Technology

Advanced Engines and Renewable Fuels: A Sustainable Solution for Power and Mobility

Published

1 year ago

April 21, 2025

Earth Day 2025 Statement

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Engine Technology Forum issued the following statement, from Allen Schaeffer, executive director on the eve of Earth Day 2025 (April 22):

“As we recognize Earth Day 2025, we celebrate all that has been accomplished, but recognize more must be done.

“The economic, energy, and environmental challenges facing society today are complex and don’t have a singular solution. Our future depends on a world where zero emission technology and advanced engines compete and co-exist. Manufacturers of engines and equipment, component suppliers, and fuel producers are meeting this moment with a range of increasingly efficient and productive options available for powering the nation’s cars, trucks, machines, and equipment as well as energy-rich, clean, and renewable fuel options to power them.

“Internal combustion engines (ICEs) will remain the standard and often the only power option in hundreds of applications serving every corner of the globe for the foreseeable future, which makes the continuous improvements in engines and fuels critical to ensuring progress toward environment and energy goals.

“Engine and equipment makers are meeting the challenge of a more sustainable environment through reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiency, remanufacturing of engines and components, and expanded use of renewable biofuels as well as new fuels like hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia.

“According to EPA, national concentrations of all criteria pollutants are now below the most recent health-based standards. This could have not been accomplished without the continuous improvement in design, materials, combustion efficiency, and emissions controls that have defined the engine, vehicle, and equipment industries for several decades. Since 2010 for commercial trucks and 2014 for most off-road equipment, emissions from advanced engines have been reduced by over 90% to today’s near zero levels.

“Beyond achievements in lower emissions, engines are increasingly energy efficient, contributing to significant reductions of carbon emissions. For example, in the nation’s trucking fleets recent real world tests and Federal Highway Administration Data show the national average fuel economy of commercial trucks has improved by 16-18% over 2013 models, with some individual drivers and fleets reporting gains of over 50%.

“Expanding the use of advanced renewable biofuels in all engines contributes to reducing emissions while diversifying our energy resources. The U.S. is on track to surpass 5 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time in 2024. In California 70% of the state’s diesel fuel pool is now renewable diesel fuel, a drop-in replacement for petroleum diesel. In 2024, more than 79% of all natural gas used in the transportation sector was renewable natural gas, a fuel that can achieve a carbon-negative fleet outcome depending on its source.

“Virtually all of the several hundred million engines in the population can utilize some level of renewable biofuels. From using 100% renewable diesel in backup power generators and marine vessels and locomotives to expanding the use of biodiesel in highway trucks, renewable fuels provide a growing choice for vehicle and equipment owners to do their share for a better environment.

“The potential of hydrogen for ICE holds additional promise as a new option to power the trucking and heavy equipment sectors. New engines designed to run on hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and e-fuels demonstrate the engine industry’s commitment to offer new and innovative options for powering marine vessels, commercial trucks, and heavy equipment.

“For several decades, remanufacturing of engines and components has been standard practice of the engine industry; reducing demand for raw materials, energy consumption, and waste generated while providing important options for engine and equipment users. From heavy-duty engines to components like fuel injectors and emissions control catalysts, remanufacturing contributes to an expanding circular economy.”

About the Engine Technology Forum

Founded on the principles of fact-based education, science, outreach and collaboration, the Engine Technology Forum is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the benefits of advanced engines and the fuels that they use, as well as how these contribute to a sustainable future. Connect with us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Sign up for our digital newsletter, too.

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SOURCE Engine Technology Forum

Technology

FranklinWH Introduces Enhanced 15 kWh aPower in Australia and New Zealand

Published

1 hour 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

3 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

3 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/