From Tony Stark to Obi Wan Kenobi: Meet 4 (of 7) West Gate Fellows and Their Technologies

cleantechnica.com Sep 1, 2026

From Tony Stark to Obi Wan Kenobi: Meet 4 (of 7) West Gate Fellows and Their Technologies

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 1, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The Department of Energy’s West Gate Fellows program has welcomed seven new entrepreneurs, with four highlighted in this article. They are developing technologies to produce affordable U.S.-made magnesium, harness geothermal heat, create ultralight batteries, and produce safer chlorine. The fellows will spend two years at the National Laboratory of the Rockies, refining their processes and scaling up production. Their work aims to reduce reliance on imported critical minerals, lower energy costs, and enhance national security.

💡 Why It Matters

· By enabling domestic magnesium production, the fellows could cut supply‑chain risks for lightweight batteries and advanced manufacturing.
· Their geothermal and battery innovations promise lower‑cost, higher‑efficiency energy solutions that could reshape the U.S.
· energy and materials landscape.

Read full article on cleantechnica.com

Trump to Host Big Oil CEOs as Gas Price Average Remains Over…

Donald Trump announced plans to host a meeting of major oil executives at the White House, coinciding with the national average gasoline price exceeding $4 per gallon. Big Oil reported combined Q2 profits of $85.2 billion, largely driven by price spikes from the war. Trump criticized the companies for high prices while profiting, and Sierra Club called for a windfall profits tax to return excess earnings to consumers. The event underscores tensions between corporate gains and consumer costs amid geopolitical turmoil.

💡 The meeting signals a potential shift in presidential engagement with the energy sector, while the proposed tax could reshape how crisis‑era profits are redistributed to ordinary Americans.

techradar.com · Sep 1

Anker Solix E10 review: After 4 months with this home backup system,…

The Anker Solix E10 is a modular whole‑home battery backup that combines a 10‑kWh battery stack, optional solar input, and a tri‑fuel smart generator powered by natural gas, propane, or gasoline. The system includes a built‑in transfer switch and app‑controlled monitoring, allowing users to expand capacity with additional units. TechRadar tested the unit over four months, noting its sleek design, reliable performance during outages, and the convenience of Wi‑Fi‑enabled setup. The price remains a drawback, but the comprehensive backup capability positions the E10 among the top home power solutions available.

💡 By integrating battery, solar, and a versatile generator into a single, expandable unit, the Solix E10 offers a rare all‑in‑one solution that could reduce reliance on traditional grid infrastructure and lower long‑term energy costs.

techcrunch.com · Sep 1

Lachy Groom backs Indian startup aiming to keep aircraft aloft for a…

Lachy Groom, a prominent solo investor, led a $2.5 million pre‑seed round for Bengaluru‑based Alteon, a startup founded by 20‑year‑old Samay Sanghvi. Alteon seeks to keep a small, fixed‑wing autonomous aircraft aloft for over a year by harvesting energy from ocean wind shear through dynamic soaring, a technique inspired by albatrosses. The company has completed autonomous flight tests over the Bay of Bengal, achieving seven low‑altitude cycles at 62 mph, and plans to use the aircraft for maritime surveillance.

💡 By potentially eliminating the need for onboard fuel, Alteon could transform long‑duration aerial monitoring and open new avenues for renewable energy harvesting in aviation.

techcrunch.com · Sep 1

Magna increases bet on battery swapping in India with $35M for Yuma

Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International is investing an additional $35 million in Yuma Energy, a Bengaluru-based battery-swapping startup for electric two- and three-wheelers. This injection increases Magna’s stake in the joint venture, which spun out of mobility firm Yulu in early 2023, while diluting Yulu’s remaining 49% ownership. Yuma, which has completed over 60 million swaps and deployed 100,000 batteries, operates across 18 Indian cities. The capital will fund infrastructure expansion and double the battery fleet within 18 months. Currently generating approximately $10.5 million in annual revenue, Yuma aims for EBITDA break-even within two quarters. While Yulu remains the primary customer, non-Yulu swaps are rising, now comprising 15% to 20% of transactions. Magna views India’s gig economy as ideal for swapping due to high vehicle uptime requirements. The investment underscores Magna’s exclusive focus on Indian mobility ventures, with Yuma planning future expansion into Southeast Asia and Africa after consolidating its domestic position.

💡 Magna’s continued capital commitment validates battery swapping as a viable alternative to charging for high-mileage gig workers in emerging markets. By backing infrastructure that prioritizes uptime over ownership, the investment challenges the dominant fast-charging narrative for electric two-wheelers.

cleantechnica.com · Aug 31

Jackery Adds Capability & Expandability To New HomePower 1000 Plus v2 Portable…

Jackery unveiled the HomePower 1000 Plus v2, a portable battery that stores 1.024 kWh and can be expanded with up to five 2 kWh packs for a maximum of 11 kWh. The unit uses lithium‑iron‑phosphate cells with a 6,000‑cycle lifespan and a five‑year warranty, and employs cell‑to‑pack construction to reduce weight and size, measuring 12.4 × 7.9 × 9.2 inches and weighing 23.8 lb. Power output rises to 1.8 kW continuous and 3.6 kW peak across four 120 V AC outlets, enough to run loads typical of a 15 A breaker. It also offers 12 V DC, multiple USB‑C/A ports, a 140 W USB‑C fast‑charge, LED lighting, UPS functionality with a 10 ms switchover, pure sine‑wave output, and 3 kV surge protection. The fire‑resistant case and built‑in BMS enhance safety, making the device suitable for homes, job sites, outdoor events, and remote work.

💡 By combining modular capacity with true UPS‑grade output, the HomePower 1000 Plus v2 lets users extend critical power exactly where it’s needed, reducing reliance on generators and long extension cords.

energy-storage.news · Aug 31

As US grid reliability risks mount, distributed BESS offer localised solutions for…

A 2025 U.S. Department of Energy report warned that, without accelerated generation and transmission upgrades, most regions will face “unacceptable reliability risks” within five years as AI‑driven data centers and advanced manufacturing push electricity demand to record levels. Grid operators are turning to distributed battery energy storage systems (BESS) and microgrids as a mitigation strategy. Recent outages in Gary, Indiana—lasting about 14 days after wind storms and prompting a class‑action suit against utility NIPSCO—highlight the urgency, especially as the utility charges the nation’s highest rates and ranks lowest in reliability. In California, state‑backed microgrids are expanding to reduce wildfire‑related infrastructure risks, while WestLight Energy secured final funding to build a microgrid for the rural Pescadero community, illustrating how localized BESS projects are enhancing resilience across diverse U.S. locales.

💡 Distributed BESS offers a fast‑track, community‑level defense against grid fragility, delivering reliable power where traditional infrastructure falters.