Securing Rare Earth Elements: A Critical Step for North America’s Advanced Manufacturing Future

“North American Clean Energy – Renewable Energy Magazine

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### Why the West Needs to Secure Heavy Rare Earths for the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Recent export restrictions from China on key rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium have drawn renewed attention to the global significance of these materials. With China implementing new licensing requirements, particularly for elements essential for high-performance magnets, manufacturers worldwide are now facing the reality that access to certain critical inputs cannot 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, despite record energy consumption levels in 2024, demand is expected to continue rising. This follows a separate report indicating that the US grid will need to expand 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 increasingly common, utilities are under growing pressure to enhance the resiliency and reliability of their power delivery systems. While issues such as icing on wind turbine blades have been widely discussed, the physical distribution of energy has received less attention. Wind farm components are now adopting the latest technologies to modernize their fleets and extend their lifespan.

### The Wrong Mix Can Bring Down Your Turbine

Ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wind turbines requires a deep understanding of the fluids that facilitate their operation. Compatibility testing is crucial in preventing costly problems arising from the use of incompatible lubricants. This article delves into the importance of fluid compatibility testing in industries such as power generation, emphasizing its role in enhancing equipment reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

### Energy Storage Microgrids Pack a Big Punch

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### Latest News

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

BAE Systems’ innovative Gen3 electric drive system has successfully completed testing at the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus Research and Testing Center, showcasing best-in-class fuel economy and emission results. During testing, the bus equipped with the Gen3 system achieved an average fuel economy of 6.6 miles per gallon, establishing a new benchmark for hybrid-electric buses in North America.

Bob Lamanna, vice president and general manager of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems, stated, “The test results highlight the efficiency of our proven technology, which enhances sustainability while delivering the reliability, performance, and cost savings that transit authorities expect.”

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

Governor Tony Evers announced that Yaskawa America Inc. will invest at least $180 million and create over 700 new high-paying jobs in Wisconsin. This expansion will consolidate its Illinois and Wisconsin facilities into a single campus in Franklin, Wisconsin, over the next 8-10 years.

Yaskawa America manufactures industrial robots and motion control products for various industries. This expansion will also include the manufacturing of robots in Franklin that will be shipped directly to customers or integrated into production lines at their Ohio facility.

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

LF Energy, the open-source foundation focused on collaborative technologies to expedite the energy transition, has announced the agenda for its upcoming summit in Aachen, Germany, on September 10-11, 2025. The event will feature over 75 breakout sessions, including keynotes from leading electrical utilities and technology firms.

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

Stryten Energy has announced that its M-Series Li600 batteries are now certified for Hyster Power Cellect and Yale Power Key-equipped trucks. These lithium-ion batteries utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, enabling faster charging and increased efficiency.

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

Twenty-seven high school teams from across the United States are set to compete in the 32nd annual Solar Car Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway, where they will race to see which team’s car can travel the greatest distance over four days. The challenge aims to motivate students in science, engineering, and alternative energy.

**Factorial Launches Gammatron, AI-Enabled Digital Twin Platform to Accelerate Battery Innovation**

Factorial has introduced Gammatron, an AI-driven simulation platform designed to enhance the development of next-generation batteries. Gammatron integrates electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and lab data to optimize battery behavior and reduce development timelines drastically.

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

SEG Solar has completed its first transaction for the sale of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits, valued at up to $50 million. This transaction will significantly bolster SEG Solar’s financial position and further its investment in U.S. manufacturing.

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For more updates on clean energy innovations and initiatives, stay tuned to North American Clean Energy.”