HAGERSVILLE, Ontario, Feb. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boralex Inc. (“Boralex”) (TSX: BLX) and Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) announce the commercial commissioning of the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park, the largest operating battery energy storage facility in Canada. With a capacity of 300 MW / 1,200 MWh, the landmark project represents a significant milestone in Ontario’s energy transition and positions SNGRDC and Boralex as leaders in large-scale storage solution ...

Core Insights - Statkraft and OX2 have signed a seven-year, 235-MW battery energy storage agreement in Finland, marking Statkraft's largest BESS PPA in the Nordics to date [1][2] Group 1: Agreement Details - The PPA includes two BESS facilities with capacities of 110 MW (220 MWh) and 125 MW (250 MWh), currently under construction [2] - Statkraft will optimize the batteries over a seven-year term starting in 2028, featuring an innovative revenue floor structure to support financing [2] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The agreement emphasizes Statkraft's commitment to enhancing battery energy storage in the Nordics, which is vital for improving system flexibility, stability, and renewable energy integration [3] - Battery energy storage is essential for managing intermittent renewable energy generation, ensuring supply reliability, and facilitating the energy transition [3] Group 3: Executive Insights - Hallvard Granheim from Statkraft highlighted the importance of long-term optimization agreements for predictable revenues, which aid in financing battery energy storage projects [4] - Heikki Herttuainen noted that the agreement reflects the increasing role of battery storage in Finland's energy market, particularly in managing wind power intermittency [4] - Mehmet Energin from OX2 described the agreement as a significant commercial milestone, enhancing the competitiveness of their portfolio and accelerating the growth of flexible energy solutions in the Nordics [4] Group 4: Previous Achievements - Statkraft has previously closed significant battery PPAs, including the 300 MW (600 MWh) Thurrock Storage in the UK, the largest operational BESS scheme in Great Britain [4] - Another notable agreement is with Fidera Energy for the 1.4 GW Thorpe Marsh battery energy storage scheme, which will be the largest facility in the UK once operational [4]

Summary of Conference Call on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and WEG Industry Overview - **Industry**: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Brazil - **Key Players**: Brookfield, WEG, ABB, Siemens (SIE), Schneider Electric (SU) Core Insights 1. **BESS Integration in Brazil**: Large-scale BESS is expected to be integrated into Brazil's energy grid due to issues with curtailment and reliance on renewable energy sources [1][5] 2. **Government Auction**: A BESS capacity auction of 2GW is scheduled for April, but results may vary due to pending regulations [1][5] 3. **Supplier Differentiation**: There is limited differentiation among Tier 1 BESS suppliers, with price being the primary decision factor [1][5] Financial Projections for WEG 1. **Revenue Potential**: BESS could contribute up to R$71 billion (~US$13 billion) to WEG's revenue by 2035, averaging R$6.4 billion (~US$1.2 billion) annually [2] 2. **Valuation Comparison**: WEG is trading at 21.4x EV/EBITDA for 2026 estimates, compared to peers ABB (16-20x) and Siemens (16.4x) [3] BESS Applications and Economics 1. **Application Segments**: BESS applications include large-scale for transmission and distribution, behind-the-meter, and mid-scale solutions [5] 2. **Curtailment Issues**: Selected Brookfield solar projects face curtailment rates of 40-50%, highlighting the need for BESS to enhance efficiency [5] 3. **Cost Trends**: Battery costs have decreased by 90% over the past decade, with current BESS prices ranging from R$1.1-1.3 million/MWh [5] 4. **Investment Returns**: Integrated projects (solar + BESS) can increase internal rates of return (IRRs) by 600-800 basis points [5] Regulatory and Market Challenges 1. **Auction Uncertainties**: The upcoming auction faces uncertainties regarding technical requirements and tax treatment, with a minimum of 1GW expected but a belief that 5GW is needed [5][6] 2. **Import Tariffs**: Recent increases in import tariffs on inverters and BESS components pose challenges for investment [6] Industry Requests 1. **Government Support**: The industry is requesting the government to align contract durations with battery life, update pricing models, and create tax incentives [7] 2. **Supply Chain Concentration**: The battery supply chain is heavily concentrated, with 85% of production in China, leading to higher costs for batteries produced in the US and EU [7] Technological Developments 1. **Sodium Batteries**: Sodium batteries are emerging as a cost-effective alternative, potentially capturing 20-30% of the market share in the next decade [7] 2. **Renewable Energy Integration**: The challenge for Brazil is to scale renewable energy without integrating wind, solar, and BESS effectively [7] Conclusion - The discussion emphasizes the potential growth of BESS in Brazil, particularly for WEG, while also highlighting regulatory challenges and the need for government support to facilitate market growth. The financial outlook for WEG remains positive, supported by the anticipated revenue contributions from BESS.

Group 1: Natural Gas Power Generation - The demand for baseload power generation is driving utilities to invest in modern natural gas-fired power plants, which offer operational flexibility and lower emissions [1] - Over 100 GW of new natural gas generation capacity has been announced in the U.S., although supply chain issues are causing delays [1] - Experts predict a strong near-term outlook for natural gas due to its ability to provide reliable power as the grid integrates more renewable energy sources [1] Group 2: CPV Basin Ranch Project - The CPV Basin Ranch Energy Center in Texas will have a generation capacity of 1,350 MW and is supported by a $1.1 billion loan from the Texas Energy Fund [2][3] - The project aims to enhance grid reliability following the February 2021 winter storm that caused widespread power outages [3] - CPV is committed to developing dispatchable power generation to meet Texas's growing energy demands [4] Group 3: Desert Sun Power Plant - Arizona Public Service (APS) plans to develop a 2,000-MW natural gas-fired Desert Sun Power Plant to support customer growth and data center investments [5] - The project will be executed in two phases, with Phase 1 expected to begin operations by late 2030 [5] - APS aims to maintain a balanced energy portfolio, adding 7,300 MW of new generation resources by 2028 [5] Group 4: Thurrock Power Project - The Thurrock Power project in the UK will feature a 450-MW flexible generation station designed to support grid reliability and integrate renewable energy [6][7] - The project is expected to be operational by late 2026 and will utilize Jenbacher engines for rapid start-up capabilities [7][8] - This project represents a significant milestone in the UK's energy transition towards a low-carbon power mix [8] Group 5: Xcel Energy Initiatives - Xcel Energy is investing in new gas-fired power plants in Texas and New Mexico, with a total capacity of 2,088 MW [9] - The company is transitioning from coal-fired generation to gas-fired units to meet growing energy demands [9] - Xcel's broader portfolio includes 17 new power initiatives aimed at adding over 5,000 MW of capacity by 2030 [9] Group 6: Siemens Energy Projects - Siemens Energy is involved in multiple international projects, including gas-fired plants in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with a focus on hydrogen-ready technology [10] - The company is also developing modular gas-powered solutions for the data center sector, providing scalable power generation [10] Group 7: Net Power's Project Permian - Net Power is advancing its Project Permian clean firm power hub in West Texas, utilizing carbon capture technology [11][12] - The project aims for commercial operations by 2028, with a focus on meeting market demand for clean firm power [12] Group 8: Vistra Corp. Developments - Vistra Corp. plans to invest over $1 billion in new natural gas-fired generation capacity in Texas, targeting 860 MW from two new units [13] - The company aims to add more than 2,000 MW of new capacity in ERCOT between 2024 and 2028 [13] - Vistra is also repurposing the coal-fired Coleto Creek Power Plant to natural gas, restoring approximately 630 MW of generation to the grid [14] Group 9: Duke Energy's Expansion Plans - Duke Energy is proposing a $3.2 billion natural gas-fired plant in South Carolina, with a capacity of 1,400 MW [14] - The company plans to add about 9.7 GW of natural gas-fired generation capacity by 2033 across North and South Carolina [14]

Core Viewpoint - Canadian Solar Inc. has announced a partnership with Sunraycer for the development of two standalone battery energy storage projects in Texas, totaling 503 MWh DC, which will enhance renewable energy integration and grid stability in the ERCOT market [1][4]. Group 1: Project Details - The projects, named Lupinus 1 and Lupinus 2, will have capacities of 202 MWh and 301 MWh respectively, with construction expected to start in Q1 2027 for Lupinus 1 and Q3 2026 for Lupinus 2 [2]. - Lupinus 1 is projected to reach commercial operation in Q3 2027, while Lupinus 2 is expected to achieve this by Q2 2027 [2]. Group 2: Technology and Services - e-STORAGE will supply its SolBank 3.0 battery energy storage system and provide 10 years of long-term services to ensure system reliability and performance optimization [3]. - The battery cells for the SolBank 3.0 are manufactured within Canadian Solar's global network, enhancing supply chain resilience [3]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The Lupinus projects are crucial for supporting renewable energy integration and improving grid stability in one of North America's fastest-growing energy storage markets [4]. - This collaboration highlights the commitment of both companies to deploy efficient energy storage solutions that contribute to a more resilient power grid [4]. Group 4: Company Background - Canadian Solar is a leading global solar technology and renewable energy company, having delivered nearly 170 GW of solar photovoltaic modules globally [6]. - The company has a significant project development pipeline, including 25 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development [6]. Group 5: Subsidiary and Partner Information - e-STORAGE specializes in designing and manufacturing battery energy storage systems for utility-scale applications, with an annual capacity of 15 GWh [7]. - Sunraycer, backed by Crayhill Capital Management, has a pipeline of approximately 2 GW of solar and 2 GW of battery energy storage projects [8].

Core Insights - Alpiq has acquired the Cheviré battery storage facility, which is the largest in France, with a capacity of 100MW and 200MWh, capable of supplying electricity to 170,000 households for two hours [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition was completed on January 21, reinforcing Alpiq's strategy to integrate renewable energy into the energy system [2] - Cheviré is Alpiq's largest operational battery energy storage system (BESS) asset, enhancing its portfolio which now exceeds 750MW across Germany, France, and the Nordics [2][3] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The facility is located on the site of a former fossil fuel power plant, emphasizing Alpiq's commitment to low-carbon power solutions [3] - Alpiq plans further investments in flexible assets across Europe, including a 100MW BESS project in La Corne-en-Vexin expected to come online in 2027 [4] Group 3: Market Positioning - Alpiq views flexibility as crucial for integrating renewable energy and stabilizing electricity grids, positioning France as a strategic market for its growth [5] - The company entered the German battery storage market in December 2025 with a project pipeline totaling 370MW in Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt [5]

Summary of Conference Call Notes Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the **Chinese power grid industry**, specifically focusing on the **State Grid Corporation of China** and its investment plans during the **15th Five-Year Plan (FYP)** period from **2026 to 2030**. [1][3] Key Points and Arguments 1. **Investment Targets**: The State Grid aims for a fixed-asset investment of **Rmb 4 trillion** during the 15th FYP, a **40% increase** from the **Rmb 2.8 trillion** during the 14th FYP. This indicates an annual investment of at least **Rmb 800 billion**, translating to a **CAGR of at least 6%**. [1][8] 2. **Growth Segments**: The **Ultra High Voltage (UHV)** segment is expected to grow the fastest at **24% year-on-year** in **2026E**. Investments will shift towards smart grid infrastructure from **2028E to 2030E** due to the increasing share of renewable energy. [2] 3. **Distribution vs. Transmission**: Over the 2026E-2030E period, distribution investments are projected to grow faster than transmission, increasing its contribution to total investment from **57% to 59%**. [2] 4. **Power Transmission Capacity**: The State Grid plans to enhance cross-regional and cross-provincial power transmission capacity by over **30%** compared to the end of the 14th FYP. [3] 5. **Renewable Energy Integration**: By **2030**, renewable energy is expected to account for approximately **30%** of total power generation, supporting the integration of up to **900 GW** of distributable renewable energy capacity. [7] 6. **Market Dynamics**: The competition landscape shows market share consolidation among top players like **Sieyuan**, **Pinggao**, and **TBEA**. [10][29] Additional Important Insights - **Investment Trends**: In **2025**, the disclosed grid investment reached **Rmb 560.4 billion**, marking a **6% year-on-year** increase, with expectations of achieving **11% year-on-year** by year-end. [10][12] - **Equipment Tendering**: Transmission equipment tendering grew by **26% year-on-year** in 2025, with primary equipment at **27%** and secondary equipment at **20%**. However, UHV equipment tendering declined by **12% year-on-year** due to fewer new lines starting construction. [10][14][22] - **Future Expectations**: Five new UHV lines are expected to start construction in **2026E**, with UHV investments anticipated to peak in **2027E**. [25] - **Consolidation in Product Categories**: There is noted consolidation in product categories such as **GIS**, **disconnectors**, and **power transformers**, with significant market shares held by leading companies. [29] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call regarding the Chinese power grid industry, highlighting investment plans, growth segments, and market dynamics.

Core Insights - ContourGlobal has successfully commissioned a 500 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bulgaria, marking a significant advancement in the country's energy storage capabilities [1][4] - The 202 MW BESS plant is now operational and plays a crucial role in the national electricity market, enhancing power dispatch and integrating renewable energy sources [2][4] - The project received funding from the EU's NextGenerationEU initiative, demonstrating support for energy transition and resilience in Bulgaria [3] Project Details - The BESS facility occupies 25,000 m² within the Maritsa East 3 coal-fired power plant site, utilizing existing grid infrastructure for efficient integration [3] - The facility consists of 110 battery skids from BYD and 28 integrated power conversion systems, converting direct current to alternating current for grid connection [5] - ContourGlobal is also constructing a second 202 MW BESS on the same site, indicating ongoing investment in energy storage solutions [6] Strategic Importance - The operational BESS contributes to better balancing of electricity supply and demand, thereby enhancing grid stability and flexibility [2] - The continued operation of coal-fired units at the Maritsa East 3 plant supports energy security during peak demand periods [4] - ContourGlobal's portfolio now includes 3 GWh of operating BESS projects, highlighting its significant presence in the battery energy storage market [5]

Core Insights - GE Vernova has commenced commercial operations at the Nhon Trach 3&4 Power Plant in Vietnam, which is the first facility in the country to utilize high-efficiency, air-cooled gas turbine technology and liquefied natural gas as a fuel source [1][2] Group 1: Project Overview - The Nhon Trach 3&4 facility is designed to meet the rising electricity demand in southern Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai province [2] - The project aligns with Vietnam's Adjusted National Power Development Plan VIII, which anticipates a significant role for LNG in the country's energy mix by 2030 [2] Group 2: Technological Advancements - GE Vernova supplied two blocks for the project, each exceeding 800MW in capacity, featuring advanced components such as the 9HA.02 gas turbine and STF-D650 steam turbine [3][4] - The integrated Mark VIe Distributed Control System is expected to enhance asset reliability and operational efficiency while reducing costs [4] Group 3: Environmental Impact - The technology employed in the Nhon Trach 3&4 project allows for lower carbon emissions compared to coal-fired plants of similar output, supporting grid stability and the integration of renewable energy sources [5] - The project represents a shift from coal to gas, contributing to Vietnam's commitment to modern energy standards [5][6] Group 4: Efficiency and Employment - The advanced 9HA.02 gas turbine enables the plant to achieve over 63% combined cycle efficiency, positioning it among the world's most efficient power facilities [6] - GE Vernova currently supports up to 30% of Vietnam's electricity supply and employs over 1,100 staff across 13 locations in the country [6]

Industry Overview - The U.S. utility sector is experiencing rapid transformation due to rebounding electricity demand from data centers, AI computing, electrified transport, and domestic manufacturing [1] - Utilities are increasing investments in power generation, transmission networks, and grid upgrades to ensure reliable supply and support long-term growth [1] Transition to Clean Energy - Utilities are phasing out coal and investing in wind, solar, nuclear, and energy storage, driven by federal incentives and state decarbonization goals [2] - This transition is directing capital towards regulated assets that provide steady returns while reducing emissions [2] - A drop in interest rates to 3.5% to 3.75% is favorable for capital-intensive utility companies [2] Company Focus: PPL Corporation and Xcel Energy - PPL Corporation and Xcel Energy are U.S.-regulated electric utility companies heavily investing in grid infrastructure and renewable energy [3] - PPL emphasizes infrastructure upgrades and clean energy investments, supporting stable cash flows and dividends [4] - Xcel Energy's investment case is bolstered by strong capital spending, a clear clean-energy strategy, and rising customer demand [5] Earnings Estimates - PPL's Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 and 2026 EPS indicates year-over-year increases of 7.1% and 7.85%, respectively [7] - Xcel Energy's Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 and 2026 EPS indicates year-over-year increases of 9.1% and 7.98%, respectively [10] Financial Metrics - PPL's return on equity (ROE) is 9.08%, while Xcel Energy's ROE is 10.45% [9][11] - PPL and Xcel Energy plan to invest $20 billion and $60 billion, respectively, to strengthen their infrastructure [9] - PPL is trading at a P/E Forward 12-month of 18.01X, while Xcel Energy is at 17.99X [16][18] Dividend Yield and Debt Metrics - PPL's dividend yield is 3.11%, compared to Xcel Energy's 3.06% and the Zacks Utility-Electric Power yield of 2.84% [13] - PPL has a debt-to-capital ratio of 56.85%, while Xcel Energy's is 61.17% [14] - Both companies maintain a times interest earned (TIE) ratio above 1, indicating financial flexibility [15] Long-Term Investment Plans - PPL expects a regulated capital investment plan of $20 billion from 2025 to 2028, with significant potential demand in its Pennsylvania segment [20] - Xcel Energy aims to spend $60 billion from 2026 to 2030, focusing on electric distribution, generation, and natural gas operations [21] Conclusion - Both PPL Corporation and Xcel Energy are investing to upgrade infrastructure and expand assets, with increasing clean energy generation to meet rising customer demand [22] - Xcel Energy is viewed as having better potential going into 2026 due to better earnings estimates, valuation, ROE, and capital expenditure plans [23]