Retaining Talent in the Wind Industry

Ingeteam and REPT BATTERO Energy Co., Ltd. (REPT BATTERO), a battery technology enterprise, signed a global strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aiming to integrate their core technological strengths to deliver high-performance integrated energy storage system (ESS) solutions to the global market.

Under the MOU, REPT BATTERO will leverage its advantages in energy storage products, while combining deeply with Ingeteam’s expertise in power conversion and inverter technologies. The two parties will focus on core markets including Australia, the USA, the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany, actively advancing market expansion and joint brand promotion. They will also explore diverse cooperation opportunities covering utility-scale energy storage, to provide global customers with high-quality, safe and reliable clean energy solutions.

As a world-leading energy storage solution provider, REPT BATTERO’s energy storage products are built on the cornerstone of ultimate safety. Adopting a “Thermal-Electric Separation + Arc Protection” design, these products have obtained CSA/ANSI C800 large-scale fire test certification, leading the industry in safety performance. The systems feature high compatibility, being adaptable to mainstream PCS (Power Conversion System for Energy Storage) equipment and supporting flexible wiring configurations, which significantly reduce the complexity of project integration and adaptation costs. Meanwhile, the systems meet IP55 protection rating and C5 anti-corrosion grade, enabling them to adapt to various harsh climatic conditions worldwide. In addition, integrated with Active Balancing Technology and scale advantages, the systems can deliver more efficient, reliable energy storage solutions with optimal lifecycle costs for customers.

With more than 4.2 GW / 14.7 GWh of BESS projects, Ingeteam has established itself as a strategic partner for their clients thanks to its leadership in R&D and cutting-edge technology. Recognized worldwide in non-derated Grid Forming capabilities, this innovation is key to integrating renewable energies into electricity grids, allowing inverters to function as synchronous generators and provide stability, synthetic inertia and regulation capacity to the grid. Ingeteam also provides a strong knowledge of control electronics with more than 15 GVA controlled with his stand-alone and hybrid PPC-EMS worldwide and rounded his portfolio with SCADA systems monitoring wind, solar PV and BESS plants.

This strategic partnership marks a new phase of collaborative development between the two parties in the global energy storage sector. Through complementary resources and joint technology development, REPT BATTERO and Ingeteam will further enhance their comprehensive competitiveness in the global energy storage market and jointly inject professional strength into promoting energy structure transformation and sustainable development.

Ingeteam | www.ingeteam.com

REPT BATTERO Energy | https://www.reptbattero.com/

Aclara Resources Inc. (“Aclara” or the “Company”) (TSX: ARA) is pleased to announce that its U.S.-based subsidiary, Aclara Technologies Inc., has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Argonne National Laboratory (“ANL”), a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, to develop an artificial intelligence–enabled digital twin for Aclara’s heavy rare earth separation process.

Under the agreement, Aclara and Argonne will leverage Argonne’s SolventX modeling platform, along with Argonne’s leadership in advanced computing, process modeling, and artificial intelligence, and incorporate Aclara’s proprietary pilot- scale data to develop a high-fidelity digital representation of Aclara’s separation process. The resulting digital twin will enable advanced simulation, optimization, and predictive control of heavy rare earth solvent extraction operations.

Hugh Broadhurst, Aclara’s Chief Operating Officer, commented: “This collaboration with Argonne represents a significant step forward in our strategy to deploy a world-class, digitally enabled rare earth separation platform in the United States. By combining our proprietary separation process and pilot-scale data with Argonne’s world-class capabilities in advanced computing and artificial intelligence, we expect to accelerate industrial ramp-up, improve efficiency, and further de-risk execution.”

Seth Darling, Chief Science and Technology Officer of Argonne’s Advanced Energy Technologies, commented: “This partnership exemplifies how combining the complementary strengths of industry, academia, and national laboratories can accelerate the development and deployment of advanced technologies. It also reflects Argonne’s role in translating foundational research and unique user facilities into tangible capabilities that support U.S. industrial competitiveness and strengthen domestic supply chains for critical materials.”

This collaboration builds on Aclara’s ongoing development of a Rare Earth Separation Pilot Plant in partnership with Virginia Tech, which is expected to be inaugurated in March 2026. Together, these initiatives are designed to accelerate the transition from pilot-scale validation to industrial deployment of Aclara’s U.S. rare earth separation platform.

Driving efficiency, resilience, and faster industrial ramp-up

Aclara is advancing a modular and interoperable digital architecture to optimize its rare earth value chain. As a central component of this strategy, the digital twin will allow Aclara to model, analyze, and optimize the separation process across a wide range of operating conditions, improving performance while reducing scale-up risk.

By integrating artificial intelligence and data-driven techniques, the collaboration aims to:

▪ Improve operational efficiency and recovery rates through advanced model-based control

▪ Accelerate ramp-up timelines by reducing uncertainty during the transition from pilot to industrial scale

▪ Increase process resilience by enabling rapid adaptation to variations in feed composition and operating conditions

The digital twin will be continuously refined using data generated from pilot campaigns, including those conducted at Aclara’s Virginia Tech pilot facility, enabling ongoing performance improvement as operations advance toward commercialization.

Aclara Resources I https://aclara-re.com/

Argonne National Laboratory | https://www.anl.gov/

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has announced the proposed acquisition¹ of Automa Power & Utilities S.A., a prominent Brazilian technology company offering integrated monitoring, control, and performance management solutions for multi-technology power plants including renewables, transmission and distribution grids. This strategic move strengthens DNV’s position as an end-to-end digital operations partner for utilities and independent power producers (IPPs) globally covering the full energy system.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in São Paulo, Automa has built a reputation for delivering advanced supervision and control solutions for hydro, wind, and solar power plants. Its portfolio includes SCADA platforms, operation-support tools, and substation protection and control systems, with over 60 GW of renewable capacity under management and more than 200 substations controlled by its solutions in Brazil. In 2024, Automa expanded into Europe with an office in Porto, Portugal, and has successfully deployed systems for solar plants in France, Germany, Italy, Croatia and Poland.

Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO, DNV, said: “The energy transition is moving forward with digitalization as a key enabler. By combining Automa’s advanced digital solutions with DNV’s global domain expertise, we are creating unique digital capabilities that will help our customers manage complexity and unlock new opportunities for growth in the energy industry.”

Ditlev Engel, CEO of Energy Systems, DNV, added: “Our vision is to be the trusted partner for the entire energy value chain. Monitoring and controlling all assets and operations in the energy system will be crucial for effective and efficient use of energy, providing secure and reliable energy to society. So, I am looking forward to welcoming 300 future colleagues from Automa. By joining forces with DNV’s existing digital and data solutions teams for Energy Systems, we will have a global digital business team of 1,200 energy experts ready to work closely with our 4,950 other energy colleagues, ensuring that our customers have an energy business partner of more than 6,150 energy experts globally, covering all parts of the energy system.

“Together, we will offer utilities and independent power producers a comprehensive suite of digital tools and services, underpinned by full energy systems thinking, to optimize real-time performance and enhance resilience.”

Juan Carlos Arévalo, Executive Vice President of the new digital and data solutions unit highlighted that: “The acquisition of Automa creates an amazing opportunity to drive meaningful change across the energy industry. By combining Automa’s expertise with DNV’s advanced software capabilities and one of the strongest energy data foundations in the sector, we look forward to provide a full suite of solutions to clients. This strategic integration will enhance our ability to help customers navigate the complexity of the global energy transition with confidence and clarity.”

Marcelo Ferreira, CEO of Automa, commented: “For Automa, the transaction represents a new chapter of growth. We will connect the experience built in Brazil and Europe with a global network of experts and technologies. The strong collaborative culture combined with technical expertise will be further strengthened, creating development opportunities for customers, partners, and employees.”

1.The transaction has been signed and submitted to the Administrative Council for Economic Defense, CADE’s (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica) review and approval. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

DNV | www.dnv.com  

Altris, a Swedish sodium-ion battery developer, and Draslovka, a global leader in speciality chemicals, have entered a strategic partnership to build Europe’s first industrial-scale sodium-ion cathode value chain. Under the comprehensive agreement that includes a total 19.3 MEUR in-kind investment by Draslovka in Altris, the two companies will scale fully connected production of Altris’ patented sodium-ion cathode active material (CAM) at Draslovka’s facility in Kolín, Czech Republic, supplying up to 350 tonnes of CAM annually.

Draslovka and Altris are partnering to convert an existing line at Draslovka’s Kolín facility for production of Altris’ sodium-ion CAM, enabling rapid time-to-market and capital-efficient scale-up. Once ramped, the line will support production of up to 350 tonnes annually – a European-controlled supply equivalent to around 175 MWh of sodium-ion cell capacity.

As part of the agreement, Draslovka is making a new in‑kind 19.3 MEUR strategic investment in Altris to co-fund the conversion of the production line in Kolín. This also secures long-term access to Draslovka’s licences, process know‑how and a jointly developed plant design for Altris. Progressing at pace, start of production is planned for late Q3 or early Q4 2026. 

The partnership comes as Europe accelerates efforts to localise battery materials and move beyond lithium‑only supply chains. By producing CAM in Kolín and preparing for larger-scale capacity at the site, Altris and Draslovka are creating a Western, sodium‑ion-based alternative that reduces reliance on imported inputs, enabling a more resilient and balanced battery ecosystem.

“This exciting partnership with Altris is an important milestone for Draslovka, as we continue strategically investing in concrete opportunities to leverage our world class expertise in chemistry and sustainable technology. By establishing a fully connected value chain production capacity in Europe, we are in a position to deliver high-quality sodium-ion solutions without relying on external links in the chain,” says Pavel Brůžek, CEO of Draslovka. 

“This alliance exemplifies how Altris is building a European sodium-ion value chain with leading industrial partners. Europe is no longer waiting for sodium-ion to mature elsewhere – we are industrialising it here, with Western manufacturing and Western supply. It reflects our strategy to focus on what we do best: delivering world-class cathode material that supports a more resilient European battery supply,” says Christer Bergquist, CEO of Altris.

Altris | https://www.altris.se/

Draslovka a.s. | https://www.draslovka.com/

The UK government published the results of the highly anticipated Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 7 (AR7), highlighting both sustained appetite for UK offshore wind and the growing complexity of delivering competitive, bankable bids.

The allocation round awarded a record 8.4 GW of offshore wind capacity across eight projects after the government increased the budget during the process. Almost all capacity (8.2 GW) was allocated to fixed-bottom offshore wind, enabling six large-scale projects to move forward and strengthening the UK’s deployment pipeline towards 2030. However, the outcome also revealed a large degree of project concentration, with partial or full ownership of five of the six awarded fixed-bottom projects held by a single developer.

In a sector still recovering from cost and delivery risk, AR7 represents a positive outcome and signals an industry beginning to recalibrate under the right support framework.

“The AR7 results provide important signals for the market, including how developers are pricing risk, responding to cost pressures, and adjusting return expectations,” says Signe Tellier Christensen, Market Analyst at Aegir Insights. “Relative to previous rounds, the outcome reflects a more cautious but highly strategic approach to bidding, underlining the growing importance of robust financial modelling in an increasingly competitive auction environment.”

Sustained appetite, rising complexity ahead of AR8

AR7 confirms continued developer interest, but strike prices remain under pressure and adequate support is still needed in a challenging cost and risk environment. The scale of bidders competing for CfD awards has reached a point where bid preparation is significantly more complex, requiring deeper optimization and sensitivity analysis than in previous rounds.

Together, these trends point to a market where success is driven as much by analytical rigor as by underlying project fundamentals.

As attention turns to Allocation Round 8 (AR8), developers are reassessing their bidding strategies against a backdrop of persistent uncertainty around costs, supply chains, financing conditions, and policy signals.

“In preparation for AR7, we’ve seen that relatively small changes in assumptions can determine whether a bid succeeds or fails,” says Christensen. “Looking ahead to AR8, developers will continue to move beyond static models to build a clearer view of risk, sensitivities, and trade-offs in their bids.”

Advanced bid simulation is becoming essential

To support AR8 auction strategy, Aegir Insights offers Aegir Quant™, an advanced software that combines high-fidelity techno-economic modelling with financial engineering. Pre-populated with detailed data on bid eligible projects, Quant enables developers to test multiple bidding scenarios, stress-test key assumptions, benchmark against competitor projects, and assess how changes in costs, revenues, and risk profiles affect bid competitiveness and project viability.

“As offshore wind auctions become increasingly competitive, data-driven bid decision analysis is no longer optional,” says Matthew Delany, VP Business Development at Aegir Insights. “Tools such as Aegir Quant enable developers to approach AR8 with greater confidence, transparency, and control over their bidding strategies.”

Beyond developers, clearer visibility on potential AR8 outcomes also supports the wider supply chain. Aegir Insights can help suppliers focus resources on projects, most likely to progress and align pricing and risk allocation with greater confidence.

Aegir Insights | https://www.aegirinsights.com

Schneider Electric Canada, a global leader in energy management and industrial automation, announces the grand opening of its new Canadian head office and EcoFit Center in Milton, Ontario. The relocation from Mississauga marks a major milestone in Schneider Electric’s Toronto & GTA Hub Strategy and reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and Canadian-made solutions.

The new headquarters consolidates multiple sites into a modern, collaborative hub designed to support R&D, software services, training, and back-office operations. The Milton location also becomes home to the newly relocated EcoFit Center Canada—an advanced facility dedicated to modernization, circularity, and extending the life of electrical infrastructure across the country.

With over 35 sites nationwide, Schneider Electric continues to design, build, and support solutions that are proudly made in Canada for Canadians. The new EcoFit Center enhances the company’s ability to deliver modernization services with faster turnaround, enhanced diagnostics, and reduced environmental impact.

“This new headquarters represents a significant investment in our people, our customers, and Canada’s energy future,” said Emily Heitman, President of Schneider Electric Canada. “By bringing our teams together under one roof in Milton, we are strengthening our ability to innovate, collaborate, and deliver sustainable, resilient solutions. The addition of our expanded EcoFit Center reinforces our commitment to circularity and proudly Canadian manufacturing.”

Government and community leaders also recognize the importance of Schneider Electric’s investment in Milton’s growing innovation ecosystem.

“Milton is proud to welcome Schneider Electric’s new Canadian headquarters and EcoFit Center,” said Mayor Gordon Krantz, Town of Milton. “This facility strengthens our local economy, supports job creation, and reinforces Milton’s role as a hub for clean energy innovation. Schneider Electric’s commitment to sustainability and Canadian-made solutions aligns with our community’s vision for long-term growth and prosperity.”

Established in 2006, the EcoFit Center Canada has been a cornerstone of Schneider Electric's service operations for nearly 20 years, offering cutting-edge modernization solutions and technical support across 20+ locations nationwide. The facility specializes in low- and medium-voltage modernization, switchgear and UPS retrofits, PLC and drives upgrades, and circularity-focused services that extend the life of electrical assets. The facility maintains leading certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, UL508A, and CSA Z‑N299 compliance.

Schneider Electric | www.se.com

Soluna Holdings, Inc. (“Soluna” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SLNH), a developer of green data centers for intensive computing applications, including Bitcoin mining and AI, announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Metrobloks, LLC (“Metrobloks”), a data center developer and operator focused on AI-ready infrastructure, to enter into a co-development partnership to build Project Kati 2 (aka MB MFE-A). The initial development will be a 100+ MW Critical IT (CIT) AI and high-performance compute (HPC) data center at Soluna’s Project Kati 2 campus in Willacy County, Texas. This is expected to be the first phase of a larger campus, with an expansion roadmap supporting more than 300 MW of total CIT capacity.

By combining Soluna’s renewable-powered campus and experience working with ERCOT’s reliable grid with Metrobloks’ AI-ready data center design, development, leasing, and operations platform, the venture aims to shorten time-to-market for customers who need dense, GPU-ready capacity and have struggled to find locations with both power and interconnection. Metrobloks specializes in high-density, sustainable data centers for AI and low-latency applications, with a leadership team that has enabled more than 12 gigawatts of global data center capacity. Located in South Texas near McAllen, Project Kati adds geographic diversity as a southern U.S. deployment option, supporting alternative siting strategies beyond Central and West Texas.

“Project Kati is our blueprint for Renewable Computing at scale, and this site reflects the kind of infrastructure AI now demands,” said John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna. “This site offers what AI and HPC deployments need most right now: available power, strong renewable resources, and a regulatory and grid environment that supports speed. Our team spent years securing the right location and power position at Kati. By partnering with Metrobloks to lead design, operations, and customer engagement for Kati 2, we can accelerate AI and HPC deployment while staying focused on what we do best, turning constrained renewable energy into productive compute.”

Soluna and Metrobloks intend to form a project company to own and operate Project Kati 2. Metrobloks will lead design, development, leasing, and day-to-day operations, including securing pre-lease commitments and managing customer engagement. Soluna will contribute site control, power entitlements, electrical equipment, and development expertise, while both parties will jointly source and structure third-party capital for the project. The site is currently under a (non-binding) letter of intent from a potential neocloud tenant. Looking ahead, the parties are working with EDF Power Solutions to source additional power from the Las Majadas wind farm to expand the project.

“Customers are telling us the same thing in every market. They need power and capacity now, not years from now,” said Ernest Popescu, CEO, Metrobloks. “Project Kati stands out because the power is both available and scalable. Soluna has already done the hard work to secure a renewable-powered site with room to grow. We’re building on that foundation with AI-ready design and a clear path for customers to scale high-density AI and HPC workloads beyond the initial 100 MW.”

Soluna broke ground on Project Kati in September 2025. The 166+ MW Texas wind-powered campus in Willacy County is being developed in two phases. The second phase, Kati 2, is designed to expand the campus with a dedicated 100 MW+ AI and HPC infrastructure in phase one, establishing Project Kati as a renewable-powered, dual-purpose facility that can serve both digital assets and AI or HPC customers as demand evolves.

Soluna | solunacomputing.com 

Metrobloks | www.metrobloks.com