Securing Rare Earth Elements: A Critical Step for Advanced Manufacturing in the West

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Recent export restrictions on critical rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium have underscored the global significance of these materials. As China introduces new licensing requirements, especially for elements essential for high-performance magnets, manufacturers around the world are grappling with the reality that access to these crucial inputs can no longer be assumed.

### How the Yellow School Bus is Helping Modernize the US Grid

A recent report from the US Energy Information Administration indicates that 2024 set record levels of energy consumption, and demand shows no signs of slowing down. This comes less than six months after another report estimated that the US grid needs to increase its capacity to generate and deliver electricity by 16 percent over the next four years to keep up with rising energy requirements.

### Protecting Our Grid Lines

Utilities are under increasing pressure to enhance the resilience and reliability of their power delivery systems in an era marked by severe weather events. While the icing of wind turbine blades has received considerable attention, the physical means of distributing energy has not been as thoroughly addressed. Just as components of wind farms are adopting the latest technologies to modernize their fleets and extend life expectancy, so too must the systems that distribute that energy.

### The Wrong Mix Can Bring Down Your Turbine

Ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wind turbines necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the fluids that keep them operating smoothly. Compatibility testing is crucial in preventing costly issues that arise from mixing incompatible lubricants. This article discusses the importance of fluid compatibility testing in power generation, emphasizing its role in enhancing equipment reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

### BAE Systems’ Electric Drive System Demonstrates High Fuel Economy in Federal Testing

BAE Systems’ innovative Gen3 electric drive system has successfully passed testing at the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus Research and Testing Center, showcasing best-in-class fuel economy and emissions outcomes. Equipped with BAE’s propulsion and accessory power controls, the bus achieved an average fuel economy of 6.6 miles per gallon during testing, setting a new standard for hybrid-electric buses in North America. The Gen3 system was designed to optimize power delivery, improve acceleration, reduce maintenance time, and significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions.

### Yaskawa America, Inc. Announces Expansion Plans and North American Headquarters Relocation

Yaskawa America Inc. is set to invest at least $180 million and create over 700 high-paying jobs in Wisconsin. This expansion is a result of significant growth in robotics, motion control, AC drives, and solar inverters. The company will consolidate its facilities from Illinois and Wisconsin into a single campus in Franklin, Wisconsin, over the next 8-10 years. This move marks a pivotal moment as Yaskawa celebrates its 110th anniversary globally and 58 years of operations in the United States.

### LF Energy Summit Europe to Examine Open Source Solutions for the Energy Transition

The LF Energy Summit Europe, scheduled for September 10-11, 2025, in Aachen, Germany, aims to bring together members of the LF Energy community to discuss collaborative open technologies and standards to accelerate the energy transition. This summit will feature over 75 breakout sessions and will focus on topics such as open source in grid operations, digital sovereignty, and the strategic role of LF Energy.

### Stryten Energy’s Li600 Material Handling Battery Now Available from Hyster-Yale

Stryten Energy LLC has announced that its M-Series Li600 batteries are now certified as approved lithium-ion batteries for Hyster Power Cellect and Yale Power Key equipped trucks. These batteries utilize advanced lithium iron phosphate technology, enabling faster charging and increased efficiency in a maintenance-free package.

### Solar Car Challenge Brings Teens from Across U.S. to Texas for Epic Race

Twenty-seven teams of high school students from around the country are gearing up for the 32nd annual Solar Car Challenge, where they will race their solar-powered vehicles at the Texas Motor Speedway. Established in 1993, this initiative motivates students in science, engineering, and alternative energy. Preparations for this year’s race began with workshops last September, culminating in a rigorous evaluation process before the actual race.

### Factorial Launches Gammatron, AI-Enabled Digital Twin Platform

Factorial has introduced Gammatron, an AI-driven simulation platform intended to expedite the development of next-generation batteries. Gammatron integrates electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and lab data to optimize battery performance, significantly reducing the time required for cell design validation.

### SEG Solar Announces First Section 45X Tax Credit Sale

SEG Solar has successfully completed its first transaction for the sale of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits, valued at up to $50 million. This transaction, tied to module production at SEG’s Houston facility, signifies a significant financial milestone, enabling further investment in U.S. manufacturing and contributing to job creation and economic growth.
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