Why the West Needs to Secure Heavy Rare Earths for the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab has delivered a solar energy system for HGK Shipping’s inland shipping cargo vessel Blue Marlin. Representing a major technical milestone and step forward for sustainable inland shipping, the vessel’s 192 solar panels will provide power to both the onboard and propulsion systems, making the Blue Marlin the first inland shipping vessel in the world capable of hybrid sailing with solar power. 

HGK Shipping is a European inland waterway shipping company operating a fleet of 350 vessels. With annual freight figures in the region of 43 million tonnes, HGK Shipping is considered to be a leading player in European dry bulk, gas and chemical transport. Wattlab, which is also active in the seagoing shipping industry, brings broad maritime experience to this pioneering project.

Wattlab has worked previously with HGK Shipping. In Q2 2024, HGK’s 135-metre long dry cargo vessel MS Helios made headlines – and entered The Guinness Book of Records – for having the world’s largest solar panel installation on an inland shipping vessel. The MS Helios is equipped with 312 solar panels.

Fully integrated system

The solar energy systems of the Helios and the Blue Marlin differ in one critical aspect. Unlike the Helios, where solar energy was used exclusively for low-voltage onboard (hotel) systems, the Blue Marlin features a more advanced, fully integrated system capable of contributing power directly to the ship’s high voltage electric propulsion. 

This, says Wattlab co-founder and COO David Kester, is a technical milestone. “The Blue Marlin’s 192 solar panels are not only connected to the low-voltage onboard systems but also to the high-voltage propulsion network. This means that HGK Shipping can proudly state that they are the first inland shipping company to operate a vessel that uses solar power directly for propulsion.”

Automated energy management 

Delivering up to 35 kilowatts under optimal conditions, the Blue Marlin’s solar power system will operate in conjunction with four diesel generators powering the electric propulsion system. This fully integrated setup enables ‘peak shaving’, where the combination of solar energy and batteries will prevent the need for activating an additional generator during high-demand periods. The system’s automated energy management will distribute electrical energy where and when it is required, increasing efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

“Furthermore, in situations where the ship is lightly loaded and travelling downstream, we anticipate that it may even sail using only solar power for limited periods—an unprecedented achievement in the inland shipping sector,” continues Kester.

Proud to pioneer

"We have already reached a significant technical milestone with the construction of the Helios, which has had a noticeably positive impact. The Blue Marlin now goes one step further by also using solar energy for the power train. It makes another important contribution to making shipping, which is already a low-emission mode of transport, even more sustainable. We are excited to see how this innovative solution will prove itself in practical operation”, says Tim Gödde, Director Ship Management at HGK Ship Management Lux S.à r.l. “We are proud to pioneer the use of solar propulsion in inland shipping. The Blue Marlin demonstrates what’s possible when innovation meets engineering expertise.”

Installation of the Blue Marlin’s solar panels took place at De Gerlien van Tiem shipyard, with Wattlab cooperating closely with Blommaert Aluminium and Van Tiem Electro. “We have been working with these partners for some time now – on multiple vessels – so have managed to really optimise the processes. The Blue Marlin is a new-build vessel; it took about one week for installation followed by a few days for commissioning,” adds Kester. “Considering a similar-sized retrofit project, we estimate that a shipowner would be looking at a downtime of no more than one week.”

Scalable solar solutions for coastal and seagoing vessels

This project also marks a broader evolution in maritime decarbonization strategies. As regulatory pressure increases and fuel prices fluctuate, shipowners and operators are looking to diversify their energy mix. Wattlab’s scalable solar solutions are proving their viability not only on inland waterways, but also on coastal and seagoing vessels.

Wattlab | www.wattlab.nl

AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of advanced drone and aerial imaging solutions, announces the upcoming demonstration of AI-enabled autonomous Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) teaming, developed through a strategic partnership with an Israeli defense/technology firm. The system is designed for use in border security, surveillance, and intrusion detection missions and will showcase advanced autonomous capabilities with minimal human intervention while delivering real-time operational intelligence.

The joint effort integrates AgEagle’s eBee VISION drones with partner-developed AI-powered mission planning and autonomous control tools, enabling the drones to operate as a cohesive, intelligent unit. The system leverages adaptive algorithms and decentralized decision-making within a “system of systems” architecture that dynamically adjusts to mission conditions in real time. This integration is expected to significantly enhance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) effectiveness by delivering actionable data with increased speed and precision.

“Our advanced eBee VISION drones equipped with cutting-edge AI algorithms will demonstrate during ISR exercises that our drones can operate with minimal human control while transmitting reliable, highly detailed imagery in real time to achieve mission objectives,” said Bill Irby, CEO of AgEagle. “This strategic teammate, while not yet publicly named, brings innovative autonomous technologies to integrate with our proven drone performance to deliver a much-needed solution for countering the evolving threat facing nations around the world.”

The upcoming demonstration will feature a simulated border-crossing scenario designed to validate the system’s ability to autonomously detect, track, and report unauthorized incursions. Operating as a multi-drone team, three eBee VISION drones will coordinate using AI systems to execute their mission with minimal operator oversight. The exercise will also include dynamic environmental variables to showcase the system’s adaptability and responsiveness to real-world challenges.

As part of this confidential collaboration, AgEagle is leveraging partner-developed AI mission-planning software, incorporating multi-agent collaboration strategies that enable high levels of autonomy and operational resilience. The demonstration is expected to validate autonomous planning and execution across simulated and operational environments, further underscoring the potential of next-generation UAS teaming for defense and public safety.

This initiative represents a major milestone in AgEagle’s strategy to deliver intelligent, mission-ready unmanned solutions through key partnerships. It reflects the Company’s commitment to advancing technologies that enhance situational awareness, reduce operator burden, and increase mission success rates in high-threat environments.

Completion of this demonstration will depend on relevant export and import approvals.

AgEagle Aerial Systems I www.ageagle.com

FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCEL) President and CEO Jason Few has issued a statement praising the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) for its direct support of the fuel cell industry and its role in strengthening America’s energy infrastructure, data center resilience, and clean manufacturing base.

“The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ is a landmark for American energy leadership—and it’s time to set the record straight: clean energy was not sidelined,” said Few. “In fact, the bill includes direct, powerful provisions that support the fuel cell industry and reinforce the United States’ position as a global leader in data center infrastructure and grid resilience.”

Few highlighted the reinstatement of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) as a key win for the sector. He also emphasized the importance of preserving the transferability of federal tax credits, calling it “very important—especially for small- and mid-sized companies—to maintain the ability to monetize these credits.”

FuelCell Energy also expressed support for Congress’ decision to modify hydrogen provisions in the bill, ensuring stability for companies that have already made significant investments in hydrogen.

“Supporters of the OBBBA deserve credit for moving the conversation toward a more inclusive, American-built and led, innovation-driven—and yes, clean—energy policy,” Few concluded.

Full Statement from Jason Few, President & CEO of FuelCell Energy

“The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ is a landmark for American energy leadership—and it’s time to set the record straight: clean energy was not sidelined. In fact, the bill includes direct, powerful provisions that support the fuel cell industry and reinforce the United States’ position as a global leader in data center infrastructure and grid resilience.

One of the most impactful elements of the legislation is the reinstatement of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). By maintaining full ITC eligibility for fuel cell technologies, the bill ensures that companies like FuelCell Energy can continue to deploy U.S.-built platforms at scale. This is not just about clean energy—it’s about national competitiveness, energy security, and the infrastructure backbone of the AI economy.

The ITC’s flexibility—especially its transferability and long-term visibility—gives developers and investors the confidence to accelerate deployment. That means more resilient power for data centers, more stable grids in the face of extreme weather, and more American jobs in advanced manufacturing.

We especially applaud Congress’ decision to preserve the transferability of key federal tax credits. It’s particularly important for small- and mid-sized companies to maintain the ability to monetize these credits. That flexibility facilitates the financing they need to grow. If a mid-size, highly specialized manufacturer can go from one full-time production shift to two or even three, that’s more U.S. jobs and faster deployment of power solutions.

In addition, we support Congress’ decision to modify the hydrogen provisions in the OBBBA. We recognize that many companies have made significant investments in hydrogen. Congress made the right call in ensuring that those investments are not undermined by sudden policy shifts. That kind of stability is essential for long-term innovation.

Let’s be clear: the OBBBA doesn’t pick winners and losers—it recognizes the unique strengths of each clean energy technology. Fuel cells are dispatchable, scalable, and built for the demands of a digital, electrified future. This bill gives us the tools to lead.

We appreciate all the work that has been done in the House and Senate on behalf of the energy sector, and we believe the supporters of the OBBBA deserve credit for moving the conversation toward a more inclusive, American-built and led, innovation-driven—and yes, clean—energy policy.”

FuelCell Energy | www.fuelcellenergy.com

First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) ("First Phosphate" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has successfully produced commercial-grade lithium iron phosphate ("LFP") 18650 format battery cells using North American-sourced critical minerals, advancing its mission to localize the LFP battery supply chain in North America.

The LFP cathode and anode materials for the First Phosphate 18650 LFP battery cells were produced using North American critical minerals from the following supply sources:

• Phosphate: High-purity phosphoric acid produced from igneous phosphate concentrate extracted from the First Phosphate Bégin-Lamarche property in Quebec, Canada and processed in the pilot installations of Prayon Technologies of Belgium, Europe.

• Iron: Iron powder produced using magnetite concentrate from the First Phosphate Bégin-Lamarche property in Quebec, Canada and processed by GKN Hoeganaes of Tennessee, USA.

• Lithium: Lithium carbonate produced by Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) from its operations in Nevada, USA.

• Graphite: Natural graphite-based active anode material produced by Nouveau Monde Graphite (NYSE: NMG) from its operations in Quebec, Canada. 

"Today we demonstrate that North America, and Quebec in particular, possess the full spectrum of critical minerals and industrial capabilities to re-onshore LFP battery cell production," said John Passalacqua, CEO of First Phosphate. "It is important to remember that LFP battery technology originated in North America. Reclaiming this leadership is essential to securing North American energy storage, mobility, data center, robotics, and defense industry infrastructure."

The production process for the First Phosphate LFP 18650 Battery cells from North American critical minerals is viewable at: http://www.firstphosphate.com/NorthAmericanBatteryCells.

LFP 18650 battery cells are versatile lithium-ion batteries that are widely used in industries such as robotics, automation, military and defense, data centers, telecommunications, medical devices, consumer electronics and electric mobility.

LFP 18650 battery cells can be found in autonomous electronic devices such as robots, drones and UAVs, power chargers, laptops, power tools, electric bicycles and scooters, solar storage devices, home energy and power backup units, flashlights, digital cameras, night vision goggles, medical diagnostic equipment, data centers, AI infrastructure and telecommunications towers.

The LFP 18650 battery cells were assembled for First Phosphate by Ultion Technologies Inc (Las Vegas, Nevada), a private battery technology company specializing in LFP battery materials and cells with development and pack assembly operations for North American applications.

The First Phosphate LFP 18650 battery cells are being unveiled today by First Phosphate CEO, John Passalacqua, at the Oreba3 International Conference on Olivines for Rechargeable Batteries in memory of John B. Goodenough, 2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. For additional details, please see:  https://oreba3.ca/conference-agenda.

First Phosphate | www.firstphosphate.com

The global solar energy harvesting market was valued at USD 218.6 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% to reach USD 521 million by 2034. As the global push toward sustainable energy intensifies, solar energy harvesting technologies are rapidly emerging as critical components in the clean energy transition. With mounting concerns over climate change, energy security, and fossil fuel depletion, solar energy continues to attract attention for its long-term viability and minimal environmental footprint. Advances in photovoltaic (PV) technology, combined with decreasing costs of solar modules and inverters, have positioned solar energy harvesting systems as practical and affordable solutions for diverse applications. 

The market is experiencing robust interest from residential users, industrial players, and governmental bodies alike, spurred by policy incentives, tax credits, and an increasing preference for decentralized power systems. Additionally, the integration of AI, IoT, and real-time monitoring capabilities into solar systems is enhancing performance and making solar energy more adaptable to dynamic user demands. This momentum is also being reinforced by the growing prevalence of microgrids and the need for off-grid solutions in remote locations.

Here are the key growth drivers of the solar energy harvesting market:

1. Government Support & Policies

Subsidies, tax incentives, and feed-in tariffs from governments worldwide encourage adoption.

Global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) boost investment and development.

 2. Rising Demand for Clean Energy

Increasing awareness about climate change*and carbon emissions drives demand for renewable energy sources, especially solar.

3. Declining Cost of Solar Technology

Technological advancements and economies of scale have led to:

• Lower costs of solar panels (PV modules)
• Cheaper installation and maintenance

4. Industrial & Commercial Adoption

Factories, warehouses, and commercial buildings are adopting solar to:

• Reduce electricity bills
• Meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) targets

5. Rooftop Solar Growth

Urban and rural residential sectors increasingly install rooftop solar systems, aided by:

• Net metering policies
• Smart grid integration

6. Advancement in Energy Storage

Improved battery technologies (like lithium-ion and flow batteries) allow efficient energy storage and stable solar integration with the grid.

7. Expanding Off-grid Applications

In remote or underdeveloped areas, solar is used for:

• Off-grid lighting
• Water pumping
• Microgrids and rural electrification

8. Corporate Sustainability Goals

Large corporations commit to 100% renewable energy through RE100 initiatives, significantly boosting solar investment.

9. Global Urbanization & Electrification

Rapid urbanization and rural electrification programs, especially in Asia-Pacific and Africa, increase energy needs met by solar.

Ongoing advancements in solar panel technologies and energy storage systems continue to increase overall system efficiency while significantly reducing the payback period. These innovations are accelerating the widespread adoption of solar energy across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Both government entities and private institutions remain actively involved in promoting the transition to clean energy. Coupled with the declining prices of solar components, solar harvesting systems are becoming increasingly accessible and financially viable for a wider user base. As the global appetite for renewable and self-sustaining power sources rises, the market is drawing attention from both emerging players and established industry giants seeking to expand their portfolios.

Among the key components, energy harvesting transducers are witnessing increasing demand due to their ability to convert sunlight into usable electricity even under harsh environmental conditions. Their durability and capacity to perform in extreme temperatures or rugged terrains allow solar technologies to penetrate previously unreachable markets. These transducers facilitate uninterrupted, off-grid energy generation with minimal maintenance, making them ideal for use in mobile and remote deployments where conventional systems fall short.

Wireless sensor networks accounted for a 21.1% market share in 2024, with solar energy harvesting enabling extended functionality without the need for battery replacements. This makes them highly suitable for industrial automation, environmental monitoring, and smart city infrastructure. In consumer electronics, solar-powered devices such as wearables, smartphones, and laptops offer added value through self-charging capabilities and reduced maintenance. As awareness around sustainability grows, solar-enabled consumer devices are carving out a niche in the eco-friendly tech segment.

The U.S. Solar Energy Harvesting Market reached USD 55.4 million in 2024, supported by favorable tax incentives, rebate programs, and ongoing investment in smart grid integration and solar cell innovation. Leading companies in the market-including ZF Friedrichshafen AG, ABB, Perpetua Power, Powercast Corporation, Honeywell, Texas Instruments Incorporated, and STMicroelectronics-are focusing on innovation in micro-energy technologies, compact transducer designs, and partnerships with OEMs and IoT developers to drive growth across applications such as building automation, industrial control, and connected consumer products.

GMI Insights | https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/solar-energy-harvesting-market

EOLOGIX-PING expands its proven lightning strike detection system, :EVENT LIGHTNING, with the new Add-On Xweather. This integration provides wind farm operators worldwide with deeper insights into lightning events, helping to better assess risks, reduce inspection times, and lower maintenance costs.

The Add-On Xweather is a new upgrade to the existing :EVENT LIGHTNING product, developed in cooperation with Vaisala Xweather, the global leader in lightning detection. This software upgrade integrates data from the Global Lightning Dataset (GLD360) and the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), offering wind turbine operators unparalleled insight into lightning events. The system provides detailed information such as signal strength, polarity, event type, distance and rise time. Thanks to seamless integration with :EVENT LIGHTNING, it enables alert notifications and prioritized inspections, allowing for a rapid response to any potential impact from lightning strikes.

"This cooperation combines the advantages of two systems in one. :EVENT LIGHTNING combined with the Add-On Xweather improves the localization accuracy of lightning strikes. Operators can make quicker decisions about necessary inspections, saving time and increasing efficiency,” explains Thomas Schlegl, CEO of EOLOGIX-PING.

The combination of prompt lightning strike detection with additional lightning data offers wind farm operators many advantages:

• Enhanced precision: With accurate and reliable lightning data (which wind turbine is struck, and IEC 61400 parameters) enables targeted reactions and well-founded decisions. This means that only the wind turbine that has been struck needs to be inspected.
• Improved asset protection: Early detection means that damage can be addressed when it is smaller and less critical.
• Seamless integration: Add-On Xweather is integrated into existing EOLOGIX-PING systems and can be software activated.
• Extended reporting function: More comprehensive and accurate lightning data improves root cause analysis and post-incident reporting.

"By combining data from Xweather's Global Lightning Dataset (GLD360) and the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), our add-on provides comprehensive insights into each lightning event, including signal strength, polarity, event type, distance, and rise time. We now know which turbine is struck and associated IEC 61400-24 parameters", continues Thomas Schlegl.

Webinar provides insights on what to do after a lightning strike

The practical, one-hour expert-led webinar “What to do after a lightning strike: Expert guidance to minimize turbine downtime”, designed for wind turbine operators by EOLOGIX-PING, Vaisala Xweather and Weather Guard Lightning Tech, will share proven best practices to detect, respond to, and minimize lightning damage before it escalates.

Date: Thursday, July 10^th, 2025

Time: starting at 9 a.m. CDT (which is 4 p.m. CEST)

The use of solar power is an important component on the path to a climate-neutral future. Numerous households around the world already use photovoltaic systems. In the event of power outages, PV systems and storage units must be disconnected from the public grid as quickly as possible. With the 743 relay, Gruner AG offers a groundbreaking product for this and other applications that combines convincing performance with ease of use. The German relay and actuator specialist will be presenting its solutions in person at RE+ in Las Vegas.

The sun as an energy source: sustainable, clean, and free of charge. A PV system with battery storage provides additional energy independence at home. Any surplus electricity generated can be conveniently fed back into the public grid in exchange for a refund. It is no surprise that households around the world have discovered this form of clean energy for themselves – and the trend is growing.

Problems can arise when there is a power failure on the grid. This is not uncommon, especially in regions with relatively unstable grid supply. “In this case, the PV system and battery must be disconnected from the grid to prevent unwanted feed-in,” explains Patrick Spreitzer, Managing Director of Gruner AG. “Our relay type 743 is the perfect choice for such anti-islanding cases.” Whereas in the past, the grid had to be disconnected manually, the Gruner 743 relay now isolates automatically and in a very short time as soon as a power failure is detected.

The performance data speaks for itself: electrical conductivity up to 200 A, 2-pole, UL certification, with microswitch for feedback on the switching status and additional switch for manual operation – the new Gruner relay type 743 is convincing all along the line. The new relay is used, for example, in meter collar adapters as a backup switch / islanding switch. It is installed between the meter and the house distribution, allowing the Gruner relay 743 to be used as a simple plug-and-play solution for retrofitting PV/storage systems.

The new 743 relay can also be used in other applications where a backup switch enables switching between the grid and a backup power source, such as generators for residential buildings, battery storage systems, and more. Compatibility with all leading manufacturers and UL certification are compelling arguments in favor of the new relay, with which Gruner is positioning itself as a strong partner for the North American market.

Relay 743: even more compact, even more reliable

The new Gruner Relay 743 is based on the well-established Relay Type 740, but has been further optimized in certain areas. On the one hand, there is the even more compact design for more flexible integration in confined installation environments. The Gruner developers have also successfully worked on further improving mechanical reliability. The 743 relay now features a manual actuator with a more stable haptic and optimized integration of the microswitch for precise feedback and increased contact reliability.

“Our decades of experience on the one hand and close communication with our customers in North America on the other are the essential foundations for innovation at Gruner,” says Spreitzer. “This is exemplified by the new 743 relay. Even more compact and perfectly adapted to common mounting brackets, as well as even easier to install – an ideal choice for all OEMs looking for a space-saving, reliable, and UL-compliant solution. We look forward to talking to customers and interested parties in person at RE+ in Las Vegas.”

Gruner and Green Energy – a perfect fit

As a pioneer in forward-looking relay technology, Gruner AG has been a reliable solution partner for a wide range of renewable energy sectors for many years. “The areas of application are diverse,” explains Gruner Managing Director Spreitzer. “For light mobility – e-scooters, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, scooters, pedelecs – we offer powerful solutions in the 48 to 96 V range with our 853 and 854 relays. Our 753 and 754 relays are ideal for use in power distribution centres for electric vehicles. The 761 relay ensures functional safety in Li-ion starter batteries. Besides low-current applications, we also offer impressive solutions in the high-current range, such as the new 860 bank relay for the charging infrastructure of electric vehicles. In addition to the automotive industry, we are also active in other areas. For example, with our relay series for AC voltages in the range of 20 A to 120 A, which are reliably used in load management applications such as lightning control panels, home automation, and more. And we are far from reaching the end of our journey.”

Innovations for green energy in focus

Gruner AG aims to hit the ground running in the North American market with its new 743 relay. “Our customers around the world can therefore look forward to innovative relay technology from Gruner AG in the future – as always, at the cutting edge of technology and highly reliable with production sites in Tunisia and Serbia.” 

Gruner AG | www.gruner.de