How the Yellow School Bus is Helping Modernize the US Grid

Vestas has received a 124 MW order from EDF power solutions North America (EDFps) to supply 20 EnVentus V162-6.2 MW wind turbines for the Haute-Chaudière wind project in Québec, including a 10-year Active Output Management (AOM) 5000 service agreement. Once operational, Haute- Chaudière will provide clean and secure energy to tens of thousands of Québec homes while supporting local job creation and industrial development. 

“The Haute-Chaudière project is a strong example of what’s possible when experienced partners come together to combine supply chain excellence with world-class technology. We’re proud to partner with EDF power solutions as they continue demonstrating their long-term commitment to deliver wind energy across Québec,” said Laura Beane, President, Vestas North America. “With Hydro-Québec’s goal of adding 10 GW of wind power by 2035, the province has both the sustained volume and the ambition to lead and it’s only through strong partnerships like this, that those goals become a reality.” 

“EDF power solutions and Vestas share a strong, long-standing partnership that spans over two decades and 2.9 GW of wind energy projects across North America,” said Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO at EDF power solutions North America. “The Haute Chaudière wind project, one of three projects awarded by Hydro-Quebec through its call for tenders, represents our renewed collaboration with Vestas. This strategic contract not only strengthens the relationship between our companies but also paves the way for future opportunities to advance wind energy.” 

Vestas is a leader in Canada’s onshore market, with an installed base of over 5 GW spanning all 10 provinces and a supply chain supported by more than 300 local suppliers. In Québec, Vestas currently services 428 MW of operating turbines and last year, announced a further 347 MW order that is currently under construction. 

“We understand the complex transportation and project execution challenges in Québec, and with our long-standing experience in the province, we’re ready to deploy local expertise and collaborate with trusted regional partners to help deliver this project,” said Josh Irwin, Senior Vice President, Canada Onshore Sales, Vestas North America. “Through strong alignment between OEM, developer, and other key private and public stakeholders, we can achieve Québec’s goals to not only meet energy needs but also create real economic opportunities.” 

As part of a shared commitment to strengthen local manufacturing and job creation, EDFps and Vestas have partnered with Québec-based Marmen as the tower supplier, supporting 130 direct jobs in Trois-Rivières. 

“Marmen is proud to work with two industry leaders to highlight the importance of a Canadian-based supply chain amid strong market signals. We are ready to help mature this market alongside Vestas and EDF power solutions,” said Patrick Pellerin, President, Marmen. 

Delivery of the turbines is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with commissioning scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. Page 02 / 02 

Vestas | www.vestas.com

McGill and Partners, the independent global specialty insurance and reinsurance broker, announces the launch of a new, cybersecurity insurance solution for the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) market.

The energy sector's critical role in global infrastructure makes it an increasing target for cyber threats. As reliance on interconnected systems grows, so do the risks, with threat actors often exploiting operational dependencies and vital infrastructure. In response, McGill and Partners has developed a tailored cybersecurity insurance solution to address the unique challenges of the battery energy storage sector.

The cover is flexible, sector-specific, and offers robust protection to safeguard operations from the ever-evolving cyber risk landscape. This provides battery energy storage clients with protection that addresses the unique risks faced by their sector, unlike more generic, cybersecurity solutions. The McGill and Partners team has worked closely with its clients to identify potential loss scenarios and develop comprehensive, tailored coverage. Cover is provided by certain Lloyd’s underwriters.

The solution includes bespoke terms and definitions aligned with the specific technologies used in the battery energy storage sector, as well as physical damage protection for projects and associated assets resulting from cyber attacks. The policy also extends to cover increased regulatory costs as a result of the compliance required to meet evolving cybersecurity and resiliency standards. Clients will benefit from physical damage protection and cover is provided for business interruptions, resulting from cyber incidents or technical failures along with access available to a dedicated emergency response team to help minimise operational disruptions following a breach.

Tom Dryden, Partner – Cyber, McGill and Partners, added: “As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, we are seeing greater demand from clients for industry-specific coverage. Cyber incidents and technical issues at battery energy storage systems are becoming increasingly relevant as these systems become more integrated into global critical infrastructure and smart grids.”

“At McGill and Partners, we work across different specialties, which enables us to develop tailored solutions that reflect the real-world exposures our clients face. We’re proud to develop a solution for a sector that plays a critical part in the energy transition, ensuring our clients are appropriately protected not just against financial losses from a cyber incident but are also equipped to respond decisively in moments of crisis.”

McGill and Partners | https://mcgillpartners.com/

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA), the premier US-based tradeshow and conference series focused on solar, energy storage, EV infrastructure, and manufacturing, is now accepting abstracts for its flagship event’s 2026 conference program, taking place February 18–20 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. 

IESNA Flagship explores policies, technologies, and market trends at the state and federal level, bringing together installers, developers, utilities, policymakers, technology providers, and other key industry stakeholders through dynamic programming, networking, and exhibits.

“This year’s conference offers an expansive and timely exploration of the technologies, policies, and innovations shaping the clean energy transition," said Eugene Hunt, IESNA Conference Chair. "With sessions spanning the full industry ecosystem – from financing strategies and regulatory updates to manufacturing and digitalization – the program is designed to engage professionals across the renewable energy value chain and equip them with the knowledge and tools to accelerate sustainable growth.”

The 2026 conference program will feature 28 sessions highlighting a range of topics, including: 

·       AI and Digitalization in Renewable Energy

·       Clean Energy Workforce Development

·       Distributed Energy Resources

·       Energy Policy

·       Energy Storage

·       EV Infrastructure

·       Financing the Energy Transition

·       Manufacturing and Supply Chain

·       Regulation – Interconnection and Permitting Reform

·       Residential-, Utility- and Commercial-Scale Solar

·       Solar + Storage

“As a key platform for advancing the conversations about our clean energy transition, IESNA brings together the brightest minds across every corner of the industry,” said Kate Johnson, Managing Director, Advanced Energy United and IESNA Advisory Board Member. “The content at IESNA reflects the complexity of the energy transition. These sessions will both deepen participants’ technical understanding and spark the critical policy, financing, and regulatory conversations that will shape the future of clean energy.”

All submissions will be reviewed by IESNA’s Advisory Board, a panel of seasoned clean energy experts and leaders committed to curating high-quality, impactful content.

Submit Your Abstract
Industry professionals are encouraged to submit an abstract by Sunday, July 20, 2025. Presentation formats include single- and multi-presenter sessions, interactive panel discussions, and keynotes. Selected speakers will be notified in October and will receive a complimentary conference pass, speaking benefits, and promotional exposure across IESNA’s digital and marketing platforms.

Learn more and apply here. 

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America | iesna.com

Midwest Solar Expo | midwestsolarexpo.com

Diversified Communications | divcom.com

Flood risk intelligence company Fathom announces the integration of future climate scenarios into its Global Flood Cat, making it the first flood catastrophe model to include them at a global scale. This major advancement enables insurers, investors, banks and planners to assess flood risk dynamically, by year, location and climate warming outcome. 

Underpinned by Fathom’s best-in-class Climate Dynamics framework, the model allows users to simulate flood risk views across all major flood perils: fluvial, pluvial and coastal. The framework offers unprecedented flexibility, supporting custom risk views that incorporate user-specific vulnerability, event loss scaling, hazard scaling and location-specific flood defenses.

A transformative development for climate-informed decision making

This integration marks a major milestone in the development of quantitative flood risk models. Financial institutions, including banks and investors, can now assess portfolio-level risk, especially for real estate, make long term investment decisions, and meet evolving regulatory requirements. Engineering firms and federal planners will be able to use the data for mitigation, resilience planning and adaptation, and to assess risk to infrastructure and supply chains under different climate conditions.  Insurers can apply the model to run stress tests, identify accumulation hotspots and model long term shifts in exposure.

“Being able to quantify physical climate risk into the future is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity for many of the risk professionals that we work with”, explains Dr Malcolm Haylock, Head of Catastrophe Modeling at Fathom. “We are excited to offer clients a powerful tool that enables them to understand not just the potential losses associated with a particular climate scenario, but also to assess the uncertainty arising from variability across climate models.”

Flood losses projected to rise sharply without adaptation

Assessing future risk against climate scenarios is critical. Fathom's preliminary analysis suggests that global average annual flood losses are expected to double by the year 2100 without any adaptation steps to reduce exposure or increase defenses. Low-lying urban environments are particularly susceptible due to sea level rise. Country-level 200-year losses are projected to increase by around 40% on average. 

“Decades of research have shown that climate change and urbanization are the two most significant drivers of future flood risk”, added Dr Haylock.  “With transition plans well underway in many sectors, understanding the impact future climate change might have on physical risk is crucial.“ 

Climate Dynamics launched today. Details here: www.fathom.global/product/global-flood-cat/.

Fathom | www.fathom.global

Milwaukee Tool continues their commitment to delivering workwear that enhances comfort, movement, and protection for professionals on the jobsite. Expanding the FREEFLEX, GRIDIRON and WORKSKIN collections, Milwaukee introduces new gear designed to withstand jobsite demands while ensuring flexibility and durability. Developed with feedback from users across the trades and through continuous jobsite research, these new additions deliver solutions that help professionals stay comfortable and productive in any environment.

FREEFLEX - BUILT FOR MOVEMENT 

Designed for flexibility and comfort, the FREEFLEX Lightweight Insulated Vest provides unrestricted movement with shoulder and side body mobility panels. Engineered with wind- and water-resistant fabric, this three-season solution offers reliable protection against the elements. The relaxed fit with a drop-tail hem provides extra coverage, while zippered hand pockets add secure storage. A brushed fleece-lined collar and pockets enhance warmth, making this vest jobsite ready. Available in both Men’s and Women’s sizes.  

Engineered for adaptability, the Women’s FREEFLEX Hybrid Tee is designed with a natural stretch fabric and forward shoulder seams to enhance mobility. The breathable cotton/poly blend wicks moisture to keep users comfortable while working, without sacrificing durability. Whether worn as a base layer or on its own, this long-sleeve tee delivers flexibility and performance for tradeswomen on the job. 

GRIDIRON - BUILT TO SURVIVE 

Durability meets comfort in the Women’s GRIDIRON Long Sleeve Pocket Tee, crafted from a 6oz cotton/poly blend for reliable protection. This long sleeve tee has a broken-in feel to ensure lasting softness, making this an ideal for all-day wear on the jobsite. Anti-odor and moisture-wicking technology enhance performance, making this a year-round essential. A relaxed fit provides unrestricted movement, delivering the comfort and resilience needed to tackle tough jobsite conditions. 

WORKSKIN - BUILT TO FIGHT SWEAT 

Optimized for cold conditions, the WORKSKIN Low-Profile Beanie wicks away sweat while providing enhanced warmth. The brushed fleece interior provides enhanced warmth, while the 360° stretch design ensures a snug, comfortable fit. With a low-profile style and durable exterior, this beanie is made to withstand cold temperatures on the jobsite. 

Built for cold environments, the WORKSKIN Balaclava delivers warmth, breathability, and a secure fit with its sweat-wicking brushed fleece interior. The 360° stretch fabric allows for a secure, adaptable fit, while the breathable mouth and nose panel enhances airflow. Designed with four versatile ways to wear, this balaclava is built for comfort and protection in extreme environments. 

Milwaukee Tool | https://www.milwaukeetool.com/

Mayfield Renewables, a respected engineering consultancy and education provider, announces its second annual Education Summit, which will be held on October 15 and 16 at Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle, Washington. The Summit is a learning-focused live event for developers, EPCs, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders working in C&I solar-plus-storage. The event will feature two full days of best-in-class training sessions and networking opportunities. 

To learn more about the Mayfield Renewables Education Summit and benefit from an Early Bird registration discount (until July 1), click here. 

Compared to other states, Washington has not always been known for having a high-MW solar queue. But in recent years, it has grown in experience by supporting resilient community microgrid systems. With this year’s Education Summit based in Seattle, we’re looking forward to exploring lessons learned from this region as microgrids become a bigger focus, challenge, and opportunity for our industry nationally. 

The industry is at an inflection point: It is shifting away from simple PV systems, and scaling quickly and safely is essential to meeting targets for a resilient and reliable energy future. As we move into a national market with a clear business case and demand for more complex C&I PV, energy storage, and microgrid systems with multiple use cases, there is an urgent need for clear technical education. 

Mayfield is fortunate to have a team and network of industry experts and trainers who can develop and deliver workshops that address this need. Our day-to-day engineering consulting work directly informs our ability to provide current technical education. 

“Providing high-quality education for the industry has been an important and fulfilling aspect of my work. As we’ve developed more classes and worked directly with clients, the need for more accessible education has been clear.” Ryan Mayfield, Founder and SME, Mayfield Renewables 

“As the industry grows, there are more gatherings and conferences than ever before. I wanted to create a different space wholly dedicated to adding value for attendees committed to quality C&I PV+ESS systems. It is also one of the few industry gatherings dedicated to unbiased technical education” Laurel Hamilton, Head of Growth, Mayfield Renewables 

“We wanted the summit to be really intentional about teaching the current requirements and how to overcome the challenges of complex projects.” Laurel Hamilton 

The Summit will feature three tracks: one on PV+ESS codes and standards, one on engineering best practices, and a new track on microgrid development topics. Attendees can select two tracks (one per day). They’ll attend 8 out of 12 classes and can receive 10 NABCEP continuing education units. 

The Summit also provides a strong networking element by design. A curated short list of partners will be on hand as a resource, extending the conversations beyond the sessions and into the community space and evening reception. Select partners include Sol-Ark, ELM MicroGrid, Generac, Elexity, Maddox, GridVest, Sulis Energy, Megger, Solar Energy International, WASEIA and more. By bringing together dedicated, quality-focused subject matter experts and learners, the Education Summit will enable everyone to connect and share lessons learned before, during, and after the sessions. 

Summit overview 

● Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 8 AM - 9 PM. 

General session 

Education sessions (3 tracks, 4 sessions in each) 

Networking reception 

● Thursday, October 16, 2025, 8 AM - 5 PM. Education sessions (3 tracks, 4 sessions in each) 

Ask Mayfield Anything Q&A panels 

Mayfield Renewables | https://www.mayfield.energy/