Controlled Liquid Hydrogen Storage: The backbone of decentralized energy

Alsym Energy, a developer of high-performance, non-flammable, low-cost sodium-ion batteries, and ERITY, an integrated services organization supporting the mining, resources and energy sectors, today announced the signing of a 9GWh Strategic Relationship Agreement (SRA). The collaboration establishes a formal framework to jointly identify, pursue, and deliver advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) across multiple mining use-cases.

Mining is a major consumer of energy, typically supplied via diesel generators as operations are often far away from any grid connection. It is estimated that the mining sector consumes ~ 125 billion liters of diesel a year, comprising 30-50% of a given mine’s operating costs and contributing up to 3% of global greenhouse emissions. BESS offers substantial operational costs savings and is a reliable alternative.

This strategic alliance pairs Alsym Energy’s high performance, non-flammable battery technology with ERITY’s deep operational mining expertise to meet the soaring global demand for lower cost, efficient, and high-performance off-grid energy storage solutions that accelerate the transition to clean energy.

"We are thrilled to partner with Alsym Energy to identify and deliver BESS opportunities to market," said Manny Claassens, Chief Operating Officer (Energy), ERITY. "This collaboration allows us to address the pressing energy challenges faced by the mining industry, where energy demands are significant and operations are often located in remote areas with limited access to traditional power infrastructure. By integrating Alsym Energy's thermally stable, high-performance storage solutions into mining operations, we have an opportunity to help reduce operational costs, enhance energy resilience, and support improved safety and sustainability outcomes across the energy transition landscape."

Pioneering Clean Energy in Global Mining Operations

The focal point of the partnership will be BESS solutions for mining. ERITY operates across six continents, with major operations in Australia, Africa and Middle East. Specifically, Alsym Energy’s sodium-ion technology is slated for deployment across Volt Resources Limited (ASX:VRC) and Resource Mineral International Limited (ASX:RMI) existing operations and new projects being developed in Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Finland and the United States, as well as BESS projects for non-affiliated mining companies.

Asimwe Kabunga, Chairman of both Volt Resources Limited and Resource Minerals International Limited, said "The mining sector is actively seeking energy solutions that improve reliability, enhance safety and support long-term operational sustainability. Non-flammable sodium-ion battery technology presents a compelling opportunity, particularly for remote operations where energy resilience is critical. We see significant potential for this technology across a number of projects within our portfolio. The ability to combine innovative battery technology with practical deployment expertise creates a strong platform for supporting the next generation of mining projects."

"Partnering with ERITY represents a major milestone in our mission to deliver safe, high-performance, and cost-effective energy storage worldwide," said Mukesh Chatter, CEO of Alsym Energy. "ERITY’s extensive reach in critical sectors - from data centers to global mineral extraction in key regions like Australia, Africa and Middle East - provides the perfect platform to deploy our non-flammable sodium-ion technology across an energy-intensive industry and in high temperature regions who are eager to lead the energy transition. "

The 9GWh agreement outlines a collaborative approach to develop and deploy tailored energy storage solutions in mining including:

• 24x7, high reliability, non-flammable micro-grid energy for mining operations paired with renewable energy or other sources. In particular, as primary energy for ventilation systems that are a major cost component of subsurface operations.
• Critical Mineral Extraction and Processing: Providing robust, low-emission power to remote and demanding mining operations.
• AI Mobile Data Centers for Mining: Delivering reliable, high-performance energy for onsite AI data center which process critical geologic information in real time. Alsym Energy’s cells are especially well suited to handling the frequent power transients that results from AI GPUs.
• Mining and hauling equipment are major users of diesel, and therefore already moving toward electric alternatives. The fast-charge and high-power discharge capabilities of Alsym Energy’s Na-Series (sodium-ion battery technology platform) are ideally suited to supporting this transformation.
• Mobile BESS so that reliable energy can be easily moved to wherever it is needed. Alsym Energy Na-Series batteries’ ability to be safely stored and transported at 0% state of charge unlocks the flexibility required for this use case.

In future, other potential areas of development include Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, Commercial and Industrial Applications and Utility-Scale Energy Projects.

Alsym | alsym.com

ERITY | erity.com

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) announced it has extended the early bird registration deadline for its 55th Annual National Solar Conference, SOLAR 2026: Solar for All, Y'all, to July 31, 2026. The extension offers potential attendees additional time to secure a 20% discount on registration for the event, which will take place October 19–21, 2026, in Austin, Texas.

SOLAR 2026 will bring together hundreds of renewable energy professionals, researchers, students, policymakers, advocates, and industry leaders from across the country for three days of knowledge sharing and networking. This year's conference is especially significant as ASES is partnering with ASES chapter Texas Solar Energy Society to celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary.

The conference will feature:

• Inspiring keynote speakers
• Plenary panel discussions
• Technical presentations
• Interactive poster sessions
• Networking opportunities with leaders across the renewable energy industry
• Special events celebrating the Texas Solar Energy Society's 50th anniversary
• Student programming, exhibitors, and more

Highlighted Plenary Speakers

• Bill McKibben, author of Here Comes the Sun
• Anya Schoolman, Executive Director, Solar United Neighbors
• Pliny Fiske, Co-Founder and Co-Director, Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems
• Heather Holdridge, Director of Design Performance, Lake Flato Architects
• Joshua D. Rhodes, Ph.D., Research Scientist and Lecturer, The University of Texas at Austin
• Anita Ledbetter, Executive Director, Build San Antonio Green
• Karl Rabago, Principal, Rabago Energy

Early bird registration is now available through July 31, 2026, offering attendees a 20% discount on conference registration.  To learn more about SOLAR 2026, view the full conference program, or register, visit ases.org/conference.

American Solar Energy Society | https://ases.org/

KKR, a leading global investment firm, announced that KKR has agreed to acquire the operations and assets of EDF power solutions in the United States (EDF power solutions Inc.) and Canada (EDF power solutions Canada Inc.) from EDF group, one of the world's largest power producers. This transaction values the equity interest in EDF power solutions Inc. and EDF power solutions Canada Inc. at approximately $4.2 billion, with potential additional payments of up to $0.39 billion. Collectively, these businesses represent EDF power solutions’ North American renewable operations.

EDF power solutions North America is among the top ten owners of renewable energy capacity in the United States, with a nearly 40-year track record of delivering clean energy solutions across the U.S. and Canada. The company owns and operates a diversified portfolio of solar, wind, and battery storage assets across multiple geographies and manages an integrated platform spanning project development, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) and asset management. EDF power solutions North America serves a broad base of utilities, corporations, and institutional customers.

Under KKR’s ownership, EDF power solutions North America will have the resources and strategic support to expand its asset base, enhance operational performance, and accelerate its development pipeline.

“With power demand anticipated to increase in the United States due to the rapid expansion of data centers, manufacturing reshoring, and broader electrification, KKR’s investment in EDF power solutions North America supports the critical need for affordable power,” said Cecilio Velasco, Managing Director, KKR. “EDF power solutions North America’s scale, operational track record, and integrated capabilities position it to meet that demand, particularly through its diversified portfolio and project pipeline. We look forward to supporting the platform’s continued growth and ultimately the United States’ broader energy security and affordability goals.”

KKR brings deep expertise and a proven track record investing in renewables, having deployed more than $26 billion globally across renewables and energy transition investments to date. KKR is funding this transaction from its global infrastructure strategy. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

KKR | www.kkr.com

DNV has completed an independent technical review of Fred. Olsen1848’s BRIZO floating solar system, an innovative floating photovoltaic (FPV) concept designed to operate in more exposed wave conditions than conventional FPV solutions. Using a flexible rope-mesh and tensioning system, BRIZO is designed for inland, coastal, and near-shore environments where traditional calm-water floating solar systems may face technical and operational limitations.

Most FPV systems deployed today are limited to sheltered reservoirs, lakes, and low-wave environments, restricting where floating solar can be scaled. BRIZO aims to bridge the gap between conventional inland FPV and more exposed marine conditions, combining increased wave tolerance with high reliability.

DNV’s review covered the system’s design methodologies, hydrodynamic load assessment, from physical model testing, structural behaviour, and testing procedures, drawing on knowledge from the development of DNV standards ST-E309, ST-C108, and RP-0584. The assessment provides an independent technical basis for the technology to progress toward project development, bankability discussions, and future commercial deployment.

“Floating solar is entering a new phase of maturity, where the industry must move beyond sheltered waters to unlock meaningful scale,” said Prajeev Rasiah, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Northern Europe, Energy Systems at DNV. “Technologies capable of operating in more exposed environments could significantly expand the addressable market for FPV, particularly in regions facing land constraints, competing land use, or growing pressure on grid infrastructure. Independent technical assurance is essential to demonstrating that these systems can withstand demanding environmental conditions over their full operational lifetime and give developers and investors confidence as the market evolves.”

“This Statement of Compliance represents a significant milestone for BRIZO. It provides confirmation of the strength of our technical approach and demonstrates that the technology is able to operate in more demanding conditions. It is an important step towards advancing the bankability of our solution and supporting our commercial roadmap", said Geir Grimsrud, Chief Technical Officer at Fred. Olsen 1848.

Solar photovoltaic is expected to become the world’s largest source of electricity over the coming decades. DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2025forecasts continued rapid growth in solar deployment, driven by falling technology costs and accelerating electrification. As deployment scales further, constraints linked to land availability, permitting, grid congestion, and siting are becoming increasingly significant in many markets.

In that context, floating solar is gaining momentum as an enabling technology for accelerating the deployment of solar PV generation in land-constrained geographies. More robust FPV concepts capable of operating in coastal and higher-energy environments promise to help unlock new deployment opportunities and support the continued scaling of solar power in regions with limited suitable land or increasing energy demand.

DNV | https://www.dnv.com/

The offshore wind market in the Baltic Sea shows strong momentum, with double-digit growth expected in the years ahead. In Poland alone, spending on operational and maintenance services (O&M) is projected to grow at an average annual rate of nearly 40%. “We are proud to support Baltic Power, one of the first offshore wind developments in Poland. This contract reflects our ability to deliver integrated services for complex energy projects and marks an important step in establishing our presence in the Polish market. We look forward to working closely with Baltic Power to ensure safe, efficient execution and long-term value creation,” says Sindre Rhrich, CEO at Føn Energy Services. 

The multi-million-euro contract is a long-term agreement with extension options, covering the delivery of an integrated Balance of Plant (BoP) operations and maintenance programme for all subsea assets, including foundations and cables, at the Baltic Power offshore wind farm. The contract also includes environmental survey scope aimed at monitoring marine growth and animal habits in the area. The programme includes all services within inspection and corrective maintenance for Baltic Power’s subsea assets, which covers project management and planning, vessels chartering and management, logistics, engineering and procurement. Føn Energy Services will be supported by local Polish suppliers in delivering these services. 

Working with local suppliers is a priority for Føn Energy Services. Polish companies are already engaged across the Baltic Power supply chain - the topsides of the offshore substations were built in the shipyards in Gdańsk and Gdynia, onshore cables were delivered from the factory in Bydgoszcz, and parts of the foundations arrived from Żary and Niemodlin. The local content level for Baltic Power is expected to exceed 21% over the project’s lifetime, in line with the Polish Sector Deal guidelines of 20-30% for phase I projects, with phase II projects expected to reach 40-50%.

This contract marks an important step in building our presence in the Polish offshore wind market. We are committed to establishing a strong local set-up and working with regional partners to support efficient operations over the life of the asset. Sindre Rhrich adds.

Føn Energy Service’s O&M programme will allow Baltic Power to optimise, improve its subsea asset utilisation, and reduce risk, while also enable more efficient operation of its wind farms. The Baltic Power project is a joint venturebetween ORLEN and Northland Power. It is the most advanced offshore wind project in Poland and the first one to have reached the construction phase. In total, 76 turbines will be installed with a capacity of 15 MW, estimated to cover 3% of the national electricity demand. 

“The establishment of a supply chain for the operational and maintenance phase of Baltic Power has no precedence in the Polish energy sector. With the construction of the O&M base in Łeba, we are creating extensive logistics and maintenance facilities as well as new jobs. We have signed the first contracts for specialist maintenance services and inspections of underwater infrastructure, geophysical surveys, and the maintenance of offshore and onshore substation. Even at this early stage of Baltic Power’s operations, a number of Polish companies and research centers will be involved in these tasks - this is a valuable boost for developing local content in offshore wind energy and an incentive for further companies to grow in this sector,” comments Maciej Stryjecki, CEO and the President of the Management Board of Baltic Power.

BW ESS, the global energy storage owner-operator, breaks ground on one of Europe’s largest battery energy storage projects to date, the 1,000MW / up to 5,700MWh Klostermansfeld BESS. 

Located in the Mansfeld-Südharz region, Saxony-Anhalt, in close proximity to the Klostermansfeld substation, the project is the largest of its kind in Germany.  It has the capacity to supply around three million German households with electricity for at least four hours. 

BW ESS first invested in the project in 2024 and took full ownership earlier this year. The initial developer and seller, Zelos Energy Developments, will continue to provide targeted support on local site matters until the project is further into construction, at the end of 2026.  

As an experienced long-term owner-operator, BW ESS maintains direct oversight of its assets throughout their operational lifetime, taking a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle. 

The project will become a major contributor to energy security and grid stability in Germany. Klostermansfeld substation functions as one of few central nodes on the German energy grid and has recently been expanded to draw more electricity from the distribution grid and transport it via high voltage power lines.  As such, Klostermansfeld BESS will strengthen the region structurally and bolster the grid’s ability to cope effectively with peak load periods. 

Roberto Jiménez, Executive Director, BW ESS, said: “At BW ESS, we’re proud that our work in energy storage contributes directly to a resilient modern energy system. We’ve made a long-term commitment to help realise the potential of energy storage in Germany and Klostermansfeld BESS will be our first German asset to enter construction. We will continue to take an active approach to knowledge transfer across our portfolio, leveraging our extensive experience from the mature global markets.” 

“We thank our development partner, Zelos, for their work on the project and are especially grateful to Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann and Mayor Frank Ochsner for joining us to mark the occasion.”  

Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, Minister for Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment and Deputy Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, said: "Saxony-Anhalt is one of the pioneers in the energy transition, especially in the expansion of renewables. It is therefore important for our state to have grid-serving battery energy storage systems that help stabilise our power grids. The Klostermansfeld battery energy storage system will be an important building block in this. Increasing volumes of renewable electricity can be absorbed by the large-scale storage system and then transported further via the grid. With this system here at the site, BW ESS is helping to secure supply and ensure more flexibility in the power grid." 

Frank Ochsner, Mayor of Klostermansfeld, added: “This groundbreaking is a significant day for our community, officially marking the location of Germany’s largest battery storage facility, right here in Klostermansfeld. We are delighted about this major investment and the operator’s commitment to contribute further, both financially and through their expertise. The community and the regional economy will benefit greatly from this.”  

BW ESS | https://bw-ess.com/

Mantle8, a natural hydrogen exploration company, has been granted two investigation permits by Spain's Dirección General de Política Energética y Minas. The permits, Aralar I and Aralar II, cover approximately 960 km² across Navarra and the Basque Country. The permits authorise non-invasive studies for natural hydrogen and helium, providing Mantle8 with the option to progress to a full exploration licence.

The permit area lies on the southern flank of the Pyrenees, with a similar geology to what Mantle8 is evaluating through its Comminges permit on the French side of the mountain range. Drawing on its deep knowledge of Pyrenean geology, Mantle8 will conduct non-invasive exploration across the permit area, including the deployment of its GeoLogix®, HOREX® and APoGeH® technologies. The data will be processed using Mantle8's proprietary natural hydrogen technology stack to evaluate the area's potential for natural hydrogen accumulations.

Emmanuel Masini, Founder and CEO of Mantle8, said: "Navarra and the Basque Country offer a rare combination of favourable geology supported by established infrastructure, in a region with strong industrial off-take potential. Our geological understanding of this region and its hydrogen potential is already very strong, and we're excited to get into the field to expand our knowledge base."

The permits reflect a broader shift across Europe as governments look to secure sovereign energy sources for sectors where electrification is not viable. With demand for low-carbon hydrogen in heavy industry, transport and power generation continuing to outpace supply, natural hydrogen offers a domestic alternative that does not depend on imported feedstocks or large-scale renewable electricity infrastructure.

Masini added: "Natural hydrogen has the potential to become a strategic, sovereign and clean resource for Europe. However, regulatory gaps are slowing the pace of development. The Spanish regulators have done well to adapt existing hydrocarbon regulations to include hydrogen but there's still work to do. We welcome clearer regulatory frameworks across Europe and will prioritise those where we see the best opportunity to unlock this incredible resource."

These permits come at a period of rapid growth for Mantle8 which has seen it close a €31 million Series A financing round - the largest raised by a natural hydrogen exploration company in 2026 - receive €2.17 million in grant support from the French government for the development of its technology stack and secure a five-year Hydrogeco exploration permit in the French Pyrenees. The company is actively expanding its global exploration programme with additional permits expected to be awarded in the coming months.

Mantle8 | https://mantle8.com/