06/09/2026-Solar & BESS Investment News & People's Move
- Viridian Energy
- 16 hours ago
- 9 min read
USA News
Washington Solar Project Integrates Wildlife Conservation and Pollinator Habitat
Cypress Creek Energy’s 104 MWdc Ostrea Solar project in Yakima County, Washington, has reached commercial operation, supplying clean power to the region with Microsoft serving as the long-term offtaker. Beyond renewable energy generation, the project emphasizes environmental stewardship.
Cypress Creek worked with state agencies to preserve approximately 275 acres of critical shrubsteppe habitat, one of Washington’s most threatened ecosystems. Wildlife corridors were incorporated to maintain migration routes for species such as Rocky Mountain elk. The site was also restored with native grasses and pollinator-friendly flowering plants, replacing invasive vegetation and degraded cropland. Construction generated about 300 jobs and included significant apprenticeship opportunities.
U.S. Energy Storage Installations Reach Record High in Q2 2026
The U.S. energy storage market achieved its strongest quarter ever in Q2 2026, installing a record 20.2 GWh of new capacity and bringing first-half deployments to 30.8 GWh. According to SEIA and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, demand for storage continues to exceed expectations, leading to an 11.5% upward revision in capacity forecasts through 2030.
Utility-scale projects accounted for the majority of installations, with Arizona, Texas, and California leading deployment activity. Battery storage has played an increasingly important role in supporting grid reliability during periods of extreme electricity demand. The quarter also saw new battery manufacturing facilities open, further expanding domestic U.S. production capacity.
Google Supports Hybrid Zinc and Lithium Storage Project in West Virginia
Google, MN8 Energy, and Eos Energy Enterprises are collaborating on the Mammoth Solar project in West Virginia, which combines an 86 MW solar facility with 280 MWh of lithium-ion storage and 100 MWh of zinc-based long-duration energy storage (LDES).
Built on a reclaimed coal mine site, the project aims to deliver dispatchable clean energy to the PJM grid while supporting Google’s regional data center operations. The zinc battery system is designed to provide up to 10 hours of discharge, extending renewable energy availability beyond traditional lithium-ion capabilities. The project represents West Virginia’s first commercial-scale LDES deployment and is expected to generate significant economic benefits and local employment.
California Senate Advances Community Solar and Storage Legislation
The California Senate has approved AB 1813, the Community Renewable Energy Program Act, bringing the legislation closer to becoming law. The bill seeks to establish a workable community solar and storage framework after previous regulatory efforts failed to deliver viable projects.
Supporters argue the program would expand access to clean energy for renters, low-income households, and others unable to install rooftop solar. The proposal requires battery storage to be paired with community solar projects and uses existing state valuation tools to improve economics. Industry advocates estimate the measure could support gigawatts of new capacity, reduce electricity costs, create jobs, and strengthen grid reliability while advancing California’s clean energy goals.
MARS Energy Expands California Presence Through Citadel Acquisition
MARS Energy Group has acquired Northern California-based Citadel Roofing & Solar, adding more than 1,000 employees to its platform and strengthening its position in the residential and new-construction solar market.
The deal expands MARS’s footprint across California and enhances its integrated roofing and solar services business.
Both companies emphasized that the transaction is intended to preserve Citadel’s culture, leadership team, and customer relationships while providing access to greater resources, operational support, and growth opportunities. Citadel, well known for its presence in the new-home construction sector, will continue operating under its existing leadership. The acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation within the residential solar and roofing industries.
OCI Energy and Arava Power Begin Construction on Major Texas Solar Project
OCI Energy and Arava Power have broken ground on the 347 MWdc SunRoper Solar project in Wharton County, Texas, approximately 60 miles southwest of Houston. Supported by a 20-year power purchase agreement with an undisclosed Fortune 100 company, the facility is expected to begin commercial operations in late 2027.
The project is the developers’ third joint venture in Texas, bringing their combined pipeline in the state to nearly 1.3 GW. WHC Energy Services will serve as EPC contractor. Project financing closed earlier this year with backing from ING Capital and other lenders. The development highlights continued investment in large-scale solar infrastructure across Texas.
Europe News
Europe’s Largest Solar Project Clears Final Hurdle
Romania’s 1,044 MW Dama Solar project has received its final authorization, clearing the way for construction and positioning it to become Europe’s largest solar project. Developed by Resolv Energy in Arad County near the Hungarian border, the project is expected to begin construction in 2026 and reach completion by late 2028.
It secured a Contract for Difference and €100 million in European Investment Bank funding, with an additional €107 million IFC loan under consideration. Once operational, Dama Solar could supply electricity equivalent to approximately 280,000 homes. The project highlights Romania’s growing utility-scale solar market and accelerating renewable-energy ambitions.
Wieland Expands Use of Renewable Energy in Germany
Wieland is strengthening its renewable-energy strategy through a 10-year power purchase agreement with Vattenfall for the full output of the 46 MWp Nauen Solar Park near Berlin. The facility, equipped with approximately 80,000 solar modules across 40 hectares, is expected to generate around 47 GWh of renewable electricity annually.
This volume will cover roughly 15% of Wieland’s annual electricity purchases for its German production sites. The agreement supports Wieland’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2045, alongside investments in recycling, electrification and its own renewable generation.
LichtBlick Commissions 44.1 MW Solar Park in Thuringia
German green-energy supplier LichtBlick has commissioned its largest solar park to date in Mühlhausen, Thuringia. Covering approximately 37 hectares, the ground-mounted project features around 71,000 solar modules and 132 inverters, with a total capacity of 44.1 MW.
The facility is expected to generate approximately 45 GWh of electricity annually and will remain part of LichtBlick’s own generation portfolio. The project forms part of the company’s accelerated renewable expansion strategy, with LichtBlick planning to invest around €600 million in new generation and storage capacity by 2030. The company is still evaluating adding battery storage and using PPAs for part of the output.
Peoples Move
Brian Russell - Vice President, National Market Leader - Power & Utilities - K&A Power
Brian Russell, PMP, LEED AP, has taken on the role of Vice President and National Market Leader - Power & Utilities at K&A Power. In this position, Russell is expected to contribute to the company’s growth across the power and utilities sector, with responsibilities likely spanning client development, project delivery, strategic planning and market expansion.
His PMP and LEED AP credentials reflect experience in project management and sustainable infrastructure. His national market focus could support expansion of K&A Power’s relationships with utilities, developers, contractors and infrastructure stakeholders. The appointment is particularly relevant as grid modernization, renewable generation, energy storage and electrification continue driving investment across the power sector.
Michael Caraway - Vice President, Design & Cost Engineering – Avantus
Michael Caraway, PE, MBA, has joined Avantus as Vice President, Design & Cost Engineering, bringing engineering and commercial expertise to the renewable-energy developer. His role places him at the intersection of project design, engineering optimization and cost management, all of which are critical to delivering competitive utility-scale renewable projects.
Caraway’s combination of professional engineering credentials and an MBA provides a strong technical and commercial background for evaluating project economics and execution strategies. At Avantus, his responsibilities are likely to support project development and delivery by improving design efficiency, cost forecasting and engineering decisions. The appointment reflects the growing importance of disciplined engineering and cost control in large-scale clean-energy projects.
Michael Roeder - Executive Vice President - Helix Electric
Michael Roeder has taken on the position of Executive Vice President at Helix Electric, a significant leadership role within one of the major electrical contracting businesses serving complex infrastructure and energy projects. As EVP, Roeder is positioned to influence strategic growth, operational performance, project execution and customer relationships.
Helix Electric works across markets requiring sophisticated electrical infrastructure, making senior leadership particularly important as demand increases for electrification, renewable energy, data centers and other power-intensive developments. Roeder’s appointment could strengthen the company’s ability to manage large-scale electrical construction opportunities while supporting continued expansion. His leadership will be relevant as electrical contractors increasingly participate in renewable-energy and infrastructure development.
Michael Kulas - Vice President, Project Management and Energy Advisory – JLL
Michael Kulas has assumed the role of Vice President, Project Management and Energy Advisory at JLL, combining project-management responsibilities with energy-focused advisory services.
The position places Kulas within JLL’s broader real-estate and infrastructure platform, where energy strategy is increasingly important to clients managing large property portfolios and capital projects. His remit is likely to involve project execution, energy planning, client advisory and coordination of complex infrastructure initiatives. The appointment reflects growing demand for professionals who can connect construction and project management with energy efficiency, sustainability and decarbonization objectives. Kulas could play an important role in helping JLL clients navigate energy investments and infrastructure requirements.
Marc Hiatt - Project Executive - S+B James Construction
Marc Hiatt has moved into the role of Project Executive at S+B James Construction, taking on a senior position focused on project delivery and construction management.
As Project Executive, Hiatt is likely to oversee major projects, coordinate project teams, manage schedules and budgets, and maintain relationships with clients, subcontractors and other stakeholders. His elevation strengthens the company’s project leadership capabilities and could support execution across complex construction programs. Senior project executives are particularly important in markets where projects require extensive coordination between owners, designers, contractors and specialty trades. Hiatt’s appointment therefore represents a potentially important addition to S+B James Construction’s operational leadership.
Tom Cornell - CEO, Energy Storage – Nextpower
Tom Cornell has taken on the position of CEO – Energy Storage at Nextpower, placing him at the helm of the company’s energy-storage activities. The appointment comes as battery energy storage becomes increasingly important to renewable-energy development, grid flexibility and power-market optimization.
As CEO of the energy-storage business, Cornell is expected to focus on strategic growth, commercial development, partnerships and deployment of storage solutions. His leadership could help Nextpower expand its presence in the rapidly developing BESS market and capitalize on increasing demand for technologies that support solar integration and grid reliability. The role highlights the growing strategic importance of energy storage within the wider renewable-energy sector.
Jose Hernandez - VP of Field Operations - Capital Energy
Jose Hernandez has been appointed VP of Field Operations at Capital Energy, taking responsibility for the company’s field execution and operational activities. The role is particularly important for an energy business where successful project delivery depends on effective coordination between field teams, contractors, schedules, safety requirements and project-management functions.
Hernandez is likely to oversee field personnel and help ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely and according to required standards. His appointment could strengthen Capital Energy’s execution capabilities as demand for energy infrastructure continues to grow. A senior field-operations leader can also help improve communication between corporate management and project sites while supporting scalability across a growing project portfolio.
Greg Hanselman - Chief Operating Officer - Gevo, Inc.
Greg Hanselman has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Gevo, Inc., becoming responsible for a broad range of operational priorities within the renewable-fuels and sustainable-chemicals company. As COO, Hanselman is positioned to influence execution, operational strategy, commercialization and the scaling of Gevo’s technologies and projects.
His appointment is significant as Gevo works to develop lower-carbon fuels and chemicals and expand its commercial platform. Operational leadership will be critical for translating technology and development opportunities into viable projects and production capacity. Hanselman’s role could therefore support Gevo’s efforts to advance sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable-energy-related initiatives.
Nancy (Bucher) Sichko - Chief People Officer - Cypress Creek Energy
Nancy (Bucher) Sichko has taken on the position of Chief People Officer at Cypress Creek Energy, assuming responsibility for the company’s people and human-capital strategy. As CPO, Sichko is likely to oversee talent acquisition, organizational development, employee engagement, leadership development and workforce planning.
Her role is particularly relevant for a renewable-energy company operating in a competitive market where skilled professionals across development, engineering, construction and operations are in high demand. Effective people leadership can help Cypress Creek Energy attract and retain specialized talent while supporting organizational growth. The appointment highlights the increasing importance of strategic workforce management as renewable-energy companies scale their project pipelines and operations.
Jesse Jackson, PE — Vice President of Energy Storage Project Development and Strategy, SOLV Energy
Jesse Jackson, PE, serves as Vice President of Energy Storage Project Development and Strategy at SOLV Energy, where he focuses on advancing the company’s energy storage strategy and project development activities.
His role reflects SOLV Energy’s growing emphasis on battery energy storage systems (BESS) alongside its established utility-scale solar capabilities. Jackson’s leadership likely spans project development, strategic planning, market opportunities, partnerships, and the commercialization of energy storage projects. With his engineering background and senior leadership position, he is well positioned to influence SOLV Energy’s expansion in the rapidly growing U.S. energy storage market and support the development of large-scale renewable energy and storage solutions.
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