Looking Ahead to 2026

Sineng Electric has supported the commercial operation of a 300 MW / 1,200 MWh energy storage power station in Ordos City, China, after the successful completion of rigorous three-charge/three-discharge performance validation testing. Powered by Sineng’s 1250 kW central PCS featuring next-generation enhanced grid-forming technology, the project represents the world’s largest single-site grid-forming hybrid energy storage power plant, integrating multiple energy storage technologies and operating modes. 

As a key part of the region’s 3 GW / 12.8 GWh energy storage deployment, the facility employs a hybrid configuration combining Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries with Vanadium Flow Batteries (VFBs), balancing fast power response with long-duration energy stability. Sineng’s next-generation central and string PCS solutions support grid-forming, grid-following, and off-grid operation modes, ensuring operational flexibility across complex and variable grid conditions.

Equipped with enhanced grid-forming technology, Sineng’s energy storage solution provides millisecond-level power support, virtual inertia and damping support, suppressing wide-frequency oscillations under both major and minor grid disturbances. In grid outage scenarios, the solution enables minute-level black-start functionality, allowing rapid power restoration and strengthening overall grid resilience.

Leveraging Sineng Electric’s grid-forming solution and AI-powered intelligent energy management system, the plant optimizes energy dispatch, maximizes system efficiency, lifecycle performance, and economic returns—creating sustained long-term value for customers.

Notably, Sineng Electric has successfully completed whole-station-level grid-forming testing, further validating the reliability and large-scale applicability of its advanced grid-forming technology. This achievement underscores Sineng Electric’s leadership in energy storage and its role in advancing a stable, resilient, and sustainable power system.

Sineng Electric | https://en.si-neng.com/

Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WLDN) announced that it was selected by Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) in California to implement a $49 million energy services contract. The scope of work consists of the turnkey delivery of distributed energy resources (DERs) and infrastructure upgrades, including solar PV systems, a battery energy storage system, EV charging stations, and a comprehensive parking lot redesign. Construction is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2027.

Willdan is listed as a qualified energy service company in the state of California and holds a Master Services Agreement with the Foundation for California Community Colleges to implement DERs at California Community Colleges – including Mt. SAC – as well as other public sector facilities.

“Sustainability is central to our mission and vision, guiding our students and staff while ensuring our campus can serve the community reliably for years to come,” said Dr. Robert Hidalgo, Mt. SAC President of the Board of Trustees. “This project reflects those values by reducing energy use, adding resiliency through local energy generation and storage, and providing the flexibility to support a future microgrid and campus electrification.”

Mt. San Antonio College | https://www.mtsac.edu/

Willdan | www.willdan.com

TurnOnGreen, Inc. (OTC: TOGI) ("TurnOnGreen" or the "Company"), announced the completion of an electric vehicle ("EV") charging infrastructure project for Foster City ("Foster City") in San Mateo County, California. The project includes multiple EVP1100 48-amp/11 kW high-powered, networked Level 2 EV charging stations capable of delivering approximately 35–40 miles of driving range per hour of charging. Foster City will utilize TurnOnGreen's cloud-based charging management software to remotely operate the chargers, monitor energy usage, generate activity reports, and track charging sessions.

This new EV charging infrastructure supports the sustainability initiatives outlined in the City's Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce community-wide emissions to nearly 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. The chargers are available exclusively to residents of The Pilgrim, a workforce housing community located at 501 Pilgrim Drive in Foster City.

"We are excited to partner with Foster City to support its ambitious sustainability goals by delivering affordable, reliable, and customizable EV charging solutions," said Marcus Charuvastra, President of TurnOnGreen. "These chargers will help simplify the transition to electric mobility for Foster City residents."

TurnOnGreen provides scalable EV charging solutions for residential, commercial, and fleet applications across North America. The Company's EV charging hardware, management software, and network services enable municipalities, businesses, and property owners to monitor, manage, and monetize EV charging usage. TurnOnGreen's charging systems are ENERGY STAR® certified, meet rigorous industry standards, and are backed by internationally recognized safety and performance certifications.

"The installation of these EV chargers, including van-accessible spaces for vehicles displaying disability placards, provides residents of our workforce housing property with convenient and affordable charging options," said Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director for Foster City. "We are also grateful to Peninsula Clean Energy for its incentive program and technical assistance in supporting this project."

According to the California Energy Commission, more than 1.01 million public and shared private chargers will be required to support a projected 7.1 million passenger plug-in EVs in California by 2030.

TurnOnGreen | www.turnongreen.com

Caribbean Transmission Development Company (CTDC) announced it has received the Presidential Permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for Project Hostos, a transformative 500MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine interconnection cable that will deliver firm, dispatchable power from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico beginning in 2031.

The Presidential Permit, required for all cross-border energy transmission facilities under Executive Order 10485, represents a critical federal validation that unlocks the path for significant private capital deployment for Caribbean energy infrastructure. The permit authorizes CTDC to construct, operate, and maintain transmission facilities crossing the international maritime boundary in the Mona Passage, following a comprehensive interagency review process coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Investment Structure and Benefits

Project Hostos is structured as a 100% privately financed initiative. The total project cost of $2.5 billion is allocated across key components:

• 500MW combined-cycle power plant
• 90 km of overhead 345kv AC transmission line
• 150 km of subsea 320kv HVDC transmission line
• 6 km cable stretching from the port of Mayagüez in western Puerto Rico, underground, rising to interconnect with the electric grid at the Mayagüez Substation
• AC-to-DC Converter Stations

"Atabey Capital's early commitment to Project Hostos reflects our conviction that private capital must lead Puerto Rico's energy transformation," said Rafael Vélez, founder and President of Atabey Capital, the Puerto Rico-based investment firm that serves as CTDC's founding investor and principal partner. "As a Puerto Rican company, we understood that our island's energy crisis requires bold, market-driven solutions that don't depend on scarce federal funding or the constraints of public-sector development. Our initial investment enabled the feasibility study and conceptual design, among other studies that were performed. We acknowledge the compelling fundamentals for the project: essential infrastructure, proven technology, and a regulatory framework that supports private development. This Presidential Permit validates the work performed to date and allows us to work on the next phases that will bring this project to commercial operation."

A Reliable Energy Future For Puerto Rico

The project centers on a state-of-the-art 500 MW combined-cycle power plant to be constructed in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, utilizing the latest gas and steam turbine technology. The facility will transmit power through three cable segments.

"This is the first major milestone that we have achieved. Meanwhile, we continue to advance on other milestones for the rapid execution of the Project," said Tirso Selman, Project Director. "Our development timeline and cost structure benefit significantly from building in the Dominican Republic, where permitting processes are more streamlined and construction costs are 25-30% lower than comparable Puerto Rico-based projects."

For Puerto Rico, the project addresses critical vulnerabilities exposed by recent hurricanes while positioning the island to retire inefficient legacy energy generation. The geographic diversification inherent in the cross-border design provides unprecedented resilience. For example, when storms threaten Puerto Rico, power continues flowing from the Dominican facility. If the Dominican Republic faces challenges, the interconnection cable is bi-directional, capable of providing power back to the Dominican Republic. In addition, the continuous LNG supply to the Dominican plant eliminates the vessel swap interruptions that periodically disrupt Puerto Rico's current floating storage units, another critical resilience consideration.

"Project Hostos will provide the firm, flexible, and dispatchable baseload capacity Puerto Rico desperately needs to replace aging thermal plants, reduce blackouts, and enable the integration of more renewable energy," Vélez added. "By connecting the two islands through proven subsea cable technology used successfully across North America, Europe, and Asia, we're not just building energy infrastructure; we're building resilience, reliability, and a bridge to Puerto Rico's clean energy future."

Key Partners Powering The Cross-Border Energy Solution

CTDC is currently engaged in a strategic partnership with Siemens Energy, which will supply the 500MW combined cycle power plant and both AC-to-DC converter stations in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Environmental stewardship has been central to the project's design. Working for the past three years with Jacobs, the international engineering firm, CTDC has optimized the cable routing through various comprehensive marine and environmental surveys and horizontal directional drilling for nearshore installation, key matters for the U.S. Presidential Permit.

The advanced combined-cycle technology provides approximately double the efficiency of Puerto Rico's aging steam units. This translates to annual operational savings of up to $300 million while reducing emissions by 3.8 million tons of CO2 annually compared to current generation sources. The plant's fast-ramping capability provides the flexibility to balance renewable intermittency while mitigating curtailment of clean energy.

The project will create more than 1,500 construction jobs and generate over $150 million in economic impact during the build phase. Once operational, Project Hostos will provide reliable power to the equivalent of more than 600,000 Puerto Rican homes while establishing the foundation for expanded Caribbean energy cooperation.

"The Hostos name itself—honoring the 19th-century philosopher Eugenio María de Hostos, who championed Caribbean confederation and shared prosperity—reflects our vision for this project," said Antonio Almonte, Minister of Energy and Mines of the Dominican Republic. "This Presidential Permit allows an interconnection that will transform the Caribbean energy landscape by demonstrating that our islands are stronger together. As we advance toward regional integration, Project Hostos establishes the technical and commercial framework for a true Caribbean energy market, where resources, expertise, and infrastructure serve the prosperity of all our peoples."

Caribbean Transmission Development Company | www.caribbeantransmission.com 

Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, announced the appointment of Justin Johnson, the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 20, 2026. 

Johnson brings more than two decades of experience across renewable energy development, construction, asset management, and operations. Since the company’s inception, he has played a central role in shaping Arevon’s strategy, scaling its operating platform, and expanding its national footprint. He will continue to serve as COO while assuming the responsibilities of Interim CEO, ensuring seamless leadership and operational continuity.

“When I joined Arevon, we started from the ground up, and today, we own and operate more than 6 gigawatts of solar and energy storage projects in 18 U.S. states, supported by a team of more than 300 professionals,” said Johnson. “I’m proud of our successes and am honored to step into this role and lead the next phase of our growth. We remain dedicated to delivering safe, reliable energy solutions, accelerating the growth of our development pipeline, sustaining best-in-class operational performance, and creating long-term value for our communities, customers, partners, and investors.”

Kevin Smith resigned from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 20, 2026. The Board thanks Smith for his leadership and contributions to the company. 

The leadership transition does not impact Arevon’s strategy, development pipeline, financial strength, or customer commitments, and all projects, partnerships, and operations will proceed as planned. The company remains well-positioned to execute on its long-term growth objectives with the support of its experienced Executive and leadership teams and its committed investors.

Arevon | arevonenergy.com

Summit Truck Bodies, a U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing company specializing in service truck bodies and service cranes, will introduce its 1229 Hydraulic Crane and Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) Phase 5 Control System at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, expanding the company’s next-generation crane platform into heavy-duty applications. The fully integrated solution delivers 12,000-pound lifting capacity with 29-foot reach while weighing 205 pounds less than previous 12,000-pound models.

The weight reduction directly translates into increased payload capacity, allowing operators to carry additional tools, parts, and fluids without exceeding chassis limits. Increased payload capacity offers a critical advantage for heavy equipment dealers, utility operators, mining service providers, oil and gas field service providers, and construction equipment repair operations.

Engineered for 8 Series bodies and larger on 26,000 GVWR chassis and above, the 1229 brings the structural innovations, continuous rotation capability and fully proportional controls recently introduced with Summit’s 829 crane to operators who need higher lifting capacity for engines, transmissions, counterweights and heavy components.

“Nearly all the benefits present in the 829, from self-centering and the sealed crane compartment to continuous rotation and lighter weight, have been transferred to this new platform,” said Christian Glascock, product development engineer at Summit Truck Bodies. “The 1229 was engineered to have a higher capacity than Summit has ever offered before.”

Three Times Faster Picking and Stowing

The 1229 employs a fully proportional control valve that enables seamless movement of all functions simultaneously. Combined with continuous rotation capability, the system delivers picking, positioning and stowing speeds up to three times faster than traditional crane systems.

“The continuous rotation feature eliminates the need to reverse direction, allowing operators to deploy the crane quickly, rotate it continuously and stow it immediately after completing a job,” Glascock said. “That paired with the multifunction capabilities results in three times picking, positioning and stowing speeds.”

The speed advantage translates to measurable productivity gains for fleet operators. Service technicians complete more calls per day, and equipment downtime decreases when repairs can be executed faster.

Platform Architecture Delivers Weight-to-Strength Advantage

The 1229 achieves its 205-pound weight reduction through the same engineering approaches that defined the 829: stronger and lighter boom profiles paired with a redesigned rotate assembly. The crane features a revised hexagonal boom profile with a flat bottom that reduces section height while maintaining self-centering alignment. The boom profile enables an elevation range from negative 10 degrees to 77.5 degrees positive.

A fully enclosed worm and gear rotate assembly provides better protection and reduced maintenance compared to open-face designs. The double-row slewing bearing delivers an 80,000 foot-pound rating, 37.5 percent stronger than previous standard models, while weighing 30 percent less at 180 pounds compared to 255 pounds.

“The 1229 is the next step in our crane evolution, and similar to our 829 crane, offers a stronger and lighter profile, paired with a lighter rotational assembly,” Glascock explained. “The 1229 requires a heavier and more robust body to not only support the load from the higher capacity but also act as a counterweight for stability.”

Additional structural improvements include a relocated winch positioned behind the main boom pivot and lowered on an angled mounting bracket to reduce overall crane height to 38.5 inches when stowed. A redesigned modular anti-two-block system requires zero adjustment and features bolt-on components for easier replacement.

ASE Phase 5 Reduces Total Cost of Ownership

The 1229 is fully compatible with Summit’s advanced ASE Phase 5 from launch, with all features from the 829 carrying over to the higher-capacity crane. The intelligent control system dramatically lowers total cost of ownership by slashing lifecycle maintenance costs through predictive diagnostics and real-time system monitoring.

The ASE Phase 5 Control System features an updated touchscreen interface with real-time diagnostics for all monitored systems. A dedicated maintenance menu tracks service intervals and monitors component lifespans, enabling predictive maintenance scheduling that prevents breakdowns before they occur. The system supports integration with fleet management platforms, providing operators with comprehensive data to optimize truck utilization and minimize unexpected downtime.

The wireless remote includes a full-color display with customizable interface options and integrated vehicle alarm for theft deterrence. The system operates and monitors the engine, PTO, outriggers, lights and all crane functions from three control points: the main panel in the rear compartment, cab control panel and wireless remote.

Auto-deploy, auto-retract and auto-stow functions through the wireless remote, along with customizable hot keys for frequently used tasks, further streamline operations and reduce the time technicians spend on crane setup and breakdown between service calls.

Coordinated Production Rollout

The 1229 enters production in Q2 2026 as part of Summit’s coordinated rollout alongside the 829 crane and broader Phase 5 system expansion across the company’s hydraulic crane lineup. The simultaneous launch demonstrates Summit’s manufacturing capabilities and vertical integration, with all cranes sharing the same advanced control architecture built factory-direct.

Summit will display the 1229 Hydraulic Crane and ASE Phase 5 Control System at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Booth S62823 in the South Hall, March 3-7. For information, call (866) 985-3100.

Summit Truck Bodies | summitbodies.com

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved the statewide Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The decision requires load-serving entities in California to procure 6 GW of clean renewable energy capacity by 2031. The decision establishes a new national benchmark for our energy grid resource planning by prioritizing the execution of clean, reliable solutions while protecting communities across California. The IRP incorporates several recommendations made by Vote Solar. 

The approved IRP rejects the inclusion of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) on gas plants as a qualifying clean resource. This closes a critical fossil fuel loophole long used by utilities to justify extending the life of older gas plants and proposing new fossil generation. By excluding CCS from the 6 gigawatt mandate, the California Public Utilities Commission has protected ratepayers from financing costly fossil fuel infrastructure while delivering an important victory for frontline communities that disproportionately bear the health impacts of air pollution from these facilities.

“The Commission’s IRP decision marks a pivotal moment in California’s clean energy transition,” said Sachu Constantine, Executive Director of Vote Solar. “At a moment when utilities across the country are still trying to force fossil fuels in reliability planning, California has made it clear that affordability, public health, and clean energy must move forward together. Today’s decision positions California to lead the next phase of grid modernization and sets a model for other states to follow.”

The decision also establishes a 25% procurement set-aside for clean firm resources, like geothermal energy, and medium-duration energy storage capable of delivering eight or more hours of power. These resources will help absorb excess mid-day solar production, reduce renewable curtailment, and strengthen grid reliability without reliance on gas peaker plants. Additionally, accelerated updates to Effective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) calculations create a pathway to demonstrate that long-duration storage can replace aging dirty fossil generation, laying the groundwork for future retirement of Once-Through Cooling (OTC) plants and California’s broader thermal fleet.

“This is a promising step forward for California,” said Claudine Custodio, Vote Solar’s Regulatory Director for the Interior West. “This order comes at a time when incentives for solar projects are about to expire. It provides the path to scale clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions. We look forward to continuing to advocate for solar policies in California to ensure that every household has a positive stake in an energy system that works for them.”

Vote Solar | https://votesolar.org/