Higher Power PV Modules Drive Up BOS Costs

Lion Energy, a leader in advanced energy storage systems and power management solutions, announced a strategic partnership with American Battery Factory (ABF), a U.S.-based manufacturer of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, developing one of the first networks of domestic giga-scale battery cell manufacturing facilities. The partnership further reinforces Lion Energy’s position as a key enabler of the emerging U.S. battery supply chain and is strategically aligned with ABF’s recently announced offtake agreements for its planned lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell gigafactory in Tucson, Arizona.

The agreements, securing more than 4.5 GWh of initial production capacity, mark a significant milestone for ABF and validate strong demand for domestically manufactured battery cells. As a strategic partner with an equity position in ABF, Lion Energy is closely aligned with the long-term growth and commercialization of U.S. produced LFP technology.

This alignment takes on additional significance with Aqua Metals’ (NASDAQ: AQMS) recently announced acquisition of Lion Energy. The transaction is expected to accelerate the development of a vertically integrated, U.S.-based battery ecosystem, encompassing critical stages of the lifecycle—from advanced cell manufacturing and real‑world deployment to intelligent energy management and end‑of‑life recycling.

“The strong customer demand we are experiencing and our recently announced offtake agreements reinforce the importance of building a fully domestic battery supply chain,” said Tyler Hortin, CEO of Lion Energy. “Our strategic partnership and equity position in ABF reflect our confidence in their vision and strengthen our ability to bring American-made battery technology to market at scale.”

"ABF's success in securing over 4.5 GWh of offtake agreements demonstrates the accelerating demand for domestically manufactured battery cells and validates the strategic value of our pending acquisition of Lion Energy,” said Steve Cotton, CEO of Aqua Metals. “Through Lion's equity position and partnership with ABF, Aqua Metals will be uniquely positioned to participate in the growth of U.S. battery manufacturing while extending our platform across the full battery lifecycle, from domestic cell production and intelligent deployment to sustainable end-of-life recycling.”

Lion Energy’s role in system integration and deployment supports the adoption of U.S. produced battery cells across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. In parallel, the company is expanding its U.S. battery assembly capabilities, with new production lines scheduled to come online in June of this year. These assembled energy storage systems are anticipated to be both FEOC and Domestic Content compliant, allowing Lion Energy to deliver compliant, U.S.-aligned energy storage solutions today while preparing to integrate domestically produced cells as supply from ABF comes online.

“Lion Energy is focused on building a platform that delivers control, scalability, and long-term value across the energy lifecycle,” added Brady Hoggan, CRO of Lion Energy. “By aligning system integration, manufacturing, and lifecycle management, we are positioning the company to meet growing demand for secure, domestically controlled energy solutions.”

ABF’s planned U.S. based facility will produce advanced prismatic LFP battery cells engineered for safety, longevity, and performance. Lion Energy’s proprietary systems, including hardware, firmware, and the LionESS™ energy management platform, are well positioned to integrate with these cells, enabling secure and domestically controlled energy storage.

As demand for energy storage surges across residential, commercial, AI data centers, and grid applications, Lion Energy is positioned to deliver solutions that align with evolving regulatory requirements, domestic supply chain priorities, and long-term infrastructure needs, supporting a more resilient and independent U.S. energy future.

American Battery Factory I americanbatteryfactory.com

Lion Energy | lionenergy.com

Aqua Metals | aquametals.com

Full Circle Lithium Corp. ("FCL" or the "Company") (TSXV: FCLI) (OTCQB: FCLIF) (FSE: K0Q), a leading US-based lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing products manufacturer, announces its first commercial sale of FCL-X, its ground-breaking lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing agent, to a USA based waste management operator for on-site deployment. This milestone marks a significant step forward in addressing a rapidly escalating crisis across North America: lithium-ion battery (LIB) fires in landfills, recycling facilities, and waste collection systems.

A Growing and Costly Industry Crisis

LIBs, embedded in everything from smartphones and e-bikes to vapes and power tools, are increasingly entering the waste stream, often undetected. When crushed or punctured during collection or processing, these batteries can ignite or explode, triggering fires that are uniquely hazardous and difficult to control.

Recent real-world incidents underscore the scale of the problem:

• In Winnipeg, multiple landfill fires were linked to discarded lithium-ion batteries, with officials reporting a surge in incidents over just a few months¹. (City of Winnipeg)
• In Oregon, one landfill recorded 21 lithium battery fires in just three months, escalating from monthly to weekly occurrences². (opb)
• In Edmonton, lithium-ion battery fires caused $2.5 million in damage, with temperatures reaching up to 2,000°C and fires taking hours to extinguish³. (CityNews Edmonton)
• In Maine, a landfill experienced six fires in six weeks, all attributed to improperly discarded batteries⁴. (Town of Fort Fairfield)

Industry-wide, the scale is even more striking:

• Over 5,000 fires occur annually at recycling facilities, many linked to lithium-ion batteries⁵. (Recycling Today)
• More than 2,400+ waste facility fires were estimated across the U.S. and Canada in 2022 alone⁶. (wastemanagementpressreleases.com)

Unlike conventional fires, LIB fires are driven by a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, a self-sustaining chemical reaction that produces intense heat, flammable and toxic gases, and a risk of reignition.

LIB fires:

• Burn hotter and faster than typical combustible materials
• Can reignite hours or even days later
• Release toxic and hazardous gases
• Extremely difficult to suppress with water or traditional extinguishing methods

Additionally, waste operators face a critical challenge: LIBs are nearly impossible to detect within mixed waste streams moving at industrial speeds, making prevention alone insufficient⁷. (Battery News)

Historically, landfill and waste management operators have relied on water, soil smothering, or isolation techniques, none of which are optimized for LIB fires. This gap has created a pressing need for targeted, scalable solutions.

FCL-X is designed specifically to address these challenges, offering:

• Rapid suppression of thermal runaway reactions
• Reduced reignition risk
• Safer handling for on-site personnel
• Compatibility with existing firefighting protocols

Unlocking a Multi-Billion-Dollar Market Opportunity

As LIB adoption accelerates globally, driven by electrification, consumer electronics, and energy storage, the downstream risks to waste infrastructure are expanding in parallel. With thousands of fires annually, rising regulatory pressure, and increasing insurance and infrastructure costs, the market for LIB fire mitigation solutions is poised for substantial growth.

Industry analysts and waste operators increasingly view LIB fire prevention and suppression as a critical infrastructure requirement, positioning FCL, with its state-of-the-art specialty extinguishing agent, at the forefront of a rapidly emerging multi-billion-dollar global opportunity.

"This first sale into the waste management industry of FCL-X represents another pivotal moment for the Company," said Carlos Vicens, CEO. "Waste operators are facing a growing and costly threat with no effective solution, until now. FCL-X is purpose-built for this challenge and is quickly becoming the new standard in lithium-ion battery fire response."

Full Circle Lithium | https://fcl-x.com/

References
¹ City of Winnipeg landfill fire data (City of Winnipeg)
² Oregon landfill fire report (opb)
³ Edmonton Waste Management Centre report (CityNews Edmonton)
⁴ Fort Fairfield landfill incident report (Town of Fort Fairfield)
⁵ NWRA / RRS industry report (Recycling Today)
⁶ U.S. & Canada waste fire estimates (wastemanagementpressreleases.com) 

Netherlands headquartered Subsea Cable Assets (SCA) has won its first framework contract with German grid operator 50 Hertz Transmission GmbH, secured through a competitive European tender process, to deliver four of its newly designed cable storage and handling systems.

The innovative SCA solution has been developed specifically to support 50Hertz’s offshore and onshore electricity grid infrastructure, which ensures safe and reliable transmission of high-voltage power to homes and businesses across the north and east of Germany.

The contract scope includes providing onshore cable handling equipment for offshore applications, covering the engineering, manufacturing, delivery, installation and commissioning of four systems, including all associated loading equipment. SCA’s unique solution has specifically designed partition walls that allow both ends of a cable to remain accessible for testing, even within warehouse and deck space constraints, a challenge its team overcame through a smart carousel-based design.

SCA manufactured and operates the largest fleet of cable carousels in the sector, including modular systems capable of handling up to 12,000 tonnes. All SCA carousels are electrically driven, rather than hydraulic, and, in this particular case, engineered for low floor bearing loads and long-term reliability, supporting 25+ years of service.

SCA managing director Sil de Rijke said: “Our team’s experience in equipment design and manufacturing, cable handling and storage, has allowed us to engineer a system that meets 50Hertz’s stringent size and operational parameters. SCA provides a combination of advanced electrical drives, and proven roller technology to provide a scalable, low-maintenance solution capable of reliable, right-first-time operation. It demonstrates how we can integrate equipment, software, engineering expertise and our manufacturing capabilities into a fully connected capability for our clients.”

SCA Group, through its joint ventures and subsidiaries, operates advanced engineering and manufacturing facilities in Europe and Dubai. The facilities have supported the group in delivering over 45 carousels worldwide, including some of the largest modular cable transports in the market.

The business also recently won a N-Sea Group contract covering the full design, manufacturing, delivery and commissioning of a cable installation deck spread for the cable-laying vessel Altera. This new 50Hertz award highlights the company’s ability to provide fully integrated carousel solutions, from design and fabrication to commissioning and operational support, across international energy projects.

Subsea Cable Assets | https://sca.llc/

Supra Elemental Recovery, Inc. (“Supra”) announces a strategic investment from Rio Tinto and Founders Factory through their mining technology accelerator. The investment, structured as a combination of cash and in-kind services, will enable Supra to build and commercialize its modular critical mineral recovery technology with insight and support from Rio Tinto.

Supra was selected as one of six startups globally from more than 500 applicants. The cohort is focused on advancing exploration and processing technologies to meet growing demand for materials such as copper, lithium, and critical minerals. Supra joins Foresight Spatial Labs (Ottawa, Canada), Chemshift (Calgary, Canada), Material Difference (Cambridge, UK), Voluna (Boston, U.S.), and Watergenics (Berlin, Germany).

Emily Hilton, General Manager of Innovation at Rio Tinto, said: “Startups have an important role to play in solving some of mining’s toughest challenges. Through our partnership with Founders Factory, we are connecting exceptional founders with Rio Tinto’s operational and technical expertise to help turn promising ideas into technologies that could improve exploration, processing, and critical mineral recovery. This cohort reflects the quality of innovation emerging globally, and we’re excited about the potential to accelerate these solutions toward real-world deployment.”

Jordan Sessler, co-founder and COO of Supra, said: “We look forward to working closely with Rio Tinto and leveraging the firm’s global expertise to accelerate our path to commercial deployment. We look forward to recovering high-purity elements from complex streams, including ore, tailings, and byproducts.” 

Rio Tinto and Founders Factory join Supra’s existing pre-seed investors, including Crucible Capital, Climate Capital, Portmanteau Ventures, and UT Seed Fund. The funding will support continued technology development and preparation for commercial pilots.

Supra Elemental Recovery | www.getsupra.com

Rio Tinto | www.riotinto.com

Founders Factory | www.foundersfactory.com

Cypress Creek Renewables has been named to TIME’s America’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2026, ranking No. 29 out of 250 companies nationwide.

The list, developed by TIME in partnership with Statista, is based on an in-depth analysis of more than 3,500 companies across the United States. It recognizes organizations developing and delivering technologies, products, and services that help address environmental challenges while demonstrating strong business performance.

Companies were evaluated across three core areas: positive environmental impact, financial strength, and innovation. The environmental impact assessment included alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while financial strength considered metrics such as revenue and workforce. Innovation was measured through the scale and impact of each company’s intellectual property.

“This recognition reflects the momentum across the energy sector and the role we’re playing in it,” said Kevin Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Cypress Creek Renewables. “Demand for electricity is rising across the country, and meeting it requires infrastructure that can be built quickly and deliver reliable, affordable power. Our job is to build and operate projects that perform at scale and create long-term value for our customers and the communities where we work.”

TIME’s analysis highlights how, despite geopolitical turmoil and market volatility, clean energy continues to clear major goalposts and expand rapidly as solar and wind become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels.

That momentum is showing up clearly in the United States. Solar and energy storage accounted for nearly 80% of all new electricity generation capacity installed in 2025, supporting a workforce of approximately 360,000 Americans. This growth is backed by a rapidly expanding domestic supply chain, including more than 90 solar manufacturing facilities and 65 battery manufacturing facilities now operating across the country.

Projects like Cypress Creek’s $4.5+ billion Steel River Energy Center in Arkansas show what that looks like in practice. It is a major private capital investment in American energy, American jobs, and the kind of infrastructure needed to support continued growth. The project will incorporate significant American-made materials, including U.S. steel and domestically produced components.

Cypress Creek Renewables | https://ccrenew.com/

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, partnered with the Swiss rowing team 44west ahead of the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic to independently test and verify the reliability of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system powering the vessel during its 4,800 km unsupported ocean crossing. With no backup energy source onboard, the team’s ability to navigate, communicate and run essential equipment depended entirely on consistent solar output.

Across 31 days between La Gomera and Antigua, the team faced conditions that can severely impact solar performance. Salt spray, high humidity, UV exposure, constant mechanical stress and sharp temperature swings all posed risks to panel durability and electrical safety. Even minor degradation could have disrupted critical systems, prompting 44west to engage SGS to confirm whether the PV system could operate reliably throughout the crossing.

SGS performed a comprehensive testing program aligned with IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards. Visual inspections identified defects that could allow corrosion or moisture ingress, while insulation resistance testing ensured electrical isolation to reduce seawater‑related hazards. Wet leakage current testing confirmed safe operation under saturated conditions.

Performance testing under standard test conditions verified maximum power output and efficiency. Environmental simulations reproduced the expected marine stresses, including salt-mist corrosion, sand abrasion, outdoor exposure and humidity-freeze cycling. These tests validated the system’s ability to maintain energy production despite continuous environmental pressures.

Results confirmed that the PV panels remained structurally sound, electrically safe and stable in output. During the crossing, they consistently delivered 1.2-1.5 kilowatt‑hours per day, enough to power navigation, desalination and satellite communications. In one instance, the system enabled a satellite phone call home after days of rough weather, demonstrating how dependable renewable energy directly supported the crew’s well‑being.

By validating system performance before departure, SGS helped the 44west crew manage energy confidently throughout the race. Instead of operating on uncertain assumptions, the team could make informed decisions about equipment use, allowing them to focus fully on performance and safety.

As solar technology is deployed in increasingly challenging environments, from offshore locations to remote and high-altitude installations, independent testing is essential to confirm durability and performance. The collaboration with 44west shows how trusted verification can turn solar PV systems into dependable power sources capable of supporting critical operations in real-world extreme conditions.

Through its global laboratory network and renewable energy expertise, SGS provides environmental durability testing, performance benchmarking, corrosion assessment and lifecycle assurance services. These solutions help ensure solar technologies perform reliably wherever they are used, from demanding expeditions to large‑scale energy infrastructure.

To discover more visit: ‘Proving Solar Reliability: From 44west to Global Energy Systems.’ 

SGS | https://www.sgs.com/en

Waukesha Bearings, a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced fluid film bearings and magnetic bearing systems, is proud to announce the launch of the NordAlign bearing, specifically engineered for wind turbine main shafts. This groundbreaking technology aims to enhance turbine reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and streamline installation.

NordAlign bearings are robust and reliable, often outlasting existing main bearing options. The tilt pads adjust dynamically to both radial and axial shaft movements, optimizing load distribution and significantly extending the bearing's lifespan. When maintenance and repairs are needed, NordAlign bearing pads can be exchanged uptower, effectively eliminating the need for expensive jack-up vessels and cranes. Its modular design easily scales to accommodate larger wind turbine models, while the optimized pad shape allows for straightforward integration into the nacelle, simplifying installation whether retrofitted to existing equipment or installed in a new application.

NordAlign bearings deliver advanced performance across a wide range of operating conditions, including assembly, low-speed idling, and extreme events.

Recognizing the unique demands placed on wind applications, Waukesha Bearings utilized its exceptional in-house material development and testing expertise to create a TruTech engineered polymer specially formulated to maximize wear resistance and enhance performance, even in the harshest operating conditions.

"Waukesha Bearings is committed to advancing technologies that not only improve efficiency, but also reduce operational costs for our customers," said Chris Johnson, VP and General Manager of Engineered Bearings. "The introduction of the NordAlign bearing represents a significant step forward in wind turbine technology, aligning with our mission to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector."

Waukesha Bearings | www.waukbearing.com