Looking Ahead to 2026

Technology group Wärtsilä has been awarded an order to supply engines for an American power plant owned and operated by an investor-owned utility. This order is for 24 Wärtsilä 50SG engines delivering an output of 429 MW for a power plant located in the United States, serving a data center. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2026.

“The extreme surge in data center growth requires reliable electricity, creating an urgent need for increased grid capacity across the United States. Wärtsilä’s flexible engine technology enables fast response to fluctuating demand and strengthens overall system resilience,” comments Risto Paldanius, Vice President, Americas at Wärtsilä Energy.

The Wärtsilä 50SG engine delivers high efficiency in a compact footprint offering both great reliability and flexibility. It is suitable for both primary power and balancing needs. Its fast-start capability allows it to respond quickly to changes in power demand, whether driven by varying data-centre loads or the intermittency of renewable generation.

The Wärtsilä engines will be delivered on the project's ambitious timeframe, with commercial operations planned to commence in late 2028 and early 2029.

Wärtsilä | https://www.wartsila.com/

Sineng Electric has successfully signed a PV inverter supply contract for Saudi Arabia’s PIF 6 solar project cluster. Jointly developed by ACWA Power, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Aramco Power, the PIF 6 project represents one of the Kingdom’s flagship utility-scale renewable energy initiatives under Saudi Arabia’s clean energy roadmap. This contract further strengthens Sineng Electric’s market position in the Middle East and reflects the continued confidence of global partners in the company’s engineering capabilities and utility-scale project execution expertise. 

The PIF 6 project cluster covered under this contract includes the Bisha and Humaij solar projects, with a combined installed capacity of approximately 3GW. The Bisha project has a capacity of 2.37GW, while the Humaij project contributes 0.664GW. Both projects will adopt Sineng’s 8.8MW MV turnkey station solution, which integrates two 4.4MW central inverters, a transformer, and an RMU into a compact and highly efficient design. This solution delivers superior system integration efficiency, strong environmental adaptability, optimized CAPEX, simplified installation and commissioning, and fast grid-response performance, making it well suited for large-capacity utility-scale applications and complex site conditions.

Over the past years, Sineng has deepened its presence in MEA by establishing a comprehensive ecosystem of regional branch, sales office, and service networks. This infrastructure enables local customers to benefit from one-stop solutions, localized operations, and high-quality, on-site delivery support—ensuring reliable execution for projects of all scales.

To date, Sineng has accumulated more than 10GW of contracted capacity in the region, contributing to landmark renewable energy projects. These achievements highlight Sineng’s accelerating role in powering the region’s energy transition and supporting long-term sustainability objectives.

Looking ahead, Sineng Electric will continue to uphold its commitment to technological innovation and sustainable development. By delivering advanced, reliable, and region-ready PV and energy storage solutions, the company aims to support countries across the MEA region on their path toward low-carbon growth—contributing more “Chinese expertise” and “green momentum” to global carbon-neutrality efforts.

Sineng Electric | https://en.si-neng.com/

Stryten Energy LLC, a U.S.-based energy storage solutions provider, will share the importance of domestically sourced and manufactured battery energy storage systems to support continued increasing power demand at the NAATBatt 2026 Annual Conference. This event will take place February 9-12 in Tucson, AZ.

Stryten Energy’s focus is related to ongoing national concern for energy resiliency, power quality, and efficiency. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that power demand will increase to 4,239 billion kWh in 2026. This is an increase from the previous record of 4,082 billion kWh set in 2024. The EIA also reports that much of the recent and forecasted growth in electricity consumption is coming from the commercial sector, which includes data centers, and the industrial sector, which includes manufacturing.

“Access to reliable, high-quality energy is a significant challenge facing our nation. Advanced battery storage solutions that store and deploy energy generated from hydrocarbons and intermittent sources are a key component of solving that challenge,” said Scott Childers, Vice President, Essential Power of Stryten Energy. “In particular, integrating batteries into our grid infrastructure is a foundational step in the journey to U.S. energy resilience and independence.”

Stryten Energy’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) addresses the challenge of firming our energy infrastructure. BESS is designed to store energy generated from all sources and deploy that energy in cycling or resiliency applications. These scalable battery systems enable demand management, providing cost savings and efficient energy utilization through valley filling and peak shaving and frequency matching. The BESS technology can be sized for the needs of a wide range of applications – from commercial and industrial to utility scale. Real-time monitoring and control capabilities through Stryten Energy inCOMMAND™ allow seamless control of an energy ecosystem autonomously from anywhere in the world.

Additional Stryten Activities at NAATBatt:

• Stryten Energy will deliver a company update during the Member Update Presentations: Session 1B at 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10. 
• Stryten Energy is also leading a NAATBatt breakfast discussion titled “FEOC Impact on Domestic Battery Manufacturing” on Thursday, February 12, at 7:30 a.m. Scott Childers will moderate the discussion.

Stryten Energy is continuously innovating and introducing new solutions to support energy resilience. The company offers advanced lead, lithium, vanadium redox flow or a hybrid of battery chemistries. With this range of technologies available, customers receive the optimal solution for their application and energy storage requirements.

Stop by Booth #38 to speak with Stryten Energy’s BESS experts. 

Stryten Energy | www.stryten.com

EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) announced a $162,500 commitment to Ducks Unlimited’s America’s River Initiative in support of the White River National Wildlife Refuge Restoration Project in eastern Arkansas. The contribution will help restore and enhance more than 640 acres of bottomland hardwood and moist-soil wetlands within one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

This project’s habitat objectives were developed through a biological planning process that addresses the long-term needs of waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and forest-breeding birds as well as other wetland-dependent wildlife. This work on the Farm Unit, Demonstration Unit, and Frazier Lake is another successful example of partnership-driven ecosystem management involving state, federal, non-governmental organizations, and private interests. Project partners include Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, First Horizon Foundation, Walker Foundation, America’s River Initiative sponsors, and a private landowner.

“Protecting and restoring healthy ecosystems is essential to the long-term vitality of the communities we serve,” said Christi Calabrese, Senior Director Permitting and Environmental Affairs at EDP Renewables North America.“Our support of Ducks Unlimited and the White River National Wildlife Refuge Restoration Project reflects our commitment to conservation, responsible land stewardship, and partnerships that deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.”

Historically, bottomland hardwood forests and forested wetlands covered much of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, providing essential habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife. Today, only about 20 percent of those wetlands remain. The White River National Wildlife Refuge—spanning more than 160,000 acres along the White River near St. Charles, Arkansas—represents one of the largest remaining contiguous tracts of mature bottomland hardwood forest in the region and is a vital stronghold for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and forest-breeding species.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this inaugural gift from EDP Renewables,” said Andi Cooper, Director of Foundation Relations at Ducks Unlimited. “The White River NWR is a significant gem in the Natural State’s outdoor recreation crown, and corporate partners like EDP are increasingly investing in such places because they recognize their value for wildlife, people, and local economies.” 

EDPR NA’s donation will support the installation of new levees and water-control structures, enabling refuge managers to better regulate the timing, duration, and depth of flooding—conditions that are critical to maintaining diverse plant communities and productive foraging habitat for waterfowl. Improved management will increase the refuge’s wildlife carrying capacity while also supporting hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

Engineering and design for the project are expected to wrap up this summer, with construction slated for fall 2026 through summer 2027. 

EDPR NA is a developer and operator of reliable, affordable, domestic clean energy in Arkansas. EDPR NA’s portfolio in Arkansas includes Crooked Lake Solar (175 MW), powering the equivalent of 28,700 homes and businesses every year, and Cypress Knee Solar (250 MW), which will power the equivalent of 43,400 homes every year upon anticipated completion in 2027 and generate more than $25 million in revenue for local governments and public services.

EDP Renewables North America | www.edprnorthamerica.com

Ducks Unlimited I www.ducks.org

A1 SolarStore proudly announced the successful completion of its third annual Solar Scholarship to Fight Climate Change, marking the program’s most impactful year to date. Season 3 saw record-breaking engagement, with 721 applications from students representing more than 300 universities across 48 states, highlighting the growing momentum and creativity among the next generation of clean energy leaders. 

The A1 Scholarship program encourages currently enrolled college students with academic interests in sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental science to propose bold, original ideas involving solar energy. Participants submitted 90-second video pitches outlining innovative solutions aimed at reducing emissions, advancing renewable technologies, or increasing climate awareness. 

After careful review by the scholarship committee, Gabriel Boyd, a student at Purdue University, was selected as the Season 3 scholarship recipient. His project, Electrocean, distinguished itself through its innovative approach to renewable energy deployment and strong real-world startup potential. 

Reflecting on the recognition, Boyd shared:  

“I really appreciate that A1 SolarStore thought highly of the technology that my startup is trying to push out there and implement in the world. The funds from the scholarship are going to go toward supporting me so that I can finish my last semester of my undergrad at Purdue University strong. It will also enable me to spend more time working on the startup than I otherwise would have been able to while working my part-time job at the University Makerspace.” 

In addition to the winning project, three finalist submissions were recognized for their creativity, technical merit, and potential impact on the future of clean energy: 

• Audrey Rust proposed hydraulically mounted, sun-tracking solar panels integrated along cargo ship hulls. For a 250-meter vessel, the system could generate approximately 664 kW per day, significantly reducing fossil fuel dependence and marine emissions. 

• Jessica Yoshioka developed Clean Sort, a solar-powered smart waste bin using AI vision to automatically scan, clean, and sort materials into proper recycling streams, addressing contamination issues that often divert recyclable materials to landfills. 

• Abigail Polyanski proposed integrating lightweight, flexible solar panels into forward operating base (FOB) shelters, creating solar-powered microgrids that reduce reliance on diesel generators, improve air quality, and enhance operational safety. 

Collectively, Season 3 submissions reflected a growing commitment among students to tackling climate challenges through practical, scalable solar solutions—reinforcing the scholarship’s role as a platform for emerging clean energy innovators. 

Looking Ahead  

Building on the strong foundation and momentum established in Season 3, A1 SolarStore plans to launch the next scholarship cycle in spring 2026. Additional details will be shared on the scholarship page as the application period approaches. 

“We are continually inspired by the passion and originality demonstrated by students across the country,” said a spokesperson for A1 SolarStore. “Season 3 clearly showed that even in a challenging policy and market environment, the next generation is ready to push clean energy forward.” 

To learn more about the scholarship, please visit: https://a1solarstore.com/solar-scholarship-to-fight-climate-change.html 

A1 SolarStore | https://a1solarstore.com

Leadership, durability, and resilience took center stage at Oceantic Network’s International Partnering Forum (IPF), where U.S. and global leaders in large-scale ocean energy projects and next-gen marine technologies gathered in front of a packed ballroom. The Opening Plenary featured keynote remarks from industry executives and government officials, all of whom emphasized the importance of meeting the moment.

“Our annual IPF is a working forum where industry recalibration, collaboration, and leadership will move us from reaction to readiness,” said Oceantic CEO Liz Burdock. “Over the next decade, the United States will need more power—faster—than at any point in modern history, driven by data centers, advanced manufacturing, electrification, and national security priorities. Oceantic’s IPF was built for this moment. We gather in New York City to reimagine, renew, and reignite renewable offshore energy that’s made in America, and to confirm that we are not retreating from this proven technology as a cornerstone of affordable, reliable energy and economic growth to communities across the nation.”

Key insights include:

• Liz Burdock, CEO of Oceantic Network, recapped a challenging year, acknowledging the resolve and leadership of the industry in response to unprecedented attacks. She relayed the importance of the moment, reiterating that the decisions ahead will position the industry to deliver when energy demand reaches historic highs, and grid reliability becomes a defining national challenge.
• Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, reaffirmed that under Governor Hochul, New York’s strong and sustained environmental commitment is more important now than ever before. New York and other states advancing offshore wind and renewable projects are serving as beacons, maintaining momentum, and providing a guiding light in this time of darkness, remaining hopeful about the future because of a shared commitment to protecting the environment and their commitment to advancing renewable energy.
• Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), reaffirmed the durability of New York’s commitment to offshore wind projects and the industry by highlighting the progress in New York State. In addition to announcing the launch of a NYSERDA Request for Information to gain industry feedback on potential initiatives to further offshore wind project readiness, Harris spoke about New York’s first offshore wind project, the 132-megawatt South Fork Wind, which is fully operational and a reliable, year-round generator delivering for New Yorkers. Two other in-construction offshore wind projects, Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind, with a combined capacity of 1,734 megawatts, are expected to serve roughly 10 percent of New York City and Long Island’s electricity demand once completed.

At a pivotal moment for U.S. offshore wind, plenary panelists agreed that the industry has outgrown its “copy and paste” phase. While models borrowed from Europe helped launch the market, they’re no longer sufficient for America’s unique regulatory, geographic, and political realities.

• NYSERDA’s Georges Sassine, Senior Vice President of Large-Scale Resources, emphasized the need to evolve beyond early playbooks by tailoring approaches to U.S. constraints—particularly the dual federal/state oversight that Europe doesn’t face. He highlighted New York’s move toward more pragmatic development, including multiuse ports and a new process examining how to redesign market structures for long-term durability.
• Will Hazelip, president of National Grid Ventures, underscored the importance of clear and consistent market signals. State leadership has been strong, he noted, but true durability requires federal alignment—particularly around transmission and offtake—to treat offshore wind as critical energy infrastructure, not just generation.
• Billy Haugland, CEO and President of Haugland Group, stressed that execution hinges on strong labor partnerships and realistic expectations. The pandemic reshaped pricing assumptions and revealed the need for better transmission planning and supply chain coordination. However, he pointed to New York’s port investments as proof that strategic public action can unlock resilient, multipurpose infrastructure.

Immediately following the plenary, Haugland Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rhode Island-based Waterson Terminal Services to collaborate on port development projects throughout New York State. The partnership will concentrate on advancing opportunities in port design and construction, business development, operations, and logistics, spanning energy, project cargoes, and marine construction applications.

Finally, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) shared video remarks with the IPF audience, emphasizing the jobs, investments, and opportunity offshore wind is delivering throughout New York’s ports, shipyards, and manufacturing sectors, strengthening local economies and meeting demand with affordable, reliable energy.

Nearly 900 professionals from around the globe have gathered for 2026 IPF, joining more than 100 expert speakers, hundreds of exhibitors, and dozens of networking events. IPF brings ports, vessel operators, grid innovators, technology innovators, and state leaders together with the supply chain to spark innovation, forge partnerships, and deliver results across the offshore wind and ocean renewables sectors.

Additional Information

• 2026 IPF Agenda
• Plenary photos (credit Oceantic Network)
• 2026 IPF Press Kit

Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/

Nature's Miracle Holding Inc. ("Nature's Miracle" or the "Company") (OTCQB: NMHI), a leader in controlled environment agriculture, announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with CCBP Holding LLC ("CCBP") to provide engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC") services for a large-scale indoor cannabis cultivation facility in California City, California. The total estimated EPC contract value is approximately $150 million.

The planned facility will be situated on 88.38 acres of land, featuring approximately 660,000 square feet (15 acres) of indoor greenhouse space designed for year-round cannabis cultivation. Once completed, the facility is expected to be among the largest indoor cannabis growing operations in California.

The greenhouse will utilize a fully controlled environmental system, including precise regulation of temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels, supported by advanced indoor grow lighting. This integrated design is intended to deliver consistent, high-quality yields while maximizing operational efficiency.

Power for the facility will be supplied by an off-grid 40-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar generation system, integrated with a battery energy storage system ("BESS"). The renewable energy system will primarily support greenhouse supplemental lighting and environmental control systems, including HVAC and climate management. The estimated cost of electricity from the system is expected to be approximately $0.10 per kilowatt-hour.

The advanced cultivation platform is projected to achieve an estimated production cost of less than $200 per pound of cannabis, positioning the facility among the lowest-cost producers in the United States.

Nature's Miracle will serve as the primary EPC provider for the project, which is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months.

James Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nature's Miracle, commented, "We are very pleased with the indoor growing technology and expertise contributed by Dr. Du's team. This project is designed to become a leading cannabis cultivation facility in the country and demonstrates the scalability of large-scale controlled-environment greenhouse operations. Importantly, the project is also expected to generate significant and much-needed revenue for Nature's Miracle over the next 12 to 18 months."

Nature's Miracle | www.nature-miracle.com