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

The Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN), a multimillion-dollar, multiyear program developed in collaboration between Shell GameChanger and NREL, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, has selected five startups to participate in its seventh cohort. GCxN identifies and advances emerging technologies with the potential to power the future global energy landscape.

Aligned with Shell’s Powering Progress strategy and NREL’s mission to deliver integrated solutions for an affordable, secure energy future, this year’s cohort features companies innovating across two strategic areas: future feedstocks and electrochemical pathways to fuels. Selected startups will each receive $250,000 in nondilutive funding to collaborate with NREL researchers and leverage the lab’s world-class facilities to accelerate technology development.

The seventh GCxN cohort includes two companies focusing on future feedstocks:

• Aquora Biosystems (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Aquora Biosystems is developing next-generation organic waste biorefineries to produce in-demand biofuels like renewable natural gas and synthetic aviation fuel (SAF). GCxN will support transforming Aquora’s wet organic waste into ketones for use in downstream SAF production along with analysis of techno-economic and life cycle aspects. Aquora Biosystems will collaborate with NREL Researcher Cody Wrasman.
• Consolidated Carbon (Austin, Texas): Consolidated Carbon produces industrial hemp-based materials to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide without impacting food production. GCxN will assist with optimizing pretreatment of hemp feedstocks and investigating the impacts of various strategies on techno-economic and life cycle aspects. Consolidated Carbon will work with NREL Researcher Darren Peterson.

They join three companies working on electrochemical pathways to fuels:

• RenewCO2 (Somerset, New Jersey): RenewCO2 develops electrocatalytic conversion technology that transforms carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals using only water and electricity. GCxN will support reactor design, characterization of fuel properties, and techno-economic analysis. RenewCO2 will work with NREL Researcher Cody Wrasman.
• SKYRE (East Hartford, Connecticut): SKYRE uses advanced electrochemical processes to convert carbon dioxide into high-value fuels and chemicals such as methanol and synthetic gas. GCxN will help advance SKYRE’s CO2RENEW system by designing optimized feed and production manifolds and evaluating product separation techniques. SKYRE will collaborate with NREL Researcher Nick Thornburg.
• Sora Fuel (Cambridge, Massachusetts): Sora Fuel produces synthetic jet fuel by converting carbon dioxide from air using a highly efficient electrolyzer that avoids energy-intensive regeneration steps. GCxN will support the design of improved subscale electrolyzer cells that consider degradation pathways and other scale-up considerations. Sora Fuel will work with NREL Researcher K.C. Neyerlin.

“These five companies are tackling complex challenges in waste and fuel production with creative approaches, from unlocking underused biomass to pioneering carbon-to-fuel pathways,” said Johanna Jamison, GCxN program manager at NREL. “Through technical collaboration, GCxN helps de-risk emerging technologies and clear their path to scale and impact.”

“Shell is proud to support GCxN as it continues to catalyze breakthrough innovation,” said Yesim Jonsson, Shell’s GCxN program manager. “This new cohort reflects our commitment to scaling technologies that transform waste and emissions into valuable fuels, chemicals, and materials. These kinds of innovations directly support Shell’s ambition to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 and to create more value today.”

Cohort 7 brings GCxN’s total portfolio to 28 startups. GCxN portfolio companies have collectively raised more than $940 million and have hired more than 486 people. On average, startups join GCxN at a Technology Readiness Level of 4 and graduate at 6, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in accelerating development and commercialization.

Shell GameChanger | https://www.shell.com/what-we-do/technology-and-innovation/innovate-with-shell/shell-gamechanger.html

NREL | https://www.nrel.gov/

Purelight Power, a leading residential solar installer, is proud to announce its expansion into Charleston, South Carolina. Recognized for high customer satisfaction and end-to-end service from consultation to installation, the company is bringing solar technology to Charleston to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable.

Purelight Power is dedicated to providing a seamless and straightforward experience for homeowners looking to embrace solar energy, eliminating the burden of initial expenses and making the transition to clean power more accessible and budget-friendly than ever before. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and industry-leading expertise, the company meticulously designs and expertly installs solar panel systems that are precisely tailored to the specific climate conditions of Charleston and the individual energy requirements of each homeowner, ensuring optimal performance and long-term savings, while providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout every stage of the process, from initial consultation to ongoing system monitoring. 

"We're thrilled to bring Purelight Power to Charleston," said JD Beck, CEO of Purelight Power. "Utility costs keep rising, and homeowners are feeling the pressure. Our goal is to eliminate the stress of rising utility bills and help homeowners achieve energy independence."

Purelight Power's expansion into Charleston signifies a continued commitment to its overarching national growth strategy. Having been originally established in Southern Oregon, the company has successfully facilitated access to solar energy for a multitude of homeowners spanning across the United States, achieving this through the implementation of highly cost-effective and customer-focused solutions. 

Purelight Power offers a 25-year Performance Guarantee, a 20-year Panel Warranty, and a 10-year Workmanship Guarantee, which are intended to provide long-term value to customers. Supported by numerous 5 star customer reviews, the company maintains a focus on delivering high-quality, customer-oriented solar solutions.

Purelight Power | https://purelightpower.com/

Vestas is proud to have received orders for 320 MW in the USA for undisclosed projects. Vestas designs, manufactures, installs, and services onshore and offshore wind turbines across the globe With more than 193 GW of wind turbines in 88 countries, the company has installed more wind power than anyone else. Through industry-leading smart data capabilities and an unparalleled more than 159 GW of wind turbines under service, Vestas uses data to interpret, forecast, and exploit wind resources and deliver best-in-class wind power solutions.

Vestas | https://www.vestas.com/en

Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. (BAC), the world’s cooling partner, proudly announces that Bill McQuade – P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP – will serve as the 2025-26 President of ASHRAE, a global association of HVAC&R and building services professionals that develops building standards and provides resources to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainability. McQuade will continue to hold the position of Global VP & Head of Government Affairs and Sustainability for BAC while simultaneously fulfilling his role as ASHRAE President.

The 2025-26 ASHRAE Society Year will center around McQuade’s theme, "Healthy Buildings: Designing for Life." This theme emphasizes the connection between energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality (IEQ), offering practical approaches to improve air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting, and water quality within buildings.

McQuade said, “Balancing energy efficiency with good IEQ ensures that buildings are not only environmentally sustainable but also conducive to the health and productivity of their occupants, creating a win-win situation for both people and the planet.” He added, “We are all so proud of the work that ASHRAE has done to protect our climate and outdoor environment by improving energy efficiency, eliminating ozone depleting refrigerants, conserving resources, and decarbonizing buildings. We can build on a half-century of progress in the energy performance of buildings and now focus the same effort on the indoor climate and environment.”

McQuade has spent over 32 years in the HVAC&R industry leading initiatives in regulatory collaboration, ESG strategy, and technical innovation. He previously served on the ASHRAE Board of Directors as president-elect, treasurer, vice president and director-at-large. He has also served in numerous leadership roles including Vice President of Sector Service at AHRI, contributed to global climate policy discussions, and holds 22 U.S. and international patents related to chiller design, oil separation, chiller control algorithms, and leak detection for flammable refrigerants. McQuade was also chosen by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to represent the industry on the Indo-U.S. Taskforce on Hydrofluorocarbons and contributed his expertise to the U.S. Department of Energy's HVAC Roadmap Collaboration Team (Oak Ridge National Lab). To watch McQuade’s presidential address, presentation, and IEQ resources visit www.ashrae.org/president.

Also, congratulations to ASHRAE’s other newly elected officers including the other Executive Committee members, Directors and Regional Chairs, and Directors-at-Large whose leadership and expertise will help shape the Society’s continued commitment to excellence through the 2025–26 Society Year and beyond. The full Board of Directors can be found at www.ASHRAE.org/bod. 

BAC | www.baltimoreaircoil.com 

ASHRAE | www.ashrae.org

RE+ 25, North America’s largest clean energy event, brought together more than 37,000 industry professionals and 1,325 exhibiting companies September 8–11 at The Venetian Expo, Caesars Forum, and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The event spotlighted clean energy’s critical role in meeting the rapidly rising demand for power across the U.S. and around the world. 

The program opened with RE+ On Air, a packed General Session hosted by Molly Wood, Founder and CEO of Molly Wood Media and host of Everybody in the Pool, a podcast for the climate economy. Education highlights included the launch of the Main Stage Theater, featuring sessions such as Federal Policy Update: Tax Incentives, Trade, Tariffs, and Other Goings-On in Washington and BESSt Foot Forward: Building up Battery Energy Storage Systems in the U.S. In addition, Monday Deep Dives provided attendees with in-depth learning and networking on topics ranging from sales and business development to workforce growth and cybersecurity. 

“By welcoming more than 37,000 attendees this year, we’ve once again demonstrated why this is the largest and most influential clean energy tradeshow in North America. As the U.S. faces new challenges and rapidly rising energy demand, the leadership, collaboration, and innovation happening at RE+ 25 are critical to delivering the solutions to tomorrow’s needs,” said Stephen Miner, President and CEO, RE+ Events. 

This year’s International Showcase featured Denmark as the Spotlight Country, alongside pavilions for Germany, Canada, Austria, Türkiye, and South Korea. The nearby Global Markets Stage drew strong crowds with sessions on international PV and energy storage opportunities. 

RE+ 25 also partnered with leading organizations to host special on-site programming, including the 2nd Annual Agrivoltaics Showcase from the American Solar Grazing Association, the H2GP Sprint from the H2GP Foundation, the Clean Energy Job Fair presented by GRID Alternatives and Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), and the Grid Edge Theater, created and led by EMerge Alliance. 

RE+ Events | re-plus.com

Boviet Solar Technology Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Boviet Solar"), a leading solar energy technology company specializing in monocrystalline PV cells and its premium Gamma Series Monofacial and Vega Series Bifacial PV modules, announced the successful addition of its third PV module manufacturing production line at the company's Greenville, North Carolina factory. This expansion increases the facility's annual PV module production capacity from 2.0 GW to 3.0 GW.

The Greenville PV Module Factory (Phase I) began operations in April 2025 and produces Boviet Solar's top-performing Gamma Series Monofacial and Vega Series Bifacial PV modules. The addition of the third line strengthens the company's ability to meet the growing demand for domestically produced solar products while supporting the United States' clean energy transition.

In late August 2025, Boviet Solar also announced the completion of exterior construction for its Phase II PV Cell Manufacturing Facility in Greenville, which is on track to commence mass production in 2026. Importantly, the facility's planned 3.0 GW annual PV cell capacity will align with the Greenville PV Module factory's expanded 3.0 GW PV module capacity, ensuring fully integrated U.S. solar manufacturing.

"The addition of a third production line marks another important milestone in our Greenville journey. It further enhances our ability to serve our customers with reliable, U.S.-made PV modules while creating high-quality local jobs," said Marco Marquez, General Manager of Boviet Solar's Greenville Factory.

"Boviet Solar is deeply committed to the U.S. solar market. With 3.0 GW of PV module capacity and the upcoming PV cell factory, we are delivering on our promise to expand domestic manufacturing, drive investment into local communities, and accelerate the nation's renewable energy goals," added Sienna Cen, President of Boviet Solar USA.

With both factories combined, Boviet Solar will contribute a total of 3.0 GW of PV cell production capacity and 3.0 GW of PV module production capacity in the United States. The Greenville investment represents more than $400 million in total capital investment and will create more than 1,300 skilled local jobs once both phases are fully operational.

With this milestone, Boviet Solar reaffirms its role as a reliable, trusted, and long-term partner in the global solar industry, dedicated to delivering top-performing products, supporting domestic manufacturing, and driving the clean energy transition.

Boviet Solar | www.bovietsolar.com

Soltage, a leading independent power producer (IPP) specializing in the development, financing, and operation of distributed utility-scale solar and energy storage assets, announced the closing of a $525 million tax credit investment agreement.

This innovative financing structure includes the purchase of investment tax credits over two years, providing Soltage with stable, long-term capital to continue the development, construction, and operation of its 2+ GW pipeline of photovoltaic and battery energy storage projects.

Specifically, this transaction is expected to fund the next 260 MWs of Soltage's energy asset deployment. The agreement also includes a commitment from a Fortune 500 company to purchase tax credits generated through the partnership through 2026.

"We are pleased to announce this investment vehicle, accelerating our ability to deliver mission-critical generation resources to our customers across the U.S.," said Mihir Mehta, Chief Investment Officer of Soltage. "This transaction supports the continued growth of domestic clean energy infrastructure and helps create high-quality local employment opportunities."

Following Soltage's $260 million debt raise in June 2025, this transaction further solidifies the company's position as a leader in US energy development—delivering reliable, sustainable power to communities and businesses across the country.

Soltage | www.soltage.com