Saturday, 31 October 2026

Rodan Energy Solutions has signed a long-term agreement with St. Marys Cement to build a battery energy storage system at the cement maker's facility in Bowmanville, Ontario, according to Solar Builder.

The planned system will reach 50 MWh, and Rodan officials say it will be the largest of its kind in Canada to date once completed, Solar Builder reported.

The battery will let the cement plant cut grid demand during peak electricity-use hours, according to Solar Builder.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened a $237 million funding call covering domestic manufacturing and supply chains for critical electric grid components.

DOE projects the funding could yield up to $125 million a year in utility savings, and estimates it would retain roughly $50 million annually in the U.S. economy that would otherwise flow to foreign suppliers.

The money divides into two tracks. One sets aside up to $50 million for refurbishing and reusing existing grid equipment and materials. The larger share, up to $187 million, backs projects that expand U.S.-sourced and U.S.-made alternative materials and subcomponents to cut reliance on imports.

Concept papers are due November 20, 2026, a required step before any full application. Completed applications must reach DOE by February 8, 2027.