital, the company will accelerate market growth, advance product development, and scale its demand flexibility platform to help utilities dynamically manage distributed energy resources, including smart thermostats, batteries, EVs, and other devices. By orchestrating these assets into virtual power plants, Virtual Peaker delivers load flexibility at scale while empowering consumers to play an active role in building a more resilient and responsive energy future.

“We’re thrilled to have Veriten’s support as we advance our mission to build a more flexible, reliable grid,” said Dr. William “Bill” Burke, founder and CEO of Virtual Peaker. “Veriten’s deep understanding of the shifting dynamics in the energy sector and commitment to long-term value creation make them an ideal partner as we expand our platform and drive the next wave of demand-side innovation.”

“At Veriten, we focus on where the energy world is headed over the next ten years, evaluating the opportunities, challenges, and disruptive forces shaping the future,” said Maynard Holt, founder and CEO of Veriten. “We see Virtual Peaker’s software and leadership as central to enabling the transition to more resilient energy systems, and we’re excited to support their growth.”

Virtual Peaker | www.virtual-peaker.com 

Veriten | https://veriten.com/

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its fifth flagship fund, CI V, and EDF power solutions North America, announced that CIP has acquired full ownership of the 1 gigawatt hour (GWh) Beehive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Beehive is a 250 MW / 4-hour duration (1,000 MWh) storage project located in Peoria, Arizona. Following commencement of construction earlier this year by EDF power solutions, CIP will manage the project through the remainder of construction, with commercial operation expected in the first half of 2026.

The project has a 20-year tolling agreement with Arizona Public Service Company (APS), the largest energy company in Arizona, serving approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. Beehive is designed to receive energy from the power grid during periods of high renewable penetration, store it in a series of batteries, and discharge electricity back into the power grid at peak demand hours. The BESS thereby supports APS in managing its growing energy and capacity demand.

“With electricity demand rapidly increasing in the Southwest, we anticipate battery storage will play a critical role in powering innovation and economic growth,” said Tim Evans, Partner and Head of North America at CIP. “Beehive will provide reliable energy and grid services to customers in Arizona and build on CIP’s track record of developing, constructing, and operating energy infrastructure investments across the country. We are pleased to have worked with the EDF power solutions team.”

The project marks EDF power solutions' second stand-alone energy storage project, underscoring its commitment to innovation and the expansion of expertise in BESS technology. As a vital complement to its core renewable generation business, energy storage has gained increasing importance in EDF power solutions’ portfolio reinforcing the company’s dedication to maximizing the potential of renewable energy and accelerating the energy transition, ultimately contributing to the decarbonization of the economy.

“EDF power solutions actively seeks partnerships across all stages of a project’s lifecycle, with an eye toward both optimizing our portfolio and maximizing value creation,” said Ryan Pfaff, Executive Vice President, Grid and Distribution-Scale Power at EDF power solutions North America. “We value the opportunity to collaborate with CIP on the Beehive project and look forward to working with CIP to ensure the successful completion of this critical large-scale energy storage system to support Arizona’s grid during peak hours.”

EDF power solutions is committed to delivering reliable and affordable low-carbon solutions to meet customers’ carbon-reduction goals while reinforcing American energy dominance. With over 35 years of experience and 23 gigawatts of wind, solar, and storage projects developed, EDF power solutions offers integrated energy solutions ranging from grid-scale power to electric vehicle charging, ensuring a sustainable and resilient energy future for all.

CI V reached final close in March 2025 and exceeded the target of USD 14 billion (EUR 12 billion). The fund invests in energy infrastructure across a range of power generation technologies in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, and has a total potential commitment of approximately USD 27 billion (EUR 24 billion).

CIP | www.cip.com

EDF | re.com

Eliminate the need for a separate redundancy module, ultimately saving space in your control cabinet thanks to WAGO’s new Pro 2 Series Power Supply with Redundancy. It offers a fully redundant power supply system without the need for separate equipment due to integrated MOSFET functionality. The design of the Redundancy offering shares many of the same features as the original Pro 2 family. This includes best-in-class efficiency, communication modules support for I/O Link, Modbus RTU Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP + MQTT protocols, and smart load management with TopBoost and PowerBoost. 

Adding an additional supply not only protects against one failure but also enables the system to run more efficiently. Two or more Pro 2 Redundancy Power Supplies wired with outputs in parallel, will ensure power is maintained to a load in the event of failure, either due to input or other power supply malfunction. The new Pro 2 Series with Redundancy models offers a n + 1 configurations, the load is designed to be powered by the n power supplies. 

WAG www.wago.us

Capstone Green Energy Holdings, Inc. (the "Company” or “Capstone”) (OTCID: CGEH), the public successor to Capstone Green Energy Corporation, announced that it has acquired one of its distributors, Cal Microturbine, LLC and its exclusive distribution territory. Capstone will now conduct the sales, aftermarket support, and service for customers in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington under the business unit, Capstone West Territory.

“This agreement to acquire Cal Microturbine sets the stage for Capstone to strengthen our market insight and deepen our connection with end users,” said Vince Canino, President and CEO of Capstone Green Energy. “By directly managing these key western states, we are better positioned to capitalize on the region’s accelerating demand for distributed energy solutions. This strategic move allows us to build deeper customer relationships, expand our market share, and drive long-term financial growth. We intend to ensure a seamless transition of sales and service operations that will safeguard the customer experience. Effective August 13, 2025, these operations became part of Capstone’s West Territory (CWT), operating under the Capstone Green Energy brand.

“From a financial perspective, this is designed to be an entirely self-funded strategic investment in a region with strong growth potential for new system sales, rentals, and long-term service agreements,” said John Juric, Chief Financial Officer of Capstone Green Energy. “The integration of these operations into Capstone is expected to be accretive to earnings and cash flow as we sell and service directly, improve operational efficiency, and create lasting value for our customers and shareholders alike.”

Capstone is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to customers. All service, parts, and technical support requests in the territory will be coordinated through Capstone, while sales operations will be managed directly by a new sales leader to be announced in the coming weeks.

Customers in the Capstone West Territory can expect the same high-quality microturbine technology, enhanced access to Capstone’s Energy-as-a-Service offerings, and continued focus on operational efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits.

Capstone Green Energy | www.capstonegreenenergy.com