• Project will deliver 4.74 MW of daily contract capacity for 251 business days annually, once it has reached Commercial Operation
  • Combined BESS and Solar projects are powering Ontario’s grid with reliable, clean energy

TORONTO, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) (“PowerBank” or the “Company”), a leader in North American energy infrastructure development and asset ownership, is proud to share an update on the final commissioning of the cutting-edge SFF-06 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project (the “Project”) in Ontario, Canada. The project was previously announced here and will include 4.99 MW of energy storage.

The SFF-06 Project is in the final stages of “hot” commissioning with EVLO. The commissioning of the SFF-06 Project includes several milestones with technical partners to ensure safe installation, interconnection, and commissioning with the Hydro grid for the nine EVLO Battery Containers. PowerBank is anticipating the Commercial Operation date for the SFF-06 Project to occur during January 2026, subject to the receipt of all necessary commissioning approvals. This project will be PowerBank’s first operational battery energy storage project.

SFF-06 Project site, located in Cramahe, Ontario. Source: PowerBank Corporation. (CNW Group/PowerBank Corporation)

SFF-06 is owned by 1000234763 Ontario Inc. (ProjectCo), in which PowerBank holds a 50% stake, with the remaining 50% owned by a partnership of First Nations communities in Ontario.

Acquired through PowerBank’s $45 million valued acquisition of Solar Flow-Through Funds Ltd. in July 2024, this project positions the company in a battery storage market projected to increase to $31.2 billion by 2029, growing at a 16.3% CAGR, according to Fortune Business Insights.

The project qualifies for the 2024 Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, offering up to 30% reimbursement of eligible capital costs. This refundable credit enhances SFF-06’s financial performance while aligning with PowerBank’s mission to accelerate renewable energy adoption through strategic government incentives.

In July 2023, SFF-06 secured a 22-year contract through the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Expedited Long-Term RFP (E-LT1 RFP). With a fixed capacity payment of $1,221/MW per business day—well above the $876/MW average for storage projects—this contract ensures strong financial returns.

PowerBank’s proven expertise, with over 100 MW of completed projects and a development pipeline exceeding 1 GW, underpins the project’s execution. Strategic partnerships and institutional-grade development capabilities position PowerBank to deliver reliable, high-impact renewable energy solutions.

Project Risks. There are several risks associated with the development of the Project. The commercial operation of the Project is subject to receipt of final technical and regulator approvals, and the degradation of battery storage capacity can occur over time based on the number of discharge cycles. In addition, governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for battery energy storage, which could result in future projects no longer being economic. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” for additional discussion of the assumptions and risk factors associated with the projects and statements made in this press release.

Other BESS Project Update. As previously disclosed, the Company is also developing two other battery energy storage projects in Ontario known as 903 project and OZ-1 project. As a result of permitting delays, the Company and its battery storage systems supplier (the “Supplier”) were in discussions to terminate the contracts for OZ-1 on mutually agreeable terms. Once permitting certainty is achieved for OZ-1, the Company will either re-enter into agreements with the Supplier or pursue an alternative supplier. A termination arrangement has now been concluded pursuant to which the parties agreed to terminate the OZ-1 equipment supply and long-term service agreements, with PowerBank relinquishing all rights and obligations. The Supplier will retain possession and property of the systems originally allocated to OZ-1, and PowerBank will pay the Supplier a termination fee of $475,000 along with a reimbursement of certain retrofit costs in the amount of $100,000, in addition to any amounts due for services performed to date. Final completion deadlines for the remaining projects are also being adjusted. Finally, PowerBank will pay $512,000 for an extended warranty for the SFF-06 and 903 projects.

About PowerBank Corporation

PowerBank Corporation is an independent renewable and clean energy project developer and owner focusing on distributed and community solar projects in Canada and the USA. The Company develops solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects that sell electricity to utilities, commercial, industrial, municipal and residential off-takers. The Company maximizes returns via a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple leading North America markets including projects with utilities, host off-takers, community solar, and virtual net metering projects. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed renewable and clean energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built. To learn more about PowerBank, please visit www.powerbankcorp.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information ‎within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking ‎statements”) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. ‎Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, ‎objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the ‎use of words or phrases such as “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “expects”, “will ‎continue”, “is anticipated”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimated”, “intends”, “plans”, “forecast”, ‎‎”projection”, “strategy”, “objective” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be ‎forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties ‎which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in ‎such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this news release ‎contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company’s expectations regarding its industry trends and overall market growth; the Company’s growth strategies;the expected energy production from the Project mentioned in this press release; the timeline for construction of the Project; the receipt of permits and financing to be able to construct the Projects; the receipt of incentives for the Project; and the size of the Company’s development pipeline.  No assurance ‎can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking ‎statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These ‎statements speak only as of the date of this news release.‎

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this news release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company’s competitors; that the Company’s current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under “Forward-‎Looking Statements” and “Risk ‎Factors” in the Company’s most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company’s growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company’s future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company’s project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar projects exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company’s effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company’s results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation and tariffs; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company’s insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any global pandemic on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any ‎forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or ‎otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it ‎is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such ‎factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to ‎differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-‎looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by ‎this cautionary statement.‎

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SOURCE PowerBank Corporation

LONDON, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With two months to go, BizClik is entering the final countdown to Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit 2026, taking place on 4–5 March 2026 at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London.

As climate disclosure rules tighten and pressure around Scope 3 emissions continues to rise, the summit arrives at a critical moment for procurement and supply-chain leaders. The two-day event will bring together global executives across procurement, supply chain, sustainability, logistics and digital transformation to advance net-zero delivery and build resilient, future-ready value chains.

The summit will run alongside Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit, creating a unified platform for climate-aligned business transformation and reinforcing the growing convergence between sustainability strategy, procurement leadership and supply-chain execution.

Two Months Until Procurement and Supply Chain Leaders Convene

With just two months remaining, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit 2026 is preparing to welcome more than 1,000 in-person attendees, alongside a global virtual audience.

As the countdown continues, the summit will feature:

  • 50+ expert speakers across procurement, supply chain, sustainability, logistics, ESG and climate tech
  • 10 content tracks addressing the most urgent net-zero and supply-chain challenges
  • 4 executive workshops designed for CPOs, CSCOs and senior transformation leaders

The agenda will deliver insight into decarbonisation, resilience, responsible sourcing, logistics optimisation and end-to-end supply-chain visibility.

Driving Net Zero and Supply Chain Transformation

As organisations accelerate toward net-zero commitments, the connection between digital transformation and sustainability has never been more critical.

Commenting ahead of the two-month countdown, Glen White, CEO of BizClik, said:
 “As organisations move faster toward decarbonisation, the connection between digital transformation and sustainability has never been stronger. This summit is designed to give leaders the strategies, tools and partnerships they need to deliver meaningful change at scale.”

Key Themes as the Two-Month Countdown Begins

With two months to go, the 2026 programme will focus on six priority areas:

  1. Net Zero and Decarbonisation
     Reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and aligning supply chains with net-zero commitments.
  2. Supply Chain Resilience and Risk Management
     Managing geopolitical risk, disruption, freight volatility and operational uncertainty.
  3. Digital Procurement and AI Innovation
     Applying automation, digital sourcing, predictive analytics and AI-driven intelligence.
  4. Sustainable and Ethical Supply Chains
     Strengthening transparency, supplier due diligence and ESG-aligned decision-making.
  5. Global Logistics, Freight and Distribution
     Improving efficiency through sustainable transport and multimodal strategies.
  6. Leadership, Strategy and Transformation
     Equipping CPOs and CSCOs with executive insight, governance frameworks and execution models.

Two Months Out: A Platform for Collaboration and Action

With the summit now just two months away, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit 2026 will provide delegates with access to:

  • Real-world case studies and practical implementation insight
  • Deep-dive masterclasses on emerging procurement and supply-chain challenges
  • Discussions with innovators in AI, analytics, automation and sustainability technology
  • Peer networking with senior procurement and supply-chain leaders
  • Solution showcases from leading global vendors and providers

The co-location with Sustainability LIVE creates one of Europe’s most comprehensive net-zero ecosystem gatherings, uniting climate, procurement and supply-chain strategy in a single environment.

Why This Event Matters With Two Months to Go

As regulatory pressure increases and climate disclosure expectations rise, organisations are seeking practical pathways to reduce emissions and strengthen supply-chain resilience. With two months remaining, PSC LIVE: The Net Zero Summit provides a timely forum for leaders to move from ambition to execution.

Registration Now Open

With the two-month countdown underway, early bird tickets are available. Attendees can choose in-person or virtual access to all sessions, workshops, networking areas and exhibitor showcases.

About Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE is BizClik’s global event series for procurement, sourcing, supply chain and logistics professionals. The series connects decision-makers with insight on supply-chain strategy, digital transformation, risk, ethics and sustainability.

About BizClik

BizClik is a leading global digital media and events company producing industry-specific content across procurement, supply chain, sustainability, technology, energy, fintech and AI. Through digital magazines, websites, newsletters, webinars and world-class events, BizClik connects enterprise leaders with executive audiences worldwide.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2854346/BizClik_Media_PSC_Summit.jpg

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SOURCE BizClik Media

Former NFL standout and son of pioneering conservationist Dr. Kurt Benirschke takes the helm as the organization’s new board chairman

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has announced the election of Rolf Benirschke as the new chairman of its Board of Trustees. Benirschke, who previously served as vice chairman, succeeds Steven S. Simpson, who will continue to serve on the board.

Benirschke’s connection to the organization is deeply rooted as his father, Dr. Kurt Benirschke, was instrumental in establishing San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation research program, laying the foundation for decades of scientific innovation. Rolf worked in the research lab at the zoo while he was in college and later created Kicks for Critters, a fundraising and awareness platform for the zoo and endangered species when playing in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers. He also started the Celebration for the Critters, a fundraising event that continues still today as the Food Wine and Brew Celebration.

“I am honored and very humbled to step into the role of chairman and help continue Dad’s legacy of applying science and innovation to conservation and wildlife protection,” said Rolf Benirschke. “San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has played a huge role in my life, and I am excited to be a part of this amazing team that continues to advance its mission of conservation.”

In addition to his family’s legacy, Benirschke has made significant contributions to the San Diego community and beyond. He is widely recognized for his 10-year career as a record-setting placekicker for the San Diego Chargers, earning numerous awards including the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the NFL’s highest honor. After retiring from the NFL, he became a sought-after keynote speaker, wrote four books, started the Legacy Golf Invitational now in its 26th year, and built a patient engagement firm. He also helped fund several startup biotech companies that make products for patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, an illness he endured during his early years in the NFL and continues to sit on several biotech boards.

“Rolf’s heart and deep connection to our Alliance’s history and to the San Diego community, makes him the perfect person to fill this role. With his long history and deep connection to SDZWA, his lifelong passion for wildlife, and his years of trusted leadership, it is our privilege to welcome Rolf Benirschke to the chairman role,” said Shawn Dixon, President and Chief Executive Officer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

In his role as chairman, Benirschke will lead the board in advancing strategic priorities and supporting the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, and the Alliance’s eight global conservation hubs, anchoring conservation work in key regions like the African Forest, Amazonia, Asia, Australian Forest, Oceans, Pacific Islands, Savanna, and Southwest.

CONTACT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Public Relations
619-685-3291
publicrelations@sdzwa.org
sdzwa.org

VISUALS: https://sandiegozoo.box.com/s/zcakhsposjtkbjof4rtx17ymyn41cebs

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SOURCE San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Former NFL standout and son of pioneering conservationist Dr. Kurt Benirschke takes the helm as the organization’s new board chairman

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has announced the election of Rolf Benirschke as the new chairman of its Board of Trustees. Benirschke, who previously served as vice chairman, succeeds Steven S. Simpson, who will continue to serve on the board.

Benirschke’s connection to the organization is deeply rooted as his father, Dr. Kurt Benirschke, was instrumental in establishing San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation research program, laying the foundation for decades of scientific innovation. Rolf worked in the research lab at the zoo while he was in college and later created Kicks for Critters, a fundraising and awareness platform for the zoo and endangered species when playing in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers. He also started the Celebration for the Critters, a fundraising event that continues still today as the Food Wine and Brew Celebration.

“I am honored and very humbled to step into the role of chairman and help continue Dad’s legacy of applying science and innovation to conservation and wildlife protection,” said Rolf Benirschke. “San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has played a huge role in my life, and I am excited to be a part of this amazing team that continues to advance its mission of conservation.”

In addition to his family’s legacy, Benirschke has made significant contributions to the San Diego community and beyond. He is widely recognized for his 10-year career as a record-setting placekicker for the San Diego Chargers, earning numerous awards including the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the NFL’s highest honor. After retiring from the NFL, he became a sought-after keynote speaker, wrote four books, started the Legacy Golf Invitational now in its 26th year, and built a patient engagement firm. He also helped fund several startup biotech companies that make products for patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, an illness he endured during his early years in the NFL and continues to sit on several biotech boards.

“Rolf’s heart and deep connection to our Alliance’s history and to the San Diego community, makes him the perfect person to fill this role. With his long history and deep connection to SDZWA, his lifelong passion for wildlife, and his years of trusted leadership, it is our privilege to welcome Rolf Benirschke to the chairman role,” said Shawn Dixon, President and Chief Executive Officer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

In his role as chairman, Benirschke will lead the board in advancing strategic priorities and supporting the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, and the Alliance’s eight global conservation hubs, anchoring conservation work in key regions like the African Forest, Amazonia, Asia, Australian Forest, Oceans, Pacific Islands, Savanna, and Southwest.

CONTACT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Public Relations
619-685-3291
publicrelations@sdzwa.org
sdzwa.org

VISUALS: https://sandiegozoo.box.com/s/zcakhsposjtkbjof4rtx17ymyn41cebs

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SOURCE San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

DALLAS, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new research report warns that workplaces risk continuing to lose working mothers at scale unless they rethink how work is designed around maternity leave, return to work, and long-term sustainability.

According to The Future of Working Motherhood Annual Report, published by Executive Moms, 97.5% of working mothers say they would stay longer at a company that meaningfully supports working motherhood, yet 40% leave their job after having a baby when that support falls short. The findings suggest that attrition is not driven by a lack of ambition or commitment, but by systems that fail to evolve when employees do.

The report examines the full arc of working motherhood, from maternity leave through reentry and beyond, and reframes retention as a work design challenge rather than an individual one.

Reentry Is Where Retention Breaks Down

The data reveals that attrition among working mothers is concentrated in a narrow window following maternity leave. Of the nearly 40% of mothers who leave, 65% do so within the first year, indicating that most do not exit impulsively but after sustained strain.

Instead, the report finds that many mothers attempt to make it work, absorbing strain quietly as expectations resume without recalibration. When roles, workloads, and performance norms remain unchanged, staying becomes unsustainable over time.

Managers Matter But Systems Matter More

The report underscores the significant role managers play during reentry: 68% of mothers say their manager had the single biggest impact on whether their return to work was positive or negative.

However, individual support alone is not enough. Globally, regardless of how much paid leave was taken, 63% of respondents identified flexible work design as the most impactful systemic change for improving the sustainability of working motherhood, outweighing compensation or one-time benefits.

When flexibility is informal or manager-dependent, outcomes vary widely. When it is clearly defined and structurally supported, retention improves.

Ambition Hasn’t Decreased, It’s Been Misread

Contrary to persistent narratives, the report finds no evidence that working mothers lose ambition after having children. Instead, many describe a shift in how ambition is expressed, becoming more selective about where time and energy are invested.

76% of mothers said flexibility matters more than compensation, and 78% reported that motherhood made them better leaders, citing stronger prioritization, judgment, and focus. What can appear as disengagement is often a rejection of outdated performance models built around constant availability rather than impact.

A Design Opportunity for Employers

Rather than framing working motherhood as a cultural or values issue, the report positions it as a matter of execution. It outlines practical steps organizations can take now, including structured reentry planning, role protection during leave, clearer expectations, and expanded postpartum mental health benefits.

The full report is available at https://www.executivemoms.co/the-future-of-working-motherhood-2026

About Executive Moms

Executive Moms is a research-driven workplace advisory focused on improving maternity leave, reentry, and long-term retention of working mothers. The organization partners with companies to translate data into practical strategies, workshops, and leadership guidance, and also supports new and expecting working mothers with maternity leave planning tools designed to make working motherhood more sustainable.

Press Contact:

connect@executivemoms.co

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SOURCE Executive Moms

Chicago-based software company becomes first tech firm to fund biochar kilns in Thailand’s most polluted region, building on $50,000+ ocean conservation donations made to date.

CHICAGO and CHIANG MAI, Thailand, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Iron Software, a leading developer of .NET libraries and tools, today announced an $USD18,000 donation to Warm Heart Worldwide/Biochar Life to fund 50 biochar kilns in northern Thailand. This initiative marks the company’s first major environmental project in Thailand and coincides with Iron Software’s 10th anniversary.

The partnership addresses the annual burning season that blankets northern Thailand in hazardous smoke, directly impacting Iron Software’s 50-person engineering hub in Chiang Mai while providing sustainable income for local farmers and removing carbon from the atmosphere. With burning season beginning in February, the kiln deployment aims to reduce smoke pollution in the region this year.

Chiang Mai has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant tech hubs, attracting software companies and digital nomads with its exceptional internet infrastructure, low cost of living, and thriving developer community. Often called a “mini Silicon Valley,” the city combines world-class connectivity with a high quality of life—making the annual air pollution crisis all the more pressing for the tech workers who call it home.

“As we celebrate Iron Software’s 10th anniversary, we’re committed to investing in the communities where our teams live and work,” said Cameron Rimington, CEO of Iron Software. “Our Chiang Mai engineering hub—where we develop core products like IronPDF for HTML to PDF conversion in C# and .NET—has been instrumental to our growth, and this partnership with Warm Heart Worldwide represents a practical solution to a challenge our team faces every burning season. By funding these biochar kilns, we’re not just addressing local air quality, we’re supporting farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to measurable carbon removal. It’s exactly the kind of clever, multi-benefit solution the tech industry should be championing.”

“I’ve lived in Chiang Mai for more than ten years, and the smoky season is noticeably impacting people’s lives,” said Jacob Mellor, Chief Technology Officer at Iron Software. “We’ve invested heavily in making our office a safe environment—medical-grade air purifiers, real-time AQI monitoring—and our remote work policy means team members can work from anywhere or take leave during the worst weeks. But we wanted to do more than protect ourselves. Our team members have families here, kids in local schools, neighbours who are farmers. This partnership is about giving back to the broader community that’s become home to so many of us.”

The donation will fund 50 “Aom Kilns,” specialized devices that convert agricultural waste into biochar, a carbon-rich material that improves soil health while permanently sequestering carbon. These kilns, designed by Kwanpiromtara (Aom) Suksri, COO at Biochar Life, who has 12 years of biochar expertise, will be the first to enter full production use in Phrao district, transforming what would typically be burned as crop waste into a valuable resource.

Building on Environmental Leadership

This Thailand initiative expands Iron Software’s environmental commitment, which includes over $50,000 donated to TeamSeas for ocean cleanup efforts since 2022. As a member of 1% for the Planet, the company has integrated environmental action into its business model, donating $50 to 1% for the Planet for every Iron Suite license purchased and offering EcoGrants to support sustainable technology projects.

“Iron Software represents really the first CSR innovation partner for us in Thailand,” said Matt Rickard, CEO of Biochar Life. “The local element of this partnership is crucial—everyone at Iron Software experiences the smoke pollution problem firsthand and will benefit from the solution. These kilns will enable farmers to earn income from their agricultural waste rather than burning it, while the resulting biochar improves soil health and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.”

Addressing a Regional Crisis with Global Impact

Northern Thailand’s annual burning season, typically occurring from February to April, creates some of the world’s worst air pollution as farmers burn crop residue to prepare fields for the next planting season. In 2024, Chiang Mai repeatedly topped IQAir’s global rankings as the world’s most polluted major city during peak burning months, with PM2.5 readings reaching 53 to 106 micrograms per cubic meter—with PM2.5 readings reaching 53 to 106 micrograms per cubic meter—well above the WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³.

The biochar solution offers multiple benefits:

  • Environmental: Prevents agricultural burning, removes carbon permanently from the atmosphere
  • Economic: Provides farmers with income from waste materials
  • Agricultural: Improves soil health, water retention, and reduces chemical fertilizer needs
  • Health: Reduces harmful smoke exposure for millions in the region

Project Impact

  • Farmers supported: 40–50 smallholder farmers
  • Agricultural waste converted: 150 tons annually
  • Carbon removal: 80–100 tons CO2 per year
  • Timeline: Kiln deployment in Q1 2026 (January–March)

About the Technology

Unlike traditional carbon offset programs focused on tree planting, biochar provides instant, measurable, and permanent carbon removal. The process converts agricultural waste into a stable form of carbon that can remain in soil for hundreds to thousands of years. According to recent studies, biochar solutions have accounted for 96% of all verified carbon removal to date, despite receiving a fraction of the funding directed toward other technologies.

The Aom Kiln represents a major innovation in this space—a low-emission, high-efficiency system that transforms crop waste cleanly, reduces smoke pollution, and empowers smallholder farmers with a more reliable, scalable way to produce biochar.

Looking Forward

This partnership reflects Iron Software’s evolution from ocean conservation to comprehensive environmental action, demonstrating how tech companies with international teams can address local environmental challenges while contributing to global climate solutions. The company continues to accept applications for its EcoGrant program, supporting organizations developing sustainable technology solutions.

For more information about Iron Software’s environmental initiatives, visit https://ironsoftware.com/about-us/1-percent-for-the-planet/. To learn more about Warm Heart Worldwide and Biochar Life’s work in Thailand, visit https://biochar.life/

About Iron Software

Iron Software develops trusted developer libraries used by millions worldwide. With over 94 million NuGet downloads across its product suite, the company supports engineers building secure, compliant, and high-performance applications across finance, healthcare, aviation, AI, and enterprise software. Its product suite includes IronPDF, IronOCR, IronXL, IronBarcode, and more—all engineered to simplify complex document and data workflows through simple, powerful APIs.

About Warm Heart Worldwide/Biochar Life

Warm Heart Worldwide is a U.S. nonprofit operating in northern Thailand through the Warm Heart Foundation, working with smallholder farmers and rural communities to promote biochar for better air quality, healthier soils, and increased incomes. Biochar Life, its social enterprise arm, connects this grassroots work to the global carbon market, enabling certified carbon removal credits that support farmers and scale climate-smart agriculture across the region.

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SOURCE Iron Software

Chicago-based software company becomes first tech firm to fund biochar kilns in Thailand’s most polluted region, building on $50,000+ ocean conservation donations made to date.

CHICAGO and CHIANG MAI, Thailand, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Iron Software, a leading developer of .NET libraries and tools, today announced an $USD18,000 donation to Warm Heart Worldwide/Biochar Life to fund 50 biochar kilns in northern Thailand. This initiative marks the company’s first major environmental project in Thailand and coincides with Iron Software’s 10th anniversary.

The partnership addresses the annual burning season that blankets northern Thailand in hazardous smoke, directly impacting Iron Software’s 50-person engineering hub in Chiang Mai while providing sustainable income for local farmers and removing carbon from the atmosphere. With burning season beginning in February, the kiln deployment aims to reduce smoke pollution in the region this year.

Chiang Mai has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant tech hubs, attracting software companies and digital nomads with its exceptional internet infrastructure, low cost of living, and thriving developer community. Often called a “mini Silicon Valley,” the city combines world-class connectivity with a high quality of life—making the annual air pollution crisis all the more pressing for the tech workers who call it home.

“As we celebrate Iron Software’s 10th anniversary, we’re committed to investing in the communities where our teams live and work,” said Cameron Rimington, CEO of Iron Software. “Our Chiang Mai engineering hub—where we develop core products like IronPDF for HTML to PDF conversion in C# and .NET—has been instrumental to our growth, and this partnership with Warm Heart Worldwide represents a practical solution to a challenge our team faces every burning season. By funding these biochar kilns, we’re not just addressing local air quality, we’re supporting farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to measurable carbon removal. It’s exactly the kind of clever, multi-benefit solution the tech industry should be championing.”

“I’ve lived in Chiang Mai for more than ten years, and the smoky season is noticeably impacting people’s lives,” said Jacob Mellor, Chief Technology Officer at Iron Software. “We’ve invested heavily in making our office a safe environment—medical-grade air purifiers, real-time AQI monitoring—and our remote work policy means team members can work from anywhere or take leave during the worst weeks. But we wanted to do more than protect ourselves. Our team members have families here, kids in local schools, neighbours who are farmers. This partnership is about giving back to the broader community that’s become home to so many of us.”

The donation will fund 50 “Aom Kilns,” specialized devices that convert agricultural waste into biochar, a carbon-rich material that improves soil health while permanently sequestering carbon. These kilns, designed by Kwanpiromtara (Aom) Suksri, COO at Biochar Life, who has 12 years of biochar expertise, will be the first to enter full production use in Phrao district, transforming what would typically be burned as crop waste into a valuable resource.

Building on Environmental Leadership

This Thailand initiative expands Iron Software’s environmental commitment, which includes over $50,000 donated to TeamSeas for ocean cleanup efforts since 2022. As a member of 1% for the Planet, the company has integrated environmental action into its business model, donating $50 to 1% for the Planet for every Iron Suite license purchased and offering EcoGrants to support sustainable technology projects.

“Iron Software represents really the first CSR innovation partner for us in Thailand,” said Matt Rickard, CEO of Biochar Life. “The local element of this partnership is crucial—everyone at Iron Software experiences the smoke pollution problem firsthand and will benefit from the solution. These kilns will enable farmers to earn income from their agricultural waste rather than burning it, while the resulting biochar improves soil health and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.”

Addressing a Regional Crisis with Global Impact

Northern Thailand’s annual burning season, typically occurring from February to April, creates some of the world’s worst air pollution as farmers burn crop residue to prepare fields for the next planting season. In 2024, Chiang Mai repeatedly topped IQAir’s global rankings as the world’s most polluted major city during peak burning months, with PM2.5 readings reaching 53 to 106 micrograms per cubic meter—with PM2.5 readings reaching 53 to 106 micrograms per cubic meter—well above the WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³.

The biochar solution offers multiple benefits:

  • Environmental: Prevents agricultural burning, removes carbon permanently from the atmosphere
  • Economic: Provides farmers with income from waste materials
  • Agricultural: Improves soil health, water retention, and reduces chemical fertilizer needs
  • Health: Reduces harmful smoke exposure for millions in the region

Project Impact

  • Farmers supported: 40–50 smallholder farmers
  • Agricultural waste converted: 150 tons annually
  • Carbon removal: 80–100 tons CO2 per year
  • Timeline: Kiln deployment in Q1 2026 (January–March)

About the Technology

Unlike traditional carbon offset programs focused on tree planting, biochar provides instant, measurable, and permanent carbon removal. The process converts agricultural waste into a stable form of carbon that can remain in soil for hundreds to thousands of years. According to recent studies, biochar solutions have accounted for 96% of all verified carbon removal to date, despite receiving a fraction of the funding directed toward other technologies.

The Aom Kiln represents a major innovation in this space—a low-emission, high-efficiency system that transforms crop waste cleanly, reduces smoke pollution, and empowers smallholder farmers with a more reliable, scalable way to produce biochar.

Looking Forward

This partnership reflects Iron Software’s evolution from ocean conservation to comprehensive environmental action, demonstrating how tech companies with international teams can address local environmental challenges while contributing to global climate solutions. The company continues to accept applications for its EcoGrant program, supporting organizations developing sustainable technology solutions.

For more information about Iron Software’s environmental initiatives, visit https://ironsoftware.com/about-us/1-percent-for-the-planet/. To learn more about Warm Heart Worldwide and Biochar Life’s work in Thailand, visit https://biochar.life/

About Iron Software

Iron Software develops trusted developer libraries used by millions worldwide. With over 94 million NuGet downloads across its product suite, the company supports engineers building secure, compliant, and high-performance applications across finance, healthcare, aviation, AI, and enterprise software. Its product suite includes IronPDF, IronOCR, IronXL, IronBarcode, and more—all engineered to simplify complex document and data workflows through simple, powerful APIs.

About Warm Heart Worldwide/Biochar Life

Warm Heart Worldwide is a U.S. nonprofit operating in northern Thailand through the Warm Heart Foundation, working with smallholder farmers and rural communities to promote biochar for better air quality, healthier soils, and increased incomes. Biochar Life, its social enterprise arm, connects this grassroots work to the global carbon market, enabling certified carbon removal credits that support farmers and scale climate-smart agriculture across the region.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iron-software-marks-10th-anniversary-with-18-000-biochar-initiative-to-combat-thailands-air-pollution-crisis-302653481.html

SOURCE Iron Software

The triple milestone celebrates 15 consecutive years of distinguished recognition

TAIPEI, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Delta, a global leader in power management and a provider of smart green solutions, has ascended to the Top 5 within the “2025 Best Taiwan Global Brands”, its highest ranking after 15 consecutive years of recognition. According to the survey by Interbrand, Delta’s brand value surged by 30% YoY to US$773 million, a new record for the company. This remarkable accomplishment underscores Delta’s leadership in power and cooling solutions, propelling energy efficiency and productivity for a sustainable AI future.

Shan-Shan Guo, Delta’s Chief Brand Officer, said, “As AI continued advancing rapidly in 2025, energy efficiency and resilience have become critical. By delivering solutions that enhance energy conservation ‘from grid to chip’, Delta has become a key partner in the global AI ecosystem. This momentum has driven significant growth in Delta’s revenue and profits, while its brand value has also reached a new record. At COMPUTEX 2025 and other prominent tradeshows worldwide, we unveiled an AI containerized data center solution for edge computing, in which our integrated power, cooling, and IT systems attracted significant industry attention. Moreover, we collaborated with Economist Impact to produce ‘Greening Intelligence – Charting the Future of Sustainable AI’, a landmark report gathering insights from industry leaders to explore solutions that ensure AI and sustainability grow in harmony.”

Delta continues to build a sustainable brand through innovation. In 2024, Delta allocated around 10% of its total revenue to R&D, supporting its 12,000+ R&D engineers across 73 R&D centers globally. This investment further develops its expertise in key areas, including AI data centers and energy infrastructure, to create smarter, more energy-efficient solutions for customers. Simultaneously, Delta has accelerated its ‘Glocalization’ strategy to bolster operational resilience. By expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., Thailand, India, and China, Delta has significantly bolstered production efficiency and supply chain agility. In 2025, the Company’s regional headquarters in Japan relocated to a new world-class facility, while the upcoming new EMEA green headquarters building in the Netherlands is currently under construction.

Beyond technology, Delta deepens its brand impact through active social participation. At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), the Delta Electronics Foundation shared how AI technology is applied to climate action, including green building design and coral restoration. By 2025, the Foundation had successfully restored 10,000 coral colonies, marking a significant milestone. Looking ahead, Delta aims to conserve around 300 coral species by 2030, over half of those found in the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, Delta continues to align its operations with sustainability. In 2024, Delta achieved a 53.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to its 2021 baseline, maintaining its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) net-zero commitments for the third consecutive year. Additionally, the utilization of renewable electricity has risen to 84%. Moving forward, Delta will continue to innovate and deploy cutting-edge technologies to realize its net-zero vision.

“The Best Taiwan Global Brands” is organized by the Industrial Development Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and executed by Interbrand, an international brand valuation institution commissioned by the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research.

About Delta

Delta, founded in 1971, and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code:2308), is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.

Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (formerly the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices) for 14 consecutive years. Delta has also won CDP with double A List for 4 times for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and has been named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain for 8 consecutive years.

For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com

 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-recognized-as-one-of-taiwans-top-5-best-global-brands-achieving-record-high-brand-value-with-superior-30-yoy-growth-302653314.html

SOURCE Delta Electronics

Advancing toward OEM readiness through advanced vehicle program evaluation; targets up to ~1,000 km EV range.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ProLogium Technology, a leader in solid-state battery R&D and mass production, today announced that it will co-exhibit with FEV Group, a globally leading innovation driver for mobility solutions and beyond, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV, USA this January. The two companies will present a concept of a next-generation EV battery module built on ProLogium’s proprietary superfluidized all-inorganic solid-state lithium ceramic battery technology. Designed around high energy density, ultra-high safety, fast-charging capability, and excellent low-temperature performance, the module targets enabling electric vehicles to achieve up to approximately 1,000 km of driving range and the program has already advanced to the sample car-ready stage.

Building on ProLogium and FEV’s prior joint development in solid-state battery technology, the CES showcase module incorporates ProLogium’s patented superfluidized all-inorganic solid-state lithium ceramic batteries. FEV contributes the company’s in-depth expertise in battery system design, thermal management including its unique Thermal Propagation optimization process, and battery management system (BMS) control strategy integration. This combined approach gives automakers more freedom in chassis and packaging design. It significantly increases system-level energy density within the same battery-pack volume or weight. Alternatively, it allows a meaningful reduction in overall vehicle mass—both leading to additional driving range.

Based on joint assessments by ProLogium and FEV, battery systems built on ProLogium’s solid-state technology can be flexibly optimized between “maximum range” and “maximum lightweight” configurations to meet different OEM requirements:

  • Maximum Range Configuration: On premium manufacturer vehicle platforms, paired with high-energy-density modules, targeted driving range can reach up to approximately 1,000 km within same package space, helping alleviate range anxiety.
  • Maximum Lightweight Configuration: By achieving the same driving range with a smaller-capacity battery system, overall vehicle weight can be reduced by up to approximately 300 kg, supporting improved acceleration performance, lower battery costs and overall energy efficiency.

For fast charging, with appropriate system design and charging strategies, the jointly developed solid-state battery module has the potential to substantially deliver 60-80% state-of-charge in 4-6 minutes without compromising safety—supporting broader adoption of high-power charging infrastructure and long-distance driving scenarios in the future. More importantly, from day one of production, the prototype samples will be filmed in time-lapse, with the entire manufacturing process and results made fully transparent. This will make it easy for consumers to understand that next-generation superfluidized all-inorganic solid-state batteries are no longer a lab concept—they are a technology that can be mass-produced, and one that is poised to reshape how we think about electric vehicles. 

ProLogium Technology Founder and CEO Vincent Yang said: “Over the years, ProLogium has continued to provide solid-state batteries that balance safety, cost, and outstanding performance, working deeply with multiple automakers—including leading European luxury brands—on joint validation and development from cell and module to complete vehicle platforms. Showcasing our solid-state battery concept module together with FEV at CES not only demonstrates our technology, but also signifies that we are working hand-in-hand to turn 1,000-kilometer-class range from a concept into a practical, product-ready option. Meanwhile, ProLogium’s planned gigafactory in Dunkirk, France will leverage local low-carbon energy and robust port logistics to provide European automakers with localized solid-state battery supply and a more resilient supply chain footprint.”

Dr. Patrick Hupperich, President & CEO, FEV Group said: “The future of mobility is being reshaped by innovation at every level — from the vehicle and its energy systems to the software that manages them. At FEV, we leverage decades of engineering and system expertise to help bring breakthrough technologies like ProLogium’s solid-state batteries from concept to reality. By combining deep automotive knowledge with a holistic view of energy and mobility systems, we ensure these innovations are not only technically feasible but also scalable, safe, and ready for mass production. Partnerships like this are critical as the industry accelerates toward a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable mobility ecosystem. Together, we are shaping the vehicles and energy solutions of tomorrow, ensuring that progress in electrification and mobility benefits both our customers and society at large.”

Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2022, ProLogium and FEV have pursued a collaboration model that combines “cell/material innovation” with “system integration and validation capabilities,” focusing on battery system development, customer program implementation, and module/pack-level validation. In 2024, the two companies publicly announced their strategic partnership at the Paris Motor Show and showcased battery-pack application scenarios in an electric vehicle, advancing commercialization from components toward module and battery-pack levels. In addition, at CES 2025, ProLogium unveiled its next-generation technology breakthrough centered on its ” all-inorganic solid-state electrolyte,” and shared the stage with Dr. Thomas Hülshorst, Global Vice President of Electric Powertrain at FEV, to discuss electrification trends—underscoring the two companies’ shared vision for technology roadmaps and real-world engineering execution.

 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/prologium-technology-teams-up-with-germanys-fev-group-at-ces-to-showcase-next-generation-solid-state-battery-module-302653019.html

SOURCE ProLogium

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