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Founders Metals Provides Mid-Year Exploration Update Across Four Targets; Confirms New Antino Northeast Discovery with 58.5 m of 1.00 g/t Gold

Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – July 15, 2026 – Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) (“Founders” or the “Company”) announces surface exploration and drilling results from its fully funded 70,000-metre drill program at the Antino Gold Project (“Antino” or the “Project”) in southeastern Suriname (Figure 1). In the first half of 2026 Founders has advanced multiple gold systems simultaneously – this release highlights a new discovery at Antino Northeast, continued growth at Antino North and Maria Geralda, and an exciting follow-up drill hole at Antino West.

Highlights

Antino Northeast

  • First-ever drilling confirms a new gold discovery on a kilometre-scale gold-in-auger anomaly with 1,200 m drill-confirmed strike length (Figure 1)
    • 58.5 metres (m) of 1.00 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) from 18.6 m (ANE009), including 18.0 m of 1.59 g/t Au
    • 53.0 m of 0.46 g/t Au from 149.0 m (ANE002), including 8.0 m of 2.29 g/t Au

Antino North

  • Drilling has now tested and confirmed mineralization along three of twelve mapped northwest-trending parallel shear zones; nine shears remain untested (Figure 1)
    • 16.5 m of 1.82 g/t Au from 8.1 m, including 3.0 m of 6.38 g/t Au (AN002), 8.1 m of 3.42 g/t Au from surface (AN009), and 22.5 m of 0.46 g/t Au from 32.1 m (AN005)

Maria Geralda

  • Fifteen new deep auger holes expand the high-grade gold previously defined, with near-surface intercepts including (Figure 2):
    • 30.0 m of 4.52 g/t Au (MGAD061), 23.0 m of 5.31 g/t Au (MGAD062), 19.0 m of 4.02 g/t Au (MGAD064), 9.0 m of 6.24 g/t Au (MGAD074), 30.0 m of 3.69 g/t Au (MGAD060), and 17.0 m of 2.94 g/t Au (MGAD063)
  • In several holes, mineralization continues to the 30 m auger limit. The Company has a diamond drill moving to Maria Geralda in early August to test these results in bedrock.

Antino West

  • A 35-metre-wide shear zone with visible gold intersected in drill hole FR251 at Antino West, 50 m along strike from the previously released discovery hole (FR217: 53.1 m of 1.21 g/t Au); assays pending (Figure 3)

Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, “Our exploration strategy continues to deliver, and we are thrilled to keep making new gold discoveries across Antino – this time at Antino Northeast, where drilling returned 58.5 metres of 1.00 g/t gold. This comes as we continue to expand the Antino North discovery, now with mineralization across three parallel structures and to 200 metres of vertical depth, and as deep auger drilling grows the high-grade, near-surface gold footprint at Maria Geralda. At Antino West, follow-up drilling has intersected a 35-metre-wide shear zone with visible gold in core, 50 metres away from the initial discovery, with assays pending. With multiple discovery fronts advancing at once and a fully funded 70,000-metre drill program underway, we believe we are only beginning to unlock the district-scale potential of Antino.”

Geological Discussion

Antino Northeast

At Antino Northeast, the Company completed its first-ever drilling, testing a kilometre-scale gold-in-auger anomaly – one of the largest geochemical anomalies identified anywhere on the Antino land package. Discovery hole ANE009 returned 58.5 m of 1.00 g/t Au from 18.6 m, confirming a new mineralized gold system within the anomaly. Approximately 1,200 m away, hole ANE002 intersected 53.0 m of 0.46 g/t Au from 149.0 m, further demonstrating the scale of the system (Figure 1). Mineralization remains open in all directions, and the majority of the auger anomaly has yet to be drill-tested. Follow-up drilling is planned to further define the extent of the gold system and test a second major parallel structure identified with structural mapping as well as surficial auger sampling programs.

Antino North

The Antino North discovery, first announced in April 2026, is a series of northwest-trending, shear-hosted gold zones mapped over multiple kilometres across the area. To date, the Company’s surface program has identified twelve parallel shear structures, of which three have now been drill-tested. Mineralization is similar in character to the shear- and vein-hosted gold at Upper Antino, comprising sheared subvertical quartz veins with a sericite-ankerite-tourmaline alteration assemblage and late brittle deformation overprinting. The mapped shear zones are spatially coincident with a large regional-scale fold – a structural setting commonly associated with orogenic gold deposits across the Guiana Shield. Results include 16.5 m of 1.82 g/t Au from 8.1 m (AN002), 8.1 m of 3.42 g/t Au from surface (AN009), 10.0 m of 0.87 g/t Au from 209.0 m (AN004), and 22.5 m of 0.46 g/t Au from 32.1 m (AN005) (Figure 1).

Maria Geralda Deep Auger

Building on the deep auger program reported in May 2026, which defined a coherent, plunging high-grade gold shoot at Maria Geralda, the Company has completed fifteen additional deep auger holes. Five of the new holes were drilled on the same 3 m x 3 m vertical grid to 30 m depth in saprolite, with nine along a new drill fence stepping out 9 m to the north, and one 18 m to the north. Results from these holes include 9.0 m of 6.24 g/t Au (MGAD074) and 28.0 m of 0.85 g/t Au from surface (MGAD071) (Figure 2). These results extend the width of the high-grade gold shoot, further defining a plunging structure with consistent distribution of high-grade material.

Results from the five new holes on the 3 m x 3 m grid continue to confirm a robust, high-grade gold shoot near-surface. Highlight intercepts include 30.0 m of 4.52 g/t Au (MGAD061), 23.0 m of 5.31 g/t Au (MGAD062), 19.0 m of 4.02 g/t Au (MGAD064), 30.0 m of 3.69 g/t Au (MGAD060) and 17.0 m of 2.94 g/t Au (MGAD063). Several holes, including MGAD060 and MGAD061, returned gold mineralization to the end of the hole at the 30 m auger limit, indicating that the shoot remains open at depth. All current mineralization is hosted in saprolite; the bedrock beneath the shoot has not yet been tested by diamond drilling. On the east of Maria Geralda, an anomaly with similar widths and grades to the shoot defined in the deep auger program was identified in a historical high-grade channel that returned 12.3 m of 4.52 g/t Au. The location and distribution of grade suggest the presence of a second, vertically stacked mineralized gold shoot within the broader northwest-oriented structure. The Company plans to follow up with an additional deep auger program to test mineralization east of the existing auger grid, near the historical high-grade channel, and to begin diamond drilling to test the shoot into bedrock (Figure 2).

Antino West

The Antino West discovery, announced in June 2026, is located approximately 1.2 kilometres west of Upper Antino, where discovery hole FR217 returned 53.1 m of 1.21 g/t Au from surface. Gold mineralization is associated with quartz-carbonate veining, pervasive sericite alteration and locally up to 10% sulphide within steeply northwest-trending shears developed along the mapped contact between two volcanic units. Follow-up drilling has continued along strike, with hole FR251 – collared approximately 50 m from the discovery hole – intersecting two shear zones: a 35-metre-wide zone with visible gold from 86.0 m, and a separate 11-metre-wide zone from 183.0 m (Figure 3). Assays are pending, and additional follow-up drilling is planned to test the extent of the mineralized system.

Figure 1: Antino North and Antino Northeast Plan Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/305207_85eb4772d470f9c8_002full.jpg

Figure 2: Maria Geralda Plan Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/305207_85eb4772d470f9c8_003full.jpg

Figure 3: Antino West Core Photos

Note: visible gold identified in core is a visual observation only and is not indicative of gold grade; assay results are pending.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/305207_85eb4772d470f9c8_005full.jpg

Table 1: Antino Assay Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t)
Antino Northeast Drill Holes*
ANE009 8.10 12.60 4.50 1.41
and** 18.60 77.10 58.50 1.00
incl 18.60 36.60 18.00 1.59
incl 42.60 77.10 34.50 0.85
and 165.00 169.00 4.00 1.31
ANE008 252.00 270.00 18.00 0.22
ANE007 NSA
ANE006 NSA
ANE005 206.00 290.00 84.00 0.23
ANE004 185.00 213.00 28.00 0.23
and 224.00 230.00 6.00 0.83
ANE003 NSA
ANE002 126.00 142.00 16.00 0.30
and 149.00 202.00 53.00 0.46
incl 189.00 197.00 8.00 2.29
and 217.00 221.00 4.00 1.28
and 252.00 267.00 15.00 0.36
ANE001 24.60 57.60 33.00 0.22
and 92.10 102.60 10.50 0.57
and 175.00 195.00 20.00 0.54
incl 191.00 193.00 2.00 2.84
Antino North Drill Holes*
AN010 NSA
AN009 0.00 8.10 8.10 3.42
AN006-AN008 NSA
AN005 32.10 54.60 22.50 0.46
and 81.60 84.60 3.00 1.24
AN004 209.00 219.00 10.00 0.87
incl 212.00 214.00 2.00 3.48
AN003 NSA
AN002 8.10 24.60 16.50 1.82
incl 21.60 24.60 3.00 6.38
and 33.60 38.10 4.50 0.77
and 72.00 96.00 24.00 0.27
incl 78.00 83.00 5.00 0.97
Maria Geralda Deep Augers***
MGAD074 0.00 9.00 9.00 6.24
MGAD073 0.00 13.00 13.00 0.24
MGAD072 0.00 19.00 19.00 0.47
MGAD071 0.00 28.0 28.00 0.85
MGAD070 0.00 8.0 8.00 0.40
MGAD069 0.00 24.0 24.00 0.23
MGAD068 0.00 11.0 11.00 0.83
MGAD067 0.00 14.0 14.00 0.35
MGAD066 NSA
MGAD065 NSA
MGAD064 11.00 30.00 19.0 4.02
MGAD063 0.00 8.00 8.0 0.53
and 13.00 30.00 17.0 2.94
MGAD062 0.00 23.00 23.0 5.31
MGAD061 0.00 30.00 30.0 4.52
MGAD060 0.00 30.00 30.0 3.69
*Intervals are down-hole depths. True widths of mineralization are unknown at this time based on currently available results and observations. Interval average grades are calculated with un-capped gold assays, as insufficient drilling has been completed to determine capping levels for higher-grade gold intercepts. Widths are calculated using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off grade with <5.0 m of internal dilution of zero grade (unless otherwise specified), and a minimum composite length of 2.0 m. Intervals below 3.0 gram-metres are omitted. NSA means No Significant Assays.
**Interval includes 6.0 m of dilution from 36.60 m to 42.60 m
***Intervals are vertical down-hole depths in saprolite. True widths are approximately 80-85%. Intercepts are un-capped and calculated using a 0.10 g/t Au cut-off grade with <5.0 m of internal dilution of zero grade, and a minimum composite length of 2.0 m. Intervals below 3.0 gram-metres are omitted. NSA means No Significant Assays. Deep auger grid centred at UTM Zone 21N 825750 E, 398240 N.

Table 2: Drill Hole and Deep Auger Locations

Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth (°) Dip (°) Depth (m)
Antino Northeast Drill Holes
ANE009 820607.33 414840.33 170.04 270.00 -50.00 200.00
ANE008 820476.50 414838.00 133.04 270.00 -50.00 270.00
ANE007 820275.00 414080.50 125.46 90.00 -50.00 199.80
ANE006 820527.00 414068.00 126.49 90.00 -50.00 284.00
ANE005 820400.00 414070.50 125.82 90.00 -70.00 351.04
ANE004 820400.00 414070.50 125.82 90.00 -50.00 278.02
ANE003 820936.00 413658.00 133.61 270.00 -50.00 245.00
ANE002 820818.50 413660.50 143.72 270.00 -50.00 269.01
ANE001 820706.00 413651.00 165.79 270.00 -50.00 254.00
Antino North Drill Holes
AN010 813886.67 418670.50 155.80 210.00 -55.00 251.00
AN009 813958.00 418793.00 145.52 210.00 -55.00 305.00
AN008 813997.00 418864.50 146.17 210.00 -55.00 362.10
AN007 813990.00 419593.50 163.79 210.00 -55.00 242.14
AN006 813829.33 419327.33 140.28 210.00 -55.00 227.00
AN005 813896.00 419444.67 160.92 210.00 -55.00 305.00
AN004 813939.00 419512.00 170.42 210.00 -70.00 398.02
AN003 813787.50 420132.50 163.38 90.00 -55.00 263.00
AN002 813831.00 420169.00 149.52 80.00 -70.00 311.07
Maria Geralda Deep Augers
MGAD074 825751.42 398255.89 160.78 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD073 825731.95 398239.22 161.56 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD072 825754.50 398247.43 159.40 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD071 825751.69 398246.40 160.20 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD070 825748.87 398245.37 160.58 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD069 825746.05 398244.35 160.95 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD068 825743.23 398243.32 161.58 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD067 825740.41 398242.30 162.28 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD066 825737.59 398241.27 162.45 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD065 825734.52 398239.98 161.73 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD064 825758.95 398227.87 157.76 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD063 825758.24 398231.09 157.91 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD062 825757.57 398234.22 158.04 – -90.00 23.00
MGAD061 825756.96 398237.10 158.23 – -90.00 30.00
MGAD060 825753.75 398236.01 158.45 – -90.00 30.00
Antino West Drill Holes
FR251 815974.50 400523.00 292.69 260.0 -50.00 275.00
Coordinates are reported in WGS 84 / UTM Zone 21N

About Founders Metals Inc.
Founders Metals Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company building a district-scale gold camp in southeastern Suriname. The Company controls a 102,360-hectare contiguous land package in the Guiana Shield – the largest uninterrupted package of highly prospective greenstone belt geology in the region. Founders is executing one of the most active exploration programs in the global junior gold sector and is backed by a strategic partnership with Gold Fields Limited. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, strong community engagement, and disciplined capital allocation as it advances Suriname’s next major gold camp.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Per: “Colin Padget”
Colin Padget
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Contact Information
Katie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate Development
Tel: +1 604 712 1790 | katiem@fdrmetals.com

Quality Assurance and Control

Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project. The channel sample result of 12.3 m of 4.52 g/t Au referred to in this news release is historical in nature. A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify this historical result, and it should not be relied upon. The Company considers the result relevant as it demonstrates the potential for gold mineralization east of the current deep auger grid and is using it to guide follow-up exploration. Deep auger samples were collected at 1 m intervals from vertical auger holes drilled to 30 m depth in saprolite using a 5-inch diameter Little Beaver deep auger; each interval was homogenized and split, with one half retained for geological logging and the other half submitted to the laboratory.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding long term value creation and Company’s prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Enshi Suobuya Stone Forest in China Launches Rich Cultural Experiences to Welcome Southeast Asian Tourists


ENSHI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – With China’s inbound visa-free policies continuing to be optimized, the Suobuya Stone Forest Scenic Area, located in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province, is welcoming Southeast Asian tourists with a refreshed experience. Known as the “World’s First Ordovician Stone Forest,” this 460-million-year-old geological wonder has introduced a series of diverse cultural experiences and interactive programs in 2026, offering Southeast Asian visitors a journey through natural and cultural wonders spanning hundreds of millions of years.

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Geological Wonder: Exploring an Ancient Underwater World from 460 Million Years Ago

Located in Taiyanghe Township in the northwest of Enshi City, Suobuya Stone Forest is approximately a one-hour drive from the city center. The scenic area was formed during the Ordovician Period 460 million years ago. Originally covered by an ancient ocean, it gradually evolved through geological transformations over hundreds of millions of years into the extraordinary stone forest landscape seen today. Covering a total area of 21 square kilometers, the area features towering stone peaks surrounded by lush greenery, resembling a vast “underwater labyrinth.” As a “crowned stone forest” with one of the highest vegetation coverage rates in China, the scenic area enjoys a cool and pleasant average summer temperature, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats and nature-based relaxation.

The four major scenic areas currently open to visitors each have their own unique appeal. Qinglongtai serves as the highest point of the scenic area, offering panoramic views of the entire stone forest from above. Lianhuazhai features the breathtaking “Xiniugou” secret landscape, where towering cliffs on both sides and changing light and shadows create a dreamlike atmosphere. Mozigou is rich in ancient biological fossils, allowing visitors to touch traces of life from the Ordovician Period with their own hands. Jiulonghui features circular rock walls and groups of waterfalls, with stone peaks rising dramatically from the ground to create a magnificent landscape. The scenic area also features the 5D theater “Shanhaijing,” where visitors can enjoy an immersive experience of the evolution of the Ordovician ocean world. With gentle walking trails and an easy travel route, the area is suitable for families and nature exploration enthusiasts.

Cultural Feast: Immersive Experiences of Tujia Folk Traditions

Suobuya Stone Forest is not only a treasure trove of geological wonders but also an important carrier of Tujia culture. The Tujia ethnic group is one of the major ethnic minorities in the Enshi region, with a long history and distinctive cultural traditions. The “Baishou Dance” is one of the most representative folk dances of the Tujia people and has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The dance movements often imitate scenes such as hunting, farming, and warfare, featuring a lively rhythm. Visitors can personally participate in this cultural experience at the Tiejiazhai Square and Duigetai Stage.

The Tujia Girls’ Festival is one of Enshi’s most distinctive traditional folk festivals and has been held at Suobuya Stone Forest during the seventh month of the lunar calendar for many consecutive years. The festival is a traditional social activity where young Tujia men and women use songs as a medium for communication and dances to express emotions. It carries the unique marriage customs and collective memories of the Tujia people and has been recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Hubei Province and one of the “Top Ten Most Charming Festivals in China.” During the festival, the scenic area hosts a variety of activities, including matchmaking through folk songs, traditional cultural parades, and traditional handicraft exhibitions, allowing visitors to experience the rich ethnic culture amid the stone forests and mountain scenery. Suobuya Stone Forest has therefore also been recognized as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” and the “Hometown of Mountain Folk Songs.”

Since 2026, the scenic area has continued to enhance its tourism products and cultural experiences. During the May Day holiday, it launched the “Exploring Wonders on Horseback · Fun in the Million-Year Stone Sea” folk culture series, featuring interactive programs such as folk song and dance flash mobs, the “Nature Guardians” activity where visitors exchange collected litter for cultural souvenirs, the immersive intangible cultural heritage experience “Stone Workers’ Chant,” and the outdoor role-playing game “Stone Forest Secret Order · Pursuing the Shadow of Rocks.” These activities allow visitors to explore the ancient stone sea while deeply engaging with Tujia cultural traditions.

Improved Transportation: Easier Access to Enshi for Southeast Asian Tourists

Since the opening of Enshi Xujiaping International Airport’s aviation port, the international flight network has continued to improve. In 2026, the Enshi–Hong Kong route achieved year-round regular operation, while flights between Enshi and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have resumed successively, creating a dual-route network connecting Vietnam’s two major cities in the north and south. According to the development plan of the Enshi aviation port, new routes to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and other destinations will be steadily promoted in the future, further strengthening the Southeast Asian aviation network. Tourists from major Southeast Asian cities can fly directly to Enshi and reach this 460-million-year-old underwater world after only a one-hour drive. Hidden deep within the Wuling Mountains, this ancient stone forest wonderland is welcoming visitors from around the world with a more open and international approach.
Hashtag: #SuobuyaCulturalTourism

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Leading the Network 2030: WBBA Officially Launches AI-Net, a Globally Authoritative Data Communications Certification

BANGKOK, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the Asia-Pacific Broadband Development Summit (BDS), the World Broadband Association (WBBA) officially launched AI-Net, a globally authoritative data communications certification for countries and operators worldwide. Serving as a digital infrastructure milestone, the certification provides a strategic guideline for global networks to transition from connectivity-driven architectures to intelligence-driven networks, propelling global infrastructure from the “All-Cloud” era into the “All-Intelligence” era, while accelerating industry-wide generational evolution and intelligent transformation.

Currently, AI is reshaping the global economy, demanding higher carrying capacity, scalability, and intelligence from underlying infrastructure. As industries transition to Net5.5G, traditional metrics like bandwidth and coverage no longer reflect national competitiveness in the intelligent era. Consequently, the WBBA introduced the AI-Net Certification, focusing on three new pillars: national policy guidance, collaborative industry ecosystems, and Net5.5G penetration rate. This highly quantifiable evaluation system aims to accelerate global Net5.5G deployment by aligning top-level policies with industrial ecosystems to systematically benchmark technological maturity.

AI-Net Certification
AI-Net Certification

During the launch, the WBBA elaborated on the bidirectional empowerment of the AI-Net Certification, highlighting its dual core values:

First, “Network for AI” establishes networks as the foundational bedrock for intelligent computing rather than mere transmission pipelines. By delivering deterministic performance—characterized by high throughput, zero packet loss, and ultra-low latency—modern network infrastructure fully unleashes the potential of intelligence. This ensures seamless, deep coordination between computing power and network scheduling, providing guaranteed experience quality for elastic demands and optimizing data efficiency for large-scale AI model training and inference.

Second, “AI for Network” injects native intelligence directly into devices and management platforms. By deeply integrating AI capabilities, networks transition from passive routing to active cognitive systems with endogenous intelligence, self-healing, and continuous self-optimization. This structural shift drives infrastructure toward highly automated “Agentic” O&M and AN L4, drastically reducing operational complexity and mitigating maintenance overhead for global operators.

WBBA Director General Martin Creaner elaborating on the AI-Net Certification
WBBA Director General Martin Creaner elaborating on the AI-Net Certification

The AI-Net assessment spans both macroeconomic and microeconomic dimensions. At the macroeconomic level, the certification evaluates national policy alignment and industry-building efforts. Key criteria include top-level policy frameworks anchoring Net5.5G, IPv6, and intelligent networks, alongside active contributions to global standards and ecosystem collaboration. At the microeconomic level, the assessment benchmarks operators using the IP Network Development Index (IPDI) launched by the WBBA at MWC, precisely measuring live-network intelligence and Advanced IP/Net5.5G deployment density to identify Net5.5G pioneers.

Moving beyond Wide Area Networks, the certification’s scope extends to end-to-end digital foundations, integrating highly interconnected Data Center Networks and comprehensive endogenous security systems into its core criteria. This multidimensional alignment not only highlights a nation’s strategic foresight but also validates the full-scenario, highly secure network capabilities delivered by leading operators in specialized sectors like automated logistics, smart retail, and smart cities.

“A trusted, industry-recognized benchmark, AI-Net turns the Four Forces into measurable progress toward Network 2030.” Moving forward, the WBBA will leverage this certification to build global consensus among policymakers, standards organizations, and leading operators. By accelerating unified standards and closing the digital divide, the initiative will construct an “AI-ready” network foundation to drive industries toward the 2030 intelligent future.

About the World Broadband Association:

The World Broadband Association (WBBA) is an open, multilateral organization and platform that brings together cloud and broadband industry stakeholders to address and drive forward the shared goals of maximizing the social and economic benefits of digital ultra-broadband for all globally. The WBBA champions the business, consumer and citizen outcomes that broadband can deliver across the world, through converged network and cloud infrastructure.

When a Stay Goes Beyond Check-out: Amari Unveils “Ari Service” to Deepen Guest Connections with Every Destination


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – Amari, the upper-upscale hotel brand under ONYX Hospitality Group, invites travellers to discover stays that go beyond the beauty of a destination, creating meaningful moments that become lasting memories through authentic local experiences, genuine connections with people and culture, and the warmth of Thai hospitality.

Amari Bangkok
Amari Bangkok

As ONYX Hospitality Group celebrates its 60th anniversary, the company is entering a new chapter of growth through the continued evolution of its brand portfolio. As part of this journey, Amari has been revitalised with a refreshed brand positioning centred on authentic local connections and warm Thai hospitality. Bringing this vision to life is the introduction of “Ari Service”, a new signature brand touchpoint designed to deepen the relationship between guests and the destinations they visit. Through thoughtful, locally inspired interactions and personalised service, Ari Service encourages guests to discover the character, culture and people of each location, creating meaningful experiences that extend well beyond check-out and reinforcing Amari’s promise of creating lasting memories.

As travel today is no longer simply about changing places, but about taking time for oneself, being with loved ones and creating meaningful moments, Amari believes that the best journeys continue long after check-out. Every stay is designed to leave guests with feelings and experiences they can carry home, from the first warm welcome upon arrival and a local dish that brings back memories of a destination, to moments shared with loved ones and thoughtful details that make guests feel truly understood and cared for.

Beyond thoughtful service, Amari connects guests with the unique character of each destination through locally inspired design, food and ingredients that reflect the identity of each place, and experiences that connect guests with local communities, culture and ways of life. From beachfront escapes surrounded by nature to vibrant city stays, every Amari destination reflects its own sense of place, offering experiences that are warm, lively and memorable.

At Amari Phuket, guests can experience a relaxing seaside escape along the Andaman coast, where the island’s natural beauty, local culture, cuisine and heritage come together. From unwinding at Breeze Spa, an open-air spa experience complemented by the sound of the waves, to discovering Phuket’s local flavours, historic Old Town and coastal lifestyle, every moment offers a deeper connection with the rhythm of the island.

Amari Vogue Krabi offers a tranquil retreat at Tubkaek Beach, one of Krabi’s most scenic coastal destinations. Surrounded by nature and overlooking the Andaman Sea, guests can enjoy peaceful moments by the beach, breathtaking sunsets and the simplicity of coastal life, making it an ideal destination to reconnect with themselves and loved ones away from the pace of everyday life.

For travellers seeking a more vibrant seaside escape, Amari Pattaya combines relaxation with the energy of one of Thailand’s most dynamic coastal cities. Guests can begin their day with moments of relaxation and holistic well-being at maai spa before exploring Pattaya’s cafés, restaurants, seaside activities and lifestyle experiences. With its balance of comfort and liveliness, Amari Pattaya offers a welcoming destination for families, couples and leisure travellers.

In the heart of Bangkok, Amari Bangkok combines the convenience of a city location with a warm and relaxing atmosphere where guests can unwind amidst the energy of the capital. With easy access to shopping, lifestyle destinations, cultural attractions, restaurants and key city landmarks, the hotel serves as both a gateway to discovering Bangkok from a new perspective and a welcoming place to return to for comfort and thoughtful care.

For Amari, a memorable journey does not end when guests leave the hotel. It continues through the feelings, connections and experiences they take home. By bringing each destination’s unique character to life through Ari Service, authentic local experiences and genuine Thai hospitality, Amari creates meaningful moments that become lasting memories. These are the “Endless Memories” that Amari strives to create at every destination, making every journey even more meaningful.

For more information on Amari please visit: www.amari.com

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ONYX Hospitality Group

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

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/C O R R E C T I O N — Hoymiles Power Electronics Inc./

In the news release, Hoymiles Introduces HiFlow Pro, the First UL 3700-Compliant Plug-in Microinverter in the US to Boost DIY Solar, issued 15-Jul-2026 by Hoymiles Power Electronics Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the image shall be changed. The complete, corrected release follows:

Hoymiles Introduces HiFlow Pro, the First UL 3700-Compliant Plug-in Microinverter in the US to Boost DIY Solar

RICHARDSON, Texas, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hoymiles announced the official release of its HiFlow Pro plug-in microinverter, the first DIY solar microinverter compliant with the UL 3700 standard that is developed specifically for plug-in photovoltaic (PIPV) systems. Designed for plug-and-play residential solar applications, HiFlow Pro maximizes energy yield and optimizes performance within limited installation spaces, such as balconies and compact rooftops.

Hoymiles launches HiFlow Pro plug-in solar microinverter in the US
Hoymiles launches HiFlow Pro plug-in solar microinverter in the US

Building on years of dedicated expertise in the European plug-in energy sector, Hoymiles is bringing more accessible solar solutions to homeowners across the US.

A New Era for Plug-in Solar in the US

Plug-in solar systems have gained popularity in Europe by making solar energy accessible for homeowners and renters. As demand for similar solutions grows in the US, the market has highlighted the need for a dedicated safety framework beyond traditional rooftop PV.

In response, UL 3700 was introduced—the first North American safety standard specifically designed for plug-in photovoltaic systems. It provides manufacturers with a clear certification pathway while offering utilities, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and consumers a consistent benchmark for safe deployment.

Hoymiles is leading this transition by introducing the first UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter to the US.

HiFlow Pro Microinverter: Easy, Accessible and Efficient DIY Solar Solution

HiFlow Pro is optimized for residential plug-in PV applications to ensure maximum energy harvest.

What sets Hoymiles HiFlow Pro apart:

  • High energy yield enabled by industry-leading MPPT efficiency (99.8% static and 99.5% dynamic) and low-voltage operation, maximizing energy harvest under changing weather conditions.
  • Plug-and-play setup and commissioning via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in less than 60 seconds, simplifying installation and system setup.
  • Type 6 enclosure rating with reliable operation from -40°C to +65°C; Backed by 250,000-hour reliability testing, it delivers dependable performance across diverse climates.
  • It supports parallel operation of four microinverters installed in separate sockets, enabling flexible expansion up to 1200 W total output power to satisfy different market needs and local regulations.

Driving the Future of Distributed Energy

“By introducing the first UL 3700-compliant plug-in microinverter in the US, we’re not only launching a new product—we’re helping establish a new benchmark for residential solar that combines simplicity, safety, and high performance,” said Hoymiles CEO Dr. Yang Bo.

As residential energy needs evolve in the US, Hoymiles remains committed to making solar more accessible and empowering more households with reliable clean energy solutions.

Learn more at https://www.hoymiles.com/us/hiflowpro.html

Now is Your Moment: Huawei Unlocks New Possibilities for Every Moment Through All-Scenario Innovation

HUAWEI Pura 90s Series Headlines a Line-up Designed for Expression, Style and Creativity


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – On July 14, 2026, Huawei held its Flagship Product Global Launch Event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where it officially unveiled the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series, HUAWEI FreeClip 2 S and HUAWEI MatePad Air. Led by the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series and its upgraded imaging technologies, these new devices seamlessly extend users’ all-scenario experiences, empowering them to capture, express, and create more effortlessly in everyday life.

Photo (19).jpg

Advanced Imaging, Designed for Expression, Capturing Every Meaningful Moment

As a key highlight of the launch, the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series delivers flagship imaging, empowering expression. Guided by the Rhythm of Colour design philosophy, the series combines clean design lines with a layered colour palette to create a distinctive and cohesive visual identity, while the Dual-Tone Gradient Mid-Frame[1] further enhances its aesthetic. The HUAWEI Pura 90s Series also introduces comprehensive imaging upgrades. Equipped with 200MP Ultra Large Sensor Telephoto Camera[2], True-to-Colour Camera 2.0 and a range of industry-leading imaging technologies, it delivers clear, stable, and consistent results across long-range, macro, and challenging lighting scenarios. Enhanced by AI-powered composition and image optimisation, users can move efficiently from capture to refinement, resulting in more expressive and refined visual outcomes.

Luminous Aesthetics, Designed for Style, Balancing Fashion and Comfort

Designed for personal style and everyday wear, the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 S introduces Huawei’s Luminous Aesthetics design philosophy, combining metallic lustre with organic tones in two new colourways – Deepsea Blue and Space Silver – to support individual style expression. The all-new Luminous Charging Case, crafted through over 100 precision manufacturing steps, features a refined rounded silhouette while expanding usable interior space by 20%[3], providing room for both earbuds and small accessories. Complementing the design, the upgraded Airy C-bridge blends skin-friendly liquid silicone with a luminous texture-spraying process to create a distinctive metallic finish. Refined through 22 paint-mixing and spraying processes, it balances visual elegance with a soft and comfortable fit, delivering both style and all-day wearability. Combined with Huawei’s open-ear listening experience, the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 S delivers clear listening and calling performance for everyday use.

Lightweight Design, Designed for Inspiration and Productivity

Designed for inspiration and productivity, the HUAWEI MatePad Air features a slim 5.3 mm[4] profile while delivering flagship-level performance. Equipped with the Ultra-clear OLED PaperMatte Display, it delivers vibrant visuals and exceptional clarity, empowering users to create with greater ease.

Maintaining its sleek and lightweight design, the device offers accurate colour reproduction and exceptional clarity, delivering an immersive viewing experience across work, learning, content creation and entertainment scenarios.

With powerful PC-level productivity and an integrated suite of AI tools, the HUAWEI MatePad Air helps users work more efficiently, transform ideas into content, and present complete solutions with ease. Together, these capabilities enable a seamless creative workflow and bring PC-level productivity into a lightweight form factor.

Together, the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series, HUAWEI FreeClip 2 S, and HUAWEI MatePad Air showcase Huawei’s all-scenario ecosystem. From capturing meaningful moments and expressing personal style to supporting creativity, they deliver a more connected and cohesive user experience across everyday scenarios.

Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to evolve its ecosystem to support diverse user needs, delivering a smarter and more efficient connected experience.


[1] Only available in the Orange Ocean model.

[2] The 200 MP high-resolution mode is only available at the 4x focal length and requires a HOTA update. Optical zoom ratios are approximate.

[3] Data is a comparison with HUAWEI FreeClip 2 and comes from Huawei lab tests.

[4] Data comes from Huawei laboratories. Actual weight and thickness may vary depending on product configuration, manufacturing processes, and measurement methods.

Hashtag: #Huawei

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo Connects Hong Kong Youth to Future Careers in AI Era

Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Central and Western District Office, Central and Western District Youth Network, and FutureGen Youth Foundation (“the Foundation“) co-organised the two-day Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo on 9 and 11 July. This event is funded by the Government of HKSAR, with the Hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex provided as a venue. The event, part of the IGNITE18: Jumpstart Your Career series, brought together over 1,200 participants —including students, parents, teachers, and careers masters —alongside education institutions, prominent industry leaders, and community partners to explore future careers, AI, and the evolving world of work. Committed to expanding the program’s reach across the district, The Council of Central & Western District School Heads served as the event’s education partner.

Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth
Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth

Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.

Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure

Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.

The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.

“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”

Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem

The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:

Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong

Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited

Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen

The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:

  • Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
  • Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
  • Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
  • Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
  • Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School

“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”

The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.

Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The Central and Western District Youth Network

The Central and Western District Youth Network, established under the Central and Western District Office, is a platform for young people aged 12 to 29 providing them with opportunities to develop their potential, cultivate personal interests, enhance self‑confidence, and encourage active participation in community affairs, thereby fostering a stronger sense of social belonging. Each year, the District Youth Network organises a diverse range of activities tailored to meet the interests and needs of its members.

The technology breakthroughs behind Huawei’s next-generation Smart String Grid-Forming ESS Platform

Huawei FusionSolar’s new Smart String Grid-Forming ESS Platform, LUTERRA, is born from technology breakthroughs designed to drive customer success.

MUNICH, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei launched LUTERRA at Intersolar Europe in Germany last month. In this article, Steve Zheng, President of Smart ESS Business, Huawei Digital Power explains how Huawei has achieved industry-leading efficiency in an easy-to-install battery storage solution that delivers plant level grid-forming (GFM) applications.

Steve Zheng, President of Smart ESS Business, Huawei Digital Power
Steve Zheng, President of Smart ESS Business, Huawei Digital Power

Huawei’s grid-forming technology has already been proven in field operation, including the world’s largest 100% renewable energy microgrid, at The Red Sea resort destination in Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea project has been in stable operation for over two years, demonstrating that multi-site coordination of GFM energy resources is entirely possible at the gigawatt-hour scale.

While not many projects will be as large as the 400MW of solar PV and the 1.3GWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) deployed in Saudi Arabia, Huawei’s technology can deliver increased revenues, higher throughput and seamless integration with solar for all customers.

Features such as its industry-leading round-trip efficiency (RTE), high-precision state of charge (SOC) control and cell-to-pack optimisation are achieved across multiple disciplines, Zheng says, “including electrochemistry, electrical engineering, electronics, thermodynamics, control technology, and prediction technology.”

“Huawei’s comprehensive control over the overall solution achieves 93.1% efficiency on the low-voltage side of the PCS at 25°C ambient temperature, with the SOC precision reaching 2.5% at both ends and 3% in the plateau,” Zheng says.

The integrated design covers full cell-to-pack thermal management, liquid-cooling systems and high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) switching architecture. The setup offers unique performance advantages for long-duration energy storage (LDES) applications over other products on the market.

“We adhere to the string architecture and adopt an optimiser for each pack and a controller for each rack. These refined and effective management methods address electrochemical inconsistency, especially inconsistency in the battery lifecycle,” Zheng explains.

“In our next-generation solution, the AC voltage is increased to 1000 V AC for the first time based on SiC components. This reduces system loss and improves efficiency. Our unique, intelligent, distributed cooling technology increases the heat dissipation area. In addition, high RTE, high consistency, high SOC level, and high availability are improving the solution’s throughput by more than 10% compared with conventional solutions.”

While the technology is sophisticated, installation and logistics are designed to be as simple as possible, according to Steve Zheng. In the example of a 1GWh BESS plant, LUTERRA Smart String Grid-Forming ESS Platform reduces delivery time by at least 30%, balance of plant (BOP) costs by at least 20%, and the footprint by 1 square metre for every megawatt-hour installed, compared to conventional solutions.

Zheng says these results are achieved with Huawei’s patented through-busbar Architecture, which enables flexible installation, capacity expansion, and adaptive C-rates for charging and discharging throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Grid-forming for stable inverter-based electricity grid

As regular readers of Energy-Storage.news will be aware, grid-forming technologies and their associated applications have grown hugely in importance for enhancing the stability of electricity grid across the world.

Historically, grid frequency and voltage have been established as byproducts of the rotating mass of thermal generation turbines. As these largely fossil-fuel-based assets are replaced or outnumbered by variable renewable energy (VRE) sources, a new challenge arises in maintaining system stability.

Fortunately, inverters equipped with GFM capabilities can provide the same inertia, short-circuit ratio (SCR) and other essential functions such as black start capability. GFM is a perfect fit for BESS and countries and regions including the UK, Australia and China are actively deploying grid-forming resources.

Within Europe, Germany’s four transmission system operators (TSOs) launched a long-term inertia service market earlier this year, for which GFM BESS assets are eligible, while the European association of TSOs across 36 countries, ENTSO-E, has drafted technical guidelines for grid-forming requirements.

“Grid-forming technology is key to maintaining the stability of a power grid that integrates a high proportion of renewable energy. The technology has evolved from individual equipment to arrays and power plants,” Steve Zheng says.

Huawei has defined six grid-forming capabilities: inertia, short-circuit Level, Primary frequency regulation, Power oscillation damping, black start and on/off-grid switching in virtual synchronous generator (VSG) mode.

“We believe that the breakthrough of grid-forming technology at the plant level is critical,” Zheng says.

In the example of a 100MW BESS plant, there will be thousands of power electronics devices that must run in GFM mode.

“It is technically challenging to ensure that these devices work together to stabilise the power grid through the collaboration of hardware and software,” Zheng says, referring to the example of The Red Sea project.

Huawei’s technology has also been used in large-scale grid-forming projects in other countries, including Germany, Bulgaria, the Philippines and China.

Huawei’s product roadmap strategy focuses on array and system-level optimisation

The company has developed the industry’s largest GFM energy storage solution, optimised for BOP at the system level. The strategy behind that product roadmap choice was to focus not just on the power and energy density of a single BESS container, but on the power and energy density of a full array or power plant.

“Only when the array solution is optimal can the entire plant be optimal. A single container is not a true energy storage system; cells alone do not make an energy storage system,” Zheng says.

“Therefore, we consider each array as the basic unit in our solution design and planning, rather than blindly pursuing higher power density of a single container.”

The Smart String Grid-Forming ESS Platform’s design features a Dual stage 1000Vac high-voltage platform. This grid-forming storage system can resolve critical front-of-the-meter (FTM) operational challenges across utility renewable plants and C&I storage deployments, even as power systems impose increasingly stringent grid-support requirements on energy storage assets.

Huawei's next-generation Smart String Grid-Forming ESS Platform LUTERRA
Huawei’s next-generation Smart String Grid-Forming ESS Platform LUTERRA

“When it comes to architecture, we believe that the dual-stage solution offers superior grid safety compared to the conventional single-stage solution,” Steve Zheng tells us.

First, under high-voltage ride-through (HVRT) conditions, inrush current will flow back and forth between the power grid and the PCS. Especially when the battery SOC is low, this may cause battery insulation failure or even severe safety issues.

Second, during low-voltage ride-through (LVRT), a certain constant active power is required to help the power grid recover quickly. These advantages are not available in the single-stage architecture.”