Navigating the Complex Landscape of Energy Storage Permitting

S-Fuelcell (KOSDAQ: 288620), announced that it is accelerating its efforts to deploy its Grid-Free, On-Site (GFOS) modular fuel cell platform amid global AI data center growth and escalating power infrastructure constraints. Positioned as a primary on-site power solution, GFOS is designed to operate independently from overstressed transmission networks.

The GFOS architecture features a scalable, tower-type configuration composed of PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) fuel cell modules deployed in series and parallel arrays, enabling megawatt-class output suitable for high-density AI workloads. The system is engineered for dual-fuel compatibility natural gas for near-term deployment, hydrogen for long-term decarbonization delivering both immediate functionality and future-proofing.

The platform’s capacity to respond rapidly to volatile, high-load AI compute cycles addresses a critical gap in conventional grid reliability. With Tier 3+ uptime (99.982%) now a baseline requirement for AI infrastructure, GFOS offers operators a path to power independence without the regulatory friction or capex burden of grid expansion.

Initial rollouts will utilize natural gas to meet immediate demand surges, particularly in regions where AI infrastructure is outpacing utility development. Once clean hydrogen becomes commercially scalable, GFOS systems can transition with minimal engineering revisions—ensuring alignment with hydrogen economy roadmaps in Korea, Japan, the U.S., and Europe.

To expand global reach and reduce cost barriers that have historically limited fuel cell adoption, S-Fuelcell is strengthening its domestic mass-production footprint while evaluating overseas manufacturing hubs. A global supply chain tailored for AI infrastructure requirements—low-carbon, scalable, and resilient—is under construction.

S-Fuelcell projects GFOS to become a foundational asset in the distributed generation stack for AI data centers, as operators prioritize energy sovereignty and carbon neutrality amid geopolitical instability and rising compute demand. GFOS positions S-Fuelcell as a first-mover in delivering sovereign-aligned, modular hydrogen power systems for the AI era.

S-Fuelcell | www.s-fuelcell.com

LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. (TSXV: LIB | OTCQB: VLTLF | FSE: I2D) (“LibertyStream” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Packet Digital, LLC (“Packet Digital”) based out of Fargo, North Dakota. The parties propose to collaborate and share technical data for Packet’s present and future lithium carbonate (“Lithium Carbonate” or “Li2CO3”) requirements for its USA based manufacturing for industrial and military customers.

“We’re establishing a vertically integrated battery ecosystem in North Dakota, where Packet Digital manufactures smart batteries and sources critical minerals—such as lithium carbonate—through local production channels,” said Terri Zimmerman, CEO of Packet Digital. “Our partnership with LibertyStream aligns with this vision and we are pleased to support their field refining operations as they commence production in late 2025.”

“LibertyStream is honored to partner with the Packet Digital team to strengthen the secure, domestic supply of critical minerals essential for next-generation battery and power systems,” said Alex Wylie, President & CEO of LibertyStream. “As we scale our refining capabilities in Texas and mobilize near-term operations in North Dakota, our focus remains on delivering battery-grade lithium carbonate tailored to Packet’s U.S.-based cell manufacturing needs. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building a resilient domestic supply chain and producing premium lithium products for American customers through integrated operations across both states.”

Key Terms of The Memorandum of Understanding

LibertyStream, in partnership with Wellspring Hydro, has entered into a MOU with Packet Digital to support the company’s growing demand for battery-grade Lithium Carbonate. The agreement outlines a collaborative framework for technical data sharing and coordinated planning around future deliveries of battery-grade Lithium Carbonate.

The initiative is structured to enhance Packet Digital’s internal synthesis of critical battery materials, enabling tighter control over locally sourced production inputs. By integrating LibertyStream’s direct lithium extraction capabilities with Packet Digital’s cell manufacturing operations, the collaboration streamlines supply logistics, improves process efficiency, and establishes a scalable framework for long-term growth across both organizations.

Approximately $2.7 Million from Recent Grant Funding and Warrant/Option Exercises

In recent weeks, LibertyStream has fortified its financial position through the exercise of outstanding share purchase warrants and stock options, including by members of the Board of Directors and the Company’s largest institutional shareholder, together with the receipt of previously announced non-dilutive grant funding. In total, these activities have resulted in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $2,736,081 (combined Canadian and U.S. dollars). These funds will directly support the Company’s strategic initiatives in Texas and North Dakota, with a primary focus on advancing its transition to commercial-scale lithium carbonate production through commissioning and operations at its Refining Unit in Texas.

LibertyStream | https://libertystream.com/

Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider, broke ground on transformative Solar Project for the City of Chandler, designed to strengthen energy security, curb rising utility costs, and advance sustainability goals. This project will deploy solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across 22 municipal facilities, creating a municipal blueprint for resilient, cost-efficient energy solutions.

The portfolio totals 7.74 MW-DC / 5.85 MW-AC and is designed to produce more than 14,500,000 kWh per year, helping the city manage rising energy costs and reduce reliance on external energy markets. The initiative is expected to offset over 60% of the annual electricity requirements for the participating sites and provide over $1 million in annual utility savings. The project cost will be partially funded through the Federal Investment Tax Credit for Renewable Energy.

“Our challenge was to reduce the City’s energy spend and environmental footprint without compromising day-to-day operations,” said Steven Turner, Sustainability & Performance Officer for the City of Chandler. “Partnering with Ameresco enables us to meet that goal by deploying right-sized solar across 22 facilities, cutting annual utility costs, and offsetting electricity use.”

The portfolio includes a mix of covered parking canopies at city buildings, rooftop-mounted systems for smaller facilities, and large-scale, ground-mount arrays at water treatment facilities including the city’s Airport Water Reclamation Facility. This diversified design aligns system type and siting with operational needs across the city to maximize on-site generation and economic value. Buildings in the portfolio include City Hall, Chandler Nature Center, and Sunset Library, as well as fire and public safety stations, among others.

“Chandler’s objective was to take advantage of their excellent solar resources while delivering meaningful utility savings across their facilities citywide,” said Lou Maltezos, President of Central & Western USA, Canada Regions at Ameresco. “By tailoring canopy, rooftop, and single axis tracking systems to each site, we are helping the City of Chandler secure reliable, long-term renewable energy and reduce exposure to unpredictable utility costs.”

As systems come online, the city anticipates steady progress toward its cost-savings and sustainability targets, supported by the ITC and Ameresco’s design-build delivery. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.

Ameresco | www.ameresco.com

City of Chandler, Arizona | chandleraz.gov

First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) (the “Company” or “First Solar”) announced that it will establish a new facility in Gaffney, Cherokee County, South Carolina, to onshore final production processes for Series 6 Plus modules initiated by the Company’s international fleet. The Company expects to spend approximately $330 million to establish the new facility, which is scheduled to commence commercial operations in the second half of 2026. The facility is forecast to create over 600 new jobs with an average manufacturing salary of $74,000 per year, approximately twice the per capita income in Cherokee County.

The South Carolina facility — which will directly support American energy dominance and affordability goals — was catalyzed by demand for domestically-produced energy technology created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in July 2025. The facility is expected to increase First Solar’s capacity to produce American-made solar technology that is fully compliant with anticipated Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) guidance, by 3.7 gigawatts (GW), reaching 17.7 GW of annual nameplate capacity in 2027.

“South Carolina is proud to be a destination for innovative energy companies that are powering our country with American technology,” said Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina. “First Solar's investment will create 600 new jobs in Cherokee County, which will greatly strengthen the local economy and help advance America's energy independence. Their expanded presence in our state will provide even more opportunities for hardworking South Carolinians.”

The onshored processes will transform thin film solar cells produced by First Solar’s international fleet into fully completed modules. The new facility expands First Solar’s footprint in South Carolina, which currently includes a distribution center in Duncan, Spartanburg County, and a longstanding partnership with Inland Port Greer. The Gaffney plant will be part of what is already the largest solar technology manufacturing and research and development (R&D) footprint in the Western Hemisphere and includes three fully vertically integrated manufacturing facilities in Ohio, and one each in Alabama and Louisiana, along with R&D centers in Ohio and California. Altogether, the Company, which expects to directly employ over 5,500 people in the US by the end of 2026, will have invested approximately $4.5 billion in American manufacturing and R&D infrastructure since 2019.

“The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the Administration’s trade policies boosted demand for American energy technology, requiring a timely, agile response that allows us to meet the moment,” said Mark Widmar, chief executive officer, First Solar. “We expect that this new facility will enable us to serve the US market with technology that is compliant with the Act’s stringent provisions, within timelines that align with our customers’ objectives.”

Having manufactured in the US since 2002, First Solar is the country’s leading PV solar technology and manufacturing company. It is the only one of the world’s largest solar manufacturers to be headquartered in the US. By 2027, the Company expects to support over 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs across the country, estimated to represent more than $3 billion in labor income.

First Solar | www.firstsolar.com

S-5!, the industry leader in metal roof attachments, introduces its new clamp for solar carport applications, extending its proven solar attachment technology to canopy and carport structures.

The S-5-CP clamp (“CP” for carport) is engineered to fit both Cee and Zee purlin-framed structures, delivering a secure, non-penetrating attachment for solar applications. Its design offers faster installation, superior strength and long-term reliability, while protecting against corrosion by eliminating the need for drilled holes.

“Carport solar is one of the fastest-growing segments in attachment technology,” said Rob Haddock, S-5! CEO and founder. “The S-5-CP clamp enables engineers and installers to design stronger, simpler and more cost-effective solar carport systems using trusted S-5! technology.”

The clamp pairs seamlessly with S-5!’s PVKIT® solar mounting solution for a rail-less solar panel installation, minimizing parts and labor costs. With a bottom-oriented setscrew, installation can be performed from beneath the canopy—simplifying labor, improving access for wiring and maintenance and allowing on-the-fly adjustments. 

Coupled with an EPDM gasket (sold separately), the S-5! carport system delivers water-resistant performance between modules, reducing the risk of leaks and protecting your property from nuisance water intrusion.

Unlike proprietary, full-system carport packages that often come with premium pricing, the S-5-CP clamp gives engineers and contractors the flexibility to design their own systems and select their preferred purlins and spacings, reducing costs without sacrificing performance.

S-5! attachments are engineered for strength, speed and longevity to support solar installations on carports and overhead canopies with water-resistant connections and exceptional resistance to wind uplift and downslope forces—all backed by decades of engineering expertise and field performance.

“From rooftops to carports, our team continues to innovate and adapt our attachment technologies to meet the demands of solar applications,” Haddock added. “The S-5-CP clamp transforms underutilized space into a valuable clean energy resource, an ideal solution for contractors and developers seeking reliable, water-resistant solar integration on canopy-style structures.”

S-5! | www.s-5.com

Exowatt, a next-generation renewable energy company, announced $50m in additional funding to expand U.S. manufacturing and accelerate deployments of its Exowatt P3 systems to energy‑intensive AI data centers and power-hungry industrial sites throughout the nation. The new capital builds on strong market traction and prior financings, reflecting growing demand for reliable, quick-to-market, sustainable power as the AI revolution reshapes U.S. electricity needs.

Exowatt’s P3 is a modular, dispatchable solar system that enables controllable, around‑the‑clock output by storing solar energy in the form of heat and converting it to power during peak demand hours and throughout the night, the Holy Grail of solar energy. Designed for rapid-siting and scale-out, P3 can be co-located at or near load, providing the firm, sustainable capacity that data centers require while reducing dependence on constrained grid interconnection.

“With the support of our investors and partners, our commercial pipeline has a current demand backlog exceeding 90 GWh, spanning U.S. data centers, energy developers and everything in between,” said Hannan Happi, CEO of Exowatt. “This new capital investment will support our scaling efforts for P3 as we continue to announce customers and partners in the months ahead.”

The $50m capital investment was led by MVP Ventures and 8090 Industries and is an extension to Exowatt’s April 2025 $70m Series A round led by Felicis, a leading venture capital firm in Silicon Valley, which also contributed. Additional investors for this extension include The Florida Opportunity Fund, DeepWork Capital, Dragon Global, Massive VC, New Atlas Capital, BAM, Overmatch, Protagonist, StepStone, Atomic, and Bay Bridge Ventures. Exowatt’s initial seed round of $20m included notable angel investors Sam Altman, CEO of Open AI, and actor and environmentalist, Leonardo DiCaprio.

With AI power now a national priority, this funding accelerates Exowatt’s vision for American made, dispatchable solar for data centers across the country, advancing U.S. energy dominance.

“AI demand won’t wait for new transmission interconnections,” said Andre de Baubigny, Managing Director of MVP Ventures. “Exowatt’s dispatchable, American made solar puts firm, clean power at the edge of load—and our investment reflects our conviction in their ability to scale quickly with customers nationwide.”

“Exowatt is converting momentum into megawatts,” said Rayyan Islam, Co-Founder and General Partner of 8090 Industries. “We’re pleased to expand our support as the company scales domestic production and finances deployments, delivering dependable, sustainable power next to data centers throughout the U.S.”

“To stay competitive in the AI era, Florida needs reliable, clean megawatts at speed. We’re proud to support a Florida business in Exowatt that makes that possible,” said Robert Harvey, President and Executive Director of the Florida Opportunity Fund.

Power generation demand from data centers is predicted to increase by 150% by 2030, and Exowatt is powering the next wave of energy innovations.

Exowatt | www.exowatt.com

RWE has completed construction of its first project in Louisiana, the 100 MW Lafitte Solar project located in the Ouachita Parish, outside of Monroe. The project will be fully online and generating energy by the end of the year. Lafitte Solar was enabled through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Meta, through which Meta also receives all environmental benefits associated with the project, including RECs.

The project was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, local officials from the Ouachita Parish Police Jury and Ouachita Parish Industrial Development Board, RWE leadership and employees and construction partner McCarthy Building Companies (McCarthy).

Andrew Flanagan, CEO, RWE Clean Energy: "Lafitte Solar is RWE's first project in Louisiana, and will provide low-cost, homegrown energy to the Louisiana grid and generate enough electricity to power 17,000 local homes and businesses. By providing affordable and reliable electricity, we are strengthening Monroe's power supply while supporting the community's growth and resilience."

Generating Local Impact

Over its operating lifetime, Lafitte Solar is projected to generate approximately $32 million in regional tax revenue — supporting public schools, law enforcement and emergency services. Construction of Lafitte Solar was completed in collaboration with RWE's EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) partner McCarthy, supporting more than 150 full-time jobs on the project at its peak. During construction, workers supported local businesses and restaurants, and shopped at area stores, amplifying the project's economic impact.

Joe Holyfield, President, Ouachita Industrial Development Board: "Lafitte Solar brought jobs and investment to Ouachita Parish at a crucial time. Our local businesses felt an immediate benefit, and we look forward to sustained growth as energy projects like these strengthen our region's future."

Amanda Yang, Head of Clean and Renewable Energy, Meta: "We're thrilled to see the Lafitte Solar project reach this important milestone — not only adding clean energy to the grid locally but adding jobs to the local economy. Projects like Lafitte Solar are essential to achieving our clean energy goals while strengthening communities."

RWE remains dedicated to supporting local schools and families. The company partnered with Roy Neal Shelling, Sr. Elementary School, providing donations to support classroom resources, while its construction partner McCarthy supplied toys during the holiday. RWE and McCarthy remain committed to improving the quality of life for children in the local area by funding a new playground being built at Tanglewood Community Park. Additionally, RWE and McCarthy together provided one of the largest holiday food donations the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana has received, supporting families throughout Monroe during the Christmas season.

Supporting Sustainable Land Use

Lafitte Solar's site design features natural and native vegetation around the perimeter, promoting biodiversity and habitat conservation to benefit the project's land and surrounding farmlands. The project will also incorporate agrivoltaics, using a flock of over 600 sheep to maintain healthy vegetation onsite. This practice not only protects local farmland but deepens partnerships with regional farmers, demonstrating how renewable energy coexists with agriculture.

RWE | americas.rwe.com