Looking Ahead to 2026

MacLean Power Systems ("MPS" or "MacLean Power") and Power Grid Components ("PGC"), two leading manufacturers of engineered components and solutions for electrical transmission, distribution, substation and communication infrastructure, announced the closing of their previously announced merger. Funds affiliated with Blackstone Energy Transition Partners and Blackstone's flagship private equity strategy ("Blackstone") have become the majority owner of the combined company. In connection with the transaction, an affiliate of Centerbridge Partners ("Centerbridge"), will be making a new investment into the combined company. The platform – one of the largest suppliers of highly-engineered utility equipment in North America – will move forward as one entity under the MacLean Power Systems name. Following the transaction, PGC's portfolio of products, including Allied Bolt, Elliott, ITEC, Meister, Mid-Central, Newell, Royal Switchgear and Vizimax, will become part of the MacLean Power Systems family.

Alongside the completed merger, MPS is pleased to announce leadership updates as it moves into its next phase of growth. Steve Scharnhorst, current CEO of MacLean Power Systems, will lead the combined company. Mike Plaster will transition from CEO of Power Grid Components to President of MacLean Power Systems, leading all commercial and operational activities across the platform.

Steve Scharnhorst, CEO of MacLean Power Systems, said: "Today is an exciting milestone for MPS and our customers. Bringing together these highly complementary businesses strengthens MPS' ability to support the construction, maintenance, repair and upgrade of critical grid infrastructure through a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality, customer-driven engineered solutions. We look forward to Leading the Way™ to a more resilient grid together as an industry-leading platform."

Mike Plaster, President of MacLean Power Systems, added: "MacLean Power is a premier brand in our industry, built on decades of providing reliable, high-quality, essential components for the power grid and adjacent industries. I'm excited to partner closely with Steve and our combined teams as we expand our portfolio and capabilities to continue to best serve our customers across all segments of the electrical grid."

JP Munfa, Senior Managing Director, and Mark Zhu, Managing Director, at Blackstone, said: "MacLean Power plays a vital role in supporting the safety, efficiency, and resiliency of the grid. We are thrilled to partner with Steve, Mike, and the entire team to work on building an even stronger, scaled platform that is well positioned to support rapidly growing electrical infrastructure needs."

Conor Tochilin, Senior Managing Director at Centerbridge, said: "We congratulate Steve and the entire MPS team on their outstanding success to date. Centerbridge is excited to reinvest in the combined MacLean Power platform, building on the strong foundation we've established together and backed by a proven management team. We look forward to partnering with Blackstone to support the combined company's next stage of growth as it accelerates its momentum and continues to benefit from powerful secular tailwinds."

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

MacLean Power Systems | www.macleanpower.com

Power Grid Components | https://pgc.com/

Blackstone Energy Transition Partners | https://www.blackstone.com/our-businesses/blackstone-energy-transition-partners/

Centerbridge Partners | www.centerbridge.com 

Oceantic Network—the nation’s leading educational nonprofit dedicated to accelerating offshore wind and ocean renewables development—will explore emerging market research on the future opportunity for the U.S. steel supply chain through the development of offshore wind. By harnessing the future buildout of offshore wind energy, the U.S. can dramatically expand its steel sector’s demand by $42 billion, creating more than 186,000 American jobs, over the next two decades, and bring online new capabilities that deepen the nation’s economic security. 

Strengthening the Backbone of American Energy: A Study on Domestic Steel Manufacturing and Offshore Wind 

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: 
Offshore wind is entering a pivotal phase as the U.S. accelerates grid expansion, domestic manufacturing, and energy security planning. Five projects now under construction are proving the technology’s potential in America, having sparked tens of billions of domestic supply chain activity and supported thousands of jobs, while delivering nearly 6,000 MW of badly needed power generation that will lower ratepayer costs. Now, with new investments coming online in Midwestern steel mills, a homegrown U.S. offshore wind supply chain is no longer hypothetical; it exists and bringing it to scale can unlock $42 billion in economic value across the steel supply chain. This webinar will present new research which lays out the opportunity for this key sector of the national security apparatus and quantifies steel demand and highlights gaps in current fabrication capabilities that are holding back the U.S. steel industry from harnessing the opportunity offered by 70 GW of near-term offshore wind projects.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: 
This webinar is designed for reporters who cover: 

• Offshore wind, clean energy, or climate policy 

• Energy affordability, grid reliability, or transmission challenges 

• Steel, heavy fabrication, industrial production, or maritime infrastructure 

• State and federal energy leadership 

• Supply‑chain resilience, domestic manufacturing, or workforce impacts 

• Environmental, economic, or energy permitting frameworks 

WHAT:

Strengthening the Backbone of American Energy: A Study on Domestic Steel Manufacturing and Offshore Wind 

WHEN:

Thursday, March 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

WHO:

Tim Mack, VP of U.S. Content, US Wind 

Sam Salustro, SVP of Market & Policy Strategy, Oceantic Network 

Justin Slater, VP of Business Development, Fincantieri Marine Group 

Maf Smith, Principal, Lumen Energy & Environment 

Oceantic's virtual events offer expert‑driven briefings on breaking developments and issues central to offshore wind, grid modernization, supply chain advancement, and marine renewable energy. These webinars equip attendees with insights into regulatory and policy frameworks, supply chain strategy, grid and transmission innovation, and the technologies shaping the next decade of ocean energy development. 

Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/

Avantus has closed a financing package of more than $300 million with Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, New York Branch (CIBC) for the Kitt Solar and Energy Storage Project (Kitt). Located in Pinal County, Arizona within the City of Eloy, Kitt features 100 MWac/130 MWdc of solar and 400 MWh of energy storage.

The financing package includes construction funding, a tax equity bridge loan, and letters of credit.  Currently under construction, Kitt is expected to create up to 500 construction jobs and reach commercial operation by the end of 2026.  

“The financing demonstrates the continued bankability and commercial viability of utility-scale solar and storage projects in the region, and Avantus’ growing presence in Arizona,” said Avantus CEO Cliff Graham. “We're grateful for BBVA and CIBC's partnership in bringing this critical infrastructure to Arizona at a time when the state navigates mounting pressure on its electric grid.” 

“We are proud to support Avantus in delivering critical clean energy infrastructure at a pivotal moment for Arizona’s power system,” said Eugene Kasozi, Managing Director in charge of the Cleantech sector for BBVA. “This financing highlights BBVA’s ability to structure and deliver comprehensive capital solutions for complex, utility-scale solar and storage projects, ensuring disciplined execution during construction. By partnering with Avantus on projects of this scale, BBVA continues to deploy its project finance expertise to back infrastructure that enhances grid resilience and supports sustained power demand growth in key U.S. markets.” 

“We are pleased to have supported the financing with Avantus on a project that reflects our shared commitment to advancing reliable and sustainable infrastructure,” said Ines Serrao, Managing Director and Co-Head, U.S. Project Finance & Infrastructure, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. “The facility will deliver meaningful benefits to the local community, while strengthening grid reliability and meeting the region’s power demand.” 

The project has a signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Arizona Public Service (APS), with the capacity to serve up to 32,000 Arizona homes. The 400 MWh battery storage system will play a vital role in grid resilience, storing solar energy during the day and dispatching it during evening peak demand hours and major weather events—a critical capability as Arizona prepares for growing energy demand and hotter summers.  

Once operational, Kitt is estimated to generate over $25 million in local tax revenues to benefit local services, such as schools, public safety and infrastructure throughout its lifespan.

RES is providing the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the project with Fluence providing their Gridstack Pro battery energy storage system (BESS) technology and integration. 

White & Case LLP served as Borrower’s counsel on the transaction, with Fennemore Craig, P.C. serving as local counsel. Akin Gump LLP served as counsel to the financing parties, with Quarles & Brady LLP serving as local counsel.

Avantus has one of the largest pipelines of solar and energy storage projects in the United States, which includes approximately 24 gigawatts (GWdc) of solar and 75 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy storage under development across the Western United States. 

Avantus | www.avantus.com

Ciel & Terre International has obtained Approval in Principle Level 1 (AiP) issued by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, validating the design of its new Fusio floating solar system. This AiP reassures the quality level of the floating solar solutions developed by the company, as well as the conformity and reliability of its anchoring designs.

Bureau Veritas approval: a key milestone confirming the reliability of Fusio:

The Approval in Principle issued by Bureau Veritas is a major step in the field of floating solar systems. It assesses the technology on technical and structural aspects, as well as mooring principles based on offshore criteria.

Fusio technology was evaluated according to a scope covering:

• The floating structure supporting the photovoltaic modules
• The mechanical interfaces for electrical cables and mooring systems
• The anchoring and mooring system (SKS: Station Keeping System)
• The electrical specifications related to cabling

The Bureau Veritas analysis recognized the robustness of the technical choices, confirming that the project does not conflict with the rules and regulations applicable to inland or calm water applications. Tests and technical notes such as CFD, wind tunnel tests, and structural engineering documents, were reviewed and incorporated into the evaluation process.
This approval confirms that the Fusio solution complies with Bureau Veritas’ most demanding technical rules and standards, and is a recognition of the seriousness, reliability, and level of innovation of Fusio.

More robust, durable, and efficient floating solar installations

Fusio stands out thanks to its innovative architecture, which offers:

• improved mechanical strength of the float thanks to its honeycomb shape,
• wide adaptability to a variety of site conditions,
• a design conceived to reduce long-term effort and fatigue,
• optimal integration of electrical and mooring systems.

Given this significant and unique technology development, it was essential for Ciel & Terre, an expert in floating solar power, to have its new technology assessed by rigorous organisations such as Bureau Veritas to validate the performance and durability principles of its new structure.

International recognition accompanies the expansion of Fusio

Obtaining AiP from Bureau Veritas reinforces the credibility of Fusio among energy producers, investors, and authorities, providing confidence and transparency in the design process.

“This approval in principle confirms the solid work undertaken by our R&D teams and our desire to raise the standards for floating solar power. Fusio marks a turning point in our ability to support ever more ambitious projects.” — Stéphane Prouvost, Director of the Ciel & Terre Division, Ciel & Terre International

This new generation paves the way for even safer, more stable, and more efficient installations, while remaining adapted to the environmental requirements of sensitive water bodies. Besides, for 2 years now, Fusio has already been installed on 3 projects facing extreme wind and wave conditions without suffering any damage, further proof of its robust structure and design.

THE 1ST 100KWP FUSIO PILOT

THE 4MWP PROJECT WITH FUSIO

Ciel & Terre International | https://ciel-et-terre.net/

Standard Solar, Inc., a leading developer, owner and operator of commercial and community solar assets, announced it has acquired a six-project community solar portfolio totaling 28.8 megawatts (MW) in New Jersey and Illinois from AC Power, a woman-owned solar development company that specializes in putting clean energy on previously disturbed land. All six projects are sited on closed landfills and brownfield parcels, transforming capped or constrained properties into long-term community energy assets.

Standard Solar’s 512 megawatt (MW) safe-harbor solar panel inventory enabled this acquisition by providing immediate procurement certainty and reducing one of the market’s biggest schedule and pricing risks. With long-lead equipment already secured, the projects can move straight into execution, compressing timelines and accelerating construction and completion while remaining resilient amid ongoing supply-chain variability.

“This acquisition reflects our continued appetite for high-quality community solar projects that are ready to move and align with our near-term deployment strategy,” said Megan Byrn, VP of Business Development, Standard Solar. “AC Power is a proven partner, and their landfill and brownfield expertise aligns with our focus on responsible siting and long-term performance. With 512 MW of safe-harbored panels secured, we are actively seeking projects where we can deploy that inventory quickly to reduce procurement risk and deliver subscriber savings and reliable local generation sooner.”

The portfolio includes two community solar projects in New Jersey totaling approximately 6 MW, located in Berlin and Freehold. Together, the New Jersey projects are expected to generate approximately 7,693 megawatt hours (MWh) in their first year and are scheduled to reach completion in 2027.

In Illinois, Standard Solar acquired four projects totaling approximately 22.8 MW, located in South Barrington, Hillsboro and two sites in Lockport. The Illinois projects are expected to generate approximately 33,092 MWh in their first year, with three projects scheduled for completion in 2026 and the remaining project scheduled for completion in 2027.

All six sites are previously disturbed properties, including closed landfills and brownfield parcels, developed by AC Power using ballasted racking systems that preserve the integrity of existing site caps and environmental controls.

“Standard Solar is an ideal long-term owner for this portfolio because they share our commitment to delivering real value to subscribers and the communities where these projects operate,” said Annika Colston, founder and CEO of AC Power. “Their safe-harbored panel inventory gives these projects a clear path from closing to construction, and we're proud to see this work move into execution with a partner we trust.”

Standard Solar | standardsolar.com

AC Power | acpowerllc.com

Qnetic, a world leader in long-duration flywheel energy storage systems, has closed a $5 million (USD) funding round, its largest capital raise to date.  Combined with last year’s $2.1 million equity crowdfunding campaign, Qnetic has raised $7.1 million in the past 12 months. Earlier RegCF investors have already seen approximately 25% asset appreciation after conversion to equity.

Why this matters now

Utilities and grid operators face growing pressure to integrate renewables while maintaining reliability. Qnetic’s solid‑state mechanical batteries deliver decades of life, unlimited daily cycling, and no thermal‑runaway risk, offering a safer, lower total lifetime cost alternative to lithium‑ion for long‑duration, high-cycling applications.

The capital will be used to:

• Fit out Qnetic’s California manufacturing center for low‑volume production of the Q500

• Support multiple utility and commercial pilot projects in the U.S. and internationally

• Expand field testing and validation work with partners, including EPRI and the National Lab of the Rockies, over the next 18 to 24 months

“We are very pleased to receive this significant amount of new funding, following an enthusiastic response to our earlier public offering,” said Michael Pratt, Qnetic co-founder and CEO. “It’s clear that the market is ready for a truly innovative energy storage solution, one that’s made in the U.S. of metals, magnets and carbon fiber, with no mineral or supply chain bottlenecks. We look forward to ramping up development and production and fielding our first systems this year.”

Qnetic flywheel energy storage systems are solid-state mechanical batteries that leverage several key performance advantages over electrochemical alternatives:

• Thirty-year operating life with no degradation

• Unlimited daily charge-discharge cycling with fast response time

• High performance under extreme temperatures—desert heat or arctic cold

• Zero risk of thermal runaway

• Approximately one-half the levelized cost of storage of lithium-ion batteries

Qnetic recently signed agreements with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the National Lab of the Rockies (formerly NREL) to formally assess and validate the company's flywheel technology across a wide range of use cases.

Qnetic | www.qnetic.energy

R.M. Young Company will host a live technical webinar, “Advances in All-in-One Weather Stations: A Technical Deep Dive into ResponseONE-Pro,” on March 24, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 PM EST. The session will provide an in-depth exploration of the design philosophy, measurement technology, and field-serviceable architecture behind the company’s next-generation all-in-one weather station platform. 

Designed for environmental monitoring specialists, the webinar will move beyond feature overviews on the ResponseONE-Pro to examine the engineering decisions that influence long-term reliability and performance in demanding environments. Attendees will gain insight into how modular design, integrated measurement technology, and field-replaceable components help reduce downtime and simplify maintenance in real-world deployments. 

The webinar will be presented by Conor Byrne, Engineering Manager, and Gabe Denton, Business Development Manager. 

Conor Byrne leads the engineering department at R.M. Young Company, applying more than 15 years of multidisciplinary engineering expertise to weather and environmental measurement solutions. His experience in product development and manufacturing is focused on building critically rugged, reliable technologies designed for long-term field performance. 

Gabe Denton works closely with customers to understand operational needs, identify growth opportunities, and deliver exceptional support at every stage. His background as a collegiate athlete informs his disciplined, strategic approach to business development and customer engagement. 

During the session, presenters will cover: 

• The engineering philosophy behind ResponseONE-Pro 

• Key measurement technologies and system architecture 

• Design considerations for harsh environments 

• Field serviceability and maintenance advantages 

• Integration and deployment considerations 

This technical deep dive is intended for professionals seeking a clearer understanding of how environmental instrumentation design impacts data continuity, operational confidence, and total cost of ownership. 

Registration is required to attend. 

To reserve a seat, visit: 
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8388713422353935451 

R.M. Young Company | http://www.youngusa.com