Looking Ahead to 2026

LiCAP Technologies, a leader in clean tech for next generation battery electrode manufacturing, announced a major expansion of its operations with the securing of a 40,500-square-foot industrial facility in Sacramento. The move marks a triple increase from the company's current 20,000 square-foot space, driven by accelerating commercial demand for LiCAP's proprietary Activated Dry Electrode® (ADE) technology and its battery electrodes and ultracapacitor products.

The new facility will serve as LiCAP's dedicated manufacturing hub, enabling scaled production of both its dry electrode platform and supporting broader development across energy storage systems and data center applications. The expansion reflects sustained market demand for manufacturing solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving production efficiency and performance.

At the core of LiCAP's growth is its proprietary Activated Dry Electrode® (ADE) technology, which eliminates the toxic solvent, energy-intensive drying and solvent recovery steps required traditionally in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. By simplifying production and significantly reducing energy use while maintaining high-performance electrode quality, the ADE platform provides a cleaner, more efficient path to advanced battery manufacturing. These advantages are now powering the company's expansion into energy storage systems (ESS) and data center applications.

Building on this platform, LiCAP has introduced a new ultracapacitor system assembly line engineered for high-power applications that require extreme durability and long service life. The ultracapacitors deliver more than one million charge-discharge cycles and exceed 15 years of calendar year life, reducing maintenance intervals and total cost of ownership. The ultracapacitor system line will focus on grid stabilization projects, data center applications, and other energy storage verticals.

The expansion positions LiCAP beyond component manufacturing and into integrated energy storage solutions, broadening its addressable market across industrial power and infrastructure resilience.

"This milestone reflects the market's strong appetite for cleaner, more efficient energy storage technologies and our commitment to meet it," said Richard Qiu, president of LiCAP Technologies. "Our new facility gives us the scale to support commercial partners and deliver energy storage solutions that meet industrial reliability standards."

Founded in Sacramento, California, LiCAP Technologies develops and commercializes its proprietary Activated Dry Electrode process in collaboration with global equipment manufacturers and cell producers, including Nissan, SKon and Dürr. The company focuses on accelerating adoption of next-generation battery and ultracapacitor manufacturing technologies across automotive, grid, data center and industrial markets.

LiCAP Technologies | www.licaptech.com

Generac Power Systems (NYSE: GNRC), a leading U.S.-based global designer and manufacturer of power generation and energy storage products and solutions, and EPC Power Corp., a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced grid-forming power conversion systems, announced their engagement to deploy fully integrated energy solutions for the data center market. These systems will feature Generac SBE Block battery systems, Generac ARC Controller and EPC Power M-System inverters to create the ecosystem required by today's AI data center infrastructure developers and owners.

The integrated energy solution from Generac and EPC Power will address both customer demand for energy innovation and grid operator emerging requirements for interconnection to deliver the power requirements necessary to meet this unprecedented data center growth. 

"Data center customers don't just need more power — they need smarter, fully integrated energy solutions that perform seamlessly under extreme and rapidly changing conditions," said Erik Wilde, EVP and President, Domestic C&I at Generac. "This collaboration with EPC Power allows us to deliver end-to-end, behind-the-meter solutions that meet evolving utility requirements while supporting the performance demands of AI workloads. We're excited by the opportunity to work alongside EPC Power to translate this technology into real-world solutions for the data center market."

"AI is fueling rapid data center growth, creating massive power challenges. Traditional systems can't keep up with dynamic, high-density AI workloads," said Jim Fusaro, CEO of EPC Power. "Our collaboration with Generac represents a powerful alignment of expertise and vision. Together, we are advancing digital power infrastructure that delivers the resilient, secure and highly adaptive performance modern AI workloads require —responding in real time to shifting demands, whether operating with or without active grid support." 

Generac will utilize EPC Power's inverters alongside its battery system and advanced controllers to deploy fully integrated solutions capable of ultra-fast response times, enabling load smoothing for AI data center applications with ride-through and recovery capabilities to meet utility requirements and provide continuity during grid disturbance events. These behind-the-meter energy solutions will enable seamless integration with onsite generators, turbines and other resources in grid-tied or off-grid applications to meet the demands of hyperscale computing. 

Generac Power Systems |  www.generac.com

EPC Power |  www.epcpower.com

Origis Energy, one of America's leading renewable energy platforms, announced financial close of an approximately $545 million senior secured project financing with Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking ("Natixis CIB") and Santander Corporate & Investment Banking ("Santander") for three utility-scale solar projects (the "Rockhound Projects") totaling around 413 MW of installed capacity in Ector County, Texas.

All three projects are currently under construction and are expected to reach commercial operations in summer 2026.

The financing represents the next phase of Origis Energy's multi-project solar complex in West Texas, which will total over 700 MW upon completion. The complex also includes the Swift Air Solar II and Swift Air Solar III projects, which reached financial close in 2025.

The senior secured credit facilities include construction loan, term loan, tax credit bridge, and letter of credit facilities supporting both the construction and operating phases of the projects.

Natixis CIB and Santander acted as Joint Underwriters, Coordinating Lead Arrangers, and Co-Green Loan Coordinators for the transaction, with Natixis CIB serving as Administrative Agent. U.S. Bank National Association served as Collateral Agent.

"This financing reflects the quality of the Rockhound portfolio and the confidence our capital partners place in Origis' ability to execute complex, multi-project transactions with discipline and scale," said Alice Heathcote, Chief Financial Officer of Origis Energy. "Natixis and Santander have been exceptional partners throughout the process. Together, we are advancing resilient, long-term energy infrastructure in Texas while delivering meaningful economic benefits to local communities."

"Santander is proud to once again support Origis alongside Natixis, marking another milestone in our partnership. This transaction reflects the strength of our ongoing relationship and our continued commitment to supporting renewable energy platforms. We value the opportunity to continue partnering with Origis as they expand their portfolio," said Andrew Platt, Head of Energy Structured Finance & Advisory US, Santander Corporate & Investment Banking.

"Natixis CIB is pleased to have supported Origis in the financing of the Greyhound A, Rockhound C and Rockhound D assets, alongside Santander. Origis, along with Antin, are important clients to Natixis CIB, and we look forward to continuing our long, collaborative and successful relationship in future transactions," said James Kaiser, Head of Infrastructure and Energy Finance North America, Natixis CIB.

Latham & Watkins LLP represented Origis Energy in the transaction, with Reed Smith LLP serving as local counsel. Milbank LLP represented the lenders, with support from Husch Blackwell LLP as local counsel.

Origis Energy | www.origisenergy.com

DG Matrix and Musashi Energy Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Musashi, announced a strategic collaboration to tackle one of the biggest hurdles in AI infrastructure: extreme power fluctuations caused by high-performance Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

The collaboration integrates Musashi's ESS400 Energy Storage System (powered by Musashi's Hybrid SuperCapacitors) with DG Matrix's Interport – a multi-port solid-state transformer. Together, these technologies manage the massive, rapid power "pulses" created by AI workloads, protecting utilities, generators, and data center equipment, unlocking stranded capacity, reducing infrastructure costs, and increasing safety.

The Problem: AI's Pulse-Load

Modern AI clusters don't draw power steadily. Instead, GPUs demand massive, repetitive bursts of energy. Traditional UPS systems and batteries were never designed for dynamic power spikes that significantly degrade battery life, stress primary and backup generators, and force operators to overbuild expensive infrastructure to handle the peaks.

Flexible Integration: Greenfield & Brownfield

The joint platform is designed for maximum versatility across the evolving data center landscape. It is ideal for greenfield projects, where developers can design optimized, high-density power architectures from the ground up. Simultaneously, the system is engineered to seamlessly integrate into existing brownfield operations, allowing operators to modernize power management and access stranded capacity without a total facility overhaul.

The Solution: Closing the Gap in AI Power

The new platform acts as a high-speed shock absorber to protect the electrical grid. By pairing sustainable, safe, high-power, extreme-cycle-rated, and fast-acting HSCs with real-time multi-port power routing and software-defined control, the integrated system closes that gap, enhancing or replacing UPS systems.

• Musashi's Hybrid SuperCapacitors (HSCs): Unlike standard batteries, HSCs deliver 100x faster recharge speeds and 1,000x longer cycle life. They excel in the high-heat, high-demand environments of AI data centers.

• DG Matrix's Interport: This solid-state platform serves as the "brain," routing power in real time between the supercapacitors, the grid, and the AI servers. It eliminates the need for complex, multi-stage power conversions.

"We are pleased to collaborate with DG Matrix to solve a challenge that has quickly become a bottleneck for the industry," noted Frank DeLattre, President of Musashi Energy Solutions – Americas. "AI data centers are creating power demands that far exceed the capabilities of traditional power systems. By combining our Hybrid SuperCapacitors with DG Matrix's intelligent routing, we can manage these dynamic power shifts with far greater safety, speed, and efficiency than traditional batteries ever could."

Efficiency and Cost Savings

Early testing shows the system successfully absorbs GPU spikes without disrupting steady-state power. This approach allows data center operators to:

1. Reduce Battery Size: Smaller battery footprints save space and money.
2. Protect Generators: Fewer "cycling events" extend the life of backup hardware.
3. Simplify Architecture: Multi-port AC/DC connectivity supports a wide range of voltages (415V to 1500V).

"AI workloads are fundamentally changing how power must be controlled," added Haroon Inam, CEO of DG Matrix. "By combining Musashi's ESS400 Hybrid SuperCapacitor system with our Interport platform, we're delivering a system-level solution that tames GPU pulse loads, simplifies infrastructure, and lowers lifecycle costs for AI data centers. This alliance demonstrates the future of intelligent power routing for mission-critical compute."

Musashi's ESS400 and DG Matrix's Interport power routing are perfectly matched, creating an integrated platform that supports the rapidly evolving AI data center infrastructure. Both companies are actively pursuing joint system engineering, integration validation, and pilot deployments targeting AI data centers and mission-critical electrical applications.

The companies are currently moving toward pilot deployments for AI data centers and other mission-critical electrical applications.                                          

Musashi Energy Solutions | www.musashienergysolutions.com

DG Matrix | https://www.dgmatrix.com/

RWE has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the 1.1-gigawatt Thor offshore wind farm by successfully installing the first turbine off Denmark’s west coast near Jutland. Installation works are underway from the Port of Esbjerg, with the Fred.Olsen Windcarrier vessel Brave Tern able to transport and install three turbine sets per cycle. In total, 72 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, each with a capacity of up to 15 megawatts, will be put in place by the end of 2026. Each individual turbine stands around 148 metres above sea level and features rotor blades as long as 115 metres.

Sven Utermöhlen, Chief Executive Officer RWE Offshore Wind: “Large-scale construction projects at sea require teamwork, precision, and a clear commitment to safety — qualities that our teams demonstrate every day at Thor. With the first turbine now installed, we have reached an important milestone in the delivery of Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm. Once fully commissioned, Thor will play a crucial role in achieving Denmark’s climate goals and in strengthening the EU’s energy independence.”

Sustainable features: CO2-reduced steel towers and recyclable blades

Thor will be the first offshore wind farm in the world to use 36 steel turbine towers that have been manufactured with a lower carbon footprint by Siemens Gamesa. In addition, some of the turbines will be equipped with recyclable rotor blades. This represents a pioneering step toward lifecycle sustainability for an offshore wind farm and aligns with RWE’s sustainability ambitions.

Thor progressing according to plan

The offshore construction works are proceeding well. Last year, the offshore substation and all foundations for the 72 wind turbines were successfully installed. Recently the project obtained the 30-year electricity production licence from the Danish Energy Agency, one of the preconditions to start the commissioning works.

When fully operational in 2027, Thor offshore wind farm will be capable of producing enough green electricity to supply the equivalent of more than one million Danish households. The wind farm’s operations and maintenance plan envisages creating 50 to 60 local jobs at a new RWE service building at the Port of Thorsminde, which will be officially opened in March.

Thor offshore wind farm is a joint project between RWE (51%) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49%). RWE is in charge of construction and operations throughout the lifecycle of Thor.

Leading global player in offshore wind

RWE already has 19 offshore wind farms in operation globally, including Rødsand 2, located south of the Danish island of Lolland. In addition to Thor in Denmark, the company is currently building three major offshore wind farms: the Sofia offshore wind farm (1.4 GW) in the UK, the Nordseecluster (1.6 GW, RWE share: 51%) off the German coast and OranjeWind (795 MW, RWE share: 50%) in the Netherlands.

RWE | thor.rwe.com

The Virginia General Assembly has officially passed legislation that would significantly expand the Commonwealth’s shared solar programs, unlocking new opportunities to lower electricity bills and strengthen reliability. These bills, which bring locally generated power to more families, businesses, and communities across the Commonwealth, passed with bipartisan support and will now be presented to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for action.

The legislation includes SB 254 and HB 807, sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell and Delegate Rip Sullivan, which apply to Dominion Energy’s service territory, as well as SB 255 and HB 809, also sponsored by Sen. Surovell and Del. Sullivan, which address Appalachian Power Company (APCo) territory. Together, the bills build on the success of Virginia’s existing shared solar programs by expanding capacity, improving certainty for customers and developers, and ensuring these programs can play a meaningful role in addressing rising energy costs and growing electricity demand.

“Shared solar has already proven itself as one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to deliver real savings to Virginians,” said Sen. Scott Surovell, sponsor of the legislation. “These bills are about scaling what works—giving more families access to affordable power while strengthening reliability and keeping investment here in Virginia.”

Virginia’s shared solar programs are currently capped at pilot-scale levels and have been fully subscribed, leaving customers and projects on waitlists despite strong demand. In Dominion territory, the original 200-megawatt program has been fully awarded across 52 projects, serving tens of thousands of customers. In APCo territory, the 50-megawatt program launched in 2025 and was oversubscribed almost immediately.

The Dominion bills (SB 254 / HB 807) would require the release of an additional 525 megawatts of shared solar capacity by July 1, 2026, including a dedicated portion for low-income subscribers, while establishing a clear, predictable process for future program expansion overseen by the State Corporation Commission (SCC). Once a portion of that capacity reaches substantial completion, the SCC would initiate a proceeding to evaluate additional allocations and program design.

The APCo bills (SB 255 / HB 809) would improve customer participation by establishing consolidated billing, or net crediting, aligning APCo’s program with best practices already in place elsewhere in the state. The legislation also lays the groundwork for future capacity releases to meet strong interest in Southwest Virginia, where many counties have expressed interest in hosting shared solar projects.

“Affordability is front and center for Virginians right now, and shared solar delivers immediate, guaranteed bill savings while benefiting all ratepayers,” said Del. Rip Sullivan, sponsor of the House legislation. “These bills provide certainty, transparency, and a responsible path forward so shared solar can help meet the Commonwealth’s growing energy needs.”

To date, shared solar saves participating customers 10 percent or more on their monthly electricity bills—roughly $175 per year—while also delivering system-wide benefits by reducing the need for costly generation, transmission, and distribution investments. A third-party analysis of expanded shared solar in Virginia found $64 million in net benefits in the first two years alone and more than $2.4 billion in net benefits over 25 years, with savings accruing to all utility customers, whether or not they directly subscribe.

“Virginia is facing unprecedented load growth and rising energy costs, and shared solar is one of the most practical tools available to respond quickly and affordably,” said Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic Director at the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “These bills recognize that shared solar is far from a pilot concept—it’s a proven solution that can deliver lower bills, local jobs, and grid benefits at scale.”

Shared solar projects, also known as community solar projects, are typically small- to mid-sized facilities located on farmland, rooftops, brownfields, and other underutilized sites. They can be deployed faster than traditional utility-scale generation, support local economic development, and provide landowners with stable, long-term revenue while preserving working lands.

With strong demand across both utility territories, advocates say the legislation represents a critical step toward ensuring shared solar can help Virginia meet its affordability, reliability, and economic development goals—without new taxes or subsidies.

CCSA | https://www.communitysolaraccess.org 

MacLean Power Systems ("MPS" or "MacLean Power") and Power Grid Components ("PGC"), two leading manufacturers of engineered components and solutions for electrical transmission, distribution, substation and communication infrastructure, announced the closing of their previously announced merger. Funds affiliated with Blackstone Energy Transition Partners and Blackstone's flagship private equity strategy ("Blackstone") have become the majority owner of the combined company. In connection with the transaction, an affiliate of Centerbridge Partners ("Centerbridge"), will be making a new investment into the combined company. The platform – one of the largest suppliers of highly-engineered utility equipment in North America – will move forward as one entity under the MacLean Power Systems name. Following the transaction, PGC's portfolio of products, including Allied Bolt, Elliott, ITEC, Meister, Mid-Central, Newell, Royal Switchgear and Vizimax, will become part of the MacLean Power Systems family.

Alongside the completed merger, MPS is pleased to announce leadership updates as it moves into its next phase of growth. Steve Scharnhorst, current CEO of MacLean Power Systems, will lead the combined company. Mike Plaster will transition from CEO of Power Grid Components to President of MacLean Power Systems, leading all commercial and operational activities across the platform.

Steve Scharnhorst, CEO of MacLean Power Systems, said: "Today is an exciting milestone for MPS and our customers. Bringing together these highly complementary businesses strengthens MPS' ability to support the construction, maintenance, repair and upgrade of critical grid infrastructure through a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality, customer-driven engineered solutions. We look forward to Leading the Way™ to a more resilient grid together as an industry-leading platform."

Mike Plaster, President of MacLean Power Systems, added: "MacLean Power is a premier brand in our industry, built on decades of providing reliable, high-quality, essential components for the power grid and adjacent industries. I'm excited to partner closely with Steve and our combined teams as we expand our portfolio and capabilities to continue to best serve our customers across all segments of the electrical grid."

JP Munfa, Senior Managing Director, and Mark Zhu, Managing Director, at Blackstone, said: "MacLean Power plays a vital role in supporting the safety, efficiency, and resiliency of the grid. We are thrilled to partner with Steve, Mike, and the entire team to work on building an even stronger, scaled platform that is well positioned to support rapidly growing electrical infrastructure needs."

Conor Tochilin, Senior Managing Director at Centerbridge, said: "We congratulate Steve and the entire MPS team on their outstanding success to date. Centerbridge is excited to reinvest in the combined MacLean Power platform, building on the strong foundation we've established together and backed by a proven management team. We look forward to partnering with Blackstone to support the combined company's next stage of growth as it accelerates its momentum and continues to benefit from powerful secular tailwinds."

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

MacLean Power Systems | www.macleanpower.com

Power Grid Components | https://pgc.com/

Blackstone Energy Transition Partners | https://www.blackstone.com/our-businesses/blackstone-energy-transition-partners/

Centerbridge Partners | www.centerbridge.com