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Forus selects Elisa Industriq’s Gridle to operate 15 MW of battery storage in Finland

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HELSINKI, June 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forus Oy has selected Elisa Industriq’s Gridle to optimize and operate 15 MW of battery energy storage across two sites in Finland. The projects support grid balancing and flexibility needs in a power system with increasing renewable energy generation.

The assets, 5 MW / 10 MWh in Imatra and 10 MW / 20 MWh in Sodankylä, are grid-scale batteries designed to balance the Finnish electricity grid and capture maximum value from electricity markets. The projects are implemented through the project companies Imatran Akku Oy and Sodankylä Akku Oy. Suomen Sähköverkot Oy, backed by Finnish private investors, has acquired a majority ownership stake in the projects. Forus has led the project development, including site identification, permitting, and EPC contracting.

Gridle will provide Forus with a route-to-market service, acting as the optimizer and market operator for both projects. Gridle connects the assets to electricity markets, operates them, and manages their participation across balancing and wholesale markets to maximize value and performance.

“We chose Gridle because it combines proven operational reliability, strong market expertise and experience in operating critical infrastructure. As battery markets become more competitive, we need a partner that can continuously optimize performance and adapt to evolving market conditions,” says Julius Maylett, Head of Project Management at Forus.

Gridle has developed its in-house optimization and market access capabilities by operating distributed battery portfolios across industrial, residential and telecom environments, the most complex form of battery optimization. This is a strong foundation for expansion into grid-scale optimization. Gridle has recently announced several grid-scale projects, such as with Finnish energy companies Vantaan Energia and Nivos.

“Grid-scale batteries are a strategic focus for Gridle. Maximizing value requires continuous optimization, accurate forecasting, and reliable operation in changing market conditions. We are pleased to see pioneering companies such as Forus turn to Gridle to maximize the returns of their energy storage investments,” says Markus Logren, Business Lead at Gridle, Elisa Industriq.

Forus continues to expand its pipeline of energy storage and renewable energy projects. The Imatra and Sodankylä projects represent the next step in scaling storage assets across Finland.

More information & interview requests:

Elisa Industriq Mediadesk, mediadesk@elisaindustriq.com, tel. +358 50 305 1605
Forus, Julius Maylett, julius.maylett@forus.fi, tel. +358 40 187 6408

About Gridle

Gridle is an AI-powered energy flexibility service that maximizes the value of flexible energy assets such as batteries. Gridle turns energy flexibility, the ability to shift when electricity is produced or consumed, into financial value. Gridle controls energy assets intelligently and decides when energy assets should use, store or produce energy. It then offers this flexibility capacity to electricity markets that balance supply and demand, enabling customers to cut energy costs and gain new revenue streams. The service is vendor-neutral and ensures the security of mission-critical assets and infrastructure. Drawing on Elisa’s 140+ years of innovation and automation and its expertise in operating nationally critical infrastructure, Gridle delivers dependable energy services that translates directly into operational efficiency and measurable financial outcomes. elisaindustriq.com/gridle

About Elisa Industriq

Elisa Industriq creates software solutions for operational intelligence by multiplying industrial knowledge with AI innovation. Our businesses - camLine, sedApta, Polystar, CalcuQuote, TenForce, and Gridle – serve over 2,500 clients internationally in the manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy sectors. 

Elisa Industriq delivers business value for customers by reducing costs, improving quality, and generating growth. Our software solutions integrate with customers’ existing systems to optimize their operations in areas including manufacturing execution, supply chain optimization, network analytics, and energy management. 

Elisa Industriq is part of Elisa, a pioneer in telecommunications and digital services headquartered in Finland. Our shared mission is a sustainable future through digitalization. Elisa Industriq employs over 1,500 experts in Europe, Asia, and North America. elisaindustriq.com

About Forus

Forus Oy is a Finnish project developer focused on scaling commercially viable climate solutions. The company develops projects across renewable energy and storage, and other emerging technologies that support the energy transition.

Forus combines technical project development with a strong commercial focus, covering the full lifecycle from site identification and permitting to EPC contracting and construction readiness. Forus exists to accelerate the energy transition by turning complex infrastructure projects into viable, scalable and bankable solutions. The company is backed by experienced private investors and is actively developing its portfolio in Finland. forus.fi/en 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/elisa-oyj/r/forus-selects-elisa-industriq-s-gridle-to-operate-15-mw-of-battery-storage-in-finland,c4357330

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Foreign Streamers’ Insight into China: an Egyptian uncovers Tianjin’s “humor gene”

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BEIJING, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report by China Daily:

Tianjin is an open, inclusive city with a remarkable sense of humor woven into its DNA. Curious about this “city of comedy”, Egyptian international student Wang Shaoxuan sets out to explore Tianjin’s famed xiangsheng (crosstalk) teahouses, lively old streets and alleys, and breakfast stalls filled with the aroma of local delicacies. Amid punchlines and laughter, and through the city’s flavors and vibrant everyday life, he experiences Tianjin through a foreigner’s eyes — measuring its unique character and discovering its open-minded, optimistic, and easygoing spirit.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/foreign-streamers-insight-into-china-an-egyptian-uncovers-tianjins-humor-gene-302836053.html

SOURCE China Daily

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Broker Mitrade Brought World Cup Story Closer to MENA, Renews AFA Partnership Into 2027

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DUBAI, UAE, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CFD trading platform Mitrade has renewed its partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), home to the three-time FIFA World Cup 26™ champions. As the 2026 tournament captured attention across the Middle East, the renewal reflects Mitrade’s connection with its user community.

The tournament has driven demand for home entertainment as fans follow the matches, according to Economy Middle East. The region is one of the world’s youngest and most digitally connected, making it a natural market for Mitrade.

The Middle East’s growing enthusiasm for football is unfolding alongside rising participation in financial markets. In June, the combined market capitalisation of companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market surpassed Dh1 trillion for the first time, while its benchmark index climbed above 6,000 points, according to Gulf News. Average daily turnover also rose 56% year on year earlier this year, highlighting stronger trader activity. Against this backdrop, Mitrade’s renewed partnership underscores its focus on staying connected with the communities it serves.

“We build Mitrade around the people who use it, so we stay close to what matters to them,” said Kevin Lai, VP, Mitrade Group. “Renewing our partnership with the AFA reflects our commitment to engaging with the communities we serve while strengthening our long-term presence in the Middle East.”

Football demands preparation, discipline, risk management and knowing when to act. Trading calls for the same qualities, making the AFA partnership a reflection of Mitrade’s long-term commitment to the Middle East.

About Mitrade Group

Mitrade is a globally recognised, award-winning CFD trading platform licensed under UAE’s CMA (20200000397), South Africa’s FSCA (FSP 54842), Cayman Islands’ CIMA (SIB1612446), Mauritius’s FSC (GB20025791), Australia’s ASIC (AFSL398528), and Cyprus’s CySEC (CIF438/23).

Connecting 7M+ traders to 1,000+ OTC derivatives, including indices, forex, commodities, ETFs, and shares, Mitrade’s platform is designed to provide fast trade execution, competitive spreads, and a user-friendly interface accessible across multiple devices.

OTC derivatives are a leveraged product and can result in the loss of your entire capital. Trading OTC derivatives may not be suitable for everyone. Please consider the product sheet, risk disclosure statement and client agreement before using the services and ensure that you understand the risks involved.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or a solicitation.

Visit https://www.mitrade.com/ for more information.

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Demand for EVs continues its growth across Europe with Chinese brands increasing market share, new OLX data shows

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AMSTERDAM, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Every electric vehicle market tracked by OLX Group (“OLX”) is still growing at double or triple-digit rates, and Chinese automotive brands are capturing a growing share of that demand, according to new data published today.

OLX, a global online classifieds leader with nearly 60 million daily listings across seven markets, has today published The Great Acceleration: East Meets Electric, which examines consumer demand for electric vehicles across five OLX automotive marketplaces: La Centrale (France), Autovit (Romania), Standvirtual (Portugal), Otomoto (Poland), and AutoTrader (South Africa).

The data shows EV adoption maturing into a structural trend rather than a short-term reaction: every market measured has now sustained double or triple-digit year-on-year EV lead growth, even as these growth rates ease from previously seen highs. Chinese automotive brands remain central to that story, with MG and BYD now among the leading Chinese brands in four of the five markets, as manufacturers continue to expand the availability of EVs at accessible price points.

Key findings

Every tracked market posted double- or triple-digit year-on-year EV lead growth in June 2026: France up 206%, South Africa up 154.6%, Romania up 66.0%, Portugal up 60.0%, and Poland up 34.3%.Portugal remains Europe’s most EV-mature market, with EVs accounting for 14.9% of leads, almost double the next closest market.France remains the fastest-growing EV market in the group and the one where EV prices are still climbing (+25% year-on-year).MG and BYD are now the most consistently dominant Chinese brands across the group, appearing among the leading brands in France, Romania, Portugal and Poland.

Christian Gisy, CEO of OLX, said: “The story our data tells is straightforward: where EV adoption is accelerating, demand for Chinese automotive brands is accelerating with it. That is no coincidence – Chinese manufacturers are actively expanding the market, bringing electric vehicles to consumers at lower price points than ever before. This means EVs are now more accessible for more people. The transition to electric mobility is happening faster, and more broadly, because Chinese manufacturers are in it.”

EV demand remains strong

Consumer interest in EVs remains high across all five markets, with every market recording double or triple-digit year-on-year growth in EV leads. France leads at 206%, followed by South Africa at 154.6%, Romania at 66%, Portugal at 60%, and Poland at 34.3%.

Portugal remains the most mature EV market, with electric vehicles accounting for close to one in seven leads on the platform (14.9%).

The report finds that demand, which surged in the months following the outbreak of the conflict in Iran in February 2026 as fuel costs and energy security became more prominent considerations for consumers, has since settled into a steadier, sustained pattern consistent with structural adoption rather than a short-term reaction.

Chinese automotive brands are helping unlock EV growth

As EV demand matures, Chinese automotive brands are moving from early experimentation to a phase where a smaller number of manufacturers are converting early interest into durable market share. MG and BYD now feature among the leading Chinese brands in four of the five markets tracked.

France recorded the strongest increase in consumer demand for Chinese automotive brands, rising 276% year-on-year – more than double the next-fastest market, Romania (119%). Portugal (74%) and Poland (95%) also recorded strong increases as Chinese manufacturers continued to expand their presence.

Chinese manufacturers continue to adapt to local market conditions. In Romania, where EV prices declined nearly 8% year-on-year, the increased availability of Chinese-made vehicles continues to expand access to more affordable electric vehicles. This differs from France, where consumer interest in Chinese automotive brands keeps growing despite a 25% increase in EV prices, reflecting sustained demand in a supply-constrained market.

Chinese manufacturers adapt to local market dynamics 

While EV demand is strong across all five OLX markets, the report shows Chinese manufacturers continuing to adapt their vehicle offering, pricing and market positioning to reflect each market’s stage of EV adoption.

Portugal, Europe’s most mature EV market, continues to show Chinese brands competing on technology and model choice as much as price, with Xpeng now among the leading brands alongside MG and BYD. Poland remains the group’s most diversified Chinese brand market by brand count, with MG, BYD and Omoda leading. 

South Africa represents a different stage of market development. Chinese brands account for the highest share of demand in the group (7.31%), led by Haval, but that demand is concentrated on petrol and hybrid SUVs rather than EVs – just 0.3% of Chinese brand demand there is electric. This reflects the influence of local infrastructure, driving conditions and consumer preferences, with Chinese manufacturers adapting their approach to each market rather than pursuing a single strategy across all five. 

Methodology

All figures are drawn from leads-based consumer activity across OLX Group’s five automotive marketplace platforms. La Centrale (France), Autovit (Romania), Standvirtual (Portugal), Otomoto (Poland) and AutoTrader (South Africa). “Leads” refers to meaningful user engagement: views, enquiries, and contact events. Data is as at 30 June 2026. Full methodology is available in the report.

About OLX Group

OLX is a global digital marketplace leader that builds AI-native marketplaces people trust, serving millions of people, professionals and businesses across Europe and South Africa every month. Leveraging scale and powerful AI innovation across its trusted brands, OLX helps people sell and buy cars, find housing, get jobs, buy and sell household goods, and much more. OLX Group is the classifieds business of Prosus, a global technology company and the power behind the leading lifestyle ecommerce brands in Latin America, Europe and India. For more information on OLX, visit www.olxgroup.com

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