Alliance members commit to food waste reduction and repurposing, decarbonization

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smithfield Foods Inc., the world’s largest pork processor, is the latest food company to join the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance (FPSA), a collaborative movement to boost food waste reduction and recycling, and expand renewable energy production across America. The Farm Powered Strategic Alliance, founded in 2020 by Vanguard Renewables, Unilever, Starbucks, and Dairy Farmers of America, aims to avoid or eliminate food waste first and repurpose what can’t be eliminated into renewable energy via farm-based anaerobic digesters.

Smithfield’s inclusion in the alliance will further support progress toward sustainability initiatives the vertically integrated company has underway across its operations, including commitments to reduce waste sent to landfills, increase renewable energy sourcing and creation and become carbon negative in its U.S. company-owned operations by 2030.

“Smithfield sets an example for other companies to take a hard look at their business practices to see how they can do even better for the planet,” said John Hanselman, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Vanguard Renewables. “Smithfield has significant sustainability efforts across its value chain and recognizes the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance’s value in offering additional pathways to reach them.”

“Our aggressive sustainability goals and programs are the foundation of how we carry out our commitment to produce 'Good food. Responsibly.^®' with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet,” said Stewart Leeth, Chief Sustainability Officer for Smithfield Foods. “We’re excited to join the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance and accelerate progress toward our leading goals, including our pledge to achieve a 75% reduction in waste and certify 75% of our U.S. facilities zero-waste-to-landfill by 2025.”

The Farm Powered Strategic Alliance, named one of Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas, includes Unilever, Starbucks, Dairy Farmers of America, Vanguard Renewables, Stonyfield Organic, Cabot Creamery, and now Smithfield Foods. The Alliance offers U.S. food manufacturers and retailers a circular approach to reducing the detrimental environmental impacts of CO2 emissions and offers a pathway toward a carbon-neutral footprint. Members have the opportunity to recycle unavoidable food and beverage waste on farms, where it is combined with farm manure in a Farm Powered anaerobic digester to generate renewable natural gas (RNG). The process also produces a low-carbon fertilizer that host farms can use to support regenerative agriculture practices and provide the American farmer with a diversified income stream.

“The world cannot wait for governments to do the right thing; private industry must take initiative, and we are thrilled to welcome Smithfield to the Alliance,” says Hanselman.

More information about Smithfield’s sustainability program and its zero-waste-to-landfill initiatives is available on its website.

To learn more about the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance, visit this link.

About Vanguard Renewables

Vanguard Renewables is a national leader in the development of food and dairy waste-to-renewable energy projects. The Company, based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is committed to advancing decarbonization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farms and food waste and supporting regenerative agriculture best practices on partner farms. Vanguard co-founded the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance alongside food industry leaders Dairy Farmers of America, Unilever, and Starbucks; the Alliance now includes Cabot Creamery, Stonyfield Organic, and Smithfield Foods. The Alliance commits to developing a circular solution for food waste reduction and recycling and decarbonization of manufacturing and the supply chain. Vanguard Renewables owns and operates six on-farm anaerobic digester facilities in the northeast and plans to expand to more than 100 sites nationwide by 2025. Vanguard’s established relationships and renewable natural gas offtake agreements with national utilities including Dominion Energy, Enbridge, ONE Gas, National Grid, and Eversource, and its strategic alliance with 14,500-dairy member cooperative Dairy Farmers of America, position the Company to significantly increase U.S. production and delivery of renewable natural gas to commercial and residential customers across the country. Vanguard is a 2020 Energy Vision Leadership Award recipient and its Farm Powered anaerobic digester at Goodrich Farm in Salisbury, Vermont earned the 2021 Outstanding Dairy Sustainability Award from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. Please visit https://vanguardrenewables.com/fpsa-farm-powered-strategic-alliance/ to learn more.

Vanguard Renewables Media Room
https://vanguardrenewables.com/vanguard-renewables-media-room

About Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. Our 63,000 team members are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly.^®" and have made Smithfield one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions by 30 percent across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield^®, Eckrich^®, and Nathan's Famous^®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

Vanguard Renewables Media Contacts
Billy Kepner (Media)
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Kelley Devaney (Farm Powered Strategic Alliance)
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(855) 720-2364

Smithfield Foods Media Contact
Anna Harry
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CALGARY, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--$BLN #TSX--Blackline Safety Corp. (TSX: BLN), a global leader of gas detection and connected safety solutions, today announced it has been named a preferred supplier of portable gas detection equipment for Royal Dutch Shell. This preferred supplier status is part of a three-year global framework agreement to support the technology safety programs at Shell's offshore and onshore facilities and installations around the world.

Technological advancement to support digital transformation

“We know that Shell has choice in gas detection, and we are thrilled to be selected to provide our connected worker solutions enterprise-wide, while supporting their digital transformation journey,” said Cody Slater, CEO and Chair for Blackline Safety.

“Our partnership brings a new level of technological advancement to Shell’s gas detection capabilities, replacing legacy devices with our cloud-connected, location-enabled G7 safety wearables and G7 EXO portable area gas monitors that offer 24/7 protection and visibility to workers and worksites of all types.”

Easy to use devices generate data to generate value

Blackline Safety’s G7 wearable gas detection devices and G7 EXO portable area monitors deliver optional 24/7 live monitoring by personnel who can initiate an alert and ensure the safety of workers in the event of an emergency. The data analytics from these devices also generate insights to help customers make sound, proactive business decisions that support a well-rounded, efficient and cost-effective safety program.

About Blackline Safety

Blackline Safety is a global connected safety leader that helps to ensure every worker gets their job done and returns home safely each day. Blackline provides wearable safety technology, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software and data analytics to meet demanding safety challenges and increase productivity of organizations with coverage in more than 100 countries. Blackline Safety wearables provide a lifeline to tens of thousands of people, having reported over 161 billion data-points and initiated over five million emergency responses. Armed with cellular and satellite connectivity, we ensure that help is never too far away. For more information, visit www.BlacklineSafety.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

MEDIA

Blackline Safety
Christine Gillies, CMO
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+1 403-629-9434

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE: EPD) today announced that it recently started commercial service on its new Gillis Lateral pipeline and the associated expansion of its existing Acadian Haynesville Extension system to serve the growing liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) market on the Gulf Coast. The approximately 80-mile Gillis Lateral originates near Alexandria, Louisiana on Enterprise’s Acadian Haynesville Extension system and extends to third party pipeline interconnects near Gillis, Louisiana, including multiple pipelines serving LNG export facilities. The recently completed Gillis Lateral pipeline has the capability to transport approximately 1 billion cubic feet per day (“Bcf/d”) of natural gas.

“By leveraging the flexibility of our Acadian system, Enterprise is providing natural gas producers in the growing Haynesville shale, one of the most lucrative natural gas plays in the U.S., with access to the higher valued global LNG market,” said Natalie Gayden, senior vice president, Natural Gas Assets for Enterprise’s general partner. “This environmentally responsible project will facilitate delivery of affordable, clean-burning U.S. natural gas to developing nations living in energy poverty that may otherwise rely on highly polluting solids, such as wood, coal and animal waste for heating and cooking. The Gillis Lateral is fully subscribed with long-term, firm commitments from shippers.”

To accommodate the additional volumes, Enterprise increased capacity on its Acadian Haynesville Extension pipeline from 1.8 Bcf/d to 2.1 Bcf/d by increasing horsepower at its Mansfield compressor station in DeSoto Parish. The Legacy Acadian and Haynesville Extension pipelines are part of the Acadian Gas Pipeline system, which is comprised of approximately 1,300 miles of natural gas pipelines and leased underground storage. It links natural gas supplies in Louisiana and offshore Gulf of Mexico to distribution companies, electric utility plants and industrial customers located primarily in the Baton Rouge/New Orleans/Mississippi River corridor area. Enterprise’s 378-mile Haynesville Gathering system has a capacity of approximately 1.3 Bcf/d, can treat up to 810 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and provides a significant and reliable source of supply for the Acadian system.

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is one of the largest publicly traded partnerships and a leading North American provider of midstream energy services to producers and consumers of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. Services include: natural gas gathering, treating, processing, transportation and storage; NGL transportation, fractionation, storage and marine terminals; crude oil gathering, transportation, storage and marine terminals; petrochemical and refined products production, transportation, storage, and marine terminals and related services; and a marine transportation business that operates on key U.S. inland and intracoastal waterway systems. The partnership’s assets include approximately 50,000 miles of pipelines; 260 million barrels of storage capacity for NGLs, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals; and 14 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage capacity. Please visit www.enterpriseproducts.com for more information.

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein that address activities, events, developments or transactions that Enterprise and its general partner expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including required approvals by regulatory agencies, the possibility that the anticipated benefits from such activities, events, developments or transactions cannot be fully realized, the possibility that costs or difficulties related thereto will be greater than expected, the impact of competition, and other risk factors included in Enterprise’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Except as required by law, Enterprise does not intend to update or revise their respective forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Randy Burkhalter, Investor Relations, (713) 381-6812 or (866) 230-0745, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rick Rainey, Media Relations, (713) 381-3635, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

100+ workforce development programs designed to create good-paying jobs and prepare work-ready adults and youth for family-supporting careers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exelon Corporation was selected by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) to receive its highest honor, the Chairman’s Award, which recognizes a company for excellence in workforce development leadership. The organization said it selected Exelon for its notable leadership in ensuring a skilled, diverse energy workforce, improving lives through its efforts, contributing to a stronger energy industry and strengthening the communities it serves.

“One of the best ways we can help our communities thrive is by supporting economic development and doing our part to prepare the workforce of tomorrow,” said Robert Matthews, vice president and Chief Diversity Officer, Exelon. “Our utility-based job training programs and STEM education programs are designed to bring more people of color and women into family-supporting careers, so that as our communities prosper, no one is left behind.”

Exelon operates more than 100 different workforce development programs across its six utilities and competitive generation business. The programs target the unemployed and underemployed and equip them with valuable job skills.

• Since inception, more than 34,000 people have participated in Exelon’s various workforce development programs.
• Of that group, 80% participated in one of Exelon’s STEM-related programs and the other 20% completed one of the company’s job training programs.
• Through September of this year, more than 1,700 job training graduates (25 percent) of our workforce development programs have been hired at Exelon and other companies.

CEWD also presented two of Exelon’s energy companies, ComEd and Delmarva Power, with its Community Partner Award. Delmarva Power was recognized for its Path to Success Program, which supports the company’s mission of creating economic equity within the communities it serves, and ComEd was recognized for the strength of its community partnerships with Chicago Builds and the CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy.

To learn more about how Exelon is powering its communities through its workforce development programs, click here. To learn more about careers at Exelon, click here.

About Exelon

Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC) is a Fortune 100 energy company with the largest number of electricity and natural gas customers in the U.S. Exelon does business in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Canada and had 2020 revenue of $33 billion. Exelon serves approximately 10 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania through its Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco subsidiaries. Exelon is one of the largest competitive U.S. power generators, with more than 31,000 megawatts of nuclear, gas, wind, solar and hydroelectric generating capacity comprising one of the nation’s cleanest and lowest-cost power generation fleets. The company’s Constellation business unit provides energy products and services to approximately 2 million residential, public sector and business customers, including three fourths of the Fortune 100. Follow Exelon on Twitter @Exelon

Liz Keating
Exelon Corporate Communications
312-848-0176
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Collaboration includes strategic investment from BHP Ventures closed as part of prior Series C funding

Joint MOU executed to explore applications for Energy Vault’s proprietary energy storage and software technology to support electrification in BHP’s large-scale mining operations

LUGANO, Switzerland & WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Energy Vault, Inc. (“Energy Vault”), the company developing sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions, and BHP, a leading global natural resources company, today announced a joint collaboration that will focus on the deployment and implementation of Energy Vault’s energy storage solutions in BHP’s key operations and other potential applications for the technology. BHP Ventures, BHP’s internal venture capital unit, also joined other investors in a final close of Energy Vault’s Series C funding round announced earlier this year.

The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) focused on studying the application of Energy Vault’s technology to support power supply and energy storage at certain BHP operations while exploring opportunities for new applications relevant to BHP’s business. The companies will also assess local supply chain collaboration, eco-brick composite manufacturing (including the potential for beneficial re-use of mine tailings or waste), and joint maintenance and monitoring support centers. This represents an opportunity to facilitate Energy Vault’s further geographic expansion into the Australian and other global markets where BHP has operations starting in 2022.

“We are excited to deepen our relationship with BHP to support one of the world’s largest companies and a global leader in natural resources production to explore applications for our technology in the electrificaiton of their mining operations,” said Robert Piconi, Co-Founder and CEO of Energy Vault. “Our company’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy transition to make sustainable, decarbonized energy a reality. This MOU demonstrates the strong momentum and demand that we continue to experience for our advanced energy storage technology across multiple industry segments and the most critical energy storage applications.”

Mark Frayman, Head of BHP Ventures, said: “Broad collaboration and the development of new technologies will be fundamental to achieving decarbonization across the global resources industry. We are excited to partner with Energy Vault, following our strategic investment in the company earlier this year. Energy Vault’s technology has the potential to unlock cleaner energy solutions for our operations and create a competitive edge by helping to accelerate our decarbonization initiatives. This partnership may also present an opportunity to improve life-cycle sustainability by using eco-bricks made with mine tailings, and to create new opportunities for local suppliers.”

Energy Vault’s advanced gravity energy storage solutions are based on the proven physics and mechanical engineering fundamentals of pumped hydroelectric energy storage, but replace water with custom-made composite blocks which do not lose storage capacity over time. The blocks can be made from low-cost and locally sourced materials, including the excavated soil at the construction site, but can also utilize locally available waste materials such as mine tailings, coal combustion residuals (coal ash), and fiberglass from decommissioned wind turbine blades.

Additionally, the Energy Vault systems are intended to minimize environmental and supply chain risks. The systems are automated with advanced computer control and machine vision software that orchestrate the charging and discharging cycles while meeting a broad set of storage durations starting from 2 hours and continuing to 12 hours or more.

About Energy Vault

Energy Vault develops sustainable energy storage solutions designed to transform the world’s approach to utility-scale energy storage for grid resiliency. Our proprietary gravity-based Energy Storage Technology and the Energy Storage Management and Integration Platform are intended to help utilities, independent power producers and large industrial energy users significantly reduce their levelized cost of energy while maintaining power reliability. Utilizing eco-friendly materials with the ability to integrate waste materials for beneficial re-use, Energy Vault is facilitating the shift to a circular economy while accelerating the clean energy transition for its customers.

Energy Vault previously announced an agreement for a business combination with Novus Capital Corporation II (NYSE: NXU, NXU.U, NXU WS), which is expected to result in Energy Vault becoming a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange in the first quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

About BHP

BHP is a world-leading resources company that produces iron ore, copper, nickel, metallurgical coal and petroleum for sale to global markets. BHP has approximately 80,000 employees and contractors, primarily in Australia and the Americas. BHP’s global headquarters are in Melbourne, Australia.

About Novus Capital Corporation II

Novus raised approximately $287.5 million in its February 2021 IPO and its securities are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbols “NYSE: NXU, NXU.U, NXU WS.” Novus is a special purpose acquisition company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. Novus Capital is led by Robert J. Laikin, Jeff Foster, Hersch Klaff, Larry Paulson, Heather Goodman, Ron Sznaider and Vince Donargo, who have significant hands-on experience helping high-tech companies optimize their existing and new growth initiatives by exploiting insights from rich data assets and intellectual property that already exist within most high-tech companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “designed,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity, expectations and timing related to the rollout of Energy Vault’s business and timing of deployments, including with respect to EVS and its anticipated benefits and capacities, the proposed features and designs of the EVx and the Energy Vault Resiliency Center (EVRC) platforms, the availability of low-cost and locally sourced materials to produce “mobile masses,” customer growth and other business milestones, potential benefits of the proposed business combination and PIPE investment (the “Proposed Transactions”), and expectations related to the timing of the Proposed Transactions.

These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Energy Vault’s and Novus’ management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Energy Vault and Novus.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the Proposed Transactions, including the risk that any regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the Proposed Transactions or that the approval of the stockholders of Novus or Energy Vault is not obtained; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transactions; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Energy Vault; risks related to the rollout of Energy Vault’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks related to the inability or unwillingness of Energy Vault’s customers to perform under sales agreements; risks related to Energy Vault’s the performance and availability of EVS; demand for renewable energy; ability to commercialize and sell its solution; ability to negotiate definitive contractual arrangements with potential customers; the impact of competitive technologies; ability to obtain sufficient supply of materials; the impact of Covid-19; global economic conditions; ability to meet installation schedules; construction and permitting delays and related increases in costs; the effects of competition on Energy Vault’s future business; the amount of redemption requests made by Novus’ public shareholders; and those factors discussed in the Registration Statement and in Novus’ Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the business combination under the caption “Risk Factors”, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents of Novus filed, or to be filed, with the SEC.

Important Information About the Proposed Business Combination and Where to Find It

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed merger transaction involving Novus and Energy Vault. Novus has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus of Novus, and certain related documents, to be used at the meeting of stockholders to approve the proposed business combination and related matters. Investors and security holders of Novus are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, as well as any amendments thereto and other relevant documents that will be filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety because they contain important information about Energy Vault, Novus and the business combination. The definitive proxy statement will be mailed to stockholders of Novus as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed business combination. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the registration statement and other documents containing important information about each of the companies once such documents are filed with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

Participants in the Solicitation

Novus and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Novus’ shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Energy Vault and its executive officers and directors may also be deemed participants in such solicitation. Security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of Novus’ executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading Novus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents and other materials filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination when they become available. Information concerning the interests of Novus’ participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their stockholders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the business combination when it becomes available.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction.

Investors
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Escalent Names 29 Utilities as 2021 Business Customer Champions

LIVONIA, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#cogentsyndicated--Fifty-four percent of business customers are highly engaged with their electric and natural gas utilities, driving the industry’s Engaged Customer Relationship (ECR) Index to an all-time high of 786 (on a 1,000-point maximum scale) for 2021. Escalent’s ECR Index is a comprehensive customer relationship measurement used by utility management to assess customer engagement. Among business customers, utilities now tie with other premier business service providers, such as primary banks, Google and Amazon, for having the most engaged relationships. This information is from the Cogent Syndicated 2021 Utility Trusted Brand & Customer Engagement™: Business study by top human behavior and analytics advisory firm Escalent.

Businesses elevated their engagement during the pandemic as they relied on utilities to support their local economies and customers. Utility outreach to local communities is leading to a spike in brand strength, as 58% of business customers say they are highly loyal to their utility. This growth in loyalty is providing a positive impact on utility profits, as half of businesses prefer to use their utility for consumption management and expanded energy-related offerings. In fact, 67% of businesses use a utility offering beyond basic service enhancements.

Despite this strong performance, the study finds that utilities still have to sharpen their focus on customer engagement, as most businesses say they are open to offers from other energy providers. One threat is that 30% of business customers are open to using a third party for alternative energy, such as community or rooftop solar.

“Since 91% of businesses are satisfied with utility service, management teams are now building value by expanding their goals to engaging customers across all touchpoints,” said Chris Oberle, senior vice president, Escalent. “Greater outreach, innovative offerings and brand trust have led businesses to engage with their utility and they want to engage even more deeply. But businesses have also made it clear that if utilities don’t provide the value they seek beyond basic service, they will move to other providers who do.”

Escalent congratulates the 2021 Business Customer Champion utilities listed below, whose customer engagement positions them as best-in-class providers. Their customers value the relationship they have forged with them and are looking to further engage with them as trusted energy advisers.

EAST REGION: Customer Engagement Benchmark Performance

MIDWEST REGION: Customer Engagement Benchmark Performance

SOUTH REGION: Customer Engagement Benchmark Performance

WEST REGION: Customer Engagement Benchmark Performance

NATURAL GAS UTILITIES: Customer Engagement Benchmark Performance

About Utility Trusted Brand & Customer Engagement™: Business

Escalent conducted surveys among 16,604 business electric and natural gas utility customers of 81 US utility companies. Utilities within the same region are given equal weight to balance the influence of each utility’s customers on survey results. The Engaged Customer Relationship (ECR) index is a composite score based upon a 360-degree customer review of how engaged businesses are with their energy utility provider. Scores are composed of ratings across service satisfaction, brand and product experiences. Escalent will supply the exact wording of any survey question upon request.

About Escalent

Escalent is a top human behavior and analytics advisory firm specializing in industries facing disruption and business transformation. As catalysts of progress for more than 40 years, we transform data and insight into a profound understanding of what drives human beings. And we help businesses turn those drivers into actions that build brands, enhance customer experiences and inspire product innovation. Visit escalent.co to see how we are helping shape the brands that are reshaping the world.

Sarah Keller, 734.779.6847
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Sibelga in Brussels, Belgium to Use Itron’s Intelligent Street Lighting Solution to Meet Energy Savings Goals, Improve Safety

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#Belgium--Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating the way utilities and cities manage energy and water, announced today that it is collaborating with EQUANS to bring smart city capabilities to cities in Belgium. Sibelga, distribution network operator in Brussels, will deploy Itron’s intelligent street lighting solution as a service to meet their energy savings goals and improve citizen safety. Beyond the energy savings of the LED streetlight, smart street lighting offers a wide range of benefits, including improved network resiliency, enhanced safety and increased customer satisfaction.

In Brussels, Belgium, Sibelga will work together with EQUANS to deploy Itron’s streetlight network-as-a-service (NaaS). This includes the supply of luminaire controllers, design of the RF Mesh network and 10 years of communication management for each controller provided by Itron. Installation is expected to be complete by the end of 2021. As Sibelga is the only distribution network operator for electricity in the 19 municipalities of the Brussels Capital Region, the Itron solution will help make it possible to improve safety and cut electricity consumption in Brussels by 20% by 2035, which is the equivalent of 600 trips around the planet by car each year.

“With more than 3 million intelligent streetlights managed by Itron globally, we have extensive experience helping utilities and cities improve the performance of their street lighting and lay the foundation for additional smart city services,” said John Marcolini, senior vice president of Itron’s Networked Solutions. “By collaborating with EQUANS to bring intelligent street lighting capabilities to Sibelga, we are helping improve the quality of their lighting and reducing electricity consumption while laying the foundation for future capabilities.”

“In collaboration with Itron, we look forward to bringing smart streetlighting to Sibelga to help improve street lighting efficiency and enhance safety for residents,” said Nathalie Danis, communication officer for the BeLux communication department at EQUANS.

“Using Itron’s intelligent streetlight solution in collaboration with EQUANS, Sibelga looks forward to meeting our energy savings goals in Brussels,” said Serena Galeone, public relations officer at Sibelga. “By taking advantage of Itron’s NaaS offering, we will benefit from Itron’s team of experts to manage and maintain each luminaire controller provided so we can continue to focus on leading the way in intelligent management of energy resources.”

To learn more about Itron’s intelligent streetlight solution, visit this link.

EQUANS, ENGIE Solutions’ new name in Belgium.

Created in July 2021, EQUANS operates as a new separate entity within ENGIE worldwide. With 74,000 employees in 17 countries and an annual revenue of over €12 billion, EQUANS is a new global leader in multi-technical services with an international presence and a strong position in key European markets (France, Belgium and the UK in particular).

We design and provide customized solutions to improve our clients' technical equipment and processes and to optimize their uses. EQUANS expertise and knowledge of our customers' businesses enables us to support them in their energy, industrial and digital transitions.

EQUANS is structured along 6 fields of expertise: Electrical, HVAC, Cooling, Mechanical & Robotics, Digital & IT, Facility management.

In Belgium, EQUANS’ customers can count on the expertise of our 9,600 employees, spread over more than 56 locations. Every day they use their know-how to make cities more attractive, industries more efficient and greener and buildings more sustainable and comfortable.

About Itron

Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure solutions to communities in more than 100 countries. Our portfolio of smart networks, software, services, meters and sensors helps our customers better manage electricity, gas and water resources for the people they serve. By working with our customers to ensure their success, we help improve the quality of life, ensure the safety and promote the well-being of millions of people around the globe. Itron is dedicated to creating a more resourceful world. Join us: www.itron.com.

Itron^® is a registered trademark of Itron, Inc. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated.

For additional information, contact:

Itron, Inc.
Nathalie Viallix
Field Marketing Manager EMEA
Mobile: +33 7 86 54 30 82

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#alberta--Inclusive Energy Ltd. (“Inclusive”), a leader in the oil and gas services sector, is pleased to announce the creation of a strategic partnership and closing of a significant financing with Shiffoil Inc. (“Shiffoil”). Shiffoil is a junior oil and gas producer focused on developing its light oil properties in the Pierson and Daly-Sinclair areas of Manitoba. The investment in Shiffoil consists of a unique financing arrangement, whereby Inclusive will provide a lending facility to fund development drilling activities in exchange for certain royalty interests. The capital provided will initially be directed towards drilling on Shiffoil’s strong inventory of high quality, operated properties in the Pierson area. With its ongoing investments in both public and private companies in the upstream sector, Inclusive is continuing to build its portfolio of well-managed companies, focused on return on capital and value creation.

The funding by Inclusive will complement its existing oilfield equipment business and the partnership will offer unique synergies and efficiencies for Shiffoil to accelerate growth. Inclusive Energy is pleased to be working with Shiffoil - Inclusive will provide both equipment and capital for Shiffoil’s operations and Inclusive looks forward to advancing further opportunities through this creative partnership.

As previously announced, Inclusive Energy, a leader in the oil and gas services sector, has created a significant private equity capital fund, which is immediately available and ready to deploy as part of its ongoing initiative to diversify its investments in the North American energy and natural resource industries. Inclusive Energy is actively seeking upstream investment opportunities in energy companies, projects and assets which offer a strong financial return and growth potential with a sustainable ESG commitment.

Bilal Hydrie, President and CEO of Inclusive Energy, emphasized his continued enthusiasm for investing in the North American energy sector, “We are working hard to bring in capital and equipment to support small producers, and are providing innovative and local solutions to help these companies develop their assets and accelerate growth. We see a lot of upside and are convinced that the time is right to invest in the energy business. With commodity and market strength, we believe the banks and capital markets are overlooking an investment opportunity by essentially abandoning the small energy producers, leaving them financially stranded. We are actively providing debt instruments and creative royalty structures and looking to further expand our participation in this space.”

Mr. Hydrie further expounded on the advantages of energy companies working with Inclusive, “Providing both capital funding and equipment services to companies like Shiffoil creates a natural strategic alignment. Inclusive is pioneering a holistic and sustainable partnership approach, similar to energy services giant Schlumberger’s investment in Torxen Energy, where producing companies benefit from access to both financial resources and equipment.”

Inclusive Energy offers a broad range of flexible, creative and accretive financing alternatives to assist companies or projects with capital requirements. Inclusive can invest at the corporate level or through direct participation in assets/projects via joint ventures, farmins or royalty arrangements.

The management team of Inclusive Energy has decades of specialized experience in the financial, banking and energy sectors, focusing on resource development and value creation. Inclusive Energy is part of the Habib Group, a global leader across a wide range of industries ranging from Banking and other financial services to manufacturing of commodities and biofuels.

Inclusive Energy’s capital investment fund complements its existing oilfield service business, where the company has established itself as an industry leader, focused on delivering the highest standard of customer service, quality, and value to its clients. Inclusive offers flexible payment options to industry on an extensive inventory of equipment including storage tanks, separator vessels, line heaters, rig matts, compressors, pumpjacks and trailers.

For further information about Inclusive Energy and to explore potential investment and partnership opportunities, please contact Inclusive Energy.

Bilal Hydrie, President and CEO
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Inclusivenergy.com

LONDON & BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Giga Carbon Neutrality (GCN), the Canadian and US based clean commercial transportation and technology company, today announced that it has secured a contract to supply 2520 battery powered EV heavy trucks to Guohua Environmental Energy Industry Development Company (Guohua) to fulfill orders on behalf of a large Chinese State owned mining company. In addition, both parties have also entered into a framework agreement for up to 8,000 units of New Energy Vehicles (NEV) including battery EV heavy trucks and logistics vehicles for the mining industry. GCN will provide financial solutions for Guohua’s customers. The first batch of 20 Battery Electric Vehicles is due off the production line in the first half of 2022.

The GCN trucks will be produced in a strategic partnership with Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) and Guohua, who will be supplying the cold weather high performance batteries.

In November 2021, GCN announced its intention to launch a full range of 21 battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles by the end of 2023, which will be configurable to a wide range of commercial use cases. The first vehicles are available to order now for delivery in 2022.

Marty Wade, CEO at Giga Carbon Neutrality, comments: “Coming just a week after the announcement of the contract for 200 Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered trucks, this contract for 2520 battery electric trucks, plus the framework agreement for up to 8000 more, puts us at the forefront of the new energy commercial vehicle sector.”

See GCN’s Hydrogen Tractor on the road in China at https://youtu.be/6MWfu8zswTo

About Giga Carbon Neutrality (www.gigacarbonneutrality.com)

Giga Carbon Neutrality is a clean energy trucking and technology company with a supporting ‘Energy-as-a-Service’ (EaaS) offering that makes running clean, reliable vehicle fleets easy for industrial and commercial transportation companies. GCN'S portfolio includes battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, clean energy storage, charging and refueling infrastructure, and specialist financing to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

About Guohua Environmental Energy Industry Development Company Ltd

Guohua Environmental Energy Industry Development Co., LTD is a high-tech company with R&D and production capacity of new energy battery materials, lithium batteries, solid-state batteries, BMS, PACK system and motor drive system. With registered capital of RMB 50 million, it has a strong research team and a global research network. It also owns multiple research platforms for lithium-ion battery materials, lithium battery and PACK system.

About XCMG (www.xcmg.com)

XCMG is the iconic brand of the equipment industry of China. XCMG group, 78 years of history, is a multinational enterprise giant. No. 1 in Chinese construction machinery industry, top 3 in the industry in the whole world, XCMG has been supplying the products to over 187 countries and regions.

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James Taylor | Roaring Mouse Public Relations
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UAE-based B2B SaaS/E-commerce Company envisages going public via RTO, merger, or traditional IPO

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Interfield Solutions Ltd (“Interfield Solutions”) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement ("Agreement") with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS ("GEM"), the Luxembourg based private alternative investment group, to provide Interfield Solutions with a share subscription facility of up to CAD 30 million for a 36-month term following a public listing. The share subscription facility will allow Interfield Solutions, subject to the further terms, to draw down funds by issuing shares of common stock to GEM. Interfield Solutions will control the timing and the maximum size of such drawdowns and has no minimum drawdown obligation.

In connection with the share subscription facility, on public listing, Interfield Solutions will issue warrants to GEM to purchase, for a period of three years after a public listing of Interfield Solutions common stock, up to 5% of the total equity interests of Interfield Solutions as of such public listing date at an exercise price equal to the public offering price at the time of Interfield Solutions public listing and warrants are subject to a USD 70 million valuation cap. The exercise of these warrants will act as another funding exercise for Interfield Solutions.

This announcement occurs as the Company embarks on its next stage of growth in production capacity in order to satisfy the strong demand witnessed across the wide variety of industrial segments that its technology addresses.

"This agreement with GEM helps to secure funding for continued growth and development of Interfield Solutions as we continue to expand the growth of E-commerce and Big Data Management technologies," stated Hal Hemmerich, Chairman of Interfield Solutions. “With certainty of capital upon listing on a national public stock exchange, Interfield Solutions is now well-positioned as the company enters its next stage of development.”

About Interfield Solutions

Interfield Solutions is a state of the art software development company that provides tailor-made data management solutions via its SaaS-based software Toolsuite for numerous industrial segments worldwide including Oil & Gas, Mining, and Renewables. It also connects industrial companies to its proprietary Business to Business Industrial Marketplace, Equipment Hound.

Toolsuite is an Industrial Data Management Platform that 1) Digitizes Industrial Processes 2) Provides a Cloud Based Platform with Real Time Auditable Data

Equipment Hound is an Industrial E-Commerce Platform that provides 1) Centralized Procurement Gateway 2) Direct connection between Consumers and Manufacturers 3) Secondary market for Surplus/Used Equipment

About GEM

Global Emerging Markets (“GEM”) is a $3.4 billion, alternative investment group with offices in Paris, New York and Nassau (Bahamas) GEM manages a diverse set of investment vehicles focused on emerging markets and has completed over 480 transactions in 70 countries. Each investment vehicle has a different degree of operational control, risk-adjusted return, and liquidity profile. The family of funds and investment vehicles provide GEM and its partners with exposure to: Small-Mid Cap Management Buyouts, Private Investments in Public Equities and select venture investments. For more information: http://www.gemny.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Interfield Solutions (the Company) and its respective businesses. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of each entity. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release, including completion of the public offering, may not occur and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the Company, including risks affecting the Company, economic factors and the equity markets generally. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Interfield Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities.

SOURCE Interfield Solutions

For further information: To learn more about Interfield Solutions please visit https://InterfieldSolutions.com

*Source: AETOSWire

Steele Hemmerich
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Dublin HQ and Düsseldorf office of global mobile infrastructure company now fully operates on renewable energy

DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#5G--MD7, a wireless infrastructure consultancy, has been re-certified as climate neutral company by Climate Partner. The mobile infrastructure provider reduced the CO2 footprint of all of its European offices in 2020 compared to 2019, despite a significant increase in the number of employees. MD7’s European headquarters in Dublin will be its third office to be fully run by green power. The total emissions that were offset by MD7 in 2020 are equivalent to almost 300 tons of CO2.

“We are very proud to have been re-certified as climate neutral company,” Mark Christenson, MD7 President of International says. “Reducing our carbon emissions across all of our offices despite growing really fast is a massive achievement. It also makes me happy to see our office in Düsseldorf move to green energy, making it the second, after Maastricht, to be run by green electricity,” Christenson adds.

“Reducing our carbon footprint by almost fifty percent year-on-year made us save an enormous amount of CO2 emissions,” Aaron Rodrigo, MD7 Program Manager explains. “Many of these saved emissions relate to a significantly lower number of flights – which to some degree is of course related to the very limited business travelling activities during the pandemic. However, even as business travel has started to take off the ground again in 2021, we still keep our emissions from flights at a minimum.”

MD7 is seeking to further increase its carbon offsetting over the coming years, and recently switched its power provider for their headquarters in Dublin to make it their third office in Europe to be fully run by green electricity. MD7 also plans to reduce its CO2 emissions per full-time employee (FTE) by ten percent year-on-year until 2025 compared to 2019. Strategically, MD7’s goal is to not only make all of its current and future offices fully green, but also to become carbon positive by offsetting more CO2 than it produces by 2022.

About MD7

Founded in 2003, MD7 has deep roots in mobile networks and has grown to provide comprehensive expertise to operators worldwide. MD7 understands mobile infrastructure is a valuable asset requiring disciplined management and investment in a rapidly advancing landscape. As the only dedicated global mobile infrastructure consultancy, we believe in extreme partnership and a personalized approach to every opportunity. Our team members, working in the service of operators, are driven by integrity, mutual respect, and commitment to deliver for our partners. For more information, visit www.MD7.com.

Schwartz Public Relations
Tobias Weiß
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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "United States Flexible Solar Panel Market: Prospects, Trends Analysis, Market Size and Forecasts up to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The country research report on the United States flexible solar panel market is a customer intelligence and competitive study of the United States market.

Moreover, the report provides deep insights into demand forecasts, market trends, and, micro and macro indicators in the United States market. Also, factors that are driving and restraining the flexible solar panel market are highlighted in the study.

This is an in-depth business intelligence report based on qualitative and quantitative parameters of the market. Additionally, this report provides readers with market insights and detailed analysis of market segments to possible micro levels.

The companies and dealers/distributors profiled in the report include manufacturers & suppliers of flexible solar panel market in the United States.

Highlights of the Report

The report provides detailed insights into:

1) Demand and supply conditions of flexible solar panel market

2) Factor affecting the flexible solar panel market in the short run and the long run

3) The dynamics including drivers, restraints, opportunities, political, socioeconomic factors, and technological factors

4) Key trends and future prospects

5) Leading companies operating in flexible solar panel market and their competitive position in the United States

6) The dealers/distributors profiles provide basic information of top 10 dealers & distributors operating in (United States) flexible solar panel market

7) Matrix: to position the product types

8) Market estimates up to 2027

The report answers questions such as:

1) What is the market size of flexible solar panel market in the United States?

2) What are the factors that affect the growth in flexible solar panel market over the forecast period?

3) What is the competitive position in the United States flexible solar panel market?

4) What are the opportunities in the United States flexible solar panel market?

5) What are the modes of entering the United States flexible solar panel market?

Key Topics Covered:

1. Report Overview

1.1. Report Description

1.2. Research Methods

1.3. Research Approaches

2. Executive Summary

3. Market Overview

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Market Dynamics

3.2.1. Drivers

3.2.2. Restraints

3.2.3. Opportunities

3.2.4. Challenges

3.3. PEST-Analysis

3.4. Porter's Diamond Model for the United States Flexible Solar Panel Market

3.5. Growth Matrix Analysis

3.6. Competitive Landscape in the United States Flexible Solar Panel Market

4. United States Flexible Solar Panel Market by Type

4.1. Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)

4.2. Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)

4.3. Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)

4.4. Others

5. United States Flexible Solar Panel Market by Application

5.1. Residential

5.2. Commercial

5.3. Mobile

6. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gpgpv7

ResearchAndMarkets.com
Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager
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In the first eBook of a four-part series, Black & Veatch explores the necessity of Gen IV nuclear technology to support global decarbonization efforts

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While November’s COP26 conference further defined the importance of investments in clean energy to achieve critical decarbonization priorities, the event understated the unique challenges facing electric grid operators around the world as they balance the competing priorities brought on by a shift from fossil fuels and the ongoing need for reliable power provision. Navigating the uncertainty of the current decarbonization market will require ingenuity—today’s grid needs to handle multiplying sources of power generation and increased demand due to electrification efforts. Black & Veatch offers additional clarity on these circumstances in its new eBook, Clean Energy: Nuclear Energy and Decarbonization.

The first eBook in a free, four-part series, Clean Energy: Nuclear Energy and Decarbonization takes a hard look at nuclear energy’s potential to accelerate the global journey to net zero. The remaining three eBooks will build upon the foundation laid in Clean Energy to delve into current renewable generation capacity, energy storage technology, the realities of today’s electricity market and the economics of renewable energy production.

The push for decarbonization faces two equally challenging revolutions: propelling monumental change across the power sector while also turning current energy systems on their heads. But as Black & Veatch’s experts assert, other solutions are needed; renewable energy currently provides only 12 percent of total energy supply, one-third of which may not be compatible with a zero-carbon economy. With the ability to scale its carbon-free generation with ever increasing demand for electricity, nuclear energy is perfectly poised to be a key contributor that balances the equation for a zero-carbon economy.

“Though wind and solar are clearly an important part of the mix of the clean energy transition, we must reconcile the fact that intermittency and current limitations of storage do have an impact on supply and demand cycles,” said Jason Rowell, associate vice president and global decarbonization solutions manager with Black & Veatch’s power business. “As the full eBook series highlights, nuclear power offers a solution with reliable, dispatchable, carbon-free generation capacity. Given these characteristics, nuclear energy will be a key player in the clean energy transition.”

As Clean Energy: Nuclear Energy and Decarbonization points out, nuclear energy already constitutes the largest source of carbon-free electricity in the United States. As states, utilities and corporations drive toward a net-zero carbon future, existing nuclear plants will play a key role, along with upcoming plants designed to be smaller, safer, and less expensive to manufacture and install.

Editor’s Notes:

• Download a free copy of Clean Energy: Nuclear Energy and Decarbonization
• Sign up to receive the remaining three eBooks in the series, which discuss current renewable generation capacity, energy storage technology, and the realities of today’s electricity market and the economics of renewable energy production.
• Learn more about Black & Veatch’s experience with nuclear power systems

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is an employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2020 exceeded US$3.0 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

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Company awarded an additional $100,000 grant from the NWT Mining Incentive Program

LONDON, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#Cobalt--Fortune Minerals Limited (TSX: FT) (OTCQB: FTMDF) (“Fortune” or the “Company”) (www.fortuneminerals.com) is pleased to report that it has completed the previously announced drill program on the NICO Cobalt-Gold-Bismuth-Copper Project (“NICO Project”) in Canada’s Northwest Territories (“NWT”) (see September 23, 2021 News Release). A total of 13 holes were completed to varying depths, testing four of the Company’s high priority targets. Equipment and personnel have been demobilized from the site. Several hundred samples have been submitted to ALS Minerals in Yellowknife and North Vancouver for analysis, but no assays have been received to date. Results will be reported after they have been received and compiled into the Company’s electronic drillhole database and reconciled with the NICO deposit geology.

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Based on visual indicators, the recently completed program was modified while in progress to reflect changing priorities. A total of six holes (two additional holes) were drilled to test the east end of the NICO deposit where it remains open for potential expansion. An additional hole, totalling four, tested for potential extensions to mineralization identified in the Peanut Lake Zone and two holes were drilled to test for extensions of the Ralph zone. The Company did not drill the lower priority “Magnetic Anomaly A target” and only one hole was needed to test the Roadcut Zone.

Fortune is also pleased to report that it was one of the recipients of additional Mining Incentive Program grants to advanced exploration projects from the Government of the NWT and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). An additional $100,000 grant was awarded to Fortune, which together with the previous grant of C$140,000, are being applied to the NICO Project drill program. The vast majority of these funds are being used to contract work and services from Yellowknife and Behchoko-based businesses and personnel.

The NICO Project is comprised of a planned mine and concentrator in the NWT and a related hydrometallurgical refinery in southern Canada that will produce cobalt sulphate, gold doré, bismuth ingots and oxide, and a copper cement precipitate. The NICO Project is one of the most advanced cobalt development projects in the world outside of the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) to meet the growing demand in lithium-ion batteries powering electric vehicles, portable electronics and stationary storage cells. The NICO Project is a planned reliable, vertically integrated, and Canadian new supplier of cobalt products with supply chain transparency to mitigate concerns over the geographic concentration of production in the DRC and China and associated political and policy risks. The unique Critical Minerals assemblage of the NICO deposit includes primary cobalt, 12% of global bismuth reserves, by-product copper, as well as a highly liquid 1.1 million ounce in-situ gold co-product.

For more detailed information about the NICO Mineral Reserves and certain technical information in this news release, please refer to the Technical Report on the NICO Project, entitled "Technical Report on the Feasibility Study for the NICO-Gold-Cobalt-Bismuth-Copper Project, Northwest Territories, Canada", dated April 2, 2014 and prepared by Micon International Limited which has been filed on SEDAR and is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Robin Goad, M.Sc., P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortune who is a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101.

About Fortune Minerals:

Fortune is a Canadian mining company focused on developing the NICO Cobalt-Gold-Bismuth-Copper Project in the NWT. The Company has an option to purchase lands in Saskatchewan where it may build the hydrometallurgical plant to process NICO metal concentrates and is also evaluating other brownfield locations with existing facilities to reduce project capital and operating costs. In addition, Fortune owns the satellite Sue-Dianne Copper-Silver-Gold Deposit located 25 km north of the NICO Project mine site and is a potential future source of incremental mill feed to extend the life of the NICO mill and concentrator.

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This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information includes statements with respect to, among other things, the assaying and compiling of drill results, the potential for expansion of the NICO Deposit and the Company’s plans to develop the NICO Project. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management as well as certain assumptions at the date the information is given (including, in respect of the forward-looking information contained in this press release, assumptions regarding: the Company’s ability to conduct and complete the planned drill program; the Company’s ability to secure a site in southern Canada for the construction of a NICO Project refinery; the Company’s ability to arrange the necessary financing to continue operations and develop the NICO Project; the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals for the construction and operation of the NICO Project and the related hydrometallurgical refinery and the timing thereof; growth in the demand for cobalt; the time required to construct the NICO Project; and the economic environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of gold, cobalt and other by-product metals, anticipated costs and the volumes of metals to be produced at the NICO Project). However, such forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. These factors include the risks that the 2021 drill program may not result in a meaningful expansion of the NICO Deposit, the COVID-19 pandemic may interfere with the Company’s ability to conduct the drill program, the Company may not be able to secure a site for the construction of a refinery, the Company may not be able to finance and develop NICO on favourable terms or at all, uncertainties with respect to the receipt or timing of required permits, approvals and agreements for the development of the NICO Project, including the related hydrometallurgical refinery, the construction of the NICO Project may take longer than anticipated, the Company may not be able to secure offtake agreements for the metals to be produced at the NICO Project, the Sue-Dianne Property may not be developed to the point where it can provide mill feed to the NICO Project, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties and in the mining industry in general, the market for products that use cobalt or bismuth may not grow to the extent anticipated, the future supply of cobalt and bismuth may not be as limited as anticipated, the risk of decreases in the market prices of cobalt, bismuth and other metals to be produced by the NICO Project, discrepancies between actual and estimated Mineral Resources or between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries, uncertainties associated with estimating Mineral Resources and Reserves and the risk that even if such Mineral Resources prove accurate the risk that such Mineral Resources may not be converted into Mineral Reserves once economic conditions are applied, the Company’s production of cobalt, bismuth and other metals may be less than anticipated and other operational and development risks, market risks and regulatory risks. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information because it is possible that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forms of forward-looking information will not be achieved by the Company. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise it to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Fortune Minerals Limited
Troy Nazarewicz
Investor Relations Manager
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www.fortuneminerals.com

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#cleanenergy--Daanaa Resolution, Inc. just announced a Series A investment of USD 7M led by VoLo Earth Ventures. The funding will be used to complete Daanaa’s first product in the solar energy vertical and move into commercialization. VoLo Earth, a venture capital firm investing in the new energy economy, sees Daanaa as a versatile technology addressing the global climate crisis.

Daanaa's proprietary semiconductors provide medium- and modality-free power transactions. That allows solar panels to overcome conventional hardware restrictions of cell connectivity, optimizers and inverter composition, dramatically increasing power production and reducing BOS costs. The technology features can be seen on Daanaa’s website at the technology page.

Kareem Dabbagh, Managing Partner at VoLo Earth Ventures, is excited about the multiple opportunities to reduce emissions and accelerate the adoption of more affordable solar energy, “Daanaa’s technology transforms a PV module and system into a cheaper and more reliable technology, while improving efficiency and contributing to more reductions in GHGs.” He adds, “The technology can also apply to numerous other industries and verticals, such as electric vehicles and battery management systems. Together with Daanaa’s diligent and execution-driven team, we have a bright path ahead to support global sustainability efforts and make the technology inherently simpler and more efficient.”

Udi Daon, CEO at Daanaa, welcomes the VoLo Earth team, “We’ve made great progress this year, both on the technical and business sides. We enter this new year with more good news with the partnership. VoLo Earth comes to complement our knowledge by bringing their renewables and clean energy expertise. As we enter the commercialization phase, we will be able to expand operations to other verticals and scale effectively.”

VoLo Earth Ventures believes in responsible ESG and climate-based investing for a sustainable future. The team’s diverse backgrounds and complementary skill sets are supporting assets to entrepreneurs changing the world through climate technologies and innovation.

Daanaa
Udi Daon
+1 672 887 1500 | +1 888 342 3122 (toll free)
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daanaa.com

VoLo Earth Ventures
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voloearth.com

Barbara Burger, CTV President and VP of Innovation, to Retire
Jim Gable, VP of Downstream Technology & Services, to Succeed Burger

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chevron Corporation announced today that Barbara J. Burger, vice president of innovation and president of Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), will retire from the company after 34 years of distinguished service. Jim Gable, currently vice president of Downstream Technology & Services, will succeed Burger, effective February 1, 2022.

Under Burger’s leadership, CTV has made important strides in its strategy to identify and integrate externally developed technologies and new business solutions with the potential to enhance the way Chevron produces and delivers energy now and into the future. Burger holds board and advisory positions with several innovation and climate tech investment funds, incubators and accelerators, and serves on the Board of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) Climate Investment LLP. She just completed her term as chair of Houston Exponential, a convening body for the local innovation ecosystem.

"Barbara is a respected leader in our industry and beyond," said Eimear Bonner, vice president, chief technology officer. "She has played a significant part in driving innovation, technology and new business solutions within Chevron. She has also been instrumental in Chevron’s leadership of the external innovation ecosystem through partnerships such as The Ion innovation hub in Houston and Boston-based Greentown Labs.”

Burger joined Chevron in 1987 as a research chemist and has held numerous management positions with increasing responsibility across International Marketing, Chemicals, Technology Marketing, Lubricants and CTV. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Rochester, an academic honor MBA in finance from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctoral degree in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology.

Gable, who has been at Chevron for 23 years, currently oversees the development and deployment of downstream-related technology for Chevron. In his new position, Gable will leverage the broad commercial, operations and technology experience he has cultivated through previous leadership roles in Corporate Business Development, Value Chain Optimization, Manufacturing and Oronite, and from his current role within the Chevron Technical Center. Gable will be based in Houston.

“CTV has a 22-year history of investing in startups across a wide cross section of energy innovation and a track record of collaboration to bring innovation to scale,” Bonner said. “Jim’s experience at Chevron is deep and diverse. Combined with his technology commercialization experience with CTV early in his career, as well as in his current role, Jim is poised to lead CTV to even greater success.”

Jim received his bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering from Lehigh University in 1993 and his MBA from the University of Virginia in 1998.

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We are focused on lowering the carbon intensity in our operations and seeking to grow lower carbon businesses along with our traditional business lines. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to Chevron’s operations and energy transition plans that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections about the petroleum, chemicals and other energy-related industries. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “advances,” “commits,” “drives,” “aims,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “believes,” “approaches,” “seeks,” “schedules,” “estimates,” “positions,” “pursues,” “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “budgets,” “outlook,” “trends,” “guidance,” “focus,” “on track,” “goals,” “objectives,” “strategies,” “opportunities,” “poised,” “potential,” “ambitions,” “aspires” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control and are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. The reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Unless legally required, Chevron undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are: changing crude oil and natural gas prices and demand for the company’s products, and production curtailments due to market conditions; crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producing countries; technological advancements; changes to government policies in the countries in which the company operates; development of large carbon capture and offset markets; public health crises, such as pandemics (including coronavirus (COVID-19)) and epidemics, and any related government policies and actions; disruptions in the company’s global supply chain, including supply chain constraints; changing economic, regulatory and political environments in the various countries in which the company operates; general domestic and international economic and political conditions; changing refining, marketing and chemicals margins; the company’s ability to realize anticipated cost savings, expenditure reductions and efficiencies associated with enterprise transformation initiatives; actions of competitors or regulators; timing of exploration expenses; timing of crude oil liftings; the competitiveness of alternate-energy sources or product substitutes; the results of operations and financial condition of the company’s suppliers, vendors, partners and equity affiliates, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; the inability or failure of the company’s joint-venture partners to fund their share of operations and development activities; the potential failure to achieve expected net production from existing and future crude oil and natural gas development projects; potential delays in the development, construction or start-up of planned projects; the potential disruption or interruption of the company’s operations due to war, accidents, political events, civil unrest, severe weather, cyber threats, terrorist acts, or other natural or human causes beyond the company’s control; the potential liability for remedial actions or assessments under existing or future environmental regulations and litigation; significant operational, investment or product changes undertaken or required by existing or future environmental statutes and regulations, including international agreements and national or regional legislation and regulatory measures to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation; the company’s future acquisitions or dispositions of assets or shares or the delay or failure of such transactions to close based on required closing conditions; the potential for gains and losses from asset dispositions or impairments; government mandated sales, divestitures, recapitalizations, taxes and tax audits, tariffs, sanctions, changes in fiscal terms or restrictions on scope of company operations; foreign currency movements compared with the U.S. dollar; material reductions in corporate liquidity and access to debt markets; the receipt of required Board authorizations to pay future dividends; the effects of changed accounting rules under generally accepted accounting principles promulgated by rule-setting bodies; the company’s ability to identify and mitigate the risks and hazards inherent in operating in the global energy industry; and the factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” on pages 18 through 23 of the company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Other unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this news release could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements.

Sean Comey -- +1 925 842 5509

ABB Recognizes Everactive As Top Technological Solution for its Always-On Self-Powered Industrial IoT technology

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Everactive, maker of category-defining self-powered IoT systems, has been declared the winner of the prestigious ABB Measurement and Analytics Open Innovation Challenge for Technology Solution.

Everactive’s always-on self-powered Industrial IoT technology was chosen as the outstanding solution based on 4 criteria which can be strongly linked to KPIs: data contextualization and readiness (quality of information); ease of set up and implementation; response time and early detection capability; and minimal intrusiveness to the industrial application.

Everactive develops self-powered IoT systems leveraging proprietary ultra-low-power semiconductors, which require 1,000x less power than competing circuits. Everactive’s sensor devices generate enough power from small amounts of “harvested energy” to continuously measure, process and wirelessly transmit equipment health data from a range of industrial assets, resulting in significant energy savings for companies focused on achieving sustainability goals. Everactive Steam Trap Monitoring (STM) and Machine Health Monitoring (MHH) customers already include multinational companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Hershey’s, Merck and Anheuser-Busch, as well as several universities and the U.S. government.

Global technology company ABB focuses on transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future.

”It is an honor to be recognized by such a world-class, innovative company,” said Bob Nunn, CEO of Everactive. “ABB continues to push the envelope of what is possible with Industry 4.0; we’re excited to combine their expertise and Everactive’s self-powered IoT platform to bring truly game-changing products to market.”

ABOUT EVERACTIVE:
In collaboration with its partners, Everactive delivers the most sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective IoT solutions. The company's proprietary low-power energy harvesting and wireless technology enables completely batteryless and always-on Internet of Things systems powered entirely from micro-renewable energy. Ruggedized for harsh industrial settings, Everactive Edge devices provide continuous insight into asset health across a range of equipment and throughout entire plants and facilities. The company has offices in Silicon Valley, Ann Arbor, and Charlottesville. For more information, please visit: www.everactive.com.

ABOUT ABB:
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

Media
Jennifer M. Strame
Percepture for Everactive
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484-947-4549

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MGE Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGEE) highlights the company's plans to end its use of coal at Elm Road Generating Station in its latest investor newsletter, "Interim Report," which also includes the following topics:

- MGE number one for electric reliability
- MGE's electric vehicle fast charger hub
- Third-quarter earnings
- Tax information and lobbying efforts

The newsletter is available on MGE Energy's website at: https://www.mgeenergy.com/interimreport.

Interim Report is published quarterly to provide investors with information about MGE Energy and its primary subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric.

About MGE Energy

MGE Energy is an investor-owned public utility holding company headquartered in the state capital of Madison, Wis. It is the parent company of Madison Gas and Electric, which generates and distributes electricity in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE Energy's assets total approximately $2.3 billion, and its 2020 revenues were approximately $539 million.

Ken Frassetto
Director Shareholder Services and Treasury Management
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• Solar Proponent recently signed an interconnection agreement and posted $10 million in initial security to advance the Lunis Creek Solar Project toward construction in Jackson County, Texas.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Proponent LLC (“SolarPro”), a utility-scale solar-plus-storage (“Solar+Storage”) developer based in Austin and focused on the ERCOT market, is pleased to announce it has made significant advances in its 6 GW Solar+Storage development portfolio, with the aim of enabling several large plants to be fully operational by late 2023 to early 2024.

In October, SolarPro signed an interconnection agreement and posted $10 million security on the 345 KV portion of its Lunis Creek Solar Project in Jackson County. When expansion is complete and combined with its adjacent 138 KV project, the facility is expected to produce approximately 1 GWdc of energy.

“We are continuing to expand our top-tier Solar+Storage portfolio in Texas and partner with local communities in the energy transition,” said Solar Proponent Chief Executive Officer Cassandra Rinaldo. Chief Development Officer Jeff Sabins added, “By reaching this interconnection agreement milestone we have secured 480 MWac of capacity on the South Texas Project - Angstrom 345 KV transmission line and are in process of increasing this to 600 MWac.”

About Solar Proponent (“SolarPro”)

SolarPro’s mission is to leverage the enormous potential of solar power to create zero-carbon electricity infrastructure. With decades of combined experience in the energy sector, the Solar Proponent team is focused on building value for investors, communities, and landowners through responsibly developed solar generation projects. SolarPro is supported by growth capital from EnCap Energy Transition Fund I, a $1.2 billion fund. Yorktown Partners, Mercuria Energy and SolarPro management have also invested. For more information, visit www.solarproponent.com.

Casey Nikoloric, TEN|10 Group
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Bevo Beaven, TEN|10 Group
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TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#EV--Sion Power announced today that Michael A. Canada has joined the company in the newly created role of Chief Manufacturing Officer. Mr. Canada is tasked with planning and execution of scaling manufacturing to support the supply of Licerion^® Electric Vehicle (EV) and Licerion High Energy (HE) battery cells for current and future commercial partners.

“Michael is a proven leader with a deep knowledge of battery manufacturing,” stated Tracy Kelley, Sion Power’s CEO. “The adoption of our Licerion technology is reaching a critical inflection point, underscored by our recently announced agreement with Cummins. Michael’s addition to the team will provide the experience and guidance necessary to support the scale required by our commercial partners.”

Mr. Canada brings over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing leadership, operations, project management, and strategic planning for automotive, aerospace, and clean technology customers. Most recently, Mr. Canada served as President and CEO of EnerDel. Previously, he was General Manager at Altairnano serving lithium-ion customers and held roles of increasing responsibility with global companies in the automotive industry, including Daimler, Harman/Becker Automotive Systems, and Goodrich in the aerospace segment.

“I am extremely excited to join the Sion Power team with its unrivaled expertise in advanced battery technology development. As we move the company through the next phase of manufacturing, I’m looking forward to executing our strategic commercialization initiatives that include scaling up manufacturing of our Licerion^® technology,” shared Michael Canada.

About Sion Power

Sion Power advances the rechargeable battery industry with its Licerion^® technology. Licerion^® is an advanced approach to lithium-metal batteries containing twice the energy in the same size and weight battery, compared to a traditional lithium-ion battery. At up to 500 Wh/kg, Licerion batteries are produced at scale in large-format cells. As a result, Licerion^® batteries have the potential to significantly enhance the performance of commercial and consumer electric vehicles. Visit Sion Power on the web at www.sionpower.com or follow on LinkedIn.

Angela Kliever
Director of Marketing
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