It’s no secret that California is the nucleus of the solar industry in the United States, with the country’s largest market generating over 30 percent of the state’s electricity, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. The state took an early and large lead in distributed solar compared to others. This was not by luck; policymakers in Sacramento have long been aggressive advocates of solar power. A significant driver of California�....
Power grids are fundamental to the energy supply for commercial and residential electricity. There is growing energy demand around the world, and more renewable energy sources are being built all the time. Unfortunately, many existing grids and transmission networks are not equipped to handle these changes. In this article, we’ll look at some of the challenges facing power grid systems today, and the importance of expanding and modernizing them....
The United States is racing towards an electric future, with its goal of 50 percent electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030 rapidly coming into view. This ambitious target has driven a dramatic expansion in public charging infrastructure, more than doubling since 2021 to over 192,000 stations nationwide. With the 2030 deadline looming, the pace of charger installations may not keep up with rising demand, posing an important questi....
At every recent energy industry event, the highlight reel echoes the same three themes: the clean energy transition is underway, climate change and weather volatility are now constants, and AI is reshaping how we live and work while increasing energy demand. Weather forecasting is at the intersection of these shifts, playing a pivotal role in the energy sector’s adaptation and evolution. In this article, we’ll explore how advanced forecast....
Solar
Daniel E. Chartock
Energy Storage
Emerson
Solar
Garth Schultz and Mark Cerasuolo
American Battery Factory Inc. (ABF), an emerging battery manufacturer creating a domestic supply chain of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells in the United States, announced its partnership with KAN Battery Co., Ltd. to develop a pilot line of battery cells at its facility and accelerate the process of bringing world-class technology and expertise to the United States. As part of the collaboration, ABF will secure training in the latest analytics and machining for its workforce, refine battery cell production and launch its subsidiary ABF China.
At the facility in China, ABF will work alongside KAN Battery to utilize an initial 1 GWh factory line for high-capacity prismatic cells offering 105 to 300 Ah outputs. The line, which covers 750,000 square feet, will enable the company to immediately start production at scale. As part of the partnership, the company will evolve its current battery chemistry for its UL-certified cells. By refining the production process while it prepares for the construction of its first gigafactory in Tucson, Ariz., ABF will be positioned to bring together everything from cutting edge manufacturing machining combined with the battery chemistry and business analytics to the U.S. at launch.
“From the beginning of our mission to build a domestic supply chain, we have recognized the need to draw on the best examples of battery manufacturing throughout the world,” said Jim Ge, CEO of American Battery Factory. “Our partnership with KAN Battery is a manifestation of this, an opportunity to learn from world-class manufacturers and perfect our process ahead of our U.S. launch.”
Along with overcoming a potential three-year scale up in the United States and essentially entering production now, these steps are also part of a natural progression toward onshoring a domestic supply chain of battery cells and will accelerate ABF’s timeline to have the first phase of its U.S. gigafactory completed in the second half of 2026. The Tucson facility is on track to include the company’s headquarters, a research and development innovation center and the initial 2 x 2 GWh factory module. ABF’s battery cells will incorporate the safest chemistry and environmentally friendly design to last up to 10,000 life cycles/20-30 years on average.
“In reality, the United States is 10 years behind the leaders of battery cell production. To develop a domestic supply chain, we must work together with the best in the world,” said John Kem, president of American Battery Factory. “Working with KAN Battery gives us an opportunity to bring expertise back to the United States and train U.S. workers with the best manufacturing and chemistry innovation available to date. This will help us leap forward, bringing our line of lithium iron phosphate prismatic cells to our U.S. gigafactory for full-scale production.”
As a subsidiary, ABF China is focused on research and limited production using the 1 GWh factory line. The launch of the subsidiary is a significant step in the transition to domestic manufacturing and will validate the company’s work moving forward while also enabling ABF to supply select battery cells to off-takers such as Lion Energy ahead of the full U.S. cell production.
KAN Battery and Lion Energy have been mutual partners for more than a decade. As Lion Energy continues to collaborate with ABF, since incubating the company, this partnership is an extension of existing relationships. At today’s grand opening ceremony in China, leaders from ABF, Lion Energy and KAN Battery gathered to celebrate this continued partnership and lay out a roadmap for how they will coordinate moving forward.
“As part of the global energy transition, the battery industry is at a turning point with increased growth in the U.S. battery storage market than ever before,” said Zheyu Jin, CEO of KAN Battery at the grand opening of the facility in China. “Working alongside American Battery Factory has been beneficial for all of us as we look to expand battery accessibility across the globe. We look forward to our continued collaboration with ABF China.”
ABF is dedicated to making true energy independence a reality for the nation and plans to supply the demand for U.S.-made LFP battery cells deployed by battery pack integrators and energy storage solution providers across a range of markets including utilities, data centers, telecommunications, commercial/agricultural equipment, power tools, specialized markets and national defense requirements.
American Battery Factory I americanbatteryfactory.com
BloombergNEF (BNEF) has recognized Sungrow as the world's most bankable company in both the energy storage system and Power Conversion System (PCS) sectors, in its just-released Energy Storage System Cost Survey 2024. "This honor hinges on Sungrow's optimal products and services, cutting-edge technologies, robust financial health, reliable supply chain, and extensive global practices," said James Wu, Senior Vice President of Sungrow.
BloombergNEF is recognized by numerous international financial institutions as among the most credible third-party renewable energy research hubs. Sungrow's No.1 bankability ranking represents that projects using the Sungrow energy storage system or PCS are more likely to obtain financing from banks than other competitors, ensuring favorable and sustainable benefits for stakeholders. This year, over 80% of the bankability survey participants are headquartered in the US or Europe, this highlights that Sungrow's ranking demonstrates robust trust from stakeholders in the global financial market and energy storage field.
As a dedicated and trustworthy trailblazer with an 18-year track record in the energy storage industry, Sungrow holds the top position in global cumulative energy storage system installations. The track record is further solidified by its involvement in landmark projects, such as a 7.8 GWh energy storage project in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Additionally, Sungrow has demonstrated its commitment to safety through two large-scale burn tests of its PowerTitan series of utility-scale battery energy storage systems, which have set new industry safety standards. With a continued focus on innovation, Sungrow provides comprehensive grid-forming energy storage solutions, maximizing investors' return on investment and ensuring a more sustainable energy system.
"We are proud to be the preferred brand for customers, partners, and financial organizations," said Wu. "With our professional team in 20 local branches spanning six continents, we are dedicated to empowering our customers and partners with reliable, sustainable energy products and services that drive global progress toward a greener future."
Sungrow | www.sungrowpower.com
The newly released North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) 2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment Report highlights growing concerns about the strength and resilience of the U.S. electricity grid.
According to the report, rising demand for electricity, increases in extreme weather events, and delays in connecting new resources to the grid threaten stability across the U.S.
“In response to surging demand and increasing extreme weather events, we must embrace a diverse energy mix and avoid sidelining any market-ready generation,” said American Clean Power (ACP) Association Vice President of Markets & Transmission Carrie Zalewski.
“We need to tap into the 1,000 GW of storage-hybrid facilities in the queue that can deliver low cost, flexible resources. Adding new transmission infrastructure and a diverse energy mix need to be top priorities.”
On enhancing resiliency, the report found that battery storage is outperforming expectations, providing flexibility to balance solar and wind variability, particularly during extreme weather and peak demand periods.
“Energy storage is having an outsized effect on enhancing grid reliability. ERCOT is helping make that case,” Zalewski said. “In the past year, during both winter and summer months, significant energy storage capacity additions provided ERCOT with the ability to navigate moments of stress on the grid while helping keep the lights on and produce hundreds of millions in energy cost savings in the process.”
Report Highlights:
David Nelson, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, North America, Valmet, has been appointed interim Head of Valmet’s North American business, succeeding Jukka Tiitinen as of January 1, 2025.
David will assume this interim role in addition to his current responsibilities and will focus on keeping the North American business and organization in full progress, as well as leading the work in the North American management team.
He brings over 35 years of expertise in pulp, paper, and related industries, with a proven track record of leadership and strategic impact. Prior to his current role, he led Valmet’s Services Sales Team in North America, and was the Director of Sales, US North, from 2008 to 2020. Earlier in his career, David held various leadership, sales, and engineering positions across Valmet, Metso, and Beloit Corporation. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management.
In this interim role, David will report to Valmet President/CEO Thomas Hinnerskov.
“David is a trusted senior member of the NA team, and I am very happy about this interim solution. I want to thank David for accepting this additional responsibility for the time being,” says President/CEO Thomas Hinnerskov.
Valmet | valmet.com
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) released the following statement from Chief Policy Officer Frank Macchiarola after the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced its Record of Decision on the Western Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), which defines areas available for and excluded from solar development on public lands in 11 Western states:
“It’s disappointing BLM did not finalize a more balanced approach to development and conservation. The solar industry has consistently raised concerns during this process about the impact of land exclusions and project design features that are not even remotely addressed by this decision. Solar resources are part of the equation in addressing challenges to the sustainability of our public lands, while also helping provide Americans with affordable and reliable power.”
“This final decision represents a missed opportunity to deliver benefits to the U.S. economy and our energy security and reliability by helping pending and future projects get approved on an appropriate timeline. Reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles that hamper development of clean energy resources on public lands is critical. ACP remains committed to working with all stakeholders to mitigate such barriers.”
Ingeteam has been awarded a new contract to support the green hydrogen sector in Australia. Ingeteam will supply 6 rectifiers to help develop Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis technology for its customer, Fortescue, in Queensland.
In its role as a technology partner, Ingeteam will provide 3 full skid solution units, equipped with 6 INGECON H2 E series rectifiers, to supply up to 12MW of energy to each of the electrolysers. It will also involve commissioning the highest current density IGBT-based Power Stations ever fitted on a 40-foot skid.
The project signifies a new milestone for the company with equipment being used to power Fortescue’s PEM50 hydrogen project’s electrolysers for the first time. Under the contract, Ingeteam adds a new electrolyser manufacturer and reaffirms its commitment to the large-scale renewable hydrogen production industry, where it has already supplied its technology to power electrolysers for projects in Germany, Belgium, Australia, Spain, the United States and Canada.
Ingeteam has had a subsidiary in Australia for over 10 years, a solar market share of around 25%, and has positioned itself as the developer's technology partner thanks, among other things, to its technical support in meeting the demanding Australian technical requirements for grid connection. It has also provided solutions for several water efficiency projects.
Juan Miguel Gutierrez, manager of Ingeteam's subsidiary in Australia said, “we are very pleased to have taken another step forward in supplying our technology for a renewable hydrogen project in Australia. It is undoubtedly an important reward for the effort and hard work put in by the entire team, which is a collective success and positions us as one of the leading manufacturers for the industry.”
Ingeteam | https://www.ingeteam.com/en-us/home.aspx
Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Redding, Conn., flipped the switch to solar on Wednesday, energizing an installation that will supply 897,700 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. The project is the long-time vision of Meadow Ridge’s resident-led Solar Committee and broke ground in August with the support of the community’s ownership and management company, Senior Care Development, LLC and Benchmark Senior Living.
“This is an exciting day on many levels,” said Meadow Ridge Chief Operating Officer Brett Mehlman. “We can all feel good that we are making this investment in the future of our community and our planet while realizing immediate benefits. In 2025, we expect that over 20-percent of the power we use at Meadow Ridge will be generated by solar.”
The solar arrays at Meadow Ridge will save an estimated $7.6 million in electricity costs over the life of the project while offsetting 605 metric tons of carbon each year. That’s the equivalent of the annual emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles driving over 1.5 million miles.
In a ceremony attended by state and local dignitaries, Mehlman and resident Susan Auslander symbolically energized the project by flipping a giant switch. Two of the project’s three solar arrays are on top of carports over employee parking areas. The third is on the roof of Ridge Crest, Meadow Ridge’s sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing center.
“I’m so proud that we are leading by example at Meadow Ridge,” said Auslander, who has been dubbed the “Green Granny” for her work leading the Solar Committee and advocating for the project. “It took both shared vision and courage for the residents, ownership and management of Meadow Ridge to bring this project to life. I’d also like to thank all of the partners who helped make this happen.”
The project was designed and built by West Hartford-based Verogy and financed through a combination of zero-emission renewable energy credits (ZRECS) through Eversource, investment tax credits, and a commercial property-assessed clean energy (CPACE) loan from the Connecticut Green Bank.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the Meadow Ridge community to bring this solar energy project to life,” said William Herchel, CEO of Verogy. “This system not only reflects Meadow Ridge’s dedication to sustainability but also highlights what can be achieved when committed individuals come together with a shared purpose. At Verogy, we are honored to play a role in helping Meadow Ridge’s residents reduce their environmental footprint as they inspire others to embrace clean energy.”
“At the Connecticut Green Bank, we are excited to see all projects that support our state’s green economy become reality. This project is a special inspiration because it connects to our vision statement: a planet protected by the love of humanity. It shows the heart behind the project and the combined effort from the management, the installer, and especially the residents who are a driving force for this community improvement that will benefit Meadow Ridge for years to come. Congratulations to all who made this happen,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank.
Meadow Ridge | www.meadowridge.com/solar
Verogy | verogy.com
Wind Dec 18, 2024
Back in 2015, America planted the seeds for a future powered by clean energy when its first commercial offshore wind farm[1] was constructed off the coast of Long Island. In the year 2017, the windfarm, Block Island, began to deliver power. Foll....
As clean energy adoption continues to grow, the logistics of retrofitting existing buildings for solar energy have become an important topic for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and capitalize on financial incentives. Retrofitting,....
When you spend most of your time talking to farmers and folks in rural America, the biggest thing you’ll learn is this: It is harder than ever to be a farmer. In a business with already razor thin margins, equipment and supplies have significantly ....
Around 20-30 percent of solar installations are impacted by main panel limitations. NEC’s 120% rule often necessitates expensive main panel upgrades, potentially costing $2,000 to $5,000 or more with labor, permitting, and additional electrical wor....
Back in 2015, America planted the seeds ....
When the shift to clean and more renewab....
In the quest for sustainable energy, win....
Power grids are fundamental to the energy supply for commercial and residential electricity. There is growing energy demand around the world, and more renewable energy sources are being built all the time. Unfortunately, many existing grids and trans....
Diversified, safe, and domestically-produced energy storage is vital for a sustainable and secure future. North America must look beyond lithium and invest in alternate chemistries that complement existing batteries and provide alternatives for grid-....
Financing behind-the-meter (demand-side) battery projects has always been challenging for commercial and industrial customers. Projects are capital-intensive, which creates a very high hurdle for companies and facility owners to clear. Strategic inve....
It’s a fact of life in industrial processing that in order to accomplish “good” things you must sometimes have to work with potentially “bad” things. Such is the case with liquid hydrogen, or LH2. As the industrial world continues to look f....
Transitioning away from a fossil fuel-based society will drastically increase demand for metals used in clean energy technologies. As a result, many of these metals, including nickel, cobalt, graphite, lithium, copper, and the rare earth elements (RE....
The renewable energy landscape is changing rapidly. Advances in technology are powering a green energy renaissance in general, and many alternative power sources are being enhanced, developed, and promoted. These breakthroughs can be anticipated to h....
