The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Tokyo Gas, Luminous Robotics, EnergyX, and others.
Tokyo Gas Secures Design Approval for 15 MW Floating Offshore Wind Technology in Japan
Japanese energy company Tokyo Gas has secured Approval in Principle from the Japan Maritime Association for a 15 MW-class floating offshore wind foundation developed with US technology company Principle Power. The design uses Principle Power’s WindFloat TC semi-submersible floating platform, featuring a central column capable of supporting large offshore turbines. Engineering verification includes coupled analysis of turbines, floating foundations and mooring systems. Tank tests reproduced Japanese offshore wind, wave and tidal conditions to validate design assumptions. Tokyo Gas is adapting the technology to Japan’s maritime regulations and environmental requirements. The approval confirms the technical feasibility of the preliminary design but does not constitute construction authorisation. Project location, investment value and commissioning dates remain undisclosed.
Australia Approves A$32.3 Million Funding for Solar Installation Robotics Manufacturing
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has approved up to A$32.3 million in funding for two solar construction robotics manufacturing projects. Luminous Robotics will receive A$17.8 million to establish a Melbourne factory producing autonomous solar panel installation robots. The facility aims to manufacture and deploy approximately 100 LUMI robots by 2029. Built Robotics Australia will receive A$14.5 million for a Brisbane manufacturing and operations centre producing autonomous foundation-piling equipment. The project targets deployment of 12 robotic piling systems. Both projects are supported through Round 2 of Australia’s A$850 million Solar Sunshot programme. The equipment is designed to automate panel installation and foundation construction at utility-scale solar farms.
EnergyX Signs $2 Billion Lithium Offtake Agreement with Trafigura for US and Chile Projects
US battery materials technology company EnergyX has signed a binding 10-year lithium offtake agreement with commodity trader Trafigura covering 100,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium products. At current reference prices of approximately $20,000 per tonne, the agreement represents more than $2 billion in potential revenue. Supply will come from EnergyX’s Project Black Giant in Chile and Project Lonestar in Texas. Trafigura will purchase 66 percent of initial production from Black Giant and 30 percent from Lonestar. EnergyX uses proprietary direct lithium extraction technology and is targeting commercial-scale production in 2028. The contract supports project financing discussions, including a previously announced $690 million US Export-Import Bank financing letter of intent.