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Westinghouse Awarded Contract for NASA-DOE

Westinghouse Electric Company announced today that NASA, working with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), has selected Westinghouse to continue development of a microreactor design through the Fission Surface Power (FSP) project.

The FSP project is focused on developing concept designs for small, electricity-generating nuclear fission reactors that could provide astronauts a reliable power supply for use on the moon and beyond. This contract, awarded by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), will build on the successful design work Westinghouse completed during Phase 1 to optimize its contributions to the design of FSP systems and their configuration and begin testing critical technology elements. The continued progress under the FSP project can enable NASA’s goal of a lunar demonstration within the next decade.

Photo of Earth taken from space with bright sunspot and black sky
Source: Getty Images

Westinghouse is leveraging its eVinci microreactor technology to develop a resilient and mass-efficient nuclear electric power and propulsion system for satellite, spacecraft and planetary surface power applications. The eVinci microreactor generates electricity and heating for remote communities, universities, mining operations, industrial centers, data centers, defense facilities and soon the lunar surface and beyond. These microreactors have very few moving parts, providing versatility for mission types with the reduction of failure points, simple operation and increased reliability for the harsh environment of space.

For more information, visit westinghousenuclear.com.

First LNG Produced at Corpus Christi Stage 3 Project

Cheniere Energy, Inc. announced that liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) was produced for the first time from the first train (“Train 1”) of the company’s Corpus Christi Stage 3 Liquefaction Project, called CCL Stage 3. The commissioning process continues and Cheniere expects substantial completion of Train 1 to be achieved at the end of the first quarter of 2025, more than six months ahead of the guaranteed completion date. Once completed, Bechtel Energy Inc. will transfer care, custody and control of the completed train to Cheniere.

Full notice to proceed on CCL Stage 3 was issued to Bechtel by Cheniere in June 2022. CCL Stage 3 consists of seven midscale trains, with an expected total production capacity of over 10 million tons per annum (MPTA) of LNG. Upon substantial completion of all seven trains of CCL Stage 3, the expected total production capacity of the Corpus Christi liquefaction facility will be more than 25 MTPA of LNG.

Clean Energy Project Completed Ahead of Schedule

Adapture Renewables, Inc., a utility-scale solar and energy storage developer, owner and operator, announced the completion and commercial operation of its utility-scale solar project in Hunt County, Texas. The 67MW solar facility will generate clean, renewable energy to help meet the growing demand for electricity in the wake of data center growth. The site will support the corporate offtaker, a Fortune 50 company, as part of its broader sustainability goals to reach net zero targets.

The project is located within the ERCOT market, and spans 25 acres and includes over 130,000 solar modules. It is expected to deliver approximately 120 GWh of clean electricity annually — enough to power the equivalent of 12,500 homes. This comes at a critical moment for renewable energy development. Rapid growth in data centers, driven by advancements in AI and cloud computing, and the increasing demand for EV charging infrastructure, is placing unprecedented pressure on the grid. Sites like this play a vital role in meeting this demand, ensuring businesses and communities can access reliable, cost-effective energy solutions.

Significantly, the project reached commercial operation three months ahead of schedule on Adapture Renewables’ first ever VPPA (Virtual Power Purchase Agreement), overcoming development challenges including the supply chain impacts of the COVID pandemic, as well as Winter Storm Uri, which swept through the region in 2021. Timely procurement of materials and the collaborative efforts of Adapture Renewables’ teams and partners played a key role in the project’s success.

This latest project adds to Adapture Renewables’ growing portfolio of clean energy solutions, supporting corporate and industrial energy buyers in achieving their renewable energy goals while strengthening grid reliability.

IoT Breakthrough Awarded to Emerson

Emerson has won the “Industrial IoT Innovation of the Year” award for its DeltaV Workflow Management software at the 9th annual IoT Breakthrough Awards. The award recognizes Emerson’s next-generation, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution to help life sciences companies develop, scale and manufacture life-changing cell and gene therapies more efficiently.
Designed specifically for companies in early-stage development with limited IT infrastructure, DeltaV Workflow Management provides a cloud-based solution that transitions drug recipe workflow data from paper-based records to digital records, providing a simple and scalable solution with no coding experience required.

Graphic award emblem for Industrial innovation of the year breakthrough award.
Source: Emerson

“Life sciences companies have a crucial job: fighting disease by bringing new, safe medicines to market as fast as possible. To do that, they need more agile, flexible and scalable processes to quickly move products through the development pipeline to the commercial market,” says Nathan Pettus, president of process systems and solutions at Emerson. “Our new DeltaV Workflow Management software provides companies with simple recipe authoring, execution and electronic data capture so they can focus on innovation.

The new Emerson software also generates searchable, exportable digital records for easier analysis and reporting of data. In addition, this digital shift minimizes the contamination risks associated with paper records in sterile clean rooms. For more information, please visit the Emerson DeltaV Workflow Management software.

Meta’s Largest Data Center Will be Built in Northeast Louisiana

Meta and Louisiana Economic Development (LED) announced a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana, a transformational investment that cements the state’s status as a major innovation hub and leader in the global digital revolution. The 4 million square foot data center, to be located in Richland Parish, will be Meta’s largest in the world. Construction on the facility is expected to continue through 2030.
Meta projects the data center will support at least 500 direct new jobs in Richland Parish. LED estimates the project will result in the creation of more than 1,000 indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,500 potential new jobs in the Northeast Region. The company estimates 5,000 construction workers at peak of construction on a 2,250-acre site.

“Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future.”

Hyperscaler data centers like the one planned for Richland Parish are housed in huge physical structures designed to process the vast amounts of data required to support digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads. The facility is the largest of more than 20 Meta data centers worldwide. Once operational, the Richland Parish Data Center will be optimized for Meta’s AI workloads as part of the highly advanced infrastructure that helps bring Meta's technologies, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads to life.

LED expects the project, one of the largest private capital investments in the state's history, to spark new economic activity and investments throughout northeast Louisiana as multiple industries benefit from the billions of dollars invested. Meta makes a concerted effort to source labor and materials locally, and partners with local schools and organizations to advance STEAM education and digital skills that can be used to compete in the digital workforce.

“This project is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Louisiana has been actively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation, with plans to support startups, grow a skilled workforce, and shape forward-thinking policy. Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state’s tech sector, and prove to the world that when Louisiana says that we are ready to compete on the global stage, we mean business.”

The company is expected to take advantage of a new Louisiana incentive program, established by Act 730, that offers qualifying projects a state and local sales and use tax rebate on the purchase or lease of data center equipment. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.

To power the data center, which at its largest point extends more than onemile from front to back, Entergy will add clean, efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands, including from the data center. Meta has pledged to match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy and will be working with Entergy to bring at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid through its Geaux Zero program. In addition, Meta has committed to contribute up to $1 million a year to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” low-income ratepayer support program, a figure that will be matched by Entergy Louisiana.

In addition to Meta’s commitment to match its electricity usage with clean and renewable energy, the company prioritizes water stewardship in its operations, including minimizing water use at its data centers. Meta has pledged to restore more water than it consumes at this data center by investing in water restoration projects in Louisiana.

To support both the construction and eventual operation of the data center, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College to develop programs and expand capacity. Delta will scale up its construction trades programs to meet the initial construction needs, and partner with peer institutions experienced in developing and delivering curricula for data center operations.

Meta expects construction to continue through 2030 with site work beginning in December. The company has also committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.

PVI Holdings Announces Name Change to Vytl Controls Group

PVI Holdings announced that it has officially changed its name to Vytl Controls Group. The decision to publicly create recognizable unity and enhance cross-company integration directly reflects the investment made over the past year to ensure the company provides unmatched technical expertise and solutions to all current and future industries it serves.

Image of new Vytl Controls Group logo in black and blue with sub-companies including AT Controls, Setpoint Integrated Solutions, ValSource and W&O
Source: VYTL Controls Group

A-T Controls, Setpoint Integrated Solutions, Valsource and W&O are now formally recognized as, and will add to their names, a Vytl Company. This change unifies each brand under one umbrella and fully leverages the resources, products, services and engineering expertise across each company within Vytl Controls Group. The new name more accurately represents the company’s expanded capabilities, vision and commitment to each brand’s market and future growth goals.

“Our new name is an important message to our employees, customers, distributors and OEM partners we do business with,” says Matt Bate, CEO.  “We provide essential services and technical solutions to critically important industries. As a part of coming together as one company, we have invested in best-in-class talent, technology and tools to ensure we are positioned for the future.”

Vytl Controls Group companies include: 
•    A-T Controls: designs, manufactures and sells manual and automated process valves; 
•    Setpoint Integrated Solutions: supports the power, refining, and chemical industries with best-in-class valve repair services, delivering process solutions for control, relief and automated valve requirements, along with industrial equipment including liquid level measurement, pressure gauges, PLCs, and more;
•    Valsource: valve manufacturer and comprehensive valve and automation solutions provider for all industrial valve repair, remanufacturing, testing, maintenance and valve product solutions.
•    W&O: now one of the world's largest suppliers of pipe, valves, fittings and actuation and engineered solutions to the maritime and upstream oil & gas industries. GMS Instruments was acquired by W&O in June of 2024 and will now formally adopt the name W&O, a Vytl Company. With the rebrand, EMI (formerly known as Engine Monitor, Inc.) and Valve Automation and Control of San Diego (VAC) teams will also join the marine practice and adopt the W&O, a Vytl Company brand. 

Velan Announces Initiatives to Reduce Cost and Risk

Velan Inc., a global manufacturer of industrial valves, announced major strategic initiatives that will significantly reduce operating and financial risks as well as strengthen its financial position. The company is divesting its asbestos liabilities and has entered an agreement to sell its French subsidiaries to Framatome SAS.

“We believe these two transactions are key to unlocking Velan’s inherent value and we are delighted with an outcome that makes us a financially and operationally stronger company going forward,” says James A. Mannebach, chairman of the board and CEO of Velan. “The divestiture of asbestos-related liabilities will allow Velan to confidently move ahead with the execution of its business plan while selling French subsidiaries to local interests also supports the protection of French sovereign interests,” he continues. 

Mannebach also stated: “Our activities will also benefit from robust momentum in the clean energy sector, including nuclear, which is undergoing a multiyear growth cycle throughout the world. We remain well-positioned in this market with our proprietary valve offerings for small modular reactors, along with our global installed base of products at existing nuclear reactors. In addition, we are firmly entrenched in other markets buoyed by global energy transition trends.”

Rishi Sharma, chief financial and administrative officer stated: “These transactions meet two key financial objectives, namely the reduction of risk and resolution of our asbestos-related liabilities through the divestiture transaction and the strengthening of our balance sheet. Following their closing, Velan would be virtually debt free which would allow for greater investments in growth opportunities.”

The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Velan Valves Limited, has entered into a memorandum of understanding relating to the sale of 100% of the share capital and voting rights of its French subsidiaries, Segault SAS  and Velan S.A.S. (“Velan France”), to Framatome SAS, a world leader in nuclear energy, for a purchase price of $175.2 million (€170 million), with the benefit of the transfer of an intercompany loan of $23.2 million (€22.5 million), for total consideration to the company of $198.4 million (€192.5 million).

The closing of the asbestos divestiture transaction is subject to securing financing and other customary closing conditions. If the France transaction (as defined below) is not completed, the Company will seek alternative financing options for the asbestos divesture transaction.

In accordance with French laws, Segault, Velan France and Framatome will inform and consult their employee representative bodies before any definitive agreement is entered into between the parties.

The completion of the France transaction under the definitive agreement would be subject to the approval of Velan’s shareholders. Velan Holding Co Ltd. (“Velan Holding”), the controlling shareholder of Velan, has entered into a voting and support agreement with Velan in respect of the approval of the France Transaction.

Motion Signs Agreement to Purchase Operating Assets of ICR

Motion Industries Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a provider of industrial technology solutions, signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of U.S.-based International Conveyor and Rubber (ICR). The transaction was expected to close at the end of December 2024. 

Exterior of ICR.
Source: Motion

ICR services commercial and industrial customers in the eastern U.S. Headquartered in Blairsville, Pennsylvania, the company has seven locations, offering sales, installation, repair and maintenance of conveyor belts and related system products. They also provide engineering and design services for custom solutions. ICR serves a variety of industries, including mining and aggregates, power generation, oil and gas, construction, steel, building materials manufacturing, package handling and distribution, wood/pulp/paper, cement and asphalt, recycling and marine terminals.

Kory Krinock, one of ICR’s owner-operators, says, “It’s a perfect match — both companies are dedicated to their customers and share the same core values. We look forward to enhancing our services and customer value proposition while contributing to Motion’s growth.”

“ICR is highly complementary to Motion, adding seven strategic locations that expand our reach,” says James Howe, president of Motion. “ICR introduces new customers and end markets, allowing us to broaden our offerings. We are thrilled to welcome the highly talented ICR employees to the Motion team, including Kory and the other owner-operators, who will continue to play an integral role in the business.” With 150 employees, ICR will join Motion’s business unit, Motion Conveyance Solutions.  

ConocoPhillips Completes Acquisition of Marathon

ConocoPhillips (COP) announced that is has commenced offers to eligible holders to exchange outstanding notes issued by Marathon for up to $4 billion USD aggregate principal of new notes to be issued by CPCo and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by COP. The Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations are being made pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement, dated as of Nov. 25, 2024. 

The completion of the acquisition of Marathon closing means Marathon became a wholly owned subsidiary of COP and is no longer a publicly traded company. More details and specific valuation information for new notes and exchanges can be found on the ConocoPhillips website.

Curtiss-Wright Completes Acquisition of Ultra Energy

Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced that it has completed the acquisition of Ultra Nuclear Limited and Weed Instrument Co., Inc. (“Ultra Energy”) for $200 million in cash. Ultra Energy is a global provider of safety-critical measurement and control systems to commercial nuclear, aerospace and defense markets.

The business designs and manufactures reactor protection systems, neutron monitoring systems, radiation monitoring systems and temperature and pressure sensors that facilitate the safe and reliable operation of commercial nuclear reactors and other power generation plants. It also provides support to the legacy UK nuclear submarine fleet, as well as current and next-generation ship designs.

The acquisition of Ultra Energy increases the breadth of Curtiss-Wright’s global commercial nuclear portfolio with complementary measurement and control solutions supporting plant life extensions and modernization projects of aging power plants, and further expands the company’s presence in the U.S. and Europe.

The acquisition also supports Curtiss-Wright's long-term financial objectives for profitable growth and strong free cash flow generation. The business will operate within Curtiss-Wright's Naval & Power segment.

Through its predecessor companies, Ultra Energy’s roots date back to the mid-1950s as a specialist in neutron monitoring and the late-1960s as a manufacturer of temperature and pressure sensors. Today, its diverse portfolio includes neutron monitoring for measuring reactor power and safety management, radiation monitoring for plant safety, reactor protection systems to constantly monitor plant conditions and highly accurate temperature and pressure sensors. Ultra Energy employs approximately 300 people and maintains primary operations in the U.K. and Texas.

Emvolon Selected by DOE and EPA to Adapt Technology Eliminating Flaring

Pioneer Energy announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adapt Emvolon’s proprietary gas-to-methanol technology to eliminate flaring and emissions in oilfields. Teh technology will be demonstrated at an oil and gas facility in Eagle Ford in Texas.

MIT spin-off Emvolon converts otherwise wasted methane into liquid green chemicals and fuels. Using repurposed car engines as cost-effective modular chemical plants, Emvolon converts not only the flared gas but also biogas and landfill gas into liquid green methanol. The methanol can then be trucked away to monetize what were once stranded resources at a low cost without a pipeline infrastructure while avoiding emissions.

Emvolon co-founders Emmanuel Kasseris, PhD, and Leslie Bromberg, PhD.
Source: Emvolon

The grant will provide funds to scale and package Emvolon’s technology, and will be demonstrated for 12 months.