Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Longtime operations leader steps into CEO role as Jon Cozens transitions to advisory position; company remains focused on advancing Sanford, Maine project and Linden, New Jersey redevelopment

FRANKLIN, Tenn., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aries Clean Technologies (Aries) today announces the appointment of Kari Mueller as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mueller, who has served as Senior Vice President of Operations, succeeds Jon Cozens, who is transitioning to an advisory role after leading the company through a period of significant growth, technology validation, and strategic positioning.

Mueller’s appointment underscores continuity and disciplined focus as Aries advances its two core infrastructure projects: the proposed biosolids gasification facility in Sanford, Maine, and the ongoing redevelopment of its facility in Linden, New Jersey. Both projects remain central to Aries’ mission of providing municipalities with safe, science-based solutions to biosolids management and PFAS destruction.

A Seamless Transition Rooted in Operational Depth

Mueller has been a driving force behind Aries’ operations, project execution, and technical program management. Since joining, she has led or shaped the major operational milestones the company has reached, from technology validation work to project development, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder coordination. Her appointment ensures uninterrupted momentum on Aries’ current priorities and clear leadership for the team, partners, and the communities the company serves.

“Kari has been at the center of this company’s work from the start,” said Jon Cozens, outgoing CEO and incoming advisor to Aries Clean Technologies. “She knows the technology, the projects, the team, and what it takes to deliver. The Board and I have full confidence in her leadership, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together. I look forward to continuing to support Aries in an advisory capacity as Kari leads the company into its next chapter.”

“Our priorities and commitments are unchanged,” said Mueller. “We are focused on advancing Sanford, redeveloping Linden, and continuing to be a transparent and responsive partner to the communities and stakeholders we work with. I’m grateful to Jon for his leadership and for the strong foundation he’s built at Aries. We have the right technology, the right team, and a clear path forward.”

“Kari has been central to Aries’ operational execution for years, and her leadership through this transition reflects exactly the kind of focus and continuity we look for in our portfolio companies. We remain fully committed to Aries and to the work ahead in Sanford and Linden,” said Nikhil Garg, General Partner and Co-founder of Spring Lane Capital.

Continued Focus on Sanford and Linden

Mueller’s elevation will ensure continued support of Aries’ project priorities and public commitments. In Maine, the company continues to advance its Maine Department of Environmental Protection permitting process for the Sanford facility, which is expected to process 400 tons of biosolids per day, significantly reduce biosolids volume, and destroy PFAS “forever chemicals” while reducing regional reliance on landfills.

In New Jersey, Aries continues redevelopment planning and engineering work for its Linden facility, with a focus on long-term operational readiness and regulatory alignment.

Mueller will continue to work closely with Aries’ leadership team, technical advisors, community partners, and investors as the company executes on both initiatives.

About Kari Mueller

Kari Mueller brings more than 25 years of experience across renewable energy, clean infrastructure, finance, and risk mitigation to her role as Chief Executive Officer. Her background spans both the financial and operational aspects of emerging clean technologies, including risk management, project capitalization, permitting, public engagement, and first-of-a-kind facility development.

Prior to joining Aries, Mueller served as Director of Asset Management at Mura Technology, where she co-led an advanced plastic recycling project in Washington state. She holds a B.A. from Stanford University.

About Aries Clean Technologies

Aries Clean Technologies is a clean infrastructure company that designs, builds, owns, and operates facilities that process municipal biosolids using patented gasification technology. The company’s technology reduces biosolids volume by approximately 95%, recovers energy, produces a carbon-rich biochar for beneficial reuse, and is designed to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Aries is focused on providing municipalities with safe, science-based, long-term solutions to biosolids management. Learn more at www.ariescleantech.com and www.ariessanford.com.

Media Contact:
Shyla Lindner
Director of Marketing & Communications
shyla.lindner@ariescleantech.com
(615) 813-9400

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SOURCE Aries Clean Technologies

North America deal follows successful completion of Company-backed solar energy installations in Spain

ATLANTA, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, today announced a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. Through the agreement, NextEra Energy Resources plans to build a 250-megawatt solar energy plant in West Texas, advancing Graphic Packaging’s commitment to source renewable electricity and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

This North America agreement builds on the momentum from a VPPA that Graphic Packaging supported in Spain, consisting of three solar plants expected to cover 70% of the company’s energy demand in Europe. Renewable energy is a key driver within Graphic Packaging’s Better, Every Day sustainability program, which aims to reduce the Company’s GHG emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The Selenite Springs Energy Center, located within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market, is expected to begin commercial operation at the end of 2027. Graphic Packaging will be the sole buyer of the facility’s renewable energy attribute certificates, expected to cover approximately 43% of its 2025 electricity usage in the U.S. and Canada.

As Graphic Packaging’s largest VPPA to date, the Selenite Springs project in Texas is a strategic component in achieving the Company’s science-based target to reduce global Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50.4% by 2032. It is expected to increase the Company’s total global purchased renewable electricity to approximately 49% and reduce global Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by about 20% from the 2021 baseline.

“Our partnership with NextEra Energy Resources will advance our path toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions and a renewable future,” said Michelle Fitzpatrick, chief sustainability officer at Graphic Packaging. “By sourcing renewable electricity for nearly half of our global electricity needs, we are better positioned to support our customers – the world’s leading consumer brands – in making progress toward their sustainability goals.”

The Selenite Springs Energy Center will add new, American-made energy to the ERCOT grid, helping to meet rising electricity demand across Texas while supporting grid reliability and cost efficiency.

“We’re proud to work with Graphic Packaging to help meet their energy goals and bring new energy infrastructure online in Texas,” said Mike DeBock, vice president of origination for NextEra Energy Resources.

About Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Graphic Packaging designs and produces consumer packaging made primarily from renewable or recycled materials. An industry leader in innovation, the Company is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of consumer packaging. Graphic Packaging operates a global network of design and manufacturing facilities serving the world’s most widely recognized brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household, and other consumer products. Learn more at www.graphicpkg.com.

Investor contact: Investor.Relations@graphicpkg.com

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SOURCE Graphic Packaging Holding Company

Call for nominations across range of 19 categories celebrating industry excellence,
innovation and impact

NEW YORK, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Global Energy, the leading independent provider of information, data, analysis, benchmark prices and workflow solutions for the commodities, energy expansion and energy transition markets, today announced the call for nominations for the Platts Global Energy Awards program, now in its 28^th year. Nominations will close on July 1, 2026, and finalists will be announced on the Awards website on September 1, 2026.

“We are proud to open nominations to recognize excellence in energy through our 2026 Platts Global Energy Awards that spotlight exemplary leadership across companies, initiatives and individual performance that advance energy security, resilience in decarbonization progress, technology, community impact and more,” said Lyn Tattum, Vice President, Head of Conferences, Training & Strategic Media, S&P Global Energy. “Steering a course for the energy of the future is no small feat amid ongoing transformation, surging AI-driven energy demand, and an increasingly complex global environment”.

Often described as “the Oscars of the energy industry,” the Platts Global Energy Awards program recognizes corporate and individual innovation, leadership, and exemplary performance across a range of 19 categories. The categories include Upstream, Midstream, Downstream, Liquefied Natural Gas, Power, Chemicals, Finance as well as corporate awards such as Infrastructure Project of the Year, Energy Deal of the Year, Energy Company of the Year and also personal awards for Rising Star Individual, Lifetime Achievement, Chief Executive of the Year, and more.

The judging process will rely on the expertise of an impartial panel of international energy experts whose background and experience include regulation, policymaking, corporate leadership, trading, and strategic consulting. The judges evaluate the finalists based on the criteria listed for each category, taking into consideration, where appropriate, company profiles and financial performance in the designated timeframe. The winners are then selected by the independent panel of judges and will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony on December 3, 2026 in New York City. Neither S&P Global Energy nor its event sponsors submit votes or select winners.

For information on event sponsorships, contact Oliver Sawyer or Ashley Matthews Greenleaf at: oliver.sawyer@spglobal.com or telephone 07483922681, and ashley.greenleaf@spglobal.com or telephone +1 346-651-8174, respectively.  

Access the full list of nomination categories and event details at the Platts Global Energy Awards website. 

Media Contacts    
Americas/EMEA: Kathleen Tanzy +1 917-331-4607, kathleen.tanzy@spglobal.com   
Asia/EMEA: Melissa Tan +65-81897569, melissa.tan@spglobal.com

About S&P Global Energy
At S&P Global Energy, our comprehensive view of global energy and commodities markets enables our customers to make superior decisions and create long-term, sustainable value. Our four core capabilities are: Platts for pricing and news; CERA for research and advisory; Horizons for energy expansion and sustainability solutions; and Events for industry collaboration.

S&P Global Energy is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global enables businesses, governments, and individuals with trusted data, expertise, and technology to make decisions with conviction. We are Advancing Essential Intelligence through world-leading benchmarks, data, and insights that customers need in order to plan confidently, act decisively, and thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. Learn more at www.spglobal.com/energy

 

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SOURCE S&P Global Energy

JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (“PT Vale” or the “Company”) has secured a US$750 million Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) facility, including a US$250 million greenshoe option, marking its debut in the syndicated loan market and reinforcing its sustainable finance strategy. Supported by 14 international banks and 1.7 times oversubscribed, the facility reflects strong lender confidence in PT Vale’s credit profile, strategic project pipeline, and ESG-linked growth trajectory.

Structured under PT Vale’s Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework, the facility is linked to two performance metrics: reducing carbon emissions intensity and increasing renewable energy consumption. Both KPIs received a “strong” rating from an independent Second Party Opinion provider, aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C pathway and Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contributions.

As demand for responsibly produced nickel grows, driven by electrification, energy storage, and global decarbonisation, PT Vale is positioned as a relatively low-carbon producer supported by hydropower-based operations.

President Director and Chief Executive Officer of PT Vale, Bernardus Irmanto, stated: “This facility marks an important step in our journey to align our financing strategy with our decarbonisation agenda and long-term growth ambitions. We remain committed to delivering high-quality nickel with a lower carbon footprint, while supporting Indonesia’s downstreaming agenda and contributing meaningfully to the global energy transition.”

Harapman Kasan, Wholesale Banking Director, UOB Indonesia, stated: “As Southeast Asia’s nickel sector continues to evolve, the role of well-structured transition financing becomes increasingly critical. This transaction reflects our commitment to aligning financing structures with measurable sustainability objectives, while supporting Indonesia’s broader industrial and energy transition priorities.”

Mike Zhang, Global Head of Metals & Mining, Institutional Banking at DBS Bank, added that the metals and mining sector plays a pivotal role in enabling the energy transition and must demonstrate credible, measurable progress in sustainability.

Ken Matsuo, President Director of PT Bank Mizuho Indonesia, commented: “The energy sector is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s economy, and we are pleased to support PT Vale’s inaugural syndicated loan. Despite market volatility, the strong participation and oversubscription underscore confidence in PT Vale’s business model. We see ESG integration in financing structures such as this as a critical enabler of a sustainable energy transition.”

PT Vale will also allocate financial benefits from sustainability-linked margin adjustments to community development programmes, extending ESG impact beyond operations.

Media Contact:
Vanda Kusumaningrum 
Head of Corporate Communications
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk.
Vanda.Kusumaningrum@vale.com

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SOURCE PT Vale Indonesia Tbk

WUHU, China, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In April 2026, PAIDI Technology appeared at two major global events held by Chery Group. Bringing together international merchants from nearly 100 countries and regions and covering core markets such as Southeast Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, the two summits serve as a vital stage to highlight the innovative manufacturing strength of China’s new energy commercial vehicles and demonstrate the global competitiveness of Chinese brands.

During the exhibition, PAIDI Technology won high recognition from international customers with the reliable quality and innovative business models of Chinese manufacturing. Overseas guests spoke highly of China’s innovative manufacturing, and fully affirmed the economic value and efficient operation solutions created by PAIDI in the fields of urban short-distance logistics, light distribution and small and micro business development. They recognized that its products cater to global market demands with broad commercial prospects and practical value.

Backed by Chery’s mature industrial chain and quality assurance system, PAIDI continues to drive industrial upgrading through technological innovation and promote the global development of China’s new energy commercial vehicles. This exhibition marks a new milestone in PAIDI’s global layout, and lays a solid foundation for deepening international cooperation and expanding overseas markets.

As an independently operated eco-technology brand under Chery Holding Group, PAIDI Technology is committed to providing intelligent short-range travel solutions for couriers, urban freight workers and individual users. With global industrial layout and solid technical strength, PAIDI has built a complete ecological system covering research and development, production, sales and services. Adopting passenger vehicle-grade manufacturing processes, its core models are equipped with safe and stable lithium iron phosphate batteries. With the body dimension of 3330×1080×1700mm and a cruising range of 100 kilometers, the vehicles feature a compact body and flexible travel performance. PAIDI reshapes urban short-distance logistics and daily service experience through innovative technologies, and continuously promotes the high-quality development of the industry.

 

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SOURCE PAIDI Technology

XI’AN, China, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, LONGi announced two major technological breakthroughs. First, its independently developed Hybrid Interdigitated-Back-Contact (HIBC) solar cell has been certified by the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) in Germany, achieving a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 28.13%. This marks yet another step forward toward the theoretical efficiency limit of crystalline silicon solar cells, following LONGi’s previous efficiency record of 28.04% set in January 2026. Second, modules fabricated based on HIBC solar cells have been certified by the U.S. National Laboratory of the Rockies(NLR), with efficiency breaking through to 26.4% — setting a new record after LONGi had earlier pushed the crystalline silicon module efficiency to 26%.

As the ultimate solution for single-junction crystalline silicon cell technology, the HIBC cell developed by LONGi’s Central R&D Institute represents a culmination of the strengths of various cell technologies. The R&D team has innovatively introduced core technologies such as in-situ Patterned Edge Passivation (iPET) and Laser-Induced Crystallization modification (LIC). Through systematic optimization of structural design, material selection, and fabrication processes, the team has achieved multiple breakthroughs in optical performance, interface passivation quality, and charge transport efficiency, paving a mature pathway for the commercial deployment of ultra-high-efficiency crystalline silicon cells.

These hardcore breakthroughs in technological strength have already translated into a leading edge in mass production. In April 2026, the authoritative global PV media outlet TaiyangNews released its ranking of commercialized mass-produced module efficiencies, and LONGi’s  EcoLife series modules, powered by HIBC technology, secured the top spot with a mass-production efficiency of 25%. This achievement marks the official completion of a complete closed loop spanning from laboratory R&D to large-scale commercial application for HIBC cells, delivering yet another premium clean energy solution to global customers — one that offers “high efficiency, high energy yield, aesthetic versatility, and certified safety and reliability“.

Having been deeply engaged in the clean energy field for many years, LONGi has established a comprehensive “Green Power + Green Hydrogen + Energy Storage” full-chain clean energy solution, consistently driving technological iteration through independent innovation to deliver high-quality products across all application scenarios to global customers. Moving forward, LONGi will continue to focus on technological innovation, accelerating the translation of laboratory efficiency breakthroughs into large-scale manufacturing, and serving the global energy transition with more competitive clean energy products to help build a zero-carbon and sustainable green energy ecosystem.

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SOURCE LONGi