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

ESS Tech, Inc. (“ESS” or the “Company”) (NYSE:GWH), a leading manufacturer of iron flow long-duration energy storage (LDES) systems for commercial- and utility-scale applications, announced $31 million in insider-led funding measures. The package includes approximately $0.9 million in short-term loans from and warrants issued to a syndicated group led by members of ESS’ board of directors and the management team alongside participation from an investment fund managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, L.P. (“Yorkville”), a production tax credit transaction with an affiliate of SB Energy for approximately $0.8 million, an equipment sale lease back transaction with a U.S. strategic partner for $4.0 million cash with certain closing conditions, and execution of a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement with YA II PN, LTD (the “Investor”), giving ESS the right, but not the obligation, to sell up to $25 million of common equity to the Investor at the time of ESS’ choosing over a 3-year term, subject to certain customary limitations including shareholder approval for aggregate issuances in excess of 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares.

ESS additionally secured its first Energy Base order for an 8 MWh project consistent with the strategic shift to the 10+ hour product announced in February. ESS recently completed measures to implement streamlined operations and reduced cash requirements, achieving a reduction of approximately 80% in monthly cash burn in June compared to the monthly average for the first 5 months of 2025. Preliminary unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter demonstrate nearly 300% increase in revenue, combined with a 22% decrease in the cost of revenue, a 37% decrease in operating expenses, a 43% improvement in net loss, and a 49% improvement in adjusted EBITDA. The funding measures complement these efforts and bolster the Company’s cash position moving forward. In addition, ESS’s directors will forego payment of cash compensation for 2025 under the Company’s outside director compensation policy.

“I am pleased to announce these transactions with our key partners coupled with a broader capital markets transaction that supports ongoing execution of our strategic pivot. This funding helps to strengthen our cash position to allow us to focus on the completion of key Energy Base contracting opportunities and to secure our broader capital raise,” said Kelly Goodman, Interim Chief Executive Officer. This funding announcement builds on significant technical momentum for ESS’ proprietary battery technology, including demonstration of extended duration of 12.2 hours at rated power and 17.8 hours at reduced power. The focused Energy Base product offering is manufactured entirely in the United States.

ESS Tech | www.essinc.com

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved the state’s first new interstate transmission line in 50 years, paving the way for improved grid reliability, job creation, and clean energy deployment. Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) and the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC) applauded the decision, which will bring significant benefits to Michiganders.

The MPSC approved the certificates of public convenience and necessity for the Helix-Hiple and the Nelson Road-Oneida transmission line projects, known as "Line 17 and 18" in the Midcontinent Independent System Operators (MISO) Long-Range Transmission Plan (LRTP) Tranche 1 project portfolio.

The Helix-Hiple line represents approximately 55 miles of new 345 kilovolts (kV) lines stretching from northern Indiana to Helix, a new substation located southwest of Lansing. The Nelson Road-Oneida line is approximately 40 miles of new 345 kV transmission that will run from Oneida Township to the Nelson Road substation in New Haven Township. Together, these lines will facilitate Michigan’s ability to import and export electricity, boosting reliability and clean energy development.

CGA and Michigan EIBC intervened in the MPSC proceedings to support regulatory approval of the lines. Under Michigan law, the MPSC must determine that the transmission projects will bring sufficient public benefits to justify its construction.

“Investing in transmission infrastructure will spur innovation and allow Michigan to continue to realize the economic and jobs benefits that come with being a leader in the clean energy industry,” said Natalie Lyijynen, Sustainable Business Associate at Michigan EIBC. “These projects are not just about moving electricity – they’re about building the foundation for a generation fleet increasingly powered by lower-cost, renewable energy and supporting Michigan’s growing clean energy economy.”

“Clean Grid Alliance is very pleased that the Helix-Hiple and Nelson Road-Oneida Projects have received regulatory approval, and utilities can now get to work on these critical infrastructure projects. Regional transmission provides huge benefits for electric grid reliability, resilience, and affordability, and will deliver clean, affordable energy to homes and businesses across Michigan," said Elizabeth Wheeler, Senior Counsel and Director of Regulatory Advocacy at Clean Grid Alliance.

“As the owner and operator of the high-voltage electric transmission grid in the majority of Michigan’s lower peninsula, ITC applauds the MPSC’s approval of the Act 30 certificate,” said Chuck Marshall, President, ITC Michigan. “The LRTP Tranche 1 Michigan projects are strategically engineered to improve grid reliability and resiliency, support the state’s economic development efforts and enable the safe and reliable movement of power to our communities.”

The lines are expected to bring Michigan $6.2 billion in financial benefits over the next 20 years. Once completed, these lines will have enough capacity to supply power to 1.7 million homes and will create approximately 34,000 jobs over the course of their lifetimes.

The Tranche 1 LRTP portfolio of projects was approved by MISO in July 2022 and will provide $37 billion in regional economic benefits over 20 years and improve grid reliability and integration of new renewable energy resources. The Tranche 1 transmission lines are "least-regrets" projects because they are foundational to solving long-standing reliability and efficiency concerns on the regional grid.

Once constructed, the Helix-Hiple and Nelson Road-Oneida lines will serve as critical components of a stronger, smarter, and cleaner grid – reducing the risk of outages, enabling greater renewable energy integration, and ensuring electricity remains a reliable economic backbone for Michigan.

Clean Grid Alliance | https://cleangridalliance.org/

Michigan EIBC l https://www.mieibc.org/ 

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, and Fluence Energy, Inc. (“Fluence”) (NASDAQ: FLNC), a global energy storage leader, have announced the early start of commissioning for Ukraine’s largest battery energy storage project and one of the biggest in Eastern Europe.

The deployment of 200 MW of connected power across six locations is now entering the final phase of delivery, which includes commissioning, testing and first discharge of the batteries.

Six hundred and ninety eight Fluence Gridstack cubes with the batteries have been installed at six energy storage sites – each one with a capacity of between 20 MW and 50 MW. Collectively, they are able to store 400 MWh of electricity – enough to power 600,000 Ukrainian homes for two hours.

Under the contract with grid operator Ukrenergo, commercial operations are set to begin in October 2025 – in time for the start of Ukraine’s crucial winter heating season.

Announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, it marks the first major energy project to be delivered since the signing of the US-Ukraine Economic Partnership Agreement in April.

Once fully operational, the systems will provide frequency and power reserve as well as balancing services to reinforce Ukraine’s grid. This is especially critical during outages and to reduce the necessity of implementing rolling power outages that affect the population and economy.

Maxim Timchenko, DTEK CEO, said: “With our partner Fluence we are fast-tracking innovation, building homegrown technical expertise and showing that even in wartime, progress is achievable. This battery storage facility is proof of our determination to build back stronger. Together, we’re taking an important step towards a more secure and resilient energy system of Ukraine.”

Julian Nebreda, CEO of Fluence, said: “The project with DTEK to build a strong and decentralized energy system for enhanced energy security in Ukraine is perfectly aligned with our mission to transform the way we power our world. It is also one of the most impactful projects in our company’s history. The remote commissioning approach we have introduced ensures continuity and operational efficiency amid travel restrictions and will also enable faster scaling of any future deployments.”

Due to the challenges of war and restricted access in Ukraine, this is the first project Fluence has commissioned fully remotely. As part of the delivery, 20 Ukrainian power engineers and operations specialists completed advanced training on Fluence’s existing projects in Germany and Finland. The training has prepared them to manage the energy storage systems safely and independently, respond to emergencies and quickly resolve potential malfunctions.

Fluence will continue to support commissioning and operations of the project remotely through diagnostics, testing and performance monitoring to ensure safe and efficient deployment in wartime conditions. 

Fluence | https://fluenceenergy.com/

DTEK | https://dtek.com/en/

More than 30 ADS-TEC Energy (NASDAQ: ADSE) battery-buffered fast-charging solutions – predominantly ChargePosts as well as ChargeBoxes – will be deployed at retail group Müller locations throughout Germany. The project is being implemented jointly by ADS-TEC Energy, a global leader in battery-based energy storage and fast-charging systems, the Mannheim-based energy company MVV, and the Ulm-based retail group Müller.

A compelling solution for drugstore locations

As part of the project, the retail group Müller is providing the locations for EV charging. The company operates a total of around 950 stores in eight countries across Europe, the majority of which are in Germany. ADS-TEC Energy’s innovative, battery-based fast-charging systems enable ultra-fast charging even where grid capacity is limited. This not only fulfills the legal obligation under the German Act on Electric Mobility Infrastructure in Buildings (German: Gebäude-Elektromobilitätsinfrastruktur-Gesetz, GEIG) at Müller locations, but also creates a future-proof and convenient charging option for customers. With charging capacities of up to 320 kW, ADS-TEC Energy’s charging stations offer ultra-fast charging of electric vehicles (EVs) in a matter of minutes for customer convenience.

Implementation and operation by MVV

MVV is responsible for the complete financing, construction and operation of the charging infrastructure as well as the associated customer service. "We at MVV have been driving forward the mobility transformation since 2018. We are gradually expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles throughout the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region and beyond. We now operate over 156 locations with more than 440 charging points," explains Ralf Klöpfer, Chief Sales Officer at MVV. "Through our partnership with ADS-TEC Energy and Müller, we are bringing innovative fast-charging solutions directly to retail locations and enabling our customers to charge their electric vehicles while they shop. This saves time, protects the environment and makes sustainable mobility even more attractive."

A first: ADS-TEC Energy manages the marketing of DOOH advertising space

In another first, ADS-TEC Energy is managing the marketing of the digital advertising spaces (Digital Out-of-Home, DOOH). The ChargePost systems have high-resolution 75-inch screens, which are ideal for targeted advertising at busy locations.

GEIG-compliant and an attractive economic proposition

By executing this project, the retail group Müller is fulfilling GEIG requirements, which mandate the expansion of charging infrastructure at buildings. Furthermore, this deployment ensures that customers have access to convenient, high-performance fast-charging solution. The combination of high-performance charging systems and digital advertising spaces creates a sustainable, future-proof infrastructure with an economic added value.

“The roll-out of an efficient charging infrastructure requires innovative approaches that go beyond mere EV charging. Our battery-based fast charging solutions enable ultra-fast charging even at locations with limited grid capacity. We are excited to work with our partner MVV to implement a sustainable and future-proof solution for Müller locations,” says Michael Rudloff, COO of ADS-TEC Energy.

ADS-TEC Energy | www.ads-tec-energy.com

MVV | https://www.mvv.de/en

Müller Holding GmbH & Co. KG. | https://www.mueller.de/unternehmen/

Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world's leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, announced that production shipments of its newest electric vehicle (EV) charger, the IQ EV Charger 2, have expanded across Europe to now include Greece, Romania, Ireland, and Poland. The IQ EV Charger 2 is a smart charger designed to work seamlessly with Enphase solar and battery systems or as a powerful standalone charger. Additionally, in France, the IQ EV Charger 2 has received one of the country’s highest quality standards, the E.V. READY certification, and can now integrate with the “Linky” meter to enable dynamic load balancing for standalone charger installations.

The Enphase IQ EV Charger 2 is designed to deliver high performance, intelligent energy management, and exceptional flexibility for homeowners and fleets. It supports both single-phase and three-phase wiring with configurable power up to 32 A per phase and features automatic phase switching to enable charging with as little as 1.38 kW of solar production. Smart features include AI-powered optimization using real-time rates and forecasts, dynamic load balancing, and a certified MID energy meter for accurate tracking. The charger is also future-ready, with built-in hardware and software to support AC bidirectional charging for potential vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications.

The IQ EV Charger 2 is available in socketed and tethered variants, featuring a rugged Type-2 connector that is fully compatible with the majority of EVs sold in Europe. Installation is fast and efficient, featuring a 7.5-meter cable for added flexibility and a streamlined setup process that minimizes labor time and installation costs. It is housed in an IP55-rated enclosure, making it weatherproof and safe for indoor and outdoor installations. All IQ EV Charger 2 products activated in Greece, Romania, Ireland, and Poland are backed by an industry-leading five-year warranty and 24/7 customer support from Enphase – ensuring exceptional peace of mind.

"The Enphase IQ EV Charger 2 uses solar power to help homeowners reduce costs and grid reliance,” said Tomasz Noga, owner of iPowerInstall, an installer of Enphase products in Poland. “It integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Enphase Energy System."

The IQ EV Charger 2 now also integrates with the Linky meter, enabling dynamic load balancing for standalone EV charger installations. The Linky meter is France's leading smart electricity meter technology, developed by Enedis, the country's main electricity distribution system operator. The IQ EV Charger 2 connects via USB to the Linky meter and reads the entire home consumption data. It dynamically adjusts the EV charging rate based on the total home consumption shared by the meter.

The IQ EV Charger 2 has received the E.V. READY certification, which is the leading standard for EV charging in France. E.V. READY is designed to help ensure product reliability, safety, and long-term compatibility with a wide range of EVs and smart home systems. Certification from ASEFA, the independent body that administers the program, signifies rigorous compliance with industry benchmarks for manufacturing, performance, and interoperability with vehicles and grids.

“The new certification and integrations reinforce the high quality of the Enphase IQ EV Charger 2,” said Mickaêl Garcia, general manager at NRJ Ingénierie, an installer of Enphase products in France. “It gives our customers additional confidence in the product’s long-term reliability and compatibility with future energy systems.”

“Our IQ EV Charger 2 is designed for performance, safety, and reliability, and is now officially certified to meet these key values,” said Jayant Somani, senior vice president and general manager of the digital business unit at Enphase Energy. “Expanding to more European countries accelerates Enphase’s growth strategy, allowing us to bring comprehensive energy management solutions to these dynamic markets as homeowners increasingly demand an intelligent, integrated charging technology. The E.V. READY certification helps give our customers and partners greater peace of mind that the charger can perform in harmony with local grid requirements and future energy technologies in Europe.”

Enphase launched the IQ EV Charger 2 in 14 European markets in March 2025. For more information about the IQ EV Charger 2 launch, please visit the Enphase websites for Greece, Romania, Ireland, and Poland.

Enphase Energy | https://enphase.com/

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, announced that Chief Executive Officer James Walker will participate in a fireside chat at H.C. Wainwright’s Powering the Future: Advancing Innovation Through Nuclear Virtual Conference hosted by Sameer Joshi, Senior Cleantech Analyst at H.C. Wainwright, on July 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern time.

Rendering of NANO Nuclear Energy’s High Technology Readiness Level and Patented KRONOS MMR Microreactor Energy System at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Mr. Walker is expected to discuss recent business developments, highlighting progress in advancing its lead microreactor project, the patented KRONOS MMR Energy System, toward construction, testing and licensing with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, as well as key upcoming regulatory milestones necessary for deployment of the KRONOS reactor prototype at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

NANO Nuclear is highly focused on expediting its advanced reactor technology to meet expected growth in energy demands across multiple sectors, including data centers powering artificial intelligence. The stationary KRONOS reactor is designed to be completely modular, mass manufactured with a production line, rapidly installed, safer than traditional reactors, co-located at customer sites, a provider of high-capacity factor baseload carbon free power, and a known technology offering the potential to reduce licensing timeframes. NANO Nuclear views KRONOS as a next generation source of reliable, safe, and clean nuclear energy ideal to meet expected future growth in domestic and international energy consumption. 

Fireside Chat Details:

Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
Speaker: James Walker, CEO
Moderator: Sameer Joshi, H.C. Wainwright Senior Cleantech Analyst
Webcast: https://journey.ct.events/view/d216b343-edae-4f3e-8627-d19c29340b11

A replay of the fireside chat webcast will be available for approximately 30 days on NANO Nuclear’s investor relations website at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/news-events/events.

NANO Nuclear Energy I https://nanonuclearenergy.com/

SolarBank Corporation (Cboe CA: SUNN) (NASDAQ: SUUN) ("SolarBank" or the "Company"),a leading North American developer, owner, and operator of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), is pleased to update current and prospective shareholders about how the Company is positioning itself for success in the shifting policy environment in North America.

In the United States, recent federal legislation—the so-called Big Beautiful Bill ("BBB")—has introduced a new timeline for clean energy investment tax credits (ITCs). Under the BBB, projects that begin construction by July 4, 2026 can still qualify for the full tax credit, provided they reach commercial operation within four years.

"SolarBank is prepared," said Dr. Richard Lu, CEO of SolarBank. "We have enough advanced-stage projects we can get into construction before the deadline to take advantage of the tax credits. In particular, there is still enough time to execute on the projects supported by the $100 million financing with CIM."

The Company has prioritized development pathways in key U.S. states where site control, interconnection progress, and permitting are sufficiently advanced to qualify for full ITC treatment under the new rules. The $100 million in project-level capital announced through a strategic partnership with CIM Group provides much of the capital to allow SolarBank to move swiftly toward construction on a 97 MW portfolio in these high-value markets.

In parallel, SolarBank's diversified footprint across Canada offers resilience against U.S. policy risk. The Company is currently deploying battery storage systems in Ontario under the Independent Electricity System Operator's (IESO) Long-Term RFP framework, which is designed to secure clean, dispatchable capacity through decade-long contracts. SolarBank is also a leader in Nova Scotia's Community Solar program, where it holds significant market share and is actively expanding.

"SolarBank benefits from Canada's support to clean energy," Dr. Lu added, "and is leading the charge to build Canada as an energy superpower." He pointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney's "Build, baby, build" initiative—Canada's new fast-track push for infrastructure, housing, and energy development—as a major accelerant for clean energy developers with shovel-ready assets.

The broader outlook for solar and storage in the U.S. remains robust. According to recent federal data, the United States will need to add over 206 gigawatts of new power capacity by 2030, with solar expected to supply nearly three-quarters of that demand. In Q1 2025 alone, solar and wind accounted for 98% of new capacity brought online nationwide.

"March 2025 marked the 19th consecutive month that solar was the largest source of new electrical capacity in the U.S.," said Dr. Lu. "As costs continue to fall, and with superior speed to market, in my view there remains a bright future for solar and battery storage projects."

SolarBank continues to monitor policy changes across jurisdictions and is actively shaping its construction and financing schedules to maximize incentives while building long-term shareholder value.

SolarBank Corporation | www.solarbankcorp.com