Alternative Energies
Howard Skidmore, P.E.
Energy Storage
Emerson
Wind
Desirée Grace
Kinematics, a global leader in intelligent motion control, announced the successful completion of its acquisition of P4Q. By integrating P4Q's high-performance electronics portfolio—including over 1 million solar controllers deployed across 2,400 solar sites globally—with Kinematics' installed base of 2.9 million solar actuators, the combined company becomes the world's largest supplier of motion control technology for solar trackers supporting more than 134 gigawatts of solar installations worldwide.
Kinematics has gained P4Q’s expertise in full-stack electronics, including their market-leading tracker controls brand, Suntrack®, to complement its innovative actuation systems. This acquisition allows Kinematics to provide a complete solution for solar tracker motion technology, simplifying design integration and supply for solar tracker OEMs, enabling the most advanced tracking systems for future installations and providing asset owners a path toward upgrading outdated systems.
"This acquisition creates increased scale, expanded global support, and unified motion control solutions," said John Payne, CEO of Kinematics. "By combining our strengths, we're setting new standards for intelligent solar tracking technology. Our expanded portfolio of solutions will improve solar plant production, increase reliability, and enhance value to accelerate the growth and adoption of solar energy on a global scale.”
“Our integration into Kinematics will enhance our business and create new opportunities for our team. Innovation is in our DNA, and we will continue providing disruptive solutions to our clients as well as excellent service” said Aitor Alapont, CEO of P4Q.
A cornerstone of the combined offering is P4Q's revolutionary Self-Powered Plus (SPP) Controller Technology. This innovative solution eliminates the need for traditional pony panels, freeing up space on the tracker surface, and reducing both capital expenditure and installation complexity, while also offering superior power availability under low irradiance conditions.
The acquisition builds on Kinematics' recent innovations in motion control, including the breakthrough ST Series actuators launched in 2024. Featuring a maintenance-free design, the ST Series delivers up to 50% more holding torque in a smaller form factor, enhancing solar tracker performance and reliability - capabilities that will be further strengthened through the integration of both companies.
“This milestone will create synergies, expand our portfolio of products and services, and optimize our global operations, undoubtedly providing a significant boost to all our business verticals” said Noemí Pérez, Commercial Director at P4Q.
The combined company will be headquartered in the U.S. with R&D in the U.S., Europe, and APAC. Kinematics will now have six manufacturing centers, including the U.S. and Europe, and seven service centers located globally.
Kinematics | https://www.gokinematics.com/
P4Q | https://www.p4q.com/
CIRCOR International, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of advanced technology products and sub-systems, will exhibit at the Hydrogen Live Conference + Exhibition 2025 on February 5-6 in Liverpool, UK. The company will showcase its state-of-the-art valve technology and comprehensive hydrogen solutions, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in the hydrogen economy.
Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to explore CIRCOR's advanced pressure control technologies designed for critical hydrogen applications. These included innovative solutions for tube trailer systems, as well as refuelers and fueling stations. CIRCOR will present its comprehensive hydrogen solutions, featuring system panels and skid solutions such as pressure reduction panels, hydrogen trailer cabinets capable of handling pressures up to 700 barg, and containerized pressure reduction systems.
At Hydrogen Live 2025, CIRCOR will unveil its latest industry-leading products, all of which are TPED approved: Gen 2 SV 500 manual stop valve, N62 manual stop valve, and N6 MK 165 manual stop valve. These new offerings underscore CIRCOR's dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for the hydrogen sector.
Technical experts from CIRCOR will be present to discuss and support a wide range of hydrogen solutions. Attendees will have the chance to engage with these specialists, witness live product demonstrations and explore the company's comprehensive portfolio of filters and regulators, specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of the expanding hydrogen economy.
CIRCOR International | www.circor.com
Prysmian, a world leader in the energy transition and digital transformation, is now producing all TransPowr bare aluminum conductors using green and recycled materials, including low carbon aluminum and recycled steel.
Prysmian was recently recognized with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), verified and published byASTM International, which certifies information on a number of environmental impacts over the expected life of the TransPowr product line. Certified products include:
“TransPowr is the first sustainably certified overhead product portfolio on the market,” said Jared Weitzel, R&D Director for Prysmian North America. “By coupling this with our E3X coating technology, we’re able to offer customers a product that improves transmission efficiency and helps customers meet their sustainability targets related to CO2 emissions reduction.”
These sustainable products maintain the same mechanical characteristics and performance as standard conductors. The addition of grid enhancing technology such as E3X coating that reduces the lifetime energy costs and overall carbon footprint compounds the benefit of using green and recycled material to boost the sustainability of Prysmian’s TransPowr products.
Additionally, manufacturing of the raw materials by use of renewable energy and the use of recycled materials back into sustainable products directly reduces the carbon footprint.
ASTM has verified and published Prysmian’s EPDs, which are publicly available online. They are in accordance with ISO 14025, EN 15804+A2, ISO 14040, and ISO 14044 standards and rely on Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to provide information on several environmental impacts over the expected life of the products.
“As we work toward a sustainable supply chain and developing our grid enhancing technologies, these EPDs reaffirm our commitment to providing our customers with innovative and sustainable solutions, crucial across markets but importantly for data centers,” said Maura Nespoli, Vice President of Renewables and Sustainability for Prysmian North America. “We are steadfast in our commitment to solutions like this, which enable us to build stronger partnerships and foster mutual sustainability commitments between Prysmian and our customers.”
Prysmian North America | na.prysmian.com
With reference to the prior news release dated November 17th 2023 regarding the announcement of a strategic relationship, Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. (TSXV: VCT) (OTCQB: TORVF) (BERLIN: WNF) ("VCT", "Volt" or "Volt Carbon") and Charge CCCV LLC ("C4V") are pleased to announce successful test results from two collaborative efforts: Volt's proprietary lithium metal electrolyte paired with C4V's advanced BMLMP cathodes, and Volt's dry-separated graphite paired with C4V's Green Anode technology. These results represent a positive step forward in the shared mission to advance sustainable, high-performance energy storage solutions.
Volt's Electrolyte Paired with C4V's BMLMP Cathodes
Volt's proprietary lithium metal electrolyte was tested in combination with C4V's advanced BMLMP (Bio-Mineralized Lithium Mixed Metals Phosphate) cathodes. This pairing achieved exceptional results, including enhanced energy density that outperformed conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technologies. Coin cells built using this combination demonstrated stable capacity retention beyond 650 cycles with minimal capacity fade, showcasing the reliability and durability of this innovative solution.
These results highlight the potential of Volt's proprietary electrolyte to optimize the performance of C4V's BMLMP cathodes, creating next-generation solutions for high-energy-density applications. Figure 1 provides a detailed representation of the capacity retention performance, emphasizing the stability and longevity of the tested combination. C4V's SP Series technology is expected to deliver close to 300Wh/kg with BMLMP Cathode, achieving industry leading energy density without any Cobalt or Nickel.
Fig 1; Capacity Retention of Volt's electrolyte paired with C4V's BMLMP electrode.
Note: The test results have not been independently verified.
Volt's Dry-Separated Graphite Paired with C4V's Green Anode Technology
Graphitic rock from Green Battery Minerals Inc.'s (TSXV: GEM) Berkwood deposit was processed using Volt's proprietary dry separation technology at its Scarborough, Ontario facility. The refined material was then integrated into C4V's Green Anode process to produce battery-grade anode electrodes. Performance testing demonstrated a specific discharge capacity of 363.7 mAh/g (0.01V-1.0V at 0.05C), with a first-cycle efficiency (FCE) of 93.6%. These results highlight the superior quality and sustainability of Volt's natural graphite compared to synthetic alternatives.
The results validate Volt's dry-separated graphite as a sustainable and potentially scalable material for energy storage. Figure 2 illustrates the charge and discharge profiles of coin cells utilizing Volt's graphite processed through C4V's Green Anode technology, demonstrating the excellent compatibility and performance of the materials.
Fig 2: Charge/Discharge, coin cells from Volt's Graphite and C4V's Green Anode Process
Note: The test results have not been independently verified.
Strategic Relationship Impact
These results build on the foundation of the November 2023 announcement of a strategic relationship between Volt Carbon and C4V, showcasing the strength of their collaboration. Volt's innovative dry separation process eliminates the need for chemical purification, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of graphite production. Combined with C4V's Green Anode and BMLMP cathode technologies, these advancements aim to set a new standard in sustainable, high-performance battery materials.
Looking ahead, Volt and C4V are advancing to pouch cell development with the ultimate goal to scale these two technologies for larger-format batteries. The next steps include transitioning from coin cell testing to pouch cell testing, optimizing production processes to ensure scalability, and refining the integration of these technologies for use in electric vehicles, grid storage, and other applications requiring high energy density and reliability. The two companies are also exploring opportunities to expand their collaboration, leveraging their combined expertise to deliver cutting-edge, eco-friendly energy storage solutions.
V-Bond Lee, CEO of Volt Carbon Technologies, stated, "These test results demonstrate the incredible potential of our two key technologies - dry-separated graphite and proprietary electrolyte - when paired with C4V's advanced Green Anode and BMLMP cathode technologies. This represents a positive step forward as we build on our strategic relationship with C4V to deliver sustainable, high-performance energy storage solutions, and we are excited to advance to larger-format battery testing."
Clifford Olin, CBO of Charge CCCV LLC, added, "We continue to be pleased with Volt Carbon's progress through our Supply Chain Qualification process and the promising results bode well for our collaboration. C4V's work with Volt Carbon supports our Mission and Vision to bring transcendent Lithium-ion battery technologies that are scalable to the commercial market as we make Energy Storage as clean, green and affordable as possible for everyone."
Volt Carbon Technologies I www.voltcarbontech.com
The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released its 2024 annual review and Q4 2024 update edition of The 50 States of Grid Modernization. The quarterly series provides insights on state regulatory and legislative discussions and actions on grid modernization, utility business model and rate reforms, energy storage, microgrids, and demand response.
The report finds that all 50 states, plus DC and Puerto Rico, took actions related to grid modernization during 2024 (see figure below), with the greatest number of actions relating to energy storage deployment, utility business model reforms, interconnection rules, performance-based regulation, and distribution system planning rules.
2024 State and Utility Action on Grid Modernization
The report highlights ten of the top grid modernization trends of 2024:
“In 2024, several states solidified significant plans for energy storage procurement,” observed Justin Lindemann, Policy Analyst at NCCETC. “Various states unveiled ambitious proposals and targets to enhance grid storage capacity in the Northeast, with Massachusetts announcing a new goal of 5 GW by mid-2030 and New York regulators establishing a framework to achieve a 6 GW storage target by 2030.”
A total of 822 grid modernization actions were taken during 2024. The report notes that ten of the most active states in 2024 for grid modernization were:
“This year has featured an increase in regulator and utility action regarding plans for electric distribution systems in their jurisdictions." noted Vincent Potter, Policy Project Manager at NCCETC, "Enhanced distribution system plans include grid modernization technologies like automated management systems, DER management systems, and non-wires alternatives to infrastructure expansion. These plans tend to support distributed resource deployments and aggregations (i.e. virtual power plants), and also can improve reliability, resiliency, and efficiency of the grid.”
In Q4 2024, 47 states, plus DC and Puerto Rico, took some type of action on distributed solar policy or rate design. A total of 502 actions were tracked in Q4.
NC Clean Energy Technology Center | www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu
Corvus Energy, the leading supplier of zero emission solutions for the offshore and marine industry, is proud to announce that it will deliver a mega-size battery system for the first fully electric offshore vessel ever to be built.
The vessel is an electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV) that will be constructed by Armon shipyard in Spain for UK-based shipowner Bibby Marine Ltd.
World`s first of its kind
Corvus Energy will supply its Blue Whale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) delivering close to 25MWh of power for the vessel. It will be the largest LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery system ever delivered to a maritime project.
“A fully electric offshore vessel is something the industry has been working towards for a long time and marks a major milestone in offshore vessel operations,” said Pål Ove Husoy, VP Sales at Corvus Energy.
“This eCSOV will be the first offshore vessel that can operate fully electric for a full day and will set a new standard for future offshore vessels. The unique system design incorporating both battery power and dual-fuel methanol engines will significantly reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency while providing the reliability and performance needed for demanding offshore wind and renewable operations.”
Unique optimized power distribution system
Corvus Energy has been cooperating closely with the shipowner, designer and integrator to dimension and optimize the system design. Unlike conventional hybrid systems, the vessel will utilize its large battery pack as the primary power source, with engines running solely for charging at a constant, optimized load that maximizes efficiency, extends battery lifespan and significantly reduces emissions. The innovative DC grid architecture further enhances overall system performance by minimizing energy losses and ensuring seamless power distribution. Additionally, offshore charging capabilities will enable simultaneous battery charging while maintaining DP for station-keeping, representing an industry first in the SOV market.
Accelerating the path to net zero
Gavin Forward, New Build Director at Bibby Marine, commented: “We are excited to collaborate with Corvus on this pioneering eCSOV project, setting a new benchmark for sustainable offshore operations and driving the future of zero-emission vessel technology.”
He added that Bibby Marine selected Corvus Energy “for its proven track record in delivering complex vessel projects, while the LFP battery chemistry was chosen for its alignment with our eCSOV’s operational profile, offering enhanced safety, longevity and reliability for a project that promises to accelerate the path to net-zero for the maritime sector”.
Equipment from Corvus Energy will be delivered to the shipyard in 2026, and the vessel is scheduled for operation in 2027 supporting the commissioning and operation of windfarms.
Caption: The eCSOV will have almost 25MW of Corvus battery installed and will be the world`s first fully electric offshore vessel.
Corvus Energy | corvusenergy.com
Sunnova Energy International, Inc. ("Sunnova") (NYSE: NOVA), an industry-leading adaptive energy services company, announced a strategic partnership with OpenSolar, a software innovator empowering solar installers with the world’s only free-of-charge solar design, sales, and project management platform. OpenSolar’s industry-leading design software, including its automated AI design technology, is now available within the Sunnova Catalyst™ dealer platform.
The collaboration underscores Sunnova’s commitment to innovation, delivering cutting-edge solar and storage systems for homeowners and businesses. The partnership was announced at the annual Sunnova Summit, where industry leaders, including Sunnova dealers, technology suppliers, and policymakers, gather to share insights and drive innovation in the energy sector.
“The OpenSolar AI design technology brings best-in-class solar design technology to the Catalyst dealer platform,” said Jake Wachman, Sunnova’s Senior Vice President of Technology and Software Engineering. “The integration of OpenSolar’s advanced technologies brings unprecedented speed and precision to solar system design, enabling our dealers to generate accurate proposals in seconds. By streamlining the design process, we empower Sunnova dealers to help customers make better energy decisions faster and more confidently.”
The partnership introduces OpenSolar’s design technology into Catalyst, Sunnova’s dealer sales, design, and installation platform utilized by its national network of dealers and installers. This integration enables automatically generated solar system designs within seconds, giving Sunnova dealers the speed and accuracy to delivering highly precise solar proposals to customers. By embedding OpenSolar designs into Catalyst, Sunnova ensures that its dealers and installers have access to the most advanced tools for streamlining and enhancing solar project workflows.
“I’m excited that we’ve been able to take our market-leading design accuracy and incorporate artificial intelligence to automatically generate lightning-fast solar system designs,” said Andrew (“Birchy”) Birch, Co-Founder and CEO of OpenSolar. “Sunnova’s leading network of dealers will be the first to experience this technology anywhere in the world, benefitting its teams and customers.”
Supporting a Growing Market
The partnership is poised to support thousands of solar installer companies across the U.S., enabling them to capitalize on a U.S. market projected to be worth at least $17 billion by 20301. By making the process more efficient and cost-effective for customers, Sunnova and OpenSolar aim to deliver a better energy service at a better price.
Sunnova Energy I http://www.sunnova.com
OpenSolar | www.opensolar.com
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1 https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-residential-solar-pv-market-report
Energy Storage Jan 21, 2025
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