According to a recent report from the US Energy Information Administration, though 2024 saw record-setting levels of energy consumption, demand isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This comes less than six months after a separate reportestimated the US grid would need to increase its capacity to generate and deliver electricity by 16 percent in the next four years to keep pace with growing energy needs. Simply put, the count....
In an era marked by increasingly severe weather from Mother Nature, utilities face mounting pressure to enhance the resiliency and reliability of their power delivery systems. While icing of the wind turbine blades has been discussed extensively, the physical means of distributing that energy has been addressed far less. Just as wind farms components are adopting the latest technologies to modernize their fleets and extend life expectan....
Ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wind turbines requires a deep understanding of the fluids that keep them running smoothly. To that end, compatibility testing plays a critical role in preventing costly issues that arise from mixing incompatible lubricants. This article explores the significance of fluid compatibility testing in industries such as power generation, highlighting its ability to enhance equipment reliability, reduce mainten....
The wind industry takes pride in advancing a clean energy future while protecting species across the globe from the impacts of climate change. However, no energy solution is without challenges. Wind turbines, for instance, have been shown to cause direct mortality to bats. With bat populations already declining due to habitat loss, diminishing food sources, and disease, the wind industry has diligently sought solutions to mitigate this impact.&nb....
Energy Storage
Craig Tropea
Solar
Jonathan Lwowski
Solar
Steve Macshane, CESSWI
Bila Solar, a U.S.-based solar panel manufacturer, has begun producing its new line of domestic content solar modules at its Indianapolis factory. This milestone marks Bila Solar’s entry into full-scale U.S. manufacturing, using American-made solar cells to build a reliable domestic supply chain for high-efficiency panels. The facility is Central Indiana’s first and soon-to-be largest solar panel factory — advancing efforts to reshore clean energy manufacturing.
“This is a pivotal moment not just for Bila Solar, but for the entire U.S. clean energy industry,” said Mick McDaniel, Vice President and General Manager of Bila Solar. “Our Indianapolis facility proves the power of smart, forward-looking policies that bring manufacturing back home. We’re proud to contribute to strengthening our domestic supply chain, creating good-paying jobs and advancing American energy independence.”
Bila Solar’s Indianapolis facility marks a critical milestone in reshoring clean energy manufacturing, establishing a reliable supply chain for high-efficiency panels. By driving local economic growth and providing developers with trusted, high-quality domestic content, this facility highlights the impact of policies that support U.S. clean energy growth, despite ongoing political challenges.
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the first domestic content solar panels coming off the production line at Bila Solar’s Indiana facility. This video highlights the first panels produced, showcasing the start of U.S domestic-content solar module manufacturing in Indianapolis and the facility’s commitment to advancing clean energy in the Midwest.
Bila Solar’s 157,000 square-foot facility, retrofitted from a former Eli Lilly building, is now producing both our patented ultra-lightweight solar modules and newly launched 550W dual-glass conventional panels. The new product line uses U.S.-made solar cells and qualifies for the 10% domestic content bonus under the current federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), a key policy designed to accelerate American manufacturing and clean energy deployment. This added value benefits developers and EPCs.
The factory is expected to create more than 75 advanced manufacturing jobs this year, helping develop critical clean-tech workforce skills and boosting the region’s economy.
Production began last week, with initial output focused on ground-mount fixed-tilt and carport applications. Bila Solar aims to reach 300 megawatts (MW) of annual capacity in Phase 1, scaling up to 1 gigawatt (GW) at full buildout.
A second video features interviews with Bila Solar’s leadership, including Indiana natives General Manager Mick McDaniel, Plant Manager Mike Vastag and Production Manager Kenny Stead. In this video, they share insights on workforce development, the rapid retrofit and launch of the Indianapolis factory, while highlighting Bila's efforts to strengthen U.S. supply chains and reshoring initiatives.
This announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as demand for U.S.-manufactured solar components continues to surge. Developers are increasingly focused on unlocking federal incentives, strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on imported technologies. While there are challenges facing the industry, including shifting federal policies and tariffs on materials such as steel and aluminum, the U.S. solar sector remains resilient.
According to the U.S. Solar Market Insight Q2 2025 report released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, the industry added 8.6 gigawatts (GW) of new solar module manufacturing capacity in the first quarter of 2025, marking the third-largest quarter for new manufacturing capacity in U.S. history.
“Proposed legislation in Congress could upend a thriving U.S. solar industry, which is reviving American manufacturing, lowering electricity costs, and generating hundreds of thousands of jobs and tens of billions of dollars of investments, primarily in states that voted for President Trump,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “Bila Solar’s investment in Indiana is proof of what is possible when we maintain the right policies that boost domestic manufacturing. Washington must make the right decisions now to ensure we can continue to lead the world in solar manufacturing and innovation.”
Bila Solar | www.bilasolar.com
X-energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy” or the “Company”) has received key updates from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC” and the “Commission”) regarding the construction permit application for the initial deployment of the Xe-100 advanced reactor. The proposed project is being developed by The Dow Chemical Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Long Mott Energy LLC (“LME”). Citing the completeness and quality of the application, and the effectiveness of pre-application engagements, the NRC published an 18-month review timeline for the Texas Gulf Coast project and will concurrently proceed with its environmental assessment.
“The published review schedule marks the next step in demonstrating how the technology we will be deploying with Dow can be efficiently replicated to meet rising power demand,” said X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell. “X-energy is proud to be a market leader in commercializing advanced nuclear, and the LME team looks forward to continuing to work closely with the NRC throughout this process to complete a robust and thorough review.”
Since 2018, X-energy has led and participated in extensive pre-application engagements with NRC staff on the Xe-100 design, TRISO-X fuel, and topical reports covering numerous aspects of the company’s technology. Working proactively with NRC staff, X-energy has illustrated how its substantial safety features contribute to and enhance the efficiency, clarity, predictability, and reliability of the regulatory process.
X-energy’s pioneering Xe-100 high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor and TRISO-X fuel are designed to be among the safest and most reliable clean energy technologies. Because of its ability to produce high-temperature steam and heat for industrial applications, the Xe-100 can uniquely address a broader range of uses and applications, powering processes like manufacturing, natural resource extraction, petroleum refining and hydrogen production.
“Our objective is to set a new standard for deploying nuclear at scale, reducing risk and uncertainty for our commercial partners, and demonstrating a stable, well-defined path forward to strengthen and accelerate U.S. energy dominance,” added Sell.
The Long Mott Energy project is being developed in partnership with U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The proposed plant at Dow’s UCC Seadrift, Texas, site is expected to be the first grid-scale advanced nuclear reactor project deployed to serve an industrial site in North America, providing the site with both power and high-temperature steam.
X-Energy Reactor Company | X-energy.com
Westinghouse Electric Company recently completed the first VVER fuel reload deliveries to Temelín and Dukovany Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) in the Czech Republic, marking a key milestone in ČEZ’s strategy to enhance energy security through fuel diversification.
The VVER-1000 fuel reload for Temelín NPP is part of the long-term contract signed between Westinghouse and ČEZ in June 2022 and includes the Robust Westinghouse Fuel Assembly design (RWFA-T). Westinghouse also delivered the first VVER-440 fuel reload of its NOVA E-6 design to Dukovany NPP, under the fuel supply agreement signed between Westinghouse and ČEZ in March 2023. Both VVER fuel designs, manufactured in Västerås, Sweden, are fully compatible with non-Westinghouse fuel during the plants’ transition and offer increased fuel economy and extended fuel cycles.
“This is a step that significantly enhances the energy security of the Czech Republic. In addition to diversifying our nuclear fuel suppliers, we also maintain strategic reserves at both of our nuclear power plants,” said Daniel Beneš, Chairman of the Board and CEO of ČEZ.
“We are proud to continue supporting ČEZ to strengthen the Czech Republic’s energy independence with the Western VVER fuel offering,” said Tarik Choho, Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel President. “Westinghouse supplied VVER-1000 fuel to both Temelín units from 2000 to 2010. As the largest supplier of VVER fuel in Europe, we have continued to invest in advanced fuel designs to support energy security in the region. These fuel deliveries are a testament to our shared commitment to safety, reliability, and supply diversification for VVER reactors.”
Westinghouse is a leading supplier of nuclear fuel, providing a uniquely diversified portfolio in the industry across nuclear reactor types, including PWR, BWR, AGR, and VVER. Through our world-class manufacturing facilities in the United States, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, we focus on delivering innovative fuel technologies to meet our customers' needs for lower fuel cycle costs, increased operational flexibility and efficiency, diversity of supply, and accident-tolerant products.
Learn more about our advanced fuel capabilities and how they relate to different reactors around the world: Westinghouse Nuclear > Nuclear Fuel
Westinghouse Electric Company | www.westinghousenuclear.com
Swift Solar, the US pioneer in perovskite tandem solar cell technology, announced a strategic partnership with American Tower Corporation, a leading global provider of wireless communications infrastructure. The collaboration will evaluate the deployment of Swift Solar's breakthrough solar panels across American Tower's extensive US tower infrastructure portfolio, demonstrating the company's confidence in Swift Solar's technology and commercial potential.
The collaboration addresses the growing demand for higher energy density solutions, driven by both the surge in electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and the limitations of traditional power infrastructure due to grid constraints. Swift Solar's breakthrough perovskite technology delivers significantly higher power output per square foot than conventional solar, making it ideal for distributed applications where space and efficiency are critical. American Tower operates approximately 42,000 communications sites in the US and over 149,000 sites globally, representing substantial opportunities for distributed solar deployment.
"Swift Solar's advanced technology aligns with our commitment to operational excellence," said Ed Knapp, Chief Technology Officer at American Tower Corporation. "This partnership will help us evaluate and understand how next-generation solar technology can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our critical communications infrastructure."
Swift Solar has developed proprietary perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that achieve efficiencies surpassing current silicon technology while maintaining the durability required for 25+ year field deployment. The company's technology is backed by exclusive IP from MIT, Stanford, and NREL, with over 40 patents and over $60M in funding from leading VCs, strategic investors, and government agencies including the US Department of Energy and US Department of Defense.
"American Tower's forward-thinking approach to infrastructure innovation makes them an ideal partner for evaluating our technology's impact on distributed power applications," said Joel Jean, CEO and co-founder of Swift Solar. "This collaboration demonstrates the commercial readiness of our perovskite tandem platform across high-value markets beyond traditional utility-scale solar."
The partnership builds on Swift Solar's growing momentum in commercializing perovskite technology, with active pilots and partnerships spanning utility-scale solar, commercial & industrial applications, defense, space, and telecommunications sectors.
Swift Solar | swiftsolar.com
SolarBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2) ("SolarBank" or the "Company"), a North American energy infrastructure developer and asset owner, announces the continued execution of its community solar development pipeline with an update on its plans to develop a ground-mount solar power project known as the Sydney project (the "Project") totalling 2.4 MW DC located in Nova Scotia. This strategic project will generate approximately 2,730 MWh of clean energy annually—enough to power the equivalent of 221 homes for an entire year while eliminating approximately 1,900 tons of CO2emissions annually, equivalent to removing 415 cars from the road.
The Project is owned by AI Renewable Flow-through Fund and SolarBank is the lead developer and builder for the Project. The Project has an estimated value of $4.57 million. SolarBank will partner with local Nova Scotia's trusted engineering firm, Trimac Engineering, to deliver the Project. SolarBank has been at the forefront of community solar development in the United States with over 50 MW of community solar projects completed and is proud to be deploying its expertise in Canada as the community solar market develops there.
The Sydney project advances SolarBank's community solar portfolio with a $4.57 million project generating contracted revenues through multiple streams. As developer and EPC contractor for this 2.4 MW facility, SolarBank captures value while minimizing capital at risk through partnership with AI Renewable Flow-through Fund. With permits secured and interconnection underway, construction expected in Spring 2026 positions the Company to generate near-term EPC revenues while building long-term recurring income through O&M contracts.
"This project underscores SolarBank's significant expertise and strategic vision in helping to drive Canada's renewable energy transformation," said Dr. Richard Lu, President and CEO of SolarBank. "With a proven track record of over a decade in community solar, commercial, and industrial projects, we're proud to provide solutions on Nova Scotia's ambitious renewable energy transition to deliver meaningful value for stakeholders and communities alike."
This is SolarBank's second Community Solar project in Nova Scotia. The Canadian Federal government and the Province of Nova Scotia are very supportive of Community Solar, with a number of incentives, including the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), Indigenous-Led Clean Energy Stream, and the Low Carbon Communities program.
Community solar is a cornerstone of Nova Scotia's bold commitment to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero by 2035. As one of only four community solar contracts awarded under the program so far, the Sydney Project contributes to the 100 MWof planned solar additions that will help reduce fossil fuel reliance and drive local economic development.
Unlike traditional rooftop systems, community solar allows renters, businesses, and homeowners to subscribe to the solar farm and receive bill credits and savings of $0.02/kWh—without installing any equipment. Project feeds directly into the local electricity grid and offers a flexible, accessible way for Nova Scotians to participate in the clean energy transition.
The Project leverages SolarBank's proven execution capabilities and strategic partnerships. With over 100 MW of projects built and a 1+ GW development pipeline, SolarBank brings institutional-grade development expertise to Atlantic Canada. The Project's clear timeline ensures near-term EPC revenue generation, and positions SolarBank to obtain additional development contracts in the high-growth community solar market.
Project Impact Summary:
SolarBank Corporation | www.solarbankcorp.com
Volexion, an advanced materials company pioneering a graphene-based coating that dramatically enhances cathode active material (CAM) performance in lithium-ion batteries, announced the appointment of Joseph X. Adiletta as Chief Executive Officer. Adiletta joins at a pivotal moment as Volexion accelerates its next phase of growth, scaling production, advancing customer pilots, and preparing for commercial deployment. The announcement follows the recent close of financing to support the company’s go-to-market efforts.
Adiletta brings over two decades of experience in commercializing battery and energy storage technologies. He has held leadership roles at Sylvatex, Ionic Materials, 24M Technologies, and A123 Systems, where he drove commercialization efforts, built strategic partnerships, and helped close institutional funding rounds. As CEO, Adiletta will lead go-to-market strategy, expand Volexion’s customer pipeline, and oversee the company’s scale-up toward commercial deployment.
“This is a critical inflection point for battery innovation,” said Joseph X. Adiletta, CEO of Volexion. “As demand for higher-performing batteries accelerates across consumer, mobility, electrification, and defense markets, Volexion delivers breakthrough performance within existing cell designs, while also enabling next-gen chemistries. And it does so with full compatibility for a localized, scalable supply chain. I’m excited to help bring this technology to market and unlock its full impact.”
Co-founder and current CEO, Damien Despinoy, will step into the role of President & Chief Operating Officer, overseeing organizational growth, scaling initiatives, and customer experience. The shift reflects Volexion’s evolution from R&D to market readiness.
“As we move from lab R&D to production, our priorities are shifting toward execution and delivery,” said Damien Despinoy, Volexion co-founder and newly appointed COO. “I’m excited to focus my efforts on speed and scale, while deepening collaboration with customers. We’re leveraging the right team at the right time, with the right technology to help our customers solve critical problems and enable next-gen materials and systems.”
Volexion’s coating enhances lithium-ion battery performance by increasing cathode stability, conductivity, and energy density, without requiring modifications to existing manufacturing lines. Using commercial-off-the-shelf equipment, Volexion’s cost-effective solution ensures scalability and improved price-performance.
“Volexion is tackling one of the biggest blind spots in battery innovation, enhancing performance without overhauling the supply chain,” said David Miller, Managing Partner at Clean Energy Ventures. “Their solution works across chemistries and platforms, and bringing Joe on adds the muscle needed to scale - it was an easy yes participating in the recent financing.”
Volexion | www.volexion-inc.com
Nexamp and Trajectory Energy Partners this week celebrated the opening of Blue Grama Solar, a 4.7 megawatt community solar farm that marks a significant step forward in Illinois’ clean energy transition. As the first Community-Driven Community Solar (CDCS) project energized under the Illinois Shines program, Blue Grama Solar, located in Galesburg, Illinois, prioritizes community involvement and local benefit, setting a new standard in renewable energy development.
The Blue Grama Solar project features more than 8,000 solar panels and will generate enough electricity to offset the annual power needs of more than 700 Illinois households. CDCS projects are designed to provide tangible benefits for local communities, including workforce opportunities, regional investment, and continued participation in the clean energy economy, driven by long-term engagement with Galesburg and Knox County area leaders.
“This is the kind of project that demonstrates how solar can be a win for everyone,” said Jessica Collingsworth, Central Policy Director, Nexamp. “By putting community needs at the center of the development process, Blue Grama Solar delivers more than clean energy—it delivers ownership, opportunity, and pride. We’re honored to work with partners like Trajectory to help lead Illinois toward a more powerful and adaptable energy future.”
Trajectory Energy Partners echoed that commitment to local impact. “Today marks a milestone, not just for Galesburg, but the entire state of Illinois,” said Josh Bushinsky, Co-Founder of Trajectory Energy Partners. “The success of Blue Grama Solar demonstrates what is possible when community members, local leaders, developers, and policymakers collaborate to deliver the benefits of solar.”
Blue Grama Solar supports the goals set forth in Illinois’ landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which commits the state to achieving 100% clean energy by 2050. Projects like this, built with community leadership and benefit in mind, are key to achieving those ambitious targets.
“Galesburg is proud to be home to this innovative solar project, which is a beacon for how cities and towns across Illinois can participate in building a greener, more capable energy grid,” said Mayor Peter Schwartzman. “Blue Grama Solar demonstrates what’s possible when public, private, and community partners come together around a shared commitment to sustainability and economic opportunity.”
The launch of Blue Grama Solar follows Nexamp’s announcement last year of its second headquarters in Chicago, further cementing the company’s commitment to the state. With expanding operations and a growing footprint across Illinois, Nexamp continues to invest in local communities and infrastructure to help power the state’s clean energy transformation.
Nexamp | www.nexamp.com
Trajectory Energy Partners | https://trajectoryenergy.com
Energy Storage Jun 11, 2025
According to a recent report from the US Energy Information Administration, though 2024 saw record-setting levels of energy consumption, demand isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This comes less than six months after a separate reporte....
Building codes and minimum building standards such as ASCE 7, Eurocode, and the National Building Code of Canada, are used to calculate the maximum forces a building may encounter. These forces result from wind, snow and seismic activity. For wind up....
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that in 2024 alone, the United States experienced 27 weather- and climate-related billion-dollar disaster events, with losses totaling $182.7 billion. Severe convective storms — a....
As the world transitions to clean energy, one of the biggest challenges facing the solar industry isn’t technology or financing — It’s labor. The demand for skilled workers to install and maintain solar infrastructure far exceeds supply, threat....
Renewable energy sources such as wind an....
According to a recent report from the US Energy Information Administration, though 2024 saw record-setting levels of energy consumption, demand isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This comes less than six months after a separate reporte....
Natural disasters including hurricanes, severe storms, winter storms, wildfires and heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, causing widespread power outages across the United States. Between 2000 and 2023, 80 percent of U.S. power outages w....
The geospatial sector has long worked behind the scenes, enabling technological advancements. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins, it is now playing a vital role in the modernization of energy grids. These innovat....
How can one know the climate impact of a purchase or investment? Clean energy production is about climate mitigation, but how can one know the climate impact of a purchase or investment? Many investors and buyers want to understand how t....
There is no question that weather events place enormous stress on the country’s power grids. Nowhere is this more clearly on display than in the renewable energy market, including the turbulent conditions of the offshore wind industry. As....
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is well known as a household disinfectant, but in its concentrated forms, it has a powerful second life as a clean and efficient propellant used in space applications. When decomposed, H2O2 breaks down into oxygen and wa....
