Navigating the Complex Landscape of Energy Storage Permitting

RWE announced it commissioned Stoneridge Solar, delivering homegrown energy to Milam County, Texas. The project delivers 200 MW of solar power and 100 MW (200 MWh) of battery storage, strengthening the state's supply of reliable, cost-competitive electricity.

Andrew Flanagan, CEO, RWE Clean Energy: "Stoneridge Solar is a great example of the power of local partnership and the positive role energy projects play in economic stimulation. We are helping Texas and the nation secure their energy future with scalable, homegrown energy while also delivering meaningful benefits to communities across America's heartland."

Stoneridge Solar created over 200 construction jobs and now supports permanent operational roles – directly strengthening American jobs and economic growth. The project is expected to generate millions in tax revenue for Milam County and the Thorndale Independent School District, with direct investments supporting first responders and educational initiatives. From funding renovations at Thorndale Elementary School to partnering with the local volunteer fire department, RWE is helping communities like Milam County remain resilient and prosperous.

Shannon Morrison, Principal, Thorndale Elementary School: "RWE's kindness and support are making a big difference for our students, and we appreciate you more than words can say."

Stoneridge Solar embodies RWE's commitment to accelerate energy independence and provide necessary power to the grid. With a proven track record of delivering energy solutions, RWE's energy capacity across the U.S. has grown to more than 11 GW, reinforcing the company's leadership in delivering reliable and affordable power to homes and businesses.

RWE | americas.rwe.com

Potain proudly announces the launch of the MCR 505 J25, a high-performance luffing jib tower crane engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern construction sites around the world.

The MCR 505 J25 boasts an extended free-standing height of 77.2 m, achieved through the combination of C809 and KMT850 masts. This design significantly reduces the need for anchorage points, streamlining site logistics and accelerating setup times. Its compact 15 m out-of-service slewing radius ensures optimal maneuverability in congested urban environments, making it ideal for high-rise and congested job sites.

Equipped with full frequency-controlled mechanisms and advanced control systems, the MCR 505 J25 delivers smooth, responsive movements for precise load handling. The crane’s VISU+ smart monitoring system provides real-time performance insights and intuitive controls, enhancing operator confidence and productivity.

Designed for seamless integration across international markets, the MCR 505 J25 supports both 50 Hz and 60 Hz power supplies. Its adaptive power control feature allows operators to reduce energy consumption when full speed or power is not required. This is particularly beneficial during early project phases or on sites with limited power infrastructure, such as low-capacity generators or restricted grids.

Installation and maintenance are simplified through modular jib design, motorized gear ring lubrication, and built-in operation logging, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency. Built to meet FEM standards, the MCR 505 J25 is ready to perform in diverse climates and construction environments worldwide.

Manitowoc | https://www.manitowoc.com/

Stationary fuel cells and green hydrogen production have been two main points of interest under the hydrogen umbrella, with the rise of decarbonization and sustainable energy trends making way for innovations within the renewable energy sector. IDTechEx’s portfolio dedicated to Hydrogen Research Reports provides multifaceted research into technologies, materials, and potential uptake of hydrogen technologies, and the latest developments within the sector.

Stationary fuel cells and SOFCs

Fuels cells are a means of power generation gaining attention as a result of their decarbonization promises and ability to be used across sectors ranging from automotives in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to backup power systems for data centers or other commercial sites.

Stationary fuel cells operate from a fixed place either permanently or as a semi-mobile power source and can provide relief and energy security where grid instability may be occurring.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are one of the favored options for stationary applications, with the ability to operate with a high-power output, having flexibility where fuel is concerned, and having combined heat and power efficiency. As a result of SOFCs have high operating temperatures, they are more suited to continuous operations such as commercial and industrial power, utilities, and residential applications. However, IDTechEx reports that low temperature SOFCs are currently under development in the pursuit of ensuring risks of cell component degradation is avoided and lowering start up times.

Alternatives to SOFCs for stationary applications are outlined in the latest report, “Stationary Fuel Cell Markets 2025-2035: Technologies, Players & Forecasts”. They include alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) and molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), which despite their respective benefits of having quick start up times and an ability to internally reform fuels, are subject to multiple drawbacks and lower efficiencies.

PEM fuel cells for automotives

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are one of the most popular and sought after types, with low operating temperatures, fast startup times, and quick responses to changes occurring within the grid. PEMFCs use high quality hydrogen to lower risks associated with carbon monoxide. However, the greater costs associated with PEMFCs than that of lower grade hydrogen, and a lack of hydrogen infrastructure, reduces the feasibility of widespread adoption. IDTechEx also states that platinum metal used as a catalyst induces additional costs, currently making uptake even more exclusive and limiting the potential growth of applications.

Passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, city buses, trains, and ships, are all covered in IDTechEx’s report, “Materials for PEM Fuel Cells 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets, Players”, as some of the potential use cases for PEMFCs. The report covers each stage of PEMFC production, including manufacturers, component and material suppliers, OEMs, and processing specialists.

Sustainable hydrogen and its electrolysis production

Green hydrogen is a popular topic of conversation within the hydrogen sector and is drawing attention based on its name being tied to clear sustainability motivations.

The creation of hydrogen requires electrolysis, and IDTechEx’s report, “Materials for Green Hydrogen Production 2026-2036: Technologies, Players, Forecasts”, covers different types of electrolyzers including the alkaline water electrolyzer (AEL), proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMEL), anion exchange membrane electrolyzer (AEMEL), and solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC). They each have varying electrochemistries and can be categorized by their individual components and specific material uses.

PEMELs work by allowing the selective, high conduction of protons between the cathode and anode as a result of the use of multilayer structures. They also have low gas permeability, low membrane thickness, and strong stability. AEL on the other hand have porous diaphragms that act as semipermeable barriers to separate the anode and cathode while ions travel through. The differences in electrolyzer types see cost, efficiency, and manufacturing differentiations, each of which may also be influenced by the supply chain and accessibility of manufacturing.

Green hydrogen as the most premium source of hydrogen for use within fuel cells is priced at a much greater cost than less pure alternatives. However, to achieve the greatest sustainability claims and to see the largest effects and rewards of decarbonization, green hydrogen will be the most effective way forward.

IDTechEx | www.idtechex.com

A November 20 ruling by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission will provide important data on how long it takes to connect large electric vehicle (EV) chargers to the grid, and ultimately inform future efforts to streamline the process. It also included changes that will improve Nevadans’ access to valuable grid data. 

The decisions, which align with recommendations from the nonprofit Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), are an early but important step in advancing charging infrastructure for long-haul trucks and other medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. The efficient development of this charging infrastructure is not only critical for Nevada’s climate goals (the state has a target of achieving zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050), it can also help reduce harmful diesel pollution in communities most affected by long-haul trucking. 

Under the ruling, NV Energy will track and report on how long it takes to connect large EV charging infrastructure to the grid (a process called “service connection” or “energization”). NV Energy will track this data for one year, starting in January 2026, to provide transparency into the time it takes for these projects to complete the service connection process. To support efficient service connections in Nevada, IREC had pushed for expanded utility timeline reporting that includes these projects. This will increase stakeholders’ visibility into how long the process is taking and whether these projects are moving forward at the pace needed to meet Nevada’s transportation electrification goals. 

Large EV charging projects, such as chargers for medium- and heavy-duty EVs, often require electric grid infrastructure upgrades before they can connect to the grid. These upgrades ensure the grid can support the higher electricity demand the projects require. They can be very time consuming; in some states, like California, they have led to significant project backlogs. These delays not only affect individual applicants but can slow deployment of EV infrastructure overall and impact a state’s ability to transition to EVs. 

“Expanding energization timeline tracking to include larger EV charger projects is an important first step toward determining if Nevada is on track to meet demand for EV charging infrastructure, or whether process improvements are necessary to avoid delays as the volume of applications increases,” said Mari Hernandez, Director of IREC’s Regulatory Program.

Service connection timeline tracking and reporting were already required for some load projects under Nevada’s “Rule 9.” Rule 9 governs the process for electric line extensions, including new electric service requests and requests to modify existing service. These requirements applied to load requests less than one megawatt or with estimated construction costs under $400,000. However, those thresholds excluded many larger EV charging projects, which are more likely to require more extensive grid upgrades. That meant the timelines for those projects were set on a case-by-case basis, leading to inconsistent treatment across customers. It also meant those customers lacked benchmarks to understand the expected timelines for their projects based on size and/or complexity.

In addition to the timeline tracking requirements, the Commission also accepted an updated Distributed Resources Plan from NV Energy that includes changes to improve the service connection process for EV chargers. After input from IREC, NV Energy agreed to clarify rule language in the Plan regarding important process milestones, such as when a new project reserves grid capacity and when specific phases of the project, such as utility construction for upgrades, are scheduled between the utility and the applicant. 

The Plan also includes changes that will improve Nevadans’ access to valuable grid data. NV Energy currently publishes a tool called a Hosting Capacity Analysis (HCA), which allows stakeholders to see how much capacity for new projects exists at different locations on the grid. In the filing, NV Energy included provisions stating it will publish updates to this data monthly, reduce the amount of data it redacts in the HCA, and develop a system for validating the accuracy of the data it publishes. These changes align with a growing trend among regulators to require increased grid transparency from the utilities they regulate. An October ruling in Colorado is another recent example.

In the coming months, NV Energy will host at least two public workshops to discuss issues related to data center energization costs, Rule 9 timelines, and other means of speeding up the processing of service connection applications. The workshops will be held before NV Energy files its Rule 9 revisions with the Commission on or before March 6, 2026.

“IREC appreciates the collaborative discussions with NV Energy and commends the Commission for its actions to provide stakeholder engagement opportunities and improve the process for connecting EV infrastructure to the grid. We look forward to future discussions and workshops to enable further energization process improvements,” Hernandez added.

IREC | irecusa.org

Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CETY) (“CETY” or the “Company”), a clean energy technology company delivering scalable solutions in power generation, storage, waste-to-energy, and heat-to-power, announced that it has secured a $10 million Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in New York State. This award represents the Company’s largest storage project to date and marks the first of several similar, either front of the meter or behind the meter, BESS deployments across New York State CETY expects to finalize in the months ahead.

The New York project includes the deployment of a 5MW / 20MWh standalone energy storage system, designed to support grid reliability, peak-shaving, and market participation under New York’s Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) program and ancillary grid services markets. The site has the opportunity to increase energy storage capacity to the maximum 20MW/80MWh storage permitted for such locations, subject to grid interconnection availability.

Under the project award, CETY plans to serve as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor and will deliver:

• Full planning, engineering, and system design
• Procurement of advanced storage hardware and balance-of-system equipment
• Construction, installation, testing, and commissioning
• Compliance with prevailing wage, interconnection, and state energy regulations

“This $10 million award is a major milestone for our energy storage business,” said Kam Mahdi, CEO of CETY. “Battery energy storage is essential for grid stability and renewable integration. Securing this project not only validates our EPC capabilities but also sets the stage for a pipeline of additional BESS installations we expect to close soon. We are committed to expanding our footprint in one of the fastest-growing segments of the clean energy sector.”

As CETY expands its storage and clean-energy infrastructure portfolio, CETY is entering the new year with more than $20 million of contracted project backlog, reflecting strong demand for CETY’s EPC, waste-to-energy, and heat-to-power systems.

As CETY scales its pipeline of storage, waste-to-energy, and heat-to-power projects, CETY remains focused on strengthening its financial position. Executing larger, higher-margin projects is central to CETY’s plan to become free-cash-flow positive, improve access to inexpensive capital, and position itself for strategic mergers and acquisitions that can accelerate long-term growth.

This project reinforces CETY’s multi-technology strategy, complementing its waste-to-energy, heat-to-power, and power generation initiatives. By expanding into large-scale storage infrastructure, CETY is positioning itself at the intersection of grid modernization, electrification, and distributed energy resources.

Clean Energy Technologies | www.cetyinc.com

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), in partnership with We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group, received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to purchase solar capacity, battery storage and wind capacity from four projects. MGE will own 35 megawatts (MW) of solar, 5 MW of battery storage and nearly 18 MW of wind in total from the different projects.

"The approval of these projects is another important step in our ongoing effort to reduce carbon emissions, increase our use of cost-effective renewable generation and advance new technologies to benefit all customers," said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. "With our current plans, by 2030, we will have added more than 40 renewable generation and battery storage projects since 2015, totaling more than 750 MW, propelling us toward our goal of net-zero carbon electricity by 2050."

The four projects, of which MGE will own a 10% share, include:

• Saratoga Solar Energy Center. This project will include a 150-MW solar array and 50-MW battery energy storage system located in Wood County. MGE will own 15 MW of solar capacity and 5 MW of battery storage. The solar array and battery energy storage system are both expected to start serving customers in 2028.
• Ursa Solar Park. A 200-MW solar facility that will be located in Columbia County. MGE will own 20 MW of solar capacity. The solar array is expected to begin serving customers in 2027.
• Badger Hollow Wind Farm. This 112-MW wind farm will be located in Iowa and Grant counties. MGE will own 11.2 MW of wind capacity. The wind farm is expected to begin serving customers in 2027.
• Whitetail Wind Farm. The 67-MW wind farm will be located in Grant County. MGE will own 6.7 MW of wind capacity. The wind farm is expected to begin serving customers in 2027.

By continuing to invest in geographically diverse utility-scale renewable generation projects, MGE is enhancing reliability, managing costs and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future. These efforts are part of a broader strategy that includes:

• Expanding renewable energy.
• Advancing energy efficiency.
• Supporting the electrification of transportation.

Together, these initiatives help reduce carbon emissions and support a more sustainable Wisconsin.

MGE | https://www.mge.com/

Geronimo Power (Geronimo) hosted a community event for its 270-megawatt (MW), 360 megawatt-hour (MWh) Blevins Solar and Storage Project (Blevins). Currently under construction, Blevins has supported over 360 construction jobs to date and will produce millions in local tax revenue. Announced earlier this month, the Blevins community will also receive over $1.3 million in pledged donations throughout the first 20 years of operations through a dedicated charitable fund.

"Domestic power generators like Blevins provide economic electricity for Texans, while also strengthening local economies," stated Nathan Franzen, Chief Project Delivery Officer for Geronimo Power. "Throughout the first 20 years of operations, we anticipate Blevins will provide over $33 million in direct economic benefit to the Falls County community."

The community event featured local businesses and included a food truck festival celebrating Texas cuisine. In attendance were local community members and leaders, project partners, landowners, and supporters. The event celebrated the project's construction progress and the significant economic benefits it's poised to deliver to local community.

Event attendees participated in a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the project, providing an up-close view of the construction process. Eric Grenz, Senior Vice President at Mortenson, the project's Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, spoke at the event and celebrated a successful partnership.

"It's been a privilege to work alongside the Geronimo Power team on such an impactful clean energy project, which will help support the long-term economic vitality of Falls County and add to this region's impressive sustainable power production," Grenz said. "Geronimo Power is a strong partner, and we look forward to growing our relationship and building the future of clean energy together."

Blevins previously announced power purchase agreements with Fujifilm and Bristol Myers Squibb, both of whom had representatives at the event.

"At Fujifilm, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand," said Girish Menon, Sr. Director, Environmental Health & Safety, FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation. "The Blevins project reflects our commitment to creating a cleaner future. Through this partnership, we're taking meaningful action to reduce our environmental impact and support a transition to renewable power sources that benefit the communities we serve."

"The partnership with Geronimo Power and the Blevins Solar & Storage Project represents another important step in our journey to power Bristol Myers Squibb's operations with renewable energy, said Adrian Metcalf, vice president Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability for Bristol Myers Squibb. It reflects our broader commitment to sustainability—advancing climate goals while creating lasting value for the communities where we operate."

Geronimo Power hosts a food truck festival at its Blevins Solar & Storage project in Falls County, Texas.

Geronimo Power | www.geronimopower.com