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.

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.

“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.”

WINNEMUCCA, Nev., July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: HYMC) (“Hycroft” or “the Company”), a U.S.-based gold and silver development company that owns the Hycroft Mine, today announced the appointment of Michael Deal as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective August 24, 2026.

Mr. Deal brings more than 20 years of operating and technical leadership experience across complex, multi-asset gold and silver operations in North America, with a proven track record of building, scaling, and optimizing operations through disciplined capital allocation, technical rigor, and operational excellence.

Most recently, Mr. Deal served as Vice President, Operations at First Majestic Silver, where he provided enterprise leadership across a portfolio of operating mines and development assets and served as Executive Lead for the integration of a $1 billion acquisition. He also directed annual capital programs exceeding $300 million while improving production, safety performance, and operating discipline.

Mr. Deal previously held senior operating and technical leadership roles with Nevada Gold Mines, OceanaGold, Romarco Minerals, and Newmont Corporation, spanning open-pit and underground mining, heap leaching, milling, flotation, roasting, autoclave processing, and refractory ore treatment.

During his time with Nevada Gold Mines, Mr. Deal managed processing operations at the Carlin Complex, including the Goldstrike roaster and autoclave facilities, as well as Gold Quarry’s roaster, concentrator, and heap leach operations. He led initiatives focused on refractory processing performance, recovery optimization, cost reduction, and extending the life of critical processing infrastructure across one of the world’s largest gold-producing operations.

Mr. Deal also played a key leadership role in the construction, commissioning, and ramp-up of the Haile Gold Mine in South Carolina, successfully transitioning the operation from development into production. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered improvements in safety, production, recovery, and operating performance while building high-performing teams and systems.

Diane Garrett, Executive Chairman and CEO, said, “Michael’s deep technical and operating experience is directly relevant to our strategy of advancing Hycroft to the next phase of operations. Michael will be instrumental in reviewing our many options for developing the mine with a primary focus on the two high-grade silver systems – Brimstone and Vortex. His extensive background building and managing sulfide processing operations — including roasters and autoclaves in Nevada — and in building the systems, teams and discipline needed to run them safely and profitably at scale is exactly the caliber of operating leadership we need as we advance and prepare the Hycroft Mine for future development.”

Mr. Deal added, “Hycroft represents a rare opportunity to help advance one of North America’s largest gold and silver assets. The combination of a large-scale resource base, Nevada jurisdiction, and significant metallurgical and exploration upside creates tremendous potential. I have spent my career building the operating systems, technical discipline, and high-performing teams required to safely advance complex assets. I look forward to working with the Hycroft team to systematically advance the project and build the foundation for long-term value creation.”

Mr. Deal serves on the SME Foundation Board of Directors and has previously served on the Nevada Mining Association Board of Directors and the Nevada Mineral Processing Division Board. He is a Registered Member and Qualified Person (QP) with the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME). Mr. Deal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Economics from the Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Arizona State University.

About Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation  

Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation is a US-based gold and silver company exploring and developing the Hycroft Mine, among the world’s largest precious metals deposits, located in northern Nevada, a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction. With a long history of heap leach operations, Hycroft is advancing to the next phase of operations for processing sulfide mineralization. In addition, Hycroft is engaged in a robust exploration drill program (2025-2026 exploration drill program) to expand and advance the two new high-grade silver systems Brimstone and Vortex. These discoveries represent a significant value driver for the Hycroft Mine.

For further information, please contact:

E: info@hycroftmining.com
Investor Relations Phone: 775-245-0564
www.hycroftmining.com

Media: Tavistock, Jos Simson / Emily Moss
E: hycroft@tavistock.co.uk
Phone: +44 207 920 3150

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release and in public statements by our officers or representatives that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future business strategy, plans and goals, competitive strengths, the advancement and development of the Hycroft Mine, the results and implications of metallurgical analysis and test work, and the expansion and growth of our business.

Forward-looking statements are often identified by future or conditional words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “target,” “budget,” “may,” “can,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” “scheduled to” and similar words or expressions but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. The risks include, but are not limited to: (i) risks related to changes in our operations at the Hycroft Mine, including risks associated with the cessation of mining operations at the Hycroft Mine; uncertainties concerning estimates of mineral resources; risks related to the lack of a completed feasibility study; risks related to metallurgical test work and process development; and risks related to our ability to re-establish commercially feasible mining and processing operations; and (ii) industry-related risks, including fluctuations in the price of gold and silver; the commercial success of, and risks related to, our exploration and development activities; uncertainties and risks related to our reliance on contractors and consultants; and the availability and cost of equipment, supplies, energy or reagents.

Any exploration target described in this press release does not represent, and should not be construed to be, an estimate of a mineral resource or mineral reserve. Ranges of potential tonnage and grade (or quality) of an exploration target are conceptual in nature; there has been insufficient exploration of the relevant property or properties to estimate a mineral resource; and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a mineral resource.

These and other risks may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and the occurrence of one or more of these events or circumstances, alone or in combination with others, may have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. Please see the “Risk Factors” outlined in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in other reports filed with the SEC, for more information about these and other risks.

Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Although these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable when made, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements in this press release.

Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of those statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

Complete TJM Series Robotic Joint Modules Debut

TOKYO, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TECO Electric & Machinery Co. (TWSE:1504), together with its Japanese subsidiary TECO Japan (TEJ), is participating in Taiwan Expo in Japan, held in Tokyo from July 15–17. Targeting Japan’s demand for intelligent manufacturing, electrified mobility and robotics, TECO showcases robotic joint modules, EV powertrain systems and high-payload commercial UAV powertrain systems, demonstrating its expansion from core motor technologies into integrated powertrain and motion solutions.

TECO President Fei-Yuan Kao stated, “Japan is a leading global market for electromechanical systems, industrial automation and smart manufacturing, and a key focus of TECO’s global expansion. Through the exhibition, TECO aims to strengthen brand visibility, deepen local industry partnerships and creating new business opportunities.”

As AI adoption accelerates demand for robotics, a highlight of TECO’s exhibition is the first complete showcase of the TJM Series robotic joint modules, including the M1-140, winner of the 2026 Taiwan Excellence Gold Award. The series comprises five sizes with rated torque ranging from 17 Nm to 361 Nm, peak torque up to 484 Nm, and a lightest module weighing only 0.7 kg. Designed for humanoid robots, quadruped robots and intelligent automation equipment, the platform delivers high precision, high torque density and modular flexibility.

TECO also showcases its T Power Pro 400 kW Hairpin Oil-Cooled Direct Drive Motor. Delivering up to 400 kW of output with efficiency exceeding 97.5%, the motor is more than 30% smaller than conventional motors while offering higher power density and reliability. Its ‘One Platform, Multiple Applications’ design supports demanding electric bus operations. Leveraging the same Hairpin platform, TECO has expanded its motor technology into high-payload commercial drone systems. Each motor generates more than 75 kg of maximum thrust and supports 50-150 kg-class UAV platforms for logistics, solar panel cleaning, firefighting and smart agriculture.

Established in 1992, TECO Japan is expanding beyond its motor business into EV powertrain systems and robotic joint modules. Through Taiwan Expo, TECO demonstrates its transformation into an integrated solutions provider. Leveraging TECO Japan’s local expertise and TECO’s global R&D and manufacturing capabilities, the company aims to become a trusted long-term partner in Japan.

About TECO

Founded in 1956, TECO Electric & Machinery (TWSE:1504) is a global leader in industrial motors and smart energy solutions. TECO leads Taiwan’s offshore wind substation market and holds over 85% of its electric bus powertrain market. https://www.teco.com.tw/zh-tw/

The expansion secures Valvoline Global as Geely’s official lubricant technology partner, integrating its advanced fluids into factory-fill production and a newly launched aftersales network.

SINGAPORE and SYDNEY, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Valvoline™ Global Operations, The Original Motor Oil and worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, today announced an expanded strategic partnership with Horse Powertrain (“Horse”), a global manufacturer of powertrain solutions and joint venture between Geely, Renault and Aramco, which supplies automotive engines for Geely and other top automakers. Building on an existing factory-fill collaboration with Horse, the expanded partnership extends Valvoline Global’ s lubricant solutions into a broader vehicle service ecosystem, accelerating its business expansion in Asia Pacific.

Separately, Valvoline Global has entered a long-term aftersales agreement with Geely Auto Group (“Geely”), one of China’s largest automakers, to become its designated lubricant technology partner. As such, Valvoline Global will now supply high‑performance aftermarket lubricants for Geely vehicles, including other owned and operated brands under its parent company. Together, the expanded Horse and Geely partnership positions Valvoline to deliver a seamless lubricant solution that supports vehicles from initial assembly through the aftermarket ownership experience.

“Valvoline has demonstrated deep technical capability, a robust global supply chain, and a shared commitment to advancing the next generation of mobility solutions,” said Simon Hu, Chief Procurement Officer of Horse Powertrain. “This long-term collaboration reinforces our ability to deliver exceptional performance, durability, and sustainability to our customers, and we are pleased to have Valvoline Global as a strategic partner.”

“Our strengthened partnership with Horse Powertrain and Geely Auto Group is representative of where Valvoline Global is going,” said Michael Dreyer, SVP and General Manager for APAC, Valvoline Global Operations. “By delivering innovative, OEM-endorsed solutions from factory-fill to aftersales, supported by 160 years of expertise, we are working not just as a legacy oil brand, but as a preferred technology partner for next-generation mobility.”

Co-Developed Lubricants Formulated to Benefit Drivers

As part of Valvoline Global’ s agreement with Geely, the brand introduces a new line of co-engineered lubricants for Geely vehicles, including the Valvoline GEELY Ultra Full Synthetic Engine Oil, Valvoline GEELY Full Synthetic Engine Oil, and others. Co-developed with Geely and validated through rigorous OEM testing, these synthetic and full synthetic formulations are engineered for fuel economy, engine efficiency and cleanliness, and protection of critical engine components. All formulations available to consumers meet powertrain specifications required by Horse.

With 160 years in the lubricant industry, Valvoline Global is uniquely positioned to bring innovative products to car owners, who will benefit from the brand’s proven expertise. The partnership also reflects Valvoline Global’ s continued investment in strategic growth markets across the Asia Pacific region for business expansion and leader in the rapidly advancing mobility sector. These integrated strengths now serve as a compelling reference for pipeline OEMs seeking a future‑ready lubricant partner.

Industry Recognition: Valvoline Global at the 6^th International Summit of Automotive Propulsion Systems (ISAPS)

Valvoline Global demonstrated its technical credibility as a participant in the 6^th ISAPS hosted in China. The summit brings together major global OEMs and leading academics from top universities, enabling technical exchange on light-duty powertrain development between trusted technical partners in the mobility ecosystem. Valvoline Global’s participation underscores its growing reputation as a technical partner in the global mobility ecosystem. 

About Valvoline™ Global Operations

Valvoline™ Global, being America’s first branded motor oil, is powering the next generation of mobility through innovation for customers in 140+ countries and at more than 80,000 points of distribution. A worldwide leader in future-ready automotive and industrial solutions and best-in-class services for partners around the globe, our legacy of firsts spans 160 years.

With solutions available for every engine and drivetrain, from high-mileage and heavy duty to electric vehicles, Valvoline Global is inventing the way forward for mobility and beyond, expanding its heat transfer solutions to high performance computing.

Together with our parent company Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, we are driving unparalleled product innovation and sustainable business solutions for what the future holds – on and off the road.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Valvoline TM is a registered Trademark of Valvoline Global or its subsidiaries.