Technology

Swift Current Energy Announces Energization of Landmark 800 MW Solar Facility in Illinois with American-Made Equipment

Published

12 months ago

April 30, 2025

Substantial Scale: Double Black Diamond Solar is the largest operating solar facility in Illinois and east of the Mississippi RiverStrong Local Customers: City of Chicago and seven other customers are now sourcing power through Constellation from Double Black Diamond Solar, advancing their energy goals with affordable, emissions-free powerDomestic Content and American Jobs: From module manufacturing to installation, thousands of American workers supported and benefitted from the project’s construction, underscoring the now robust domestic solar industryLocal Economic Impacts: Sangamon and Morgan Counties are set to receive ~$100 million in revenue over the life of the project

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Swift Current Energy (Swift Current) today announced that its landmark 800 MWdc (593 MWac) Double Black Diamond Solar project is now operating. The new solar facility, located 30 miles west of Springfield, IL, is the largest operating solar facility east of the Mississippi and provides a major source of new energy capacity in the state.

To celebrate the project’s completion, local leaders, project landowners, and customers joined Swift Current Energy today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the project site. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter, Constellation Executive Vice President Kathleen L. Barrón, and Swift Current Energy CEO Eric Lammers, President Matt Birchby, and Chief Development Officer William Kelsey provided official remarks on the project.

Eric Lammers, CEO and Co-Founder of Swift Current, said, “Electricity demand in the U.S. is accelerating with new manufacturing load and tech needs. Our Double Black Diamond Solar facility is an example of how we are utilizing U.S.-manufacturers and American workers to provide the energy needed to charge our country’s growth now. We thank our customers in collaboration with Constellation for their commitment to this project. We especially thank Sangamon and Morgan Counties for welcoming us into their communities during development and construction. We will continue to honor our commitments as we operate Double Black Diamond.”

Neil Doherty, Executive Director, Infrastructure at IFM Investors, added, “We are delighted to sponsor the Double Black Diamond solar project and demonstrate the benefits that long term private capital can bring when partnering with a major American City like Chicago. We are proud to support this project which will deliver tangible economic benefits for the local community, and has supported manufacturing and construction jobs for American workers.”

The City of Chicago is one of the largest cities in the U.S. to source 100 percent of the power for its operations from renewable energy. About 70 percent of Chicago’s power that is used for its facilities – including O’Hare and Midway airports – is sourced from Swift Current’s Double Black Diamond Solar project. Additionally, Cook County, CVS Health, Loyola University Chicago, PPG, State Farm, and TransUnion are sourcing power from the project via Constellation NewEnergy, Inc.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said, “This project is a powerful example of why we believe in the green economy. Double Black Diamond Solar is union-made, clean energy that will make our city cleaner and more energy efficient. Projects like this are about our commitment to environmental justice, but they are also about good jobs and affordability for the working people of our city. We intend to build upon this critical milestone and continue to increase the adoption of clean energy in our city, improving the lives of our residents through new job opportunities in the green economy and reduced emissions. We are happy to partner with Swift Current Energy and Constellation to make progress toward a healthier, greener Chicago.”

Kathleen Barrón, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Constellation, said, “Double Black Diamond demonstrates what’s possible when we bring customers and clean energy solutions together. We were proud to work closely with the City of Chicago and other customers to help bring this new capacity to life. Efforts like this aren’t just about reducing emissions – they also drive local investment, support American manufacturing, and help communities realize the full value of clean energy while advancing their sustainability goals.”

Swift Current utilized the robust domestic solar manufacturing supply chain to source most of the components for Double Black Diamond Solar, adding to the national and regional benefits of the project. A majority of the project’s 1.6 million solar modules were manufactured by First Solar in Ohio, and the racking was supplied by U.S.-based Nextracker, with a portion of key components manufactured locally in Chicago using 100% US-made steel. During construction, Double Black Diamond Solar created approximately 500 jobs and reached commercial operation with more than 1 million safe person-hours. The project also successfully met the Illinois Clean and Equitable Jobs Act’s (CEJA) labor and diverse hiring standards for renewable energy development, helping bring employment opportunities to a wider range of Illinoisians. St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. served as engineering, procurement, and construction provider for the project.

Swift Current Energy started the greenfield development of Double Black Diamond Solar in 2018. The facility began producing power in 2024 and today the facility is the largest solar project east of the Mississippi River, producing enough power for the equivalent of 100,000 homes annually.

Over the life of the project, Double Black Diamond Solar is anticipated to provide substantial tax revenue to the local project counties, Sangamon and Morgan counties, in central Illinois. Additionally, Swift Current will provide $10 million in community benefits funds to the Sangamon Growth Alliance, Auburn School District, City of Chicago, and Cook County.

Andy Van Meter, Chair, Sangamon County Board, said, “The Double Black Diamond Solar project brings significant financial benefits to Sangamon County. It’s expected to generate $100 million in local tax revenue over its lifetime, with more than 60% directed to our public schools. The remaining revenue will strengthen essential services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community programs that support the needs of families throughout our County. We are thankful to Swift Current Energy, whose efforts will deliver tangible benefits for our residents.”

Swift Current is the long-term owner and operator of the project and has previously announced that tax equity for the project was provided by Google, and construction financing for the project was provided by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Societe Generale, Truist, and eight other leading lenders.

About Swift Current Energy
Swift Current Energy is trailblazing a path for clean energy now. Founded in 2016, the company develops, owns and operates highly competitive, utility-scale wind, solar and energy storage projects across the United States. Swift Current Energy is majority-owned by funds managed by IFM Investors and Lookout Ridge Energy Partners. For more information, please visit swiftcurrentenergy.com

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SOURCE Swift Current Energy

Technology

Haloid Solutions Expands Access to Radio Equipment by Offering Flexible Financing and Leasing Solutions Named HaloidFLEX

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2026

NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As part of Haloid Solutions’ long-term commitment to helping businesses and municipalities acquire critical communications equipment despite budgetary constraints, Haloid now offers specialized financing and leasing programs through its HaloidFLEX program.

Designed to ensure that companies and governments have the equipment they need without costly capital expenditures outlays, HaloidFLEX offers financing for equipment purchased directly from manufacturers or local radio dealers. HaloidFLEX financing offers zero percent and low-interest options as well as predictable monthly payments for qualified buyers. HaloidFLEX clients can even opt to incorporate extended support services and protections into their financing to prepare for accidents, theft, or equipment losses. This gives companies peace of mind with one low monthly payment.

For organizations that don’t want or need to own equipment long-term, the HaloidFLEX leasing program offers similar benefits with potential tax advantages. Companies can lease brand new equipment and upgrade or return it at lease-end as needed. For companies seeking flexible options – or those that are interested in upgrading to the latest technology as it becomes available – leasing makes perfect sense.

One of the added benefits of each program is that HaloidFLEX allows clients to bundle services and protections that would normally be billed separately. Accidental damage, theft, and loss protections can be put in place, so that there’s never a lapse in communication if a radio fails. Extended warranties are also available upon request, so companies can customize their financing and protection to fit their budget and safeguard their equipment simultaneously.

According to a Haloid Solutions spokesperson, “Bundling expenses simply makes sense. It reduces the need for multiple policies and flexes with organizations to ensure critical communication equipment is available when needed while guaranteeing that the company’s investment is protected for the life of the equipment.”

HaloidFLEX financing and leasing programs are available to qualified businesses and municipalities nationwide. To learn more or request a customized quote, visit HaloidSolutions.com.

About Haloid Solutions

Haloid Solutions is the go-to resource for U.S. businesses and municipalities in search of financing and leasing for two-way radios, walkie talkies, communications equipment, accessories, and services. Focused on reliability, affordability, and performance, Haloid strives to equip professionals in all communication-based industries with the resources they need most.

For more information about Haloid Solutions, or details about the HaloidFLEX financing or leasing programs, please visit https://haloidsolutions.com/collections/lmr-radio-financing-and-leasing-and-subscription-low-cost-payment-options-for-2-way-radio-equipment or contact us on our website.

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SOURCE HALOID SOLUTIONS

Technology

CAS Holdings Appoints Patrick McDermott as Chief Executive Officer

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Leadership Transition Positions CAS Holdings for Continued Growth and Customer-Focused Innovation

FRANKLIN, Mass., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CAS Holdings, a leader in industrial automation distribution, engineering, and integration, is pleased to announce that Patrick McDermott has been named Chief Executive Officer.

McDermott previously served as President and Chief Revenue Officer, where he played a key role in driving growth across the organization, strengthening customer relationships, and leading teams with a clear focus on execution and results.

In his new role as CEO, McDermott will lead CAS Holdings into its next phase of growth, building on the company’s strong foundation and continued commitment to delivering value to customers, partners, and employees.

“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at CAS Holdings,” said McDermott. “Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team, support our customers, and help drive the growth of our organization. I’m excited to build on that momentum as we move into our next chapter.”

CAS Holdings, through its divisions including iAutomation and RND Automation, delivers a full spectrum of industrial automation solutions – from product distribution and technical support to custom machine building and system integration. Serving OEM machine builders and end-users, the company brings deep expertise in motion control, robotics, and vision, along with value-added capabilities such as kitting, sub-assembly, panel building, and turnkey automation systems, acting as an extension of its customers’ engineering and production teams.

McDermott’s leadership will focus on advancing CAS Holdings’ strategic initiatives, strengthening its market position, and continuing to deliver innovative automation solutions that support customers across a wide range of industries.

“We have a strong foundation, a talented team, and a clear direction. I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” McDermott said. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers with responsive, local expertise, strong supplier partnerships, and the engineering and production capabilities they rely on to keep their operations running and growing.”

About Complete Automation Solutions Holdings

Complete Automation Solutions Holdings (CAS Holdings) is dedicated to empowering industrial automation companies, including those in the packaging industry, to achieve optimal efficiency and success. With a diverse portfolio encompassing industrial distribution, panel building and assembly, system integration, and robotics, CAS Holdings provides comprehensive packaging machines and solutions tailored to meet industry needs. The company prioritizes strong partnerships, expert engineering, and innovative solutions, ensuring sustainable practices and continuous improvement. CAS Holdings envisions a future where its transformative automation solutions redefine industry standards and drive growth. Committed to transparency and collaboration, CAS Holdings aims to be the most trusted partner in the automation sector.

Press Contact:

Erika Jacques
508-838-8012
http://www.iautomation.com/

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SOURCE CAS Holdings, Inc.

Technology

Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

Published

4 hours ago

April 18, 2026

NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

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SOURCE Vipboss