The Hidden Risk in Your Battery Storage System: Why cable cleats belong in every BESS specification

Veolia, a global leader in environmental services, has been selected by a major project developer to operate and maintain a 350-megawatt microgrid to power an AI data center campus. This contract builds on Veolia's Data Center Resource 360 offer launched earlier this year, helping data centers operate reliably while reducing energy, water and waste impacts and strengthening community resilience and environmental security.

The energy project will provide 100% of the power for an AI data center campus in Ohio without relying on the traditional electric grid. As demand for AI infrastructure accelerates, the project illustrates a more responsible approach to powering data centers, reducing demand on constrained electric grids and preserving capacity for local communities.

By combining on-site generation with large-scale battery storage, the microgrid delivers reliable, resilient power while reducing pressure on already constrained public electricity networks and preserving grid capacity for local communities. It also enables developers to accelerate speed-to-power without waiting years for traditional grid interconnection. 

Veolia's experience operating complex energy infrastructure and commissioning mission-critical data centers makes it a trusted partner to operate and maintain these next-generation microgrids. As developers increasingly deploy on-site power to overcome grid constraints, Veolia ensures these assets operate safely, reliably and efficiently, reducing operational risk while supporting environmental security and strengthening the resilience of surrounding communities. The project demonstrates how resilient energy infrastructure can enable the growth of AI while balancing the needs of industry, the electric grid and local communities.

“Our work on this project shows how Veolia can help developers accelerate speed-to-power while maintaining the reliability required for mission-critical AI operations, all while protecting the community,” said Karin Hamel, CEO of Veolia Energy, North America and Chief Growth Officer for Veolia in North America. “As developers deploy microgrids and other advanced energy systems to meet the growing demand for AI infrastructure, they need trusted partners with the expertise to operate these assets safely, reliably and at scale. Veolia helps reduce operational risk, improve performance and provide environmental security for customers and the communities they serve, supporting the responsible growth of AI while delivering reliable and sustainable infrastructure solutions.”

Microgrid establishes responsible framework for data center powering 

As AI accelerates demand for electricity, water and other resources across the United States, developers of data centers face growing challenges securing power on the timelines required. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, new power projects spend an average of nearly five years in U.S. interconnection queues. To accelerate time-to-power, developers are increasingly investing in private generation, battery storage and microgrids capable of operating independently from the electric grid. 

The microgrid in Ohio will integrate gas engines, linear generators, battery energy storage systems and medium-voltage infrastructure into a coordinated energy platform supporting continuous AI operations. Veolia will oversee operations integration, commissioning support and long-term plant operations under a performance-based model designed to maximize uptime, asset performance and operational accountability.

Veolia was brought into the project before commercial operations to support startup readiness, operating procedure development and coordination among multiple contractors and original equipment manufacturers operating under compressed construction timelines.

The facility will also require a dedicated 24/7 on-site workforce, highlighting how AI infrastructure growth is creating demand for highly skilled energy operators even as automation expands across the broader economy.

Key project metrics include:

• 350 MW generation capacity
• 430 MWh battery energy storage system
• 99.9% availability target
• 35-40 full-time on-site personnel

Veolia | https://www.veolianorthamerica.com/

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released its Q2 2026 edition of The 50 States of Electric Vehicles. The quarterly series provides insights on state regulatory and legislative discussions and actions on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The report finds that 32 states, plus DC, took actions related to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure during Q2 2026 (see figure below), with the greatest number of actions relating to rebate programs, residential managed charging programs, charging infrastructure planning activities, rate design and managed charging programs for commercial customers, grant programs, and vehicle registration fees.

A total of 195 electric vehicle actions were taken during Q2 2026, in addition to over 350 introduced bills that have not yet passed a legislative chamber. The most active states this quarter were Maryland, California, New Jersey, and Hawaii, followed Virginia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Q2 2026 State and Utility Action on Electric Vehicles

The report discusses three trends in electric vehicle actions taken in Q2 2026: (1) utilities targeting hard-to-reach customers with rebate programs, (2) utilities and policymakers pulling back on electric vehicle programs, and (3) state lawmakers considering electric vehicle ready parking requirements.

“Reflecting the federal shift away from EV support, we're seeing a similar pattern at the state and utility level," said Justin Lindemann, Project Manager at NCCETC. “A number of states and utilities made major changes to existing EV incentives and initiatives this quarter, including removing carve-outs for disadvantaged communities, closing new enrollments for EV charger incentives, and eliminating EV incentives altogether.”

While a number of states and utilities took steps to pull back on their transportation electrification initiatives, some took actions to advance their efforts. The report notes five of these top policy developments of the quarter:

• Hawaii lawmakers creating a new clean fuel standard;
• Public Service Company of New Mexico expanding incentives for non-residential customers;
• Consumers Energy and DTE Electring expanding charging incentives in their Michigan transportation electrification plans;
• Vermont legislators adopting mileage-based electric vehicle fees; and
• Black Hills Energy filing its latest transportation electrification plan in Colorado.

"This quarter, several lawmakers focused on requirements surrounding EV charging infrastructure by progressing new EV parking requirements, EV-ready requirements, EV parking space calculation methodologies, and local requirements for EV-capable parking. Elsewhere, lawmakers relaxed such requirements for certain types of construction,” noted Caitlin Flanagan, Policy Analyst at NCCETC.

*View the 50 States of Electric Vehicles Q2 2026 Quarterly Report Executive Summary*

View and Purchase the 50 States of Electric Vehicles Q2 2026 Quarterly Report

View other 50 States Reports – Solar, Grid Modernization,  Electric Vehicles and Power Decarbonization

NC Clean Energy Technology Center | http://www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu

Beam Global, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation, energy storage and security, and smart city infrastructure, announced that its EV ARC off-grid solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging systems have been deployed as part of the new CommunityEV Carshare pilot launched by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) in Massachusetts.

The pilot combines Beam Global's rapidly deployable off-grid, battery-enhanced charging infrastructure products with EVs from Zipcar to expand access to affordable, clean transportation in communities that have traditionally lacked carsharing services. Four locations across Greater Boston are now equipped with Beam EV ARC systems, allowing electric vehicles to be charged with zero-unit cost for the electricity using renewable energy, without requiring construction, trenching, electrical work or utility connections. The EV ARC systems are rented by MAPC, creating a new recurring revenue stream for Beam Global and providing an excellent entry point for carsharing businesses to reduce capital requirements for infrastructure whilst delivering zero utility cost electricity to their customer community.

“Beam Global is excited to bring our innovative and reliable off-grid charging infrastructure products to this partnership and see them deliver benefits to more people across Greater Boston,” said Beam Global President & CEO Desmond Wheatley. “With no construction and no connection to the grid, our rapidly deployed off-grid infrastructure solutions generate reliable electricity but they don’t generate a utility bill so that people in these communities can access clean transportation options without delays and in the most cost-efficient manner.”

“CommunityEV Carshare is a transformative approach to solving two of the most important issues facing MAPC’s region, transportation and climate change, by applying new transportation technology to increase equitable mobility and utilizing renewable energy infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said MAPC Executive Director Lizzi Weyant. “We are excited that this program will pilot EV charging without lengthy and expensive construction, as well as promote EV carsharing to underserved communities.”

These EV ARC deployments demonstrate how Beam Global can accelerate EV adoption by providing sustainable charging infrastructure where traditional grid-connected chargers are impractical. Each EV ARC generates and stores renewable energy on-site, enabling up to 265 e-miles with zero-unit cost electricity in a day, charging two vehicles simultaneously, and supporting multiple Zipcar charging sessions daily without increasing demand on the local electric grid.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, household vehicles are parked approximately 95% of the time, while Zipcar’s Boston EV fleet data shows a median trip distance of just 25.5 miles. Together, these figures highlight the importance of rapidly deployable, clean renewable charging infrastructure, providing ample opportunity to recharge vehicles between relatively short trips. Beam Global is proud to support Massachusetts’ goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with transportation accounting for 38% of the Commonwealth’s emissions.

Beam Global | www.beamforall.com 

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE), a leader in construction of alternative transportation stations, announced it has been awarded a $27.5 million contract by Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to design and build a new private hydrogen fueling station at OCTA’s Garden Grove bus base.

The new station will support the agency’s growing fleet of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses. Under the contract, Clean Energy will provide design-build services for the hydrogen station and facility upgrades, as well as operations and maintenance services and liquid hydrogen fuel supply. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.

OCTA currently operates a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell, battery-electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses with plans to transition to a 100 percent zero-emission bus fleet by 2040, aligning with California’s Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulations. OCTA currently has 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses in service and expects to add 40 more by the time this fuel station is built.

"OCTA has built a reputation as a forward-thinking transit agency that continues to invest in clean transportation technology," said Alphonse Anderson, Senior Account Manager at Clean Energy. "As they expand their hydrogen fleet, we're honored to help deliver the infrastructure that will support those operations for years to come. Clean Energy is headquartered in Orange County and has built hydrogen stations for other Southern Californian transit agencies, so being selected to build OCTA's station locally makes this project especially meaningful for our team."

OCTA is one of the largest transportation agencies in Southern California, overseeing bus services across the county of over 3.1 million residents, as well as regional transportation planning, road improvements, and rail programs. The agency operates, maintains and fuels buses from four locations, one being the Garden Grove bus base, where the new hydrogen station will be built.

Clean Energy Fuels | www.cleanenergyfuels.com

Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) announced that its U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT Low Carbon hail-resilient modules have received FM Approvals recognition under the rigorous FM 4478 and FM 4480 identified component standards, making them the first FM Approvals PV modules listed as identified components for severe hail zones.

The recognition validates the exceptional durability and resilience of Canadian Solar's U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT Low Carbon HP modules, including proven resistance to severe hail impacts. To achieve FM listing, the modules successfully passed a comprehensive series of tests designed to evaluate their ability to withstand the demanding environmental and mechanical stresses encountered by utility-scale solar projects, including:

1. Hail Damage Resistance Testing per ANSI/FM Approvals Standard for Ground-Mounted or Elevated Photovoltaic Module System, Class 4480.
2. Design Qualification and Type Approval Testing in accordance with the IEC/EN 61215 series standards.
3. Safety Qualification Testing in accordance with IEC/EN 61730-2 and ANSI/UL 61730 requirements.

As the first FM Approvals identified component PV modules listed in the industry, Canadian Solar's U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT HP products set a new standard for solar projects in hail-prone markets. The FM Approvals recognition provides developers, asset owners, and investors with an additional layer of confidence by validating the modules' resilience under severe hail conditions.

By helping reduce hail-related project risks, strengthening insurability, and supporting long-term asset performance, these modules can enhance project bankability and contribute to more predictable lifetime returns. Designed for today's increasingly challenging climate conditions, they enable solar project stakeholders to better protect revenue streams while supporting reliable plant operation over the life of the asset.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of Canadian Solar, said, "As extreme weather events become more frequent, resilience is increasingly critical to solar project success. The FM Approvals listing of our U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT HP modules demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-performance products that help customers mitigate risk, improve project bankability, and ensure reliable long-term operation of their solar assets."

Canadian Solar | www.canadiansolar.com

PowerBank Corporation (Nasdaq: PBK) (Cboe CA: PBK) (FSE: 103) ("PowerBank" or the "Company"), a leader in independent energy development and asset ownership in North America, is pleased to announce it will be supporting TriMac Engineering of Sydney, Nova Scotia ("TriMac") with solar feasibility studies and related technical and development assessments for solar consulting services for the Municipality of the County of Victoria ("Victoria County" or "the Municipality") in Nova Scotia. The contract was executed between TriMac and the Municipality on July 8, 2026, and PowerBank will be supporting TriMac through a fee for service agreement.

Victoria County issued a request for proposals ("RFP") on June 20, 2026, for consulting services to develop the Victoria County Solar Strategy: Solar Feasibility and Implementation Roadmap. In the tender document for the RFP, the Municipality said, "The Municipality is advancing this work in response to increasing energy reliability concerns, rising utility costs, and climate-related disruptions."

The work will involve evaluating municipal buildings and properties across Victoria County to identify suitable solar opportunities and develop an implementation roadmap. The assessment may consider rooftop and ground-mounted solar, depending on the characteristics and feasibility of each property. Potential system sizes will be determined through the feasibility studies based on factors such as available roof or land area, electricity consumption, structural or site constraints, interconnection capacity and project economics. As part of the feasibility and implementation work, the team may evaluate available federal, provincial or utility funding and incentive programs that could support future solar installations identified through the studies.

PowerBank has an established partnership with TriMac, as they have been working together on the development of three Community Solar Projects in Nova Scotia under the Provincial Community Solar program that are expected to have a combined capacity of 12.4 MW. Read more about the three projects in the most recent update here.

PowerBank's proven expertise, with over 100 MW of completed projects and a development pipeline exceeding 1 GW, underpins the project's execution. Strategic partnerships and institutional-grade development capabilities position PowerBank to deliver reliable, high-impact energy solutions. These capabilities are increasingly valuable as AI and data center growth place unprecedented demand on the North American grid.

PowerBank Corporation | www.powerbankcorp.com

ARRAY Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARRY) (“ARRAY” or the “Company”), a New Mexico-based leading global provider of tracking technology and fixed-tilt products, foundation solutions, software systems and services, announced an expansion of its product portfolio with launch of ARRAY Atlas, a new suite of foundation-to-tracker solutions designed exclusively for ARRAY trackers and APA foundations to enhance their technical interoperability.

Across standard and challenging sites alike, the interface between foundation and tracker has historically been fragmented, hardware-heavy, and never engineered as an integrated part of the tracker system. This includes traditional steel W-beams, the current standard for most utility-scale solar piles and foundation-to-tracker interfaces, which can create unnecessary cost and execution challenges through volatile commodity pricing, limited sourcing flexibility, and installation complexity.

Designed from the ground up, the Atlas suite reimagines the connection between APA foundation and ARRAY tracker, giving customers greater installation flexibility, procurement resilience, wire management readiness, and project certainty across virtually any soil condition.

As an engineered alternative to existing foundation approaches, Atlas provides a cost competitive and optimized solution to service the tracker foundation market, which exceeds $1B annually1.

"For decades, developers have relied on commodity steel piles that were never engineered as part of the tracker system," said Josh Von Deylen, Chief Executive Officer of APA Solar, an ARRAY company. "Atlas changes that by bringing the foundation and tracker interface together in a purpose-built solution that helps customers install faster, source more efficiently, and execute projects with greater confidence."

ARRAY Atlas I (left) and Atlas II (right), a new suite of foundation-to-tracker solutions designed exclusively for ARRAY trackers and APA foundations

Atlas is available in two configurations built around a common engineered bearing housing platform to enable customers to pair the right foundation solution for their site while maintaining a consistent tracker interface above grade:

Atlas I is designed for standard soil conditions, connecting driven foundations (a shortened W-beam or sigma pile) to the tracker through an adjustable rolled steel C-channel and bearing interface, which offers customers:

• Greater design and field flexibility to correct minor driving variation in height through vertical C-channel adjustment

• Improved procurement resiliency by reducing or eliminating steel beam in favor of roll-formed steel components

• Reduced deformation risk by shortening the driven foundation and separating it from the tracker interface

Atlas II is designed for challenging soil conditions, connecting engineered foundations (helical piles or ground screws) with a dual-leg interface and bearing interface, which offers customers:

• Better installation efficiency through an integrated design with fewer connection points and a 70% reduction in component count compared to APA A-Frame

• Enhanced adaptability for design and on-site conditions, including improved vertical and East/West adjustability, supporting sites with varied topography

As utility-scale solar projects continue to scale in size while labor availability, procurement complexity, and schedule pressures increase, developers are looking for integrated solutions that simplify construction and reduce execution risk.

The launch of Atlas represents another milestone following ARRAY's acquisition of APA Solar, a premier solar racking and foundations solutions provider, in 2025. By combining ARRAY's leadership in solar tracking with APA's expertise in foundation engineering, the companies are accelerating the development of integrated solutions that simplify project execution from the ground up.

For more information or to discuss project inquiries, please contact the APA sales team at [email protected] or 419-267-5280.

ARRAY Atlas | https://arraytechinc.com/products/atlas

1. Based on Wood Mackenzie Global Solar Tracker Landscape H1 2026 Report and company estimates