How the Yellow School Bus is Helping Modernize the US Grid

Flood risk intelligence company Fathom announces the integration of future climate scenarios into its Global Flood Cat, making it the first flood catastrophe model to include them at a global scale. This major advancement enables insurers, investors, banks and planners to assess flood risk dynamically, by year, location and climate warming outcome. 

Underpinned by Fathom’s best-in-class Climate Dynamics framework, the model allows users to simulate flood risk views across all major flood perils: fluvial, pluvial and coastal. The framework offers unprecedented flexibility, supporting custom risk views that incorporate user-specific vulnerability, event loss scaling, hazard scaling and location-specific flood defenses.

A transformative development for climate-informed decision making

This integration marks a major milestone in the development of quantitative flood risk models. Financial institutions, including banks and investors, can now assess portfolio-level risk, especially for real estate, make long term investment decisions, and meet evolving regulatory requirements. Engineering firms and federal planners will be able to use the data for mitigation, resilience planning and adaptation, and to assess risk to infrastructure and supply chains under different climate conditions.  Insurers can apply the model to run stress tests, identify accumulation hotspots and model long term shifts in exposure.

“Being able to quantify physical climate risk into the future is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity for many of the risk professionals that we work with”, explains Dr Malcolm Haylock, Head of Catastrophe Modeling at Fathom. “We are excited to offer clients a powerful tool that enables them to understand not just the potential losses associated with a particular climate scenario, but also to assess the uncertainty arising from variability across climate models.”

Flood losses projected to rise sharply without adaptation

Assessing future risk against climate scenarios is critical. Fathom's preliminary analysis suggests that global average annual flood losses are expected to double by the year 2100 without any adaptation steps to reduce exposure or increase defenses. Low-lying urban environments are particularly susceptible due to sea level rise. Country-level 200-year losses are projected to increase by around 40% on average. 

“Decades of research have shown that climate change and urbanization are the two most significant drivers of future flood risk”, added Dr Haylock.  “With transition plans well underway in many sectors, understanding the impact future climate change might have on physical risk is crucial.“ 

Climate Dynamics launched today. Details here: www.fathom.global/product/global-flood-cat/.

Fathom | www.fathom.global

Milwaukee Tool continues their commitment to delivering workwear that enhances comfort, movement, and protection for professionals on the jobsite. Expanding the FREEFLEX, GRIDIRON and WORKSKIN collections, Milwaukee introduces new gear designed to withstand jobsite demands while ensuring flexibility and durability. Developed with feedback from users across the trades and through continuous jobsite research, these new additions deliver solutions that help professionals stay comfortable and productive in any environment.

FREEFLEX - BUILT FOR MOVEMENT 

Designed for flexibility and comfort, the FREEFLEX Lightweight Insulated Vest provides unrestricted movement with shoulder and side body mobility panels. Engineered with wind- and water-resistant fabric, this three-season solution offers reliable protection against the elements. The relaxed fit with a drop-tail hem provides extra coverage, while zippered hand pockets add secure storage. A brushed fleece-lined collar and pockets enhance warmth, making this vest jobsite ready. Available in both Men’s and Women’s sizes.  

Engineered for adaptability, the Women’s FREEFLEX Hybrid Tee is designed with a natural stretch fabric and forward shoulder seams to enhance mobility. The breathable cotton/poly blend wicks moisture to keep users comfortable while working, without sacrificing durability. Whether worn as a base layer or on its own, this long-sleeve tee delivers flexibility and performance for tradeswomen on the job. 

GRIDIRON - BUILT TO SURVIVE 

Durability meets comfort in the Women’s GRIDIRON Long Sleeve Pocket Tee, crafted from a 6oz cotton/poly blend for reliable protection. This long sleeve tee has a broken-in feel to ensure lasting softness, making this an ideal for all-day wear on the jobsite. Anti-odor and moisture-wicking technology enhance performance, making this a year-round essential. A relaxed fit provides unrestricted movement, delivering the comfort and resilience needed to tackle tough jobsite conditions. 

WORKSKIN - BUILT TO FIGHT SWEAT 

Optimized for cold conditions, the WORKSKIN Low-Profile Beanie wicks away sweat while providing enhanced warmth. The brushed fleece interior provides enhanced warmth, while the 360° stretch design ensures a snug, comfortable fit. With a low-profile style and durable exterior, this beanie is made to withstand cold temperatures on the jobsite. 

Built for cold environments, the WORKSKIN Balaclava delivers warmth, breathability, and a secure fit with its sweat-wicking brushed fleece interior. The 360° stretch fabric allows for a secure, adaptable fit, while the breathable mouth and nose panel enhances airflow. Designed with four versatile ways to wear, this balaclava is built for comfort and protection in extreme environments. 

Milwaukee Tool | https://www.milwaukeetool.com/

Mayfield Renewables, a respected engineering consultancy and education provider, announces its second annual Education Summit, which will be held on October 15 and 16 at Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle, Washington. The Summit is a learning-focused live event for developers, EPCs, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders working in C&I solar-plus-storage. The event will feature two full days of best-in-class training sessions and networking opportunities. 

To learn more about the Mayfield Renewables Education Summit and benefit from an Early Bird registration discount (until July 1), click here. 

Compared to other states, Washington has not always been known for having a high-MW solar queue. But in recent years, it has grown in experience by supporting resilient community microgrid systems. With this year’s Education Summit based in Seattle, we’re looking forward to exploring lessons learned from this region as microgrids become a bigger focus, challenge, and opportunity for our industry nationally. 

The industry is at an inflection point: It is shifting away from simple PV systems, and scaling quickly and safely is essential to meeting targets for a resilient and reliable energy future. As we move into a national market with a clear business case and demand for more complex C&I PV, energy storage, and microgrid systems with multiple use cases, there is an urgent need for clear technical education. 

Mayfield is fortunate to have a team and network of industry experts and trainers who can develop and deliver workshops that address this need. Our day-to-day engineering consulting work directly informs our ability to provide current technical education. 

“Providing high-quality education for the industry has been an important and fulfilling aspect of my work. As we’ve developed more classes and worked directly with clients, the need for more accessible education has been clear.” Ryan Mayfield, Founder and SME, Mayfield Renewables 

“As the industry grows, there are more gatherings and conferences than ever before. I wanted to create a different space wholly dedicated to adding value for attendees committed to quality C&I PV+ESS systems. It is also one of the few industry gatherings dedicated to unbiased technical education” Laurel Hamilton, Head of Growth, Mayfield Renewables 

“We wanted the summit to be really intentional about teaching the current requirements and how to overcome the challenges of complex projects.” Laurel Hamilton 

The Summit will feature three tracks: one on PV+ESS codes and standards, one on engineering best practices, and a new track on microgrid development topics. Attendees can select two tracks (one per day). They’ll attend 8 out of 12 classes and can receive 10 NABCEP continuing education units. 

The Summit also provides a strong networking element by design. A curated short list of partners will be on hand as a resource, extending the conversations beyond the sessions and into the community space and evening reception. Select partners include Sol-Ark, ELM MicroGrid, Generac, Elexity, Maddox, GridVest, Sulis Energy, Megger, Solar Energy International, WASEIA and more. By bringing together dedicated, quality-focused subject matter experts and learners, the Education Summit will enable everyone to connect and share lessons learned before, during, and after the sessions. 

Summit overview 

● Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 8 AM - 9 PM. 

General session 

Education sessions (3 tracks, 4 sessions in each) 

Networking reception 

● Thursday, October 16, 2025, 8 AM - 5 PM. Education sessions (3 tracks, 4 sessions in each) 

Ask Mayfield Anything Q&A panels 

Mayfield Renewables | https://www.mayfield.energy/

NovaSpark Energy Corporation, a pioneer in mobile hydrogen generation systems for fueling long-range drones and powering critical infrastructure, announced an investment from Boot64 Ventures, a leading early-stage venture firm focused on backing breakthrough technologies with national security and energy resilience impacts.

This investment marks a significant milestone for NovaSpark, enabling the company to accelerate production and scale of its patented atmospheric hydrogen generation systems across the defense, emergency response, and commercial infrastructure markets. The capital will support expanded R&D, customer pilots, and strategic hires to strengthen NovaSpark’s position at the intersection of energy resilience and hydrogen-enabled long-range drone programs.

“Boot64 has been an ideal partner from the start,” said Rick Harlow, CEO of NovaSpark. “They understand the importance of dual-use innovation and bring deep strategic value through their experience in defense tech, energy systems, and early-stage company growth. Their investment is not only a validation of our mission, but a catalyst for scaling NovaSpark’s impact in the energy sector.”

NovaSpark’s technology uniquely produces clean hydrogen fuel and electric power from water in the air—eliminating the need for external water sources or traditional fuel logistics. The mobile system is currently being deployed by the U.S. Department of Defense for contingency operations and unmanned aerial system (UAS) refueling. NovaSpark also serves critical infrastructure agencies and disaster recovery partners across the U.S.

“NovaSpark has engineered true energy sovereignty,” said Lanson B. Jones Jr., Chief Innovation Officer of NovaSpark. “By producing hydrogen and power from atmospheric humidity alone, we’re decoupling critical systems from fragile infrastructure. In an era of contested logistics and rising grid volatility, NovaSpark delivers clean, autonomous energy anywhere on Earth, at any time. Boot64’s investment accelerates our ability to scale this breakthrough across defense, disaster response, and infrastructure resilience.”

“We back founders solving consequential problems—and NovaSpark is tackling one of the biggest: resilient, off-grid power and fuel,” said Mikal Adler, General Partner at Boot64 Ventures. “Their ability to create hydrogen on demand from the air itself is transformative for defense, disaster response, and sustainable energy. We're thrilled to be their first institutional investor and to support their mission moving forward.”

NovaSpark was recently named Lockheed Martin’s #1 Small Business Innovation Success Story of 2024 and is under active contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Marine Corps. The company’s commercial pipeline includes partnerships with aerospace, oil and gas and state agencies that invest in energy resilience and long-range drone programs.

NovaSpark | https://www.novasparkenergy.com/

Boot64 Ventures | https://boot64.com/

Aclara Resources Inc. (“Aclara” or the “Company”) (TSX: ARA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hugh Broadhurst as Chief Operating Officer of Aclara, effective June 16, 2025. Hugh will be based in the United States and will assume the technical leadership role across Aclara’s upstream projects, including the Carina Project and Penco Module, as well as its downstream U.S. initiatives in rare earths separation, metals, and alloys. He will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Hugh brings over twenty years of leadership experience with multinational corporations specializing in global operations, process development, project finance, capital project implementations and building high performing teams. Prior to joining Aclara, he served as General Manager of the Thacker Pass Project at Lithium Americas Corp., where he led process development, operations readiness, and played a key role in securing financing from the U.S. Department of Energy and other strategic investors. Hugh has a proven track record of delivering value through innovation in both new and existing chemical processes, particularly within the specialty chemicals sector. His experience spans several major corporations, including Rohm & Haas (Dow Chemical), Syngenta, and Arysta LifeScience. Hugh holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa, and a Master of Science in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Aclara Resources | https://www.aclara-re.com/

Tigo Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYGO) (“Tigo” or “Company”), a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, announced that Tigo TS4 MLPE devices are now operationally compliant and compatible with hybrid inverter-battery systems from sonnen. The certification, which covers sonnenBatterie hybrid models and Tigo TS4 product family when properly designed and installed, delivers high-quality hardware and value with a system that generates more energy and delivers return-on-investment.

“The certification of compatibility between Tigo MLPE devices and our hybrid series is a very positive development for the customers of both our companies,” said Alexander Hirnet, vice president device development at sonnen GmbH. “Since this is a DC-coupled architecture, the homeowner benefits when sonnen and Tigo products are used together in a home system. We look forward to seeing how installers use this smart combination of products to further grow the residential solar-plus-storage market.”

By combining Tigo MLPE devices, including the TS4-A and TS4-X series, with sonnenBatterie hybrid systems, solar installers gain powerful module-level monitoring and world-class solar safety provisions for the ultimate in home energy autonomy.

“As solar policies around the world increasingly promote self-consumption and arbitrage, our collaboration with sonnen offers a powerful solution for the residential energy market,” said Gal Bauer, senior director of validation, growth, and product management at Tigo Energy. “This compatibility declaration is the result of extensive testing, ensuring smooth system integration. With this assurance, professional solar installers can confidently combine Tigo and sonnen products to deliver high-performance solar-plus-storage solutions to their customers.”

All sonnen models that are certified with Tigo MLPE can be viewed on this compatibility page. For more information about the Tigo TS4 Flex MLPE family of products, please visit the Tigo product page, and for sales inquiries, contact Tigo here.

sonnenBatterie | https://sonnengroup.com/sonnenbatterie/

Tigo Energy | www.tigoenergy.com