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Major Sustainability Impact via Renewable Power

Globally, there is increased interest and investment in sustainable forms of energy via commercialized renewable power technologies such as solar (thermal and photovoltaics), wind, biomass, geothermal, and other viable sources that are at the center stage. As part of the definitive pathways towards de-carbonization, investors, lenders, market players, and policymakers are increasingly becoming aware of the need for flexibility in the energy value and supply chain. This key area is a critical market segment wherein renewable power technologies are expected to play an important role in both front of-the-meter (FTM) and behind-the-meter (BTM) applications. Accordingly, renewable power is an attractive option to power generators, process plants, commercial and industrial (C&I), institutional, and residential facilities in reducing overall carbon footprint.

Spotlight

Solarity Solar Energy

Solarity United, established in 2011, is one of the leading renewable energy companies in Kuwait. Our aim is to deliver the top technologies and solutions in the renewable energy field to both the private and government sectors. Solarity engineers work with clients beginning from energy efficiency consulting up until the design and installation of the project.

OTHER ARTICLES
Strategy and Best Practices

Indigenous lands can be ground zero for a wind energy boom

Article | July 8, 2022

It all started about four years ago, when SUVs and pickup trucks drove uninvited onto their lands, remembers Olimpia Palmar, a member of the Indigenous Wayúu peoples, who historically have occupied the La Guajira desert in northern Colombia and Venezuela. "We started seeing these arijunas [Wayuúunaiki for non-native peoples] wearing construction helmets and boots and vests, getting out of the cars, checking the desert, and then leaving," she recalls. Word soon began circulating across the Guajira Peninsula, from the rancherías — the community’s rural settlements — to the few urban centers: The arijunas were offering money to those who would let them plant tall, slim towers on their lands to measure the wind. On La Guajira’s dusty earth, where few things grow, towers began to sprout. By 2019, at least 30 wind-measuring towers had risen on Wayúu land, according to a report by Indepaz, a nonprofit research center.

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Energy

AI in the Renewable Energy Sector: Investment Perspective

Article | July 16, 2022

As the worldwide use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy market is expected to reach $7.78 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of 22.49% from 2019 to 2024, it is easy to see why it's a popular topic on the minds of many leading brands in the energy sector, as well as investors looking to reap the future perks that AI could bring to the energy industry. According to BIS Research, North America is expected to be the largest market for AI in energy through 2024. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to rise rapidly over the same time due to the rising need for more decentralized power production. Investment Opportunities in AI-based Energy Industry: Economic Visibility AI's economic viability and progress in the energy business can be attributed to numerous factors, including: The desire to increase operational efficiency. Increased interest in energy efficiency. Decentralized electricity generation is being expanded. Battery storage solutions are gaining popularity. Since artificial intelligence has a wide range of applications, there are several investment opportunities in the energy industry. Upstream Oil and Gas Enhance efficiency and decrease downtime, which is critical for hydrocarbon companies owing to volatile oil prices and demand, to lessen the environmental implications of energy generation and consumption. AI Chatbots AI has the potential to enhance interactions between contact centers and consumers. Utilities that outsource to contact center providers can suffer significant fees. This is where AI, particularly when combined with natural language processing (NLP), can assist contact center operators by listening to conversations and automatically noting information in the appropriate apps, helping operators to make calls more reliable, effective, and satisfying to customers. Smart Homes and Cities AI integration benefits smart meters and smart energy management systems as well. Many residences and towns can utilize AI to collect real-time data and apply it in a number of ways to function more effectively and efficiently, enhancing sustainability while also making a living more comfortable and cities more accessible. Monitoring Trends in Energy Generation and Consumption Artificial intelligence is being utilized to assist energy companies and customers in recognizing and tracking patterns in energy generation and consumption. AI, for example, can predict the potential output of a certain wind or solar plant. Closing Lines Banking, finance, and trade are some of the suitable businesses that can profit. For example, AI and machine learning can be used in algorithmic trading, which involves utilizing computer programs to make trades in the energy business at speeds and frequencies that any human trader would consider inconceivable.

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Energy, Industry Updates

Renewable Fuels Will Help Pave the Way to a 100% Renewable Energy

Article | July 29, 2022

The need to reduce carbon emissions is real. In 2018, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that global emissions would need to reach net-zero (or carbon-neutral) by 2050 to prevent severe climate change impacts. Electricity is a major contributor—electricity generation was responsible for approximately 33% of total CO2 emissions in the U.S. in 2018. Electric utilities stand to play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions. Many are up to the task of decarbonizing their operations and supplying carbon-free or carbon-neutral energy to their customers.

Read More
Solar+Storage

Renewables find success in ‘black start’ experiment

Article | June 14, 2022

Have you ever thought about what would happen if a power station failed? Without electricity to bring itself back online, it would be near impossible for a station to begin operating again, like trying to set fire to paper without a flame. This scenario would quickly lead to widespread chaos, with hospitals and schools plunged into darkness, refrigeration, and sanitation seriously hampered and transport systems brought to a standstill. For these reasons (and many, many more), governments and electricity networks often have complex and rigorous plans in place to bring dead power stations back online at the earliest.

Read More
Strategy and Best Practices

Technologies Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy

Article | July 8, 2022

It all started about four years ago, when SUVs and pickup trucks drove uninvited onto their lands, remembers Olimpia Palmar, a member of the Indigenous Wayúu peoples, who historically have occupied the La Guajira desert in northern Colombia and Venezuela. "We started seeing these arijunas [Wayuúunaiki for non-native peoples] wearing construction helmets and boots and vests, getting out of the cars, checking the desert, and then leaving," she recalls. Word soon began circulating across the Guajira Peninsula, from the rancherías — the community’s rural settlements — to the few urban centers: The arijunas were offering money to those who would let them plant tall, slim towers on their lands to measure the wind. On La Guajira’s dusty earth, where few things grow, towers began to sprout. By 2019, at least 30 wind-measuring towers had risen on Wayúu land, according to a report by Indepaz, a nonprofit research center.

Read More
Energy

The Role of AI Technology in the Renewable Energy Sector

Article | July 16, 2022

As the worldwide use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy market is expected to reach $7.78 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of 22.49% from 2019 to 2024, it is easy to see why it's a popular topic on the minds of many leading brands in the energy sector, as well as investors looking to reap the future perks that AI could bring to the energy industry. According to BIS Research, North America is expected to be the largest market for AI in energy through 2024. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to rise rapidly over the same time due to the rising need for more decentralized power production. Investment Opportunities in AI-based Energy Industry: Economic Visibility AI's economic viability and progress in the energy business can be attributed to numerous factors, including: The desire to increase operational efficiency. Increased interest in energy efficiency. Decentralized electricity generation is being expanded. Battery storage solutions are gaining popularity. Since artificial intelligence has a wide range of applications, there are several investment opportunities in the energy industry. Upstream Oil and Gas Enhance efficiency and decrease downtime, which is critical for hydrocarbon companies owing to volatile oil prices and demand, to lessen the environmental implications of energy generation and consumption. AI Chatbots AI has the potential to enhance interactions between contact centers and consumers. Utilities that outsource to contact center providers can suffer significant fees. This is where AI, particularly when combined with natural language processing (NLP), can assist contact center operators by listening to conversations and automatically noting information in the appropriate apps, helping operators to make calls more reliable, effective, and satisfying to customers. Smart Homes and Cities AI integration benefits smart meters and smart energy management systems as well. Many residences and towns can utilize AI to collect real-time data and apply it in a number of ways to function more effectively and efficiently, enhancing sustainability while also making a living more comfortable and cities more accessible. Monitoring Trends in Energy Generation and Consumption Artificial intelligence is being utilized to assist energy companies and customers in recognizing and tracking patterns in energy generation and consumption. AI, for example, can predict the potential output of a certain wind or solar plant. Closing Lines Banking, finance, and trade are some of the suitable businesses that can profit. For example, AI and machine learning can be used in algorithmic trading, which involves utilizing computer programs to make trades in the energy business at speeds and frequencies that any human trader would consider inconceivable.

Read More
Energy, Industry Updates

Energy Management: An Energy Strategy for the C-Suite

Article | July 29, 2022

The need to reduce carbon emissions is real. In 2018, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that global emissions would need to reach net-zero (or carbon-neutral) by 2050 to prevent severe climate change impacts. Electricity is a major contributor—electricity generation was responsible for approximately 33% of total CO2 emissions in the U.S. in 2018. Electric utilities stand to play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions. Many are up to the task of decarbonizing their operations and supplying carbon-free or carbon-neutral energy to their customers.

Read More
Solar+Storage

Renewables find success in ‘black start’ experiment

Article | June 14, 2022

Have you ever thought about what would happen if a power station failed? Without electricity to bring itself back online, it would be near impossible for a station to begin operating again, like trying to set fire to paper without a flame. This scenario would quickly lead to widespread chaos, with hospitals and schools plunged into darkness, refrigeration, and sanitation seriously hampered and transport systems brought to a standstill. For these reasons (and many, many more), governments and electricity networks often have complex and rigorous plans in place to bring dead power stations back online at the earliest.

Read More
MORE ARTICLES

Spotlight

Solarity Solar Energy

Solarity United, established in 2011, is one of the leading renewable energy companies in Kuwait. Our aim is to deliver the top technologies and solutions in the renewable energy field to both the private and government sectors. Solarity engineers work with clients beginning from energy efficiency consulting up until the design and installation of the project.

Related News

Sustainability

Pattern Energy Signs Power Purchase Agreements for Largest Wind Project in U.S. History

PRnewswire | May 16, 2023

Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern Energy), a leader in renewable energy and transmission infrastructure, announced it has signed long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. (Shell Energy) and the Regents of the University of California, for a portion of the power from its 3,500+ MW SunZia Wind project. Construction of SunZia Wind is expected to start later this year and be completed in 2026, when it will start delivering power to western energy markets. "This wind contract represents another milestone achievement for the University of California," said David Phillips, Associate Vice President of Capital Programs, Energy and Sustainability. "Eight years ago, we signed our first utility-scale contracts for solar and today we are adding another important renewable resource to our portfolio – wind. The University is excited to be part of such a significant renewable project that will reduce carbon emissions and provide more resilience to the California grid." "We welcome these exciting new relationships with Shell Energy and UC Regents on the delivery of New Mexico wind power," said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. "SunZia is providing access to some of the best wind in the world, which has a powerful generation profile with an evening peak that is a perfect complement to daytime solar. We are committed to harnessing New Mexico's wind to generate clean power for 3 million Americans and continuing to have conversations with interested customers throughout the western region." SunZia Transmission will open access to the western energy markets to SunZia Wind, the largest wind project in the Western Hemisphere, which is comprised of more than 3,500 MW of new wind generation located in Torrance, Lincoln, and San Miguel Counties in New Mexico. SunZia Transmission is a 550-mile ± 525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona with the capacity to transport 3,000 MW of clean, renewable energy. SunZia Transmission will enable SunZia Wind to supply customers in Arizona and California during the crucial early evening hours when demand is high but the otherwise available renewable energy supply is low. The SunZia Wind and SunZia Transmission projects have been developed with a deep commitment to local community engagement and environmental stewardship. A key initiative for SunZia has been following through on an extended engagement with local, regional, and national conservation stakeholders. As a result of this commitment and consultation, SunZia Transmission is setting a precedent with a gold standard in environmental mitigation efforts developed hand-in-hand with the environmental community. These range from restoring thousands of acres of wildlife habitat to investing in emerging technology and long-term conservation research. SunZia Wind has established robust environmental best practices to reduce project impacts and study effective habitat restoration strategies in partnership with local and state experts. Pattern Energy recently announced that the SunZia Transmission and SunZia Wind projects are expected to generate $20.5 billion dollars in total economic benefit, which includes over $8 billion of direct capital investment, at no added cost to ratepayers, according to the results of an independent study conducted by research firm Energy, Economic & Environment Consultants LLC. Together, the projects will generate an expected $1.3 billion in fiscal impacts that will go to governments, communities, and schools. These benefits are generated through sales and use taxes, property taxes, community benefit payments, and land payments to federal and state agencies. The projects continue to work with federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as well as local jurisdictions and stakeholders, to finalize remaining approvals to allow construction to begin on schedule this year. About Pattern Energy Pattern Energy is one of the world's largest privately-owned developers and operators of wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects. Its operational portfolio includes 35 renewable energy facilities that use proven, best-in-class technology with an operating capacity of nearly 6,000 MW in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Pattern Energy is guided by a long-term commitment to serve customers, protect the environment, and strengthen communities.

Read More

Sustainability,Energy

SMUD Announce Entering into a Partnership with Swell Energy

Swell Energy | January 03, 2023

Swell Energy and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) publicly announced their agreement for Swell to serve as the aggregator for SMUD's new 'My Energy Optimizer Partner+' program, a virtual power plant effort powered by home customers. The virtual power plant program is one of California's most advanced and inventive undertakings. It combines household solar and battery storage systems to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and make the electric grid more sustainable, resilient, and reliable. Individual solar and battery storage systems only help customers manage their own energy needs. While the program allows customers to use their own systems with others to collect and transmit renewable energy sources to help their communities, customers who sign up for My Energy Optimizer Partner+ will get compensation, called GridRevenueTM, both upfront and over time based on the size of their solar and energy storage systems. As more and more customers add solar panel systems and battery storage solutions, they will be able to manage their energy needs better while reducing their community's carbon footprint. The success of programs like My Energy Optimizer Partner+ will bring additional opportunities for the local population while enabling the large-scale deployment of renewable energy and reducing the need for traditional energy sources in the area. About Swell Energy Swell Energy is an energy management and smart grid solutions provider, working towards the mass adoption and distribution of clean energy technologies. It empowers customers to take control of their energy use and costs, achieve energy security, and participate in the transactive grid. In addition, it offers financing and virtual power plant programs to residential owners and businesses while collaborating with reputable local solar and solar storage organization to ensure smooth and high-quality installations.

Read More

Sustainability,Strategy and Best Practices

Advent Technologies and Vantage Towers Greece Collaborate for a Greener Purpose!

Advent Technologies | December 23, 2022

Contents 1. Eco-friendly POC 2. An Innovative Move 3. Merits of Using Methanol-powered Fuel Cells 4. What Next? Advent Technologies Holdings, a US corporation that develops, manufactures, and assembles complete fuel cell systems, recently announced a proof-of-concept (POC) project in collaboration with one of Europe’s leading tower companies, Vantage Towers Greece. “The total carbon footprint of EU-27 was equal to 6.8 tonnes of CO2 per person in 2019. Services, that accounted for 25% of the total carbon footprint, only accounted for 7% of the direct CO2 emissions” -Eurostat The duo has developed an environment-friendly idea for replacing diesel generators with fuel cells. Vantage Towers Greece, the only independent tower infrastructure company in Greece, believes that non-permanent sites, which are not connected to the power grid, can get electricity by replacing diesel generators with fuel cells. 1. Eco-friendly POC Vantage Towers Greece, a subsidiary of Vantage Towers Group, is planning to incorporate Advent Technologies’ serene biomethanol-powered fuel systems as backup and primary power sources for its telecom towers. The POC aligns with Vantage’s overall strategy of driving sustainable digitalization in Europe. In addition, the company aims to reduce carbon emissions across its network by using clean energy solutions. 2. An Innovative Move From a greener alignsperspective, liquid biomethanol is a better option! It’s much easier to transport and store liquid biomethanol as a hydrogen carrier than hydrogen gas. Moreover, it also enhances the safety of operations by reducing over 80% of carbon emissions compared to diesel generators. 3. Merits of Using Methanol-powered Fuel Cells Advent Technologies’ methanol-powered fuel cells may prove to be a game-changer. Apart from being environment-friendly, it also possesses certain vital advantages, such as a small carbon footprint, no NOx or SOx emissions, less noise compared to conventional generator units, a long operating lifetime, and low service or maintenance fees. Besides, Advent fuel cells can operate in any weather i.e., from extreme cold to hot and humid climates. 4. What Next? If this move turns out to be a success, the two companies may join hands for other wider deployments. Nevertheless, Advent Technologies has already installed around 500 methanol-powered serene fuel cell systems in the Asian market to be used as a backup and primary power source for the telecommunications sector. About Advent Technologies Headquartered in Boston (Massachusetts), Advent Technologies Holdings is a US corporation that supplies customers with critical components for fuel cells in the renewable energy sector. With offices in California, Greece, Denmark, Germany, and the Philippines, the company has over 150 patents issued, pending, and/or licensed for fuel cell technology.

Read More

Sustainability

Pattern Energy Signs Power Purchase Agreements for Largest Wind Project in U.S. History

PRnewswire | May 16, 2023

Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern Energy), a leader in renewable energy and transmission infrastructure, announced it has signed long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. (Shell Energy) and the Regents of the University of California, for a portion of the power from its 3,500+ MW SunZia Wind project. Construction of SunZia Wind is expected to start later this year and be completed in 2026, when it will start delivering power to western energy markets. "This wind contract represents another milestone achievement for the University of California," said David Phillips, Associate Vice President of Capital Programs, Energy and Sustainability. "Eight years ago, we signed our first utility-scale contracts for solar and today we are adding another important renewable resource to our portfolio – wind. The University is excited to be part of such a significant renewable project that will reduce carbon emissions and provide more resilience to the California grid." "We welcome these exciting new relationships with Shell Energy and UC Regents on the delivery of New Mexico wind power," said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. "SunZia is providing access to some of the best wind in the world, which has a powerful generation profile with an evening peak that is a perfect complement to daytime solar. We are committed to harnessing New Mexico's wind to generate clean power for 3 million Americans and continuing to have conversations with interested customers throughout the western region." SunZia Transmission will open access to the western energy markets to SunZia Wind, the largest wind project in the Western Hemisphere, which is comprised of more than 3,500 MW of new wind generation located in Torrance, Lincoln, and San Miguel Counties in New Mexico. SunZia Transmission is a 550-mile ± 525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona with the capacity to transport 3,000 MW of clean, renewable energy. SunZia Transmission will enable SunZia Wind to supply customers in Arizona and California during the crucial early evening hours when demand is high but the otherwise available renewable energy supply is low. The SunZia Wind and SunZia Transmission projects have been developed with a deep commitment to local community engagement and environmental stewardship. A key initiative for SunZia has been following through on an extended engagement with local, regional, and national conservation stakeholders. As a result of this commitment and consultation, SunZia Transmission is setting a precedent with a gold standard in environmental mitigation efforts developed hand-in-hand with the environmental community. These range from restoring thousands of acres of wildlife habitat to investing in emerging technology and long-term conservation research. SunZia Wind has established robust environmental best practices to reduce project impacts and study effective habitat restoration strategies in partnership with local and state experts. Pattern Energy recently announced that the SunZia Transmission and SunZia Wind projects are expected to generate $20.5 billion dollars in total economic benefit, which includes over $8 billion of direct capital investment, at no added cost to ratepayers, according to the results of an independent study conducted by research firm Energy, Economic & Environment Consultants LLC. Together, the projects will generate an expected $1.3 billion in fiscal impacts that will go to governments, communities, and schools. These benefits are generated through sales and use taxes, property taxes, community benefit payments, and land payments to federal and state agencies. The projects continue to work with federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as well as local jurisdictions and stakeholders, to finalize remaining approvals to allow construction to begin on schedule this year. About Pattern Energy Pattern Energy is one of the world's largest privately-owned developers and operators of wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects. Its operational portfolio includes 35 renewable energy facilities that use proven, best-in-class technology with an operating capacity of nearly 6,000 MW in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Pattern Energy is guided by a long-term commitment to serve customers, protect the environment, and strengthen communities.

Read More

Sustainability,Energy

SMUD Announce Entering into a Partnership with Swell Energy

Swell Energy | January 03, 2023

Swell Energy and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) publicly announced their agreement for Swell to serve as the aggregator for SMUD's new 'My Energy Optimizer Partner+' program, a virtual power plant effort powered by home customers. The virtual power plant program is one of California's most advanced and inventive undertakings. It combines household solar and battery storage systems to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and make the electric grid more sustainable, resilient, and reliable. Individual solar and battery storage systems only help customers manage their own energy needs. While the program allows customers to use their own systems with others to collect and transmit renewable energy sources to help their communities, customers who sign up for My Energy Optimizer Partner+ will get compensation, called GridRevenueTM, both upfront and over time based on the size of their solar and energy storage systems. As more and more customers add solar panel systems and battery storage solutions, they will be able to manage their energy needs better while reducing their community's carbon footprint. The success of programs like My Energy Optimizer Partner+ will bring additional opportunities for the local population while enabling the large-scale deployment of renewable energy and reducing the need for traditional energy sources in the area. About Swell Energy Swell Energy is an energy management and smart grid solutions provider, working towards the mass adoption and distribution of clean energy technologies. It empowers customers to take control of their energy use and costs, achieve energy security, and participate in the transactive grid. In addition, it offers financing and virtual power plant programs to residential owners and businesses while collaborating with reputable local solar and solar storage organization to ensure smooth and high-quality installations.

Read More

Sustainability,Strategy and Best Practices

Advent Technologies and Vantage Towers Greece Collaborate for a Greener Purpose!

Advent Technologies | December 23, 2022

Contents 1. Eco-friendly POC 2. An Innovative Move 3. Merits of Using Methanol-powered Fuel Cells 4. What Next? Advent Technologies Holdings, a US corporation that develops, manufactures, and assembles complete fuel cell systems, recently announced a proof-of-concept (POC) project in collaboration with one of Europe’s leading tower companies, Vantage Towers Greece. “The total carbon footprint of EU-27 was equal to 6.8 tonnes of CO2 per person in 2019. Services, that accounted for 25% of the total carbon footprint, only accounted for 7% of the direct CO2 emissions” -Eurostat The duo has developed an environment-friendly idea for replacing diesel generators with fuel cells. Vantage Towers Greece, the only independent tower infrastructure company in Greece, believes that non-permanent sites, which are not connected to the power grid, can get electricity by replacing diesel generators with fuel cells. 1. Eco-friendly POC Vantage Towers Greece, a subsidiary of Vantage Towers Group, is planning to incorporate Advent Technologies’ serene biomethanol-powered fuel systems as backup and primary power sources for its telecom towers. The POC aligns with Vantage’s overall strategy of driving sustainable digitalization in Europe. In addition, the company aims to reduce carbon emissions across its network by using clean energy solutions. 2. An Innovative Move From a greener alignsperspective, liquid biomethanol is a better option! It’s much easier to transport and store liquid biomethanol as a hydrogen carrier than hydrogen gas. Moreover, it also enhances the safety of operations by reducing over 80% of carbon emissions compared to diesel generators. 3. Merits of Using Methanol-powered Fuel Cells Advent Technologies’ methanol-powered fuel cells may prove to be a game-changer. Apart from being environment-friendly, it also possesses certain vital advantages, such as a small carbon footprint, no NOx or SOx emissions, less noise compared to conventional generator units, a long operating lifetime, and low service or maintenance fees. Besides, Advent fuel cells can operate in any weather i.e., from extreme cold to hot and humid climates. 4. What Next? If this move turns out to be a success, the two companies may join hands for other wider deployments. Nevertheless, Advent Technologies has already installed around 500 methanol-powered serene fuel cell systems in the Asian market to be used as a backup and primary power source for the telecommunications sector. About Advent Technologies Headquartered in Boston (Massachusetts), Advent Technologies Holdings is a US corporation that supplies customers with critical components for fuel cells in the renewable energy sector. With offices in California, Greece, Denmark, Germany, and the Philippines, the company has over 150 patents issued, pending, and/or licensed for fuel cell technology.

Read More

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