PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES
China completes world’s largest vanadium flow battery plant
China completed the main construction works on the world’s largest vanadium redox flow battery energy storage project. The project, backed by China Huaneng Group, features a 200 MW/1 GWh VRFB system paired with a 1 GW solar farm.
China’s Anhui Deli breaks ground on $70 million glassware facility
China’s Anhui Deli broke ground on an Egyptian glassware facility. The $70 million project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase expected to open during the second half of 2026.
New Queen Elizabeth II memorial to feature glass bridge
A proposed national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II featuring a glass bridge moved closer to fruition after Foster + Partners was chosen to bring the concept to reality. The winning design concept features commemorative gardens, a statue of Prince Philip, and a unique glass bridge over the central lake in St. James’ Park, London.
Underwater turbine spinning for six years off Scotland’s coast is a breakthrough for tidal energy
Submerged in about 40 meters of water off Scotland’s coast, a turbine has been spinning for more than six years to harness the power of ocean tides for electricity—a durability mark that demonstrates the technology’s commercial viability.
Graphene Innovations Manchester launches new hub at Sharjah Innovation Park
Graphene Innovations Manchester, a U.K.-based deep-tech company, launched GIM WildCat, a new commercial development and investor engagement center at Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park, aimed at accelerating the commercialization of graphene-based technologies in the Middle East.
Heidelberg Materials launches first industrial-scale facility for enforced carbonation in Poland
Heidelberg Materials started operations at its new industrial pilot facility for enforced carbonation in Górażdże, Poland. This launch marks the next step in the large-scale implementation of Heidelberg Materials’ patented ReConcrete process.
ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS
Norway and US renew hydropower and marine energy research pact
Norway and the United States signed a renewed memorandum of understanding covering hydropower and marine energy research, continuing an energy research collaboration that began in 2020.
CECIMO announces launch of Manifesto to position Europe as a global AM leader
The European Association of Manufacturing Technologies announced the launch of the Manifesto for a Competitive European Additive Manufacturing Sector, co-signed by 10 national associations representing the additive manufacturing ecosystem across Europe. The manifesto embodies a unified commitment to advancing the European additive manufacturing industry.
Emerson and Tata Technologies to innovate advanced testing solutions for next-gen mobility
Automation solutions provider Emerson partnered with product engineering and digital services company Tata Technologies to innovate integrated testing and validation solutions for global original equipment manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicle sectors.
OTHER STORIES
Johns Hopkins hosts international energy summit to accelerate clean technology innovation
Researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals convened on Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus June 23 for the Energy Technology and Science Bridge, an international forum designed to accelerate energy innovation through strategic partnerships.
glasstec and A+A under new management
On Sept. 1, 2025, Daniel Feische will move to the Occupational Safety & Health and Glass Technologies portfolios as director and will be fully responsible as of December. He succeeds Lars Wismer, who is taking on the role of regional head of Messe Düsseldorf for Asia in Singapore.
Restart for Admatec and Formatec: Continuation under new names
After the bankruptcy of Admatec/NL and Formatec/NL at the end of April 2025, a restart was successfully worked on under the leadership of former director and co-founder of Admatec. Since the beginning of June 2025, the companies have continued their activities under new names: Admatec Additive Solutions B.V. and Formatec Advanced Products B.V.
MARKET TRENDS
Enhanced geothermal systems could supply up to 20% of the electricity in the US by 2050
An analysis by Princeton University researchers found that if the costs of deploying enhanced geothermal systems fall as more of the technology is implemented—following trends observed in other energy technologies—then it could emerge as the third most significant clean energy technology behind wind and solar.
A focus on homes, not power plants, could halve energy bills
A new report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis says that focusing on household solutions such as thermal upgrades, efficient electric appliances, solar, batteries, and load-shifting would be an effective strategy to halve residential energy bills.
From concrete to canopy: The grey-to-green shift urban India urgently needs
Researchers from The Energy And Resources Institute argue that the shift from concrete to canopy is not merely aesthetic or environmental but a matter of survival, equity, and quality of life.
NEW PRODUCTS
Caelux ships first commercial order of perovskite-coated glass
U.S. perovskite company Caelux said it has shipped its Active Glass product to an unnamed silicon solar panel manufacturer for use in an unnamed U.S. solar developer’s project. Caelux explained in a previous Solar Power World article that it coats its perovskite design onto glass, and then the glass is used as the front-glass portion of a solar panel.
Start-up offers green solutions for extraction of lithium
In 2024, researchers at The Australian National University developed the world’s first thermal desalination method, where water remains in the liquid phase throughout the entire process. They have partnered with U.S.-based company, Wacomet Water Co, to commercialize this technology in Australia and overseas.
World’s most porous sponges: Intricate carbon-trapping powders hit the market
In May 2025, a $150-million factory making filters to capture carbon dioxide opened in Burnaby, Canada. The factory’s opening signals a commercial breakthrough for an intriguing class of super-sponge material invented more than 30 years ago: metal organic frameworks.
Author
Lisa McDonald
