Energy Storage: 2025 and Beyond

GO OPV, a leading printed semiconductor zero emission power generation company delivering ORENgE power solutions, and MechoShade Systems (Mecho), the global leader in commercial window coverings including the Mecho ElectroShade, introduce an ORENgE powered ElectroShade (ORENgE x ElectroShade) a revolutionary new design for zero emission power production and superior solar heat gain reduction. ORENgE x ElectroShade is the first motorized rolling printed semiconductor shade that incorporates commercial National Electric Code (NEC) industry standards for delivering Class 2 direct DC zero emission power and light absorption to reduce carbon footprint from heat gain reduction.

The innovative ORENgE x ElectroShade allows users to operate the shades (and potentially other accessories) with self-powering ORENgE printed semiconductor films. The energy generated by the film can leverage 24/7 DC battery storage solutions either standalone or coupled with low voltage DC Power over Ethernet (PoE) for low voltage power and data distribution. The self-powering shade employs Mecho’s award winning ElectroShade hardware, supporting multi-banded rollers up to 72” wide and 120” tall and producing up to 100 watts of Class 2 zero emission power per shade – power not only for the motorized roller shades, but for the broader facility e.g., lighting and other peripherals.

ORENgE x ElectroShade semi-transparent design enhances the aesthetic of a buildings’ façade as the ORENgE film is symmetrical with window glazing from the outside view; and allows for reduced glare and reduction of solar gain from the absorption of visible and near infrared light, transforming the excess heat into zero emission power from the inside of the building.

ORENgE x ElectroShade can be equipped with SolarTrac, Mecho’s state-of-the-art, scalable solution for window shade automation. Mecho's shading automation solutions are ideal for use in a wide range of applications, including large commercial offices, higher education buildings and healthcare facilities, to optimize the application of natural daylight for occupant and building performance.

ORENgE x ElectroShade is eligible under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for tax credits and other incentives that allow companies and institutions to continuously make advances to meet zero emission goals and mandates.

GO OPV | https://www.orengepower.com/

MechoShade Systems | https://www.mechoshade.com/

XCF Global Capital, Inc. ("XCF" or the "Company"), a key player in decarbonizing the aviation industry through Sustainable Aviation Fuel ("SAF"), announced the commencement of commercial production of neat SAF at New Rise Renewables, LLC ("New Rise"). In addition, New Rise has entered into an irrevocable corporate purchase order ("ICPO") for the sale of over 3 million gallons of neat SAF with an unaffiliated third-party buyer. The first shipments of neat SAF are expected to begin in February 2025, with delivery anticipated to begin in early March.

"Reaching commercial production at New Rise is an exciting milestone, reflecting years of dedication, engineering excellence, and our commitment to innovation," said Mihir Dange, Chief Executive Officer of XCF. "We are proud to begin customer deliveries and provide high-quality SAF that supports the decarbonization of the aviation industry."

This achievement marks the beginning of XCF's commercial ramp-up as the Company accelerates SAF production to meet growing demand for clean energy solutions. With New Rise reaching commercial production, XCF is advancing its goal of becoming a leader in the decarbonization of the aviation industry.

XCF Global Capital | www.xcf.global

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NRGV) ("Energy Vault"), a leader in sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions, announced the start of construction of a 200 MW/2 hour battery energy storage system being deployed at ACEN Australia’s New England Solar project. Energy Vault leaders were joined by representatives from ACEN Australia, elected officials and local Anaiwan First Nations leaders at a welcome ceremony to mark the start of construction.

Construction has begun on the first of two previously announced Energy Vault deployments at ACEN Australia’s 720 MW New England Solar project near Uralla, New South Wales, with a total planned capacity of 200 MW/2 hours. Once the initial BESS deployment is operational it will be the first large-scale BESS of its kind in the New England Region of New South Wales. The BESS will be charged and discharged on a daily basis and designed to dispatch stored renewable energy at peak consumption hours to help meet the high demand during New South Wales’ peak load hours while reducing the region’s reliance on coal-fired power generation. It is the first large-scale battery storage project to begin construction with the support of the NSW Government’s Emerging Energy Program.

The welcome event, held on-site, featured remarks from Energy Vault and ACEN Australia representatives, including Energy Vault Chief Executive Officer & Chairman Robert Piconi and ACEN Australia’s Head of Construction and Engineering, Tim Greenaway, as well as welcome speeches and storytelling from local Anaiwan First Nations leaders. In addition to remarks and storytelling, Anaiwan First Nations representatives conducted a traditional sweating ceremony to commemorate the groundbreaking, which was followed by Mr. Piconi officially breaking ground on the site. New England Solar is being built with the strong partnership of the Anaiwan First Nations.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a significant milestone for Energy Vault’s rapidly growing commercial footprint in Australia, and we’re very pleased to be working with ACEN Australia, its First Nations partners and the Uralla community on the project,” said Lucas Sadler, Vice President of Sales Asia, Energy Vault. “New England Solar will serve as a critical source of renewable energy for the NSW region, and Energy Vault’s involvement is reflective of the company’s truly global approach to meeting the growing demand for reliable and cost-effective energy storage solutions.”

“As New England Solar progresses toward completion, we are fortunate to not only have the opportunity to partner with the Energy Vault team in the development of energy storage systems, but to have the strong support and partnership of the Anaiwan First Nations and local community,” said Tim Greenaway, Head of Construction, ACEN Australia. “It is our goal to reliably provide clean power in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible, and today we are one step close to achieving that mission.”

The BESS deployments, developed under Energy Vault’s B-VAULT suite of fully integrated battery energy storage solutions, will be coupled with a special inverter, which enables advanced grid support functionalities such as voltage and frequency ride-through, grid support during disturbances, and reactive power control. The use of the special inverter, combined with Energy Vault’s proprietary X-Vault integration platform and Vault-OS Energy Management System to control, manage and optimize the BESS operations, will allow for superior energy management capabilities.

The mobilization of this BESS deployment represents a critical milestone for Energy Vault’s growing commercial footprint in the Australian market, following a series of recent agreements, including with Enervest and the Victorian government-owned State Electricity Commission (SEC). To date, Energy Vault’s B-VAULT portfolio in the Australian market consists of 1.9GWh in previously announced projects.

Energy Vault | www.energyvault.com 

ACEN Australia | www.acenrenewables.com.au

Louth Callan Renewables, a leading renewable energy construction company, is proud to announce its continued geographical expansion into the Midwest with the recent awarding of 121 megawatts (MW) of solar across three projects in Illinois. This achievement represents a major step in the company's strategic growth and reinforces its commitment to developing and constructing high-quality renewable energy infrastructure across the United States.

The awarded projects, which include multiple solar farms across Illinois, will support the state's aggressive renewable energy targets by generating clean, sustainable electricity for thousands of homes and businesses. These solar developments will collectively offset thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, furthering Illinois' efforts to transition to a greener energy future while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

"Expanding into the Midwest represents a significant milestone for Louth Callan Renewables as we continue to extend our national footprint," said Nicholas Sylvestre, Managing Member of Louth Callan Renewables. "Illinois' commitment to clean energy makes it an ideal market for our expertise in solar and renewable construction. These new projects underscore our mission to provide resilient, reliable, and cost-effective renewable energy solutions while fostering local economic growth."

The construction and development of these solar projects will bring substantial economic benefits to the region, including the creation of more than 400 direct and indirect jobs during the planning, construction, and operational phases. Additionally, the projects will generate long-term tax revenues and land lease payments, providing financial support to local communities, landowners, and municipal infrastructure initiatives.

Louth Callan Renewables remains dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions through innovative design, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. The company continues to collaborate with local stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure the successful deployment of these projects, reinforcing its role as a trusted leader in renewable energy development.

Louth Callan Renewables | www.louthcallanrenewables.com

R.T. Casey, LLC (RTC), a leader in offshore construction and subsea engineering, proudly announces its key role in advancing Oregon State University’s (OSU) PacWave South project. As the first utility-scale, grid-connected wave energy test facility in the United States, PacWave South is a groundbreaking initiative in the pursuit of harnessing renewable energy from ocean waves.

With a strong commitment to supporting all energy initiatives, RTC specializes in developing, installing, and maintaining cutting-edge subsea and terrestrial infrastructure. Whether in offshore renewables, telecommunications, or other critical energy sectors, RTC’s expertise ensures seamless and sustainable power solutions.

RTC’s Contributions to PacWave South: Driving Innovation Below and Beyond the Surface

RTC played a pivotal role in the design, procurement, installation, and integration of essential infrastructure to ensure efficient and reliable energy transmission. The company’s expertise was instrumental in:

• Subsea Cable Engineering – Designed and deployed high-performance cables built to endure the unique challenges of the Pacific Ocean.
• Precision Installation – Executed complex offshore and terrestrial operations to establish reliable energy connectivity.
• Industry Collaboration – Partnered with OSU and various contractors from the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Louisiana to execute this ambitious project.
• Safety-Focused Execution – Maintained rigorous Incident-Free Operations (IFO) standards, ensuring operational excellence.

Leadership Perspective: The Future of Energy Lies Offshore

“The success of PacWave South is a testament to innovation, strategic execution, and the power of collaboration,” said Zachary Casey, Project Executive and Owner at RTC. “We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing offshore renewable energy, demonstrating the critical role that high-performance subsea infrastructure plays in shaping the future of sustainable power solutions.”

Rachel Cambre, Senior Electrical Project Manager at RTC, emphasized the growing importance of reliable energy transmission in renewable initiatives: “As global demand for sustainable energy solutions increases, robust submarine and terrestrial cable systems will serve as the backbone of future offshore projects. PacWave South is a key step forward in proving the viability of wave-generated power, and we are committed to driving industry-leading innovations that enable its success.”

R.T. Casey | www.rtcasey.com

Resource Innovations (RI), a leading provider of clean energy solutions, and The Mobility House (TMH), a global leader in vehicle-grid integration (VGI) technology, have been selected by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to spearhead a first-of-its-kind statewide vehicle-to-everything (V2X) demonstration program. This two-year initiative will deploy bidirectional charging infrastructure to enhance grid resilience, reduce energy costs, and increase renewable energy integration across Massachusetts.

The program, which represents one of the largest state-led V2X initiatives in the U.S., will deploy 100 bidirectional chargers to residential, school bus, municipal, and commercial fleet participants. The bidirectional chargers will activate participants’ electric vehicles (EVs) as mobile energy storage assets, collectively totaling an estimated 1.5 MW of new storage capacity across Massachusetts. The program prioritizes low-income and disadvantaged communities, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge clean energy solutions.

“Vehicle-to-everything technology is key to leveraging electric vehicles as assets to the grid, both as a financial resource and improving reliability,” said Rachel Ackerman, Senior Director of Clean Transportation at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. “Through a targeted deployment of bidirectional chargers across a variety of sectors, barriers can be quickly identified and resolved, demonstrating a clear pathway for an accelerated application of V2X technology. MassCEC’s V2X program is a crucial step in Massachusetts’s efforts to enable wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles."

Massachusetts EV owners and fleet operators enrolled in the program will benefit from the deployment of bidirectional chargers capable of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and backup power operations.

Key program benefits: 

• Charging infrastructure: Program participants will receive bidirectional charging stations and installation at no cost to the participant. 
• Grid resilience: Energy infrastructure in Massachusetts will be strengthened with an estimated 1.5 MW of new flexible and distributed storage assets. 
• Clean energy: V2G technology supports the transition to renewable energy by charging EVs when renewables are available and discharging from the EV batteries when they are not.  
• Backup power: Program participants will have the capability to use their vehicle batteries as mobile energy storage, providing backup power during outages. 
• Revenue opportunities: The bidirectional charging systems will allow some participants to be compensated for sending stored energy to the grid.

“With the charging infrastructure provided through this program, we’re eliminating financial barriers and enabling school districts, homeowners, and fleets to access reliable backup power,” said Kelly Helfrich, Vice President, Transportation Electrification Practice, Resource Innovations. “By documenting our processes, we aim to create a scalable blueprint for V2X programs nationwide.”

“This program activates the potential of EVs as energy storage assets,” said Russell Vare, Vice President, Vehicle Grid Integration, The Mobility House North America. “Bidirectional charging benefits vehicle owners by providing backup power and revenue opportunities while strengthening the grid for the entire community.”

This program addresses a critical gap in the adoption of V2X technology by providing and installing the innovative infrastructure at no cost to participants across socioeconomic levels. By leveraging renewable energy and reducing strain on the grid, this program positions Massachusetts as a national leader in clean energy innovation.

This initiative brings together a coalition of energy leaders: 

• Resource Innovations provides program management and implementation, reporting, and energy program design expertise.  
• The Mobility House contributes advanced vehicle-grid-integration (VGI) software and global experience in V2G deployment. 
• Voltrek and B2Q offer local engineering, site design, and construction expertise for residential, fleet, and school charger installations.  
• Converge Strategies and Vehicle-Grid Integration Council lead stakeholder engagement and coordination with utilities, local governments, community members, charging vendors, and automakers to develop a Massachusetts V2X Guidebook aimed at scaling and enhancing energy resilience. 

EV owners can apply for the program now through June 2025.

Resource Innovations | resource-innovations.com 

The Mobility House North America | https://www.mobilityhouse.com/usa_en/

 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center | https://www.masscec.com/

Ampacity Renewables, formerly known as RP Construction Services, announced at #IESNA their significantly expanded capabilities, products, and services designed to catalyze the clean energy industry and meet the nation’s escalating power demand. The company selected a well-known industry term—Ampacity—defined as the maximum amount of current that a conductor can safely carry, to evoke the concept of electrification and acceleration, as well as to represent the company’s above-and-beyond approach to serving its customers.

The team at Ampacity has built a reputation in the industry as a trusted partner with a one-stop-shop approach. Ampacity customers benefit from a comprehensive offering that includes: design solutions, on-hand inventory, kitting and pre-assembly, logistics services, post-installation services and commissioning—all from one value-added company. Ampacity’s structural and electrical solutions for distributed generation and utility-scale solar and storage projects reduce customers’ overhead and job costs with efficient and streamlined procurement, ensure timely receiving and installation, and increase worker safety.

“For over a decade, we have served our customers as a trusted partner to support them in completing projects quickly and efficiently. This has resulted in tremendous growth and expansion within the tracker sector,” said Eben Russell, Founder and President of Ampacity. “Moving forward, we are leveraging our proven approach, incredible team, and the new Ampacity brand to bring cutting-edge solutions and services to address all industry sectors and all project types.”

Growing power demand, driven by new datacenters and advanced manufacturing facilities, will require more clean energy generation, and, alongside that, strategies to efficiently advance projects. “By 2030, U.S. electricity demand is expected to grow 7% from 4,300 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024 to 4,600 TWh in 2030,” Russell remarked. “Ampacity’s vision is to expand our breadth of solutions and services to meet our nation’s future power needs, sustainably and responsibly.”

“Ampacity is accelerating the energy transition with their value-added, kitted solutions that streamline procurement, reduce customers’ overhead, simplify the work in the field, improve safety, bolster quality, and make work more repeatable and more scalable,” said Duke Austin, President and CEO at Quanta Services.

Ampacity | www.ampacity.com

Quanta Services | www.quantaservices.com