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Recent export restrictions on key rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium have highlighted the global significance of these materials. As China enforces new licensing requirements, particularly for elements used in high-performance magnets, manufacturers worldwide are realizing that access to these critical resources can no longer be taken for granted.
### How the Yellow School Bus is Helping Modernize the US Grid
According to a recent report from the US Energy Information Administration, energy consumption reached record levels in 2024, and demand is expected to continue rising. This follows a report indicating that the US grid must increase its capacity to generate and deliver electricity by 16 percent over the next four years to meet growing energy needs.
### Protecting Our Grid Lines
As severe weather events become more frequent, utilities are under increasing pressure to enhance the resilience and reliability of their power delivery systems. While discussions surrounding the icing of wind turbine blades have been prevalent, the physical distribution of energy has received comparatively less attention. Just as components of wind farms are adopting the latest technologies to modernize their fleets and extend their lifespan, the infrastructure supporting energy distribution must also evolve.
### The Wrong Mix Can Bring Down Your Turbine
Ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wind turbines hinges on a thorough understanding of the fluids that keep them operating smoothly. Compatibility testing is crucial in preventing costly issues that can arise from mixing incompatible lubricants. This article delves into the importance of fluid compatibility testing in industries like power generation, showcasing its role in enhancing equipment reliability and reducing maintenance costs.
### Latest News
– **BAE Systems’ Electric Drive System**: BAE Systems has achieved remarkable fuel economy results with its Gen3 electric drive system, setting a new standard for hybrid-electric buses in North America, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.6 miles per gallon during federal testing.
– **Yaskawa America Expansion**: Yaskawa America Inc. plans to invest at least $180 million and create over 700 high-paying jobs in Wisconsin, consolidating its facilities into a single campus in Franklin, which will serve as its North American headquarters.
– **LF Energy Summit Europe**: Scheduled for September 10-11, 2025, in Aachen, Germany, this summit will focus on open-source solutions for the energy transition, featuring over 75 breakout sessions and discussions among key stakeholders in the energy sector.
– **Stryten Energy’s Li600 Battery**: Stryten Energy LLC has announced that its M-Series Li600 batteries are now certified for use in Hyster and Yale trucks, enhancing performance and efficiency in material handling applications.
– **Solar Car Challenge**: Twenty-seven teams of high school students from across the U.S. will participate in the 32nd annual Solar Car Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway, where they will race solar-powered cars they built themselves.
– **Factorial’s Gammatron**: Factorial has launched Gammatron, an AI-driven digital twin platform designed to accelerate the development of next-generation batteries, significantly reducing the time needed for battery performance validation.
– **SEG Solar’s Tax Credit Sale**: SEG Solar has completed its first sale of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits, totaling up to $50 million, which will enhance its financial position and support further investment in U.S. manufacturing.
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Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/securing-rare-earth-elements-a-critical-step-for-advanced-manufacturing-in-the-west/
