Renewable Energy Magazine

Aug 26, 2025

Planette Selected by NASA to Develop the First Quantum-Inspired AI System for Extreme Weather Prediction

Extreme weather is on the rise, but even state-of-the-art forecasting technologies struggle to provide accurate, timely predictions for extremes like heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and thunderstorms. To address this limitation, Planette, a leader in long-range weather prediction technology, was selected by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop QubitCast, a next-generation forecasting system, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), that will improve long-range or subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) weather predictions (forecasts ranging from two weeks to two years) beyond current limitations, with a focus on extreme weather detection capabilities. The system will provide critical early warning signals for high-impact severe weather, making it possible to plan and prepare for extremes.

Unlike conventional weather modeling, which is limited to 10 days of lead time, Planette’s layering of several physics-based models and AI enables its forecasts to extend beyond this short window. Planette combines atmospheric data with ocean and land inputs and couples this modeling approach to fill a critical information gap between traditional short-term weather predictions and long-term climate projections, up to one year into the future.

With QubitCast, Planette is utilizing algorithms inspired by quantum physics, such as the ability to explore multiple possibilities in parallel. The breakthrough will allow the company to process data more efficiently and uncover hidden weather patterns with greater accuracy, delivering more timely and actionable forecasts without relying on the still-emerging hardware for quantum computing.

"Planette is one of the first companies to take these methods beyond theory and apply them to weather and climate,” said Dr. Kalai Ramea, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Planette. “You can think of it like reading the entire history of Earth’s systems all at once. Instead of slowly scanning year by year and missing critical details, our approach allows us to spot anomalies, those needles in the haystack that signal extreme weather events, much faster and more accurately than traditional AI models ever could, while using far less energy."

Current long-term weather forecasts utilize massive physics-based simulation models that are powerful but require enormous computational resources, making them expensive and energy-intensive. Meanwhile, existing AI models that attempt to understand Earth's interconnected systems often become overwhelmed by complex, high-dimensional data, requiring even more computational power and time.

The technology used for QubitCast will require less computing power and use less energy, while distilling complex information into a simpler form, preserving critical details. The quantum-inspired approach enables the system to uncover hidden patterns in how Earth’s systems interact, thereby improving the early detection of extreme weather events and providing actionable warnings.

“Too many critical decisions are made in the dark because reliable long-range forecasts simply haven't been available,” said Dr. Hansi Singh, co-founder and CEO of Planette. “QubitCast changes that equation by making S2S forecasting not just more accurate but practical to deploy at scale when making highly consequential decisions. Whether it's farmers planning crop cycles, emergency managers preparing for hurricane season, or energy companies managing grid stability, this technology provides the lead time needed to act proactively rather than reactively.”

This latest Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant recognition by NASA builds on Planette's growing momentum in advancing weather intelligence technology. Earlier this year, the company was awarded a Phase I SBIR grant from the National Science Foundation to develop NIVA, its foundational AI model for Earth system analysis. The company also recently launched Eddy, making previously inaccessible long-range weather predictions freely available to the public for the first time.

Planette | https://www.planette.ai

NASA Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer | https://www.nasa.gov/sbir_sttr/

Aug 26, 2025

Energy Department Announces $60 Million to Secure Domestic Critical Mineral Supply and Strengthen Magnet Manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) announced up to $60 million in funding for two new technology programs to secure and expand America’s critical minerals supply chain, strengthen domestic magnet manufacturing, and reduce reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains. These programs build on DOE’s ongoing work to secure the critical materials essential to American energy in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production.

The first program will accelerate U.S. mineral independence through rapid, high-resolution, cost-effective technologies to assess critical mineral deposits with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The second will drive the creation of a new class of advanced magnetic materials that deliver double the performance while using fewer critical minerals—ensuring that America leads the world in next-generation energy technologies.

"Rare earth elements, critical minerals, and magnets are three essential components of a wide range of modern energy technologies," said ARPA-E Acting Director Dr. Daniel Cunningham. "Developing faster, more accurate resource evaluation tools, and creating a new more powerful class of magnetic materials will enable America to unlock domestic reserves, strengthen supply chains, and enhance U.S. energy and economic security.”

The Reliable Ore Characterization with Keystone Sensing (ROCKS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) makes up to $40 million available to develop advanced drilling, sensing, and analytical technologies that cut ore deposit evaluation timelines from years to months. The Magnetic Acceleration Generating New Innovations and Tactical Outcomes (MAGNITO) NOFO makes up to $20 million available for projects to employ artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-throughput experimentation to develop novel magnetic materials with new chemistries and microstructures.

ROCKS and MAGNITO will expand ARPA-E’s critical minerals portfolio, which already includes REACT (developing cost-effective alternatives to critical minerals), MINER (advancing more effective extraction techniques), and RECOVER (developing technologies to recover minerals from industrial wastewater). RECOVER is expected to announce its project selections early this fall.

Visit the ARPA-E eXCHANGE website to read the full MAGNITO NOFO and full ROCKS NOFO for more information including application requirements and timelines for both programs. You can read the full MAGNITO program description here and the full ROCKS program description here.

ARPA-E | https://arpa-e.energy.gov/

Aug 26, 2025

DSD Secures $238 Million in Long-Term Financing for 233 MW of Solar Energy

DSD Renewables (DSD) has closed on $238 million in long-term financing from First Citizens Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), and Nomura to support 233 megawatts (MW) of operational distributed generation solar and solar plus storage projects in 12 states and the District of Columbia.

A five-year mini-perm facility provides a longer-duration vehicle for five of DSD’s multi-asset portfolios. Proceeds were used to refinance warehouse debt with a structure tailored to the performance profile of the assets. Like an ABS, the structure leverages cash flow during the renewal period, but is still as flexible as a mini-perm loan based on debt coverage.

“This transaction marks an evolution in the market for distributed generation lending that acknowledges the captive nature of behind-the-meter assets that are linked to a stable, retail rate,” said Karin Logan, Chief Investment Officer of DSD. “We are thrilled to have optimized our capital structure and reduced our cost of capital all while maintaining the nimbleness and flexibility of a bank-led transaction. This is truly a testament to DSD’s track record as one of the largest and most experienced operators for distributed generation and the continued strength of our lending relationships.”

The portfolios include 188 projects in operation across California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. They feature a mix of ground-mount, rooftop, and canopy systems, with approximately 127 MW designated as community solar and three that incorporate battery storage to enhance grid resilience.

“DSD has built a diversified platform with operating assets that stand up to institutional scrutiny, and this financing reflects that,” said Mike Lorusso, Head of Energy Finance at First Citizens Bank. “Our role is to structure capital that aligns with performance, and this facility gives DSD the flexibility to unlock growth without constraining its balance sheet.”

“With a solid foundation of high-quality assets, DSD has built a platform that meets the highest standards. This facility is designed to empower their next phase of growth, offering strategic capital while maintaining balance sheet flexibility,” said Louise Pesce, Head of North American Power at MUFG.

“Nomura is excited to use our extensive structuring and financing experience to create a robust bespoke solution for DSD Renewables,” said Vinod Mukani Global Head of Nomura Infrastructure and Power Business. “DSD Renewables has developed a distributed generation platform with ambitious growth plans for the coming years, and Nomura is thrilled to support this and provide risk-adjusted returns for all stakeholders.”

The transaction marks the latest in a series of financing milestones for DSD as it continues to streamline access to capital across the project lifecycle to accelerate development, secure equipment, and pursue ongoing development activities.

DSD Renewables | https://dsdrenewables.com/

First Citizens Bank | firstcitizens.com

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group | https://www.mufg.jp/english

Nomura | www.nomura.com

Aug 26, 2025

ACORE Statement on the Stop-Work Order Affecting the Revolution Wind Offshore Wind Project

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President & CEO Ray Long on the Stop-Work Order Affecting the Revolution Wind Offshore Wind Project:

“The Trump Administration’s decision to halt the Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island is an extraordinarily damaging mistake. This is a project that is nearly complete, fully permitted, and already putting 2,500 people to work and delivering billions in private investment to the region. It was months away from providing affordable clean electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in the Northeast. Pulling the plug sends a chilling signal to investors and developers that the U.S. cannot be relied upon to honor its commitments, even when projects are 80% built.

“The consequences for consumers and the economy are serious. ISO New England has been clear: without projects like Revolution Wind, the region faces heightened risks of power outages and further pressure on already high electricity costs. Delaying this project threatens reliability, raises energy bills for families and businesses, and undermines economic growth – including the ability to attract new industries like data centers.

“This action also weakens America’s competitiveness. While China outspends us four-to-one on new energy and transmission infrastructure to power its AI-driven economy, the U.S. is stopping a fully permitted, privately capitalized project that would strengthen our energy security. That is a dangerous path. Investors, workers, and ratepayers deserve better.

“ACORE urges the Administration to immediately reverse course, allow Revolution Wind to move forward, and restore the policy certainty essential to America’s clean energy future.”

ACORE | http://www.acore.org

Aug 26, 2025

Franklin Energy Launches AI Energy Forum to Lead Responsible Innovation in the Energy Sector

Franklin Energy, a leader in comprehensive, advanced energy solutions for utilities, governments, and businesses, announced the launch of the AI Energy Forum—a first-of-its-kind roundtable bringing together clients, partners, board members, and innovators to shape the responsible use of artificial intelligence across the energy industry.

As AI accelerates transformation across every sector, the AI Energy Forum is designed to ensure these technologies are applied with intention, accountability, and measurable impact. The forum will focus on real-world applications of AI that enhance energy efficiency, grid optimization, sustainability, and customer engagement—while also addressing equity and trust in technology adoption. Franklin Energy’s role is to bring together diverse voices, provide a platform for collaboration, and help guide the industry toward a thoughtful, impactful future.

“The AI Energy Forum represents a major step forward in advancing responsible AI in our industry,” said Sushma Annareddy, Franklin Energy Chief Technology Officer. “By bringing together different perspectives, we can ensure AI drives efficiency, sustainability, and positive outcomes for customers—while maintaining trust and accountability.”

Among the founding members is Aaron Goldfeder, CEO of AZX and longtime leader in AI and energy innovation.

“AI is already reshaping industries, and in energy we have a unique opportunity to apply it in ways that truly matter,” said Aaron Goldfeder, founding member of the AI Energy Forum. “This Forum gives leaders a space to share ideas, accelerate innovation, and set a responsible direction for how AI can help move the industry forward.”

The AI Energy Forum will host roundtable sessions throughout the year, providing members with access to emerging insights, peer-to-peer collaboration, and a role in shaping best practices for AI in energy.

To learn more about the AI Energy Forum or explore opportunities to participate in the discussion, visit www.franklinenergy.com/ai-energy-forum.

Franklin Energy | www.franklinenergy.com

Aug 26, 2025

RS and Phoenix Contact Expand Industrial Field Connectivity

RS, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, offers Phoenix Contact’s extensive range of M12 Power field cabling and connector solutions, including its new tray cable extended run (TC-ER) M12 Power cordsets.

Phoenix Contact’s M12 Power portfolio includes simple prefabricated power cordsets, hybrid power and signal cordsets, convenient field-wireable connectors, device connectors for wire and board connections, and distribution blocks — all engineered to save space, increase functionality, and enhance performance in a wide range of industrial power distribution applications. Popular applications include motors, drives, fans, heaters, and lighting fixtures in the automated manufacturing, intralogistics, robotics, renewable energy, telecommunications, data center, HVAC, automotive, and EV industries.

These M12 Power solutions are also robust, easy to install, safe, and flexible, offering features including:

Five standard coded-pin patterns — three AC (S, K, and M) and two DC (T and L) — designed to differentiate M12 power connections from M12 signal and data connections and prevent mismatched connectors and swapped AC and DC voltages
AC ratings up to 16A and 600VAC
DC ratings up to 16A and 63VDC
Straight and angled connectors with three termination options: tool-free spring-loaded push-lock connections for quick and easy installation, crimp connections for fast, high-volume automated processing, and classic screw connections for universal suitability
Conductors with color coded and numerical markings to ensure error-free mating, including PROFINET-conforming color schemes for L-coded versions
IP65 and IP67 environmental protection
Advanced 360° shielding technology for reliable, future-proof protection against EMI
Various cable materials, colors, and lengths
IEC standardization (IEC 61076-2-111) and UL compliance (UL2237)

Designed for the industrial power distribution networks of the future, Phoenix Contact's new TC-ER M12 Power cordsets are optimized for field connectivity. Rated for exposed cable runs and compliant with the NEC Tap Rule, these robust, crush- and impact-resistant, multiconductor, PVC-jacketed, and overmolded cordsets are engineered for routing outside of cable trays, which significantly expands application suitability and makes installation quicker, easier, and more cost effective. They’re also fully compatible with existing M12 Power products, UL tested and approved under UL2237, and exclusively manufactured in the United States using regionally-sourced cables.

Phoenix Contact’s TC-ER M12 Power cordsets are currently available in M-code versions rated for up to 8A and 600VAC, S- and K-code versions rated for up to 16A and 600VAC, and L- and T-code versions rated for up to 16A and 63VDC — all of which utilize 14AWG copper conductors. They’re also available with 3–6 pins, straight and 90° socket connectors or open ends, and optional shielding and are rated for operating temperatures extending from -25°C to +85°C (+70° when wet), at least 100MΩ insulation resistance, more than 100 mating cycles, 2 million bending cycles for unshielded variants, 1 million bending cycles for shielded variants, UL94 V-0 flammability, and FT4 flame resistance. Additional features include oil, sunlight, burial, and water resistance, Overvoltage Category 3 classification, and four minimum bending radiuses: 7 times the diameter for fixed, unshielded installations, 10 times the diameter for both fixed, shielded and flexible, unshielded installations, and 15 times the diameter for shielded, flexible installations.

“The NEC Tap rule for field connectivity in power distribution applications — or all the circuits and systems used to transmit electricity from grid substations to consumers, like houses and businesses — requires overcurrent, ground fault, and short-circuit protection at the beginning of the circuit, leading to the trunk line exiting the cabinet. It also requires feeder taps up to 3m to utilize conductors rated for at least 1/10th of the trunk line and feeder taps between 3m and 7.5m to utilize conductors rated for at least 10A each,” said Dean Smith, Senior Product Marketing Specialist at Phoenix Contact. “Our factory-molded TC-ER M12 Power cordsets are ideally suited for both scenarios and provide electronic device manufacturers, panel builders, and industrial equipment users with considerable space savings, user-friendly plug-and-play functionality, and enhanced performance compared to standard tray cable.

“Another NEC Tap rule requirement for TC-ER cable is that it must be secured every 2m. And while this does have associated material and labor costs, our TC-ER rated cordsets still provide substantial installation time and cost savings compared to standard tray cable given that they eliminate the need for cable trays and raceways, make installation quick, easy, and cost effective, and allow users with larger trunk lines to switch from bigger, higher AWG solutions to space-saving TC-ER M12 Power cordsets up to six feet without the use of any supports.”

For more information about Phoenix Contact’s M12 Power connector and cabling solutions, including the new TC-ER rated M12 Power cordsets, check out “M12 power solutions,” an RS Expert Advice podcast interview with Dean Smith. For additional information about these and other Phoenix Contact solutions for industrial power distribution networks — including power supplies, circuit breakers, terminal blocks, and surge protection — please visit the links embedded here.

To learn more about Phoenix Contact’s other electrification, networking, and automation solutions, please check out the company’s other contributions to the RS Expert Advice series and visit the links embedded above.

For assistance identifying, procuring, deploying, and maintaining Phoenix Contact M12 connectivity solutions engineered to improve industrial field connectivity, please contact your local RS representative at 1.866.433.5722 or reach out to the RS technical support team.

Phoenix Contact | www.phoenixcontact.com

RS Group | https://www.rsgroup.com/

Aug 26, 2025

Renewable Properties Expands Pennsylvania Footprint with Acquisition of 10 Solar Projects from Prospect14

Renewable Properties, a developer and investor in small-scale utility, community solar, energy storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure projects, has acquired a portfolio of 10 net energy metered (NEM) ground-mounted projects from Prospect14, a Pennsylvania-based solar energy developer.

The projects in the Goldenrod Portfolio are located in the Pennsylvania counties of Clearfield, Centre, Greene, Berks, Juniata, Snyder, and Columbia. Already in the early to middle stages of development, the projects are expected to be completed in 2027. The projects range in size from 3.51 MWdc to 4.2 MWdc, for a total of 38.13 MWdc.

“Renewable Properties is pleased to partner with Prospect14 on this acquisition as part of our ongoing commitment to advance renewable energy in Pennsylvania and across the U.S.,” said Aaron Halimi, Founder and President of Renewable Properties. “Distributed solar projects like these provide local environmental benefits as well as creating local jobs, generating local tax revenue, and strengthening distribution grid reliability.”

With this portfolio acquisition, Renewable Properties is significantly expanding its presence in Pennsylvania, which is increasingly embracing solar as energy demand in the state soars on the heels of rapid AI and data center expansion.

“The acquisition of this portfolio reinforces the growing demand for distributed solar generation in Pennsylvania and the ability to finance NEM solar projects,” said Brendan Neagle, President of Prospect14. “We are proud to work with Renewable Properties to make the benefits of distributed solar a reality in our home state. We look forward to our continued partnership with Renewable Properties and other transactions in Pennsylvania and beyond.”

As the solar industry evolves, Renewable Properties and Prospect14 have built strong foundations that will enable each company to continue expanding solar and storage across the U.S. The 38.13 MW of projects in the Goldenrod Portfolio are now part of Renewable Properties’ growing pipeline of over 1.5 GW of solar and energy storage projects under development.

Renewable Properties | www.renewprop.com

Prospect14 | www.prospect14.com

The Solar Product Registry Set to Boost Solar Deployment

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Planette Selected by NASA to Develop the First Quantum-Inspired AI System for Extreme Weather Prediction

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