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

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Recent export restrictions on essential rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium have highlighted the global significance of these materials for advanced manufacturing. China has introduced new licensing requirements, particularly impacting elements used in high-performance magnets. As a result, manufacturers across the globe are realizing that access to these critical inputs can no longer be taken for granted.

### How the Yellow School Bus is Helping Modernize the US Grid
A recent report from the US Energy Information Administration reveals that energy consumption reached record levels in 2024, with no indications of slowing down. This comes on the heels of another report indicating that the US grid must boost its capacity for generating and delivering electricity by 16 percent over the next four years to meet increasing energy demands.

### Protecting Our Grid Lines
Utilities are under increasing pressure to enhance the resiliency and reliability of their power delivery systems due to the growing severity of weather events. While much focus has been placed on the icing of wind turbine blades, less attention has been given to the physical means of distributing that energy. Wind farms are now integrating 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 keep them operating smoothly. Compatibility testing is crucial in preventing costly problems that arise from mixing incompatible lubricants. This article delves into 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 has announced that its innovative Gen3 electric drive system has successfully completed testing at the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus Research and Testing Center. The bus achieved an impressive average fuel economy of 6.6 miles per gallon during testing, establishing a new benchmark for hybrid-electric buses in North America. The Gen3 system not only improves power delivery and acceleration but also significantly reduces 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. The company will consolidate its Illinois and Wisconsin facilities into a new campus in Franklin, Wisconsin, relocating its North American headquarters from Waukegan, IL. This expansion coincides with Yaskawa Electric Corporation’s 110th anniversary and underscores its commitment to advancing manufacturing in the region.

### 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, will focus on collaborative open technologies and standards aimed at accelerating the energy transition. With over 75 breakout sessions planned, the event will gather members of the LF Energy community, including developers and utilities, to share best practices and insights on implementing open-source technologies in the energy sector.

### 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 for use with Hyster Power Cellect and Yale Power Key-equipped trucks. These maintenance-free lithium-ion batteries utilize lithium iron phosphate technology for faster charging and greater efficiency. The integration enhances performance and reliability, providing customers with a robust solution for their material handling needs.

### Solar Car Challenge to Bring Teens from Across the U.S. to Texas for Epic Race
Twenty-seven high school teams from around the U.S. are gearing up for the 32nd annual Solar Car Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway. The event, designed to inspire students in science and engineering, will see teams race their solar-powered cars for four days starting July 20. Preparations began last September, and students will face rigorous evaluations before the race begins.

### Factorial Launches Gammatron, AI-Enabled Digital Twin Platform to Accelerate Battery Innovation
Factorial has launched Gammatron, an AI-driven simulation platform designed to enhance battery development by predicting and optimizing performance. Gammatron integrates electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and lab data to simulate battery behavior, significantly shortening the validation timeline for new cell designs. This innovative tool aims to accelerate the development of next-generation batteries.

### SEG Solar Announces First Section 45X Tax Credit Sale
SEG Solar has successfully completed its first sale of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits, valued at up to $50 million. This transaction, tied to SEG’s solar module production in Houston, Texas, signals a significant financial milestone for the company, enhancing its cash flow and enabling further investment in U.S. manufacturing.
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