Energy Storage: 2025 and Beyond

Birds Eye Aerial Drones (BEAD) and ARTÉMIA Communications have partnered to help utilities overcome growing challenges in infrastructure maintenance, regulatory compliance, disaster mitigation and reputation management. Together, they deliver a comprehensive suite of customizable, cost-effective end-to-end solutions that combine cutting-edge drone technology with proven communication strategies.

BEAD, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, specializes in GIS, aerial imaging, inspections and environmental monitoring for utilities and critical infrastructure. ARTÉMIA Communications, a full-service communications and marketing agency, boasts nearly two decades of expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications and public relations for regulated industries.

“This alignment promises a faster, safer way to detect issues and deliver concise information to customers, regulators and community stakeholders,” said Barbara Wichmann, founder and CEO of ARTÉMIA Communications. “By combining innovation with strategic communication, we’re enabling utilities to operate more efficiently while building trust with the people who matter most.”

BEAD’s marriage of professionals and technology delivers safe, efficient and cost-effective inspections of power lines, substations and pipelines to mitigate crises and provide rapid post-disaster assessments. They can inspect up to 15-20 miles of powerlines daily and detect defects with over 95% accuracy, compared to ground crews who cover 1-2 miles daily and miss up to 30% of defects.

“Our approach equips companies with critical insights 60% faster than traditional methods, said BEAD co-founder and CEO Sheri Painter. “For utilities, that translates into faster decision-making, fewer safety risks for field crews, improved fire mitigation, lower emissions and significant cost savings.

While BEAD’s technology streamlines operations and regulatory processes, ARTÉMIA’s expert strategists ensure that insights are effectively translated into clear, timely updates for stakeholders. By delivering accurate, proactive communication during routine operations or crises, utilities can improve transparency, reduce customer complaints, and strengthen public trust—a critical advantage in an industry where 71% of customers value proactive communication, yet 45% feel it’s lacking.

The partnership’s offering includes:

● Aerial Data Services: Infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and mapping
● Strategic Communications: Crisis communications, public relations and stakeholder engagement
● Regulatory Support: Compliance documentation and reporting 
● Visualization and Messaging: Drone imagery integrated into accessible, actionable formats. 

ARTÉMIA Communications | www.artemia.com

Birds Eye Aerial Drones | https://birdseyeaerialdrones.com/

The Cox Cleantech Accelerator, a partnership between Cox Enterprises, gener8tor, and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub, announces its inaugural cohort of cleantech startups poised to transform sustainability in the Southeast. After a highly competitive selection process, the Accelerator selected five companies tackling critical challenges across fleet electrification, financial compliance, industrial wastewater and sustainable buildings. 

The 2025 Cox Cleantech Accelerator class includes:

• 4Earth builds advanced resource recovery technology for industrial and critical infrastructure applications. Utilizing materials science, innovative water treatment processes, automation, and machine learning, the technology is designed to seamlessly plug into existing factories and plants to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
   
• Accelerate Wind produces affordable energy for commercial buildings with a wind turbine that integrates with solar on the edges of roofs. Accelerate's patented spoiler design channels wind to the turbine more efficiently, harnessing more energy within a smaller footprint.
   
• Flux Hybrids designs electric powertrains that transform fleet vehicles into plug-in hybrids, maximizing efficiency and flexibility. Flux systems allow fleets to operate on electric power when charging is available and transition to gas as needed, delivering increased range, enhanced performance and reduced operational costs.
   
• Kara is the AI sustainability compliance platform transforming how investors and businesses manage sustainability risk. Built for asset managers, banks and companies, Kara streamlines sustainability performance, automates compliance with SFDR, CSRD, EU Taxonomy, EDCI, and SB 253 & 261, and delivers actionable insights that turn sustainability from a regulatory burden into a strategic advantage. By embedding sustainability at the core of finance, Kara empowers capital to drive both prosperity and resilience, ensuring compliance is not just a requirement but a catalyst for smarter, more sustainable growth.
   
• Joulea empowers building owners with highly accurate energy assessments to optimize financial performance and reduce carbon impact. Leveraging AI, drone technology and deep expertise in building energy systems, Joulea delivers data-driven insights for greater efficiency and sustainability.

"We are excited to support a new program focused on companies that are not only developing incredible cleantech innovations but also driving value for large-scale customers," said Morgan Phillips, Atlanta Ventures lead at Cox Enterprises.

The Cox Cleantech Accelerator is a 12-week program offering a $100,000 investment to five startups per cohort twice yearly. Participating companies will receive investment, mentorship from Cox business leaders, access to industry leaders and support with landing pilots or commercial agreements.

"Our region is home to nearly 300 global and regional headquarters and has been one of the largest recipients of cleantech manufacturing investment over the past several years. We are excited to plug some of the country's most exciting startups into that ecosystem," said Miguel Granier, managing director of the Cox Cleantech Accelerator.

The program ends on May 16, 2025. For more information about the Cox Cleantech Accelerator or to submit an application for the Fall cohort, visit gener8tor.com/cox.

gener8tor | https://www.gener8tor.com/

Cox Enterprises | https://www.coxenterprises.com/

Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub | gacth.org

Vikram Solar Limited, one of India’s leading solar photo-voltaic (PV) module manufacturers, has successfully increased its manufacturing capacity with a 1 GW expansion at its Falta facility in West Bengal. Additionally, the manufacturing lines in the facility at Oragadam in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, have also been upgraded to allow the facility to manufacture more efficient technology modules, including TOPCON and HJT.

These strategic initiatives are all set to boost Vikram Solar's annual nameplate production capacity to 4.5 GW, marking a significant step forward in the company’s growth trajectory within the renewable energy sector. The Falta Project, which commenced with the installation of essential equipment on December 5, 2024, has now successfully achieved its planned 1 GW capacity expansion. Furthermore, the expansion project in Chennai launched in July 19, has been completed and has further enhanced the production capabilities at the Oragadam manufacturing facility.

Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman & Managing Director of Vikram Solar, further explains, "Vikram Solar’s Kolkata and Chennai manufacturing expansion will help us scale production and augment our capabilities to provide sustainable energy solutions. Both projects leverage advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and ensure adherence to international quality and sustainability standards. They will enable us to supply high quality manufacturing panels, further fulfilling the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It will be yet another milestone in our endeavour to power a cleaner and greener future.”

The expanded capacity and upgraded manufacturing lines underscore Vikram Solar’s commitment to driving innovation and scaling operations sustainably. With a combined nameplate capacity of 4.5 GW, Vikram Solar is positioned to make a significant impact on global reneable energy adoption, solidifying its leadership role in India’s green energy transition.

Vikram Solar Limited | www.vikramsolar.com

The Zero Emission Transportation Association Education Fund (ZETA Education Fund) hosted a business roundtable in Savannah, Georgia on Tuesday to highlight the state’s historic electric vehicle (EV) and battery supply chain investments. 

The event, which brought together elected officials and industry leaders, showcased Georgia’s place as a leader in the domestic EV and battery supply chain and reinforced the state’s importance in the interconnected, broader effort to establish the U.S. as a major player in the global market. Video and photos from the event can be downloaded here.

“I was thrilled to participate in ZETA’s Jobs Roundtable in Savannah. Georgia’s First Congressional District is growing rapidly, adding new manufacturers like Hyundai and the LG Battery plant. I am proud of the many people in our community who have worked hard to facilitate that growth and thank ZETA for drawing attention to Georgia’s booming clean energy supply chain,” said Representative Buddy Carter.

“Bringing the supply chain for electric vehicles from Asia to America is a win for everyone,” said Commissioner Tim Echols, Georgia Public Service Commission. “The ZETA confab brought together leaders to celebrate this accomplishment.”

“Georgia is poised to be a leader in the next generation of automotive manufacturing with its talented workforce, STEM-focused universities like Georgia Tech and world-class port facilities in Savannah. We also appreciate how policymakers like Governor Kemp, Senators Ossoff and Warnock and Representative Carter have welcomed us into their communities. Through our battery cell-making joint venture in Bryan County with Hyundai, we’re thrilled to be playing a role in Georgia’s automotive revolution,” said Bob Lee, President of LG Energy Solution North America.

“Building new manufacturing capacity and securing our EV and battery supply chain is essential to ensuring that the United States dominates modern technology manufacturing. But investing in the EV and battery industry goes beyond simply electrifying our transportation sector. It also creates well-paying jobs in places like Savannah, Georgia, and drives down costs for American consumers,” said Albert Gore, Executive Director, ZETA Education Fund.

“American investment in advanced energy manufacturing is more important now than ever. Together, we can re-shore our solar and storage supply chain to provide good-paying jobs, drive technological innovation to compete with China, and secure American energy independence,” said Yogin Kothari, Chief Strategy Officer, Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition, which cohosted the event.

The roundtable opened with remarks from ZETA Education Fund’s Executive Director Albert Gore, and included a fireside chat with Congressman Buddy Carter, moderated by Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bert Brantley. Bob Lee of LG Energy Solution North America provided a keynote address on growth in the industry.

The event also featured an industry panel with representatives from LG Energy Solution, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, Rivian Automotive, Siemens, Southern Company, and Qcells, moderated by Commissioner Tim Echols.

From battery manufacturing to charging deployment and automotive assembly, the EV and battery supply chain supports over $27.3 billion in investment and tens of thousands of jobs across Georgia. 

ZETA | https://www.zeta.org/

Cordelio Power, an independent power producer that develops, owns, and manages power facilities across the United States and Canada and Fluence Energy, Inc. (“Fluence”) (NASDAQ: FLNC), a leading global provider of intelligent energy storage solutions, services, and optimization software for power assets, announced an agreement under which Fluence will supply 1 GWh of battery storage systems across three projects starting in 2026. These U.S. projects will utilize domestically manufactured batteries, modules, software, and supporting systems. The collaboration between Fluence and Cordelio Power will help advance U.S.-manufactured energy storage technology and energy security. The projects are expected to contribute significantly to the local economies, creating jobs and fostering economic growth while reducing the cost of electricity and helping ensure a reliable power system.

“Partnering with Cordelio Power on these projects marks another step forward in strengthening America’s energy resilience,” said John Zahurancik, Fluence President, Americas. “Grid-connected energy storage was created in the U.S. to increase reliability and lower the cost of all forms of power. By expanding the use of U.S.-manufactured content in these systems, we are supporting a stronger supply chain necessary to move toward even greater energy independence.”

Cordelio Power will expand its growing portfolio through this collaboration. The three projects will play a crucial role in enhancing grid stability and providing reliable power capacity.

"We are pleased to welcome Fluence as a major battery energy storage equipment provider for Cordelio Power," said Emma Burke, Cordelio’s Director of Procurement. “This collaboration provides strong support for the projects we expect to build over the next three years.”

Fluence, a major player in the energy storage industry, is building a resilient and diverse supply chain to help meet the rising demand for large-scale, high-performance battery storage systems. These projects will continue to drive a reduction in the cost of energy and support an all-of-the-above approach to power generation. Fluence continues to increase the use of domestic facilities in Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina that supply key battery storage system components. Expanding U.S. production of energy storage reduces risk in a market that has faced major supply chain disruptions due to factors such as extreme weather events, trade barriers, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. As energy storage becomes increasingly vital for maintaining a stable power grid, the need for reliable, high-quality, and low-risk systems has never been greater to support leading developers and utilities.

Cordelio Power | https://cordeliopower.com/

Fluence Energy | https://fluenceenergy.com/

Tigo Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYGO) (“Tigo”, “Company”), a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, will showcase software enhancements that reduce average system commissioning time by one hour, reduce the number of manual steps, and empower installer self-sufficiency at Intersolar North America 2025. At the tradeshow, Tigo will also highlight the work of EnergyAid, the highest-rated and most reviewed solar maintenance & repair provider in California and Arizona, which completed more than 600 successful service appointments per week in 2024 to service and repower more than 12,000 solar systems.

The installer-focused enhancements Tigo has made to the design, installation, and commissioning of its products were developed on insights gained from hundreds of engagements through the Tigo Green Glove Service Program, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to TQS. In addition to a library of new how-to guides, which cover the solar deployment process from unboxing to commissioning, Tigo has implemented thirty-five core software enhancements that improve and accelerate the installer workflow. By refining the commissioning flow within the Tigo EI Residential Solar Solution, the Company has significantly improved the installer experience, reducing setup time and ensuring seamless integration across Tigo inverters, batteries, and the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). Key advancements include:

• Reduced installation and setup time – A more intuitive commissioning process minimizes manual steps, allowing installers to complete configurations efficiently and with greater accuracy, driving a reduction of post-commissioning time by 1 hour, on average.
• Enhanced self-sufficiency for installers – Updates empower solar professionals with tools and resources that simplify system deployment and troubleshooting.
• Seamless system optimization – The refined software ensures better system performance and reliability, aligning with Tigo’s broader TQS initiative.

Tigo points to EnergyAid as a proof source, which is dedicated to reviving and repowering legacy solar systems. As an increasing number of homeowners deal with aging solar systems and outdated DC inverters, EnergyAid repowers older solar systems which suffer from reduced efficiency and lost savings. As such, EnergyAid replaces inefficient or failing inverters with modern, flexible solutions that extend system life while increasing energy production. In 2024, EnergyAid serviced more than 12,000 solar systems, helping homeowners regain control of their solar investment. Unlike companies that rely on subcontractors, EnergyAid hires, trains, and deploys 45 service technicians as direct employees to ensure consistent quality, accountability, and expertise in every service call.

“As a residential solar maintenance and repair provider that clocked in 600 completed service appointments per week last year, we’ve experienced firsthand how Tigo’s commitment to installer success translates into tangible improvements in the field,” said Nick Sherman, CEO at EnergyAid. “While solar technology is quite mature, many thousands of systems deployed in the past 20 years are showing their age, and we found that the repowering market contains tremendous opportunity and value. Over the past quarter, we’ve facilitated more than 100 inverter replacements with this enhanced support, and Tigo has a significant, real-world impact on system uptime, performance, and deployment speed.”

Attendees at Intersolar North America 2025, taking place February 25-27 in San Diego, can experience firsthand how Tigo software transforms solar installation and commissioning. Tigo representatives will be available to discuss the enhancements to commissioning, share insights from the Green Glove program, and explore how Total Quality Solar principles continue to shape the industry.

“A central tenet of the TQS mindset is to take the pursuit of quality beyond the company walls towards our many dedicated installers, and during my site visits with EnergyAid I was impressed to see the fruits of that labor in action,” said Jing Tian, chief growth and revenue officer at Tigo Energy. “With innovative installer companies like EnergyAid repowering legacy solar, our enhanced commissioning times, and expanded engagement programs for installers, we are providing installers the most effective tools to succeed and flourish.”

For more information or to schedule a meeting with Tigo Energy at Intersolar, please visit: Intersolar NA 2025 | Tigo Energy

Tigo Energy | www.tigoenergy.com

SEG Solar ("SEG"), a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, and Talon PV ("Talon"), a U.S.-based manufacturer of solar cells, announced a strategic partnership under which Talon would supply high-performance N-type solar cells to SEG commencing in the first quarter of 2026. 

The use of Talon cells in SEG modules would significantly increase the amount of domestic content incorporated into SEG's PV module products and allow SEG to fully realize "Made in America" status for its PV module products. In addition, by using cells from Talon manufactured in the US, SEG would significantly mitigate any risk of delays associated with importing foreign silicon-based components. Adam Tesanovich, CEO and Co-Founder of Talon, and Jim Wood, CEO of SEG, attended the signing ceremony.

As a U.S.-based PV module manufacturer, SEG's module factory in Houston, Texas, officially commenced production in 2024. By the end of February 2025, its second production line will be successfully commissioned and fully operational, enabling SEG to produce up to 2GW of modules annually at the Houston facility. SEG continuously upgrades its technology research and development, supply chain management, and local production capabilities, focusing on providing efficient, reliable solutions and more competitive products to the U.S. market. This partnership with Talon PV will further fulfill SEG's commitment to promoting American-made products, providing customers with a more stable and sustainable local product supply, improving supply efficiency, and further expanding SEG's advantages in the North American PV market to meet the needs of local customers and partners.

Adam Tesanovich, CEO and Co-Founder of Talon PV, stated, "We are deeply honored to establish this partnership with SEG. SEG's stringent standards for product quality align closely with our company's philosophy, and we look forward to a long-term collaboration." Talon's U.S.-based N-type cell manufacturing facility is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026, with an annual initial production capacity of 4GW. At that time, we look forward to supplying SEG with high-quality, domestically manufactured N-type cells. 

Jim Wood, CEO of SEG, said at the signing ceremony, "Cooperation with Talon is of great strategic importance to SEG. Talon's high-performance, reliable cell products align perfectly with SEG's commitment to quality. As U.S.-based manufacturers, we share a responsibility to drive the resurgence of American manufacturing and support local job creation. This partnership strengthens our Houston, Texas operations, furthering our efforts to expand domestic production capacity and deliver high-quality solar products to American customers. With the support of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), this collaboration will not only enhance our product competitiveness but also accelerate the growth of clean energy jobs in our community."

The cooperation between SEG and Talon is an important measure for SEG to promote its localization strategy. The two parties will work together to cultivate the North American market, achieve more efficient resource integration and coordinated development, and inject new vitality into the healthy development of the U.S. PV industry.

SEG Solar | https://www.segsolar.com/

Talon PV | https://talonpv.com/