Controlled Liquid Hydrogen Storage: The backbone of decentralized energy

KKR, a leading global investment firm, announced that KKR has agreed to acquire the operations and assets of EDF power solutions in the United States (EDF power solutions Inc.) and Canada (EDF power solutions Canada Inc.) from EDF group, one of the world's largest power producers. This transaction values the equity interest in EDF power solutions Inc. and EDF power solutions Canada Inc. at approximately $4.2 billion, with potential additional payments of up to $0.39 billion. Collectively, these businesses represent EDF power solutions’ North American renewable operations.

EDF power solutions North America is among the top ten owners of renewable energy capacity in the United States, with a nearly 40-year track record of delivering clean energy solutions across the U.S. and Canada. The company owns and operates a diversified portfolio of solar, wind, and battery storage assets across multiple geographies and manages an integrated platform spanning project development, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) and asset management. EDF power solutions North America serves a broad base of utilities, corporations, and institutional customers.

Under KKR’s ownership, EDF power solutions North America will have the resources and strategic support to expand its asset base, enhance operational performance, and accelerate its development pipeline.

“With power demand anticipated to increase in the United States due to the rapid expansion of data centers, manufacturing reshoring, and broader electrification, KKR’s investment in EDF power solutions North America supports the critical need for affordable power,” said Cecilio Velasco, Managing Director, KKR. “EDF power solutions North America’s scale, operational track record, and integrated capabilities position it to meet that demand, particularly through its diversified portfolio and project pipeline. We look forward to supporting the platform’s continued growth and ultimately the United States’ broader energy security and affordability goals.”

KKR brings deep expertise and a proven track record investing in renewables, having deployed more than $26 billion globally across renewables and energy transition investments to date. KKR is funding this transaction from its global infrastructure strategy. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

KKR | www.kkr.com

DNV has completed an independent technical review of Fred. Olsen1848’s BRIZO floating solar system, an innovative floating photovoltaic (FPV) concept designed to operate in more exposed wave conditions than conventional FPV solutions. Using a flexible rope-mesh and tensioning system, BRIZO is designed for inland, coastal, and near-shore environments where traditional calm-water floating solar systems may face technical and operational limitations.

Most FPV systems deployed today are limited to sheltered reservoirs, lakes, and low-wave environments, restricting where floating solar can be scaled. BRIZO aims to bridge the gap between conventional inland FPV and more exposed marine conditions, combining increased wave tolerance with high reliability.

DNV’s review covered the system’s design methodologies, hydrodynamic load assessment, from physical model testing, structural behaviour, and testing procedures, drawing on knowledge from the development of DNV standards ST-E309, ST-C108, and RP-0584. The assessment provides an independent technical basis for the technology to progress toward project development, bankability discussions, and future commercial deployment.

“Floating solar is entering a new phase of maturity, where the industry must move beyond sheltered waters to unlock meaningful scale,” said Prajeev Rasiah, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Northern Europe, Energy Systems at DNV. “Technologies capable of operating in more exposed environments could significantly expand the addressable market for FPV, particularly in regions facing land constraints, competing land use, or growing pressure on grid infrastructure. Independent technical assurance is essential to demonstrating that these systems can withstand demanding environmental conditions over their full operational lifetime and give developers and investors confidence as the market evolves.”

“This Statement of Compliance represents a significant milestone for BRIZO. It provides confirmation of the strength of our technical approach and demonstrates that the technology is able to operate in more demanding conditions. It is an important step towards advancing the bankability of our solution and supporting our commercial roadmap", said Geir Grimsrud, Chief Technical Officer at Fred. Olsen 1848.

Solar photovoltaic is expected to become the world’s largest source of electricity over the coming decades. DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2025forecasts continued rapid growth in solar deployment, driven by falling technology costs and accelerating electrification. As deployment scales further, constraints linked to land availability, permitting, grid congestion, and siting are becoming increasingly significant in many markets.

In that context, floating solar is gaining momentum as an enabling technology for accelerating the deployment of solar PV generation in land-constrained geographies. More robust FPV concepts capable of operating in coastal and higher-energy environments promise to help unlock new deployment opportunities and support the continued scaling of solar power in regions with limited suitable land or increasing energy demand.

DNV | https://www.dnv.com/

The offshore wind market in the Baltic Sea shows strong momentum, with double-digit growth expected in the years ahead. In Poland alone, spending on operational and maintenance services (O&M) is projected to grow at an average annual rate of nearly 40%. “We are proud to support Baltic Power, one of the first offshore wind developments in Poland. This contract reflects our ability to deliver integrated services for complex energy projects and marks an important step in establishing our presence in the Polish market. We look forward to working closely with Baltic Power to ensure safe, efficient execution and long-term value creation,” says Sindre Rhrich, CEO at Føn Energy Services. 

The multi-million-euro contract is a long-term agreement with extension options, covering the delivery of an integrated Balance of Plant (BoP) operations and maintenance programme for all subsea assets, including foundations and cables, at the Baltic Power offshore wind farm. The contract also includes environmental survey scope aimed at monitoring marine growth and animal habits in the area. The programme includes all services within inspection and corrective maintenance for Baltic Power’s subsea assets, which covers project management and planning, vessels chartering and management, logistics, engineering and procurement. Føn Energy Services will be supported by local Polish suppliers in delivering these services. 

Working with local suppliers is a priority for Føn Energy Services. Polish companies are already engaged across the Baltic Power supply chain - the topsides of the offshore substations were built in the shipyards in Gdańsk and Gdynia, onshore cables were delivered from the factory in Bydgoszcz, and parts of the foundations arrived from Żary and Niemodlin. The local content level for Baltic Power is expected to exceed 21% over the project’s lifetime, in line with the Polish Sector Deal guidelines of 20-30% for phase I projects, with phase II projects expected to reach 40-50%.

This contract marks an important step in building our presence in the Polish offshore wind market. We are committed to establishing a strong local set-up and working with regional partners to support efficient operations over the life of the asset. Sindre Rhrich adds.

Føn Energy Service’s O&M programme will allow Baltic Power to optimise, improve its subsea asset utilisation, and reduce risk, while also enable more efficient operation of its wind farms. The Baltic Power project is a joint venturebetween ORLEN and Northland Power. It is the most advanced offshore wind project in Poland and the first one to have reached the construction phase. In total, 76 turbines will be installed with a capacity of 15 MW, estimated to cover 3% of the national electricity demand. 

“The establishment of a supply chain for the operational and maintenance phase of Baltic Power has no precedence in the Polish energy sector. With the construction of the O&M base in Łeba, we are creating extensive logistics and maintenance facilities as well as new jobs. We have signed the first contracts for specialist maintenance services and inspections of underwater infrastructure, geophysical surveys, and the maintenance of offshore and onshore substation. Even at this early stage of Baltic Power’s operations, a number of Polish companies and research centers will be involved in these tasks - this is a valuable boost for developing local content in offshore wind energy and an incentive for further companies to grow in this sector,” comments Maciej Stryjecki, CEO and the President of the Management Board of Baltic Power.

BW ESS, the global energy storage owner-operator, breaks ground on one of Europe’s largest battery energy storage projects to date, the 1,000MW / up to 5,700MWh Klostermansfeld BESS. 

Located in the Mansfeld-Südharz region, Saxony-Anhalt, in close proximity to the Klostermansfeld substation, the project is the largest of its kind in Germany.  It has the capacity to supply around three million German households with electricity for at least four hours. 

BW ESS first invested in the project in 2024 and took full ownership earlier this year. The initial developer and seller, Zelos Energy Developments, will continue to provide targeted support on local site matters until the project is further into construction, at the end of 2026.  

As an experienced long-term owner-operator, BW ESS maintains direct oversight of its assets throughout their operational lifetime, taking a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle. 

The project will become a major contributor to energy security and grid stability in Germany. Klostermansfeld substation functions as one of few central nodes on the German energy grid and has recently been expanded to draw more electricity from the distribution grid and transport it via high voltage power lines.  As such, Klostermansfeld BESS will strengthen the region structurally and bolster the grid’s ability to cope effectively with peak load periods. 

Roberto Jiménez, Executive Director, BW ESS, said: “At BW ESS, we’re proud that our work in energy storage contributes directly to a resilient modern energy system. We’ve made a long-term commitment to help realise the potential of energy storage in Germany and Klostermansfeld BESS will be our first German asset to enter construction. We will continue to take an active approach to knowledge transfer across our portfolio, leveraging our extensive experience from the mature global markets.” 

“We thank our development partner, Zelos, for their work on the project and are especially grateful to Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann and Mayor Frank Ochsner for joining us to mark the occasion.”  

Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, Minister for Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment and Deputy Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, said: "Saxony-Anhalt is one of the pioneers in the energy transition, especially in the expansion of renewables. It is therefore important for our state to have grid-serving battery energy storage systems that help stabilise our power grids. The Klostermansfeld battery energy storage system will be an important building block in this. Increasing volumes of renewable electricity can be absorbed by the large-scale storage system and then transported further via the grid. With this system here at the site, BW ESS is helping to secure supply and ensure more flexibility in the power grid." 

Frank Ochsner, Mayor of Klostermansfeld, added: “This groundbreaking is a significant day for our community, officially marking the location of Germany’s largest battery storage facility, right here in Klostermansfeld. We are delighted about this major investment and the operator’s commitment to contribute further, both financially and through their expertise. The community and the regional economy will benefit greatly from this.”  

BW ESS | https://bw-ess.com/

Mantle8, a natural hydrogen exploration company, has been granted two investigation permits by Spain's Dirección General de Política Energética y Minas. The permits, Aralar I and Aralar II, cover approximately 960 km² across Navarra and the Basque Country. The permits authorise non-invasive studies for natural hydrogen and helium, providing Mantle8 with the option to progress to a full exploration licence.

The permit area lies on the southern flank of the Pyrenees, with a similar geology to what Mantle8 is evaluating through its Comminges permit on the French side of the mountain range. Drawing on its deep knowledge of Pyrenean geology, Mantle8 will conduct non-invasive exploration across the permit area, including the deployment of its GeoLogix®, HOREX® and APoGeH® technologies. The data will be processed using Mantle8's proprietary natural hydrogen technology stack to evaluate the area's potential for natural hydrogen accumulations.

Emmanuel Masini, Founder and CEO of Mantle8, said: "Navarra and the Basque Country offer a rare combination of favourable geology supported by established infrastructure, in a region with strong industrial off-take potential. Our geological understanding of this region and its hydrogen potential is already very strong, and we're excited to get into the field to expand our knowledge base."

The permits reflect a broader shift across Europe as governments look to secure sovereign energy sources for sectors where electrification is not viable. With demand for low-carbon hydrogen in heavy industry, transport and power generation continuing to outpace supply, natural hydrogen offers a domestic alternative that does not depend on imported feedstocks or large-scale renewable electricity infrastructure.

Masini added: "Natural hydrogen has the potential to become a strategic, sovereign and clean resource for Europe. However, regulatory gaps are slowing the pace of development. The Spanish regulators have done well to adapt existing hydrocarbon regulations to include hydrogen but there's still work to do. We welcome clearer regulatory frameworks across Europe and will prioritise those where we see the best opportunity to unlock this incredible resource."

These permits come at a period of rapid growth for Mantle8 which has seen it close a €31 million Series A financing round - the largest raised by a natural hydrogen exploration company in 2026 - receive €2.17 million in grant support from the French government for the development of its technology stack and secure a five-year Hydrogeco exploration permit in the French Pyrenees. The company is actively expanding its global exploration programme with additional permits expected to be awarded in the coming months.

Mantle8 | https://mantle8.com/

Elea Data Centers, in partnership with AXIA Energia, will launch the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) neutral data center in the Amazon region (BEL1), located in Belém, Pará state. With operations scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027, the facility will have an initial capacity of 7.5 MW, already backed by demand from large anchor clients, with potential expansion of up to 100 MW in future phases. Elea will be responsible for operating the facility, while AXIA will supply 100% renewable energy to the project.

The data center will be built near the Miramar high-voltage substation, operated by AXIA, ensuring high energy reliability, flexibility for future expansions, and greater operational efficiency. In addition, the operation will be supplied with renewable energy under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), reinforcing both companies’ commitment to developing sustainable digital infrastructure.

“Expanding into Belém is a strategic move to broaden the geographic distribution of our platform and strengthen Brazil’s digital infrastructure. The project began to take shape in 2024 when Belém was confirmed as the host city for COP30, reinforcing the region’s potential to attract structural and sustainable investments. The North region will play a fundamental role in the Brazilian digital ecosystem by providing an alternative route to Fortaleza and by helping reduce digital inequality and boost regional competitiveness. BEL1 reaffirms our pioneering spirit and represents a legacy of COP30 by demonstrating the importance of developing sustainable digital infrastructure in strategic and remote regions,” states Alessandro Lombardi, CEO and founder of Elea Data Centers.

The project, which includes AXIA’s Commercialization and Land areas, positions the energy company prominently in the country’s growing data center market, solidifying its role as a provider of firm, clean energy for new ventures in the sector. AXIA will be responsible for ensuring the energy availability necessary for BEL1 and will work together with Elea to evaluate solutions to support the capacity expansions planned for future phases of the project.

“The partnership with Elea reinforces AXIA’s role as a provider of integrated solutions for its clients, enabling innovative and strategic business ventures and projects focused on digital transformation. As the largest 100% renewable energy company in the Southern Hemisphere, AXIA has a robust portfolio capable of guaranteeing firm, reliable, and sustainable energy for an enterprise of this magnitude, expanding connectivity and contributing to attracting investments that boost the economic development of the Amazon region,” states Ítalo Freitas, Vice President of Commercialization and Energy Solutions at AXIA.

Brazil’s North Region: An Emerging Connectivity Hub

From a connectivity perspective, Belém occupies a strategic position as a complementary and resilient route to the Fortaleza hub, the country’s main gateway for submarine cables. The city integrates into the Northern region’s connectivity network through the infoways of the Norte Conectado (Connected North) program and gains additional relevance with the expansion of coastal fiber routes connected to international systems such as routes from Europe to Latin America. 

This combination strengthens route diversity, expands the resilience of Brazilian digital infrastructure, and positions Belém as a new strategic hub for the development of the digital economy in the Amazon.

Elea Data Centers | www.eleadatacenters.com

AXIA Energia | https://eleadatacenters.com/en

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) acknowledges the government of Quebec's tabling of its first Plan de gestion intégrée des ressources énergétiques (PGIRE), setting out renewable energy targets through 2050.

The PGIRE establishes targets of up to 25 GW of wind and up to 5 GW of solar by 2050 as part of a broader goal of 150 TWh to meet Quebec's energy needs. Wind and solar are among the lowest-cost ways to add new electricity supply, and the two most installed technologies in recent years worldwide. The PGIRE aligns with this global trend. Meeting its targets and accelerating the energy transition will require sustained renewable energy supply over many years: Quebec's current total capacity is 4.2 GW for wind and 0.02 GW for solar.

"Quebec's PGIRE places wind and solar at the heart of the province's electricity future and recognizes the important role of energy storage," said CanREA President and CEO Vittoria Bellissimo. "Our industry is ready to deliver affordable, reliable and quickly deployable electricity at the scale Quebec needs, which will require clear supply processes, regulatory predictability and new transmission lines to connect this additional clean power to the grid."

The plan recognizes that wind and solar are well-suited to meet the electricity needs of Quebec households and businesses. These technologies are among the most cost-competitive sources of new generation available. Quebec's electricity demand is growing with the electrification of transportation, heating and industry, and building more wind and solar is crucial to ensuring a successful energy transition. Energy storage complements both by keeping the power system running reliably and improving flexibility during periods of peak demand.

CanREA members contributed directly to the development of the PGIRE, including through the Vision énergie initiative, parliamentary hearings on Bill 69, a roundtable convened at the Maison du développement durable with the provincial economy, innovation and energy ministry, and as an intervenor in the Régie de l'énergie's review of the preliminary plan.

"Wind, solar and energy storage will be among the central drivers of Quebec's economic growth in the decades ahead, creating good jobs, delivering benefits to municipalities and Indigenous communities, and powering the sustainable development of many sectors of our economy," said Jean Habel, CanREA's Senior Director of Policy for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, who attended today's announcement at Hydro-Québec's research institute in Varennes. "CanREA members contributed to building this plan and are ready to help execute it."

Habel says the plan also makes it clear that building a modern electricity system requires sustained collaboration across all government departments.

CanREA will be reviewing the full PGIRE in detail and will engage with the government and Hydro-Québec as implementation progresses. 

“Quebec's PGIRE places wind and solar at the heart of the province's electricity future and recognizes the important role of energy storage. Our industry is ready to deliver affordable, reliable and quickly deployable electricity at the scale Quebec needs, which will require clear supply processes, regulatory predictability and new transmission lines to connect this additional clean power to the grid.” 

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

“Wind, solar and energy storage will be among the central drivers of Quebec's economic growth in the decades ahead, creating good jobs, delivering benefits to municipalities and Indigenous communities, and powering the sustainable development of many sectors of our economy. CanREA members contributed to building this plan and are ready to help execute it."

—Jean Habel, Senior Director of Policy for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

Canadian Renewable Energy Association |  renewablesassociation.ca