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Westbridge Renewable Provides Corporate Update

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CALGARY, AB, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Westbridge Renewable Energy Corporation (TSXV: WEB), (OTCQX: WEGYF), (FRA: PUQ) (“Westbridge”, “Westbridge Renewable” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide its shareholders with a corporate update.

Corporate Update

The Georgetown project was sold in late 2023, bringing in more than $40 million in non-dilutive cash to the Company. This was a major milestone, ensuring the Company is well-funded to expand its pipeline of projects globally, and enabling it to return capital to shareholders

Management takes great pride in being named in the TSX Venture 50 ranking, two years in a row and reaching #1 in Clean Tech & Life Sciences sector for 2023 and to the 2024 OTCQX® Best 50, a ranking of top performing companies traded on the OTCQX Best Market last year.

We are delighted with the Company’s growth to date, a solar portfolio growth of 6x by MW since the RTO in Q2 2021.

Return of Capital 

Management authorized a cash distribution to its common shareholders of C$0.10 per share, classified as a return of capital. The special cash distribution was paid, in Canadian Dollars, to shareholders of record on Friday, June 7, 2024 on or about Friday, June 21, 2024. 

The Company also commenced a share repurchase program, or normal course issuer bid, for a maximum 4,962,722 shares, representing approximately 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares.  

Stefano Romanin, CEO of Westbridge, noted: “We believe that this is an appropriate step for Westbridge to take given the conclusion of the disposition of the Georgetown Solar Project and is intended to reward shareholders for their unflagging support for the Company since the launch of Westbridge as a renewable energy company in 2021.” 

Portfolio Update

The Company is pleased to provide a portfolio update by geography on its solar PV and BESS projects under development in Canada, the U.S., United Kingdom, and Europe.

Canada

Sunnynook (270 MWac / 332 MWdc), located in Special Area No. 2, Alberta (“Sunnynook”); the project has obtained Power Plant and BESS Approval and a Substation Permit and License from the Alberta Utilities Commission (“AUC”), and is permitting the transmission line to connect the facility to the electric system.Dolcy (300 MWac / 375 MWdc), located in the municipal district of Wainwright, Alberta; the project has applied for Power Plant and BESS Approval and a Substation Permit and License with the AUC.Eastervale (300 MWac / 345 MWdc), located in the municipal district of Provost, Alberta; the project has applied for Power Plant and BESS Approval and a Substation Permit and License with the AUC.Red Willow (225 MWac / 290 MWdc), located in Stettler County No. 6, Alberta; the project is applying for Power Plant and BESS Approval and a Substation Permit and License with the AUC. (together, the “Projects”)Transaction Update: The previously announced sale of the Projects, including the now closed Georgetown Project, to Metka-EGN Ltd. (a subsidiary of Metlen Energy & Metals S.A. (formerly MYTILINEOS S.A.)) continues to progress with Sunnynook expected to close in Q4 2024 upon satisfying conditions precedent under the share purchase agreements, including reaching ready to build status, and final approval be the TSX Venture Exchange. The remaining Projects are expected to close in 2025.Origination pipeline: the Company has secured land rights and completed feasibility assessments for several Solar PV and BESS projects in Alberta, which are going to start project development and are expected to be shovel-ready in 2026 and 2027. The origination team is evaluating an additional pipeline of Solar PV and BESS projects in Alberta and Ontario with the objective of adding high-quality renewable projects to the Company’s renewable portfolio.

USA

Accalia Point (190 MWac / 221 MWdc), located in Cameron County, Texas; the project has completed the field studies and is approaching shovel-ready stage.Origination pipeline: the Company has secured land rights and completed feasibility assessments for several Solar PV and BESS projects in the markets of SPP, WECC, MISO and Southeast U.S.

UK

Fiskerton (53 MWac / 106 MWh), located in Lincoln; the project has secured a grid connection and site control, and has submitted the planning application.

ITALY

Gierre Solare (32 MW), located in Lazio, the project has secured land and grid access, completed feasibility studies, and submitted the planning application.NM Solare (30MW), located in Lazio and Umbria, the project has secured land and grid access, completed feasibility studies, and submitted the planning application.

Market Update 

Overall, we are excited about what we see within the macro environment and clean energy sector.  Macro headwinds are beginning to ease, with interest rates and financing costs stabilizing (BOC, ECB and BOE cutting 25bp cuts in June, and Fed signaling year-end)1, supply chains normalizing2, and regulatory uncertainty improving3. 

In addition, structural tailwinds continue to ramp as demand for clean power accelerates, driven by AI/data centers4, “electrify everything,”5 and rapidly increasing corporate demand as shareholders and more transparency drives accountability for clean energy commitments6.  

As a result, risk appetite and project economics are improving, and deal flow across renewables has re-accelerated (+13% to total value $27.6bn in calendar Q1’24)7.  Most notably with the proposed acquisition of Neoen (at $6.6bn valuation, 27% bid premium) by Brookfield Renewable Partners and Singapore’s Temasek8.  The largest European ‘take private’ in over a year, reflecting continued strong interest in renewable energy developers and the disconnect between private and public market valuations.9  

About Westbridge Renewable Energy

Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp. develops best-in-class, utility-scale solar PV projects. The Company has a portfolio of projects in three key jurisdictions, Canada, the U.S., and the UK. Westbridge plans to deliver attractive, long-term returns by originating, executing, and developing an international portfolio of renewable assets for investors and utilities. Management has a strong track-record with 40+ projects developed worldwide, obtaining, and executing permits within budget. As one of the very few listed pure-play Canadian solar development companies, Westbridge provides its ESG minded investors with valuable access to greenfield solar projects. This means the Company can invest at the earliest stage of solar energy development benefiting from the full value chain as well as the expected wider adoption of renewable energy going forward. Westbridge brings together regulators, corporate buyers, and landowners with the goal of delivering clean, sustainable electricity to end users.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

________________________________________

1 https://rsmus.com/insights/economics/assessing-central-bank-policy-in-the-post-pandemic-economy.html?cmpid=soc:twcpr:june-2024-tre:bb01

2 https://www.wsj.com/articles/supply-chains-have-changed-forever-819d9afd

3 https://renewablesassociation.ca/canrea-welcomes-end-of-alberta-moratorium/ 

4 https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/AI-poised-to-drive-160-increase-in-power-demand.html 

5 https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023/executive-summary

6 https://hbr.org/2021/04/shareholders-are-pressing-for-climate-risk-disclosures-thats-good-for-everyone 

7 GlobalData’s Power Industry Mergers and Acquisitions Deals report for Q1 2024

8 https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/brookfield-nears-deal-buy-frances-neoen-66-bln-2024-05-30/ 

9 https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/how-private-equity-valuations-are-set

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this document contains forward-looking information and statements including, without limitation, management’s business strategy, management’s assessment of future plans and operations. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “potential” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are
beyond the control of the Company.

This news release contains forward-looking statements about the Company’s future plans to originate and develop solar PV and battery storage projects, closing of sale of the Projects to Metlen, and long-term value creation, if at all, and the ability of the Company to achieve the aforementioned, each of which are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, regulatory, policy and social uncertainties, and availability of permits and financing upon terms acceptable to the Company or at all. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to regulatory risks, changes in laws, market risks, operating history, competition, and the other risks identified under the headings “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual management’s discussion and analysis dated March 328, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law.

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SOURCE Westbridge Energy Corporation

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Genesis Wealth Welcomes Veteran $725MM JPMorgan Advisor

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Latest addition underscores Genesis Wealth’s drive to become a preferred destination for highly experienced breakaway advisors as new office opens in Chicago’s North Shore

CHICAGO, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Genesis Wealth, a leading wealth management platform and non-OSJ branch office within LPL Financial, today announced the addition of a veteran advisor, Alan Feutz, CFP®, from JPMorgan Securities, who has previously overseen $725 million in client assets. Feutz, who joins Genesis Wealth as Partner and Wealth Advisor, is based in Deerfield, IL, and brings 26 years of industry experience. He currently serves high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. The move continues Genesis Wealth’s recruiting momentum among experienced bank-based advisors.

Feutz has built a reputation for delivering highly personalized wealth management and long-term client relationships grounded in trust and transparency. Focused on customized wealth planning for affluent households, he attributes the strength of his practice to attentive listening and guiding clients through all market environments – an approach enhanced by serving a smaller number of households to deepen engagement and deliver highly personalized advice.

“We are delighted to welcome Alan to our young and burgeoning firm,” said Kosta Tanglis, Founder and Managing Partner at Genesis Wealth. “This transition further validates Genesis Wealth’s platform and supported independence model, as experienced advisors increasingly seek a better way to serve clients while maintaining the infrastructure and support they need to grow.”

The transition reflects growing demand among experienced advisors for supported independence models that allow greater flexibility, autonomy and client customization. For advisors seeking more freedom from traditional bank constraints, the Genesis platform enables deeper planning relationships and tailored advice. Feutz’s decision reinforces Genesis as a destination for breakaway advisors and validates the Genesis platform and advisor-first structure.

“Alan shares our commitment to personalized planning and client care,” said Genesis Wealth Managing Director Jack Kennedy. “The advisors joining Genesis Wealth are looking for more than independence – they want a platform that empowers them to deliver customized advice while being surrounded by partners who share the same client-first mindset.”

New Genesis Office Opens in Chicago’s North Shore

The addition of Feutz also marks Genesis Wealth’s expansion into Chicago’s North Shore, one of the Midwest’s most established wealth management markets. Recently recognized by Forbes as one of Illinois’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for 2026, Feutz will operate from Genesis Wealth’s newly opened North Shore office in Deerfield.

Designed to support the firm’s continued growth, the approximately 10,000-square-foot office accommodates more than 20 advisors and staff and features private advisor offices, a large conference room equipped with hybrid meeting technology, oversized digital displays and dedicated collaboration spaces. The office also includes an employee lounge and ergonomic workspaces designed to support productivity and client engagement.

Located in the heart of Deerfield, the office will initially be home to Feutz and his client service team, Genesis Wealth founding advisor Joel Feiger and his team, as well as Managing Director Jack Kennedy. The location establishes a strategic presence in Chicago’s North Shore while creating capacity for future advisor recruitment and expansion throughout the region.

ABOUT GENESIS WEALTH

Genesis Wealth (GW) is a partner in the growth and success of bank-based advisors who are ready to transition to fully supported independence, operating through LPL Financial as its broker-dealer and Registered Investment Adviser (RIA). Founded in January 2024, GW officially launched under the Genesis Wealth brand in July 2025 and its advisors currently service more than $3 billion in client assets. Genesis Wealth’s high-caliber, growth-oriented advisors are enriched by and strengthen the collective culture and enterprise value of the firm. For more information about Genesis Wealth, please visit the firm’s site at genesiswealth.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Mitch Manning

424 317 4858

mmanning@haventower.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genesis-wealth-welcomes-veteran-725mm-jpmorgan-advisor-302804654.html

SOURCE Genesis Wealth

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79% of Global Data Center Capacity Faces Elevated Climate Risk

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New research from First Street finds the world’s largest and fastest-growing data center markets are concentrated in locations exposed to flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, wind and drought risk.

NEW YORK, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new First Street analysis finds that climate risk is emerging as a critical factor in data center investment performance, with physical hazards increasingly shaping operating costs, infrastructure reliability, financing conditions, and long-term asset values across global markets.

The research, Climate Risk in Global Data Center Markets: Implications for Investment and Performance, examines 97 global data center markets and finds that many of the industry’s largest and fastest-growing hubs are concentrated in locations facing elevated exposure to flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, wind, and drought. As trillions of dollars flow into digital infrastructure to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the analysis suggests climate risk is becoming a key determinant of which markets can deliver durable returns.

Global data center capacity has expanded rapidly over the past decade and is expected to nearly double again by 2030. Yet while investors have traditionally focused on power availability, connectivity, land access, and demand growth, climate risk remains largely absent from many underwriting and valuation frameworks despite its direct influence on uptime, operating costs, insurance availability, and infrastructure reliability.

By analyzing climate exposure across global data center markets, First Street finds:

54% of global data center capacity is located in markets exposed to chronic climate stress, including extreme heat and drought, which increase cooling costs, reduce efficiency, and put operating margins under pressure.79% of global capacity faces elevated acute climate hazards, including flooding, wind, and wildfire risks that can disrupt operations, increase downtime, and drive insurance and repair costs.Chronic exposure varies significantly across major investment markets. Exposure reaches 89% of capacity in APAC, compared with 50% in the Americas and 46% in EMEA, creating meaningful differences in operating performance.The industry’s largest growth markets rank among its most climate-exposed. Major hubs including Northern Virginia, Johor, and Marseille sit in the highest climate-risk tier globally, while lower-risk Nordic markets rank among the least exposed.

The findings suggest that climate risk is increasingly differentiating data center markets that may appear similar based on traditional investment metrics but face very different long-term operating conditions.

“Where you build a data center determines a large share of what it will cost to run for the next 20 or 30 years. Climate is a big part of that: cooling, water, and reliability all depend on location,” said Dr. Jeremy Porter, Chief Economist at First Street. “But most valuations still focus on growth and treat climate as a secondary concern.”

“Most underwriting for real assets still uses historical data, but the climate is no longer behaving the way the historical record would predict. As heat, drought, and water stress increase, outdated models simply don’t offer a complete view of risk anymore,” said Matthew Eby, Founder and CEO of First Street. “Investors who incorporate these factors into underwriting and capital allocation decisions will be better positioned to identify resilient markets and avoid mispriced risk.”

The full report is available at firststreet.org/research.

To learn more or to request a demo, visit firststreet.org or reach out to bd@firststreet.org

About First Street:

At First Street, we are on a mission to connect climate and financial risk. For nearly a decade, our scientists have created transparent, peer-reviewed physical climate risk models that quantify the financial impacts of perils such as flooding, wildfire, and extreme wind events for every property in the world. In December 2024, we launched the First Street Enterprise Suite, a global software platform that transforms our models into actionable financial signals for decision-makers worldwide. First Street is the standard for Climate Risk Financial Modeling, empowering asset owners, asset managers, governments, real estate investors, corporations, and millions of homebuyers every day to make climate-informed decisions.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2776647/FirstStreet_Logo.jpg

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iLEAD Schools and School Pathways Expand Their Partnership with the Launch of iLEAD Flex in Lancaster

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With the California moratorium on the creation of new non-classroom-based (NCB) charter schools lifted this year, iLEAD is expanding into new communities, using the School Pathways SIS Suite to run its operations.

CHICO, Calif., June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iLEAD Schools, a California network of tuition-free public charter schools serving TK–12 learners through classroom-based, hybrid, online, and independent home study models, announces the expansion of its charter network into Lancaster, California, adding a new charter school in their network beginning in 2026. The announcement builds on iLEAD’s longstanding partnership with School Pathways and its continued use of the SIS Suite, which has supported the network’s operations and compliance since 2021.

A New Opening for Flex-Based Charter Schools

Since the statewide moratorium on new nonclassroom-based charters concluded on January 1, 2026, mission-driven networks like iLEAD have been moving quickly to bring their programs to communities that have long lacked access to flexible, learner-centered options. For iLEAD, the moment reflects over a year of preparation. The decision to open in Lancaster was driven by the needs of families in the Antelope Valley, where a combination of school closures and strong community demand made the case for iLEAD Flex clear.

With California’s oversight standards for flex-based programs continuing to evolve, iLEAD’s investment in purpose-built compliance infrastructure, anchored by the School Pathways SIS Suite, positions the network to launch and grow responsibly.

“School Pathways has been a great partner in our beginning stages of growth. Their team is responsive, collaborative, and always willing to troubleshoot challenges as they arise, helping us build strong systems and processes as we expand,” said iLEAD Chief Integration Officer Cassandra Coleman. “We value the relationships we have built with their team.”

A Flexible Learning Model for Every Family

iLEAD Flex will open in August 2026, a community where iLEAD already has a strong presence. The TK–12 campus introduces a new level of flexibility to that community, offering families a choice between full classroom-based instruction, Independent Study, or hybrid options on campus each week.

Each pathway is designed to be adaptable as a student’s needs evolve, and all three are grounded in iLEAD’s established educational approach, which includes hands-on project-based learning, a social-emotional curriculum, and individualized instruction to meet the needs of every unique child. At the high school level, iLEAD Flex students will have access to dual enrollment with the local community college, allowing them to earn college credits at no cost while completing high school requirements. The campus is also developing Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways in partnership with local businesses and community leaders to build leadership and career readiness skills.

iLEAD Flex is expected to open with approximately 750 learners, bringing iLEAD’s total network enrollment to nearly 7,000 students. The launch is part of a longer growth plan that includes iLEAD Innovate, the network’s next planned campus, which would be their first school outside of Los Angeles County and is expected to open in fall 2027.

School Pathways and the iLEAD Partnership

The partnership supports iLEAD’s broader ten-year goal of positively impacting 10,000 learners across California with sustainable launches of new schools over the coming years. From guiding the scope and launching iLEAD Flex on a compressed timeline to maintaining clean data, streamlined CALPADS reporting, and efficient workflows across the organization, School Pathways has supported iLEAD’s growth at every stage with consistent, responsive support. As the network continues to grow, iLEAD also plans to leverage School Pathways’ AI-powered features to manage enrollment and administrative workloads, allowing staff to focus on serving learners and families.

School Pathways brings more than 20 years of experience partnering with charter and non-traditional schools across California and currently works with 300+ schools statewide. The integrated SIS suite includes a student lottery system, online registration, Student Information System, and a platform for Independent Study program management, all built specifically for hybrid, virtual, and non-traditional learning environments.

For iLEAD, the platform supports the full range of the network’s needs across all learning modalities, including:

Enrollment management with online registrationCALPADS reporting and state compliance for Independent Study programsLearning agreements, student activity tracking, and program documentationFamily and educator access to real-time student records and progress

“The lift of the moratorium marks a meaningful turning point for flex-based education in California and for the schools that have been doing this work with intention,” said School Pathways CEO Kacie Jester. “iLEAD is a strong example of a network that invested in the right systems, maintained compliance through a challenging regulatory period, and is now in a position to grow. We’re proud to support them, and to be the platform that schools across California trust to make that kind of expansion possible.”

About iLEAD Schools

iLEAD Schools is a network of tuition-free public charter schools in California committed to helping every learner become a lifelong learner, empathetic citizen, authentic individual, and design thinker. With classroom-based, hybrid, online, and independent home study options serving grades TK–12, iLEAD provides personalized, project-based learning experiences that celebrate each student’s individuality and inspire them to lead. For more information, visit ileadschools.org.

About School Pathways

School Pathways is a California-based education software company with more than 20 years of experience serving charter and non-traditional schools. We provide solutions for virtual, hybrid, and Independent Study programs that simplify school operations and foster student success in a variety of learning environments. In addition to a Student Information System better-built for non-traditional learning environments, we offer software that enables our clients to manage online learning agreements, student activity tracking, re-engagement communications, audit preparation, adult education, and more. For more information, please visit schoolpathways.com.

Media Contact:
Elena Chow
Growth Marketing Manager
elena@schoolpathways.com

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SOURCE School Pathways

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