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Vesco Clean Energy LLC, a newly created company specializing in battery management services for companies nationwide, as well as EV charging solutions across the Midwest, has officially announced its launch. The announcement was made by Lilly Epstein Stotland, President & CEO of Vesco Clean Energy LLC. The company offerings include battery recycling, battery management, and electric vehicle charging solutions and repairs. As....
The future of energy storage is rapidly evolving, fueled by the growing adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. These clean energy technologies, while essential for decarbonizing the grid, make effective energy storage solutions critical for ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply. As the energy sector transitions to a greener future, the energy storage sector will be shaped by rapid market expansion, groundbreaking....
Electricity demand in the U.S. has surged dramatically, with ICF projecting U.S. electricity demand to spike by an average of 9 percent by 2028, after two decades of stagnation. This sharp rise is largely driven by the rapid expansion of data centers — expected to grow to 9 percent of U.S. electricity generation annually by 2030, up from 4 percent today, according to EPRI — and the industrial onshoring and electrification of heating....
The anxiety and, let’s be honest, fear when your phone’s battery hits 20 percent charge is palpable. Perhaps it’s because we have all experienced that moment when a phone went from 20 percent to 0 percent in the blink of an eye. Conversely, many of us also know the joy of when your phone’s last 1 percent magically lasts way, way longer than expected. This happens because the percent charge, the State of Charge (SoC), is not a mea....
Alternative Energies
Craig Kindleman
Solar
Sun Ballast
Alternative Energies
Howard Skidmore, P.E.
A new Competitive Ranking by global intelligence firm ABI Research finds that Siemens AG is the leading provider of software for green hydrogen production, narrowly beating Schneider Electric to the top spot overall, leading the market across innovation and implementation criteria. Companies assessed and ranked include:
Market Leaders: Siemens AG, Schneider Electric
Mainstream: ABB, AspenTech, Homer Energy
Followers: Rockwell Automation, SLB, ZeroAvia
“As green hydrogen production capacity is increasingly established in key markets, demand for technologies that facilitate generation is accelerating. Hydrogen producers are actively seeking partners that can help accommodate the demand escalation forecasted from 2026/2027 onwards, by offering software for the design, construction, operation, scaling, and replication of physical electrolysis processes,” explains Daniel Burge, Research Analyst at ABI Research.
The ranking evaluated software vendors based on several key factors, including the impact of their solutions on the capital and operational expenses (CAPEX and OPEX) associated with H2 production costs. It also considered the breadth of their portfolios and how well they support entire plant lifecycles. The evaluation examined how well their solutions accommodate different types of electrolysis (alkaline, PEM, and solid oxide), the geographical reach and strength of their partnerships, the extent to which their solutions are already in use by large-scale producers, and how effectively their portfolios support smaller-scale, on-site green hydrogen generation.
Siemens AG leads the market, closely followed by Schneider Electric, with ABB in third place. Siemens positioned first due to its established partnerships in preeminent green H2 production regions, market-leading digital twins, and extensive, dedicated fleet management capabilities. According to Burge, “Comprehensive offerings that cover the lifecycle of production, from initial design through to the expansion and replication of operational plants, are essential for the emergent green hydrogen ecosystem. This is a commodity market where scale is crucial. Resultantly, end-to-end solutions that can support extremely large productive capacities, across multiple regions, will be vital for up to 90% of future generation.”
“Simultaneously, enterprise-level electrolysis is expected to gain traction as hydrogen solutions are adopted by distributed energy resource owners. Vendors like Homer Energy and ZeroAvia offer stage and industry specific solutions and will play an important role by providing dedicated software for smaller-scale producers. Their unique strengths offer lessons for other, larger vendors in the developing market for green hydrogen,” Burge concludes.
These findings are from ABI Research’s Software for Green Hydrogen Production Competitive Ranking report. This report is part of the company’s Smart Energy for Enterprises and Industries research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights.
ABI Research | www.abiresearch.com
Stardust Solar Energy Inc. (TSXV: SUN) ("Stardust Solar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its expanding presence in the Lone Star State with a new franchise awarded to James and Valerie Mosley in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Stardust Solar now has a total of 80 franchise territories across North America. This franchise forms part of the couple's investment in two territories, including one previously established in Columbia, South Carolina. With a growing population of over 7.5 million people, Dallas-Fort Worth is one of America's most dynamic regions for residential and commercial solar installations.
The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) territory will initially encompass Arlington and Grand Prairie, positioning the new franchise at the heart of a fast-growing metropolitan area with significant demand for clean energy solutions. Supportive state incentives, favorable sunshine levels, and increased consumer interest in reducing energy costs have created a prime environment for solar adoption.
"Expanding into Dallas-Fort Worth reinforces our strategy of targeting high-growth regions with strong demand for solar energy," said Mark Tadros, Founder and CEO of Stardust Solar. "James Mosley's track record-both as a veteran and as a leader in the renewable space-makes him well-suited to champion our mission of delivering cost-effective, sustainable power to Texas communities."
Along with the DFW franchise, the Mosleys have the option to secure additional regional markets, which could represent up to 27 new territories and over $855,000 USD in potential franchise fees over the next 12 months, should they choose to exercise their option. This potential area development agreement could encompass further zones of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and even the greater San Antonio region, highlighting Stardust Solar's commitment to accelerating clean energy growth throughout the state.
"Dallas-Fort Worth is the perfect stage to showcase the impact of solar power," said James T. Mosley. "We look forward to helping families and businesses here reduce their carbon footprints while enjoying lower utility bills."
Stardust Solar | www.stardustsolar.com
Hydrogen has long been a staple of industrial processes, but its potential as a decarbonisation tool remains the subject of intense debate. While its role in refining, steel production, and heavy transport is increasingly recognised, fundamental challenges persist – chief among them cost, infrastructure, and investment uncertainty.
Speaking at StocExpo 2025, industry leaders and energy transition experts examined hydrogen’s future, addressing both its promise and the obstacles hindering widespread adoption.
Hydrogen’s Role in Decarbonisation
Low-carbon hydrogen is widely viewed as a critical enabler of net-zero ambitions, particularly in sectors where direct electrification is impractical. Eugenia Belloni Pocorob, Lead H2 and CC(U)S for the Netherlands at BP, highlighted its importance in reducing refinery emissions. “Decarbonising refinery fuel is essential, and low-carbon hydrogen provides a clear pathway,” she said. However, she acknowledged the formidable hurdles. “The technical and financial challenges remain substantial, but the opportunity for emissions reduction is undeniable.”
The transport sector is also exploring hydrogen’s potential. Amit Rao, principal consultant at S&P Global, noted its long-standing use in industrial applications but pointed to new areas of demand. “We are seeing airline manufacturers investigating pure hydrogen solutions beyond sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It may seem far-fetched now, but technological advances happen rapidly,” he observed.
Investment and Policy Uncertainty
Despite its promise, the high cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen projects remains a significant barrier. “The scale of capital required for CCS projects is enormous,” said Rao. “We have already seen major industry players reconsider their green commitments. The question is: where will the funding come from, and who will drive the transition?”
Investor hesitation is another factor slowing progress. Belloni Pocorob pointed out that traditional investors are reluctant to engage in projects with long payback periods. “The appetite for quick returns does not align with the realities of hydrogen investment. We need a different type of investor – one willing to take a long-term view.”
Government intervention has played a decisive role in advancing early-stage projects. Matt Wilson, Head of New Energy Markets at Navigator Terminals, cited the UK’s approach, where government-backed competition frameworks have helped de-risk investments. “By aligning the entire value chain, these initiatives have made projects more viable,” he explained. “Future developments will build on this foundation.”
Geopolitical Headwinds and the US Factor
The trajectory of hydrogen investment is increasingly being shaped by global political dynamics. Rao warned that shifts in US policy could have far-reaching consequences. “We need to wait out the Trump presidency to gain clarity on the long-term outlook. Over the next four years, we are likely to see renewed trade conflicts – not just with China, but across the board. The US is moving towards decoupling from global markets, which will have profound implications for European industry,” he said.
Rising defence spending in Europe could also reshape energy transition priorities. “If governments allocate 3% or more of GDP to defence, other sectors will inevitably face budgetary constraints,” Rao cautioned.
Cautious Optimism Amid Market Adjustments
Despite these challenges, the panel remained cautiously optimistic. Belloni Pocorob noted that while the number of hydrogen projects has declined, awareness and momentum have grown. “We may have gone from 30 projects to fewer than five, but the fact that some are now moving into construction is significant. The energy transition is not just theoretical – we are starting to see real implementation,” she said.
Wilson echoed this sentiment, highlighting progress in the UK. “The projects we have in place are gaining traction. The policy framework is set, and the risk profile has improved. This momentum will carry through to SAF and other hydrogen-linked sectors,” he concluded.
Hydrogen may not yet be the silver bullet for industrial decarbonisation, but its role in the energy transition is becoming clearer. Whether it can fully deliver on its promise will depend on sustained investment, policy support, and the resolution of geopolitical uncertainties.
StocExpo 2025 | https://www.stocexpo.com/en/
ABB and Charbone Hydrogen Corporation – an integrated green hydrogen production company based in Montreal, Canada – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement to collaborate on the development of up to 15 modular and scalable green hydrogen production facilities across North America over the next five years, providing a clean fuel source for existing hydrogen users and heavy industrial processes such as steelmaking, which currently use grey hydrogen as an energy source.
The MoU scope positions ABB as the preferred supplier for the design, engineering, fabrication, testing and supply of modular and standard electrical substations (eHouses) for the interconnection between production facilities and local utilities. ABB will support Charbone in standardizing basic engineering for systems and components across its project portfolio, to increase energy efficiency and reliability. Future scope may also see ABB operate as the main automation, electrification and telecom contractor depending on project requirements.
Among the sites covered by the collaboration is Charbone’s flagship Sorel-Tracy facility near Montreal in Québec, Canada. The facility is expected to be connected to the Hydro-Québec grid by the end of quarter two in 2025, using hydro electricity to power green hydrogen electrolyzers. The plant will create a blueprint for the design and engineering of modular and scalable equipment for other sites being developed by Charbone. The next project to get underway will be in the greater Detroit area in the US, which is the manufacturing base for major automotive companies.
“This strategic collaboration with ABB is a strong and significant signal about our proposition for the North American green hydrogen market,” said Daniel Charette, Chief Operating Officer of Charbone Hydrogen Corporation. “With the Sorel-Tracy project moving quickly to on-site activities, and the capabilities of plug and play modular approach to get production starting in a minimal number of weeks, Charbone will support the decarbonization of industry.”
Gouvernement du Québec has developed a localized Green Hydrogen and Bioenergy Strategy to support the deployment of hydrogen and bioenergy to power industrial sectors such as transportation, primary metals and chemicals. It identifies green hydrogen and bioenergy as having the potential to reduce Québec’s consumption of petroleum products by nearly one billion liters a year by 2030. This could cut the region’s greenhouse gas emissions by four megatons of carbon dioxide a year – the equivalent of removing 1.2 million gasoline-powered vehicles from the roads1.
“Green hydrogen has an important role to play in the transition towards a low carbon energy future,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries. “We are proud to collaborate with Charbone on its strategy to develop and grow green hydrogen production facilities across North America, enabling an important sector to scale and supporting industries to outrun leaner and cleaner.”
In addition to the MoU, Charbone will acquire ABB’s Extended Operator Workplace (EOW) system for all the planned facilities and a main Operator Workplace at Charbone’s headquarters to monitor all the facilities. The EOWs – the first to be installed in green hydrogen production plants in North America – will enhance production and reduce downtime via 24/7 monitoring from local and remote-control centers.
Global hydrogen demand, largely concentrated in the refining and chemical sectors, reached 97 megatons (Mt) in 2023, representing an increase of 2.5 percent year on year. Low-emissions hydrogen production was less than 1 Mt, but it could reach 49 Mtpa by 2030 based on announced projects2.
1] https://www.quebec.ca/en/government/policies-orientations/strategy-green-hydrogen-bioenergy
2] https://www.iea.org/reports/global-hydrogen-review-2024/executive-summary
ABB | www.abb.com
CHARBONE | www.charbone.com
Vitro Architectural Glass, a trusted and proven leader in the glass industry, has expanded its product lineup with the introduction of BirdSmart Bird Safe Glass, a bird-friendly, low-e solution designed to prevent bird strikes. This innovative glass combines four precision laser-etched 6mm dot patterns on the first surface with a Solarban solar control, low-e coating by Vitro on the second surface, all on a single lite.
BirdSmart glass enhances glass visibility for birds while preserving modern aesthetics and optimizing energy performance. It maintains both Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) without compromise. Crafted using a non-caustic process, BirdSmart glass markings are laser-etched onto the first surface of Starphire, Acuity or clear glass by Vitro, ensuring both functionality and transparency.
Pattern options include:
· BirdSmart Speck 6 Inline 2x2
· BirdSmart Speck 6 Shift 2x4
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· BirdSmart Speck 6 Inline 2x4
· BirdSmart Speck 6 Shift 2x2
BirdSmart glass and Solarban glass are both manufactured at Vitro’s Wichita Falls, Texas facility. This centralized production ensures an efficient supply chain, enabling direct shipping to reduce transit times, accelerate delivery and enhance cost-effectiveness.
“As an industry leader, Vitro understands the importance of providing bird-safe glass that mitigates bird collisions and prioritizes both environmental responsibility and aesthetics,” said Erin Casci, Vitro’s MSVD Product Manager. “Approved through the American Bird Conservancy's tunnel testing, BirdSmart glass is a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution that ensures compliance with current and evolving building codes and regulations, making it an excellent choice for architects and building owners looking to future-proof their designs. Additionally, the low-e coating enhances energy efficiency, providing superior thermal performance without compromising the effectiveness of the bird friendly markings.”
Perfect for both small and large projects, BirdSmart glass is available in sizes up to Titan glass (130” x 240”) and can be ordered in quantities as small as one pack. BirdSmart glass can also be manufactured without a low-e coating.
BirdSmart glass is available exclusively through the Vitro Certified Network of fabricators.
For more information about BirdSmart glass, visit vitroglazings.com/birdsmart.
Vitro Architectural Glass | www.vitroglazings.com
New York’s Statewide Solar for All (S-SFA) program is creating a seismic shift in the community solar landscape, but for developers and project owners, it raises a fundamental question: Are you leaving money on the table?
While S-SFA promises simplicity, it comes with a hidden cost - lower margins, limited flexibility, and utility-controlled constraints. Developers lose the ability to optimize financial returns, determine who receives credits, and justify projects to local municipalities.
Why Developers Are Choosing Solar Simplified Over S-SFA:
“Developers build projects to maximize returns for investors. S-SFA may seem simple, but it locks developers into lower margins, rigid constraints, and utility-controlled payouts,” said Aviv Shalgi, CEO of Solar Simplified. “We deliver higher margins, maximum project IRR, and a frictionless process from day one. No uncertainty, no surprises—just higher profits and total control.”
The Bottom Line: More Revenue, Less Risk with Solar Simplified
While S-SFA limits financial upside and removes developer autonomy, Solar Simplified offers a turnkey alternative that maximizes project IRR from day one - without sacrificing margins or flexibility.
Ready to see how our model can work for your projects? Contact us today at [email protected] or visit developers.solarsimplified.com/ssfa to learn more.
Solar Simplified | https://solarsimplified.com/
Terabase Energy, a leader in digital and automation solutions for utility-scale solar power, announced the closing of its $130 million Series C financing round. Led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with participation from both existing and new strategic investors, this round brings the company's total funding to over $200 million. The new funding will support Terabase's efforts to transform the renewable energy landscape by accelerating the deployment of its technologies for large solar projects. These solutions reduce costs and construction timelines for solar power plants, an urgent need as power demand grows.
"SoftBank Vision Fund's investment reflects our shared commitment to leveraging advanced technology to drive the future of renewable energy," said Matt Campbell, CEO of Terabase. "This funding validates our mission and provides the resources to scale our platform, paving the way for the terawatt era of solar."
Terabase's platform combines robotics, AI, and a comprehensive digital ecosystem. The funding will in large part support the manufacturing scale-up of its robotics-assisted assembly line, Terafab. Having already demonstrated its effectiveness by installing an industry leading 40 megawatts across multiple commercial projects in the U.S., the next-generation Terafab is set to deploy hundreds of megawatts of solar through 2026. The system doubles installation productivity while enhancing build quality and eliminating manual lifting of heavy components, significantly improving workplace safety.
"The surge in energy demand, particularly from AI data centers, underscores the urgency of scalable, sustainable solutions," said Kentaro Matsui, Managing Partner at SoftBank Global Advisers. "Terabase's innovative approach to digitalizing and automating solar power plant deployment positions it as a leader in this transition. We're pleased to support this vision as Terabase redefines how the world builds renewable energy infrastructure."
This investment comes at a time when the recent breakthroughs in battery storage economics have enabled solar power plants to deliver cost-competitive electricity 24/7. With the onshoring of manufacturing and surge in data center deployments driving energy demand, utility-scale solar represents the fastest and most cost competitive form of new generation to power the economy.
Since its inception, Terabase has empowered project developers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms to overcome cost and deployment barriers through solutions like the Terafab automated construction system, PlantPredict solar modeling software, and the Construct construction management platform that has supported more than 12 gigawatts of projects to date. This Series C funding will enable Terabase to rapidly deploy its proven technologies at scale, transforming how utility-scale solar projects are built and operated.
Terabase Energy | www.terabase.energy
SoftBank Vision Fund 2 | https://visionfund.com/
Solar Mar 15, 2025
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