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A Toronto company shows how to recycle wind power products and more Cyclic Materials, a Toronto metals recycling company focused on "building a circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical metals," has expanded its operations to accept two new feedstock streams: wind turbine generators and MRI machines., according to a February 27 press release from the company. Through a strong partnership network, Cyclic has already sourced 37 MW capacity of wind turbine generators containing permanent magnets, and 116,000 pounds of MRI machines. This development marks a strategic expansion for the company beyond automotive components and other permanent magnet-containing products into other end-of-life products. Cyclic Materials' proprietary Mag-Xtract and hydrometallurgy technologies are the first in the world with the capacity to isolate magnets from any end-of-life product and then convert this magnet feedstock to mixed rare earth oxides, cobalt-nickel hydroxides and other raw materials. Both wind turbine generators and MRI machines contain valuable materials such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium and copper. While the recycling of metals such as aluminum, steel and copper in wind turbines is common, current recycling methods are unable to recover valuable rare earth elements (REEs) found in the generators, the largest of which can contain close to 10 metric tonnes of REEs. These elements are essential components in the development of electric vehicles, smartphones and other technologies. “MRIs and wind turbines bring incredible opportunities to recover critical commodities essential to the energy transition,” said Ahmad Ghahreman, CEO and co-founder of Cyclic Materials. “Manufacturers, developers and stakeholders across metals supply chains must recognize the importance of creating a circular supply chain—not only to reduce dependence on offshore sources and increase resilience, but to slash the environmental impact of the industry. Our magnet-agnostic recycling technology extracts valuable critical metals from end-of-life products and feeds these commodities back into North American and European supply chains.” Operating from its pilot facility in Kingston, ON, Cyclic Materials is processing feedstock at a capacity of 8,000 metric tons per year. The company currently seeks additional sources for end-of-life wind turbine generators, MRI machines and other materials such as automotive parts and manufacturing waste. In the coming years, Cyclic Materials hopes to expand its presence with multiple facilities in North America and Europe. Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials stated goal is to "create a circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other materials critical to electrification."

The latest from California parts manufacturer E-Z Lok E-Z Lok, the Gardena, California manufacturer and distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, is now offering custom-made inserts. These "Press-in" inserts are designed for post-molding installation in either thermoset plastics or thermoplastics. A slotted design with diamond-knurled OD allows for “cold” installation with optimum torque/pull-out resistance. When the E-Z Press insert is installed, it compresses slightly along the slot. As the fastener is threaded into place, the insert expands and the diamond knurl is pressed into the wall of the hole, securing the insert in place. Cold installation of threaded inserts reduces the costs of moldings and eliminates the need to “chase” threads after molding. Furthermore, they also help cut reject waste caused by misaligned and faulty inserts and assist in proper installation without a precise hole depth. E-Z Press inserts are available in three styles: flush, flanged, and reverse slot. All three types press into place for fast, easy installation. Anything from a rubber mallet to an arbor press can be used for installation. CAD files on this product can be downloaded in over 100 file formats from the E-Z Lok website at https://www.ezlok.com/cad-downloads.

Thacker Pass project bolsters Lithium Americas portfolio Lithium Americas Corp, the Vancouver manufacturer, recently provided a construction plan update for its Thacker Pass lithium project located in Humboldt County, Nevada, detailed in a March 14 press release from the company. Lithium Americas has received a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for a $2.26 billion loan under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (“ATVM”) Loan Program for financing the construction of the processing facilities at Thacker Pass, targeting to produce an initial 40,000 tonnes per year (“tpa”) of battery grade lithium carbonate (“Phase 1”). The expected Loan plus General Motors Holdings LLC (“GM”) strategic investment are expected to provide the vast majority of the capital necessary to fund Phase 1. Site preparation for major earthworks has been completed, including all site clearing, commissioning a water supply system, site access improvements and site infrastructure. The Company is currently focused on advancing detailed engineering, procurement and execution planning for the construction of Thacker Pass Phase 1. Detailed engineering is approximately 30% design complete to date, and the Company plans to continue to increase the level of detailed engineering in advance of issuing full notice to proceed (“FNTP”), which is expected in the second half of 2024. The Company leased a parcel of land in the nearby City of Winnemucca for a transloading terminal (“TLT”) to be used during operations, providing direct access to the mainline railroad and an interstate highway. The Company and its engineering, procurement and construction management (“EPCM”) contractor, Bechtel, entered into a National Construction Agreement (Project Labor Agreement) (“PLA”) with North America’s Building Trades Unions (“NABTU”) for construction of Thacker Pass. Estimated total capital cost for Phase 1 construction has been revised to $2.93 billion to reflect updated quantities and execution planning tied to increased engineering progress, use of union labor through a PLA for construction of Thacker Pass, development of an all-inclusive housing facility for construction workers, updated equipment pricing and a larger project contingency. During the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately $194 million was spent on Thacker Pass. The Company expects capital expenditures to be significantly lower in the first half of 2024 as the focus turns from early works to advancing detailed engineering and project planning ahead of FNTP. Mechanical completion of Thacker Pass Phase 1 is targeted for 2027 following a three-year construction period. Major construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2024 following the anticipated closing of the DOE Loan and issuance of FNTP. In light of current market conditions and to preserve strong liquidity, the Company has reduced project capital expenditures to minimal levels until closing of the DOE Loan and issuance of FNTP, which are expected in the second half of the year. In addition, the Company has taken actions to reduce its general and administrative and operating expense budget for 2024 by more than 25%. “Our team has been focused on refining the development plan and de-risking construction execution of Phase 1 for Thacker Pass,” said Jonathan Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lithium Americas. “We have de-risked execution by advancing detailed engineering and project planning. To date, we have completed all the early-works and infrastructure required for major construction, including excavating the processing plant areas. We anticipate issuing FNTP and commencing major construction shortly following the closing of the DOE Loan.” Evans added, “In advancing Thacker Pass to production, we have an incredible opportunity to lead the next chapter of global electrification in a way that both strengthens our national security of critical materials and ensures that the economic benefits are directed toward American workers, companies and communities.” PROJECT FINANCING DOE ATVM Loan ProgramFollowing a robust due diligence and term sheet negotiation process since receiving the Letter of Substantial Completion in February 2023, the DOE has provided the Company with Conditional Commitment of an ATVM Loan for $2.26 billion with interest rates fixed from the date of each monthly advance for the term of the loan at then applicable U.S. Treasury rates. The Loan will include interest accrued during construction, which is estimated to be $290 million over the three-year construction period. The Company expects the Loan to provide the cornerstone financing for the construction of Thacker Pass Phase 1, which the Company estimates could support lithium needs for a domestic production supply chain for up to 800,000 electric vehicles (“EVs”) annually. The Conditional Commitment represents a significant milestone and demonstrates the DOE’s intent to finance the Project. Certain technical, legal and financial conditions, including negotiation of definitive financing documents, must be satisfied before funding of the Loan. General Motors: In January 2023, GM agreed to invest $650 million in Lithium Americas across two tranches for the development of Thacker Pass, representing the largest investment publicly disclosed to date by an automaker in a company to produce battery raw materials (the “GM Investment”). GM has exclusive access to 100% of the lithium production from Phase 1 for up to 15 years and has a right of first offer on Phase 2 production. In February 2023, Tranche 1 for $320 million of the total GM Investment closed and closing of Tranche 2 for the remaining $330 million is expected before or in connection with closing of the DOE Loan. Together, the expected DOE Loan plus GM’s Investment are expected to provide the vast majority of the capital necessary to fund the construction of Phase 1. CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE Project Labor and Economic ImpactPhase 1 is expected to create approximately 1,800 direct jobs during its three-year construction period and 360 jobs in operations for its 40-year mine life. The Company commissioned the University of Nevada, Reno to complete an economic impact assessment, which estimated that every direct job created by Lithium Americas’ construction investment will generate an additional 1.5 local jobs during construction. Lithium Americas and Bechtel entered into a PLA with NABTU for construction of Thacker Pass.

Latest federal budget proposal sounds excited about renewable funding The latest "fact sheet" released from the White House detailing its most recent budget proposal conveys excitement about the government's plans for renewable energy. While it doesn't convey direct policies, it does appear to dovetail quite heavily with certain environmental and social initiatives being prioritized by the current administration. The numbers are hefty. As none of this has been finalized yet, the entire document and budget proposal are open to interpretation. "The Budget invests $1.6 billion through the Department of Energy (DOE) to support clean energy workforce and infrastructure projects across the Nation," the document begins. going on to cover specifics including: "$385 million to weatherize and retrofit homes of low-income Americans, $113 million to create good jobs and ensure reliable supply chains by manufacturing clean energy components here at home, $95 million to electrify Tribal homes and transition Tribal colleges and universities to renewable energy, and $102 million to support utilities and State and local governments in building a grid that is more secure, reliable, resilient, and able to integrate electricity from clean energy sources." The lengthy document, which can be viewed in its entirety here, goes on to detail the following subheadings related to its proposed impact, claiming it does the following: -"Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and tackles the climate crisis" -"Reduces home energy and water costs" -"Continues to advance clean energy development on public lands" -"Strengthens and accelerates permitting activities" -"Invests in climate science and innovation" -"Advances climate science" -"Strengthens climate resilience in communities and ecosystems" -"Increases drought resilience" -"Delivers for communities often left behind" -"Reduces health and environmental hazards for at-risk communities" -"Invests in clean air" -"Advances climate justice and ensures compliance with the nation's environmental laws -Supports and expands the American Climate Corps" -"Promotes equity in STEM education and workforce training" -"Broadens access to registered apprenticeships in clean energy and the industries of the future" -"Achieves the administration's historic climate finance pledge"

IPS' latest motor shop acquisition Greenville, S.C.'s IPS, the ever-growing service provider, has acquired Electric Motor Service Limited (EMSL) of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. EMSL has sold and serviced industrial electric motors and generators in western Canada since 1945. An EASA member, the company also sells, services, and remanufactures industrial and residential water and wastewater pumps. The sale includes sales and service facilities in Edmonton and Fort McMurray, a pump-focused sales and service facility in Edmonton, and a sales and warehouse facility in Calgary. EMSL offers comprehensive electromechanical services, with engineering, testing, and remanufacturing for AC motors up to 25,000 HP/13.8 kV and DC motors up to 10,000 HP. The company also services and repairs extra-large industrial water and wastewater pumps, including submersible pumps. The deal strengthens IPS market coverage in western Canada, particularly in oil & gas, mining, and renewables. The newly rebranded IPS service centers will offer industrial and commercial customers single-source capabilities in electric motors and generators, mechanical systems, and power management. IPS will offer employment to all EMSL management and employees. “My colleagues and I are proud to join IPS,” said Bob Knickle, EMSL CEO. “IPS is the right home for our employees and the best company to serve our customers going forward.  We look forward to being a part of IPS’s s growing North American network, continuing to provide engineering, remanufacturing, and reliability improvements for all of our customers’ critical assets.” “IPS has long admired EMSL for the solutions it provides customers, and we are privileged to carry on the business that Bob Knickle and the people of EMSL have built,” said Jim Mugford, IPS Executive Vice President. “Our combination will bring a greatly expanded offering to Alberta customers and a platform to introduce our offerings to Canadian customers in markets such as renewable energy and mining. We welcome our new colleagues to our journey to world-class and look forward to meeting our new customers.”

Trade show announces women's initiative Automate 2024—the largest robotics and automation trade show in North America—is "redefining the tech industry narrative" by celebrating and empowering women in automation this year. The annual trade show and conference, running May 6-9 in Chicago and hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), will open its third day with an inaugural Women’s Empowerment Forum and a much-anticipated keynote address by MIT Professor Daniela Rus. Forum of Federations.org image The Women’s Empowerment Forum, free for show registrants, will feature a power panel of female executives in automation, including Marina Bill of ABB Robotics, Adi Leviatan of 3M and Rashmi Misra of Microsoft. The panel will discuss breaking barriers and staying motivated to make a mark in this male-dominated industry. Following the Empowerment Forum, esteemed Professor Rus will delve into the future of automation and robotics, exploring the transformative potential of the next 60 years in the industry. The show will wrap up its final day with Wendy Tan White, CEO of Intrinsic, discussing advances at the intersection of robotics and AI to solve real problems in industrial automation. “Automate has always been at the forefront of innovation. Yet, as technology continues to evolve and its economic impact grows at an unprecedented rate, the need for diverse voices in the conversation has never been more critical,” said Deb Kling, vice president of marketing for A3. “The Women’s Empowerment Forum, combined with our featured keynotes, not only recognizes these incredible female leaders who are driving change, but also helps to strengthen awareness of the critical need for women in the industry. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our Empowerment Sponsors: United Robotics Group and Teradyne.” Julia Astrid Riemenschneider, VP of business development, industrial, for United Robotics Group, added, “At United Robotics Group, we’re dedicated to empowering humanity with technology. Our range of solutions is crafted to benefit individuals in both industrial and social settings. With our robots, we strive to empower all people, irrespective of their background, culture, technical expertise, or gender. We take immense pride in our CTO, Dr. Nadja Schmiedl, who stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in automation. Following her example, we’re witnessing a growing presence of female talents within both United Robotics Group and the broader industry. That’s why we’re thrilled to extend our support to the Automate Empowerment Forum and eagerly anticipate connecting with everyone here in Chicago!” Click here to register for free.

NIBS to brief legislators on earthquake, wind damage risks "To protect American lives and businesses from earthquake and wind disasters," as the organization described in a press release, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) plans to meet with policymakers at the Rayburn Congressional Office Building on March 7 to discuss reauthorization of two critical programs, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) and National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP). “With nearly half of Americans living and working in high seismic and severe wind regions, committing to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program is important to protect lives and businesses from harm,” said NIBS Interim President & CEO Stephen T. Ayers. NIBS plans to bring together partners across several industries, including engineering, insurance, standard and code development, homes and businesses, and emergency management to support reauthorization of these important – and expired – bills. Since its authorization in 1978, NEHRP has made great strides to reduce earthquake risk throughout the United States. John Hooper, a National Academy of Engineering member and leader in building code and standard development, said, “NEHRP celebrating its 46th year of developing the source material for the nation’s model building code for seismic design is a testament to the strong collaboration between the program’s agencies: NIST, FEMA, USGS, and NSF.” Supporting Community Resilience and Lifeline Infrastructure Daniel Kaniewski, a former FEMA deputy administrator and member of the NIBS Multi-Hazard Mitigation Council, said, “To build resilience to earthquakes and windstorms, we must ensure the nation’s design standards account for the whole built environment, including lifeline infrastructure.” Community resilience and recovery after disasters rely on lifeline infrastructure (water, wastewater, electricity, natural gas, liquid fuel, communication, and transportation-highways and railroads, rail, airports, ports, and harbors). Reducing Earthquake and Wind Damage Risk NEHRP’s 2018 reauthorization expired September 2023. Similarly, a reauthorization NWIRP funding would enable agencies to fulfill their strategic plan to update wind hazards maps and design codes to safeguard communities. NWIRP expired in 2018. Lucy Arendt, Professor with St. Norbert College and Chair of the NEHRP Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction, emphasized the current investment gap the program must fulfill its entire strategic plan, despite being such a successful program. “We can do so much more to protect the American people and economy if the investment matches the needs illustrated in the National Research Council’s 2011 report and the current NEHRP Strategic Plan,” she said. “We owe it to our communities to protect them and show them their safety matters.” Below are what some prominent organizational leaders had to say on the matter: Dr. Kent Yu, Board Chair, NIBS Building Seismic Safety Council: “We applaud Congress and our nation’s leaders for their direction to improve the built environment and critical infrastructure to reflect performance goals stated in terms of post-earthquake reoccupancy and functional recovery time in the 2018 reauthorization (P.L. 115-307). Over the past several years, earthquake professionals have stepped up and made exciting progress. To build a resilient nation, it is critical that we continue to make resilience-focused investments to advance building sciences and improve design and construction practices. Equally as important is to address a gaping hole in our nation’s attention and funding priority related to seismic resilience of lifeline infrastructure (e.g., electric power, water, transportation, etc.). These lifeline infrastructure systems underpin our nation’s economy and are vital to rapidly restoring the economy of a region after an earthquake. Right now, Congress has an opportunity to reinvigorate investment in seismic resilience of lifeline infrastructure.” Lakisha Ann Woods, EVP & CEO, American Institute of Architects (AIA): "In the face of our changing climate and the increasing frequency of severe weather events, the insights and actions guided by NEHRP and NWIRP are more crucial than ever. AIA and architects are committed to working alongside our partners and Congress to safeguard our physical infrastructure and strengthen the resilience of our communities. It is through this relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to public safety that we can look towards a more secure and sustainable future.” Dr. Charles J. Carter, President, American Institute of Steel Construction: “NEHRP and NWIRP will cost pennies on the dollar as they deliver solutions that will make hundreds of trillions of dollars of buildings safe for Americans in windstorms and earthquakes. If there's a better value proposition for federal funding, I'm not aware of it.” Dr. Natalie F. Enclade, Executive Director of BuildStrong America: "The reauthorization of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program is not just a commitment to safety, it's a dedication to safeguarding the lifelines that connect communities, commerce, and crucial services. By prioritizing seismic resilience, we can protect lives, invest in the uninterrupted flow of vital resources, and ensure that communities stand strong in the face of seismic challenges.” Roy Wright, CEO, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety: “The collaboration and preparedness of resilient communities prior to a natural disaster is critical in their ability to bounce back more quickly, allowing residents to stay in their homes and return to normalcy in an abbreviated timeframe. Using research-based actions to build science into real-world solutions allows these regions to not just recover, but flourish.” Marsia Geldert-Murphey, P.E., President, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): “Since 1977, NEHRP has provided the resources and leadership that have led to significant advances in understanding the risk earthquakes pose and the best ways to mitigate them. The newer NWIRP is just beginning to have a similar impact. Funding levels always determine the effectiveness of infrastructure policy, and we need to advance our wind and earthquake resiliency to extend the life of our essential assets. Reauthorization of these critical programs will ensure continued flow of knowledge that guides the ASCE standards process that form the backbone of building codes that protect public health, safety, and economic vitality.” Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President, Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “As extreme weather events are increasing—businesses and local communities remain highly vulnerable to experiencing natural disasters—underscoring the need for federal investments in resilience, predisaster mitigation, and research. These programs are vital to keeping our communities safe by developing tools to reduce the adverse effects of earthquakes and windstorms— and building smart, and modern infrastructure. Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce stands strong with our partners across the country in urging Congress to support the reauthorization of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program.” Nat Wienecke, Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations, American Property Casualty Insurance Association: “The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program are essential components to the nation’s long-term economic stability. Advanced efforts to protect property and communities are vital to mitigating natural disaster losses and preserving infrastructure needed for life saving responses and economic continuity. In the long-term, the effectiveness of these programs is dependent on consistent development and application of scientific solutions to improve resilience to natural catastrophic events.” Lee Covington, President, Reinsurance Association of America: “The RAA commends the U.S. House Committee Science, Space, and Technology leadership, Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and the National Institute of Building Sciences, led by CEO and Eleventh Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers, for coordinating this important and timely congressional briefing on the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. Natural hazard resilience is critical to saving lives and protecting our families, small businesses, communities, and economy. To improve resilience, Congress should prioritize programs, funding, and efforts that advance the best data, science, technology, and codes.” Dr. Jiqiu (JQ) Yuan, Chief Resilience Officer and Head of Engineering, National Institute of Building Sciences: “Natural hazard mitigation saves! NEHRP has played a pivotal role in developing and advancing the nation’s building code requirements for earthquake design for nearly five decades. This alone is a significant accomplishment considering the cost savings of 12:1 when using the latest building code for seismic design. While recent congressional investments in strengthening our infrastructure are critical, equally important are strategic design criteria and guidelines developed through NEHRP and NWIRP incorporate the latest resilience research and design practices for our buildings and lifeline infrastructure.”

Wave springs and their numerous benefits outlined by Lisheng Chinese manufacturer Lisheng, which calls Chicago home for its U.S. headquarters, offered some recent insight on the value of wave springs and their usage in a recent analysis on its website. Here are some excerpts, including the applications of wave springs and how they might be of use to your facility, shop, or plant. "Wave springs are widely used in various engineering applications, providing a compact and efficient solution for managing axial loads and supporting components. One crucial element in the design and functionality of wave springs is the use of shim ends. These small but essential components play a significant role in enhancing the overall performance and reliability of wave springs." In this article, Lisheng explores the key benefits of shim ends in wave springs, shedding light on their importance in different industrial applications. Introduction to Wave Springs Before delving into the benefits of shim ends, let’s first understand what wave springs are and their general applications. Wave springs are a type of compression spring that is characterized by a wavy or corrugated design. Unlike traditional coil springs, wave springs offer a more compact and space-efficient solution for applications with limited axial space. Wave springs are used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and industrial machinery. Their ability to provide high force in a small space makes them suitable for applications where size and weight are critical factors. Now, let’s explore how shim ends contribute to the effectiveness of wave springs. Understanding Shim Ends in Wave Springs Shim ends are small, thin, flat components that are typically placed at the ends of wave springs. These shims serve multiple purposes, contributing to the functionality, stability, and overall performance of wave springs. The following are key benefits associated with the use of shim ends in wave springs: 1. Improved Axial Stability One of the primary benefits of shim ends in wave springs is the enhanced axial stability they provide. The wavy design of wave springs inherently allows for axial movement, and the addition of shim ends helps control and limit this movement. By minimizing lateral displacement, shim ends ensure that the spring maintains its axial alignment, preventing misalignment issues that could lead to performance degradation or component failure. 2. Enhanced Load Distribution Shim ends play a crucial role in distributing loads evenly across the wave spring. As the spring undergoes compression and expansion cycles, the shims help distribute the applied load uniformly, preventing localized stress concentrations. This even load distribution contributes to the longevity of the wave spring, reducing the risk of fatigue failure and ensuring consistent performance over time. 3. Mitigation of Side-Loading Effects In certain applications, wave springs may experience side-loading forces that can adversely affect their performance. Shim ends act as protective barriers, mitigating the effects of side-loading by providing additional support and preventing the spring from deviating from its intended axial path. This is particularly important in situations where the spring is subjected to dynamic or fluctuating loads. 4. Precision and Tolerance Control Shim ends contribute to the precision and tolerance control of wave springs during the manufacturing process. The inclusion of shims allows for fine-tuning of the spring’s dimensions and characteristics, ensuring that it meets the specified requirements with high accuracy. This precision is vital in applications where tight tolerances are essential for proper functioning. 5. Reduction of Wear and Fatigue The presence of shim ends helps reduce wear and fatigue within the wave spring. As the spring undergoes repeated cycles of compression and expansion, the shims act as protective layers, preventing direct contact between coils and minimizing friction. This reduction in wear and fatigue enhances the overall durability of the spring, extending its service life in demanding operational conditions. 6. Versatility in Design Shim ends offer designers greater flexibility in tailoring wave springs to specific application requirements. The ability to adjust the size, shape, and material of the shims allows for customization, making it possible to optimize the performance of wave springs for diverse industrial applications. This versatility in design ensures that wave springs can be effectively integrated into a wide range of systems and devices.

Country added more solar capacity in 2023 alone than U.S. has all-time China installed a larger amount of new solar capacity in 2023 than the total amount ever installed in any other nation, augmenting what was already considered a dominant position in the global renewable energy landscape, according to a March 6 report from Carbonbrief.org and Bloomberg News. Shouhang 10MW solar tower plant (credit: Shouhang) According to the national energy administration (NEA), China added 217 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2023, a figure which surpasses its previous record of 87GW in 2022 and exceeds the “entire solar fleet of 175GW in the US”, the news outlet adds. Reuters also reported the NEA figures, saying China’s total solar capacity increased by 55% last year, while wind capacity grew by 21%. China Energy Net additionally reported that Liu Gang, deputy director of the market supervision department of the NEA, says that “issues exist in building a nationwide unified power market”, including “improper market intervention in certain regions” and “unauthorised designation of trading parties, specified trading volumes and fixed trading prices," adding that "China’s development of new energy storage is “progressing rapidly, with installed capacity already exceeding 30GW”.

MHI RJ Aviation says it will create 250 jobs in Tucson The MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ), a maintenance, repair, and overhaul services provider to airline fleets globally, is planning to expand its workforce at Tucson International Airport by adding 100 jobs this year, and more than 250 over the course of three years, according to the company's website. MHIRJ intends to increase its capacity to meet customer demand for the maintenance and operational support of the CRJ and other products by activating additional maintenance lines. The CRJ Series aircraft is the benchmark aircraft utilized in regional aviation, and MHIRJ provides its services for these aircraft in Tucson, AZ, and Bridgeport, WV. To further improve the performance and efficiency of the operations, MHIRJ has decided to invest in site improvement and hiring additional staff. MHIRJ is confident that adding A&P and Avionics Technicians, Structures Technicians, Machinists/Welders, Crew Chiefs, and NDT Technicians will help achieve this goal. “We aim to contribute to the economic growth of Tucson through the continued growth of our maintenance activities. You can expect stability and job security by working for a company like MHIRJ. We are committed to growing our facility to meet the demand coming from the market, and we need people who have the drive and determination to join us in Tucson,” said Ross Mitchell, the Vice-President of Strategy, Business Development, Marketing, Communications, and Business Operations at MHIRJ. “I believe that investing in Tucson’s youth is crucial. The workforce shortage in the aviation sector has made it imperative for aeronautical companies to attract young talent. That’s why, starting in 2024, MHIRJ will support the Pima Community College Foundation by providing six annual scholarships of $1000 for the next six years [2024- 2029]. He added that “this investment will help raise awareness among Tucson’s young people about the career opportunities in the aviation sector.” Project partners include Sun Corridor Inc., Pima County, Arizona Commerce Authority, the City of Tucson, Tucson Airport Authority, and Pima Community College. “Pima County is a strong partner in workforce development for the aerospace and defense industry, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities like MHIRJ. We are known nationally for training high-performing aviation technicians and other critical positions in MRO operations,” said Rex Scott, District 1 supervisor and vice chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. “I am thrilled to see MHIRJ expand here in Pima County to serve their customer base successfully and look forward to continuing to support their endeavors far into the future.” “I am happy to see that the MHIRJ Aviation Group, part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries family, will expand its operations while adding more than 250 high-wage jobs to Tucson,” said Regina Romero, Tucson's mayor. “It confirms that our region has the qualified workforce and workforce development partners to continue leading in the aviation space. I am proud to support MHIRJ’s recruiting efforts together with Sun Corridor’s ‘Thrive in Tucson’ campaign that is attracting more young talent to Southern Arizona.” “This expansion demonstrates the confidence MHIRJ has in the value proposition of Tucson as a leader in the aerospace and aviation industry,” said Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun Corridor Inc. “Our region's aerospace, defense, and aviation employers rely on the skilled graduates of Pima Community College’s Aviation Technology Center, among other strong workforce development and training efforts. We’re fully committed to supporting MHIRJ and thrilled they have selected Tucson for this expansion.” “The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) is pleased to partner with MHIRJ as they expand their presence at Tucson International Airport (TUS).  We look forward to many years of continued success in Tucson,” said Danette Bewley, president and CEO of TAA. “When our airport businesses thrive, our community thrives.” “We are excited the MHI RJ Aviation Group has chosen to expand its aircraft maintenance operations in Tucson,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of Arizona Commerce Authority. “As an aviation industry leader with a reputation for excellence, MHIRJ will further enhance Southern Arizona’s robust aerospace and aviation industry and create even more skilled jobs in Southern Arizona.” “We're extremely thankful for the scholarship opportunities that MHIRJ is creating for our students,” said Jason R. Bowersock, director of aviation at Pima Community College (PCC). “For many of our full-time students, pursuing their mechanic’s certificate while working is difficult. Contributions from our generous industry partners help ensure our students' academic success.”

Famed company reportedly cancels (or at least delays) electric car project The latest chapter in the electric car saga: Apple has reportedly canceled-- or at least delayed until 2028-- its ambitions to create its own brand-name electric vehicle, according to a report released by Bloomberg earlier this week. While speculation is still rampant and the reports are unconfirmed by Apple (who declined for comment on the matter when asked by multiple news outlets), the general consensus seems to indicate that Apple's electric car project is no more. If that's the case, it would mean additional layoffs for that work team of the tech company, adding to the 150+ layoffs from that same group that occurred in 2019.

Schneider was able to contain a recent hack and neutralize the threat French energy giant Schneider Electric was able to offer some helpful reassurance and provide a framework for how to contain a hacking incident after it got hit with a malicious attempt this past month. Schneider confirmed that the incident was limited to Sustainability Business division and had no impact on any other Schneider Electric entity. The company also confirmed that it was able reopen business platforms within mere hours of the attack, an impressive feat. Note: the following statement was published on January 29, 2024, and updated on Feb.1st and Feb. 19, 2024. The latest update was issued to inform that certain data from Sustainability Business was obtained by the threat actor. On January 17th, 2024, a ransomware incident affected Schneider Electric Sustainability Business division. The attack has impacted Resource Advisor and other division specific systems. Schneider Electric Global Incident Response team was immediately mobilized to respond to the attack, contain the incident, and to reinforce existing security measures. The Sustainability Business division has informed impacted customers. "As more information becomes available, the Sustainability Business division of Schneider Electric will continue the dialogue directly with its impacted stakeholders and will continue to provide information and assistance as relevant," Schneider said in a statement. From a recovery standpoint, Sustainability Business has restored its business platforms in a secure environment. After testing, access has reopened on January 31, 2024. From a containment standpoint, as Sustainability Business is an autonomous entity operating its isolated network infrastructure, no other entity within the Schneider Electric group has been affected. From an impact assessment standpoint, the on-going investigation shows that data have been obtained by the threat actor. From a forensic analysis standpoint, the detailed analysis of the incident continues with leading cybersecurity firms and the Schneider Electric Global Incident Response team continuing to take additional actions based on its outcomes, working with relevant authorities. This information is shared as part of Schneider Electric ongoing commitment to Trust and responsible transparency.