Navigating the Complex Landscape of Energy Storage Permitting

Kempower, a global leading DC fast-charging manufacturer, and the City of Durham celebrated a ribbon cutting for the new, public DC fast-charging installation located on W. Chapel Hill Street in downtown Durham, North Carolina. Located only a few miles from Kempower’s North American headquarters, the downtown Durham station features two plugs for electric vehicles (EV) and accelerates the city of Durham toward achieving sustainability goals through its Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy Action Plan which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from city operations by 50% by 2030.

Kempower’s innovative technology contributes to emission reduction goals while delivering quick, reliable, and accessible charging conveniently located near local restaurants, shops, and attractions.

“Celebrating Kempower’s first public DC fast-charging site in Durham is a tremendous milestone for our team and a prime indicator of Kempower’s growth in North America and right here in the home of our North American headquarters,” said Kempower North America President Monil Malhotra. “This new site demonstrates our commitment to providing smart and innovative charging solutions where customers and neighbors need them most.”

With the number of EV drivers increasing nationwide, Kempower is on a mission to accelerate EV charging solutions and infrastructure across North America. North Carolina serves as a key hub for advancing clean energy solutions, offering access to top talent, technology, and strong statewide partnerships. As of earlier this year, EV infrastructure in North Carolina totaled more than 306 DC fast-charging locations and 1,385 ports — and that number continues to grow.

“Today marks another step forward in the city’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and opportunity. With this locally built EV fast charger in the heart of downtown, we’re not only reducing our community’s carbon footprint — we’re supporting local jobs, clean energy, and a more connected future for everyone who calls Durham home,” said City of Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams.

The site is operated in partnership with National Car Charging (NCC).

“Choosing Kempower for Durham was an easy call – unmatched reliability, world-class performance, and built right here in Bull City. The City of Durham is at the forefront of electrification, and National Car Charging is proud to help power that leadership.” said National Car Charging CEO Jim Burness.

This charging site is available for public use at 111 W. Chapel Hill St. in Durham.

NCCI | https://www.nationalcarcharging.com/

Kempower | kempower.com

City of Durham | https://www.durhamnc.gov/

People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE) announced the launch of the Clean Energy Action Center (CEAC), unveiling the new statewide resource to a crowd of 135 clean energy advocates representing towns from every corner of Connecticut.

For the first time ever, Connecticut communities now have access to a centralized, practical hub designed specifically to help local volunteers, municipal leaders, and grassroots organizations accelerate their transition to clean energy. The Action Center brings together step-by-step guides, templates, success stories, and data tools that make it easier than ever for towns to plan, implement, and track their clean energy progress.

“This launch marks a turning point,” said Mark Scully, President of People’s Action for Clean Energy.“Local leaders have been asking for clear guidance and accessible tools. Now, every town—no matter its size or resources—can get a running start on building a cleaner, healthier future.”

Attendees at Friday’s event received the first walkthrough of the platform, offering feedback and celebrating the potential this resource brings to communities seeking to cut energy costs, reduce emissions, and build resilient local power systems.

The Clean Energy Action Center is now live at Clean Energy Action Center (CEAC) - PACE, and PACE encourages all communities, volunteers, and partner organizations to explore the tools and join the growing statewide movement toward 100% clean, renewable energy.

People’s Action for Clean Energy | https://www.pacecleanenergy.org/

Lhyfe (EURONEXT: LHYFE), one of the world’s pioneers in the production of green and renewable hydrogen for the decarbonisation of mobility and industry, has announced the signing of a multi-year contract with an operator in the hydrogen heavy-mobility sector.

Under this agreement, Lhyfe will supply its customer with RFNBO-certified renewable hydrogen (Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin), the most demanding standard set by the European Union for renewable hydrogen.

Through this new multi-year contract, Lhyfe will deliver more than 200 tonnes of RFNBO hydrogento its customer. This volume will enable hydrogen trucks to travel over 2.5 million kilometres, while avoiding around 1,700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions[1].

The contract has been effective since 1 November 2025.

Matthieu Guesné, Founder and CEO of Lhyfe, stated: “The decarbonisation of heavy mobility through hydrogen is not an option — it’s a necessity. While some continue to debate the pros and cons of electric batteries versus hydrogen, or question the maturity and sustainability of the model, we are investing, acting, and making the decarbonisation of freight transport a tangible reality. From now on, the movement can only accelerate.”

Lhyfe | https://www.lhyfe.com/

1] Equivalent to the CO2 emissions of a diesel truck travelling this distance.

NSL Analytical Services, a leading accredited provider of analytical, mechanical, and metallurgical testing services, has acquired Rocky Mountain Testing Solutions. The addition of the Pleasant View, UT-based company adds a robust portfolio of environmental simulation testing capabilities to NSL’s family of quality assurance laboratories.   

Founded in 2005, Rocky Mountain Testing Solutions (RMTS) provides shock/vibration, temperature/humidity chamber, mechanical, HALT/HASS, and packaging testing services for the aerospace, defense, medical device, automotive, and consumer products industries. RMTS emphasizes customer engagement and satisfaction.

“The acquisition of RMTS marks an important step in NSL’s growth and evolution,” said Ron Wesel, NSL’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our trusted testing solutions and industry-best turnaround times have helped thousands of industry leaders across North America. We are excited to expand and support more companies in safeguarding and validating their products and materials. We are committed to continuing to enhance support for our clients by acquiring high-quality testing laboratories to expand our testing service offerings.”

NSL Analytical Services | nslanalytical.com

Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing its long-term U.S. power capacity expansion outlook, based on proprietary load forecasts, interconnection queue analytics and technology cost curves.

EIR projects a 57% increase in installed U.S. power capacity by 2050, driven by three distinct eras: rapid solar energy growth through 2028, a mid-term shift as coal-fired power is fully retired and replaced by natural gas and nuclear power, and steady long-term growth led by the ramp-up of the U.S. nuclear industry. Renewable energy installations are expected to peak in 2028 but remain competitive, supported by ongoing demand for power purchase agreements (PPAs) and low costs.

“Our analysis shows the U.S. grid is entering a transformative period, with solar installations surging in the near term and nuclear power taking a leading role in the decades ahead. The retirement of coal and the rise of new technologies will reshape regional generation mixes and drive innovation in grid reliability and energy sustainability,” said Juan Arteaga, PhD, principal analyst at EIR.

Key takeaways:

• Installed U.S. power capacity is forecast to grow 57% by 2050, with three eras: rapid solar energy growth (2025–2035), coal replacement (2035–2040) and steady nuclear expansion (2040–2050).
• Renewable energy installations will peak in 2028 but remain competitive as tax credits phase out, thanks to strong PPA demand and low costs.
• Coal-fired power is projected to be fully retired by 2040, replaced evenly by natural gas and nuclear power. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region will see over 25 GW of fuel switching.
• Wind energy, natural gas and nuclear power are the most load-sensitive technologies, with capacity buildout remaining relatively inelastic to changes in demand.
• Battery storage and gas peaker plants will play a crucial role in grid reliability, while combined-cycle natural gas and nuclear plants provide essential baseload support.

Enverus | https://www.enverus.com/

The Maryland Energy Administration announced the availability of $13 million in grants to help businesses and organizations across Maryland expand the use of clean energy systems to cut energy bills and combat climate change.    

Through the Fiscal Year 2026 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program, the agency aims to help businesses and nonprofit organizations better manage energy costs, reduce energy consumption and cut emissions. The program offers meaningful incentives to those businesses seeking to lower their energy expenses while reducing their carbon footprint. Because energy is among the largest single expenses for many organizations, reducing energy costs allows them to devote more resources to supporting their local communities. Of particular note, this year the program includes access to solar canopy technology, expanding the types of projects eligible for funding. 

“Maryland’s businesses and charitable organizations are at the heart of our communities, providing valuable services, employment and support. By making solar energy systems more accessible, Maryland is helping them cut their costs and emissions at the same time,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This program illustrates that you don’t have to choose between doing what is right for the economy and the environment. Sound investments like these can deliver progress on multiple fronts, at the same time, and are a win-win for Maryland.” 

The Commercial and Canopy Solar Program grants are funded by the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which reinvests proceeds from greenhouse-gas emissions auctions and alternative compliance payments from utilities into a wide variety of programs. The fund helps reduce Marylanders’ energy bills, minimizes energy waste, creates jobs, promotes energy independence, and improves reliability and resiliency. 

The agency is accepting applications for the Commercial and Canopy Solar Program now through February 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Full details on eligibility, program guidelines, and the application process can be found on the program webpage.

Maryland Energy Administration | https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

ContourGlobal recently completed a series of strategic refinancings and capital-raising transactions totaling more than $713 million, aimed at optimizing its capital structure, supporting growth in renewables and BESS, and strengthening the sustainable transition of its thermal fleet.

Over the last months, the company finalized three landmark transactions with tier 1 financial institutions in Armenia, Austria, USand at the corporate level, reinforcing its long-term strategy of financial efficiency, simplification, and sustainable expansion. These transactions, together with $1.9 billion in refinancings, guarantees, corporate revolving facilities and green bond issuances signed over the past twelve months, bring the company’s total financings over the period to more than $2.6 billion to support its green transformation.

“These transactions represent an important milestone in our global growth strategy. By simplifying our financing structure and deepening relationships with leading financial institutions, we are laying the groundwork for continued investment in high-impact renewable projects”, commented Laurent Hullo, Chief Financial Officer of ContourGlobal. “Our focus remains on building resilience and ensuring we have the flexibility to support the energy transition across the markets where we operate.”

These strategic refinancing and capital-raising transactions include a series of guarantee facilities totaling $125 million signed over the past twelve months with leading insurers, including Markel, and Allianz, creating a comprehensive and well-balanced corporate financing platform. 

Armenia: $135 Million Refinancing of Vorotan Hydro Cascade

ContourGlobal has completed a $135 million refinancing of the Vorotan Hydro Cascade – a portfolio of 3 hydropower plants located along the Vorotan River in Armenia – with a combined installed capacity of 404 MW. Operated by a dedicated team of over 120 professionals, the Vorotan Hydro Cascade stands as a cornerstone of Armenia’s renewable energy infrastructure.

Since its acquisition in 2015, the Vorotan Hydro Cascade has consistently provided around 10% of Armenia’s annual electricity generation and represents approximately 12% of the country’s total installed capacity. These plants play a crucial role in maintaining grid stability and frequency control, making them a vital component of Armenia’s renewable energy infrastructure.

The refinancing, executed in partnership with Ardshinbank CJSC, the largest bank in Armenia, not only addresses existing debt but also brings fresh capital to support operational expansion and future growth. The transaction was celebrated recently at the presence of Armenia’s Minister of Economy, the Governor of the Central Bank and the U.S. Ambassador in the context of ContourGlobal’s 10th anniversary in Armenia.

Austria: €95 Million ($111 million) Portfolio Refinancing to Accelerate Wind Growth

In Austria, the company closed a €95 million ($111 million) refinancing of four (out of our seven) operating wind farms, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to optimize its financial structure and strengthen its foundation for future growth. 

The refinancing replaces five separate asset-level financing agreements with a single portfolio-level facility, simplifying reporting requirements and improving risk management by consolidating assets under one structure. This upsized refinancing reflects an enhanced approach to energy management and market participation, which improves operational efficiency and cash flow generation. As a result, ContourGlobal is better positioned to reinvest these additional funds into new projects and opportunities, supporting sustainable growth and driving future revenue streams.

As one of the leading wind power producers in Austria, ContourGlobal operates seven wind farms across the country, with a total installed capacity of 162 MW. Four of those wind farms have undergone extensive repowering projects, enhancing production efficiency by reducing the number of turbines while increasing output. Today, ContourGlobal’s wind farms generate approximately 400 GWh annually, playing a vital role in supporting Austria’s energy transition and contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

This new facility provides the flexibility to support ContourGlobal’s growth plans in Austria, including potential repowering of existing wind farms and new greenfield developments. UniCredit Austria, who acted as lead lender, was joined by Raiffeisenlandesbank NÖ-Wien, reflecting longstanding relationship of both institutions with ContourGlobal.

€100 Million ($116 million) additional Corporate Facility to Support Renewables Expansion

ContourGlobal also strengthened its corporate financing structure by securing a new €100 million ($116 million), four-year letter of credit facility with BBVA. This facility introduces a new lender to the company’s financing base while securing competitive terms that reflect the strong confidence of the market in ContourGlobal’s fundamentals. 

The new line of credit will play a pivotal role in supporting ContourGlobal’s renewable growth ambitions, while also addressing ongoing corporate needs such as the issuance of letters of credit and guarantees for regulatory, contractual, and operational purposes. 

A Disciplined Approach to Funding Growth

All these deals add to ContourGlobal’s recently announced renewable Tax Equity investment and project financing in the United States, in a transaction valued at more than $350 million to support the 324 MWp Black Hollow Sun (BHS) photovoltaic project. The plant includes a first phase of 185 MWp already in commercial operation and, once completed, will constitute the largest photovoltaic installation in Northern Colorado, with an expected annual production of nearly 608 GWh of clean electricity, enough to power more than 73,000 homes.

These financing achievements underscore ContourGlobal’s strong partnership with leading global financial institutions and reflect its disciplined approach to developing and funding its transition into a predominantly renewable independent power producer (IPP).

ContourGlobal | https://www.contourglobal.com/