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

Anson Resources Limited (ASX:ASN) ("Anson Resources" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed negotiations with LG Energy Solution and on the Definitive Offtake Agreement for the supply of battery-grade Lithium Carbonate from its 100% owned Project within the Paradox Basin in Southern Utah.

The Definitive Offtake Agreement provides for the supply of up to 4,000 dry metric tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade Lithium Carbonate produced at the Project, expected to commence in 2028, representing approximately 40% of the Project start-up production capacity of ~10,000tpa.

LG Energy Solution is an ideal partner for Anson Resources with its diversified customer base of tier one OEMs and energy storage solutions (ESS) and strong investment to expanding production in North America. LG Energy Solution has eight facilities currently operating or under construction in North America, with stand-alone facilities in Michigan and Arizona and five joint venture facilities with major automakers.

Signing of the Definitive Offtake Agreement with LG Energy Solution marks another key milestone for the Company's develops in the Paradox Basin. This Definitive Offtake Agreement will become effective subject to Anson Resources commencement of commercial production in the Paradox Basin and offtake product qualification with LG Energy Solution.

The Paradox Basin is a globally significant lithium asset, which the Company through its 100% owned USA subsidiary A1 Lithium, is working to develop into one of the largest lithium resources in the United States. The Company is conducting exploration and test work of the brine, that is known to exist, across multiple areas in the Paradox formation. This work is on-going and if successful will support the Company's theory that the brines of the Paradox Basin contain one of the largest lithium resources in North America.

This Definitive Offtake Agreement is also an essential part of the critical path for debt funding at the Final Investment Decision stage.

Anson Resources Executive Chairman and Managing Director Bruce Richardson commented:

"Anson is delighted to have concluded our definitive offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution for at least 40% of our production. LG Energy Solution not only has a diversified customer base of tier one OEM's they also have many energy storage solutions (ESS) customers.

Anson recognized the unstoppable paradigm shift in the US supply chain for electric vehicle battery materials and ESS and the key role that Korean battery manufacturers are playing.

This shift in manufacturing investment has led to an increased demand for lithium produced in the US, not only to shorten supply chains geographically but also increase US content of electric vehicle batteries and electric vehicles,

Anson identified this change, targeted its offtake marketing activities to the companies that have made these investments into North America and in particular, the US where Anson development work in the Paradox Basin in Southern Utah is strategically positioned.

This definitive offtake agreement establishes the foundation for a long-term partnership and we are proud that we will be supplying low cost US made lithium from the Paradox Basin to LG Energy Solution a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems."

Anson Resources | www.ansonresources.com

Sol Systems announced completion of the company's largest project to date — the 342MW-dc Eldorado Solar project in southeast Illinois — built in partnership with Nextracker, the supplier of advanced solar tracking systems utilizing predominantly U.S. steel, and SOLV Energy, the U.S.-based construction contractor for the project. The operation of this project also launches long-term partnerships with the American Farmland Trust (AFT) to pair utility-scale solar with row-crop agriculture (Kernza), developed by Kansas-based non-profit The Land Institute, and a long-term community benefits program with funding commitments made to Eldorado High School, Food Works of Southern Illinois, and several other local community organizations that advance Sol's mission to bring economic and environmental benefits to the communities within which it works. 

Eldorado community leaders join Yuri Horwitz, CEO of Sol Systems, to cut the ribbon on the 342 MW Eldorado Solar Project in Saline County, IL.

"Developing energy infrastructure with impact is our north star," said Yuri Horwitz, CEO of Sol Systems. "Eldorado shows what that vision looks like in practice: delivering reliable clean power, forging durable community partnerships, and now proving that agrivoltaics can move from concept to crops. From day one, Nextracker and SOLV leaned in to help us make this innovation real. Together, we're building a replicable model for how utility-scale solar, agriculture, and education don't just coexist — they thrive side by side."

"Mutually beneficial partnerships with solar developers can help provide farmers the tools they need to protect their land, soil, and livelihoods," said Alan Bailey, Midwest Solar Specialist, American Farmland Trust. "By pairing perennial grains like Kernza© with clean power, Eldorado demonstrates how agrivoltaics can enhance farm viability while meeting America's energy needs- data that our partnership will document and share so others can follow."

"Nextracker is incredibly appreciative to be supporting Sol Systems, SOLV, and American Farmland Trust on this innovative project demonstrating how solar and agriculture can thrive together at scale," said Dan Shugar, CEO, Nextracker. "With substantial acreage of Kernza being cultivated between the tracker rows, this project is a win-win for clean energy and the agricultural community. Sol Systems and Nextracker have been collaborating on AgriPV for almost a decade, and we're excited about the potential for future projects that incorporate crop cultivation and ranching. Most of our supply chain for this project is U.S.-based, using clean American steel and domestically produced components that enabled the project to be constructed with faster lead times while creating local economic benefits."

CEO of Nextracker, Dan Shugar, signs a Nextracker tracker display at the ribbon cutting of the Eldorado Solar Project in Saline County, IL.

"Our long-term vision is to build power infrastructure that delivers enduring value for our customers, the land, and the communities we serve," said Kevin Deters, Chief Operating Officer, SOLV Energy. "Eldorado combines high-performance technology with environmental and agricultural benefits that will continue to grow alongside the project for years to come."

"This project exemplifies how private partners and local institutions can deliver lasting quality-of-life value to our community," said Jan Rash, Finance Commissioner for the City of Eldorado, and President of Saline County Chamber of Commerce. "It brings jobs, a tax base, and an innovation story our community can be proud of for years to come."

"This partnership is more than funding, it's a catalyst for real-world learning and student opportunity. By creating hands-on experiences and micro-jobs, we're preparing our students for college, careers, and beyond, while continuing to drive the Vision 2030 mission at Eldorado High School," said Cody Cusic - Interim Superintendent and High School Principal, Eldorado Community Unit School District #4. "From energy to ecology to agriculture, Eldorado's next generation will learn from — and contribute to — this project for years to come."

The partnership with AFT, first announced in early 2025, creates a research-driven agrivoltaics program that will plant Kernza®, a perennial grain, beneath a portion of the solar project — among the first efforts to pursue row-crop agrivoltaics at this scale in the United States. The funding commitments to local community organizations build on previous community impact programs established through the Power Purchase and Community Investment Agreement, first established in 2020 between Sol Systems and Microsoft. 

Nextracker's high-performance tracking systems and SOLV's construction expertise will underpin long-term reliability and field adaptability for agronomic trials. Building on findings from Sol Systems' prior collaborations with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and AFT, the agrivoltaics program in Eldorado is designed to:

• Establish pollinator habitat at scale to support biodiversity and crop productivity;
• Improve soil health with native and perennial plantings and adaptive management; and
• Test row-crop performance under panels, beginning with Kernza® planting in Fall 2025.

Sol Systems celebrates the ribbon cutting of the Eldorado Solar Project in Saline County, IL.

From the outset, Sol Systems worked with Saline County leadership and Eldorado CUSD to align on community priorities, including workforce opportunities, STEM education engagement, and local economic benefits. The community organizations involved in the solar project include: Eldorado High School, University of Illinois Extension - Saline County 4-H, Food Works of Southern Illinois, Prairie Rivers Network, Faith in Place, and the Southern Illinois Community Foundation. These programs were unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today in Eldorado, where local leaders, educators, farmers, and industry partners joined to celebrate the project's operational start and the next phase of community-centered implementation.

Sol Systems | https://www.solsystems.com/

American Farmland Trust | https://farmland.org/

Nextracker | https://www.nextracker.com/

SOLV Energy | https://www.solvenergy.com/

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Redwood Materials announced a joint campaign to raise public awareness about proper lithium-ion battery recycling. Emphasizing safety and U.S. energy dominance, the campaign highlights the availability of lithium-ion battery drop-off points across South Carolina.

Lithium-ion batteries power the devices we rely on every day at home and at work, including phones, cars, kitchen appliances, toothbrushes, laptops, bicycles, power tools, headphones, and other rechargeable devices. These devices each contain valuable resources that can be recycled and reused in the United States. Redwood Materials, the largest battery recycler in North America, recovers more than 95% of the critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel, and returns them to the supply chain.

“Through this campaign, we want to show that collective action on lithium-ion battery recycling directly supports American energy independence,” says Morgan Crapps, Director of Public Affairs & Government Relations for Redwood Materials. “Each battery and device we recycle keeps our nation's valuable, finite natural resources in circulation and creates jobs right here in our community.”

The primary components of lithium-ion batteries are infinitely recyclable, yet survey data shows that more than half of Americans do not yet know how to repurpose their old lithium-ion devices. Recycling through appropriate channels offers a key opportunity to recover materials, reduce the environmental impact of mining, and decrease reliance on imported components. Supplying critical minerals back into domestic battery manufacturing will help meet the nation’s energy independence in the coming years.

As part of this campaign, ESFI and Redwood Materials will also partner with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) as part of its “Be Battery Smart” campaign to expand battery collection and education. "Collaborating on public education campaigns is critical to addressing the lack of consumer awareness about the proper disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries," said Myra Reece, SCDES Director. "With these types of batteries becoming so commonplace in our daily lives, it's important for everyone to understand how safe recycling of these batteries protects both people and the environment.”

One of ESFI’s key priorities in recent years has been lithium-ion battery safety, where it has filled in gaps in safety messaging about all parts of the battery lifecycle, from responsible shopping to safe use to proper repurposing. Through conducting consumer surveys and collaborating with manufacturers, distributors, regulators, and product safety testing laboratories, ESFI has become a leading voice in the space, reaching millions of people nationwide.

“This partnership comes at the perfect time, as ESFI begins preparing for the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week campaign,” said Jennifer LeFevre, ESFI’s Executive Director. “This year’s theme, ‘Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home,’ aligns perfectly with the messaging that ESFI has been using for years to educate the public about how to safely charge, use, and repurpose their rechargeable devices.”

Learn More:

• Find a Redwood Materials drop-off location near you, including 41 in the Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston areas: redwoodmaterials.com/collection-point-map/
• Businesses and other organizations can explore partnership opportunities, including battery collection boxes and events, here: redwoodmaterials.com/recycle-with-us/
• Visit the campaign’s home page here: esfi.org/recycle

Electrical Safety Foundation International | esfi.org

Redwood Materials | redwoodmaterials.com

ADS-TEC Energy PLC (NASDAQ: ADSE) (the “Company”), a global leader in battery-based energy storage and fast-charging systems, announced plans to implement one of the world’s largest battery energy storage projects (BESS). Located in southern Germany, the project is designed to deliver 1 GW of output with a storage capacity of approximately 2 GWh, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history and strengthening the foundation for a stable and sustainable energy system.

Breaking New Ground in Large-Scale Energy Storage

Development of the large-scale BESS project began nine months ago. With a planned capacity of nearly 2 GWh, the facility when completed will have the ability to cover the daily energy consumption of approximately 250,000 single-family homes. The project has already received unanimous approval from the local city council, while the transmission system operator (TSO) has provided the positive assessment for the extra-high voltage grid connection.

Project development and financing are expected to be finalized by mid-2026, with commissioning scheduled for 2029, subject to receipt of regulatory approval. Once operational, the facility is expected to operate for several decades. The BESS will be supplemented by double-digit megawatt peak (MWp) large-scale solar panel installations for on-site consumption. The combination of BESS and photovoltaics (PV) not only advances the energy transition but also enhances the economic performance of the entire project.

Expanding ADS-TEC Energy’s Role

ADS-TEC Energy will oversee the entire project lifecycle – including planning, financing, implementation, operation, and maintenance. With more than 15 years’ expertise in lithium-ion storage technologies and a proven track record of building frequency regulation plants successfully connected to the grid for over a decade, the company is well-positioned to ensure successful delivery.

“This project represents a turning point for our company. Beyond implementing one of the world’s largest BESS projects, we are laying the groundwork for an energy system that unites security of supply with sustainability. With extensive experience, a highly capable team, and the right partners, we are exceptionally well-prepared to seize this opportunity, This is an incredible flagship project for critical infrastructure, developed and operated by ADS-TEC Energy,” said Thomas Speidel, CEO and Founder of ADS-TEC Energy.

Financial outlook

The Company believes that the project provides substantial potential from both an operational and investor standpoint. It expects to generate significant revenues. The operation and commercialization of this large-scale storage facility will give ADS-TEC Energy access to both the European wholesale energy market, the capacity market and all of the physical grid services.

Based on 2024 market data, a comparable storage facility would have generated revenues exceeding €230 million in 2024 (see chart below, annual revenue per MW), benefiting strongly from participation across both markets. The Company believes this underscores the attractive yield potential of the project and its importance in supporting Europe’s energy transition.

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

Spruce Power Holding Corporation (NYSE: SPRU) (“Spruce” or the “Company”), a leading owner and operator of distributed solar energy assets across the United States, announced a multi-year backup servicing agreement with Sunvida, a premier Puerto Rico-based solar financing options platform. The Spruce PRO backup servicing partnership will initially include data storage, data validity and reporting, with the potential for an expanded relationship over time.

“Many financial organizations supporting residential solar development are taking action to require backup servicing. Spruce’s proven and highly efficient service offering positions us well to reduce project risk and win new business,” said Chris Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of Spruce. “This agreement enables Spruce to establish relationships with great new partners like Sunvida that maintain operations both in Puerto Rico and the continental United States. It also underscores our ability to serve asset owners and financial partners of all types from regional investors to Third Party Owners and Fortune Global 50 companies.”

“Sunvida is dedicated to making solar and energy storage accessible in Puerto Rico given our year-round sunshine, the high cost of power from traditional sources and grid availability challenges. We understand the needs of this community, and are entirely committed to providing our customers with exceptional quality, availability and continuity,” said Frank Lopez, President & CEO at Sunvida. “We are pleased to secure Spruce as a backup service provider given its experience and capabilities as we take the steps needed to ensure resilience and quality assurance for our platform.”

Puerto Rico is among the leading U.S. states and territories for residential solar energy adoption on a per capita basis.

Spruce PRO offers a suite of services that can be tailored for third-party owners of distributed generation assets, including financial and asset management operations, customer service support, and environmental commodities trading. For more information on Spruce PRO, please visit https://sprucepower.com/pro/.

Spruce Power | www.sprucepower.com

SunVida | www.sunvida.com

Maryland’s Baltimore region has a new 2.9-megawatt direct current (MWdc) solar farm. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Clarksville (Howard County), Maryland solar site on Sept. 25 to celebrate the energization of the new community solar farm. Distinguished guests, as well as employees from TurningPoint Energy (TPE) and Pivot Energy, joined community members to mark the completion of the solar project.

The solar farm was developed by TPE, a leading greenfield developer in Maryland, and is owned and operated by Pivot, a national renewable energy provider and independent power producer. This solar farm is the first to go online in a six-project,16.6 MWdc, portfolio developed by TPE, and built, operated, and owned by Pivot.

“We are committed to being the best-in-class developer and steward of the communities we serve, and this project is a testament to that commitment. By delivering clean energy and meaningful community investment, we’re proud to help Maryland move closer to its renewable energy goals while directly benefiting local residents,” said Salar Naini, President of TPE.

With construction completed this summer, this project represents a significant addition to the state’s solar generating capacity and will play a role in helping Maryland achieve its 50% renewable electricity goal by 2030. It will generate approximately 4.25 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of affordable renewable energy annually, enough to power the equivalent of up to 370 Maryland homes. The solar array is made up of nearly 5,500 solar modules, enough to fill nearly 10 football fields.

This project is part of Maryland’s innovative Community Solar Energy Generating System (“CSEGS”) Pilot Program, which expands access to clean, affordable energy. Community solar enables Baltimore Gas & Electric (BG&E) customers to gain access to lower-cost, renewable energy generated locally. Subscribers to this community solar farm will save an average of 10% off their electricity bill each year. Reflecting strong community engagement, the project is now fully subscribed, with 11 unique participants – including a local church – demonstrating local interest in shared renewable energy solutions.

“In addition to renewable energy benefits, this solar farm will support dual-use solar – sheep grazing, native pollinator planting, and other efforts to ensure the long-term productivity of this land,” said Samantha Frick, Director of Community Relations and Impact, Pivot. “We are bringing real benefits to Howard County.”

“Our BGE bills have been clear that we need to ramp up and diversify energy production right here in our own County. I’m thankful that the County Council was able to align its votes with its values and adopt zoning regulations that are among the most solar friendly in the State. We might not be a big County, but we are mighty when it comes to climate-forward solutions,” said Councilmember Deb Jung for Howard County, District 4.

TPE and its partners are committed to making meaningful charitable community investments in every community where their solar projects are developed. Local organizations that are recipients of this Project’s community investment include: Autism Society of Maryland, Bryant Woods Elementary School PTA, Community Action Council of Howard County, Harpers Choice Middle School PTA, Howard County Conservancy, Maryland Fuel Fund, Neighbor Ride, and Wilde Lake Middle School PTA. These investments are designed to create lasting social value by supporting local nonprofits, educational initiatives, and essential services. As part of this broader portfolio’s commitment, TPE and Pivot are jointly investing $120,000 in community donations, reinforcing their dedication to strengthening the communities they serve.

“The Fuel Fund of Maryland is thrilled to partner with organizations that expand access to energy solutions like solar that may help households save on their utility bills," said Debbie Brown, Executive Director of the Fuel Fund of Maryland. "In 2025, we are especially grateful to Pivot for their generous support, contributing a total of $18,000, which will help keep 72 Maryland households connected and empowered."

TurningPoint Energy | https://turningpoint-energy.com/

Pivot Energy | pivotenergy.net

Energy Vault Holdings Inc. (NYSE: NRGV) ("Energy Vault"), a leader in sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), announced the successful completion and commercial operation of the Calistoga Resiliency Center (CRC), a state-of-the-art hybrid microgrid energy storage facility, located in Calistoga, Calif., that integrates advanced hydrogen fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries. This landmark project provides a unique, fully sustainable solution to address power resiliency amidst the growing challenges of wildfire risk in California.

Serving approximately 1,600 PG&E customers in and around downtown Calistoga, the CRC represents a transformative step forward in addressing the need for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) due to wildfires and extreme weather events. The 293 megawatt hour (MWh) microgrid system enables the isolated Calistogacommunity microgrid to maintain power during these necessary safety shutoffs, delivering at least 48 hours of continuous energy supply with a peak power output of 8.5 megawatts (MW) during PSPS events. This zero-emission system aligns with California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) while meeting PG&E's multi-day, long-duration energy storage requirements. The system is orchestrated by Energy Vault's technology-agnostic VaultOS™ Energy Management System, enabling black-start, grid forming and coordinated performance orchestration across all subsystems while communicating with PG&E's Distribution Control Center.

"This project is a major milestone in our mission to deliver sustainable, resilient energy solutions to communities most vulnerable to climate-driven grid disruptions," said Craig Horne, Senior Vice President, Advanced Energy Solutions, Energy Vault. "The Calistoga Resiliency Center exemplifies the power of innovation and partnership, and it marks a significant step forward in the execution of our 'Own & Operate' strategy, which enables us to deliver long-term value through recurring revenue and community impact."

When operating in island mode, the CRC utilizes hydrogen fuel cells for electricity generation, providing essential power to the community. After supporting black-start and grid forming requirements of the microgrid, Energy Vault's B-VAULT™ DC battery technology works in concert with the fuel cells, ensuring instantaneous response and maintaining grid stability throughout operation. The use of liquid hydrogen enables extending run time through delivery and transfer into the onsite storage tank without interrupting power supply to the City of Calistoga while also reducing the cost of resiliency services. The CRC serves as a model for Energy Vault's future utility-scale hybrid microgrid system deployments as the only existing zero-emission solution to address PSPS events that is scalable, bankable, and ready to be deployed across California and other regions prone to wildfires as well as locations where improved grid-resiliency is needed.

The project, facilitated by the recent close of $28 million in financing, inclusive of the completed sale of the Investment Tax Credit associated with the project, is owned and operated by Energy Vault in collaboration with PG&E as the utility partner and distribution system operator under a long-term energy services agreement. The project's completion marks a significant milestone related to Energy Vault's "Own & Operate" strategy, demonstrating the Company's ability to execute on its strategic vision while maximizing capital efficiency. Today's announcement comes on the heels of the recent completion of the Cross Trails BESS, the first project to be placed in service under Energy Vault's growing portfolio of "Owned & Operated" projects.

The Calistoga Resiliency Center is now fully operational and stands as a blueprint for other high-risk communities across California and beyond.

"PG&E is committed to continually delivering innovations that enhance electric system safety and reliability while driving costs down for our customers," said Mike Delaney, Vice President, Utility Partnerships and Innovation, PG&E. "The Calistoga Resiliency Center is another step toward fulfilling that commitment. It is the right solution for PG&E, for Calistoga, and for the planet."

PG&E's Comprehensive Microgrid Solutions
PG&E has deployed 13 distribution microgrids since 2021 to support communities affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), with Calistoga being the largest and first fully renewable system. These microgrids help keep communities and essential services—like fire stations, medical facilities, and grocery stores—powered during outages. These microgrids can power areas where the power lines are underground, or outside of high fire-threat areas or a PSPS weather footprint.

In addition to distribution microgrids, through its Community Microgrid Enablement Program (CMEP) and Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP), PG&E supports the development of community-driven multi-customer microgrids. In March 2025, PG&E committed up to $43 million to fund nine new community microgrids in the North Coast region.

Additionally, PG&E offers Remote Grid services for customers in high fire-risk areas at the end of long distribution lines. These off-grid systems allow PG&E to remove overhead lines in rugged terrain, reducing wildfire risk.

Energy Vault | www.energyvault.com 

Pacific Gas and Electric Company | pge.com/innovation