The Dusty Side of Solar: Maintaining PV performance in water-constrained Southern California

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently submitted formal comments to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) urging the state to adopt a single, statewide standard for how utilities share smart meter data — a critical step to scaling distributed energy resources across the Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro’s filing points directly to FERC’s recent ruling, which established that utility “data blocking” is unjust, unreasonable, and distorts wholesale power prices.

“Pennsylvania households possess real solutions to meet grid capacity and lower costs through their smart thermostats, batteries, and rooftop solar, but utilities have blocked the data sharing needed to put those resources to use,” said Mary Rafferty, executive director of Common Charge. “Governor Shapiro’s comments build on this month’s landmark Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruling and push for a single statewide standard for distributed energy data access. Replacing several utility roadblocks with one clear rule means provider companies can move faster and consumers can have real choices. We applaud Governor Shapiro for supporting this effort to ensure more local power actually makes it onto the grid, which will help lower costs for Commonwealth residents.”

Common Charge | commoncharge.org

Walmart celebrated the opening of its 100th company-owned and operated electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging site at the Walmart Supercenter located at 16218 Jackson Creek Parkway in Monument, CO. Walmart is building its network around a simple goal: bring fast, dependable charging to the places customers already shop, at prices they can count on. Walmart EV Chargers are now available at 100 stores across 20 states.

“By expanding EV fast charging at Walmart locations across the country, we’re giving drivers a dependable way to charge while they’re in the store,” said Shayne Wahlmeier, Senior Vice President, Walmart Energy. “Reaching 100 sites is an important milestone, and our broad footprint positions us to make EV charging more accessible for communities while expanding the ways we serve our customers.”

A charging experience built around the customer

Walmart's network is designed around the customer. Charging stalls are located steps from the store, and the charging experience is integrated into the Walmart app, making it easy for customers to charge while they shop.

Most Walmart EV charging locations feature 8 to 16 fast-charging stalls, with chargers capable of delivering up to 400 kW of power. With both CCS and NACS connectors, the network is compatible with most EVs on the road today, allowing many customers to add meaningful range during a typical shopping trip.

“When a customer pulls into a Walmart to charge, we want the experience to feel as reliable and effortless as the rest of their shopping trip,” said Adam Happel, General Manager, Walmart Retail EV Charging. “We're proud to reach 100 sites, but our focus remains on building a network customers can count on every time they charge with us.”

Walmart+ members receive discounted charging rates for additional savings. Customers can start and pay for charging sessions through the Walmart app, with additional payment options planned as the network expands.

What's next

Walmart will continue expanding its network in markets where customers need greater access to convenient, dependable fast charging, working closely with local utilities and partners to bring new sites online. Customers can find current and upcoming EV charging locations on the Walmart EV Charging website and in the Walmart app. Open locations are also available on major mapping platforms including Apple Maps, Google Maps, PlugShare, Chargehub, and Chargeway.

Walmart I walmart.com

Green Water & Power, a Los Angeles-headquartered clean-energy infrastructure company, has installed more than 15,000 EV chargers nationwide while employing more than 130 team members in Los Angeles and nationwide. The company delivers reliable EV charging infrastructure for businesses, fleets, multifamily properties, schools, nonprofits, public agencies, and communities. Green Water & Power manages each stage of EV charging deployment, from design, engineering, permitting, procurement, and construction to commissioning, maintenance, and operations. The company has also partnered with more than 30 utility, state, and incentive programs to help customers reduce project costs and accelerate electrification.

"We are not just installing chargers; we are building the systems that make EV adoption practical at scale," said Danny Gold, President of Green Water & Power. "Each project supports skilled jobs, training investment, local economic impact, and cleaner transportation access for drivers across the country."

"Green Water & Power has been an exceptional turnkey partner in helping Rockdyne expand EV charging across our portfolio," said Maureen Funk, Project Manager, Rockdyne Ent., LLC. "GWP delivered 164 Level 2 chargers across seven properties and managed the process seamlessly from design and installation through rebate processing, operations, and maintenance. Their expertise has allowed us to move faster, reduce complexity, and bring reliable charging access to our communities, and we look forward to adding more chargers across additional properties."

Workforce development remains central to Green Water & Power's growth. The company supports more than 130 California residents in roles spanning electricians, technicians, engineers, project managers, and support staff, and has invested more than $500,000 in company-funded professional education and development so employees can advance without out-of-pocket training costs.

That investment includes EVITP certification, Registered Service Agent training, OSHA 10 and OSHA 30, forklift certification, electrical apprenticeship sponsorships, certified electrician exam preparation, and leadership development. To date, 21 Green Water & Power employees have earned EVITP certification and 33 employees have become Registered Service Agents, strengthening the company's ability to deliver safe, compliant, large-scale EV infrastructure.

Green Water & Power also sponsors registered electrical apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping employees advance from apprentice to journeyman to leadership while expanding the skilled labor pipeline needed for California's clean-energy future.

Green Water & Power | www.greenwaterandpower.com

GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) announced it has been chosen by Quinbrook for the third stage of the Supernode Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Queensland. With this contract, GE Vernova will provide power conversion, control and integration technologies across all three stages of one of Australia’s largest battery energy storage developments.

Supernode is a large-scale battery storage development located at a key point in Queensland’s electricity network. The batteries act as a buffer for the power system, storing electricity when supply is high and returning it to the grid when demand increases or renewable generation changes. This helps maintain a reliable electricity supply while enabling more renewable energy to be integrated into the network.

Stages 1 and 2, which use GE Vernova technology, are now in full operation and are among the largest operational battery energy storage facilities in Australia’s National Electricity Market. Stage 3 will add a further 260 MW and 1,216 MWh of four-hour storage, bringing the full Supernode development to 780 MW and 3,075 MWh at a single site.

For Stage 3, GE Vernova will provide the power conversion system, plant controls, system integration and grid-connection support.

Stage 3 has already achieved Generator Performance Standards (GPS) acceptance, an important grid-connection milestone. GPS acceptance establishes the agreed technical performance standards applicable to the project’s connection to Australia’s National Electricity Market. 

“Battery storage is becoming part of the operating foundation of modern electricity systems,” said Ed Torres, Business Leader Power Conversion & Storage, GE Vernova’s Electrification segment. “Supernode shows what is possible when storage, power conversion and intelligent controls work together at scale. Our engineering and integration work helped Supernode Stage 3 secure Generator Performance Standards acceptance. This important grid-connection milestone demonstrates the strength of our technology and our ability to support complex projects in Australia’s demanding grid-connection environment. We are proud to expand our partnership with Quinbrook and bring grid-forming technology to Australia.”

“From the outset, Supernode was designed as more than just a battery storage project. Its unique location at the heart of Queensland's transmission network makes it ideally placed to support the state’s transitioning power system well into the future. The site also has capacity for a further 520 MW of expansion, which could include battery storage, data centres or a combination of both. Opportunities to develop infrastructure at this scale, in such a strategically connected location, are exceptionally rare,” said James Allan, Senior Director, Quinbrook.

Grid-forming technology extends the role of batteries by enabling them to actively support system stability, providing some of the capabilities historically delivered by conventional power plants, including frequency support and system strength.

GE Vernova’s battery energy storage technologies combine power conversion, controls and integration expertise to help customers store and manage electricity, strengthen grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy.

GE Vernova | https://www.gevernova.com/

Swift Current Energy (Swift Current) announced it has closed a $750 million corporate credit facility, with an accordion option to increase by an additional $250 million, for up to $1 billion in total capacity, significantly expanding the company's financial capacity to advance reliable, clean energy projects and meet rapidly growing electricity demand across the United States.

Crédit Agricole CIB served as Administrative Agent and as a Coordinating Lead Arranger along with ING Capital and Truist Securities.  Key Bank National served as Collateral Agent and as a Joint Lead Arranger along with Banco Bilboa Vizcaya Argentaria, MUFG Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, and Wells Fargo Bank. Crédit Agricole CIB and ING Capital each served as Green Loan Structuring Agents.

The dual-tranche facility, with a 3-year term, provides Swift Current with flexible access to cash and letter of credit capacity as the company continues to develop, commercialize, own and operate large-scale energy projects across the country. With competitive pricing and flexible terms, the facility significantly expands Swift Current's financial capacity to advance its portfolio and support continued growth.

Since its founding in 2016, Swift Current has commercialized 5 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy projects, owns and operates more than 1 GW, and has more than 10 GW in development.

Michael Arndt, Chief Executive Officer of Swift Current, said, "The scale of this facility reflects both the strength of the portfolio Swift Current has built and the opportunity ahead of us. Electricity demand is growing rapidly across the United States and meeting that demand will require significant investment in new energy infrastructure. This financing gives our team additional flexibility to advance our platform, invest in high-quality projects, and bring new energy resources online quickly and efficiently."

Julien Tizorin, Head of Power and New Energy, Americas at Crédit Agricole CIB, said, "Swift Current has established an impressive track record of developing and operating large-scale energy projects across the United States. Crédit Agricole CIB is pleased to lead this financing and deepen our relationship with Swift Current as the company continues to grow its platform and advance projects that will help meet increasing U.S. energy demand."

Crédit Agricole CIB has previously supported Swift Current on project financings, including the financing of the company's 122 MWdc Three Rivers Solar facility in Maine.

Sven Wellock, Head of Renewables and Power, Energy, Americas at ING Capital, added, "This transaction reflects the continued maturation of the renewable energy sector, where scaled platforms increasingly require flexible corporate capital alongside project-level financing. Swift Current has built a diversified development and operating platform, and ING is pleased to continue our partnership as the company executes on its next phase of growth."

Josh Dale, Managing Director of Project Finance Origination at Truist Securities, said, "Truist is proud to support Swift Current Energy in refinancing its corporate facility, enabling the company to scale its platform efficiently and execute on its growth strategy."

Sidley Austin LLP served as counsel to Swift Current, and Norton Rose Fulbright served as lender's counsel.

Swift Current Energy | swiftcurrentenergy.com

Hyundai Motor America announced that eligible Hyundai EV owners will receive a 10% charging discounti on every charging session at all IONNA fast‑charging stations beginning Aug. 19, 2026. Hyundai is a founding partner in IONNA, the premiere high‑speed EV charging network created by leading global automakers to expand reliable, customer‑friendly public charging across the U.S. This special savings is a direct benefit of Hyundai's participation in the IONNA charge network joint venture.

In addition to the ongoing 10% discount, IONNA is automatically giving eligible Hyundai electric vehicles an additional 10% bonus discount on charging sessions now through Sept. 30, 2026. IONNA's stacked bonus discount brings the total charging discount to 20% for a limited time.

Automatic Discounts Applied Through Hyundai In‑App Charging or Plug & Charge Technology
Discounts are only applied automatically at IONNA chargers when customers initiate a charging session using Hyundai In‑App Charging or Plug & Charge functionality through the MyHyundai with Bluelink app. This ongoing 10% discount can also be combined with other IONNA promotional offers, e.g. limited‑time or holiday pricing.

Hyundai Expands Accessible Public Charging Through IONNA Partnership
"Range anxiety was never really only about the battery. It's about trust in the system built around it. Automatic charging savings for Hyundai EV owners at IONNA stations across the U.S. is the benefit: no codes, no apps, no math at the charger, just immediate savings on fast, reliable public charging built into the ownership experience," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "Hyundai is working to build confidence in the charging ecosystem through reliable charging, seamless payments, trust, and simplicity. We are investing in that infrastructure addressing one friction point at a time."

"The power of the partnership between IONNA and the automakers is not only in delivering seamless charging, but meaningful benefits for EV drivers, as well," said Seth Cutler, CEO, IONNA. "We're proud to provide Hyundai customers with a 10% discount across our 150+ locations, as the first initiative designed to enhance charging for Hyundai drivers."

How the Hyundai IONNA Discount Works
Hyundai EV owners automatically receive the 10% IONNA discount when starting a charging session through eligible Hyundai charging features.

• 10% off charging at all U.S. IONNA fast‑charging stations
• Discount automatically applied when using Hyundai In‑App Charging through the MyHyundai app or Plug & Charge
• Combinable with other IONNA limited-time promotions

Eligible Vehicles
Eligible vehicles include select Hyundai electric models equipped with In‑App Charging and/or Plug & Charge capability, including:

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 2022 model year and newer
• Hyundai IONIQ 5 N | 2025 model year and newer
• Hyundai IONIQ 9 | 2026 model year and newer
• Hyundai KONA Electric | 2025 model year and newer

More Hyundai EVs will be enabled as In‑App Charging functionality continues to roll out to additional models.

In addition to the above Hyundai nameplates, select Genesis EV models equipped with In-App Charging and/or Plug & Charge capability will also be eligible for this automatic 10% ongoing IONNA discount, including:

• Genesis GV60 | 2026 model year and newer
• Genesis Electrified GV70 | 2026 model year and newer

IONNA's additional limited-time bonus 10% charging discount is available now through Sept. 30. For more information on Hyundai's electrification strategy and charging partnerships, visit www.hyundaiusa.com.

Key Facts

• Benefit: 10% ongoing charging discount
• Charging Network: IONNA
• Eligibility: Select Hyundai and Genesis EVs
• Activation: Hyundai In-App Charging or Plug & Charge
• Limited-Time Bonus Offer: Additional 10% through Sept. 30, 2026
• Availability: United States

IONNA | https://www.ionna.com/partner/hyundai/

Hyundai Motor America | www.hyundainews.com

The Port of Corpus Christi has awarded $200,000 through its Education Grant Program to Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) and Aransas Pass High School (APHS) to support innovative initiatives designed to strengthen STEM education and workforce readiness for Coastal Bend students. CCISD received a $100,000 grant to launch its Coastal Bend STEM Initiative, which will create STEM Innovation Labs across a vertically aligned group of elementary, middle and high school campuses. The project will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and a continuous pathway to develop skills in engineering, robotics, computer-aided design and emerging technologies.

“We are incredibly grateful for this $100,000 investment in the future of our students,” said Dr. Roland Hernandez, CCISD Superintendent. “This grant will help us bring our Coastal Bend STEM Initiative to life by creating innovative STEM labs where students can explore, create and solve real-world problems. We are excited to strengthen our STEM pathway that prepares our students for future careers.”

APHS also received a $100,000 grant to establish a Process Technology Dual-Enrollment Program in partnership with Del Mar College. The initiative will create a direct pathway for students to earn college credit and gain specialized technical training aligned with careers in the industrial, manufacturing, energy and maritime sectors.

“The Port of Corpus Christi is committed to investing in educational opportunities that prepare students for the careers of tomorrow while supporting the workforce needs of our region,” said Rosaura De Los Santos Bailey, Director of Government & Community Affairs for the Port of Corpus Christi. “These programs will provide students with valuable hands-on experiences and create pathways to high-demand careers that are essential to the continued growth of the Coastal Bend.”

The Port of Corpus Christi Education Grant Program provides targeted funding to support high-impact STEM initiatives that enhance educational opportunities and workforce readiness across our region, with grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Designed to fund transformational projects with district-wide or regional reach, the program prioritizes high-impact initiatives that expand access to STEM education while strengthening pathways to careers in the maritime, industrial and emerging technology fields.

Port Corpus Christi | www.portofcc.com