NOVATO, Calif., March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP announces the publication of a new national InvestigateTV investigation that brings significant attention to the life‑threatening dangers associated with crystalline silica artificial stone—a product also known as manufactured stone, artificial stone, or engineered stone. The story, released March 2, 2026, by journalists Anna Werner, Daniela Molina, Jamie Grey, and Scotty Smith, profiles the medical crisis faced by California countertop fabrication worker Rodolfo Figueroa, whose decades of cutting artificial stone resulted in catastrophic lung damage.

Mr. Figueroa, age 70, recently returned home following a life‑saving lung transplant. As the InvestigateTV report documents, his illness progressed rapidly after years of exposure to the nano‑sized silica particles, toxic resins and glues, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in artificial stone, which is composed of at least 90 percent silica. Health professionals have long warned that inhalation of these particles can cause severe and irreversible disease, including silicosis.

California remains the only state actively tracking silicosis cases linked specifically to artificial stone fabrication. Current state data identifies more than 500 workers diagnosed, 54 workers requiring lung transplants, and 29 deaths. Many of the affected individuals, including Mr. Figueroa, dedicated years to fabricating countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone.

Legal Context and HR 5437

The InvestigateTV report also examines the ongoing national debate surrounding H.R. 5437, a proposed federal bailout bill that would remove legal responsibility from manufacturers and distributors of artificial stone slabs in cases involving worker illness or death.

Brayton Purcell LLP attorney James Nevin, who represents Mr. Figueroa and many other affected individuals, addressed this issue in the broadcast. Nevin explained that manufacturers of crystalline silica artificial stone have long known how their products are used:

“The whole chain has been created by the slab manufacturers,” Nevin said. “It’s not like, oh, we didn’t know that this was going to happen. We didn’t know that our product was going to be fabricated. It’s designed to be fabricated.”

If enacted, H.R. 5437 would dramatically shift legal accountability away from the entities responsible for placing artificial stone slabs—containing extremely high concentrations of respirable silica—into the marketplace.

Scientific Perspective: ‘A Far More Pernicious Product’

InvestigateTV also interviewed Dr. David Michaels, epidemiologist, former Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Michaels distinguished artificial stone from other materials commonly used in countertop fabrication:

“If the stone product is not very fine, it’s less dangerous than the very fine flour essentially that goes into artificial stone,” Dr. Michaels stated.

Dr. Michaels further explained: “Workers need protection from all materials. But this particular product that we’re talking about here is clearly far more pernicious. And that’s why we really should move to a safer product.”

Dr. Michaels’ commentary underscores the concerns raised by occupational health specialists nationwide who have observed the escalating medical consequences tied to the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone.

Ongoing Concerns About Worker Exposure

While some industry representatives claim that safety procedures can be consistently maintained, researchers and public health authorities interviewed by InvestigateTV described a very different reality.

A study highlighted in the broadcast found that even with wet-cutting methods, nearly 50 percent of fabrication shops working with crystalline silica artificial stone still exceeded OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica. Over 100 peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that there is no safe way for human beings to fabricate crystalline silica artificial stone, even when exposure levels are kept at or below OSHA’s PEL.

Occupational health experts estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 workers nationwide could ultimately develop silicosis related to artificial stone fabrication.

An Urgent Public Health Issue

Mr. Figueroa, speaking from his home following his recent transplant, expressed gratitude for the time he has been given, while acknowledging the seriousness of his condition. His story illustrates the devastating personal toll of exposure to crystalline silica artificial stone particles.

Brayton Purcell LLP has represented individuals harmed by toxic exposures for decades, including those involving artificial stone. The firm remains committed to helping affected workers understand their legal rights and pursue accountability from the manufacturers and distributors of crystalline silica artificial stone products.

The full InvestigateTV story is now available to the public.

https://www.braytonlaw.com/engineered-stone-silicosis-news/

Media Contact:

Nolan Lowry

nlowry@braytonlaw.com

415-399-3107

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-highlights-new-national-investigatetv-report-exposing-the-severe-health-consequences-of-crystalline-silica-artificial-stone-302703598.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

NOVATO, Calif., March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP announces the publication of a new national InvestigateTV investigation that brings significant attention to the life‑threatening dangers associated with crystalline silica artificial stone—a product also known as manufactured stone, artificial stone, or engineered stone. The story, released March 2, 2026, by journalists Anna Werner, Daniela Molina, Jamie Grey, and Scotty Smith, profiles the medical crisis faced by California countertop fabrication worker Rodolfo Figueroa, whose decades of cutting artificial stone resulted in catastrophic lung damage.

Mr. Figueroa, age 70, recently returned home following a life‑saving lung transplant. As the InvestigateTV report documents, his illness progressed rapidly after years of exposure to the nano‑sized silica particles, toxic resins and glues, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in artificial stone, which is composed of at least 90 percent silica. Health professionals have long warned that inhalation of these particles can cause severe and irreversible disease, including silicosis.

California remains the only state actively tracking silicosis cases linked specifically to artificial stone fabrication. Current state data identifies more than 500 workers diagnosed, 54 workers requiring lung transplants, and 29 deaths. Many of the affected individuals, including Mr. Figueroa, dedicated years to fabricating countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone.

Legal Context and HR 5437

The InvestigateTV report also examines the ongoing national debate surrounding H.R. 5437, a proposed federal bailout bill that would remove legal responsibility from manufacturers and distributors of artificial stone slabs in cases involving worker illness or death.

Brayton Purcell LLP attorney James Nevin, who represents Mr. Figueroa and many other affected individuals, addressed this issue in the broadcast. Nevin explained that manufacturers of crystalline silica artificial stone have long known how their products are used:

“The whole chain has been created by the slab manufacturers,” Nevin said. “It’s not like, oh, we didn’t know that this was going to happen. We didn’t know that our product was going to be fabricated. It’s designed to be fabricated.”

If enacted, H.R. 5437 would dramatically shift legal accountability away from the entities responsible for placing artificial stone slabs—containing extremely high concentrations of respirable silica—into the marketplace.

Scientific Perspective: ‘A Far More Pernicious Product’

InvestigateTV also interviewed Dr. David Michaels, epidemiologist, former Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Michaels distinguished artificial stone from other materials commonly used in countertop fabrication:

“If the stone product is not very fine, it’s less dangerous than the very fine flour essentially that goes into artificial stone,” Dr. Michaels stated.

Dr. Michaels further explained: “Workers need protection from all materials. But this particular product that we’re talking about here is clearly far more pernicious. And that’s why we really should move to a safer product.”

Dr. Michaels’ commentary underscores the concerns raised by occupational health specialists nationwide who have observed the escalating medical consequences tied to the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone.

Ongoing Concerns About Worker Exposure

While some industry representatives claim that safety procedures can be consistently maintained, researchers and public health authorities interviewed by InvestigateTV described a very different reality.

A study highlighted in the broadcast found that even with wet-cutting methods, nearly 50 percent of fabrication shops working with crystalline silica artificial stone still exceeded OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica. Over 100 peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that there is no safe way for human beings to fabricate crystalline silica artificial stone, even when exposure levels are kept at or below OSHA’s PEL.

Occupational health experts estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 workers nationwide could ultimately develop silicosis related to artificial stone fabrication.

An Urgent Public Health Issue

Mr. Figueroa, speaking from his home following his recent transplant, expressed gratitude for the time he has been given, while acknowledging the seriousness of his condition. His story illustrates the devastating personal toll of exposure to crystalline silica artificial stone particles.

Brayton Purcell LLP has represented individuals harmed by toxic exposures for decades, including those involving artificial stone. The firm remains committed to helping affected workers understand their legal rights and pursue accountability from the manufacturers and distributors of crystalline silica artificial stone products.

The full InvestigateTV story is now available to the public.

https://www.braytonlaw.com/engineered-stone-silicosis-news/

Media Contact:

Nolan Lowry

nlowry@braytonlaw.com

415-399-3107

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-highlights-new-national-investigatetv-report-exposing-the-severe-health-consequences-of-crystalline-silica-artificial-stone-302703598.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

BRUSSELS, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — new Eurelectric-EY study shows that fleet electrification could unlock up to €246bn in cumulative operating cost savings by 2030. Combined with wider system benefits, corporate  fleets represent a key lever to decarbonise transport while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. To unlock this potential, Europe must maintain ambition and implement existing legislation. Eurelectric calls for ambitious binding national purchase targets for zero-emission vehicles, targeted national fiscal incentives, and a special focus on BEVs equipped with onboard bidirectional charging capabilities.

The study finds that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer 20-50% lower operating costs than internal combustion engine models across corporate cars, vans and trucks. With OpEx accounting for around 60-75% of the total cost of ownership for trucks, 25-40% for cars, and 45-65% for vans, electrification can deliver a clear financial advantage over a vehicle’s lifetime.  

“In the EU, 6 out of 10 new vehicles are sold to fleet owners, so the potential to save money and emissions is enormous. A well-designed fleet initiative can boost demand for BEVs to the benefit of European Industry and energy independence” – Kristian Ruby, Eurelectric’s Secretary General.

The benefits go beyond fleet operators. EU carmakers already have a stronger foothold in the corporate fleet zero emission vehicles market than their non-EU competitors, and clear purchase targets for BEVs could stimulate demand for at least 2 million additional BEVs by 2030. Long-term corporate charging contracts will also provide secure and predictable revenue streams for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Meanwhile, EV batteries can also enhance energy system flexibility through smart charging and/or V2G services.

“Fleet electrification is already delivering clear operating cost wins, but structural barriers still slow adoption. Fixing upfront costs, residual value risk, fragmented policies and grid constraints with predictable rules will determine how fast Europe can scale” – Constantin Gall, Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader, EY.

BEVs keep gaining momentum: in 2025 sales grew by 30% in Europe, and surpassed petrol car sales for the first time ever in the EU. As the EU prepares to negotiate new legislation on corporate vehicles, clear direction and decisive action is fundamental. Eurelectric outlines five recommendations to unlock the full potential of fleet electrification.

Note to Editors:
Eurelectric represents the European electricity industry. Representing 3500+ companies, we promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society.

Contact:
Chiara CARMINUCCI
Press Advisor
ccarminucci@eurelectric.org
+32476871575 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778763/5833355/Eurelectric_Logo.jpg

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrification-makes-a-strong-business-case-for-fleets-302702507.html

SOURCE Eurelectric

BRUSSELS, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — new Eurelectric-EY study shows that fleet electrification could unlock up to €246bn in cumulative operating cost savings by 2030. Combined with wider system benefits, corporate  fleets represent a key lever to decarbonise transport while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. To unlock this potential, Europe must maintain ambition and implement existing legislation. Eurelectric calls for ambitious binding national purchase targets for zero-emission vehicles, targeted national fiscal incentives, and a special focus on BEVs equipped with onboard bidirectional charging capabilities.

The study finds that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer 20-50% lower operating costs than internal combustion engine models across corporate cars, vans and trucks. With OpEx accounting for around 60-75% of the total cost of ownership for trucks, 25-40% for cars, and 45-65% for vans, electrification can deliver a clear financial advantage over a vehicle’s lifetime.  

“In the EU, 6 out of 10 new vehicles are sold to fleet owners, so the potential to save money and emissions is enormous. A well-designed fleet initiative can boost demand for BEVs to the benefit of European Industry and energy independence” – Kristian Ruby, Eurelectric’s Secretary General.

The benefits go beyond fleet operators. EU carmakers already have a stronger foothold in the corporate fleet zero emission vehicles market than their non-EU competitors, and clear purchase targets for BEVs could stimulate demand for at least 2 million additional BEVs by 2030. Long-term corporate charging contracts will also provide secure and predictable revenue streams for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Meanwhile, EV batteries can also enhance energy system flexibility through smart charging and/or V2G services.

“Fleet electrification is already delivering clear operating cost wins, but structural barriers still slow adoption. Fixing upfront costs, residual value risk, fragmented policies and grid constraints with predictable rules will determine how fast Europe can scale” – Constantin Gall, Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader, EY.

BEVs keep gaining momentum: in 2025 sales grew by 30% in Europe, and surpassed petrol car sales for the first time ever in the EU. As the EU prepares to negotiate new legislation on corporate vehicles, clear direction and decisive action is fundamental. Eurelectric outlines five recommendations to unlock the full potential of fleet electrification.

Note to Editors:
Eurelectric represents the European electricity industry. Representing 3500+ companies, we promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society.

Contact:
Chiara CARMINUCCI
Press Advisor
ccarminucci@eurelectric.org
+32476871575 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778763/5833355/Eurelectric_Logo.jpg

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrification-makes-a-strong-business-case-for-fleets-302702507.html

SOURCE Eurelectric

BARCELONA, Spain, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei has provided digital connectivity to 170 million people in remote areas across more than 80 countries, surpassing its pledge to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition.

Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG announces the fulfillment of ITU P2C Pledge

The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, at the company’s TECH Cares Forum in Barcelona. He noted that this achievement exceeds the commitment Huawei made when joining the ITU P2C Digital Coalition in 2022: to connect 120 million people in remote areas by 2025. Yang extended his gratitude to Huawei’s telecom customers and partners for their collaborative efforts.

The forum brought together around 80 guests from governments, industries, partner organizations, and international bodies. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the urgent need to advance digital inclusion in the AI era, exploring practical solutions and building consensus for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

In his opening speech, Yang pointed out that despite rapid AI advancements, the digital divide persists and risks widening further. “High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he said. The fulfillment of the ITU P2C pledge, he added, reflects Huawei’s ongoing commitment to innovation — bringing remote communities improved access to healthcare, education, and financial services through digital connectivity.

Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, commended Huawei’s achievements and work to bridge the digital divide. “Connecting the rural and underserved communities requires innovative business models, inclusivity and the effective use of communication resources as well as community engagement, and sustained investment in local capacity. I applaud Huawei’s commitment to universal and meaningful connectivity and I am proud of our strong and successful partnership.”

According to Jeff Wang, President of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, digital inclusion rests on two pillars: inclusive connectivity and digital skills empowerment. To address the digital skills gap, Huawei partners with governments and organizations to support students, youth, the elderly, and women through three initiatives: expanding digital access, offering digital skills training, and developing STEM curricula.

Since its launch in 2019, Huawei’s Skills on Wheels program has brought mobile digital training to over 130,000 people in 21 countries, opening new opportunities for underserved communities.

Marina Madale, Executive of Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Group, asserts that connectivity is not a privilege, it is foundational infrastructure for Africa’s growth. In alignment with Jeff Wang, she noted that MTN is prioritizing expanding rural connectivity, driving device affordability and building digital and AI-ready skills.

In rural network innovation, Huawei has continuously upgraded its Rural Series solutions since 2017 to improve affordability and deployment efficiency. Launched in November 2025, Huawei RuralCow extends coverage to villages of around 1,500 residents with the support from MTN Nigeria. These solutions have helped achieve the target of connecting 170 million people while boosting local economies and enabling wider access to digital public services.

During the forum, guests shared progress from their collaboration with Huawei and expressed willingness to deepen cooperation. All participants agreed that advancing digital inclusion in the AI era requires joint efforts from governments, operators, international organizations, and enterprises.

Going forward, Huawei will continue to drive innovation in rural network technologies, deepen open collaboration, and accelerate digital skills empowerment. Through concrete actions, the company will keep contributing to a more equitable and sustainable digital world.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huawei-exceeds-itu-partner2connect-pledge-target-bringing-connectivity-to-170-million-people-globally-302703302.html

SOURCE Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd

A partnership-driven program offering a practical, accessible way to extend device life and reduce e-waste

PARIS, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Back Market, a leading marketplace for premium refurbished technology, today announced a partnership with Google to expand access to ChromeOS Flex through a limited USB pilot program designed to help compatible older laptops stay secure, fast, and useful for years.

The idea is simple: many devices still function well; they just need the right software to stay secure and relevant.

Through this initial partnership, Back Market will offer ChromeOS Flex USB keys, giving sellers, buyers, schools, and small businesses a straightforward way to install a secure, cloud-first operating system on compatible laptops. The initial pilot will be limited in scale and focused on learning how to make device extension more accessible for everyday users.

“Extending the life of existing technology is one of the most immediate ways to reduce e-waste,” said Thibaud Hug de Larauze, CEO and co-founder of Back Market. “When companies like Google collaborate on practical solutions, it reflects that innovation doesn’t have to mean constant replacement, it can also mean making what we already have work better and longer.”

ChromeOS Flex is a secure, cloud-first operating system from Google that can be installed on many existing Windows and Mac devices. It’s designed to deliver a modern web-based experience while shifting more intelligence, updates, and security to the cloud, helping compatible hardware remain useful for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, document creation, and web-based work.

“Millions of laptops are approaching the end of their supported operating systems, even though the hardware is still perfectly fine and works,” said Alexander Kuscher, Senior Director at Google. “With ChromeOS Flex and this pilot with Back Market, we’re giving people a sustainable way to take back control and extend the life of their compatible devices, helping them save money while reducing unnecessary waste at the same time.”

Why it matters

The world generated more than 62 million metric tons of electronic waste in 2022, according to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, and that volume is growing five times faster than the amount formally collected and recycled. Every device replaced before it truly needs to be adds pressure to landfills, supply chains, and the strategic resources required to build new hardware. Those pressures become especially visible when widely used operating systems reach the end of support for older models, prompting millions of otherwise functional laptops to face upgrade decisions driven more by software timelines than by the condition of the hardware itself.

At the same time, computing itself is evolving. As AI, applications, and security updates increasingly move to the cloud, performance is no longer defined solely by what is built into a device on day one. With the right software, many older machines can continue operating as secure, capable access points to modern, cloud-powered systems.

Mobile World Congress and The Slow Tech Uprising

On March 4, Back Market and Google will speak publicly together for the first time as partners during the Slow Tech Uprising event happening alongside Mobile World Congress.

The conversation will focus on how the implementation of AI is reshaping the value of devices and ask a straightforward question we can no longer ignore: in a cloud-powered era, how long should a device actually last?

By pairing a practical pilot with a bigger industry dialogue, the companies are signaling that extending device life is not a niche idea. It’s part of a broader shift that begins to separate real innovation from automatic hardware replacement.

About Back Market
Founded in 2014, Back Market is a leading marketplace dedicated to verified refurbished technology. Operating in 17 countries, Back Market connects consumers to high-quality, professionally refurbished devices, helping reduce electronic waste and shift the global tech economy toward circularity.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/back-market-and-google-launch-chromeos-flex-usb-pilot-to-keep-existing-laptops-in-use-longer-302703227.html

SOURCE Back Market

SHANGHAI, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Huai’an Salt Cavern Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) demonstration project (the “Project”) in China’s Jiangsu Province, which is the world’s largest CAES station, has recently been fully commissioned. Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) supplied core equipment for the Project, including air turbine units, generators, electric motors, and molten salt storage tanks.

The Unit 2 has successfully achieved grid connection and full-load power generation at the first attempt, providing valuable engineering practice in support of China’s new-type power system development.

The Project consists of two 300 MW non‑supplementary combustion CAES units, totaling 600 MW of installed capacity and 2,400 MWh of storage, with approximately 71% conversion efficiency. Air is compressed and stored in salt caverns during low‑demand periods, then released to drive turbines for power generation at peak times, supporting grid stability through peak shaving and frequency regulation.

Utilizing about 980,000 cubic meters of salt caverns located 1,150 to 1,500 meters underground in Huai’an, the Project employs “molten salt + pressurized thermal water” non‑supplementary combustion high‑temperature adiabatic compression technology. This enables compressed heat to be stored and reused throughout the process without fossil fuel combustion, delivering significant low‑carbon benefits.

The first 300 MW unit reached full-load operation in December 2025, followed by Unit 2’s recent commissioning. With a total investment of $520 million, the fully operational station is expected to generate 792 million kWh of electricity annually, that is enough to power around 600,000 households. It will save approximately 250,000 tons of standard coal and cut CO₂ emissions by 600,000 tons each year, delivering a measurable impact on the region’s energy transition.

Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group supplied core equipment for the Project covering both power generation and thermal storage systems. The broad scope showcases Shanghai Electric’s integrated engineering capabilities in turbine machinery, power equipment, and thermal storage, delivering a reliable and replicable equipment solution for long-duration energy storage projects worldwide.

As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, long-duration energy storage technologies like CAES are key to enhancing grid resilience and enabling high‑penetration renewable integration. Leveraging system integration expertise from the Project, Shanghai Electric is advancing high‑end equipment manufacturing and integrated solutions to support the global energy transition and power system modernization.

For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanghai-electric-provides-core-equipment-for-worlds-largest-compressed-air-energy-storage-station-now-fully-operational-in-jiangsu-china-302703599.html

SOURCE Shanghai Electric

SHANGHAI, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Huai’an Salt Cavern Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) demonstration project (the “Project”) in China’s Jiangsu Province, which is the world’s largest CAES station, has recently been fully commissioned. Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) supplied core equipment for the Project, including air turbine units, generators, electric motors, and molten salt storage tanks.

The Unit 2 has successfully achieved grid connection and full-load power generation at the first attempt, providing valuable engineering practice in support of China’s new-type power system development.

The Project consists of two 300 MW non‑supplementary combustion CAES units, totaling 600 MW of installed capacity and 2,400 MWh of storage, with approximately 71% conversion efficiency. Air is compressed and stored in salt caverns during low‑demand periods, then released to drive turbines for power generation at peak times, supporting grid stability through peak shaving and frequency regulation.

Utilizing about 980,000 cubic meters of salt caverns located 1,150 to 1,500 meters underground in Huai’an, the Project employs “molten salt + pressurized thermal water” non‑supplementary combustion high‑temperature adiabatic compression technology. This enables compressed heat to be stored and reused throughout the process without fossil fuel combustion, delivering significant low‑carbon benefits.

The first 300 MW unit reached full-load operation in December 2025, followed by Unit 2’s recent commissioning. With a total investment of $520 million, the fully operational station is expected to generate 792 million kWh of electricity annually, that is enough to power around 600,000 households. It will save approximately 250,000 tons of standard coal and cut CO₂ emissions by 600,000 tons each year, delivering a measurable impact on the region’s energy transition.

Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group supplied core equipment for the Project covering both power generation and thermal storage systems. The broad scope showcases Shanghai Electric’s integrated engineering capabilities in turbine machinery, power equipment, and thermal storage, delivering a reliable and replicable equipment solution for long-duration energy storage projects worldwide.

As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, long-duration energy storage technologies like CAES are key to enhancing grid resilience and enabling high‑penetration renewable integration. Leveraging system integration expertise from the Project, Shanghai Electric is advancing high‑end equipment manufacturing and integrated solutions to support the global energy transition and power system modernization.

For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanghai-electric-provides-core-equipment-for-worlds-largest-compressed-air-energy-storage-station-now-fully-operational-in-jiangsu-china-302703599.html

SOURCE Shanghai Electric

HEFEI, China, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) provider, has once again been named the global No.1 bankable brand in BloombergNEF’s (BNEF) 2025 Inverter Bankability Survey, with 100% recognition in survey responses. This marks the sixth time Sungrow has earned the prestigious No.1 ranking, reinforcing its industry leadership and the unwavering trust in its products across the global renewable energy market.

The BNEF Bankability Survey is a key benchmark in the renewable energy industry, reflecting the financial stability and trustworthiness of inverter suppliers. The Survey covers multiple dimensions, including manufacturer’s warranty, customer support and services, Lead times, etc. This continued acknowledgment from BNEF underscores the market’s constant trust in Sungrow and positions the company as the top preferred partner for solar projects. It signals that adopting Sungrow inverters in renewable projects increases the likelihood of securing long-term loans from banking institutions, thereby ensuring sustained financial stability and benefits for our clients.

“Our power electronic converters installation in 2025 is over 1000 GW,” said Lee Zhang, President of Sungrow Utility PV BU, “To date, Sungrow has cumulatively installed over 660GW of PV inverters worldwide. With over 7600+ personnel in the R&D team and 4 manufacturing bases worldwide, we continue to strengthen our role as a trusted and reliable partner in the global transition to clean energy.”

Moving forward, Sungrow will continue to deepen its global partnerships and drive technological innovation to support the world’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.

About Sungrow

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of Dec 2025, Sungrow has installed over 1000 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experiences. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com/en.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sungrow-secures-top-rank-again-in-bloombergnefs-2025-inverter-bankability-survey-302703341.html

SOURCE Sungrow

Highlights:

  • A preliminary study has found higher levels of air pollution in New Jersey from the 2023 Canadian wildfires were associated with a higher rate of stroke and more severe strokes.
  • During heavy wildfire smoke days, researchers found more people had strokes and those strokes tended to be more severe.
  • The study does not prove that wildfires cause or worsen stroke. It only shows an association.
  • Exposure to higher levels of ozone was associated with a higher incidence of stroke and more bleeding strokes.
  • Exposure to higher levels of particulate matter was associated with longer hospital stays and more severe strokes.

MINNEAPOLIS, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Short-term surges in air pollution in New Jersey from the 2023 Canadian wildfires were associated with a higher stroke rate and more serious strokes, according to a preliminary study released March 3, 2026, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 78th Annual Meeting taking place April 18-22, 2026, in Chicago and online.

“Wildfire smoke contains pollutants like ozone and particulate matter, so it is more than a nuisance, it can be a public health hazard,” said study author Elizabeth Cerceo, MD, of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey. “The 2023 Canadian wildfires resulted in unprecedented declines in air quality across the northeastern United States. Our findings show that short-term exposure to elevated air pollution from these wildfires was associated with a higher incidence and severity of stroke.”

For the study, researchers used a stroke registry to identify all cases of stroke that occurred during June and July 2023 and during the same months a year earlier. Ischemic strokes are the most common kind of stroke. Bleeding strokes are more severe and often more fatal.

Researchers reviewed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data for both periods from air quality monitors located in Camden, New Jersey. They calculated average daily exposures for ozone which, when inhaled, can cause shortness of breath, coughing and aggravation of conditions like asthma. They also calculated daily average exposures for fine particulate matter, also called PM2.5, which is air pollution with particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less.

Ozone levels peaked at 136 parts per billion (ppb) during the wildfires in 2023 compared to median ozone concentration of 36 ppb. Particulate matter reached 211 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) compared to median concentration of 48.5 µg/m³.

Daily air quality data was matched with the timing of each stroke. Because pollution effects may take a few days to impact the body, researchers also took into account the levels from the preceding one to two days before participants had their stroke.

For ozone levels, 72% of the days were 50 ppb or less, with 28% of the days above the recommended level. The World Health Organization guideline for ozone is 50 ppb. Researchers compared 42 strokes that occurred on above average ozone days, with 80 strokes that occurred on below average days. For strokes that occurred on above average ozone days, the incidence of stroke, or the rate at which new stroke cases occurred, was 1.25 strokes per day compared to 0.93 strokes per day that occurred on below average days.

After adjusting for factors like age, sex, race, and cause of stroke, researchers found higher average ozone days were associated with a 0.32 higher incidence of stroke per day.

They also found for strokes on above average ozone days, there was a higher proportion of bleeding strokes and more large artery atherosclerosis, plaque buildup in major arteries.

For particulate matter levels, 38% of the days were above average days and 62% were below average days. Researchers compared 39 strokes that occurred on above average particulate matter days to 83 strokes that occurred on below average days. They found above average particulate matter was associated with longer hospital stays and higher scores on a scale measuring stroke severity.

“While longer-term air pollution has been recognized as a risk factor for stroke, less is known about short exposures to wildfire smoke,” said Cerceo. “Our study addresses a critical gap by providing more information about the neurological impact of wildfire smoke. Our findings can help guide stroke prevention and underscore the need for public health interventions during wildfires.”

Cerceo noted this analysis focused on a short wildfire period, and the findings represent an early signal rather than a complete picture of the association between wildfire smoke and risk of stroke. She said future research will look at longer periods of time.

A limitation of the study was that it looked at daily average pollutants. Cerceo said more nuanced hourly measurements may also impact strokes but may not be reflected in averages. Similarly, other weather variables such as humidity and barometric pressure were not incorporated.

Discover more about stroke at Brain & Life®, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource also offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world’s leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life® on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at AAN.com or find us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-pollution-from-wildfires-linked-to-higher-rate-of-stroke-302703169.html

SOURCE American Academy of Neurology