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The future of energy storage is rapidly evolving, fueled by the growing adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. These clean energy technologies, while essential for decarbonizing the grid, make effective energy storage solutions critical for ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply. As the energy sector transitions to a greener future, the energy storage sector will be shaped by rapid market expansion, groundbreaking....
Electricity demand in the U.S. has surged dramatically, with ICF projecting U.S. electricity demand to spike by an average of 9 percent by 2028, after two decades of stagnation. This sharp rise is largely driven by the rapid expansion of data centers — expected to grow to 9 percent of U.S. electricity generation annually by 2030, up from 4 percent today, according to EPRI — and the industrial onshoring and electrification of heating....
The anxiety and, let’s be honest, fear when your phone’s battery hits 20 percent charge is palpable. Perhaps it’s because we have all experienced that moment when a phone went from 20 percent to 0 percent in the blink of an eye. Conversely, many of us also know the joy of when your phone’s last 1 percent magically lasts way, way longer than expected. This happens because the percent charge, the State of Charge (SoC), is not a mea....
Anybody out there have a crystal ball? A tried-and-true way of forecasting the future? In the movies, the crystal ball and fortune-teller always see the future. With all the changes we see on the horizon, especially post-election, we also know there are changes we don’t see. The wind industry is watching carefully to see what our new president and his team do with renewables. One thing we do know is this: As organizations and as professionals, ....
Alternative Energies
Craig Kindleman
Solar
Sun Ballast
Alternative Energies
Howard Skidmore, P.E.
Solops LLC (“Solops”), a distributed generation platform with the mission of accelerating and democratizing decarbonization, announced that one of its subsidiaries has acquired 4 ground-mounted solar projects in New York State from Solar Site Developers, LLC (“SSD”). The acquired sites total more than 79 megawatts of direct current (MWdc) projects.
The projects have been acquired from SSD who will co-develop them with Solops under a development agreement. They are currently in the engineering design stage, with construction expected to begin in 2025. The projects will provide bill credits to utility customers via the Value of Distributed Energy Resources program in the state of New York.
Solops often works with early-stage developers to bring more clean, renewable energy online while providing a source of recurring revenues to landowners. Our development partners benefit from reliable project funding, streamlined implementation, and access to a broader pool of resources.
These types of projects also support New York’s and the country's renewable energy goals by increasing renewable energy production, promoting clean energy jobs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Solops | https://www.solops.com/
Solar Site Developers | http://www.solarsitedev.com/
The electroindustry is playing a pivotal role in building a resilient and innovative electrical system. The key policies, technologies, and steps to achieving that were timely topics of discussion during a recent NEMA-Axios discussion on “Powering the Electric Future”. The conversation featured bipartisan insights from Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH-5) during a time of skyrocketing energy demand.
The discussion with key lawmakers comes at a pivotal moment as the U.S. electroindustry navigates working with a new Administration and Congress to advance policy priorities and shape a reconciliation package to bolster our nation’s energy security, build a resilient grid, and boost domestic manufacturing and innovation, as illuminated in NEMA’s recently released policy roadmap.
Debra Phillips, President and CEO, NEMA addresses crowd at Axios.
Photo credits to Kristoffer Triplaar on behalf of Axios.
“NEMA is laser focused on delivering on the key priorities we discussed that will be integral in driving the electroindustry forward,” said Debra Phillips, President and CEO, NEMA. “We look forward to working with our partners in Congress and the Administration to expand our electrical grid to meet unprecedented growth in demand through harnessing U.S. manufacturing, innovation and resources.”
Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) speaks with Andrew Freedman of Axios.
“The United States must be a world leader in the clean energy transition, which is creating jobs and shrinking costs for families,” said Senator Tina Smith (D-MN). “Improving and expanding our electric grid infrastructure is key to this transformation. If we don’t act now, climate change will cause an unmanageable economic and environmental crisis. Investing in a clean and modern electricity system means energy independence, lower prices, and reduced pollution.”
Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH-5) speaks with Daniel Moore of Axios.
“I’ve long said we need more power in this country, not less. And to keep up with Americans’ growing energy demands, we must continue to promote policies that expand our all-of-the-above energy strategy. As Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee and co-chair of the Grid Innovation Caucus, I’m going to continue tackling the challenges that face our electric grid, including producing common sense legislation that fortifies and strengthens our grid to make sure our communities never have to worry about keeping the lights on,” said Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH-5).
A full video of the discussion can be found here.
NEMA | www.nema.org
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) welcomed four new manufacturing companies and one associate member company into its expanding membership and announced three new appointees to the Board of Directors. NEMA’s ongoing and rapid growth underscores the association’s continued commitment to building a resilient grid and enhancing our nation’s critical infrastructure to support the electric future.
These five new companies will join NEMA’s over 300 member companies representing electrical manufacturing and leading electroindustry service providers that collectively contribute to a modern, electrified economy.
NEMA’s new Manufacturing member companies are:
NEMA’s new Associate member companies are:
NEMA’s Board of Directors additions:
“I am proud to welcome the newest members of NEMA’s Board of Directors and these new companies into our growing NEMA membership,” said Debra Phillips, NEMA’s President and CEO. “Together, we will work to power the electric future for our nation through building connected and resilient infrastructure and ensuring our grid can withstand our current and future challenges.”
NEMA | www.nema.org
Camber, a pioneering force in commercial fleet electrification with over 1,500 DC fast chargers deployed across North America, unveiled an expansion of its partnership with CapMetro, successfully delivering 2.9 megawatts (MW) of power to the public transit agency’s primary bus depot in Austin, Texas. With the ability to charge up to 48 EV buses simultaneously, this installation supports CapMetro’s ongoing efforts to transition its bus fleet to zero-emissions vehicles.
As part of the project, Camber supplied and installed two 1440 kW Camber Charging Systems and 48 Camber Industrial Dispensers. Camber is currently supporting CapMetro with proactive and ongoing maintenance to ensure reliable operations. Camber expects to provide CapMetro with its proprietary charger and energy management software, and remote diagnostic tools to manage energy costs and lower the public fleet’s total cost of ownership.
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with CapMetro and help electrify its bus fleet, ensuring more Texans have access to clean, reliable, and affordable public transit options," said Camber President, Brendan Harney. "Our partnership with CapMetro represents a significant step forward in the electrification of public transit, showcasing how charging solutions at scale can empower communities to embrace a more sustainable future without sacrificing reliability. At Camber, we’re proud to play a role in supporting CapMetro's commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship."
“With support from Camber, we have made tremendous strides toward achieving our vision to expand and improve the public transit system in Central Texas, allowing us to open up new, entirely electric routes,” said Dave Kubicek, Executive Vice President of CapMetro. “Austin has long been at the forefront of EV adoption, and we’re committed to sustaining that leadership while ensuring our citizens reach their destinations reliably and efficiently.”
“We commend the Camber team for their incredible work in this project, a testament to the tenacity and expertise of the talented individuals who established the largest network of DC-fast chargers for fleets,” said Ewa Kozicz, Co-Founder of Anthelion Capital. “We believe in the viability of fleet electrification and it’s clear that overcoming the biggest challenge – creating reliable charging infrastructure – is key in making widespread adoption a reality. Camber’s streamlined installation process, advanced software diagnostic tools, and commitment to hands-on maintenance are paving the way for this transformation.”
In addition to dispensing power at CapMetro’s primary bus depot, Camber’s EV chargers will also deliver on-route power and range extension, so that buses return to the depot with a higher state of charge to reduce peak power demand at the central site. With on-route charging, fleet operators benefit from higher vehicle availability and reduced downtime, ensuring consistent service for travelers.
Camber’s EV charging system is interoperable with different vehicles–charging New Flyer vehicles as well as light-duty EVs–allowing one depot to support a mixed fleet with varying charging demands and power requirements. This capability not only simplifies depot management but also future-proofs operations against evolving fleet compositions and technology advancements. As the city continues to electrify its fleets, investing in building out a tailored, resilient infrastructure is paramount in establishing seamless fleet operations, reducing downtime, and a smoother road to an electrified future.
Camber | https://getcamber.com/
CapMetro | capmetro.org
Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection has selected several electric transmission projects that will be jointly developed by Dominion Energy, American Electric Power Company through its Transource Energy affiliate and FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC across multiple states within the PJM footprint.
The companies jointly proposed the projects through PJM’s Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) Open Window process in September 2024, and yesterday they were awarded by the PJM Board of Managers. PJM is the regional transmission organization that coordinates the transportation of wholesale electricity across the 13-state region that includes Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.
The companies will develop the projects through the recently formed Valley Link Transmission Company, LLC joint venture. The innovative collaboration will leverage the companies’ collective expertise and resources to deliver comprehensive and cost-effective solutions that address the region’s growing power needs.
After a lengthy review process, PJM determined the joint venture’s proposed projects, among others, best met the reliability needs of the grid. The projects will support economic development while ensuring every customer has the energy they rely on every day.
“These projects are essential for the economic vitality of our region, the reliability of our grid and the everyday lives of our customers,” said Ed Baine, President of Utility Operations and Dominion Energy Virginia. “These are comprehensive solutions needed to reliably serve the growing needs of our customers, and we thank PJM for their thorough review.”
“By leveraging the collective expertise of our three companies, we have the opportunity to build robust transmission facilities that will address documented reliability concerns on the regional power grid,” said Mark Mroczynski, President, Transmission at FirstEnergy. “While we’re in the very early stages, we look forward to engaging with communities and stakeholders in the months ahead to discuss the need for these projects and listen to the ideas and concerns of our customers.”
“AEP has decades of experience with projects of the size and scope needed to serve the unprecedented growth in energy demand,” said Bob Bradish, senior vice president, Regulated Infrastructure Investment Planning for AEP. “This joint venture is a unique solution to addressing the needs of our customers and ensuring long-term reliability and continued economic growth opportunities in the region.”
The selected projects include:
The projects are in the early stages of development and do not have a firm time frame yet for permitting, regulatory approvals and construction. Following PJM’s recent awards, the companies will advance the development of project details, which includes assessing potential routes and conducting thorough environmental studies.
The companies are committed to collaborating with residents, local governments and other stakeholders in the project communities at every stage of the process. Community engagement is crucial for making informed decisions that reduce or prevent potential impacts.
In addition to the jointly developed projects, PJM selected several other transmission projects that will be developed individually by each of the three companies in their service areas.
PJM Interconnection | https://www.pjm.com/
Dominion Energy | https://www.dominionenergy.com/
American Electric Power | https://www.aep.com/
FirstEnergy | firstenergycorp.com
GridBeyond, a global AI powered energy technology company, has announced the signing of a major contract with Gore Street Energy Storage Fund to provide Scheduling Coordinator, trading, and energy optimization services for the 200MW Big Rock energy storage system located in Southern California.
GridBeyond’s AI-based Bid Optimizer is key to achieving maximum returns in the CAISO market, as shown during a multi-month simulation with several optimizers. The Bid Optimizer aligns market price forecasts with simulations of battery storage, renewable, and thermal assets to simplify decision-making while ensuring optimal bids that go beyond conventional trading strategies.
As the California grid is becoming increasingly reliant on solar power, energy storage systems are essential to mitigate the intermittency of renewable generation. The effective management of Gore Street Capital’s 200MW energy storage battery will be critical in storing excess solar energy during peak generation and releasing it during high demand periods, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting grid stability, while generating revenues. GridBeyond’s CAISO optimization and proprietary must-offer strategy will be a key component of fulfilling the Big Rock Resource Adequacy contract acquired by a Goldman Sachs subsidiary in October 2024.
Alex O’Cinneide, CEO of Gore Street Capital, said, “Gore Street is committed to achieving the very best returns for all of its assets under management. We are therefore very pleased to have selected GridBeyond to partner with as Big Rock goes into operation and we move forward with the project.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Gore Street Capital on this energy storage project,” said Sean McEvoy GridBeyond President of North America. “This deal highlights our commitment to advancing energy storage optimization solutions and shows once again the accuracy of our AI based solutions in delivering greater value for our customers ensuring grid stability, and supporting decarbonization goals.”
In line with its mission to support sustainability, GridBeyond is also exploring the use of public hourly emissions API data to track and calculate the carbon impact of its bidding strategies, which will further enhance the transparency of its optimization services and contribute to measurable environmental benefits.
Gore Street Energy Storage Fund | https://www.gsenergystoragefund.com/
GridBeyond | www.gridbeyond.com
FGM-Fabral ("Fabral"), a premier metal post-frame materials manufacturer, announced the launch of Fabral Solar to capitalize on the rapidly growing solar energy complex and its need for premium steel racking for solar panel installation.
Fabral continues to lead the metal roofing industry through its innovation and customer-centric model and the launch of Fabral Solar allows it to extend that leadership into the world of solar.
The North American energy market is evolving, and solar energy is a vital part of the new equation. According to a study by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar accounted for 64% of all new electricity-generating capacity added into the U.S. grid in 2024, a 21% increase from the end of 2023.
"After 50+ years of providing solutions to the metal construction industry, Fabral is extending its reach into the solar energy industry in a significant way," said Fabral Solar co-founder John Cummings. "Our team will leverage the Fabral knowledgebase in construction, to assist with the steel fabrication and roll-formed products utilized to support solar modules."
This new division will streamline the integration of solar technology within a variety of structures that Fabral Solar can service, crossing commercial, residential, and agricultural markets, as well as new business sectors.
"Fabral Solar is designed to be a one-stop shop for all solar racking needs, utilizing our unmatched resources from Fabral and Flack Global Metals," Cummings added. To spearhead and boost this initiative from the onset, Fabral will begin to install solar panels on its existing buildings and properties.
Industry Veterans Lead the Charge
Leading this effort are steel veterans John Cummings and Larkin Canington, who are backed by Fabral CEO Dennis Merino, Vice President Bruce Green, and the extended team. Cummings and Canington were both Bethlehem Steel executives until the company was sold in 2003, before forming Baltimore Steel Partners, Inc., which was the genesis of their foray into solar project installation.
"We can speak both languages very well," says co-founder Larkin Canington.
"Fabral Solar positions us at the forefront of a rapidly expanding industry, broadening our market reach, strengthening partnerships in renewable energy, and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. This addition not only provides new opportunities for growth but also allows our existing customers to stay ahead of the curve in energy-efficient construction as we simplify solar integration and make renewable energy more accessible," said Fabral Vice President Bruce Green.
The Fabral Solar Edge
Fabral Solar is built on innovation and adaptability. As the solar industry expands, installers and developers require durable, efficient, and easy-to-install structural solutions. By leveraging Fabral's expertise in structural systems, it fills a critical gap—providing high-quality mounting infrastructure that enhances solar panel performance while integrating seamlessly with various building designs.
Fabral Solar is equipped to handle a multitude of projects including:
Fabral Metal Wall and Roof Systems | www.fabral.com
Alternative Energies Feb 24, 2025
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