LGCY Power Expands Residential Solar Business Through National Homebuilder Partnerships

On 16 April, Empire received notice from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), ordering Empire to halt all activities on the outer continental shelf until BOEM has completed its review. Empire is engaging with relevant authorities to clarify this matter and is considering its legal remedies, including appealing the order.

The federal lease for Empire Wind was signed with the US Administration in 2017. Empire Wind 1 has validly secured all necessary federal and state permits and is currently under construction. The project is being developed under contract with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide an important new source of electricity for the State of New York. The construction phase has put more than 1,500 people to work in the US. Empire wind 1 has the potential to power 500,000 New York homes.

Empire is complying with the order affecting project activities for Empire Wind. Upon receipt of the order, immediate steps were taken by Empire and its contractors to initiate suspension of relevant marine activities, ensuring the safety of workers and the environment.

Empire Wind has per 31 March 2025 a gross book value of around USD 2.5 billion, including South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

Equinor’s ownership to Empire is held through the Equinor Wind US LLC.

Total amount drawn under the project finance term loan facility per 31 March 2025 was around USD 1.5 billion. Empire is in the process of ascertaining the impact on the project and project financing. Equinor US Holdings Inc has provided guarantees for the equity commitment in the project financing. In a full stop scenario, the USD 1.5 billion will be repaid from the equity commitment to the project finance lenders and Empire Offshore Wind LLC will be exposed to termination fees towards its suppliers.

The halt work order will be disclosed as a subsequent event in the first quarter 2025 report.

Equinor | https://www.equinor.com/

Nuvve Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: NVVE), a global leader in grid modernization and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, announced the appointment of James Altucher, a well-known cryptocurrency expert, venture capitalist, and best-selling author, to advise the company’s newly launched digital asset strategy and its wholly owned subsidiary, Nuvve-DigitalAssets.

“Engaging a seasoned consultant like James Altucher will enhance strategic decision-making and provide insights beyond the daily reach of current management,” said Gregory Poilasne, CEO of Nuvve. “The financial system is transforming rapidly alongside the cryptocurrency industry. James’ deep expertise strengthens our ambitious entry into this space through Nuvve-DigitalAssets.”

Altucher will work closely with leadership to shape Nuvve’s long-term approach to building a diversified digital treasury and pursuing accretive M&A opportunities in the cryptocurrency space. His appointment supports Nuvve’s commitment to positioning Nuvve-DigitalAssets as a high-growth vehicle within the broader blockchain and Web3 economy. Altucher will advise on both portfolio construction and venture investments within the crypto sector, guiding Nuvve-DigitalAssets in identifying high-potential tokens and strategic acquisition targets aligned with key blockchain infrastructure.

Nuvve’s anticipated crypto strategy will emphasize allocation to foundational assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum while also diversifying across high-growth sectors, including Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePin), and the Tokenization of real-world assets. Targeted tokens in the portfolio include Aave, Chainlink, Render, Uniswap, and others that serve as the backbone of the evolving blockchain economy.

“The financial world is quickly evolving, with crypto tokens central to a new blockchain-driven digital economy,” said Altucher. “Nuvve is at the forefront, and I look forward to shaping a diverse digital treasury strategy while supporting M&A decisions that add long-term value to both the company and its crypto holdings.”

Altucher’s appointment comes just days after Nuvve announced the creation of Nuvve-DigitalAssets, a subsidiary formed to capitalize on crypto and blockchain. Nuvve’s Board of Directors and management team had unanimously approved the move, aligning with the company’s evolving growth strategy to embrace emerging digital financial assets and blockchain innovation. Establishing this new subsidiary marks a significant milestone in Nuvve’s diversification strategy, positioning the company to participate in the high-growth digital asset economy while continuing to drive innovation in grid modernization and V2G technologies.

Nuvve | nuvve.com

Clean Energy Fund of Texas announced the launch of CHARGE, a bold, federally backed energy initiative that will bring solar power, lower utility bills, and new job opportunities to communities in states stretching from the South to mid-Atlantic region – areas burdened with some of the nation's highest energy costs.

Short for Communities Helping America Renew and Grow the Economy, CHARGE puts local communities at the heart of the clean energy transition. Higher education institutions, especially Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), will lead the way, partnering with grassroots organizations to develop solar projects that reflect regional priorities and create lasting, community-driven impact.

"CHARGE is about flipping the switch for communities hit hardest by high energy costs," said Teresa Morales, CHARGE Program Director of the Clean Energy Fund of Texas. "We're delivering solar power, real savings, and good jobs to campuses and neighborhoods that have long been left out. This is clean energy with purpose."

Key Benefits of CHARGE Include:

• Energy Savings: More than 8,870 households will see utility bills drop by 25 percent, totaling $76.97 million in savings.
• Environmental Impact: The initiative will cut carbon emissions by 3.14 million metric tons – accelerating the shift to a cleaner future.
• Local Job Creation: Investments in workforce training will support new, good solar installation and maintenance jobs.
• Education & Empowerment: Higher education partners will launch STEM-based programs that give students hands-on experience in solar technology and renewable energy careers.

"Energy savings and job opportunity benefits will go directly to communities, and thanks to local partnerships, solar solutions can become part of a community-focused resilience planning effort," Morales said. "More importantly, project partners will help train the next generation of clean energy leaders to keep this momentum growing."

To ensure accountability and local input, a Community Advisory Board comprising higher education representatives, regional organizations, and residents will help shape and oversee the program's rollout.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the program at https://cleanfundtx.org/solar-for-all/ for more information or to explore partnership opportunities.

Clean Energy Fund of Texas | https://cleanfundtx.org/about/

Plasmatreat's Openair-Plasma is used to specifically clean, activate or coat the surfaces of battery cells and housings. This creates perfect adhesion conditions for adhesives, paints, coatings and sealants - without the use of environmentally harmful solvents. The inline treatment, which takes only a few seconds, increases the quality, safety and efficiency of battery production and supports the development of sustainable mobility and energy storage solutions.

Plasmatreat GmbH of Germany develops systems for non-contact surface treatment using Openair-Plasma. This is a high-energy plasma beam that selectively cleans, activates or coats materials. In battery production, the technology ensures that components can be perfectly joined, painted or coated, and that adhesives, seals or insulating materials adhere to surfaces - without the use of solvents.

PlasmaPlus is a particularly innovative process. The plasma is enriched with special substances that form an ultra-thin protective layer when applied. These layers protect sensitive battery materials from corrosion, improve electrical insulation or serve as an environmentally friendly bonding agent. In cell production, when applying insulation, in module construction or when sealing battery housings, plasma technology offers advantages in terms of quality, efficiency and costs.

Further plus points: The treatment takes place directly in the production line - in a matter of seconds, precisely and automatically. This means that even large quantities can be processed efficiently. Plasma replaces time-consuming mechanical or chemical pre-treatment, reduces the consumption of resources and cuts down on waste, as all components are pre-treated evenly. Even particularly sensitive materials such as thin films can be treated gently and without damage.

"Our technology makes an important contribution to the quality and safety of battery systems," explains Lukas Buske, Managing Director at Plasmatreat. "Without perfect adhesion, there is no reliable battery – Openair-Plasma and PlasmaPlus make an important contribution to efficiency and quality in battery production, in seconds and without any chemicals."

Plasmatreat works with leading battery manufacturers and system builders worldwide - always with the aim of creating innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

What is Openair-Plasma?

Plasma is also known as the fourth state of matter, alongside solid, liquid and gas. When additional energy is added to a gas, it becomes ionized and enters the energetic plasma state. Whether plastic, metal, glass or paper, plasma technology is used to change the properties of the surface according to the requirements of the process.

Plasmatreat GmbH | https://www.plasmatreat.com/en/

With the U.S. setting a new record by installing 50 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2024, Xponent Power is poised to contribute to that momentum with the commencement of the commercial production of Xpanse, the industry’s first retractable solar system designed to bring clean energy to markets that conventional solar solutions cannot serve. Xponent has delivered the first systems to its initial customers, starting to fulfill its $3 million in presales and pipeline, and meeting the growing demand for new orders. This milestone builds on key past achievements, including securing $13 million in initial funding and validating the system’s performance through rigorous testing and successful real-world deployments.

Additionally, Xponent Power has signed multiple dealership agreements in Arizona, California, and Texas to begin building its nationwide network. Among these are Sun City RV, Arizona’s largest RV consignment specialist; Troy’s Custom Solutions, a California-based manufacturer of mobile command centers and emergency response trailers; and ET Quality RV and Princess Craft RV, large dealers in California and Texas, respectively. 

“We’ve had growing demand from customers asking how to get more solar without sacrificing roof space, and Xpanse directly answers that need,” said Leah Nelson, Controller, from Sun City RV. “The system is durable, simple to install, and easy for customers to understand. It’s a product we’re confident recommending, and we’re already seeing strong interest from both commercial and RV customers.”

These partnerships build Xponent’s momentum across both commercial and recreational sectors, with planning underway with several leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to expand integration into their future vehicle platforms.

"We're very excited to offer Xponent Power’s incredibly innovative solar energy solution for our fire support trailers, enabling us to further assist governments in meeting their green initiative goals, " said Troy Moravec, owner of Troy’s Custom Solutions. “We needed a way to increase solar production for our customers but couldn’t find anything on the market that was high power, rugged, and could fit on trailers when the roof space was already maxed out. Xponent Power’s Xpanse solution perfectly meets those needs."

Xpanse is the industry’s first retractable, bi-facial solar power solution. Unlike traditional, bulky rooftop solar systems, which typically require large surface areas for installation, the patented Xpanse needs only 6 inches of roof space to produce up to 1,200 watts, making it ideal for vehicles, trailers, and even buildings with limited roof space. Xponent’s technology innovation has garnered numerous positive third-party reviews, including winning the German Innovation Award and the Rally Innovation Award, where Xponent ranked first in the hard tech category among 443 global entrants from forty-four countries.

Xpanse’s compact, high-efficiency design provides a flexible solution for customers requiring reliable solar power in constrained environments. Xpanse also features numerous design innovations and smart features, including SmartSensors that enable auto-retraction in high winds, as well as electronic locking features to ensure safe operations. Additionally, an integrated, dedicated mobile app enables users to track performance in real-time, monitor system analytics, and position their vehicles for optimal energy generation. To ensure commercial readiness, the Xpanse system underwent extensive third-party testing across various categories, including automotive, environmental, and solar performance.

Recent customer deployments have further validated Xpanse’s performance in real-world use. One customer completed a week-long trip powered exclusively by Xpanse, eliminating the need for a generator while running high-demand appliances, including air conditioning. 

“The enthusiastic response to our commercial launch underscores a significant market need for mobile, retractable, high-power solar solutions,” said Rohini Raghunathan, founder and CEO of Xponent Power. “We’re thrilled to be fulfilling orders, scaling up production, and empowering customers to access solar power in entirely new ways.”

With strong customer demand, a growing network of RV and commercial dealers, distributors, and manufacturers, and expanding operational capacity, Xponent Power is well-positioned to scale across various sectors, including outdoor recreation, commercial, mobile service, emergency response, residential, military, and municipal operations.

To learn more about the Xpanse solar system or join the growing network of Xponent partners, visit xponentpower.com/xpanse-solar-system. 

Xponent Power | www.xponentpower.com

Oceantic Network hosted the Ventus Gala last night in Virginia Beach, where the offshore renewable energy industry gathered to celebrate its collective accomplishments and honor the 2025 Ventus Awards recipients. Oceantic announced the winners of the ten Ventus Award categories, which recognizes the trailblazing people, companies, and organizations ushering in the global advancement of offshore wind and ocean renewables. Winners represent the full supply chain in categories including Innovation of the Year, Offshore Wind Leadership, the Viterna Award for Engineering Excellence, and more. 

The 2025 Ventus Award winners include start-up companies like Aikido Technologies, for its innovative floating offshore wind platform; public organizations like the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, for its workforce development efforts; and partnerships between supply chain companies like Edison Chouest Offshore and Ørsted, for their ECO Edison Service Operations Vessel, launched in May 2024, which serves as a case study for industry partnership and investment, supply chain localization, and project execution. 

“The Ventus Gala is the offshore renewable energy industry’s most anticipated evening, where we come together to honor the achievements that are shaping the future of our sector,” said Liz Burdock, president and CEO of Oceantic Network. “This year’s winners exemplify the bold leadership, technical innovation, and collaborative spirit driving offshore wind and ocean renewables to new heights. From established global players to rising entrepreneurs, each honoree represents a vital link in the growing, national supply chain. I applaud all of this year’s finalists for their passion and progress that are propelling this American energy industry forward.” 

2025 Ventus Award Winners

Advancement in Project Siting & Development
Heerema Engineering Solutions – Delft, Netherlands
Given to an individual, team, or company that has developed a technology, process, or demonstrated immense effort and collaboration to advance or improve offshore wind or other ocean renewables project development risk, cycle, or timeline.

Health, Safety & Environment Program of the Year
Sea Services North America – New London, Connecticut
Recognizes an organization’s successful implementation of policies and/or training programs.

Innovation of the Year
Saildrone & RPS Tetra Tech – Alameda, California; Abingdon, England
Singular innovation that will contribute to the acceleration of offshore renewable energy.

  Next Wave Leadership
Cameron Poole, GNO Inc. – New Orleans
Recognizes a professional who is 35 years old or younger and has been in the industry less than ten years.

Offshore Wind Leadership
DEME Offshore US – Massachusetts
Given to a company or public entity that exhibits outstanding leadership, benefiting industry growth, development, and market maturation.

Offshore Wind Trailblazer
Tershara Matthews, WSP USA – New Orleans
Given to an individual that exhibits outstanding leadership proven through their ability to instigate/bring about industry growth, development, and market maturation.

Supply Chain Advancement Award – Private Sector
Edison Chouest Offshore & Ørsted – Houma, Louisiana; Boston
LS GreenLink USA – Chesapeake, Virginia
Recognizes a company making a lasting contribution to the advancement of the offshore wind energy supply chain.

Supply Chain Advancement Award – Public Sector
Baltimore County Government – Baltimore
Virginia Economic Development Partnership – Richmond, Virginia
Recognizes a public sector entity making a lasting contribution to the advancement of the offshore wind energy supply chain.    

Talent Management Leadership
New Jersey Economic Development Authority – Trenton, New Jersey
Recognizes individuals who nurture and develop a new generation of leaders.  

Viterna Award for Engineering Excellence
Aikido Technologies – San Francisco, California
Recognizes excellence in engineering that advances the offshore renewable energy industry.

The annual event’s namesake traces back to Roman mythology, referring to a fusion of the four deities of the four wind deities from each corner of the world. The Ventus award design represents the intertwining of elements to create a harmonious balance of elegance and strength. It is the swirling gusts of wind and the rolling ocean tides—a culmination of a natural, cyclical process in nature—and a reminder that only by the combination of efforts can we affect the change we wish to see. Each award was created with handblown glass by Baltimore, Maryland artist Tim McFadden.

Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/

The energy industry is energy industry is braced for short-term uncertainty caused by global instability, but remains optimistic in the long-term, according to DNV’s annual Energy Industry Insights survey.

The report finds that political risk is seen as the leading barrier to growth for the year ahead, with the perceived momentum of the energy transition slowing. Only 55% of energy professionals now believe the transition is accelerating, down sharply from 72% last year and 79% the year before.

Moreover, 51% of respondents believe that ultimately, a successful energy transition may negatively impact some communities, this could include economic displacement, uneven distribution of benefits, and prohibitive costs. Workers in traditional energy sectors may lose jobs without retraining opportunities, and poorer regions might struggle to adopt new technologies. In order to address this, respondents stressed the need for affordable, accessible clean energy technologies to be implemented by using innovative funding models to ensure the shift to sustainable energy creates real, lasting benefits for all.

Short-term volatility, long-term optimism, DNV’s 15th annual survey of the industry, has compiled the views of over 1,100 senior energy professionals. It also revealed that:

·               In the short term, businesses, particularly clean energy developers, are concerned they won’t hit revenue or profit targets;

·               Less money is flowing into projects. The majority of respondents are deferring investment decisions or choosing smaller projects;

·               But long-term industry confidence is underpinned by powerful megatrends including electrification, the urgency of decarbonization, and steady technological advancement.

Ditlev Engel, CEO Energy Systems at DNV, said, “A successful energy transition is not impossible, but the urgency to accelerate action has never been greater.

“The path to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future is inherently complex and uneven, but delay is not an option. Immediate, coordinated efforts are essential to ensure momentum is not lost. Geopolitical instability, including trade disputes and economic concerns, is pressuring global energy markets and causing uncertainty. These challenges pose threats to progress and require strategic navigation.

“Despite this uncertainty, our industry remains focused on the long-term vision. As a whole, we are committed to building a resilient, low-carbon energy system that minimizes emissions, is affordable and sustainable, while meeting the world’s growing energy demand.”

There is notable caution in the renewables sector, with revenue and profit outlooks particularly pessimistic. Just 50% of respondents expect to meet revenue targets and only 43% are optimistic about profits, a steep decline from the 75% and 67% reported three years ago.

The result of the economic picture, geopolitical conflicts, and policy uncertainty is that the industry is deferring investment decisions or choosing smaller projects for the time being, with only 39% in renewables expecting their businesses to increase investment in the coming 12 months.

Lucy Craig, Director of Growth, Innovation and Digitalization, Energy Systems at DNV, said, “Despite these short-term concerns, underlying sentiment remains strong, indicating that this challenging stretch will be overcome.

“Nearly 70% of energy professionals remain confident in the industry’s growth outlook, and this optimism is grounded in megatrends that continue to shape the future including widespread electrification, the urgency of climate action, and advances in energy technology.

“As the energy system becomes more electrified, distributed, interconnected and dynamic, adopting taking a whole systems approach will be essential. This means viewing the energy system as an interconnected whole, one that enables greater efficiency, flexibility, and resilience.”

A majority (64%) believe a whole systems approach is impossible without a fully digitalized infrastructure. Digitalization plays a crucial role in the energy transition. It's encouraging for the industry that, despite short-term fluctuations, 59% of respondents plan to boost their spending on digitalization—a trend that has remained steady over the past four years. This investment encompasses technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Aging power grids are proving a major bottleneck, with over three-quarters of power sector professionals citing outdated infrastructure as a barrier to renewables adoption, while 96% call for urgent investment to modernize the grid.

Craig added, “Digitalization, including AI, are key to enabling a whole energy systems approach and power grids are at the heart of this transformation. With electrification playing such an important role, there is an urgent need for increased investment in power grid infrastructure to support the electrification and distribution of renewable energy. If not, it could be an important barrier to the transition in different geographies around the world.”

Full report available at https://www.dnv.com/energy/insights/energy-industry-insights/

DNV | www.dnv.com