Energy Storage
Craig Tropea
Solar
Jonathan Lwowski
Solar
Steve Macshane, CESSWI
First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTC Pink: FHYDF) (FSE: FIT) ("FIRST HYDROGEN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Professor Muhammad Taha Manzoor from the University of Alberta aimed at advancing Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMR) technology, specifically focusing on fuel reactor materials and reactor design optimization taking into consideration the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres as they consume up 10 times more power than normal data centres (Ithy - Comparative Power Consumption of AI Servers and Normal Servers in Data Centers). The project will take into consideration the surge in AI data centres and energy needs worldwide. The project will be led by Dr. Manzoor, an expert in molten salt thermal-hydraulics and lead at the Renewable Thermal Laboratory that has projects ranging from thermal energy storage to small modular nuclear reactors.
Molten salt, as a coolant and nuclear fuel, is the future of nuclear energy due its:
Safety | - | if the salt overheats, it naturally expands and makes the fission reaction less effective which will shut down the reactor. |
Efficiency | - | molten salt reactor cores can change its power level to match heat removal for electricity production. |
Flexibility | - | can be used with uranium, plutonium and thorium |
Source: Idaho National Laboratory https://inl.gov/how-molten-salt-could-be-the-lifeblood-of-tomorrows-nuclear-energy/ |
This collaboration aligns with First Hydrogen's mission to pioneer sustainable, efficient, and safe energy solutions, leveraging nuclear technology to produce green hydrogen and support global decarbonization objectives. First Hydrogen seeks to integrate advanced nuclear technology with green hydrogen production. SMRs, known for their compact design, scalability, and ability to provide a continuous, weather-independent power supply, are the cornerstone of this initiative. By leveraging SMRs, First Hydrogen ensures a stable, cost-effective, and efficient process for producing green hydrogen, addressing the growing demand for clean energy solutions worldwide.
The International Energy Agency reported artificial intelligence from data centres will drive electricity demand. By 2030, electricity demand from data centres worldwide is expected to more than double to 945 terawatt hours, more than the entire electricity consumption of Japan today. (https://www.iea.org/news/ai-is-set-to-drive-surging-electricity-demand-from-data-centres-while-offering-the-potential-to-transform-how-the-energy-sector-works)
According to McKinsey and Company, the AI book is driving significant investment in data centres. Their research indications that approximately $5.2 trillion, in capital expenditures, will be required worldwide by 2030 to meet the increasing demand for computing power. (https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-cost-of-compute-a-7-trillion-dollar-race-to-scale-data-centres)
Dr. Manzoor commented, "We are excited to collaborate with First Hydrogen on molten salt small modular nuclear reactor research. The signing of this letter of support marks an important first step in what promises to be a series of significant milestones in advancing SMR technology in Canada. This industry-led project will provide students with valuable hands-on experience and help train the next generation of engineers and scientists who will contribute to the growth and diversification of Canada's energy sector."
Balraj Mann, CEO of First Hydrogen, stated, "We are excited to collaborate with the University of Alberta, leveraging their expertise in nuclear research to significantly advance nuclear fuels for SMRs. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation in clean energy solutions that will play a critical role in transitioning toward a zero-emission future."
First Nuclear | https://firstnuclear.com/
First Hydrogen Corp. | https://firsthydrogen.com/
NRG Systems, the global leader in wind and solar resource measurement and intelligence, has appointed John Carroll as Vice President of Global Sales. In this role, Carroll will lead NRG’s global sales strategy with a focus on expanding international market share, driving revenue growth, and delivering strong financial performance. He will also oversee customer engagement, strengthen relationships with NRG’s authorized dealers and technical partners, and advance the company’s global presence across its portfolio.
With more than three decades of experience in the energy industry, Carroll brings a proven track record of commercial success, team leadership, and strategic growth. His background spans the renewable energy, grid automation, power systems, and decarbonization sectors. Most recently, he served as Vice President for the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) business in North and Latin America at SolarEdge.
“We are thrilled to welcome John to our team,” said Evan Vogel, President of NRG Systems. “His leadership experience, market insight, and strong industry relationships will be instrumental as we continue to scale globally and expand our impact across the wind and solar sectors. John’s deep understanding of customer needs and his talent for building lasting partnerships align perfectly with NRG’s customer-first approach and will further strengthen our position as a trusted leader and innovator in renewable energy worldwide.”
Carroll is also a retired U.S. Navy Reserve Captain with four command tours over his 25-year military career. He holds a BSEE in Electrical Engineering from N.Y. Maritime College, an MBA from Adelphi University, and strategy and policy certifications from the National Defense University and Air Command & Staff College.
“I am honored to join NRG Systems, a company with a clear vision for the future of renewable energy,” said Carroll. “NRG is a long-standing industry leader known for delivering trusted, customer-focused resource measurement solutions. I look forward to building on that legacy and working with our talented global team to deliver meaningful value to our customers and partners around the world.”
NRG Systems | nrgsystems.com
Qcells, a premier provider of complete energy solutions and leader in the global solar manufacturing market, announced the formation of EcoRecycle by Qcells, a new vertical for the company in solar panel recycling. As the first generation of solar installations reach end-of-life (EOL), EcoRecycle addresses the growing challenge of solar panel waste while reducing the industry's overall environmental footprint.
This year, EcoRecycle will launch recycling operations at a state-of-the-art facility in Cartersville, Georgia, with plans to expand its recycling network across the U.S. At full capacity, EcoRecycle's facility in Georgia will have the ability to recycle approximately 250 megawatts (MW) of solar panels annually – around 500,000 panels per year – repurposing materials like aluminum, glass, silver and copper. With plans to expand its recycling centers across the nation, EcoRecycle aims to optimize logistics and scale up operations to enhance efficiency.
Qcells' expansion into solar recycling is part of its commitment to manufacturing, sustainable energy and circular economy practices in the U.S. Given the dominant role solar energy plays in all new energy generation, it is important to build the infrastructure needed to recycle retired equipment. The amount of decommissioned panels is anticipated to continue increasing annually. EcoRecycle is taking proactive steps to address this growing challenge and opportunity through innovative recycling solutions.
Currently, the lack of recycling regulations has led to the majority of waste solar panels being sent to landfills. However, with state-level discussions on obligatory recycling policies gaining momentum in the U.S., the solar recycling industry is rapidly evolving. New advancements in recycling technology are driving cost reductions and enhancing the value of recovered materials through high-purity resource extraction methods.
Positioning itself at the forefront of the waste-to-resource industry, EcoRecycle is focusing on three key initiatives:
"As the U.S. moves towards a more sustainable and self-reliant solar industry, EcoRecycle by Qcells is committed to pioneering innovative recycling technologies that not only reduce environmental impact, but also create economic opportunities," said Jung-Kwon Hong, Head of Qcells Manufacturing Group. "Through strategic investments and cutting-edge solutions, we are positioning ourselves as a leader in the circular economy, ensuring that solar energy remains a truly renewable and responsible power source."
"Georgia's clean energy ecosystem continues to grow by way of EcoRecycle by Qcells in Bartow County, Georgia, and we're so proud to be part of Qcells' fully integrated solar panel manufacturing process from beginning to recycling," said Melinda Lemmon, Executive Director at the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development. "We congratulate our friends at Qcells on this exciting new endeavor."
"With this new business, Qcells will emerge as the first-ever crystalline silicon (C-Si) solar panel producer to possess a full value chain, conducting both solar panel manufacturing and recycling on U.S. soil," said Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability at Qcells."Effectively managing solar waste is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the clean energy sector. We're proud to be leading the charge with the launch of EcoRecycle by Qcells."
Qcells | https://qcells.com/us
Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces the unveiling of the next-generation Release 7 concept and the launch of Release 7.01 of the CENTUMTM VP integrated production control system, a core product in the OpreXTM Control and Safety System lineup. This is the 10th generation of the CENTUM series, and its release coincides with the 50th anniversary of the announcement of CENTUM as the world’s first*1 distributed control system (DCS), on June 19, 1975.
Development Background
In addition to the dynamic changes in supply chains over recent years, countries have been strengthening regulations in response to a growing awareness of the need to protect the environment. At the same time, with the increasing use of digital technologies for complex applications such as the management of the utilization of renewable energy and the analysis of data in cloud-based environments, security risks have become a greater concern. Also, while utilizing existing tangible assets, there is a growing need to pass on to others the expertise of seasoned operators, and to reduce the workload and mental burden for personnel who are responsible for systems that must be kept operating around the clock. Amidst the growing complexity of these industry challenges, management and frontline personnel are required to increase competitiveness and strike a balance between the stable manufacturing of superior products and the need to improve efficiency and profitability.
The Concept behind CENTUM VP Release 7
In response to these issues, Yokogawa has based its development of CENTUM VP Release 7 on the concept of enabling autonomous operations*2. With CENTUM, Yokogawa is helping its customers attain sustainability by improving energy efficiency, accelerating decarbonization, and providing a safe and secure working environment. While maintaining the reliability, stability, continuity, robust security, and comprehensive engineering and service network that have been hallmarks of the CENTUM series since its inception, Yokogawa will drive innovations for the future in the following three areas:
1. Expanded scope of control and monitoring
By securely aggregating a wide range of data scattered throughout the plant, the status of the entire plant can be monitored, and the scope of automated operation can be expanded, enabling safer and more secure operations.
2. Predictive monitoring through process condition monitoring
By extracting and identifying process-specific events related to operations and predicting deviations from expected values, operators can anticipate changes and take action, helping to achieve more stable operations and improve energy efficiency.
3. Reduction of operator workload
By presenting future scenarios that leverage operator knowledge and know-how, it supports the operator in making accurate decisions. In addition, autonomous control AI*3 can take over from operators to achieve long-term stable operation. This reduces operator workload and mental stress.
Main Features of Release 7.01
To achieve autonomous operations, it is essential to leverage AI while ensuring safety and security. Release 7.01 helps to establish the necessary foundation for this goal. The key features are as follows.
1. Enhanced security
To achieve data-driven operations, it is crucial to ensure the security of critical infrastructure. This release adopts industry security benchmarks to strengthen the cybersecurity of the components that make up control systems and enhance the overall security level of the system.
2. Expansion of control and monitoring scope with CENTUM
By integrating OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) connectivity, the range of plant equipment and devices that can be controlled and monitored by CENTUM is expanded. OPC UA is a platform-independent standard that enables data exchange between devices from different manufacturers in the industrial automation field. In this update, OPC UA client functionality has been added to CENTUM.
3. Enhanced engineering capabilities for large-scale projects
To promote operational optimization by integrating various systems within the plant, a feature has been added that allows the merging and testing of multiple engineering databases related to CENTUM. This enhancement will enable high-quality and efficient engineering, contributing to the rapid startup of new plants and restart of upgraded plants.
Mitsuhiro Yamamoto, Vice President, Executive Officer, and head of the Systems Business Division at Yokogawa Electric stated, “In this VUCA*4 era, the conditions required for manufacturing sites and management are becoming ever more complex. By realizing stable operations and expanding the scope of autonomy, CENTUM VP Release 7 will help our customers achieve a more sustainable society and sustainable business growth.”
*1 CENTUM has been recognized as the world’s first DCS by Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science, which in 2012 designated CENTUM as such in the document “Important Material for the History of Science and Technology (Heritage of Future Technology)” (Japanese). This status was also confirmed by the Denki no Ishizue (Foundation of Electric Technology) 14th Electric Technology Awards (Japanese).
*2 Yokogawa is advocating the transition from industrial automation to industrial autonomy (IA2IA), and defines industrial autonomy as a state where plant assets and operations possess learning and adaptive capabilities that allow responses with minimal human interaction, empowering operators to perform higher-level optimization tasks. Autonomous operations is the final stage of industrial autonomy, representing an ideal state where operations function with complete autonomy throughout a value chain.
*3 The Factorial Kernel Dynamic Policy Programming (FKDPP) reinforcement learning AI algorithm. Yokogawa defines autonomous control AI as "a robust system capable of deriving optimal control methods and autonomously responding to unexperienced situations to a certain extent." Yokogawa already has experience in integrating the use of an autonomous control AI and CENTUM VP, and this has been officially adopted for use in controlling operations at a chemical plant. For this achievement, which has reduced environmental impact, lessened workloads, and improved safety, Yokogawa has received the Prime Minister's Prize, the highest of the 2023’s Japan Industrial Technology Awards (Nihon Sangyo Gijyutsu Taisho), which was established in 1972.
*4 An acronym that stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity
Major Target Markets
Various process industries, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, steel, pulp and paper, electric power, and water treatment
Applications
Operation monitoring and automatic control of plants and manufacturing equipment
Yokogawa | www.yokogawa.com
Anax Power, whose proprietary technology generates clean power from natural gas, without combustion, has signed Operating Agreements with Enbridge to install its Anax Turboexpander System (“ATE”) at locations in Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada. The projects will add up to 1.5 megawatts (MW) of clean energy capacity to Enbridge’s system at Hamilton, Ontario and up to 2MW in Pennsylvania. This emissions-free power will be consumed in Magellan Scientific’s co-located, modular, off-grid data centers.
The ATE uses the pressure and flow of natural gas within Enbridge’s pipeline to drive a turbine and generate zero-emissions electricity, without burning natural gas or releasing greenhouse gases. The Pennsylvania project marks Anax and Magellan’s second installation in the state, and the Hamilton project will be the first ATE installation in Canada. Keeping with its sustainability pledge, Enbridge is the first major pipeline in North America to adopt the ATE, which could scale to hundreds of locations across Enbridge’s system in the coming years.
Anax will install up to three (3) ATEs at an Enbridge facility in Ontario and up to four (4) ATEs in Pennsylvania. Both projects will be integrated with Magellan’s co-located, modular, off-grid data center. The resulting turboexpander-data center system self-generates clean, base load power, and uses excess cooling to improve server efficiency and thermal management.
“These projects represent monumental milestones for Anax, and we believe this will be the start of a long partnership with Enbridge and Magellan as we scale across North America,” said Michael Longo, CEO of Anax Power. “By turning waste energy into clean electricity, this installation demonstrates how Anax makes existing energy infrastructure more sustainable—right now, with proven technology.”
The Enbridge projects expand Anax and Magellan’s portfolio of clean power projects and validate using turboexpanders to meet climate goals in a profitable way.
“Data center demands for electricity are exponentially increasing,” said Christopher Halvorson, President of Magellan Scientific. “Pairing our off-grid immersion data centers with the ATEs provides a source of 24/7, emission-free electricity. The turboexpander also helps to manage excessive heat from the data center by providing cooling at zero incremental cost.”
“This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovative, sustainable solutions,” said Steven Greenley, Senior Vice President of Commercial, Enbridge Gas. “We take pride in utilizing our natural gas systems to champion environmental initiatives to enhance the well-being of the communities we operate in.”
Anax Power | www.anaxpower.com
Enbridge | www.enbridge.com
Magellan Scientific | www.magellanscientific.com
Cargostore Worldwide, a leading global supplier of DNV and ISO certified shipping containers for onshore and offshore projects, has signed an exclusive global distribution agreement with Griffin Special Projects Ltd. to introduce the LiftaLoo, the next evolution in portable welfare units to the offshore market.
The partnership addresses a long-standing challenge in offshore operations; the lack of safe, hygienic and inclusive toilet facilities on structures like wind turbines and floating platforms. Despite industry efforts, this issue has continued to compromise crew well-being and site efficiency with personnel either having to wait for CTVs to return to the worksites before boarding and using the onboard facilities or making use of lower standard chemical flush solutions.
Now part of Cargostore’s global offshore product offering, the LiftaLoo enables a practical ‘one crew, one loo’ model, allowing teams to take welfare with them as they move from structure to structure. Weighing just 212 kg and measuring 2200mm x 1092mm, the unit features a LOLER-certified single lifting point and is constructed from recyclable Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). This eliminates the need for external aluminium framing, reducing weight and corrosion risk, and removes 8 out of 9 certification hurdles. The shatterproof LLDPE body is designed to withstand high-impact drops, ensuring durability in demanding offshore environments.
Engineered for the Ocean. Built for the Crew.
The LiftaLoo is the first of its kind to feature hot water handwashing powered by a patented low voltage rechargeable battery system; enabling up to 224 hot washes per full charge at the UK Carehome Standard of 40 degrees. Each unit includes a full suite of welfare features designed to meet the UK Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) strictest guidelines as standard.
Compliant features include an HSE-compliant sink, towel and biodegradable sanitary bin provision, patented magnetic-sealed toilet lid, raised toilet seat height with ergonomic heel step, emergency-releasable lock, ventilation, coat hooks, solar powered lighting (≥100 lux) and an optional water purification system to prevent stagnation and Legionella in the event the unit is to be left offshore for longer periods. There is also an 87-litre sealed discharge tank fitted as standard with anti-leak technology (DIN 16194-compliant), which is removable without the need for certified lifting equipment. Each 87-litre DIN 16194-compliant sealed tank accommodates as many as 72 uses*.
The patented single lifting point mechanism reduces lifting height by 80cm and eliminates the need for complex rigging and lifting making the unit quick and easy to deploy from vessel to platform and ensuring good ease of clearance over the rail. It is a rapid and easy to deploy solution which can be used alongside teams from CTV to platform and back to CTV as teams move around offshore assets. This ensures reliable access to high-quality sanitation wherever the job takes them.
Tangible Gains for Operators and Technicians.
Cargostore has estimated that offshore technicians can currently spend up to 45 minutes per toilet break; owing to the time it takes for a safe ladder descent from the asset, vessel transfer, and PPE removal and redress. This costs operators an estimated 1.4 hours of downtime per technician per shift which equates to a 17.5% productivity loss.
By enabling safe, hygienic and immediate access to on-site facilities, operators gain not only efficiency by eliminating the need to transfer crew back to a vessel for toilet breaks, but also improved staff well-being, reducing stress and physical strain such as the risk of infection resulting in personnel sick leave.
With demand rising across both onshore and offshore wind, this innovation supports a growing need for fit-for-purpose infrastructure that matches the sector’s expansion. The Global Wind Energy Council forecasts[1] over 500,000 new technicians will be needed by 2028 to meet net zero goals, while only[2] 21% of offshore wind workers are currently women.
The LiftaLoo supports industry-wide efforts to create safer, more inclusive environments and improves retention in challenging offshore roles.
Ekaterina Burge, Global Business Development Manager at Cargostore Worldwide, said: “It’s well-recognised that working offshore places high physical and mental demands on personnel. Operators are committed to improving the working environment offshore, not only because of their duty of care but also due to the need to attract and retain a diverse new generation of talent to accelerate clean energy projects. A truly fit-for-purpose welfare solution simply did not exist - until now.
“Our new partnership with Griffin represents a strategic step forward allowing operators to continue to raise the bar for offshore working standards worldwide. This innovation redefines what’s possible; delivering the dignity, comfort and hygiene offshore technicians deserve with the flexibility, productivity performance, emission reduction and cost savings operators demand.
“The availability of such a unit for the first time at scale marks meaningful change for both personnel well-being and operational efficiency in the global offshore sector.”
Cargostore Worldwide | https://cargostore.com/
[1] https://www.gwec.net/gwec-news/global-wind-workforce-outlook-2024-2028-report-released#:~:text=27%20November%202024%2C%20Incheon%2C%20South,Council%20and%20Global%20Wind%20Organisation
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/industry-survey-women-in-the-offshore-wind-sector
Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern Energy), a leader in renewable energy and transmission infrastructure, announced that a consortium headed by APG Asset Management N.V. (APG), on behalf of the largest Dutch pension fund, ABP, and Australian Retirement Trust (ART) closed on Riverstone Holdings LLC’s (Riverstone) equity stake in the company. The previously announced investment has received all required approvals, and the consortium is now an owner in Pattern Energy alongside Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and Pattern management. Financial details were not disclosed.
“Pattern is significantly strengthened by APG’s and ART’s financial backing and their supplemental growth capital, further positioning the company to meet critical and rapidly growing energy demand across North America,” said Hunter Armistead, CEO at Pattern Energy. “Our new partners value Pattern’s commitment to building reliable energy infrastructure while creating jobs and investing in rural communities as we advance our vision to Power the Future.”
“This investment in Pattern supports our client’s ambition to realize attractive, stable returns while making progress toward cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure," said Steven Hason, Head of Americas Real Assets at APG Asset Management US Inc. “Partnering with Pattern and our new stakeholders reinforces our strategy to deliver long-term value while making a real difference day after day.”
“Our partnership with Pattern demonstrates our efforts to advance renewable energy infrastructure,” said Michael Weaver, General Manager, Mid Risk Assets & UK at ART. “This investment strengthens our expanding sustainable energy portfolio, aligning with our responsibility as a leading global investor. We are confident it will deliver lasting value for our 2.4 million members while supporting our Net Zero 2050 Roadmap.”
“As one of the founding equity partners in Pattern, we take pride in fostering the tremendous growth and innovation at the company over the past 16 years, and we are confident that Pattern is well-positioned for continued success,” said Yakov Tsveig, Principal of Riverstone.
Founded in 2009 by Riverstone, its affiliates, and current and former members of the Pattern management team, Pattern Energy has become one of the world’s largest privately-owned developers and operators of some of the most sophisticated clean energy and transmission projects in North America.
Evercore Group L.L.C. served as exclusive financial advisor and Vinson & Elkins served as legal counsel to Riverstone in connection with this transaction. Sidley Austin LLP served as legal counsel to the buyer consortium.
Pattern Energy | www.patternenergy.com
APG | www.apg.nl
Energy Storage May 15, 2025
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