Higher Power PV Modules Drive Up BOS Costs

Supra Elemental Recovery, Inc. (“Supra”) announces a strategic investment from Rio Tinto and Founders Factory through their mining technology accelerator. The investment, structured as a combination of cash and in-kind services, will enable Supra to build and commercialize its modular critical mineral recovery technology with insight and support from Rio Tinto.

Supra was selected as one of six startups globally from more than 500 applicants. The cohort is focused on advancing exploration and processing technologies to meet growing demand for materials such as copper, lithium, and critical minerals. Supra joins Foresight Spatial Labs (Ottawa, Canada), Chemshift (Calgary, Canada), Material Difference (Cambridge, UK), Voluna (Boston, U.S.), and Watergenics (Berlin, Germany).

Emily Hilton, General Manager of Innovation at Rio Tinto, said: “Startups have an important role to play in solving some of mining’s toughest challenges. Through our partnership with Founders Factory, we are connecting exceptional founders with Rio Tinto’s operational and technical expertise to help turn promising ideas into technologies that could improve exploration, processing, and critical mineral recovery. This cohort reflects the quality of innovation emerging globally, and we’re excited about the potential to accelerate these solutions toward real-world deployment.”

Jordan Sessler, co-founder and COO of Supra, said: “We look forward to working closely with Rio Tinto and leveraging the firm’s global expertise to accelerate our path to commercial deployment. We look forward to recovering high-purity elements from complex streams, including ore, tailings, and byproducts.” 

Rio Tinto and Founders Factory join Supra’s existing pre-seed investors, including Crucible Capital, Climate Capital, Portmanteau Ventures, and UT Seed Fund. The funding will support continued technology development and preparation for commercial pilots.

Supra Elemental Recovery | www.getsupra.com

Rio Tinto | www.riotinto.com

Founders Factory | www.foundersfactory.com

Cypress Creek Renewables has been named to TIME’s America’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2026, ranking No. 29 out of 250 companies nationwide.

The list, developed by TIME in partnership with Statista, is based on an in-depth analysis of more than 3,500 companies across the United States. It recognizes organizations developing and delivering technologies, products, and services that help address environmental challenges while demonstrating strong business performance.

Companies were evaluated across three core areas: positive environmental impact, financial strength, and innovation. The environmental impact assessment included alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while financial strength considered metrics such as revenue and workforce. Innovation was measured through the scale and impact of each company’s intellectual property.

“This recognition reflects the momentum across the energy sector and the role we’re playing in it,” said Kevin Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Cypress Creek Renewables. “Demand for electricity is rising across the country, and meeting it requires infrastructure that can be built quickly and deliver reliable, affordable power. Our job is to build and operate projects that perform at scale and create long-term value for our customers and the communities where we work.”

TIME’s analysis highlights how, despite geopolitical turmoil and market volatility, clean energy continues to clear major goalposts and expand rapidly as solar and wind become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels.

That momentum is showing up clearly in the United States. Solar and energy storage accounted for nearly 80% of all new electricity generation capacity installed in 2025, supporting a workforce of approximately 360,000 Americans. This growth is backed by a rapidly expanding domestic supply chain, including more than 90 solar manufacturing facilities and 65 battery manufacturing facilities now operating across the country.

Projects like Cypress Creek’s $4.5+ billion Steel River Energy Center in Arkansas show what that looks like in practice. It is a major private capital investment in American energy, American jobs, and the kind of infrastructure needed to support continued growth. The project will incorporate significant American-made materials, including U.S. steel and domestically produced components.

Cypress Creek Renewables | https://ccrenew.com/

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, partnered with the Swiss rowing team 44west ahead of the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic to independently test and verify the reliability of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system powering the vessel during its 4,800 km unsupported ocean crossing. With no backup energy source onboard, the team’s ability to navigate, communicate and run essential equipment depended entirely on consistent solar output.

Across 31 days between La Gomera and Antigua, the team faced conditions that can severely impact solar performance. Salt spray, high humidity, UV exposure, constant mechanical stress and sharp temperature swings all posed risks to panel durability and electrical safety. Even minor degradation could have disrupted critical systems, prompting 44west to engage SGS to confirm whether the PV system could operate reliably throughout the crossing.

SGS performed a comprehensive testing program aligned with IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards. Visual inspections identified defects that could allow corrosion or moisture ingress, while insulation resistance testing ensured electrical isolation to reduce seawater‑related hazards. Wet leakage current testing confirmed safe operation under saturated conditions.

Performance testing under standard test conditions verified maximum power output and efficiency. Environmental simulations reproduced the expected marine stresses, including salt-mist corrosion, sand abrasion, outdoor exposure and humidity-freeze cycling. These tests validated the system’s ability to maintain energy production despite continuous environmental pressures.

Results confirmed that the PV panels remained structurally sound, electrically safe and stable in output. During the crossing, they consistently delivered 1.2-1.5 kilowatt‑hours per day, enough to power navigation, desalination and satellite communications. In one instance, the system enabled a satellite phone call home after days of rough weather, demonstrating how dependable renewable energy directly supported the crew’s well‑being.

By validating system performance before departure, SGS helped the 44west crew manage energy confidently throughout the race. Instead of operating on uncertain assumptions, the team could make informed decisions about equipment use, allowing them to focus fully on performance and safety.

As solar technology is deployed in increasingly challenging environments, from offshore locations to remote and high-altitude installations, independent testing is essential to confirm durability and performance. The collaboration with 44west shows how trusted verification can turn solar PV systems into dependable power sources capable of supporting critical operations in real-world extreme conditions.

Through its global laboratory network and renewable energy expertise, SGS provides environmental durability testing, performance benchmarking, corrosion assessment and lifecycle assurance services. These solutions help ensure solar technologies perform reliably wherever they are used, from demanding expeditions to large‑scale energy infrastructure.

To discover more visit: ‘Proving Solar Reliability: From 44west to Global Energy Systems.’ 

SGS | https://www.sgs.com/en

Waukesha Bearings, a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced fluid film bearings and magnetic bearing systems, is proud to announce the launch of the NordAlign bearing, specifically engineered for wind turbine main shafts. This groundbreaking technology aims to enhance turbine reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and streamline installation.

NordAlign bearings are robust and reliable, often outlasting existing main bearing options. The tilt pads adjust dynamically to both radial and axial shaft movements, optimizing load distribution and significantly extending the bearing's lifespan. When maintenance and repairs are needed, NordAlign bearing pads can be exchanged uptower, effectively eliminating the need for expensive jack-up vessels and cranes. Its modular design easily scales to accommodate larger wind turbine models, while the optimized pad shape allows for straightforward integration into the nacelle, simplifying installation whether retrofitted to existing equipment or installed in a new application.

NordAlign bearings deliver advanced performance across a wide range of operating conditions, including assembly, low-speed idling, and extreme events.

Recognizing the unique demands placed on wind applications, Waukesha Bearings utilized its exceptional in-house material development and testing expertise to create a TruTech engineered polymer specially formulated to maximize wear resistance and enhance performance, even in the harshest operating conditions.

"Waukesha Bearings is committed to advancing technologies that not only improve efficiency, but also reduce operational costs for our customers," said Chris Johnson, VP and General Manager of Engineered Bearings. "The introduction of the NordAlign bearing represents a significant step forward in wind turbine technology, aligning with our mission to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector."

Waukesha Bearings | www.waukbearing.com

There comes a point in every company’s trajectory when plans give way to progress — when strategy is no longer discussed, but seen. For Green Rain Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTCID: GREH), that moment is now. Over the past several weeks, the Company has quietly crossed a threshold. What once existed as a roadmap is now taking physical form — installations completed, inspections passed, and infrastructure standing ready to deliver energy in markets where demand is accelerating.

In San Diego, that shift is visible.

At the Mission Valley Marriott, a high-traffic destination owned by Driftwood Hospitality, Green Rain has completed the installation of four Level 2 EV charging stations. What appears, on the surface, to be a single site is in reality a strategic entry into a category of charging that is increasingly valuable — destination-based infrastructure, where vehicles remain longer, usage is more consistent, and revenue potential is more predictable.

The site now awaits final inspection from San Diego Gas & Electric, expected in the coming weeks. Once energized, it will move immediately from idle infrastructure to active participation in a growing network designed to serve a rapidly expanding EV population.

And already, the Company is looking ahead.

Plans are in motion for a second phase at this location — the addition of Level 3 fast charging. That transition matters. It transforms a site from steady usage to high-throughput energy delivery, where vehicles charge faster, turnover increases, and revenue per location rises materially. It is the difference between presence and scale.

Across the country, in New York, the story continues — but here, it moves one step further.

In Rochester, the Ridge Road site has passed inspection. The infrastructure is in place. The next step is electrification, scheduled for April 16. That date marks something important: the moment a project stops being a development and becomes an operating asset.

Nearby, in Mendon, a new site at 51 Assembly Drive has already been deployed in partnership with Wallace Energy, extending the Company’s footprint in a state that is aggressively advancing electrification initiatives. Each new location strengthens not just presence, but positioning — a network taking shape in real time.

Behind these developments is a larger force that is accelerating everything.

Global energy markets are shifting. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have introduced volatility into oil supply and pricing. Gasoline prices are rising, and with that rise comes a change in consumer behavior. The decision to adopt electric vehicles is no longer driven solely by sustainability — it is increasingly driven by economics.

Drivers are looking for stability. Businesses are looking for predictability. EV infrastructure is no longer optional — it is becoming essential.

The scale of this shift is significant. The U.S. EV charging market is projected to exceed $50 billion by the end of the decade, supported by adoption rates that continue to climb year over year. Yet even as demand grows, infrastructure remains one of the most critical constraints.

That is where Green Rain is building.

“We are watching a structural shift unfold in real time,” said Alfredo Papadakis, Chief Executive Officer of Green Rain Energy Holdings Inc. “Rising fuel costs and global uncertainty are accelerating EV adoption far beyond what many expected. What was once a long-term transition is now happening much faster — and infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Our focus is simple. We are building real assets in real locations that are positioned to generate revenue. Each site we complete is another step toward creating a scalable network that grows alongside demand.”

For investors, this phase represents something different than what came before. It is no longer about what the Company intends to do. It is about what has already been done — and what is about to come online.

Each installation completed, each inspection passed, each site electrified moves Green Rain further along a path from development to execution, and from execution to revenue. This is where infrastructure companies begin to define themselves — not by plans, but by assets.

As multiple projects advance in parallel, Green Rain is entering a period where activity accelerates and visibility increases. Additional updates are expected in the near term as new sites go live, fast-charging capabilities are introduced, and the Company continues to expand its footprint across key U.S. markets.

The foundation is being built.

And with each new site, that foundation becomes something more — a network, a platform, and ultimately, a business designed to participate in one of the fastest-growing transformations in energy and transportation.

Green Rain Energy Holdings I https://greenrainenergy.com/

GenH2 Corp., a subsidiary of Path2 Hydrogen AG (FRA: PTHH.DE) and a leader in liquid hydrogen (LH₂) infrastructure solutions, announced that CEO Greg Gosnell will speak at the 2026 California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) Fuel Cell Bus Workshop, Driven by Ballard. The event will take place April 7-8 at the J.W. Marriott Palm Desert, CA. GenH2 is also a sponsor.

Now in its fourth year, the CHBC workshop is the only U.S. event dedicated exclusively to hydrogen fuel cell buses. Designed for transit agencies, the workshop fosters meaningful dialogue between public-sector leaders and industry innovators shaping the future of hydrogen-powered transportation.

The program features a strong lineup of transit agency leaders, state regulators, and industry experts, including representatives from SunLine Transit Agency, Riverside Transit Agency, Fresno Area Express, Foothill Transit. State-level insights will be provided by the California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, and South Coast AQMD. Additional highlights, including a safety keynote from Victoria Grimes, Senior Fire Protection Engineer at Center for Hydrogen Safety, and presentations from leading technology providers such as Ballard, Fastech, Bosch, and GenH2.

Gosnell will participate in April 8 panel, “Fueling & Infrastructure: From Planning to Deployment,” where he will share insights on liquid hydrogen infrastructure, including real-world deployment strategies, lessons learned, and considerations for scaling next-phase investments in hydrogen transit.

Registration is available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chbc-2026-fuel-cell-bus-workshop-tickets-1981788800651?aff=oddtdtcreator

California Hydrogen Business Council | https://californiahydrogen.org

GenH2 | genh2.com

Path2 Hydrogen AG | path2hydrogen.com

The hydrogen storage market is gaining remarkable momentum as global economies accelerate their transition toward clean and sustainable energy systems. Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a key energy carrier that can decarbonize industries such as transportation, power generation, and heavy manufacturing. Efficient storage solutions are essential to unlocking hydrogen’s full potential, as they enable safe handling, transportation, and long-term utilization of hydrogen fuel. Technologies such as compressed gas storage, liquid hydrogen storage, and solid-state storage are being widely adopted to meet the growing demand across various industrial and energy sectors.

The global hydrogen storage market size is likely to be valued at US$2.9 billion in 2026. It is expected to reach US$11.7 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 22.9% from 2026 to 2033. This rapid growth is driven by increasing investments in hydrogen infrastructure, rising demand for fuel cell vehicles, and expanding renewable energy integration. Among segments, compressed hydrogen storage leads due to its cost-effectiveness and widespread application in transportation. Regionally, Europe dominates the market owing to strong policy support, ambitious decarbonization targets, and large-scale hydrogen projects across countries focused on achieving net-zero emissions.

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The key players studied in the report include:

• Air Products Inc.
• Nedstack Fuel Cell Technology BV
• Iwatani Corp.
• Engie
• ITM Power
• Steelhead Composites Inc.
• Nel ASA
• Air Liquide
• Linde PLC
• Cummins Inc.

Key Highlights from the Report

➤ The global hydrogen storage market is projected to grow from US$2.9 billion in 2026 to US$11.7 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 22.9%.
➤ Increasing adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source is driving demand for advanced storage technologies worldwide.
➤ Growing investments in hydrogen infrastructure and refueling stations are accelerating market expansion.
➤ Rising deployment of fuel cell vehicles is boosting the need for efficient hydrogen storage solutions.
➤ Compressed hydrogen storage remains the leading segment due to its affordability and operational feasibility.
➤ Europe leads the global market driven by favorable regulations and large-scale hydrogen energy projects.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Cylinder
• Merchant/bulk
• On-Site
• On-Board
• Others

By Storage Type

• Material
• Physical
• Others

By End-user

• Chemical
• Oil Refineries
• Automotive and Transportation
• Metalworking
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia & Oceania
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

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Regional Insights

Europe dominates the hydrogen storage market due to its strong focus on sustainability and aggressive carbon reduction targets. Governments across the region are investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure, including storage facilities, pipelines, and refueling stations. Policies supporting clean energy adoption and collaborations between public and private sectors are further accelerating market growth. Countries in the region are actively developing hydrogen ecosystems, positioning Europe as a global leader in hydrogen storage technologies.

Asia Pacific is emerging as a rapidly growing market driven by increasing industrialization and energy demand. Countries in the region are investing in hydrogen projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. North America also holds a significant share, supported by technological advancements and growing investments in hydrogen-powered transportation. The presence of major industry players and expanding research initiatives is expected to strengthen regional market growth in the coming years.

Market Drivers

The primary driver of the hydrogen storage market is the global shift toward clean energy and decarbonization. Governments and industries are increasingly adopting hydrogen as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, particularly in sectors where electrification is challenging. This transition is driving demand for efficient storage solutions that can support large-scale hydrogen production and distribution. Investments in renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, are also contributing to market growth, as hydrogen is used to store excess energy for later use.

Another significant driver is the rapid development of hydrogen-powered transportation. Fuel cell vehicles require advanced storage systems to ensure safety and performance, creating strong demand for innovative hydrogen storage technologies. Additionally, increasing funding for hydrogen research and development is accelerating technological advancements. Improvements in storage capacity, safety, and cost efficiency are making hydrogen storage more viable for a wide range of applications, further boosting market expansion.

Market Opportunities

The hydrogen storage market offers substantial opportunities as global energy systems continue to evolve. Increasing investments in hydrogen infrastructure present significant growth potential for storage solution providers. Large-scale projects focused on green hydrogen production are expected to drive demand for advanced storage technologies. The integration of hydrogen into renewable energy systems also creates opportunities for energy storage and grid stabilization applications.

Technological innovation is another key opportunity area in the hydrogen storage market. Advances in materials science and engineering are enabling the development of more efficient and safer storage solutions. Solid-state hydrogen storage, in particular, holds promise for future applications due to its high energy density and improved safety features. As research and development efforts continue, these innovations are expected to unlock new applications and drive long-term market growth.

Persistence Marketing Research | https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/13654