Why the West Needs to Secure Heavy Rare Earths for the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

The use of solar power is an important component on the path to a climate-neutral future. Numerous households around the world already use photovoltaic systems. In the event of power outages, PV systems and storage units must be disconnected from the public grid as quickly as possible. With the 743 relay, Gruner AG offers a groundbreaking product for this and other applications that combines convincing performance with ease of use. The German relay and actuator specialist will be presenting its solutions in person at RE+ in Las Vegas.

The sun as an energy source: sustainable, clean, and free of charge. A PV system with battery storage provides additional energy independence at home. Any surplus electricity generated can be conveniently fed back into the public grid in exchange for a refund. It is no surprise that households around the world have discovered this form of clean energy for themselves – and the trend is growing.

Problems can arise when there is a power failure on the grid. This is not uncommon, especially in regions with relatively unstable grid supply. “In this case, the PV system and battery must be disconnected from the grid to prevent unwanted feed-in,” explains Patrick Spreitzer, Managing Director of Gruner AG. “Our relay type 743 is the perfect choice for such anti-islanding cases.” Whereas in the past, the grid had to be disconnected manually, the Gruner 743 relay now isolates automatically and in a very short time as soon as a power failure is detected.

The performance data speaks for itself: electrical conductivity up to 200 A, 2-pole, UL certification, with microswitch for feedback on the switching status and additional switch for manual operation – the new Gruner relay type 743 is convincing all along the line. The new relay is used, for example, in meter collar adapters as a backup switch / islanding switch. It is installed between the meter and the house distribution, allowing the Gruner relay 743 to be used as a simple plug-and-play solution for retrofitting PV/storage systems.

The new 743 relay can also be used in other applications where a backup switch enables switching between the grid and a backup power source, such as generators for residential buildings, battery storage systems, and more. Compatibility with all leading manufacturers and UL certification are compelling arguments in favor of the new relay, with which Gruner is positioning itself as a strong partner for the North American market.

Relay 743: even more compact, even more reliable

The new Gruner Relay 743 is based on the well-established Relay Type 740, but has been further optimized in certain areas. On the one hand, there is the even more compact design for more flexible integration in confined installation environments. The Gruner developers have also successfully worked on further improving mechanical reliability. The 743 relay now features a manual actuator with a more stable haptic and optimized integration of the microswitch for precise feedback and increased contact reliability.

“Our decades of experience on the one hand and close communication with our customers in North America on the other are the essential foundations for innovation at Gruner,” says Spreitzer. “This is exemplified by the new 743 relay. Even more compact and perfectly adapted to common mounting brackets, as well as even easier to install – an ideal choice for all OEMs looking for a space-saving, reliable, and UL-compliant solution. We look forward to talking to customers and interested parties in person at RE+ in Las Vegas.”

Gruner and Green Energy – a perfect fit

As a pioneer in forward-looking relay technology, Gruner AG has been a reliable solution partner for a wide range of renewable energy sectors for many years. “The areas of application are diverse,” explains Gruner Managing Director Spreitzer. “For light mobility – e-scooters, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, scooters, pedelecs – we offer powerful solutions in the 48 to 96 V range with our 853 and 854 relays. Our 753 and 754 relays are ideal for use in power distribution centres for electric vehicles. The 761 relay ensures functional safety in Li-ion starter batteries. Besides low-current applications, we also offer impressive solutions in the high-current range, such as the new 860 bank relay for the charging infrastructure of electric vehicles. In addition to the automotive industry, we are also active in other areas. For example, with our relay series for AC voltages in the range of 20 A to 120 A, which are reliably used in load management applications such as lightning control panels, home automation, and more. And we are far from reaching the end of our journey.”

Innovations for green energy in focus

Gruner AG aims to hit the ground running in the North American market with its new 743 relay. “Our customers around the world can therefore look forward to innovative relay technology from Gruner AG in the future – as always, at the cutting edge of technology and highly reliable with production sites in Tunisia and Serbia.” 

Gruner AG | www.gruner.de

Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy solutions provider dedicated to helping customers navigate the energy transition, announced a contract renewal with the Government of Nunavut for an enterprise asset management software subscription paired with professional services.

The Government of Nunavut has partnered with Ameresco since 2014, leveraging the AssetPlanner platform to efficiently manage thousands of assets situated across nearly 2 million square kilometers of Arctic territory. Their geographically dispersed portfolio includes over 1,200 buildings and over 2,500 vehicle and equipment assets. Each asset is managed within AssetPlanner allowing staff to effectively and efficiently manage the expansive portfolio.

Ameresco delivers industry-leading enterprise asset, energy, and facility management solutions as part of its comprehensive portfolio. The company’s proprietary AssetPlanner platform, combined with strategic advisory services, enables customers to streamline planning and budgeting, prioritize investment and optimize maintenance and energy costs. As a trusted full-service partner, Ameresco empowers organizations with actionable insights and data-driven decision making to optimize and prioritize portfolio investments.

“Our previously disparate data is captured within a single system, enabling data-informed reporting, analysis, and prioritization,” said Paul Diamond, Director, Facility Management at Government of Nunavut. “This renewal and continued investment in the AssetPlanner system and Ameresco’s advisory services will continue to provide us with critical tools to support the capital planning, tactical maintenance management, and proactive energy management of our vast portfolio.”

The renewed software-as-a-service (SaaS) contract includes a subscription to the AssetPlanner software for the territory’s portfolio and professional advisory services including robust virtual and on-site training and support package. Tracking over 3 billion square feet of real estate data, AssetPlanner is Ameresco’s signature enterprise asset management platform. Empowering customers with data-driven insights has enabled organizations to optimize operational asset performance, achieve deep energy savings and carbon reduction while reducing the ‘total cost of ownership’.

“We’ve been honored to partner with the Government of Nunavut to help them address their asset management needs to drive operational resilience,” Tim Dettlaff, Senior Vice President, and General Manager, Ameresco. “This renewed engagement will continue to provide their staff with industry-leading tools to manage their vast asset inventory and enable informed decision making to help measure risk, reliability, and resiliency across their expansive portfolio.”

Ameresco | https://www.ameresco.com/asset-planning-software-solutions/

Oceanic Wind Energy Inc. (“Oceanic”) is proud to announce a major milestone in the advancement of the offshore wind project in Hecate Strait, located just west of Stephens Island. In partnership with Coast Tsimshian Enterprises Ltd. (“CTE”), Oceanic has been jointly granted an Investigative Use Permit (IUP) for the first phase of development, targeting a capacity of 600 to 700 megawatts (MW). CTE is a 50/50 partnership of the Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations.

“This agreement brings Oceanic and CTE a major step closer to realizing Canada’s first offshore wind project,” said Mike O’Connor, President, Oceanic Wind Energy Inc.

Hecate Strait, in Northwest British Columbia, is home to one of the world’s most powerful and consistent wind resources. With Class 7 wind conditions, low shear and turbidity, average annual wind speeds exceeding 10 m/s, and a winter capacity factor of over 65%, the area offers an unparalleled opportunity to generate clean, reliable energy—especially during BC’s peak demand season.

Strategically located, the Oceanic Wind Project is uniquely positioned to deliver utility-scale renewable power to a region with growing energy needs and limited alternatives. The project could play a critical role in supporting the energy demands of the Port of Prince Rupert and the expanding industrial and resource sectors across Northwest BC.

“We look forward to working closely with Oceanic to develop this transformative project,” said Ryan Leighton, Director, Coast Tsimshian Enterprises Ltd. “This first phase will help power the region’s growth while creating long-term economic and environmental benefits.”

In addition to supporting regional development, the project will contribute significantly to Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals and reinforce British Columbia’s leadership in cost-effective, green energy generation.

Oceanic Wind Energy I https://oceanicwind.ca/

GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, announced that it has signed a contract with CEEC-ZTPC to supply its Genius Tracker 1P Single Row system for the Abydos Solar PV Plant - Phase II in Egypt. Developed by AMEA Power and built by CEEC-ZTPC, the project will combine 1 GWac solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with a 600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). With this order, GameChange Solar's cumulative capacity in Egypt stands at nearly 3 GW; establishing the company as one of the largest solar tracker providers in the region.

"We're honored to continue our partnership with CEEC-ZTPC and support AMEA Power in delivering another transformative energy project," said Vikas Bansal, President – International, GameChange Solar. "Following the successful execution of Abydos I, a 560 MW project that has now reached commercial operation, this significant order reflects the trust we've built through strong collaboration and reliable execution. We're proud to contribute our technology and expertise to a project that's shaping the future of energy in Africa."

As one of the largest solar-plus-storage projects in Africa, Abydos-II marks a major milestone in Egypt's push to achieve 42% renewable energy generation by 2030. Commissioning of the project is scheduled for May 2026.

Spread across 20 square kilometers in the Aswan Governorate, the mega-plant is expected to generate around 3,000 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power over 500,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 1 million tonnes each year.

GameChange Solar | www.gamechangesolar.com

Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ), and a leading global developer, owner, and operator of solar and energy storage assets, announced that the 1,200 MWh Papago Storage facility in Maricopa County, Arizona, has reached commercial operation. The project is now dispatching stored energy to Arizona Public Service (APS), the state's largest electric utility, in time to help meet rising electricity demand during the summer season.

Papago Storage is the first of three Recurrent Energy projects with tolling agreements in place with APS to become operational. Collectively, the three projects will provide 1,800 MWh of battery storage capacity and 150 MWac of solar generation. Once all are fully operational, they will store and deliver enough electricity to serve the equivalent of 72,000 homes for four hours, along with solar generation capacity sufficient to support approximately 24,000 homes annually.

Derek Seaman, APS Director of Resource Acquisition, said, "Summer is here, and we are ready to serve APS customers with the energy they need when they need it. The Papago Storage project is part of our diverse and balanced energy mix, helping us continue to provide Arizona with top-tier reliability and affordable service."

Kevin Thompson, Chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission noted, "I commend Recurrent Energy for completion of their 300MW Papago Energy Storage Project. Bringing online one of our state's largest battery storage projects during this critical time when energy demand is growing rapidly will help our utilities execute an all-of-the-above response to that demand and further diversify Arizona'senergy resources."

Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone added, "I congratulate Recurrent Energy on this tremendous energy storage achievement. With our favorable business climate, Arizona's economy is attracting development from all over the world, and we must provide the energy to accommodate this incredible growth. The Papago Storage Project will play an important role in Arizona's energy future."

In addition to strengthening grid reliability, the project also contributes to the local community through tax revenues and direct support. Through its Community CaRE (Community and Renewable Energy) Program, Recurrent Energy has donated to the Harquahala Fire District and Arlington Elementary School in Maricopa County.

Canadian Solar's majority-owned subsidiary, e-STORAGE, served as the turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction provider for the project and will continue to support Papago Storage under a long-term service agreement.

Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Recurrent Energy, stated, "The commissioning of Papago Storage marks a major milestone in our collaboration with APS to strengthen Arizona's energy infrastructure. We're proud to deliver flexible capacity that meets the state's growing energy needs and grateful for APS's continued partnership. As we begin operations, we remain committed to building long-term value for the local community and our partners."

Recurrent Energy | www.recurrentenergy.com

Canadian Solar | www.canadiansolar.com

The National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC), founded to bring a Hispanic voice to the energy policy debate, applauded Congressional passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will help reduce the disproportionate energy cost burden Hispanic families face while strengthening American energy security.

The comprehensive legislation addresses key energy priorities that directly impact Hispanic communities, who pay 20% higher energy costs compared to the median American family. The bill's provisions for expanded offshore and onshore lease sales, accelerated permitting, and nuclear power development will help increase domestic energy supply and reliability.

"This legislation represents a significant step forward for Hispanic families who have been disproportionately impacted by high energy costs," said NHEC Chairman Julio Fuentes, who is also president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "By unleashing domestic energy production and streamlining the permitting process, this bill will help bring down the energy burden that has forced too many Hispanic families to choose between paying their energy bills or for other basic necessities."

The bill includes critical provisions to accelerate environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act for companies willing to pay expedited review fees, which will help reduce the regulatory delays that have contributed to higher energy costs. The legislation also ensures regular offshore lease sales in the Gulf of America and Alaska, refills the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and expands support for advanced nuclear power.

"Hispanic entrepreneurs and small business owners, who start businesses at three to five times the rate of any other population segment, will directly benefit from more affordable and reliable energy," said NHEC Vice Chairman Matthew Gonzales, who is also Consumer Energy Alliance's Southwest Executive Director. "Lower energy costs mean Hispanic business owners can reinvest in their operations, hire more workers, and contribute even more to the $3.2 trillion Hispanic Americans bring to the U.S. GDP annually."

The National Hispanic Energy Council has consistently advocated for energy policies that prioritize affordability and reliability, recognizing that Hispanic families bear a disproportionate energy cost burden that impacts their ability to achieve economic prosperity and the American dream.

National Hispanic Energy Council | https://hispanicenergycouncil.org/

The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA) is celebrating the passage of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and is awaiting the President’s action to sign it into law. This transformative milestone ushers in a new era for American manufacturers of PPE and critical medical supplies. This landmark legislation delivers powerful incentives and protections for U.S. manufacturers, paving the way for innovation, investment, and job creation across the country.

The newly enacted law provides targeted tax relief, eliminates the de minimis trade loophole, and introduces robust incentives for domestic manufacturing. These sweeping changes ensure that America meets its needs for masks, gloves, gowns, ventilators, and essential medical devices, strengthening national security and public health.

“We are energized to see the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ become law. This is a watershed moment for our industry and our country. The law’s bold incentives for investment, innovation, and fair competition will unleash a new wave of growth and opportunity for U.S. manufacturers. America is again trusting in homegrown ingenuity and resilience to protect our nation’s health,” said Eric Axel, Executive Director of the American Medical Manufacturers Association.

Industry Leaders Applaud New Opportunities

“This is a turning point for our industry. The ability to fully expense new equipment and facilities means accelerating our expansion plans, creating more American jobs, and ensuring our hospitals and first responders have reliable access to the highest quality PPE,” said Doug Wynalda, Wynalda Packaging, Belmont, Michigan.

“NYES is thrilled by the restoration of R&D tax credits and the ability to fully write off facility investments. These provisions make a real difference as we focus on bringing more of our operations back to the U.S.  They empower us to innovate, modernize, and expand our American manufacturing footprint. This support is essential for building a stronger, more resilient supply chain and creating high-quality jobs here at home,” added Michelle Feinberg, New York Embroidery Studio, in New York City. 

Key Provisions of the Law Include:

• Building Domestic Reserves: New funding and policy direction for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) ensure robust domestic reserves of PPE and critical supplies, guaranteeing a stable, long-term market for U.S. manufacturers.

• Permanent Immediate Expensing for R&D: Companies can now deduct the full cost of domestic research and development in the year it’s incurred, freeing up resources for innovation and improved production processes.

• No Tax on Overtime: Eliminating the federal tax on overtime pay allows workers to take home more and helps companies ramp up production during surges in demand.

• 100% Bonus Depreciation for Equipment and Facilities: Manufacturers can immediately write off the cost of new machinery and facilities, making it more affordable to modernize and expand production capacity.

• Strengthened Trade Enforcement: Closing the de minimis loophole ensures all imports are subject to appropriate duties and safety standards, allowing U.S. producers to compete on quality and safety.

• Permanent Section 199A Pass-Through Deduction: Small and mid-sized manufacturers benefit from a lower effective tax rate, freeing up capital for hiring, expansion, and innovation.

Axel added, “The American Medical Manufacturers Association and its members are ready to seize these new opportunities, investing in people, technology, and infrastructure to ensure America’s health security and economic strength for future generations. The future of American medical manufacturing is brighter than ever, and AMMA is proud to lead the way.”

American Medical Manufacturers Association | www.ammaunited.org