Drafting vs. Engineering: Choosing the right partner for commercial projects

Greentown Labs, the world's largest climatetech and energy startup incubator, and Shoreless, which enables AI adoption for enterprise systems, announced the launch of an AI lab within Greentown's Houston incubator.

The Shoreless AI lab will support startups developing solutions for supply-chain optimization and decarbonization. Shoreless will offer Greentown members "climate sprint" sessions to deliver AI-driven insights into ways startups and their corporate partners can reduce Scope 3 emissions, lower expenses, and drive new revenue streams.

Many Greentown startups are using AI as a tool for accelerating the energy transition—from enabling technologies to decarbonize diverse sectors, to creating market appetite for energy abundance, to integrating clean-energy power sources. This AI lab will enable these companies to build and test their ideas with minimal friction, ramping up the pace at which they can take disruptive technologies from the lab to global scale.

"The future of climatetech is intertwined with the future of AI," said Ken Myers, Founder and CEO of Shoreless. "By launching this AI lab with Greentown Labs, we are creating a collaborative ecosystem where innovation can flourish. Our agentic AI is designed to help companies make a real difference, and we are excited to see the groundbreaking solutions that will emerge from this partnership."

As part of the new lab, Greentown and Shoreless will co-develop and host specialized workshops tailored to the needs of technical teams across industries. Shoreless will provide resources and engagement opportunities for Greentown's startups, corporates, and ecosystem partners.

"Climatetech and energy startups are transforming industries, and AI is a critical tool in that journey," said Lawson Gow, Greentown's Head of Houston. "We're excited to bring this new offering to our entrepreneurs and corporate partners to enhance the way they think about reducing costs and emissions across the value chain."

Startups interested in tapping into these offerings from Greentown and Shoreless can get in touch here.

Greentown Labs | www.greentownlabs.com 

Shoreless.ai | https://shoreless.ai/

Companies that voluntarily buy clean energy play a critical role in clean energy projects being built. Without extensive voluntary commitments by corporate buyers to purchase clean energy, fewer projects will be financed and built, and the U.S. will struggle to meet growing energy demand. 

A new study commissioned by the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) provides some of the strongest data to date that long-term corporate virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) are crucial in getting new renewable energy projects off the ground.

Misti Groves, senior vice president of U.S. Strategy at CEBA, noted, "It confirms that corporate buyers are critical to ensuring the U.S. can build enough clean energy at the pace and scale that's needed to meet skyrocketing power demand from the growth in artificial intelligence, electrification, and a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing."

David Groleau, executive vice president of Pine Gate Renewables, which develops, owns, and operates utility scale solar and energy storage projects in the U.S., said, "Corporate buyers are the backbone of clean energy deployment, anchoring project financing and shaping the future of reliable, cost-effective power."

The study, which was completed by renewable energy data company REsurety, analyzed the economic performance of 251 wind and solar projects across three major power markets — Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and PJM Interconnection — and found that revenues for such projects often face significant financial headwinds without corporate buyer support. 

Corporate clean energy buyers often enter into long-term contracts with clean energy projects to purchase the future electricity produced for a fixed price, through a contract called a VPPA. It's only possible to finance a project if the loan provider knows who will buy the electricity and at what price, so without these contracts, projects won't get the necessary loans to finance development. 

REsurety found that VPPAs reduce the number of projects facing financial distress — defined as a negative cash flow — by 90% in MISO and PJM, and 80% in ERCOT. 

"In this next year, as renewable energy projects aim to meet deadlines for tax credits, the support and cooperation of corporate buyers will give developers the confidence to advance spending to secure tax credits to reduce the cost of renewable energy," said Joan Hutchinson, managing director of Offtake Advisory, Marathon Capital.

Renewable energy certificates (RECs) also have an impact, reducing projects in financial distress by 30% and providing additional stable revenue. 

Over the past decade, corporate buyers have become a steadying force in the U.S. clean energy market, accounting for more than 40% of new U.S. clean energy capacity additions. Maintaining that momentum is essential to ensuring that U.S. clean energy electricity grows at the pace and scale needed to meet the momentous challenge of increasing demand.

"The acceleration of corporate purchases from clean energy projects transformed the U.S. market over the past 10 years, providing developers and owners long-term, stable revenues on projects and a view on future demand to help maintain continued growth," said Emily Cohen, chief commercial officer of Primergy. "As new markets evolve, we are excited to see more corporates buying energy across the country to bring the benefits of new energy resources."

Clean Energy Buyers Association | https://cebuyers.org/

Stardust Solar Energy Inc. (TSXV: SUN) (OTCQB: SUNXF) (FSE: 6330) reports that recent forecasts for clean-power additions, together with the relaunch of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP), indicate continued demand for residential and small-commercial solar across Canada. The Company maintains an installation network and accredited training and certification programs, placing it in a strong position to respond to this demand.

A recent report by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) together with Dunsky Energy projects more than $200 billion in investment for clean power across Canada by 2035, largely driven by rising electricity demand. Wind and solar are expected to supply a dominant share of new generating capacity, especially in provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, as barriers to renewable energy loosen. (Source: Canada's National Observer, September 17, 2025.)

Meanwhile, CGHAP has been relaunched with a direct-install model that removes upfront costs for low- and median-income households. Provinces and territories will deliver the program locally. The first implementation agreement is in Manitoba, where $29.8 million in federal funding is matched by provincial contribution to deliver energy efficiency retrofits including insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps. (Source: CBC News, September 12, 2025.)

Implications for Stardust Solar

As a licensed provider of solar PV installations and renewable energy training, Stardust Solar, together with its franchisees, may benefit from these policy developments. The Company's franchise network and certified professionals are well aligned with the local delivery model of CGHAP. In addition, its training and certification programs — recognized for meeting national standards (CSA, NABCEP) — help ensure that qualified installers are available for retrofits and solar system installations.

Outlook

With clean energy procurement pipelines increasing, the national rollout of CGHAP, and rising electricity demand, market conditions in Canada are supportive of solar and energy-efficient retrofit solutions. Stardust Solar plans to expand its reach in high-potential provinces, increasing installations of residential retrofits as well as distributed solar and storage projects. The Company will continue to work closely with its franchisees and certified professionals to deliver on this growing demand.

Stardust Solar | www.stardustsolar.com

Qcells, a division of Hanwha Solutions, has been named to S&P Global’s “2025 Tier 1 Cleantech Companies” list, a recognition that underscores the company’s world-class solar manufacturing capabilities and growing influence in the global clean energy market.

S&P Global Commodity Insights, a leading energy market analysis provider, introduced the evaluation for the first time this year to enhance industry transparency and reliability for renewable energy customers. The assessment covers solar, wind and energy storage system (ESS) manufacturers worldwide, based on six criteria: market presence, market share, company scale, global diversification, financial indicators and sustainability. Companies meeting or exceeding the standards were selected, with 14 solar module makers, including Qcells, earning Tier 1 status in 2025.

Qcells achieved especially high scores in market presence, reflecting its strong brand power and customer recognition. The company has consistently won prestigious global awards such as “EUPD Top Brand” and “PVEL Top Performer” across major renewable energy markets in the U.S. and Europe, demonstrating high customer satisfaction. This brand strength has translated into strong U.S. market performance: according to research firm Wood Mackenzie, Qcells has ranked No. 1 in both residential and commercial solar panel market share in the U.S. for seven and six consecutive years, respectively, through 2024.

The company was also commended for its global manufacturing footprint. Qcells operates production facilities in the U.S., Korea and Malaysia.  By early 2026[MS1] , its Cartersville plant in Georgia—featuring integrated ingot, wafer, cell and finished module production—will be completed, making Qcells the only company with a fully integrated silicon-based solar value chain in the United States[AB2] [MS3] . In addition, the company received strong evaluations for its financial performance and sustainability practices.

“It is an honor to be recognized for both our clean technology expertise and our growing impact on the global market,” said Scott Moskowitz, Vice President of Industry Affairs for Qcells. “We will continue to expand our role in the global clean energy transition through ongoing R&D and business diversification.”

Beyond solar cell and module production, Qcells is evolving into a comprehensive renewable energy solutions provider, supporting the entire energy lifecycle from power generation and infrastructure to energy storage and consumption to end-of-life/recycling.

Qcells | https://us.qcells.com/

DiagnaMed Holdings Corp. (CSE: DMED) (OTCQB: DGNMF) ("DiagnaMed" or "DMED" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of André Turmel as Executive Chairman and Pam Sangster as Strategic Advisor, further enhancing the Company's leadership bench as it prepares for the upcoming release of exploration results from its flagship program in Ontario's Témiscamingue Graben.

The program, carried out in collaboration with Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) and Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), involved the collection of more than 1,000 soil-gas samples across the property. The comprehensive dataset is now being analyzed, with results to be rolled out in the coming weeks as part of DiagnaMed's next phase of growth.

"These appointments come at a pivotal moment for DMED," said John Karagiannidis, CEO of DMED. "André's proven leadership in renewables and governance, combined with Pam's technical expertise and deep community ties, will provide invaluable guidance as we release the results of our Témiscamingue Graben program. This work represents a major step forward in positioning DiagnaMed, alongside partner QIMC, as leaders in the emerging Canadian natural hydrogen sector."

Corporate Updates

André Turmel brings over 25 years of experience in the renewable energy sector to his new role. He has been a senior partner at Fasken LLP, one of Canada's largest law firms, specializing in energy, natural resources, and climate change law, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada in Energy Law since 2006. At Fasken, Mr. Turmel co-led the firm's Global Energy Group. He has served as Chair of the Canadian Bar Association – National Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Law Section and as Chair of the Foundation of the Partners of the Biosphere of Montreal (Water, Ecosystem and Climate Change Museum of Environment Canada). As Executive Chairman of DMED, he will strengthen corporate strategy, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

Pam Sangster brings over 30 years of experience in the mineral resource sector. A Professional Geoscientist and former Regional Resident Geologist with the Ontario Geological Survey, she has held senior roles including Provincial Industrial Mineral Specialist, Regional Land Use Planning Geologist, Manager of the Provincial Mines and Minerals Information Centre, and District Geologist in Timmins. She offers deep expertise in mineral exploration, land use planning, and industrial minerals, with strong ties to industry, government, and Indigenous communities. As Strategic Advisor, Ms. Sangster will help guide DMED's exploration programs and stakeholder relations.

DiagnaMed | www.diagnamed.com

Tech Safety Lines (TSL) announced that the MCD Fire Escape System has achieved NFPA certification, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission. This certification ensures that firefighters and first responders can rely on TSL’s proven technology in full compliance with the National Fire Protection Association’s rigorous standards.

TSL CEO Diane Waghorne's commitment to safer solutions began as the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfolded before her eyes. While watching, she noticed the lack of safe descent options for those trapped in the buildings. Three weeks later, she traveled to meet with a military manufacturer to discuss bringing the Military Compact Descender to the Dallas Fire Department and SWAT, ultimately acquiring the patent for the proven Military Compact Descender® (MCD®). She then guided the evolution of this military technology for civilian emergency response applications, establishing the foundation for Tech Safety Lines and decades of innovation.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to save lives,” said Waghorne. “Earning NFPA certification is a validation of our work and a tribute to the firefighters who put their lives on the line every day. The certification gives them access to the safest, most reliable equipment when seconds matter most.”

With the NFPA certification, fire departments nationwide can now officially adopt and deploy the new MCD® Fire Escape System, designed specifically for firefighters. The certification gives them access to compliant, life-saving equipment for self-rescue and assisted rescue in emergencies.

Tech Safety Lines | https://techsafetylines.com/