The Solar Product Registry Set to Boost Solar Deployment

Sharper Shape, a pioneer in powerline inspection solutions and digital twin technology, proudly announces the product launch of its LiDAR Insights, a breakthrough solution delivering faster, cost-effective, and highly accurate LiDAR classification results using cutting-edge artificial intelligence.

LiDAR Insights is designed to classify LiDAR point clouds with unmatched reliability and precision automatically. Leveraging a state-of-the-art AI engine, the system supports 29 electric utility network-specific classes—streamlining workflows and dramatically reducing the time and cost associated with traditional LiDAR data processing.

“With our new AI-powered LiDAR Insights, we’re taking the guesswork and labor out of classification,” said Chris Beaufait, President & CEO at Sharper Shape. “This means our customers can now receive mature, actionable LiDAR deliverables in a fraction of the time, and at a significantly lower cost.”

“We built the LiDAR Insights with geospatial professionals in mind—knowing their need for speed, accuracy, and seamless integration,” said James Conlin, Director of Product and Customer Success at Sharper Shape. “By automating classification with utility-specific intelligence, we’re helping utilities unlock the true potential of their LiDAR data—quicker, cheaper, and smarter than ever before.”

Seamlessly integrating into existing workflows, LiDAR Insights doesn’t just optimize classification—it elevates it. Whether used for vegetation management, asset inspection, or grid modernization, this new offering enables utility operators and geospatial professionals to achieve faster turnarounds and superior results.

LiDAR deliverables of all types just leveled up!

Sharper Shape | www.sharpershape.com

Nippon Steel signed a cooperation memorandum with Denmark's wind turbine maker Vestas Wind Systems to supply steel for Vestas' wind towers for European, Asian and Japanese markets, Japan's industry ministry said. The agreement was part of a broader push by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to strengthen the supply chain for wind generation in the country where renewables are key to reducing import costs and dependency on fossil fuels.

Offshore wind is a pillar of Japan's renewable energy strategy, but the country remains heavily reliant on imported wind turbines and components.

Nippon Steel | https://www.nipponsteel.com/

Vestas Wind Systems | https://us.vestas.com/en-us

The global Wind Turbine Composite Materials Market was valued at USD 14.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 25.55 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 7.57% from 2025 to 2032. Trend towards sustainable energy generation and the development of high-capacity onshore as well as offshore wind turbines will continue to drive market growth and further promote the use of advanced composite materials having improved strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and long service life in extreme weather and environmental conditions.

Composite materials (e.g., glass and carbon fibers and epoxy resins) are widely employed in wind turbine components' manufacturing, which include rotors, nacelles, and hubs. The increasing demand for longer, more aerodynamic blades in both offshore and onshore applications is forcing manufacturers to switch to carbon fiber and hybrid composites to decrease weight, improve energy capture, and retain their structural integrity.

The U.S. wind turbine composites material market size was USD 2.84 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.44 billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 8.44% over the forecast period of 2025-2032. This was attributed to well-established wind energy infrastructure, strong support from the government for renewable energy, and the presence of major composite manufacturers and wind turbine OEMs. Wind power in recent years, the country has been witnessing a sizzling growth in wind power capacity, which has largely been concentrated in the Midwest and Texas, driven by supportive policies, including the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and clean-energy mandates.

Key Players:

• TPI Composites
• Hexcel Corporation
• Teijin Limited
• Toray Industries
• LM Wind Power
• Vestas Wind Systems
• Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
• Gurit Holding
• Suzlon Energy
• Mitsubishi Chemical

Wind Turbine Composites Material Market Report Scope:

By Fiber Type

Glass fiber segment accounted for 68% of the market value share in 2024 on account of its low cost, superior mechanical strength, and established usage in wind blade production. It's a global leader, particularly for onshore installations, in big, utility-scale wind projects around the world. At the same time, the use of carbon fibre proves increasingly attractive for offshore applications due to its light weight, high stiffness, in combination with fatigue resistance, which is particularly important for any long-span blade operating in a turbulent wind environment.

By Resin Type

Epoxy segment was the leading segment with a market share of 52% in 2024. Wind turbine composite production prefers epoxy resins due to their excellent mechanical properties, adhesion and thermal properties. These are the ones most commonly combined with glass and carbon fibers in the production of blade. Other resin systems (for example, polyester, vinyl ester) are also employed, especially in cost sensitive cases, and smaller wind turbines.

By Application

Blade held a market share of 75% in 2024 leading the global blade market. The blades of wind turbine are the largest and most important components of the structure of a wind turbine, in which composite materials are used. Add More Length, More Power Doubling the blade length to increase the capacity of the turbine to generate electricity would require cutting-edge composite materials to maintain strength and durability while reducing weight. Nacelles and hubs are also very significant parts when it comes to increasing turbine sizes, which requires materials with high mechanical properties as well as environmental resistance.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific was the leading region in the global wind turbine composites with the highest value share of 38% in 2024. Much of this is due to swift wind energy expansion in China and India, solid government backing for renewables, particularly clean energy and huge commitments to both onshore and offshore wind projects. China, in particular, is the global leader in wind power capacity and wind turbine manufacturing, and this is a contributor to the demand for composites. Europe made a close second, as countries such as Germany, the UK, and Denmark invested heavily in offshore wind farms.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, LM Wind Power (a GE Renewable Energy business) presented its newest offshore blade at 115 meters long and being produced from carbon-glass hybrid composites to achieve higher energy output with less material levy.
• In December 2024, TPI Composites, Inc., in collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, announced our plans to increase wind blade manufacturing capacity in India and Turkey to support the increasing wind demand of the Asia-Pacific and European offshore wind industry.

Unique USPs of the Wind Turbine Composite Materials Market

• Blade Length Optimization – Composite materials enable the design of longer, more aerodynamic blades to maximize power output.
• Weight-to-Strength Efficiency – High strength-to-weight ratio of composites enhances turbine stability and reduces operational strain.
• Corrosion Resistance – Excellent resistance to environmental degradation makes composites ideal for offshore turbines.
• Design Flexibility – Composite materials support complex geometries for advanced blade engineering and aerodynamics.
• Lifecycle Durability – Superior fatigue resistance improves turbine lifespan and reduces maintenance costs.
• Sustainable Manufacturing – Increasing use of recyclable and bio-based composite materials aligns with global ESG goals.
• Localized Production Hubs – Growing regional manufacturing clusters reduce supply chain risks and support job creation in clean energy.

SNS Insider | www.snsinsider.com

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced four policy measures to advance President Donald J. Trump’s commonsense approach to affordable, reliable energy development in America. In alignment with President Donald J. Trump’s directives, the Department of the Interior is ending special treatment for unreliable energy sources, such as wind. This includes evaluating whether to stop onshore wind development on some federal lands and halting future offshore wind lease sales. The Department will also study how constructing and operating wind turbines might affect migratory bird populations.

These changes are part of a broader America First energy strategy focused on affordability, reliability, and accountability for the American people.  As part of efforts to support a stable power grid and elevate local voices, the Department will improve consultation with tribes, local communities, and the fishing industry regarding offshore wind projects. The latest reforms aim to ensure that energy development reflects local land-use priorities and community values.

“These policy changes represent a commonsense approach to energy that puts Americans’ interests first,” said Secretary Doug Burgum. “Leveling the playing field in permitting supports energy development that’s reliable, affordable, and built to last. We’re also making sure tribes and local communities have a real seat at the table. This move is about responsible energy growth that works for every American.” 

Announcements include: 

Stopping Preferential Treatment for Wind Projects 

Secretary’s Order No. 3437, “Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources in Department Decision-Making,” directs the Department of the Interior to end preferential treatment for unreliable energy sources like wind. The Order calls for identifying policies biased in favor of wind and solar energy and halting support for energy supply chains controlled by foreign rivals. In line with the January 20, 2025, Presidential Memorandum on Wind Energy, the Department will review its policies to identify and remove favoritism toward unreliable energy, with a report of recommended reforms to be submitted under Section 5 of Executive Order 14315.  

Restoring Congress’s Mandate to Consider All Uses of Our Public Lands and Waters Equally

The Department will consider withdrawing areas onshore with high potential for wind energy development to ensure compliance with legal requirements for multiple use and sustained yield of public lands. This means balancing energy development with other important uses—such as recreation and grazing—and protecting BLM-managed lands, as envisioned by Congress. Additionally, at the end of the last administration, over 3.5 million acres offshore were designated as Wind Energy Areas, which are pre-approved zones where the federal government could auction leases for offshore wind development. By terminating these Wind Energy Areas, we are safeguarding our coastal environments and local economies from unchecked development, while ensuring our power grids are not underpinned by unreliable, subsidized energy sources.  

Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement for Offshore Wind Development 

The Department will strengthen its guidance to ensure more meaningful consultation regarding offshore wind development, especially with tribes, the fishing industry, and coastal towns. The construction and operation of offshore wind turbines have disproportionate impacts on these stakeholders, from disrupting commercial fishing to driving away tourism. By addressing current gaps, this updated guidance will support greater collaboration, transparency, and respect for community and regional priorities.   

Reviewing the Consequences of Developing Wind Turbines on Migratory Birds 

The Department will conduct a careful review of avian mortality rates associated with the development of wind energy projects located in migratory flight paths and determine whether such impacts qualify as “incidental" takings of birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and related laws. The Department will also conduct a review of the applicable regulations to determine the appropriate approach to permitting these activities, identifying violations of the applicable statutes, and related penalties. 

Department of the Interior | ios.doi.gov

ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus recognized a diverse group of communities completing a program designed to help prepare them to accommodate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV infrastructure. Through their completion of the EV Readiness Program, 17 local governments have demonstrated actions required to create permitting, safety plans and local policies that help make EVs more accessible in communities throughout northern Illinois.

“The EV Readiness Program provides cities and counties across the state with the foundation they need to support EV growth within their communities,” said ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones. "The shift to EVs will lower emissions and enhance air quality, key milestones on the journey to building a more sustainable future in Illinois.”

The EV Readiness Program was launched by ComEd and the Caucus in 2022 to help prepare municipalities to accommodate the growing number of EVs in Illinois, which includes more than 145,000 currently registered in Illinois today, and the vast majority of them in ComEd’s northern Illinois service territory. EV adoption is expected to increase in the future, as the state of Illinois, through its Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), has set a goal of getting to 1 million EVs on the road by 2030.

“With each graduating cohort, the EV Readiness Program continues to grow stronger and more impactful,” said Kevin Burns, Mayor, City of Geneva, Illinois, and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Environment and Energy Committee Chair and Immediate Past Executive Board Chair. “This third cohort reflects the steady momentum our region is building toward a cleaner, more connected transportation future.”

A diverse mix of 17 communities becomes the third cohort to graduate from this program during a ceremony held at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) in Chicago, Illinois. To date, the program has reached 38 communities in its three unique cohorts.

The participating local governments in this third cohort range from large urban cities to suburban communities, with representation from north, central, south and west sides of the region. The third cohort communities are:

• Broadview
• Brookfield
• Chicago
• Countryside
• DeKalb
• DuPage County
• Glenview
• Highland Park
• Johnsburg
• Lindenhurst
• Park Forest
• River Forest
• Rockford
• Rolling Meadows
• Streamwood
• Vernon Hills
• Warrenville

“By learning from each round and improving the program along the way, the Caucus is helping communities like ours turn ambition into action—and laying the groundwork for a robust, equitable EV ecosystem across northern Illinois,” said Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor, City of Highland Park, Illinois, and Caucus Executive Board Chair.

The EV Readiness Program is guided by a comprehensive EV Readiness Checklist of 132 possible municipal actions to demonstrate preparedness for EV integration.

“The City of Chicago is proud to have earned Gold in the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ EV Readiness Program. This recognition is a testament to our deep commitment to accelerating the transition to clean transportation in every neighborhood,” said City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Through this program, we’ve strengthened collaboration across City departments and are building the infrastructure and policies needed to expand access to EVs, reduce emissions and deliver cleaner air and healthier communities for all Chicagoans.”

“As we electrify transportation across the country, we must strive to build smarter, faster and more accessible charging infrastructure here in Illinois,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “By assisting 17 of our communities in Chicagoland to complete the EV Readiness Program, The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is accelerating the transition to clean transportation and strengthening Illinois’ commitment to combatting the climate crisis. I’ll continue working with Senator Duckworth and our local leaders to maintain Illinois’ position as a leader in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.”

During the third cohort, three communities earned Gold status, which reflects the most advanced participation under the program. The City of Chicago “leveled up” to Gold status from the Bronze designation it received in the second cohort. The Village of River Forest and the City of Rolling Meadows also achieved Gold status in this cohort.

DuPage County “leveled up” from Bronze to Silver status by pursuing additional EV readiness actions, including participating in ComEd’s Fleet Electrification Assessment. This comprehensive assessment helps communities and other commercial customers plan the transition to an all-electric fleet, providing the customer the opportunity to assess proper vehicles for their fleet, to plan and determine charging infrastructure needs, to measure total cost of electrification and emissions reduction, and to find information about ComEd and other incentive programs they may qualify for. With ComEd’s assistance, numerous EV Readiness communities have participated in the free assessment, including the Cities of Chicago, Highland Park and Rolling Meadows, as well as the Villages of Park Forest and River Forest.

“The results of the EV Readiness program show what’s possible when cities decide to lead instead of follow,” said Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica. “Rolling Meadows is proud to be recognized among the leaders creating a more sustainable future for our region.”

“The City of Rockford is honored to participate in the EV Readiness Program, which has played a vital role as we work to modernize our transportation system and ensure the benefits of clean mobility reach every neighborhood,” said Tom McNamara, Mayor, City of Rockford, Illinois. “This program helped us lay the groundwork for a more sustainable, inclusive future – one that supports economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. We look forward to building on this momentum.”

Participation in the EV Readiness program has proven to help communities increase EV registrations, while also helping them develop and qualify for additional funding opportunities. Communities like Chicago and Rolling Meadows have qualified for EV grant funding to create better EV access for their cities. By conducting an initial fleet EV suitability analysis, the City of Chicago successfully secured over $11 million in federal grants to replace older diesel vehicles with new electrified vehicles.

In response to the rise of EVs in the region, the EV Readiness program was developed by a coalition of over 70 regional partners including local mayors, managers, and other local government staff members, as well as representatives from councils of governments, regional planning organizations, EV charging station companies, IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), Argonne National Laboratory and ComEd.

The EV Readiness Program is one example of significant investments that ComEd is making to support customers and communities in the transition to EVs. Earlier this year, ComEd launched over $100 million in EV rebate funding to support residential, business and public sector customers with expanding EV use, by funding fleet EVs and EV charging infrastructure projects. To ensure equitable access to EVs, ComEd’s programs reserve over 50 percent of all funding for equity investment eligible communities (EIEC), as defined by the state of Illinois, or for low-income customers. Information on eligibility can be found at www.comed.com/EV.

ComEd | https://www.comed.com/

Metropolitan Mayors Caucus | mayorscaucus.org

Illinois Tech | iit.edu

Grid8, a leader in AI-powered interconnection solutions, announced the launch of its new Interconnection Dashboard, a free tool now available at https://interconnection-dashboard.grid8.ai/. The dashboard provides real-time visibility into interconnection queue requests across U.S. Independent System Operators (ISOs) and utilities, enabling data center operators and clean energy developers to discover where projects are being proposed, track approval progress, and plan their grid connections more effectively.

The Interconnection Dashboard aggregates weekly updated data from a wide range of U.S. ISOs and utilities, standardizing it into interactive, easy-to-use visualizations. The tool provides stakeholders with a clear and transparent view of interconnection activity, helping them identify opportunities to access the grid more quickly and cost-effectively.

Key features include:

• Queue Analytics by Geography and Technology:  Explore interconnection requests mapped by county, power market, and generation type. Identify areas where projects are clustered and potential congestion risks exist.
• Capacity Trends Over Time:  Track how interconnection capacity requests have evolved historically and by state, visualizing backlog trends and growth hotspots.
• Project-Level Details:  Access data on individual queued projects, including location, technology type (solar, wind, energy storage, etc.), provider, status (active, withdrawn, operational), and proposed completion timelines.
• Data Transparency and Methodology:  Grid8 gathers and processes this data weekly, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability, transforming complex ISO data into clean, ready-to-use datasets.

"Interconnection delays are one of the biggest bottlenecks holding back U.S. energy development and data center expansion,"  said Manas Pathak, CEO of Grid8. "By making this dashboard free and publicly accessible, we're providing developers with the information they need to find faster, cheaper paths to grid access and avoid costly surprises."

The Grid8 Interconnection Dashboard is freely accessible at: https://interconnection-dashboard.grid8.ai/.

Grid8 | www.grid8.ai

Lightstar Renewables LLC proudly announces the launch of the Plains Road Agrivoltaics project, an initiative that seamlessly integrates solar energy production with agricultural use on the DiMartino Farm in Montgomery, New York. The agricultural consultant on the project was Solar Agricultural Services, Inc. (SolAg). This project demonstrates the new way farmers can both feed and fuel New York state - a forging together of both needed clean energy generation and vital agricultural production.  

The Plains Road Agrivoltaics project was designed as an agricultural project from the beginning. The solar installation is tailored to accommodate hay planting and harvest equipment— the core agricultural activity of the DiMartino Farm— and will see an addition of two acres of vegetable production that will provide turnkey access to prime farmland for a new entry farmer. This trailblazing effort is expected to generate enough energy to power 466 homes annually while bolstering the long-term viability of the farm.

"Plains Road stands as a beacon of what is possible when we are committed to problem solving and centering farmers' needs. There is so much more that we can do as an industry to listen to agricultural stewards and learn how growing food and powering homes can work in concert." said Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Chief Strategy Officer at Lightstar.

A critical foundation of this project was the adjustment of local bylaws to allow for agrivoltaics projects. The Town of Montgomery is one of the first in the State to tailor their bylaws to allow for agrivoltaics projects to maximize agricultural production – such as considering specific height restrictions, setbacks, and lot coverage. This shift highlights the growing acknowledgment of innovative land-use strategies to address the difficult challenges municipal leaders face when considering solar for their towns.

Lightstar is proud that the project aligns with American Farmland Trust's Smart Solar principles, embodying a vision for responsible solar development that prioritizes farmers, communities, and the environment.

"Lightstar's project is a prime example of the Smart Solar principles and reaffirms our commitment to fostering partnerships that benefit communities and protect our agricultural heritage," said Linda Garrett, New York & New Jersey Regional Director at American Farmland Trust (AFT).

The Plains Road agrivoltaics project is more than just a local success; it serves as a replicable model for sustainable development across the Empire State and the country. By supporting landowners like the DiMartino family, Lightstar Renewables is helping to create a future where farms can thrive economically while contributing to a safe, low-cost, resilient energy system; strengthening rural communities, supporting farms, improving grid reliability.

Lightstar will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony to commission this project, showcasing this groundbreaking milestone in sustainable development in September 2025. This event marks the official launch of a project that redefines the synergy between New York agriculture and New York renewable energy.

Special Guests:

• Assembly Member Brian Maher, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
• Representatives from American Farmland Trust (AFT)
• Iain Ward, Farmer, Founder, and CEO of SolAg

Why this launch matters: 

• Innovation in Action: Witness the dual-purpose design of agrivoltaics, blending agriculture with clean energy in a way that's never been done before.
• Community-Centered Impact: Learn how this project was developed in collaboration with local stakeholders to reflect their values and priorities.
• A Model for the Future: Discover how this initiative sets a replicable standard for balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

What to Expect:

Gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to this cutting-edge project. Hear directly from the partners who made it possible, explore innovative technology, and understand the broader implications for agriculture and renewable energy.

Lightstar Renewables | www.lightstar.com

Solar Agricultural Services | https://www.solaragservices.com/