Connect with us

Technology

DENSO, JERA to Jointly Develop High-Efficiency Hydrogen Generation Technology that Combines SOEC with Waste Heat Utilization and Conduct Joint Demonstration Testing at a JERA Thermal Power Station

Published

on

KARIYA, Japan, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DENSO Corporation (“DENSO”), and JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”) announce that they will jointly develop high-efficiency hydrogen generation technology that combines SOEC*1 with waste heat utilization and conduct joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station.

DENSO for years has pursued initiatives in the three areas of “Monozukuri (manufacturing),” “mobility products” and “energy use” to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Notably, because hydrogen production will be essential in addressing energy use, the company is applying technology cultivated through the development of automotive systems to the development of the SOEC, which has the advantage of high stability and efficiency.

JERA, under its JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050 objective, is taking on the challenge of building a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain as part of its efforts to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions from its domestic and international operations by 2050. In thermal power, it is moving forward with the introduction of greener fuels as it pursues zero-emissions thermal that emits no CO2 during power generation.

Using an SOEC (Electrolyzing Power: *2 200kW) developed by DENSO, the two companies will initiate a joint development focusing on high-efficiency hydrogen production technology utilizing waste heat. Beginning in FY 2025, DENSO and JERA will conduct a joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station. Based on the outcomes of the 200kW joint demonstration test, the companies will aim to scale up the technology to a multi-thousand kW level by integrating multiple SOECs.

Through this joint development and joint demonstration testing, the companies will work toward the early establishment of a global supply chain for green hydrogen and ammonia and contribute to finding solutions for global decarbonization and energy issues.

*1 SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell): SOECs operate at high temperatures using a ceramic membrane as an electrolyte to electrolyze water vapor and produce hydrogen. While there are other methods for hydrogen production such as alkaline water electrolysis, which uses an alkaline liquid as the electrolyte, and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) water electrolysis, which uses a polymer membrane as the electrolyte, the SOEC has the feature of requiring less electrical energy for electrolysis compared to these methods.
*2     Electrolyzing Power: Electric power allocated to electrolyzing water.

About DENSO
Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO is a $47.2 billion leading mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in around 180 facilities worldwide to provide opportunities for rewarding careers and to produce cutting-edge electrification, powertrain, thermal and mobility electronics products, among others, that change how the world moves. In developing such solutions, the company’s 162,000 global employees are paving the way to a mobility future that improves lives, eliminates traffic accidents, and preserves the environment. DENSO spent around 7.7 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. For more information about DENSO’s operations worldwide, visit www.denso.com/global.

In North America, DENSO is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs 27,000+ engineers, researchers, and skilled workers across nearly 50 sites in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. In the United States alone, DENSO employs 17,500+ employees across 14 states (and the District of Columbia) at 41 sites. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, DENSO in North America generated $11.7 billion in consolidated sales. DENSO is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion inside the company and beyond – a principle that brings together unique perspectives, bolsters innovation and pushes DENSO forward. To learn more about DENSO operations in the region and to review current career opportunities, please visit www.denso.com/us-ca/en/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/denso-jera-to-jointly-develop-high-efficiency-hydrogen-generation-technology-that-combines-soec-with-waste-heat-utilization-and-conduct-joint-demonstration-testing-at-a-jera-thermal-power-station-302214552.html

SOURCE DENSO

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Bain & Company named an OpenAI Elite Partner

Published

on

By

BOSTON and SAN FRANCISCO, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bain & Company today announced that it has been named an OpenAI Elite Partner, the highest tier within the OpenAI Partner Network.

The OpenAI Partner Network is a global program for partner organizations to build, sell, and deliver AI solutions in association with OpenAI. The network brings together partner firms with deep industry expertise, delivery capabilities, and extensive customer relationships while equipping them with resources, enablement, and support to help client enterprises adopt OpenAI frontier models and products and harness them to deliver measurable impact.

As an OpenAI Elite Partner, Bain & Company will continue working with OpenAI to help client businesses build, deploy, and scale frontier AI solutions responsibly and effectively. With more than three years of joint client work with OpenAI and a recent investment in the OpenAI Deployment Company, Bain brings to these shared endeavors deep industry expertise spanning sectors including private equity, financial services, consumer products, healthcare and technology.

“Being named an OpenAI Elite Partner reflects the strength and impact of our collaboration with OpenAI and our shared commitment to helping client organizations harness frontier AI to create measurable, business value at scale,” said Philippe d’Arabian, executive vice president and global head of partnerships at Bain & Company. “We’ve been building alongside OpenAI since 2022, combining their frontier AI capabilities, like GPT-5.6 and ChatGPT Work, with Bain’s deep industry expertise to accelerate innovation and deliver transformational outcomes for our clients. Our Elite Partner status, along with our recent investment in the OpenAI Deployment Company, reflects our ambition to stay at the forefront of AI innovation across industries.”

“We are pleased to recognize Bain as an OpenAI Elite Partner. Bain’s deep strategy and transformation expertise helps organizations worldwide translate AI strategy into real enterprise outcomes. As one of our earliest partners and enterprise customers, Bain has brought unique insights to help OpenAI better understand what organizations need to deploy AI successfully,” said Colleen Kapase, vice president of strategic global partnerships and ecosystems at OpenAI. “Together, we’re helping enterprises align AI investments to business priorities, adopt AI with confidence, and deliver measurable business outcomes.”

Across its work with OpenAI, Bain combines deep industry expertise, proven AI deployment capabilities, and global delivery capacity to help client organizations to embed AI into their most critical operations, products, and functions. Bain is supporting clients around the world with AI-powered transformation programs, delivering top-line growth through faster product development and improved customer experience, and bottom-line gains from intelligent automation, cost reduction, and supply chain optimization.

Bain is continuing to evolve and deepen its work with OpenAI through new industry-specific AI solutions and expanded enablement offerings, helping customers translate AI ambition into tangible business outcomes.

Learn more about the OpenAI Partner Network: https://openai.com/business/partners/

Media contacts: 
Dan Pinkney (Boston) – Email: dan.pinkney@bain.com
Gary Duncan (London) – Email: gary.duncan@bain.com
Ann Lee (Singapore) – Email: ann.lee@bain.com

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company works with leaders worldwide to solve their toughest challenges and deliver enduring results. Since 1973, we’ve partnered with clients, including private equity and portfolio companies, to build the capabilities they need to stay ahead of change and help them redefine their industries. We measure our success by our clients’ success, and we proudly hold the highest levels of client advocacy in our field.

Bain is consistently recognized globally as one of the best places to work. We operate as one global team, uniting strategists, industry and functional experts, technologists, and advisors with a vibrant ecosystem of technology partners. 

Notes to Editors

Bain & Company was founded in 1973 and today has 19,000 employees across 67 cities in 40 countries. We have worked with more than two-thirds of the Global 500 and more than 9,000 companies worldwide. Bain has pledged to deliver $2 billion in pro bono consulting to nonprofit, public-sector and charitable organizations by 2035. The firm is consistently recognized as a Leader in major analyst rankings across multiple areas, including digital business, innovation, strategy, experience design, customer experience, and carbon-zero transformation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bain–company-named-an-openai-elite-partner-302829752.html

SOURCE Bain & Company

Continue Reading

Technology

Paintless Dent Repair Costs Explained in HelloNation Featuring Dent Repair Expert Leo Plourde

Published

on

By

The article examines how paintless dent repair compares with traditional body work in cost, repair time, and preservation of a vehicle’s finish.

BROOKLYN, N.Y., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Is paintless dent repair actually cheaper than traditional body shop repairs for fixing minor vehicle damage? The answer is explored in a HelloNation article, which explains how this repair method can reduce costs while preserving a vehicle’s original finish, featuring insights from Dent Repair Expert Leo Plourde.

The HelloNation article explains that paintless dent repair, often called PDR, has become a widely used option for repairing minor dents and door dings. The process restores the shape of the metal without disturbing the factory paint, which helps avoid many of the steps required in traditional body work.

According to the article, conventional body shop repair often involves sanding the damaged area, applying primer, repainting the panel, and blending the new paint with surrounding surfaces. Each of these steps adds time, labor, and material costs to the repair process.

Paintless dent repair approaches the problem differently. The article describes how technicians use specialized tools to carefully reshape the metal from behind the panel, gradually returning it to its original form. Because the factory paint remains intact, repainting and blending are not required in many cases.

The article notes that this difference is a key reason paintless dent repair can be more affordable than traditional body shop repair. By eliminating paint materials and reducing labor hours, the overall dent repair cost can be significantly lower for minor damage.

The HelloNation article also explains that the speed of the process contributes to its cost effectiveness. Small dents and door dings can often be repaired during a single appointment, allowing vehicle owners to return to their normal schedules quickly.

Dent Repair Experts point out that shorter repair times also reduce indirect costs for drivers. When repairs are completed within hours rather than days, drivers may avoid expenses associated with rental vehicles or alternative transportation.

Another factor influencing dent repair cost is the size and location of the damage. The article notes that minor dents and shallow hail damage are typically well suited for paintless dent repair because the metal can be reshaped without affecting the paint surface.

However, the article also explains that not every dent can be repaired with this method. Deeper creases, damage that has cracked the paint, or dents located on certain panel edges may require traditional body shop repair or a combination of repair techniques.

In these cases, the article advises that experienced technicians can evaluate the damage and recommend the most appropriate solution. Dent Repair Experts often determine whether paintless dent repair alone will restore the panel or whether a hybrid repair approach may be needed.

The HelloNation article also discusses how paintless dent repair can affect insurance decisions. Because the repair cost is typically lower, some drivers choose to handle small dents without filing an insurance claim, which may help avoid increases in premiums.

Insurance companies frequently recognize paintless dent repair as a reliable solution for damage such as hail dents or parking lot door dings. The article explains that reputable repair shops familiar with insurance procedures can also help customers navigate claim documentation when necessary.

Convenience is another advantage discussed in the article. Traditional body work may require several days or even weeks depending on paint curing and shop workload. Paintless dent repair, by comparison, is often completed the same day.

The article concludes that paintless dent repair offers a practical option for many common forms of cosmetic vehicle damage. By preserving the vehicle finish and reducing labor requirements, the method often delivers an efficient balance between quality and affordability.

Is Paintless Dent Repair Cheaper Than Traditional Body Work? features insights from Leo Plourde, Dent Repair Expert of Brooklyn, New York, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paintless-dent-repair-costs-explained-in-hellonation-featuring-dent-repair-expert-leo-plourde-302829691.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Technology

Reinvestment Fund Announces Frank Fernandez As New President & CEO

Published

on

By

Accomplished Community Leader Brings Strong Experience In Fundraising, Operations, Financial Services and Championing Communities Nationwide

PHILADELPHIA, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reinvestment Fund, a nationally-focused Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) headquartered in Philadelphia, announces that its Board of Directors has appointed Frank Fernandez as the organization’s new President and CEO. Fernandez succeeds Donald Hinkle-Brown, who served Reinvestment Fund for 35 years, including nearly 15 years as President and CEO. Fernandez will officially join Reinvestment Fund in September 2026 and will be based in Philadelphia.

“I am deeply honored to join Reinvestment Fund as its next President and CEO. I look forward to leading and working alongside a team that is so passionately committed to breaking down systemic financial barriers and supporting communities in new and innovative ways,” said Fernandez. “Now more than ever, CDFIs play a vital role in building resilient, inclusive local economies. I look forward to partnering with our staff, board, and the communities we serve to unlock new opportunities to create lasting and meaningful change.”

Since 2020, Fernandez has served as President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, where he managed significant asset growth while overseeing more than $235 million of annual grant-making and impact investments focused primarily on metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Prior to that, he served in a senior leadership role at The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation in Atlanta, where he launched and led the foundation’s place-based, community revitalization initiative in Atlanta’s historic Westside, as well as directing the foundation’s efforts in global giving, youth development, education, climate resilience, workforce development, and social justice. Earlier in his career, Fernandez led housing and small business support initiatives at Green Doors and PeopleFund in Austin.

Fernandez currently serves on the board of Mission Investors Exchange. He has been honored with the 2005 Austin Livable City Vision Award, the 2008 Austin Under 40 Nonprofit Leadership Award and the 2012 Ernst and Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He was also selected as an inaugural Aspen Institute Civil Society Fellow in 2019.

Fernandez holds a B.A. in philosophy from Harvard University and an M.A. in public affairs from The University of Texas at Austin. A Florida native and son of Cuban immigrants, he is dedicated to equity and community impact.

“After a rigorous search, we are thrilled to welcome Frank to lead Reinvestment Fund into our next chapter,” said Saul Behar, Chair of the Reinvestment Fund Board of Directors. “Frank is an impressive leader with a proven commitment to inclusive growth. We are confident that he is the right leader to help us build on our 40-year legacy of innovation and impact.”

As President and CEO, Fernandez will be responsible for overseeing Reinvestment Fund’s strategic direction, expanding its lending and investment portfolios, and deepening partnerships with community stakeholders, philanthropic partners, and investors.

“Frank Fernandez is an extraordinary leader, and we’re honored to have him join us at Reinvestment Fund,” said Marland Buckner, Vice Chair of the Reinvestment Fund Board of Directors and Chair of the search committee. “It is a privilege to welcome him as our organization continues to serve the communities who need it most. His expertise will be an invaluable asset as we continue to strengthen and scale impact across the nation.”

The Board of Directors launched its search for Reinvestment Fund’s next President and CEO in February, after Hinkle-Brown announced that would be stepping down from the role. The search was led by Korn Ferry.

“It has been a great honor to serve as Reinvestment Fund’s President and CEO these last 15 years as we’ve dramatically grown our capabilities and fostered equitable communities that work for all people,” said Hinkle-Brown. “I believe that data advised, place-based investing is our greatest mission success, and one we share with many CDFIs, community foundations and philanthropy. As my successor prepares to take over this leadership role, I feel confident that Frank, with the support of our dedicated team, will build upon Reinvestment Fund’s 40 years of impact and take us to new heights.”

To learn more about Frank Fernandez, please visit https://www.reinvestment.com/insights/reinvestment-fund-announces-new-president-ceo/

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: media@reinvestment.com

About Reinvestment Fund
Reinvestment Fund is a mission-driven financial institution committed to making communities work for all people. We bring financial and analytical tools to partnerships that work to ensure that people in communities across the country have the opportunities they strive for: affordable places to live, access to nutritious food and health care, schools where their children can flourish, and strong, local businesses that support jobs. We use data to understand markets and how transactions can have the most powerful impact, which has consistently earned us the top Aeris rating of AAA for financial strength and four stars for impact management. Our asset and risk management systems have also earned us an AA- rating from S&P. Since our inception in 1985, Reinvestment Fund has provided over $3.2 billion in financing to strengthen neighborhoods, scale social enterprises, and build resilient communities. Learn more at reinvestment.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reinvestment-fund-announces-frank-fernandez-as-new-president–ceo-302829676.html

SOURCE Reinvestment Fund

Continue Reading

Trending