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Finnish VTT in historic collaboration with US entities – commercial fusion energy closer than ever

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ESPOO, Finland, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VTT, based in Finland, has been selected as the first-ever foreign partner to join an ARPA-E research program funded by the US Department of Energy, focusing on enabling the commercialisation of fusion energy. Related to the collaboration, VTT and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California, US, have signed a memorandum of understanding for science and technology cooperation. Through these joint projects, VTT’s expertise will play a central role in global technology development.

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has joined an ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy) program funded by the US Department of Energy, aiming to accelerate the commercial use of fusion energy. The collaboration aims to solve the challenges of materials needed in extreme conditions, which are a bottleneck in the commercialisation of fusion energy.

“Fusion energy is considered the ‘holy grail’ of clean energy, but issues with material durability have slowed breakthroughs for decades,” says Anssi Laukkanen, Research Professor at VTT.

What makes this collaboration particularly exceptional is that the US Department of Energy is directly funding the participation of a European research institution. ARPA-E is known for its top-tier research projects that focus on solving the biggest challenges in the energy sector. This is the first time the US Department of Energy has brought in a foreign partner to this project.

VTT brings its expertise in computational materials engineering and AI-based simulation methods to the initiative. These methods allow for testing the durability of materials in extreme conditions by simulating hundreds of millions of computational experiments.

“The traditional process of developing new materials can take decades. VTT’s simulation and AI technologies shorten the development cycles to months, allowing us to quickly discover, optimise and create case-specific materials tailored to a specific need,” Laukkanen explains.

The project focuses on developing materials for the first wall of fusion reactors, which must withstand extreme temperatures and radiation for several years. The lack of materials that meet these requirements has been a significant barrier to the commercial implementation of fusion reactors.

“Fusion energy has long been a vision that has always been said to be 50 years away. Now research is advancing to the point where the first commercial players expect applications in just 5-10 years from now. If successful, fusion energy could revolutionise energy production and help solve global climate challenges,” Laukkanen says.

VTT and LLNL collaborate to solve critical energy and sustainability issues

The collaboration between VTT and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) aims to develop revolutionary solutions for both the energy market and sustainable development.

The collaboration covers five key research areas: biotechnology, critical materials and green technologies, quantum computing, energy materials and structural alloys and materials for fusion energy. The agreement is the result of VTT’s particularly strong expertise in developing materials and computational models for extreme conditions.

In material development, VTT uses unique AI-assisted VTT ProperTune computing and simulation technology, which has enabled the development of better material solutions, for example for fusion energy. VTT has also heavily invested in the development of quantum algorithms and software. These factors made VTT an attractive partner.

“The new agreement allows us to deepen our long-standing collaboration and advance research more systematically. Collaboration with a top-tier research institution like LLNL offers a unique opportunity to tackle the critical problems of our time,” says VTT CEO Antti Vasara.

VTT’s involvement in internationally significant research projects raises the profile of European technology in the United States and lays the foundation for new business opportunities in Europe as well.

“For us, this is not just about research, but also about bringing Finnish innovations to international markets. Now, we have an opportunity to be involved in developing new technologies with enormous market potential. The success of even one area could have significant impacts on economic growth,” says Tua Huomo, Executive Vice President of VTT’s sustainable products and materials business area.

Media material

https://vtt.contenthub.fi/ui/shares/w17367579/0l0wyAPYhY/en/ 

LLNL Deputy Director for Science and Technology Pat Falcone, right, and VTT Chief Executive Officer Antti Vasara, sign the MOU on Oct. 1. (Photo: Blaise Douros/LLNL)

For more information, please contact:
Anssi Laukkanen, Research Professor,
+358 40 820 8039, anssi.laukkanen@vtt.fi

Further information on VTT:
Satu Holm-Jumppanen
Manager, Communications
+358 50 305 4718, satu.holm-jumppanen@vtt.fi 
www.vtt.fi

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Finnish VTT in historic collaboration with US entities — commercial fusion energy closer than ever

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Sungrow Secures World’s First German Inertia Market “Passport” with VDE FNN Prototype Certificate

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MUNICH, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the globally leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, achieved another global milestone in grid-forming technology. The company’s SC210HX series Power Conversion Systems (PCS) have obtained the VDE FNN Prototype Certificate issued by TÜV Rheinland of Germany, becoming the world’s first energy storage PCS to pass the full set of German medium- and high-voltage grid connection standards alongside grid-forming performance verification.

This breakthrough enables PowerTitan energy storage systems equipped with this SC210HX PCS series to shorten the grid connection timeline drastically, reduce project acceptance risks, accelerate access to Europe’s latest inertia market, and substantially boost the investment and financing competitiveness of energy storage projects.

Developed by VDE FNN, the organization responsible for Germany’s grid technology and operational standards, the certification framework sets comprehensive requirements for medium- and high-voltage grid integration. Widely recognized by European grid operators, developers, and financial institutions, it serves as a critical benchmark for evaluating the compliance, reliability, and grid-support capabilities of energy storage projects.

Powered by Sungrow self-developed Stem-Cell Grid-Forming Technology, energy storage systems equipped with the SC210CX series PCS deliver outstanding grid adaptability and stable grid support. The system can independently absorb or output active and reactive power to support full-scenario grid demands, including frequency regulation, voltage regulation, and backup power support. On weak grids with high penetration of renewable energy, the converter maintains voltage-source characteristics and rapidly outputs dynamic reactive current upon grid short-circuit faults. Furthermore, the system can establish a power grid without external synchronization, supporting black start and islanded operation to effectively resolve grid connection pain points for remote European energy storage plants and off-grid projects.

By successfully completing the stringent VDE FNN testing process, Sungrow has verified that its hardware reliability, proprietary control algorithms, and grid-forming performance fully meet Germany’s strictest mandatory grid standards. The certification represents authoritative recognition of Sungrow’s technical leadership in advanced energy storage and grid-support solutions.

Beyond its technical significance, this certification also delivers tangible commercial value for project developers. European market standards keep getting stricter, and leading investment institutions and lending banks use TÜV Rheinland VDE certification as a core metric for assessing project compliance and equipment reliability. This certification enables developers to significantly shorten grid-connection timelines, avoid project delays during acceptance and comply with Europe’s latest entry rules for inertia-based energy storage. Additionally, it strengthens the credibility, bankability, asset value, and financing prospects of energy storage projects.

Leveraging its full lineup of VDE-compliant grid-forming energy storage products, Sungrow will continue to deepen its expertise in Europe’s energy transition and deliver safer, more grid-friendly, high -yield energy storage solutions to global customers.

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Deka Lash Agoura Hills Launches “Wake Up Ready For Summer” Promotion

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Guests Can Receive 25% Off Any Full Set or Lash Lift for Pool Days, Vacations, and Low-Effort Summer Mornings

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Deka Lash, a premier lash and eyebrow studio in Agoura Hills, is helping clients simplify their summer beauty routine with its limited-time “Wake Up Ready For Summer” promotion. For a limited time, guests can receive 25% offany full set of lash extensions or lash lift, making it easier to enjoy polished, effortless lashes for vacations, pool days, special events, and busy summer mornings.

The summer promotion is designed for clients who want long-lasting beauty with less daily maintenance. Whether guests are interested in natural-looking eyelash extensions in Agoura Hills or professional lash lift and tint services, Deka Lash offers customized treatments tailored to each client’s eye shape, lash goals, and personal style.

“Summer is the perfect time to simplify your routine,” said David Schiff, Owner of Deka Lash Agoura Hills. “Our lash extensions and lash lift services help clients feel confident and put together from the moment they wake up, whether they’re heading to the pool, going on vacation, or managing a packed schedule.”

Deka Lash in Agoura Hills provides a variety of lash and brow services, including full set eyelash extensions, lash refills, lash lifts, lash tinting, brow lamination, brow tinting, and brow shaping. Each service is performed by trained Lash Artists who focus on precision, comfort, lash health, and long-lasting results.

The “Wake Up Ready For Summer” promotion applies to any full set of lash extensions or lash lift service at the Agoura Hills studio. Guests are encouraged to book early, as summer appointments may fill quickly.

Promotion Details

What: 25% off any full set of lash extensions or lash lift
Where: Deka Lash in Agoura Hills
When: Limited-time summer promotion
Best For: Pool days, vacations, events, and low-effort mornings

About Deka Lash Agoura Hills

Deka Lash Agoura Hills is a professional lash and eyebrow studio offering customized eyelash extensions, lash lifts, brow services, and aftercare products. Known for personalized service and high-quality results, the studio helps clients achieve beautiful, low-maintenance lashes and brows that fit their lifestyle.

For more information or to take advantage of the promotion, visit https://dekalash.com/find-a-studio/california/agoura-hills/.

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Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group Raises $40 Million to Scale Precision Manufacturing, Mission Systems and Deep-Tech Platforms

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Round led by Norwest and Skegen Asset Management, with participation from Indus Bridge Ventures, GJNX Ventures, and Ashish Kacholia, to accelerate global expansion and indigenous aerospace and defence technologies

HYDERABAD, India, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group (RVAG), a Hyderabad-headquartered precision manufacturing and deep-tech company serving the global aerospace, defence and energy sectors, today announced it has raised $40 million (approximately ₹400 crore) in its latest funding round. The round was led by Norwest and Skegen Asset Management, with participation from Indus Bridge Ventures, GJNX Ventures and noted investor Ashish Kacholia.

The capital will be used to expand manufacturing capacity across the Group’s facilities in India, the UK and the USA; accelerate development of its upcoming integrated manufacturing campus at Hardware Park near Hyderabad International Airport; and strengthen its Mission Systems and Deep-Tech & Autonomous Systems businesses.

Over the past two decades, RVAG has evolved into a global manufacturing platform with more than 1,200 employees and over ten facilities across three countries. The Group manufactures precision aero-engine components and sub-assemblies for leading global OEMs, including GE Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, Boeing and Safran, while also serving global energy companies such as Baker Hughes, Halliburton, SLB and GE. It currently has an order book exceeding ₹2,500 crore.

The Group is among the few Indian companies offering end-to-end aerospace manufacturing under one roof, spanning design, engineering, manufacturing, testing and assembly. Its capabilities include CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, composites, electronics, software, gears, fasteners and NADCAP-approved special processes.

Beyond contract manufacturing, Raghu Vamsi has built strong indigenous capabilities through its Mission Systems and Deep-Tech verticals. The company develops propulsion systems, aircraft hydraulic components and subsystems for defence programmes, while its ARROBOT platform is advancing drone technologies and unmanned ground vehicles for India’s armed forces.

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in what our team has built over the last two decades, a fully integrated, home-grown manufacturing platform that global aerospace, defence and energy leaders trust with mission-critical work. It allows us to scale capacity across our India, UK and USA operations; accelerate our Hardware Park campus and deepen our investments in Mission Systems and Autonomous Systems,” said Vamsi Vikas, Managing Director, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group.

“Our growth has always been guided by the values of our founder, Late Sri G. Thrimurthulu, who built this company on reliability, integrity and empathy toward every stakeholder we serve. This round strengthens our ability to invest in our people, our technology and our talent pipeline as we prepare for the next phase of scale,” added Siva Arvinth, CEO, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group.

“Raghu Vamsi has created a uniquely integrated manufacturing platform trusted by leading aerospace and energy OEMs for its technical depth and disciplined execution. We look forward to working with the team scales and unlocks the next phase of value creation,” said Shiv Chaudhary, Partner, Norwest.

“Raghu Vamsi’s breadth spanning precision manufacturing, mission systems and deep tech, sets it apart in India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. We look forward to supporting the team through its next phase of growth,” said Navin Roy Vallabhneni, Skegen Asset Management.

The company has also established collaborations with premier institutions, including the IITs and IIITs, as well as research organisations such as ARCI and defence agencies, including ADA and DRDO, reinforcing its commitment to building globally competitive aerospace and defence technologies from India.

About Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group

Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group is a Hyderabad-based aerospace and defence manufacturing company with operations across India, the UK and the USA. The Group supplies precision-engineered components to leading global OEMs including GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, Safran and Collins Aerospace, while expanding into mission systems and autonomous technologies.

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