Technology

MetGen integration with NewEnergyBlue will create full array of biochemicals refined from agricultural waste

Published

1 year ago

November 18, 2024

LANCASTER, Pa. and KAARINA, Finland, Nov. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NewEnergyBlue, the clean-technology designer of biomass refineries that turn agricultural waste into highly decarbonized biofuels and biochemicals, and MetGen, the Finnish pioneer in advanced enzymes and lignin fractionization, today began integrating their renewable technologies and business units to vigorously compete with fossil-carbon products not just environmentally but economically.

“NewEnergyBlue’s biomass conversion technologies, augmented by MetGen’s capabilities, can create a broader array of higher-value, lower-carbon biochemicals without wasting a molecule,” says Alex Michine, founder of MetGen. “We envision this partnership delivering specific end-to-end solutions from raw material to finished product that will attract a wellspring of capital investment to build out biomass refining projects around the world.”

NewEnergyBlue’s first U.S. biomass refinery is expected to begin operations in 2027 in Mason City, Iowa. By converting locally-sourced corn stalks left behind during the annual grain harvest, New Energy Freedom can produce 21 million gallons of second-generation biofuel and 150,000 tons of clean lignin.

“We know how to break down biomass into clean sugars and clean lignin—the foundation of all plants,” says Thomas Corle, Chairman and CEO of NewEnergyBlue. “MetGen has spent 18 years developing enzymes that can do it more economically. And lignin fraction technology that can be scaled up to expand high-value markets for us.”

About half of New Energy Freedom’s lignin could become a solid that asphalt producers use as a natural binder, replacing oil-based bitumen in road paving. The other half would be liquids: high-performance phenols for sports equipment like Nike, toys like Lego, and fire-resistant construction materials; eco-friendly polyols for strong yet lightweight insulation foams; and other fractions for lighter, stronger weather-shielded cardboard that companies like Amazon might use for tape-free, moisture-resistant packaging.

“We’re very excited by a carbon-neutral platform converting our lignin stream into a diverse range of bio-products that are competitively priced against oil-derived products,” says Corle. “This significantly enhances revenues and profit to the biomass refinery operations.”

Beyond the financial are game-changing environment benefits. MetGen’s lignin-based products reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to burning lignin for energy. This aligns with global climate targets and further underscores the partners’ commitment to sustainable industry transformation.

“While we scale up MetGen conversion technology at the Freedom refinery, the integration also brings new opportunities for Finland as a strategic hub,” say Matti Heikkila, who heads up MetGen operations. “We’re planning a commercial lignin-to-chemicals project next door to our Kaarina laboratories for early 2026.”

The lignin will come from Meliora Bio, a Danish refinery processing wheat straw using Inbicon bioconversion technology. MetGen has tested the lignin and found it “highly suitable for our separation technologies.” MetGen intends to explore alternate feedstocks, such a black liquor, and develop new high-value products with a strong environmental advantages. “We’re just getting started—like the oil industry in the past century,” says Heikkila.

After years of helping develop Inbicon technology, NewEnergyBlue recently purchased it from Ørsted. Over the next five years, plans call for building four additional American refineries that fully incorporate Inbicon and MetGen technologies. “For the Midwest, it means good construction and manufacturing jobs, a second income for corn farmers, and rural revitalization,” Corle says.

In pulp-and-paper regions, Corle sees new opportunities for lignin and pulp refining that could revive a struggling industry. Internationally, interest already runs high for licensing the company’s tech and business platform to refine sugar bagasse, corn stalks, wheat and other grain straws, and energy grasses like miscanthus. “Adding MetGen technologies lets us tell a powerful financial and climate story.”

Media Contact:
Roger Moore
rogermoore@newenergyblue.com
717-224-0245

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/metgen-integration-with-newenergyblue-will-create-full-array-of-biochemicals-refined-from-agricultural-waste-302307593.html

Technology

FranklinWH Introduces Enhanced 15 kWh aPower in Australia and New Zealand

Published

10 minutes ago

May 3, 2026

Expansion comes as policy shifts and rising power costs accelerate demand for residential energy storage

SYDNEY, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FranklinWH, a leading provider of whole-home energy management and battery storage solutions, today announced the launch of its enhanced 15 kWh aPower battery in Australia and New Zealand, as demand for residential energy storage continues to grow, driven by evolving policy settings and increasing interest in energy independence.

The updated aPower builds on the company’s established platform, increasing usable capacity from 13.6 kWh to 15 kWh and raising warrantied throughput from 43 MWh to 60 MWh, an increase of 40 percent. These updates deliver more usable energy over the life of the system while maintaining the same footprint and price.

“The energy landscape is shifting quickly, and more homeowners are thinking beyond the upfront specs to what really pays off over time,” said Steve Ruskin, General Manager of FranklinWH Australia. “This upgrade is about delivering more performance over the life of the system, more usable energy, greater throughput, while staying true to our ‘buy once, buy right’ philosophy.”

The increase in warrantied throughput translates into savings for homeowners. Based on typical usage patterns and an electricity rate of A$0.35 per kilowatt-hour, the additional throughput may represent up to approximately A$5,950 in value over the lifetime of the system. The increase in usable capacity also improves energy density, lowering the effective cost per kilowatt-hour and supporting more efficient use of stored energy.

The 15 kWh configuration also aligns with current and upcoming policy frameworks benefitting residential battery adoption. This includes the updated Cheaper Home Batteries Program, with changes coming into effect for Australian homeowners from 1 May, 2026, helping households maximise value as incentives continue to evolve.

As the residential battery market expands, FranklinWH continues to focus on reliability and system performance. The aPower incorporates design elements to support durability, including structural reinforcement to reduce cell stress over time, per-cell temperature monitoring, and the separation of the battery pack and control systems to maintain reliable performance.

“We believe performance should be measured over years, not just at installation,” Ruskin added. “We focus on building systems that deliver consistent, reliable results over time. That long-term perspective is what ultimately defines value for homeowners.”

The aPower is designed to operate as part of the FranklinWH System, an integrated home energy management platform that coordinates energy generation, storage, and consumption. The system is designed to optimise multiple energy inputs, provide reliable backup power, and support more efficient and independent energy use at the household level.

About FranklinWH

FranklinWH Energy Storage is the manufacturer of the FranklinWH System. FranklinWH is a market-oriented, research-driven company focused on next-generation residential energy management and storage solutions. Located in Macquarie Park, Sydney with a global head office in the San Francisco Bay Area, FranklinWH’s team has decades of experience in energy systems, from design, through manufacturing, to sales and installation. FranklinWH is AVL-listed with multiple financial institutions.

Contact: Media@franklinwh.com

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SOURCE FranklinWH Australia Pty Ltd

Technology

Peninsula Visa Launches Comprehensive OCI Processing Services

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Peninsula Visa, a trusted leader in immigration and visa processing services with over 50 years of expertise, today announced the launch of its comprehensive Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) processing services. To celebrate this milestone, Peninsula Visa is offering new users an exclusive 20% discount with promo code OCI20 at checkout.

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Peninsula Visa, a trusted leader in immigration and visa processing services with over 50 years of expertise, today announced the launch of its comprehensive Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) processing services. To celebrate this milestone, Peninsula Visa is offering new users an exclusive 20% discount with promo code OCI20 at checkout.

For 50 years, Peninsula Visa has helped families navigate immigration. OCI processing is one of our most impactful services, connecting the Indian diaspora to their heritage. We’re proud to bring our expertise to help families secure OCI status with confidence. Evan James, CEO

A Full Suite of OCI Services

Peninsula Visa’s OCI services cover every stage of the OCI lifecycle, ensuring that members of the Indian diaspora receive expert support from start to finish.

The four service types now available are:

New OCI Application — For foreign nationals of Indian origin, spouses of Indian citizens or existing OCI card holders, and minor children with at least one Indian parent applying for OCI status for the first time.OCI Card Renewal — For card holders whose OCI card has expired, or whose linked passport has been renewed or replaced and requires an updated booklet.Re-issuance (Age Milestones) — OCI cards must be re-issued when minors reach the age of 18 and again when card holders turn 50, due to significant changes in appearance. Peninsula Visa guides clients through both transitions seamlessly.Miscellaneous OCI Services — Covering corrections to existing records, lost or damaged card replacement, address changes, and other administrative updates to the OCI file.

Why Choose Peninsula Visa for Your OCI Application

Peninsula Visa brings decades of institutional knowledge and a client-first philosophy to every OCI case.

Key value propositions include:

Expert Guidance — Dedicated OCI specialists with deep knowledge of consulate requirements, eligibility rules, and documentation standards across all service types.High Approval Rate — A meticulous multi-stage review process that identifies and resolves issues before submission, dramatically reducing the likelihood of rejection or delay.Fast Turnaround — Standard processing in 12-15 Business Days for most OCI service types, with real-time status updates throughout the process.End-to-End Support — Personalized document checklists, secure document uploads, expert form preparation, consulate submission, and post-submission tracking — all in one place.

Launch Promotion

Save 20% on any OCI service — new users only

OCI20

Enter code OCI20 at checkout. Available to new users. No expiration date.

Leadership Perspective

“For 50 years, Peninsula Visa has helped individuals and families navigate the complexities of immigration documentation. OCI processing is one of the most impactful services we have ever added — it directly connects the Indian diaspora to their heritage country in a lasting, meaningful way. We are proud to bring our proven expertise and client-centric approach to this important service, and we look forward to helping thousands of families secure their OCI status with confidence.”

Founded in 1975, Peninsula Visa has built its reputation on precision, transparency, and a genuine commitment to client outcomes. The addition of OCI processing services reflects the company’s ongoing mission to expand its offerings to meet the evolving needs of immigrants and their families across the United States.

Get Started Today

Eligible applicants can begin their OCI journey by visiting Peninsula Visa’s dedicated OCI Services page. New users can take advantage of the 20% launch discount by entering promo code OCI20 at checkout when selecting any OCI service type.

Media Contact

Evan James, Peninsula Visa, 1 4087277515, media@peninsulavisa.com, https://peninsulavisa.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peninsula-visa-launches-comprehensive-oci-processing-services-302760544.html

SOURCE Peninsula Visa

Technology

Peninsula Visa Launches Comprehensive OCI Processing Services

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2026

A Full Suite of OCI Services

Peninsula Visa’s OCI services cover every stage of the OCI lifecycle, ensuring that members of the Indian diaspora receive expert support from start to finish.

The four service types now available are:

Why Choose Peninsula Visa for Your OCI Application

Peninsula Visa brings decades of institutional knowledge and a client-first philosophy to every OCI case.

Key value propositions include:

Launch Promotion

Save 20% on any OCI service — new users only

OCI20

Enter code OCI20 at checkout. Available to new users. No expiration date.

Leadership Perspective

Get Started Today

Media Contact

Evan James, Peninsula Visa, 1 4087277515, media@peninsulavisa.com, https://peninsulavisa.com/