Drafting vs. Engineering: Choosing the right partner for commercial projects

PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (CBOE CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) ("PowerBank" or the "Company"), a leader in North American energy infrastructure development and asset ownership, is pleased to share a progress update for the three Community Solar projects in Nova Scotia. These projects located in Sydney, Brooklyn, and West Petpeswick (the "Projects") are all expected to receive interconnection results within the next 30 days. If the interconnection results are positive and the projects are financially feasible, the Company expects to begin construction in the Spring of 2026.

The Projects are owned by AI Renewable Flow-through Fund and PowerBank is the lead developer and builder for the Projects. PowerBank will partner with local Nova Scotia's trusted engineering firm, Trimac Engineering, to deliver the Projects. PowerBank has been at the forefront of community solar development in the United States with over 50 MW of community solar projects completed and is proud to be deploying its expertise in Canada as the community solar market develops there.

Over the Projects lifetimes, they will be generating up to a combined $6.95 Million in electricity savings for the local communities in Sydney, Brooklyn and Petpeswick. These savings come with the additional benefits of local job opportunities, economic growth, local educational opportunities regarding renewable energy, improved grid reliability, and emissions reductions.

The Canadian Federal government and the Province of Nova Scotia are very supportive of Community Solar, with a number of incentives, including the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), Indigenous-Led Clean Energy Stream, and the Low Carbon Communities program.

Community solar is a cornerstone of Nova Scotia's bold commitment to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero by 2035. As one of only four community solar contracts awarded under the program so far, the three projects contribute approximately 12.4 MW DC to the 100 MW AC of planned solar additions that will help reduce fossil fuel reliance and drive local economic development.

Unlike traditional rooftop systems, community solar allows renters, businesses, and homeowners to subscribe to the solar farm and receive bill credits and savings of $0.02/kWh—without installing any equipment. Project feeds directly into the local electricity grid and offers a flexible, accessible way for Nova Scotians to participate in the clean energy transition.

The Projects leverage PowerBank's proven execution capabilities and strategic partnerships. With over 100 MW of projects built and a 1+ GW development pipeline, PowerBank brings institutional-grade development expertise to Atlantic Canada. The Project's clear timeline ensures near-term EPC revenue generation, and positions PowerBank to obtain additional development contracts in the high-growth community solar market. All MW numbers presented as MW DC unless otherwise specified.

PowerBank Corporation | www.powerbankcorp.com

The BESSt Company, founded by Tesla alum Joley Michaelson, has launched a proprietary zinc-polyiodide REDOX flow battery designed for sectors that demand uninterrupted power, data centers, cold storage, and AI infrastructure. Based on breakthrough chemistry licensed from Battelle, The BESSt Company's platform offers multi-hour to multi-day energy storage, safety, affordability, and supply chain resilience, with non-flammable, abundant, rare-earth-free materials, and the most compact footprint in its class. Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is crucial to advancing the energy transition and meeting rising power demand. The BESSt Company's "any-duration" storage technology delivers uninterrupted, always-on energy that makes long-duration runtimes viable for sites of any scale.

The Technology and Why It Matters 

As power and energy demand surge, extreme weather-related outages increase, and the grid ages out of reliability, critical industries are turning to renewables for an unimpaired and robust energy supply. But generation alone doesn't ensure availability. Many rely on costly workarounds: oversized systems, diesel generators, or short-duration lithium-ion batteries packed with rare earth minerals, limited in capacity, and exposed to fragile supply chains. None were built for extended or bespoke runtimes. To date, most LDES technologies remain too bulky, site-restricted, or capital-intensive for widespread commercial and industrial use.

The BESSt Company battery changes the equation. It aligns renewable generation with real-world usage, turning intermittent power into a stable, on-demand resource. Power is banked, dispatched, and controlled.

"Energy storage has always been the missing link," said Joley Michaelson, founder and CEO of The BESSt Company. "Conventional lithium-ion can't meet today's uptime demands, and most long-duration systems are built for utility-scale projects, not the space and retrofit limits of real-world infrastructure. We designed this battery for those conditions at a cost that makes widespread deployment possible."

Supported by over 100 peer-reviewed studies and independently validated by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the chemistry offers unmatched safety, lifespan, and operational flexibility.

"It solves the problems that have held long-duration storage back," said Kevin Meagher, Chief Science Officer at The BESSt Company. "We built a system that stores power for days without performance loss, operates reliably in extreme conditions, and delivers predictable output when the grid can't. That's what the market needs: storage that behaves like true infrastructure."

          The BESSt Company battery delivers up to 20 times the energy density of conventional vanadium flow batteries (the most popular LDES technology today). Its compact, modular form factor makes it deployable in space-limited settings, unlocking any-duration, multi-hour to multi-day energy storage.

About The BESSt Company

          The BESSt Company was established to solve a critical bottleneck in renewable energy delivery, building on technology developed by The Sun Company, which was founded by Joley Michaelson in 2018. In designing decentralized power systems for mission-critical sectors, the team identified a critical need for energy storage engineered to meet real-world conditions—solutions that extend uptime, reduce space and safety constraints, and scale with demand. In response, they began developing a new platform that pairs field-tested system design with zinc-polyiodide chemistry licensed from Battelle. Today, The BESSt Company is advancing that platform through late-stage development and preparing for commercial deployment, supported by strong early interest from strategic partners and institutional investors. Visit www.tbc.energy

Solerus Energy, a trusted resource for solar and BESS installers and homeowners, announces a rebrand reflecting the company's growth from a regional parts supplier to a national, end-to-end solar solutions provider. The rebrand introduces a new visual identity, redesigned website, and improved e-commerce functionality to serve customers better as solar technology becomes increasingly mainstream.

The company's newly expanded product catalog includes a broad range of racking hardware, shutdown components, and monitoring systems selected to meet the needs of both professional and first-time solar users. The refreshed identity includes a modernized website that makes it easier for users to explore product lines, compare system configurations, and get expert advice. Solerus' new website also integrates a robust e-commerce platform designed to simplify procurement for solar buyers.

"Solar technology has accelerated quickly, and we've seen a growing wave of contractors and DIY homeowners who want flexible, affordable solutions," says Syed Mujtaba, founder and president of Solerus Energy. "We're excited to have grown from a regional presence to a nationally recognized brand due to the Solerus team's consistent focus on providing expert support to each customer, from design through final troubleshooting."

The company's new website highlights Solerus' value proposition: free technical support and system design services for both DIY and contractor customers. Key updates include:

• Streamlined navigation through a complete, searchable catalog with displayed prices
• A blog to share best installation practices and industry insights for contractors and DIYers
• Multiple payment options with automated tax and shipping calculations, including PayPal, credit card, and ACH
• Further information on Solerus' background, team, manufacturer details, and unique value proposition

"We aim to keep it simple," Syed said. "We ask customers what they want their system to provide, and guide them toward proven, high-performing products that will get them there. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of solar."

Solerus Energy | solerusenergy.com

Daikin, a global leader in air conditioning manufacturing, announced a five-year agreement with ENGIE North America to power all of the company's Texas facilities with 100% renewable electricity, including the Daikin Texas Technology Park (DTTP), home to its largest manufacturing site and North American headquarters.

"This initiative represents a major step forward in aligning our operations with Daikin's long-term sustainability goals," said Mike Knights, Senior Vice President of Procurement at Daikin. "By working with ENGIE, a global leader in the energy transition, we're securing clean electricity for our Texas operations while reinforcing our environmental responsibility goals. The initiative facilitates a transparent, traceable connection between operational energy use and a certified renewable energy source."

Under the agreement, Daikin will source clean electricity from the Impact Solar project in North Texas, which is owned and operated by a third party and has been in commercial operation since 2021. This relationship brings Daikin closer to its goal of making the DTTP a Net Zero Factory by 2030 and supports the company's global Environmental Vision 2050.

"This agreement with Daikin underscores how industry leaders can advance global visions into tangible progress locally," said Anne-Laure Chassanite, CEO of ENGIE Resources. "We're proud to deliver renewable electricity from Impact Solar in support of Daikin's operations in Texas."

This milestone builds on Daikin's recent installation of a solar array at DTTP, which powers the facility's central chiller plant and supports grid integration. Together, these efforts reflect a broader strategy shaped by a two-year collaboration with ForeFront Power to evaluate energy usage, sustainability goals, and procurement planning. The result is a forward-looking approach that advances Daikin's environmental goals while reinforcing its leadership in sustainable manufacturing and corporate responsibility within the HVAC industry.

"Our relationship with Daikin reflects the power of strategic energy planning and competitive solicitation processes to drive meaningful sustainability outcomes," said Dr. Ruben Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power. "Over the past two years, our Advisory Services team worked closely with Daikin to shape and execute on a comprehensive renewables procurement strategy that aligns with their Net Zero ambitions. We're proud to have played a role in helping Daikin lead the way in responsible manufacturing and renewable energy adoption."

Daikin Industries | www.daikincomfort.com

ENGIE North America I www.engie-na.com 

ForeFront Power | www.forefrontpower.com

Safety is the ultimate benchmark defining the core value of energy storage products, and the foundation for earning user trust. At RE+ 2025, one of the world's most influential renewable energy and storage technology exhibitions held in Las Vegas, Jackery made a striking appearance. During the show, Jackery officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Desay Battery.

The two companies will collaborate on the research and application of Proactive Safety AI Prismatic Cell technology, co-developing the world's first safer and smarter DIY home energy storage solution. They aim to usher in a new era of "Proactive Safety" in the storage industry together.

Anchoring on Safety: Proactive Safety AI Prismatic Cell Builds a Shield for Green Energy

As the "heart" of outdoor power supplies, battery cells are directly tied to product safety and value—ensuring the continuous "pulse" of energy storage products. With Proactive Safety AI Prismatic Cells as the foundation, this partnership will achieve deep collaboration across the full chain: joint R&D breakthroughs, unified technical standards, and co-built quality control systems.

By integrating AI with cell safety, the two companies will break away from traditional passive protection models and upgrade the industry from "reactive response" to "proactive prevention." For consumers, this means DIY home storage solutions that provide earlier, more reliable safety guarantees, easing concerns around the use of green energy products .For the industry, the "technology collaboration + safety co-construction" model explored in this partnership offers a reference framework to further improve storage safety standards.

"Safety is the cornerstone of the energy storage industry, and also the core direction that Jackery has always adhered to," said Tracy Wang, Jackery's representative, at the signing ceremony. "Through this collaboration with Desay Battery on Proactive Safety AI Prismatic Cell technology, we look forward to complementing each other's strengths in R&D and quality, raising the bar for safety in energy storage, and delivering safer, smarter DIY home storage products worldwide."

Luke Wang, Sales Director at Desay Battery, added: "Desay has been dedicated to cell innovation for many years, with safety always at the center of our R&D. This collaboration with Jackery around Proactive Safety AI Prismatic Cells lays a solid foundation for partnership, and we are eager to contribute further to the safe development of the storage industry."

Long-Termism in Action: Standards and Technology as the Bedrock of Safe Green Energy

Safety is never incidental—it is the natural outcome of long-term commitment. Jackery has embedded "safety and reliability" into its product DNA, ensuring that every stage, from design to manufacturing, adheres to strict international and domestic certifications.

At RE+ 2025, this safety-first commitment was on full display:The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus successfully obtained both UL 9540 and UL 9540A certifications.Jackery Solar Roof were certified by TÜV SÜD, UL, and CQC—becoming the first curved solar tile worldwide to pass the stringent UL 7103 test.

These achievements—recognized by both the market and global standards—reinforce Jackery's foundation for scaling its all-scenario home green energy solutions safely and reliably, strengthening its position as it expands into broader global markets.

Guided by its mission of "sustainable power for your life," Jackery will continue to advance technological innovation and scenario-driven applications. The company is committed to delivering affordable, portable, and reliable all-scenario green energy solutions to global users—contributing to a more stable and sustainable global energy ecosystem.

Jackery | https://www.jackery.com/

Desay Corporation | https://www.desay.com/enindex.html 

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Kenya William Ruto, and Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Davis will headline the second edition of the Global Renewables Summit (GRS25), taking place on 22–23 September in New York alongside the UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC.

The Summit will open with the High-Level Session on Renewable Energy Abundance, hosted by Climate Group, Fortescue and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA). The session will feature a powerful lineup of speakers from government, business, and international organisations, including:

H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya
Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas
Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President-designate
H.E. Francesco La Camera, Director-General, IRENA
Bruce Douglas, CEO, Global Renewables Alliance
Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, Executive Chairman, Fortescue

Highlighting the EU’s commitment to accelerating the global energy transition, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission stated: “In Europe, we know decarbonisation and prosperity go hand in hand. Already, half of our electricity comes from renewables and investments are up 63% this year alone. But the clean power transition can only succeed with truly global benefits. Europe is placing it at the core of our international agenda, pushing to turn the global targets on renewables into reality. We are ready to work with all partners who share our ambitions. And I am glad to count on the support of the Global Renewable Alliance in this effort.”

Underscoring Africa’s determination to lead on clean energy, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, remarked: “Africa’s vision for climate-positive growth and development is anchored in renewable energy. The Nairobi Declaration of 2023 set a target of 300 GW by 2030, and we reaffirmed this in Addis Ababa earlier this month. Yet our current trajectory falls short of our vast potential and of the pace seen globally. We are determined to change that. Our homegrown financial institutions have now committed to mobilise $100 billion to fuel green industries and unlock Africa’s market potential - a historic milestone that signals Africa’s resolve to lead with action. But we cannot achieve this transformation alone. Our strength lies in integration - within Africa and with partners who share our vision of a more inclusive, prosperous, and climate-secure global economy.”

Speaking from the perspective of a climate-vulnerable nation, Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas emphasised: "As a leader on the frontlines of climate change, I’ve watched the tides rise higher each year, felt the storms grow stronger and witnessed first-hand the steady advance of a warming world. This isn’t just about weather: it is a direct assault on the intrinsic rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, about recognizing that we are interconnected, our fates intertwined. Our collective response to this global crisis will determine the fate of generations to come. The time is up; the climate crisis demands our full attention now."

Reaffirming the role of the next COP Presidency, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President-designate, noted: “The COP30 Presidency is committed to support the implementation of the global goal of tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, as approved by all countries in the GST, at COP28. This is essential to accelerate the energy transition.”

Building on its landmark debut in 2024, this year’s Summit will spotlight the remarkable progress already driving the global renewables boom, from breakthrough investments to record levels of deployment. It will also serve as a springboard for the next wave of political commitments and private sector leadership.

H.E. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), emphasised the economic case for renewables: “IRENA data confirms that more than 90% of new renewable projects are now cheaper than any fossil fuel alternatives. Yet, as the custodian agency tracking progress towards the global goal of tripling renewables by 2030, we must call for far greater ambition. Renewables are not just clean, they are smart economics, unlocking huge opportunities. Every dollar invested pays back in economic growth, more jobs and security of supplies.”

The high-level opening will be followed by numerous roundtable dialogues focused on urgent priorities including national energy plans, energy security, unlocking capital for emerging markets, expanding grids and storage, and accelerating green industrialisation. The Summit will spotlight front runners and feature success stories, high-impact policy dialogues, and announcements from public and private sector leaders - demonstrating how solutions already transforming economies can be scaled to unlock even greater opportunities for growth, resilience, and energy security.

“Renewables are already delivering jobs, security and growth in all markets. What we need now are bold policies and clear investment signals to accelerate this renewables revolution,” said Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance. "The Global Renewables Summit is where governments, business leaders and investors join forces to lead the race towards global energy abundance.”

With COP30 fast approaching, the Global Renewables Summit will be a pivotal moment to turn global ambition into national action, mobilising investment, policy and partnerships to scale renewables at unprecedented speed.

The Summit is convened by the Global Renewables Alliance in partnership with the European Commission, the COP30 Presidency, the Governments of Bahamas and Kenya, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Together, these partners are making the Summit a key milestone on the road to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

International Renewable Energy Agency | https://www.iaea.org/

Digi International, a leading global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services, announced the Digi XBee 3 BLU module. This latest addition to the award-winning Digi XBee family of embedded wireless modules delivers reliable, secure Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) 5.4 connectivity for connected products with provisioning, edge processing, and mobile management capabilities in industrial, healthcare, retail, and smart building applications. 

Proven Ecosystem, Integration Scale

Built for reliable operation in harsh environments with an industrial temperature range of -40 °C to 85 °C, the Digi XBee 3 BLU supports Bluetooth LE 5.4 features including enhanced range, improved data throughput, and beaconing capabilities for proximity detection and asset tracking applications. 

It is available in two standard Digi XBee form factors (through-hole and micro) and pre-certified to accelerate regulatory approval processes across global markets. The proven Digi XBee ecosystem provides seamless integration across form factors, connectivity technologies, APIs, and software tools. This allows device manufacturers to quickly add intelligent Bluetooth connectivity to their products, without the need for extensive hardware or software redesigns.

Local Edge Intelligence

Unlike traditional Bluetooth modules that require external microcontrollers, the Digi XBee 3 BLU features embedded MicroPython programmability with direct access to on-module I/O (digital I/O, 10-bit ADC inputs) and Bluetooth LE connectivity. This edge processing option allows device manufacturers to implement custom logic, sensor data processing, and decision-making directly on the module — helping to further reduce design complexity and cost.

Security Above and Beyond 

Security on the Digi XBee 3 BLU extends beyond standard Bluetooth module implementations. It integrates Digi TrustFence®, including secure boot and hardware-accelerated encryption, with implementation of the Secure Remote Password (SRP) standard to deliver “zero-knowledge” authentication and strong 256-bit AES encryption capabilities. Combined with the advanced Bluetooth LE 5.4 security features, like encrypted advertising and its standard secure pairing capabilities, the module includes an additional security layer.

Mobile Development Stack 

Digi XBee Studio provides device discovery, a console for communication, device configuration, firmware updates, and embedded tools for tasks like XBee profile creation and device recovery. The tool’s Quick Setup wizard reduces development time by providing pre-configured templates for common use cases including beaconing and sensor monitoring.

The Digi XBee Mobile App simplifies field deployment by enabling wireless configuration of settings and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates directly from iOS and Android devices using Bluetooth. OEMs can now build products that allow customers or technicians to easily discover nearby devices, read sensor data, change configuration parameters, and perform remote maintenance without physical access or specialized equipment. The app includes built-in functionality for beacon scanning, beacon advertising, and phone/tablet communication use cases, enabling immediate testing and deployment of Bluetooth-enabled products. 

The Digi IoT Mobile SDK provides complete libraries, code examples, and documentation for creating branded mobile applications that interact with products integrating Digi XBee 3 BLU modules. It accelerates custom mobile application development through the Digi IoT Library for Microsoft .NET MAUI, a framework that enables developers to create a single application and share code between iOS and Android platforms, reducing development time, complexity, and costs. 

Key Benefits

• Standard Digi XBee form factor and APIs for rapid and future-proof integration
• Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 connectivty with advanced beaconing capabilities
• Built-in Digi TrustFence device security and strong 256-bit AES encryption
• Digi XBee Mobile App for mobile field management capabilities
• Digi IoT XBee SDK for accelerated mobile app development and integration
• MicroPython environment delivers edge intelligence and simplifies designs
• Built-in I/O capabilities enable direct sensor integration and local control
• Industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C) for harsh environments

“Digi XBee 3 BLU helps remove common integration barriers for device manufacturers by instantly enabling wireless device management integration from initial provisioning through ongoing maintenance,” said Quinn Jones, Senior Product Manager at Digi International. “Our customers can now deliver solutions for equipment monitoring with local data processing, proximity-based asset management, and mobile-enabled device provisioning across industries with a single product platform.”

The Digi XBee 3 BLU module and development kits are available immediately for Digi distributors. XBee 3 BLU is part of the proven Digi XBee ecosystem with over 25 million modules deployed worldwide.

Digi International | www.digi.com/xbee-blu