How the Reuse Market Can Solve Supply Chain Delays

FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. announced that the FranklinWH System has been selected to participate in two new Texas utility virtual power plant (VPP) programs: the Austin Energy Power Partner Battery Pilot and the Entergy Texas Battery Storage Solutions program.

The new programs enable Texas homeowners with a FranklinWH System to earn upfront incentives and ongoing annual payments by allowing their battery systems to provide stored energy during periods of peak electricity demand. The programs strengthen grid reliability while creating new financial value for homeowners.

Texas is one of the nation's fastest-growing residential energy storage markets, with approximately 60 percent of new residential solar installations now paired with battery storage. As utilities expand VPP’s, homeowners are increasingly able to turn their home batteries into grid assets that generate recurring financial benefits.

Under Austin Energy’s Power Partner Battery, customers receive a $500 upfront incentive toward the purchase of a FranklinWH System and average annual payments of more than $300. Participants earn $75 per kilowatt of average output delivered during demand response events. The pilot is limited to 1,500 systems and supports Austin Energy’s goal of reaching 78 megawatts of demand response capacity by 2027 and 270 megawatts by 2035.

Through the Entergy Texas Battery Storage Solutions program, enrolled FranklinWH customers earn up to $325 per year for allowing Entergy Texas to draw on their stored energy during peak demand. The utility sends an automated signal to participating FranklinWH Systems, allowing batteries to respond without homeowner intervention. The stored energy helps reduce strain on the grid while supporting greater integration of renewable energy across Entergy Texas' service area.

Both programs are managed through the FranklinWH App. Battery dispatch occurs automatically, homeowners can monitor system performance in real time, and participants may opt out of any individual demand response event.

"Each new utility partnership reflects the growing confidence utilities have in residential batteries as reliable grid resources, “ said Gary Lam, CEO and co-founder of FranklinWH. “With participation in 25 VPP’s nationwide, we're continuing to help utilities scale distributed energy while giving homeowners more ways to earn value from their FranklinWH Systems."

“Smart battery programs such as this help our customers use energy more efficiently while strengthening the grid for everyone,” said Kelly O’Donnell, manager of products and services for Entergy Texas. “By partnering with FranklinWH, we’re giving homeowners a simple way to support reliability during high‑demand periods and earn meaningful savings at the same time.”

“Batteries are a key component of the Resource & Generation Plan focused on furthering our culture of innovation,” said Richard Génecé, vice president of customer energy solutions at Austin Energy. “This Battery Demand Response Pilot advances Austin Energy’s progress toward a more established virtual power plant, as battery systems offer predictable capacity and unlock future opportunities for an enhanced grid.

FranklinWH Energy Storage | www.franklinwh.com

Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) ("Century Lithium" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that lithium carbonate produced from its 100% owned Angel Island Lithium Project in Nevada, USA ("Angel Island") was successfully converted into lithium metal using Alpha-En Corporation's ("Alpha-En") proprietary extraction and electrodeposition process and incorporated into cylindrical cells manufactured by EaglePicher Technologies ("EaglePicher"). This work was supported by funding from the US Army Small Business Innovation Research ("Army SBIR") program, which aims to accelerate the development of innovative technologies critical to national defense.

"Alpha-En has done outstanding work converting lithium carbonate from Angel Island into high-purity lithium metal, which was then incorporated by EaglePicher in cells tested under the U.S. Army SBIR program," said Bill Willoughby, President and CEO of Century Lithium. "The results from this first phase program are important for Century Lithium and further highlight Angel Island as a quality domestic source of lithium."

The lithium metal anodes produced from Angel Island lithium carbonate by Alpha-En met EaglePicher's performance specifications and were integrated into EaglePicher's cylindrical cells for testing. Initial discharge results demonstrated higher operating voltages and improved power performance compared to the control cells, key attributes for demanding defense applications which require lightweight, high-energy, and high-power battery systems.

"This Army SBIR-supported effort demonstrates that high-performance lithium metal anodes can be manufactured directly from US-sourced lithium resources," said Landon Oakes, Chief Technology Officer of Alpha-En. "By integrating domestic raw materials with our membrane extraction and electrodeposition platform, we are establishing a secure, vertically integrated pathway for next-generation battery anodes that reduces reliance on foreign supply chains."

This successful demonstration represents a significant step toward strengthening the domestic defense battery supply chain. By connecting US-based lithium resources, advanced lithium metal manufacturing, and domestic cell fabrication, the collaboration supports the US Army's objective of securing critical mineral independence while advancing high-performance battery technologies for future defense systems.

Century Lithium | centurylithium.com

DuPont (NYSE: DD) announced it has launched an end-to-end Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) portfolio comprising more than 20 products across multiple technologies, designed to improve lithium recovery and provide tailored solutions for diverse brine resources, supporting scalable lithium production amid accelerating global demand. As an alternative to traditional lithium processing approaches such as hard rock mining or evaporation, DLE is well positioned to support growing lithium demand through advanced separation technologies designed to extract lithium effectively and efficiently from brine.

The new DLE portfolio spans lithium-selective sorbents, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes, and ion exchange resins across the entire lithium brine treatment process, from extraction and purification to final concentration. This integrated flowsheet design enables customers to implement end-to-end solutions or select individual technologies tailored to their specific process requirements and brine compositions.

A key differentiator of DuPont's new portfolio is its breadth and flexibility, which allows DuPont to design customized solutions across a wide range of lithium extraction applications. For example, the portfolio includes specialized lithium-selective DuPont AmberSorb adsorbent technologies for both high- and low-temperature brine streams to meet the needs for efficient lithium recovery from diverse global resources. In addition, DuPont provides different grades of FilmTec LiNE nanofiltration and reverse osmosis elements, offering unique separation characteristics and incorporation of low salt rejection reverse osmosis (LSRRO) technology to achieve ultra-high lithium concentration.

These capabilities are enhanced by advanced DuPont IntegraTec and Inge ultrafiltration modules, FilmTec nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes, and DuPont AmberLite ion exchange resins, which improve lithium yield, purity, and concentration throughout the process. By bringing these technologies together into a single, cohesive platform, DuPont enables customers to optimize performance and recovery across the full direct lithium extraction flowsheet.

"DLE processes are highly sensitive to the lithium brine composition, temperature, and competing ions. By integrating the lithium-selective sorbents, membranes, and ion exchange technologies into a single process design framework, we can optimize the full flowsheet rather than treating them in isolation," said Dr. Martin Deetz, Senior R&D Laureate for DuPont Water Solutions. "Our customers are trying to move from the lab to reliable lithium production as quickly as possible. By combining these technologies with advanced modeling, testing, and piloting support, we can help accelerate the design of tailored, end-to-end lithium extraction flowsheets for their specific brine resources and goals."

DuPont further supports customers through its global research and development network, offering advanced laboratory testing and process modeling. These services allow lithium producers to validate performance using real brine samples and accelerate process development. This approach positions DuPont as a technical collaborator, helping customers move from initial evaluation to implementation with greater speed, confidence, and process reliability. As demand for lithium surges to power electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the industry is increasingly adopting DLE as a more coordinated and efficient approach to unlocking new lithium resources.

DuPont's technical experts hosted an educational webinar on June 18, 2026 to help customers understand how tailored DLE technologies can increase lithium yield and purity while addressing the unique characteristics of their brine resources. The session highlighted how customers can leverage DuPont's testing, modeling, and piloting support to evaluate and implement customized solutions. Watch on-demand here: https://www.dupont.com/water/contact-us.html?dfp=water-webinar-direct-lithium-extraction&src=ws_global_newsletter_dlewebinar_website_pressrelease_2026-07-14 

DuPont | www.dupont.com

Austin Energy customers can now have a Base battery installed on their home, providing them automatic backup power when their power goes out. The official launch follows the partnership between the two companies announced in May, which transforms thousands of home batteries into a new energy resource Austin Energy can draw on during periods of peak demand.

For decades, whole-home backup has largely been reserved for homeowners willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on generators or solar-and-battery systems. Base costs $695 to install, plus $19 a month, which covers service and maintenance for the life of the battery.

"Austin is where we built Base," said Zach Dell, co-founder and CEO of Base Power. "Partnering with Austin Energy means our own community, families, and neighbors can now get affordable home backup. Austin Energy has kept this city powered for over 130 years, and we’re proud to now be part of that story."

Austin Energy customers who sign up for Base get a 40 kWh Base battery professionally installed on the outside of their home. The battery provides automatic, whole-home backup, switching over seamlessly when the power goes out and keeping a home running for up to 36 hours. It does not require solar but can integrate with it.

"I've been interested in getting backup support for a long time, but have held off due to the cost of a generator," said John H., a Base member and Austin Energy customer. "I immediately jumped at the opportunity to get a Base battery. It provides multiple days of backup for a fraction of the cost and maintenance."

During high-demand periods, Austin Energy can draw on the Base batteries to add capacity, easing strain on the grid and lowering the risk of outages. During power outages, the battery keeps the home powered, giving members the full protection of whole-home backup. Customers are billed only for the energy their home uses and will be billed at their normal Austin Energy rates.

Austin Energy customers are joining a model that's already proven at scale across Texas. Since publicly launching in 2024, Base has installed batteries on more than 15,000 homes, delivering affordable backup while supporting the grid. Funded by the $1 billion Series C it raised in October, Base is scaling further across Texas and recently announced an expansion into Illinois.

The partnership brings together two organizations investing in Austin's energy future: the city's longtime municipal utility and one of its fastest-growing energy companies. Base employs more than 500 people in Austin and built its manufacturing facility at the former Austin American-Statesman site. Austin Energy joins a growing list of utilities and cooperatives partnering with Base, including El Paso Electric, CoServ, Farmers Electric, GVEC, and Bandera.

Base Power | https://www.basepowercompany.com/austinenergy

The Griff Network has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 12,662,819 for its innovative Grip N Strip technology, a breakthrough split-release liner designed to make self-adhered roofing membranes faster, easier, and more efficient to install.

The newly patented technology introduces an integrally formed folded pull tab within a split-release liner, allowing installers to quickly locate, grip, and remove the second release liner without the frustration commonly associated with traditional split-liner systems. By eliminating the need for additional pull strips or separate components, Grip N Strip simplifies manufacturing while delivering a superior installation experience in the field.

The patent covers a unique release liner configuration that incorporates a folded pull tab into the liner itself, improving accessibility and reducing the likelihood of liner tearing or difficulty removing it during installation.

"Grip N Strip was developed with one goal in mind—to make installation easier for contractors," said Alex Phinn, company President. "By integrating the pull tab directly into the release liner, we've created a solution that helps installers work faster, reduces frustration on the jobsite, and improves the overall application process."

Traditional split release liners can be difficult to separate, particularly when installers are wearing gloves or working in demanding outdoor conditions. Grip N Strip addresses this challenge by incorporating a folded pull tab that naturally presents itself for easy gripping after the first liner section is removed. The design enables installers to remove the second liner quickly while maintaining accurate membrane placement.

In addition to improving installation, the patented design streamlines manufacturing by eliminating the need for separate pull strips or added components traditionally used to facilitate release liner removal. The result is an elegant, cost-effective solution that benefits both manufacturers and contractors.

Although initially developed for self-adhered roofing membranes, the patented Grip N Strip technology has broad potential across numerous pressure-sensitive adhesive applications, including waterproofing membranes, flashing products, tapes, building envelope materials, vehicle wraps, graphics, labels, and other adhesive-backed products.

In addition to the manufactured membranes, the patented release liner folding process is available for licensing.

This patent strengthens The Griff Network's commitment to developing innovative products and technologies that solve real-world installation challenges and deliver greater value to customers across the building products industry.

The Griff Network | www.thegriffnetwork.com

Principle Power has been awarded the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support contract for the 30 MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project in the French Mediterranean operated by Ocean Winds (OW) in partnership with la Banque des Territoires. The agreement with EFGL covers the three WindFloat foundations, which host three Vestas V164-10 MW turbines, the most powerful turbines operating on floating foundations to date. 

The contract covers integrated O&M services for the floating foundations, including inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR), remote monitoring, data analytics, and engineering support to the project owner. Principle Power will leverage its newly developed Asset Hub application to enable remote, real-time monitoring and automated insights, to strength the client’s operational decision-making. 

Day-to-day operations will be handled at the project’s O&M base located at the Port-La Nouvelle in Occitanie, Southern France. Ocean Winds employs six local workers for the maintenance of the platforms and ancillary equipment (e.g., anchor lines, inter-array cables) alongside with Vestas for the turbines inspection and maintenance. Principle Power has extended its O&M team to support the project locally, strengthening its presence in France, which represents nearly 30% of its global workforce. 

Jeremy de Barbarin, Project Director of EFGL at Ocean Winds, said: 

“This contract constitutes a strategic asset for EFGL and strengthens the long-standing relationship between Ocean Winds and Principle Power, which began over 15 years ago, with a 6 year long operating expertise build on Ocean Winds’ first floating windfarm 25 MW WindFloat Atlantic. Principle Power will deploy their proven expertise in floating foundation technologies to assist the Ocean Winds team in maximizing system availability, reliability, and efficiency. This close collaboration in Operations & Maintenance builds on the work Principle Power has already accomplished during the project’s design, construction, and commissioning phases.” 

Clara de Moura Santos, Vice President of Operation & Maintenance at Principle Power, said: 

“This award builds on Principle Power’s operating track record in floating wind and reinforces our role as a provider of integrated O&M support and services. Working with the client, with Vestas, and with project partners, we applied our operational experience from the earliest design stages to address day-to-day asset management requirements and support long-term reliability. 

During the design phase, Principle Power’s experience across our operating WindFloat® projects informed numerical predictions, maintenance strategies, and operational methodologies. Now, the UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL JULY 15 project’s operational learnings will help inform the fourth generation, fully industrialized WindFloat technologies.” 

Principle Power has developed its operating experience across three floating wind projects: the 2 MW WindFloat 1, the 25 MW WindFloat Atlantic, and the 50 MW Kincardine Offshore Wind Farm. With the 30 MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project, Ocean Winds’ second operating floating wind farm, Principle Power holds 105 MW of deployed capacity using WindFloat® foundations that have shown reliable performance in demanding Atlantic and North Sea metocean conditions, withstanding waves of 20 meters and winds up to 214 km/h, while delivering more than 1 TWh of energy to the grid. 

The EFGL contract marks the latest deployment of WindFloat® technology in France and supports the transition of floating wind toward commercial scale in France and other international markets like the United Kingdom, or South Korea. 

Principle Power | https://www.principlepower.com/

The new Vermeer MT500 material transporter consistently and precisely delivers and places 10 ft to 25 ft (3.05 m to 7.6 m) W-beam piles on ground-mount, utility-scale solar jobsites with minimal labor. Operated by one person with the push of a button, the MT500 eliminates manual pile lifting.

“Solar contractors are looking for ways to do more with the crews they have, and accuracy matters on every pile,” said Ed Savage, product manager, Vermeer. “The MT500 brings a level of consistency to the layout process that is hard to achieve manually, and it does it with minimal user inputs and one person running the machine.”

Reduces manual handling on solar construction jobsites

On most ground-mount solar jobsites, pile layout involves a crew operating skid steers or telehandlers to move pile bundles from the staging area to the required pile positions. It is labor-intensive work, and consistent, accurate placement is difficult to achieve at scale. 

The automated arm on the MT500 picks each pile and places it on the correct pile plan position with the push of a button, handling piles up to 400 lb (181.44 kg). Compatible with third-party GPS systems, the MT500 uses point-to-point and row-to-row automation to move accurately across the solar field.

An amber beacon notifies others on the site when the machine is in remote control or automation mode, and the object detection system and bump bars slow or stop the machine when an object is detected in specific travel zones. An emergency stop is standard. All machine functions are controlled via a full-function wireless remote.

Built for solar jobsite flexibility

The adjustable pile rack is configurable on the jobsite to hold 10 ft to 25 ft (3.05 m to 7.6 m) piles up to a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) payload, giving contractors the flexibility to work with different pile sizes on the same site. 

Rubber tracks keep ground pressure at 6.4 psi (44 kPa) reducing ground disturbance and allowing the machine to work in wet conditions. With 12 in (30 cm) of ground clearance, the MT500 handles uneven terrain across a range of jobsite conditions. A 74-hp (55 kW) Tier 4 Final/Stage V Rehlko engine powers the machine without requiring DEF fluid. The machine has a 35-gal (132 L) fuel capacity.

No major disassembly is required to move between sites. Stow the pile rack and arm and the MT500 is ready to go, measuring 88 in (224 cm) wide and 187 in (475 cm) long in transport mode.

Shortened training curve for solar construction crews

On-rig diagnostics deliver specific diagnostic explanations and prescriptive troubleshooting steps to the operator, helping crews of all skill levels keep the machine running. The MT500 shares the same on-machine display as the Vermeer PD25R pile driver, so crews already familiar with the pile driver lineup can get up to speed quickly.

“Solar contractors need a machine that can move to the next site and get back to work without a lot of setup time or retraining,” Savage said. “The MT500 fits into an existing Vermeer pile driver operation in a way that makes sense for the crew and for the dealer supporting them.”

The MT500 integrates with the VermeerOne™ platform, delivering real-time machine data to help operators and fleet managers proactively manage maintenance and performance. The machine is backed by the Vermeer dealer network, with localized service and support available wherever jobs take contractors. 

For more information about the Vermeer MT500 material transporter, contact your local Vermeer dealer

Vermeer | vermeer.com