Looking Ahead to 2026

Expion360 Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON) (“Expion360” or the “Company”), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery power storage solutions, and Dealer Accessory Supply (“DAS”) announced that the parties have entered into a strategic partnership related to the launch of the DASGen Hybrid Energy Storage System, an energy storage solution intended for use on construction and industrial job sites, marking Expion360’s entry into the industrial market.

The system, marketed as the DASGen Hybrid Energy Storage System and powered by Expion360 battery technology, is designed to operate as an energy buffer between diesel generators and jobsite electrical loads. The system is intended to store and deploy energy based on load requirements, which may allow generators to operate fewer hours and at higher efficiency, depending on site conditions and usage patterns.

“This partnership highlights Expion360’s entry into the industrial space, which has been one of our strategic targets for expanding into adjacent verticals,” said Carson Heagen, Chief Operating Officer of Expion360. “DASGen is designed to address generator utilization challenges commonly observed on construction sites and we are excited to partner with Dealer Accessory Supply to bring this solution to market. By integrating Expion360’s lithium iron phosphate battery technology with DAS’s hybrid system architecture, DASGen is intended to support reduced generator runtime while maintaining operational continuity.”

System Overview

DASGen is designed to support the following operational objectives, subject to site conditions and customer usage:

• Reduced Diesel Consumption
  Intended to optimize generator runtime and reduce fuel usage.
• Lower Operating and Maintenance Costs
  Designed to reduce fuel expense and generator wear.
• Reduced Noise Levels
  Intended to limit generator runtime during lower load periods.
• Emissions Reduction
  Designed to support lower emissions relative to continuous generator operation.
• Improved Cost Predictability
  Intended to reduce reliance on variable diesel fuel pricing.

DASGen utilizes Expion360’s lithium energy storage platform and is integrated with advanced industrial power electronics.

Illustrative Field Deployment

In a recent customer deployment involving a construction site operating a 25kW diesel generator, the system was installed to supplement the generator’s operation. Prior to installation, the generator was reportedly operated continuously across multiple shifts.

Following deployment, generator runtime was observed to decrease during the evaluation period. Based on customer-provided information, reduced generator operation during the observed time period resulted in lower diesel fuel consumption compared to prior operating practices. Actual results may vary based on site conditions, load profiles, operating schedules, and fuel pricing.

“Developed through collaborative engineering and a shared vision, the DASGen has exceeded our expectations. We are thrilled with both the results from our test-site performance and the interest from leading construction firms,” said Ty McIntosh, Chief Executive Officer of Dealer Accessory Supply. “With the expertise of Expion360's marketing and sales team, we’re preparing for wider deployment and expect to see DASGen units operating on job sites across the country—improving efficiency, reducing fuel costs, and optimizing resource use.”

Partnership Structure and Roles

Under the terms of the partnership, Dealer Accessory Supply will serve as the final system assembler for DASGen, providing integrated system assembly and delivery.

Expion360 will supply the battery technology and lead sales and marketing efforts for DASGen, offering the system to end customers through its commercial sales organization.

Expion360 | expion360.com

Lydian Energy (“Lydian”), an independent power producer specializing in the development, construction, and operation of utility-scale power infrastructure projects, announced $689 million in financing for solar projects, AC Ranch 1 and Yellow Viking,and battery storage project, Faraday BESS. The full-stack financing is backed by CIBC and MUFG and includes a Construction-to-Term Loan, Tax Credit Bridge Loan, Co-Investment Bridge Loan, and a Letter of Credit Facility. The three projects further advance Lydian’s strategy to deliver reliable and affordable energy.

AC Ranch 1 is a 75 MWac / 100 MWdc derisked, busbar PPA solar PV project in New Mexico. With a substantial solar resource, it delivers steady quarterly cashflows on a fully contracted basis with an investment-grade off taker.

Yellow Viking is a 170 MWac / 210 MWdc solar PV project in Texas. Located within ERCOT's Oncor territory, the project features 100 MW under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with an investment-grade off taker.

Faraday BESS Phase 1 is a 150 MW/733 MWh battery energy storage system in Utah. The project is backed by a long-term PPA with another investment-grade off taker.

“This transaction marks a major milestone for Lydian Energy, as it is the first full-stack financing we’ve closed, and it’s especially notable to do so with industry-leading lenders MUFG and CIBC,” said Emre Ersenkal, CEO at Lydian Energy. “We are excited about this significant financing, which creates a strong precedent for future investments across Lydian Energy’s pipeline and unlocks capital to support continued growth.”

“We are proud that these financings are helping meet the need for reliable, sustainable, and affordable domestic energy and very grateful for the commitment of MUFG, CIBC, and other participating lenders,” said Chris Moakley, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Excelsior Energy Capital and Chair of the Board at Lydian Energy. “We’re pleased to support Lydian’s talented team as they build these much-needed solar and battery storage projects.”

Lydian’s current portfolio includes 18 solar and storage projects totaling 4.4 GW of capacity. Lydian continues to work alongside banking, regulatory, and community stakeholders to deliver scalable infrastructure aligned with regional needs and policy objectives.

Lydian Energy | www.lydianenergy.com

Excelsior Energy Capital | www.excelsiorcapital.com

Ascend Elements, the global leader in circular battery materials, announced that TDK Ventures Inc. has been named its 2025 Partner of the Year. The recognition highlights the company’s broad and sustained contributions to Ascend Elements’ strategic, commercial, and operational progress during a pivotal year for the company. The award reflects not only past contributions, but also alignment on a shared vision for the future of local critical mineral refining and energy materials.

The Partner of the Year Award recognizes a partner whose contributions most meaningfully advance Ascend Elements across several dimensions, including strategic engagement, business development, industry advocacy, and capital support and alignment. TDK Ventures distinguished itself through its regular engagement with senior leadership, support for major customer and partner introductions, visible advocacy for Ascend Elements across industry platforms, and continued commitment as a long-term, value-driven investor.

“TDK Ventures has been an indispensable partner during one of the most formative chapters in Ascend Elements’ journey,” said Linh Austin, CEO of Ascend Elements. “What distinguishes Nicolas and the TDK Ventures team is not just the depth of their strategic insight, but the selfless consistency with which they show up. From candid counsel at inflection points, to hands-on support in commercial negotiations, to visible industry advocacy and long-term capital alignment, they have demonstrated unwavering conviction in our team, our technology, and our mission to build a resilient, local critical mineral supply chain.”

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as Ascend Elements’ 2025 Partner of the Year,” said Nicolas Sauvage, Founder & President, TDK Ventures. “Ascend Elements is at the forefront of battery materials innovation, and we are proud to support their progress through strategic collaboration, commercial partnership, and long-term investment. We look forward to continuing to build on this strong relationship as Ascend Elements enters its next phase of growth and global scale-up.”

TDK Ventures played a central role in supporting Ascend Elements in 2025 as it strengthened transparency and governance, delivered key operational and technical proof points at its Covington facility, executed major commercial agreements, and advanced international expansion. The company’s engagement spanned strategic guidance, business development, industry advocacy, and long-term capital support, consistently exceeding Ascend Elements’ Partner of the Year criteria.

Ascend Elements | www.ascendelements.com

TDK Ventures | https://tdk-ventures.com/

Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, has signed an agreement to acquire Girardin Group’s stake in the 50/50 Micro Bird joint venture, thereby, taking full ownership of the enterprise. Blue Bird will pay approx. $200 million for Girardin’s joint venture share, with 30% in cash and 70% in Blue Bird common stock. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2026, pending fulfillment of various closing conditions and regulatory approvals. A slide presentation is available on the BLBD IR website (https://investors.blue-bird.com/) with additional details.

The acquisition demonstrates Blue Bird’s commitment to growth and market expansion. The transaction allows Blue Bird to consolidate its North America operations and unify its businesses under one team and brand, unlocking further value for customers and shareholders. Blue Bird will offer the broadest product portfolio of industry-leading Type A, C, and D school, multi-purpose, and commercial buses.

Blue Bird is the only vehicle manufacturer in North America to provide diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric powered buses, positioning the company to uniquely address market needs. With the acquisition, Blue Bird will also significantly increase its total addressable market (TAM) for the Buy America Act – compliant shuttle buses in North America, a segment which Micro Bird entered in the fall of 2025 with its Plattsburg, NY facility acquisition.

“With a nearly 100 year history, Blue Bird has emerged as an iconic brand and leader in student transportation. We are delighted to purchase Girardin’s stake in Micro Bird and to take full control of the joint venture. The acquisition strengthens our strategic position and supports Blue Bird’s long-term vision for innovation, operational performance, and sustained profitable growth,” said John Wyskiel, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “In addition, I’m looking forward to welcoming Steve Girardin to our Board along with his contributions to Blue Bird’s continued success.”

Following the close of the transaction, Blue Bird intends to add Steve Girardin to its Board of Directors, strengthening the Board with his proven leadership and decades of experience across the North American bus market.

“This year marks our 60th year as a small bus manufacturer and our successful partnership with Blue Bird,” said Steve Girardin, Micro Bird Chairman and Vice-President of the Girardin Group. “Together, we’ve driven technology, innovation and product excellence in the bus market with a reputation of serving our customers with distinction. I’m confident that Micro Bird will continue to thrive under the sole ownership of Blue Bird, marking a natural and strategically aligned transition that supports value creation for our customers, employees, and shareholders.”

Blue Bird and Girardin Group established Micro Bird as a 50/50 joint venture in 2009. Specialized in designing and manufacturing Type A school and commercial shuttle buses with capacities ranging from 9 to 36 passengers, Micro Bird has emerged as a leader in innovative, safe, and reliable transportation solutions. Today, Micro Bird offers gasoline, propane, and electric powered buses to its customers and employs approximately 960 team members at its Drummondville, Quebec, and Plattsburgh, N.Y. locations.

Piper Sandler & Co. served as exclusive financial advisor to Blue Bird on this transaction.

Blue Bird | www.blue-bird.com

Girardin Group | https://www.girardinbluebird.com/en/

Micro Bird I www.microbird.com

Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider, and Luminace, one of the largest decarbonization-as-a-service providers in North America, jointly announced the successful completion of the Coventry Landfill Solar project. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the Town of Coventry’s efforts to expand renewable energy generation and enhance long‑term environmental stewardship.

The Town of Coventry’s landfill solar project features a 5.740 MW solar array estimated to generate approximately 7.7 million kWh annually, enough to power more than 1,100 homes. The project is expected to eliminate 3,760 tons of carbon dioxide each year. Developed on a capped landfill with limited redevelopment alternatives and designated under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the project demonstrates how underutilized land can be transformed into productive clean‑energy infrastructure.

In addition to delivering clean energy, the project provides significant economic benefits to the Town of Coventry. The landfill solar array is expected to generate lease revenue, taxes, and reimbursement for the landfill cap maintenance policy. Over the initial lease period, the economic benefit to the town is estimated to be approximately $4.4 million. By repurposing previously unproductive land for renewable energy production, the town establishes a reliable revenue stream while contributing to local job creation and economic activity.

"We are thrilled to see the completion of the Coventry Landfill Solar project," said Andrew E. Nota, Town Manager, Town of East Greenwich. "This project not only represents a significant step towards our sustainability goals but also brings considerable economic benefits to our community. We are proud of the work Ameresco has done to make this vision a reality and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our town."

"The Coventry Landfill Solar project is a testament to our commitment to innovative renewable energy solutions,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President, Solar and BESS Project Development at Ameresco. "Developing the Coventry Landfill Solar project showcases the potential of repurposing land for renewable energy and transforming landfills into sustainable, productive sites to that enhance energy security and resiliency for communities across the country.”

As the owner of the Coventry Landfill Solar Project, Luminace is further expanding its Rhode Island solar footprint in a way that delivers meaningful local benefits while continuing to support sustainable energy development across the New England markets.

“Our growing relationship and associated portfolio with the Ameresco team enables residents and businesses access to clean, renewable solar energy, while also increasing our solar asset operating base in the New England market. We have been active in New England for nearly 20 years. This market has been core to our initial growth and remains an important part of our future growth trajectory,” said Robert Rabe, Chief Development Officer of Luminace. “This most recent collaboration with Ameresco further enhances the value of our strategic channel partnership network across our key U.S. markets.”

“It is fantastic that St. George’s has gone solar to provide roughly 85% of the school’s electricity,” said Dana Schmaltz, Chair of the St. George’s School Board of Trustee. “At a time of global warming and increasing electricity prices, this project dramatically reduces our carbon footprint while lowering our costs. It’s a true win-win for the school, our community, and our planet.”

With construction now complete, the Coventry Landfill Solar project stands as a powerful example of how communities can transform underutilized land into a clean, reliable source of renewable energy.

Luminace | www.luminace.com

Ameresco | www.ameresco.com

Consolidated Asset Management Services (CAMS), a fully integrated asset management and operations & maintenance company serving owners of energy assets & related infrastructure, has been selected by Nexus Renewable Power LLC (Nexus) to provide multiple services for its “Goody” solar and storage project in Lamar County, Texas.

The Goody project is a 171.72 MWac solar facility paired with 237 MWh of battery energy storage and supported by approximately $220 million of project financing. CAMS will provide comprehensive asset management, operations and maintenance, regulatory compliance and remote operations via our CIP certified Remote Operations Center services from commissioning through long-term operations.

By combining large scale solar generation with battery storage, the Goody project will help strengthen grid reliability and deliver renewable energy to Texas communities. CAMS’ integrated service platform will support safe, efficient operations and optimize performance throughout the life of the asset.

“The project underscores CAMS’ commitment to supporting dependable, grid strengthening energy infrastructure across the United States,” said Brian Ivany, Executive Vice President, CAMS Renewables. “Our team is proud to support Nexus and excited to apply our subject matter expertise and hands on approach to ensure operational excellence and long-term success of the Goody project.”

“Nexus is proud to partner with experienced and trusted providers like CAMS on Project Goody,” said Sargon Daniel, CEO of Nexus Renewable Power. “By prioritizing strong partnerships, we differentiate ourselves in the ERCOT market and position our assets for long term, sustainable operations.”

Project Goody is named after, and honors the service of, Michael R. “Goody” Goodboe who died on November 24, 2020, from injuries sustained while serving his country overseas. He was a highly decorated Navy SEAL and served his country with distinction in multiple theaters including Iraq, Afghanistan, Eastern Europe, and Africa. He is remembered for his warrior spirit, sense of humor, and high standards for himself and his comrades.

CAMS | www.camstex.com

Nexus | www.nrenew.com

Prime Power Inc., a power generation platform focused on delivering reliable, scalable, and efficient energy solutions for the digital infrastructure economy, announced its official launch. The company designs, builds, and operates behind-the-meter power generation systems that deliver utility-independent reliability, faster deployment timelines, and long-term cost certainty for data centers and mission-critical facilities.

As demand for secure, efficient, and lower-carbon power accelerates, driven by the rapid expansion of data centers, AI workloads, and cloud infrastructure, Prime Power is positioned to meet the moment. The company specializes in behind-the-meter (BTM) natural gas fired power generation, wind, solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), as well as co-locating onsite and grid-tied energy generation with data centers.

Prime Power is led by a founding team with over 50 years of combined experience across the energy and infrastructure sectors. Daniel Atherton (Chief Executive Officer) brings 20+ years of experience in energy infrastructure development, including natural gas projects in the Marcellus Shale, large-scale asset acquisitions, and intrastate pipeline projects across the United States. In 2024, Mr. Atherton led the development of 3.5 GW of power projects at a leading independent power producer, covering over 230,000 acres in Texas. Together with Pervez Siddique (Chief Development Officer), whose prior leadership roles at esVolta and EDF Renewables included driving multi-gigawatt battery storage, solar, gas, and wind energy development, the team brings deep operational expertise to every phase of project delivery.

The company delivers fully integrated, technology-agnostic power solutions engineered specifically for the demands of modern data centers. At the core of its offering is a reliability-first platform that:

• Operates independent of local electrical grids, providing utility-independent reliability and insulating operators from grid congestion, curtailment, and price volatility.
• Deploys gas turbines for large-scale, high-output applications; high-efficiency reciprocating engines for modular, fast-start capacity; and hybrid configurations for redundancy and flexibility.
• Delivers faster speed to power with accelerated deployment timelines compared to traditional grid-connected development.
• Features redundancy, fast-start capability, and islanded operation that ensures continuous power even during grid disruptions.
• Provides modular scalability and long-term cost certainty, allowing data center operators to expand capacity without straining public power systems.

Prime Power’s service offerings span the full project lifecycle: project development (site selection, feasibility studies, and permitting); engineering and construction (optimized design and seamless execution); grid integration and microgrids (reliable onsite power with grid redundancy); and asset management (ongoing monitoring and maintenance for peak reliability). The company partners directly with data center operators, landowners, and investors to implement cutting-edge onsite power generation strategies that enhance uptime, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

Prime Power Inc. is backed by a leading private equity fund based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro that specializes in project development, providing the financial foundation to scale rapidly and bring strong, reliable projects to market.

Prime Power I primepowerinc.co