Navigating the Complex Landscape of Energy Storage Permitting

Trystar, LLC announces the acquisition of Island Technical Installations Ltd (ITI) to enhance its low voltage and medium voltage switchgear solutions and services, including installation, commissioning, testing, and field services. Headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, ITI is a fully integrated electrical equipment engineering, manufacturing, and services company specializing in metal-clad and metal-enclosed low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) switchgear, service-entrance rated products, and mobile substation solutions. 

ITI was founded in 2018 with the vision of serving the electrical industry with a customer-focused approach and has rapidly expanded its North American market presence. It recently opened a new production facility in Arlington, TX to better serve its U.S. customers. ITI’s manufacturing and engineering platform and end-to-end solutions have enabled it to become a trusted partner to customers in diverse end markets, including data center, commercial and industrial, utility, shore power, education, and healthcare. The company’s scalable production model leverages complete in-house capabilities including engineering, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning. 

“I’m excited that the talented team at ITI is joining Trystar. The addition of highly customizable medium voltage switchgear solutions is a significant new capability for us. It’s a critical part of the energy infrastructure, especially in end markets like data centers and utilities,” said Trystar CEO AJ Smith. “ITI has also developed a comprehensive suite of services. Their experience and capabilities will accelerate our efforts to build Trystar’s services offerings. This acquisition allows us to address even more customer needs and provide them with a complete electrical power solution.” 

“We’re excited to join the Trystar team because, like us, they’re committed to the customer experience,” said Jared Atchison, ITI’s CEO and founding partner. “ITI was built on two core beliefs: the electrical industry deserves better solutions and exceptional results come from a team that truly cares. Trystar is not just acquiring our solutions, they’re investing in our people. Together, we can scale faster, innovate more, and reach even more customers who depend upon safe and reliable power solutions.” 

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Trystar | https://www.trystar.com/

Island Technical Installations | https://itipowered.com/

Global Technology Transfer Group (GTT Group), a global leader in patent analysis and transaction services, announced the exclusive representation of a significant patent portfolio from a leading global automotive supplier. The portfolio encompasses key innovations in advanced composite structures and modular electric vehicle (EV) battery enclosure technologies.

This offering includes seven active global patent families, with three granted U.S. patents and four supported by pending U.S. and international applications. The portfolio is a rare opportunity to acquire a curated collection of assets in the rapidly growing technology areas of structural assemblies, battery enclosure design, impact and crash protection, thermal management, and modular vehicle floor structures.

The strategic value of this portfolio is substantial, offering the potential to accelerate next-generation EV platform development, reduce manufacturing costs and complexity through modular composite architectures, and strengthen freedom-to-operate in a crowded market. The global automotive composites market is projected to grow from US$9.7 billion in 2024 to over US$37 billion by 2034, while the battery enclosure market is expected to reach US$10.8 billion by 2033.

"This portfolio represents a significant opportunity for companies looking to innovate and establish a strong market position in the EV and automotive sectors," said Tyler McKinley, Managing Director at GTT Group. "The technologies covered by these patents are critical for developing lighter, safer, and more efficient electric vehicles."

Indications of interest are being accepted until February 28th, 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to contact GTT Group for a confidential briefing on the portfolio.

Global Technology Transfer Group | gttgrp.com

Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 will mark the next phase of its electric school bus project with a ribbon-cutting event celebrating 25 electric school buses now in service across the district. The project is delivered by Highland Electric Fleets, North America's leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) for school bus fleets, in partnership with North American Central School Bus (NACSB) and its local operating partner, Kansas Central School Bus.

"This project reflects careful planning and coordination to ensure our transportation system continues to meet the needs of students and families across Topeka," said Chief Bill Cochran, General Director of Transportation and Campus Police, Topeka Public Schools. "Cleaner, quieter buses mean a healthier environment for students and staff, and a better experience for the neighborhoods our buses serve every day."

As part of the project, Highland Electric Fleets worked closely with NACSB to deliver a depot-based electrification solution designed to integrate into existing fleet operations. Charging infrastructure includes 25 Kempower 30kW chargers, supporting daily fleet needs.

"Empowering tomorrow's leaders starts with the choices we make today," said Jason Walker, CEO of NACSB. "In partnering with Topeka Public Schools and Highland, we're proud to deliver a solution that strengthens communities and sets a new standard for student transportation. These buses are a bold step toward a future where sustainability and education go hand in hand."

"Strong partnerships are what make projects like this work," said Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. "Working alongside Topeka Public Schools and North American Central School Bus, we're delivering an electric fleet that supports predictable operating costs and helps provide healthy, reliable transportation for students."

The electric school buses were supported in part by an over $7.6 million award through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program.

The ribbon-cutting event featured remarks from district and community leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Chief Bill Cochran, former Topeka Chief of Police and now General Director of Transportation & Campus Police, as well as NACSB CEO Jason Walker and Highland CEO Duncan McIntyre. The program also included a performance of the National Anthem by a nationally recognized student.

NACSB | www.northamericacentral.com

Highland Electric Fleets | www.highlandfleets.com

SolarMax Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq SMXT) (“SolarMax” or the “Company”), an integrated solar energy company, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, SolarMax Renewable Energy Provider, Inc., has entered into an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreement with Navboot Holdco, LLC for a new utility-scale battery storage project in Corpus Christi, Texas. The contract is expected to generate revenues of approximately $258.1 million.  

Under the agreement, SolarMax will deliver full-scope EPC services—including design, engineering, procurement, installation, construction, testing, startup, and commissioning—for a 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) and its associated high-voltage interconnection infrastructure.

“This latest EPC award represents a transformational milestone for SolarMax and underscores the acceleration of our utility-scale project portfolio,” said David Hsu, CEO of SolarMax. “In less than a year, we have progressed from entering the Texas market to securing three additional large-scale battery storage contracts, demonstrating our ability to compete at the highest levels of the U.S. energy infrastructure market.”

The BESS project is designed to support grid stability and energy affordability in Texas by enabling the storage of renewable electricity for use during periods of peak demand. This installation, when completed, should contribute to the region’s broader clean energy strategy with a view to playing a role in maintaining grid reliability.

“Projects of this scale are central to our long-term growth strategy,” Hsu added. “This 600 MWh system not only expands our contracted backlog materially, but also reinforces our positioning as a trusted EPC partner in delivering critical infrastructure to support grid stability, energy affordability, and long-term shareholder value.”

SolarMax | www.solarmaxtech.com

ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTC: CNTM) (“ConnectM” or the “Company”), a constellation of technology-driven businesses powering the modern energy economy, announced the acquisition of a 40% equity interest in Sun Solar LLC (“Sun Solar”), one of the leading residential and small-commercial solar developers and installers in the United States.

Strategic and Financial Highlights

Balance sheet strengthened: The transaction is expected to increase stockholders’ equity by at least $6.5 million, bringing total equity to over $9 million—a significant improvement from the approximately $50 million stockholders’ deficit reported in July 2024.

Keen Labs Operations, Inc. (“Keen Labs”) VPP supply agreement: Sun Solar will anchor ConnectM’s VPP deployment strategy, with ConnectM’s innovation group, Keen Labs, entering into a VPP kit supply agreement covering solar panels, batteries, and balance-of-system components. The agreement is expected to generate substantial incremental revenue for Keen Labs as the Company scales its AI-driven Energy Intelligence Network (EIN) across Sun Solar’s install base.

Operational consolidation and expansion: ConnectM will consolidate its solar operations into Sun Solar under the “Sun Solar Northeast” banner and deploy additional capital to scale solar-plus-storage installations across the Northeast corridor.

Management Commentary

“Sun Solar is a best-in-class platform with brand equity, customer trust, and operational discipline,” said Bhaskar Panigrahi, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ConnectM. “This partnership positively strengthens ConnectM’s balance sheet, and gives Keen Labs a scaled channel for its AI-enabled VPP kits. Together we intend to deliver measurable energy savings, reliability, and resilience to customers while building an attractive, recurring-revenue base.”

“This is about speed to value,” said John Pitcavage, President, Home & Building Electrification at ConnectM. “By marrying Sun Solar’s go-to-market engine with Keen Labs’ EIN platform and VPP kits, we can standardize design, shorten cycle times, improve attach rates for storage, and create long-term, software-driven customer relationships.”

Strategic Rationale

Immediate earnings and execution scale: Sun Solar provides an established operating platform with predictable cash flow, standardized processes, and a proven track record of profitable growth.

Scale + Technology: Sun Solar’s proven field operations paired with Keen Labs’ AI models, telemetry, and modular VPP kits create a unified stack for design, installation, monitoring, and dispatch.

Cross-sell flywheel: A larger installed base enables higher attach rates for storage, load control, and grid services, while enabling data-driven upsell across the customer lifecycle.

Capital-efficient growth: Consolidating regional operations as Sun Solar Northeast centralizes procurement and shared services, improves working-capital turns, and supports margin expansion as mix shifts toward software and recurring services.

“Sun Solar was built to make high-quality solar and storage simple and accessible for homeowners and small businesses,” said Caleb Arthur, Founder and CEO of Sun Solar. “Partnering with ConnectM brings scale, advanced AI-driven energy intelligence from Keen Labs, and a robust supply and financing backbone. Together we will accelerate deployment, improve customer outcomes, and expand into new regions while maintaining the craftsmanship and service our brand is known for. As founder, I will remain actively involved in scaling operations, maintaining quality, and expanding responsibly into new regions.”

ConnectM Technology Solutions | www.connectm.com

Keen Labs | www.keenlabs.ai

Sun Solar | https://ussunsolar.com/

Spearmint Energy (“Spearmint” or the “Company”), a next-generation energy company bringing stable, secure and cost-effective energy solutions to the power grid with large-scale battery storage, has successfully closed an equity investment in Tierra Seca and Seven Flags, two 100 MW / 200 MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (“BESS”) located in Del Rio and Laredo, respectively. The investment, which will support the addition of 400 MWh of energy storage capacity to ERCOT, was provided by Kyuden International Corporation (“Kyuden International”), an electricity-focused energy solutions provider and the overseas business arm of Kyuden Group, Japan’s leading energy utility company.

Andrew Waranch, Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Spearmint, said, “As power demand continues to rapidly increase across the U.S. accelerating the need for battery energy storage, we are pleased to partner with Kyuden International to advance our development of reliable and affordable energy solutions. We believe Kyuden International’s significant investment in Tierra Seca and Seven Flags underscores their confidence in Spearmint’s ability to safely and efficiently bring projects online that enhance grid stability and meet the needs of communities across ERCOT.”

Kyuden International's investment in Tierra Seca and Seven Flags marks the firm’s first in U.S.-based BESS following its earlier investments in a solar power generation portfolio and four gas turbine combined cycle power plants.

Takashi Mitsuyoshi, CEO at Kyuden International, added, “Our entry into the U.S. battery energy storage market required a partner with both vision and capability, and we believe Spearmint embodies both. Spearmint’s technical expertise, scalable platform, and execution competence in complex markets make the Company an exceptional fit for our investment strategy. We look forward to helping Spearmint advance critical infrastructure that strengthens grid resilience nationwide.”

The close of Kyuden International’s equity investment builds on the over $250 million of financing Spearmint secured from Manulife, East West Bank, Investec and Sugar Creek Capital in Q2 2025 to support the construction of Tierra Seca and Seven Flags. M.A. Mortenson Company is leading construction of the projects, both of which utilize Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.’s state-of-the-art PowerTitan 2.0 energy storage platform. Both projects commenced operations in late December 2025.

Paul Hastings LLP and K&L Gates LLP served as legal counsel to Spearmint and Kyuden International, respectively.

Spearmint Energy | https://www.spearmintenergy.com/

Terra-Gen, one of the largest independent, integrated renewable energy producers in the United States, jointly owned by Masdar and Igneo Infrastructure Partners, announced the Lockhart CL I and II battery energy storage project in San Bernardino County, Calif. has reached commercial operations.

Built and co-located with the Lockhart solar and battery resources already in operation, the Lockhart CL I ESS project provides 69 MW of capacity, and the Lockhart CL II ESS will add an additional 59.7 MW of capacity. Collectively, the facility will provide enough electricity to supply more than 128,000 households for four hours.

“California’s clean energy goals are some of the most ambitious in the country, and I’m confident in the positive impact our new Lockhart facility will have in powering the state’s future with new, clean, and reliable energy resources,” said John O’Connor, chief executive officer for Terra-Gen. “This milestone reinforces our mission to provide affordable energy, at a large scale, to help strengthen the California grid while also having a meaningful positive impact on climate change.”

The 128.7 MW, four-hour lithium-ion battery energy storage system combined project comprises 164 battery enclosures and utilizes the existing gen-tie line connecting to Southern California Edison’s Kramer Junction Substation. The use of the resource adequacy capacity is fully contracted under two long-term resource adequacy agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).

“We designed this expansion to fit seamlessly with the existing facility and maximize the shared infrastructure,” said Gus Luna, chief development officer for Terra-Gen. “The Lockhart complex is a testament to our team’s ability to deliver integrated projects, at scale, on time and to the highest performance and safety standards.”

The construction of the new facility created more than 115 jobs at peak activity, and workers collectively completed more than 85,000 hours during construction and the transition to operations.

Terra-Gen | www.terra-gen.com