Biz Briefs: LFP Batteries, MOSFETs, EV Chargers, and Solar

While the summer sun shines, energy businesses are progressing in developing and refining renewable systems, e-mobility, and the technology they need. Companies are making deals in solar energy, battery storage systems, MOSFETs, and electric vehicle charging. From billion-dollar deals to free planning tools, here’s the latest tech business news.

Tesla Megpack battery energy storage system in Texas. Image used courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Buys $4.3 Billion in LG Energy Batteries

Tesla will purchase $4.3 billion in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from LG Energy Solution for use in its battery energy storage systems (BESS). The agreement will run from August 2027 through July 2030.

The move may help Tesla secure a domestic supply chain. LG manufactures the batteries in its Holland, Michigan, plant. Additionally, Tesla will soon open its own LFP battery plant in Nevada.

While electric vehicle demand has stagnated, interest in stationary BESS units, like Tesla’s Megapack, is surging due to growth in renewable energy installations and microgrids. Grid-scale battery capacity increased by 66% in 2024 and could break records in 2025, according to the Energy Information Administration.

BESS capacity trends. Image used courtesy of Energy Information Administration

Toshiba Expands MOSFET Availability in Japan

Toshiba is making its low-voltage MOSFET for advanced power components more widely available in Japan by strengthening its partnership with Farnell distributors. The MOSFET is used in applications such as server AC-DC power supplies and base station DC-DC converters.

The MOSFETs will be manufactured at Toshiba’s new Kaga wafer fabrication plant in Kawasaki, Japan. Phase 1 of the plant, which makes 300 mm, 12-inch wafers, opened last year. A second phase is planned.

Toshiba’s wafer fabrication plant in Japan. Image used courtesy of Toshiba

Ideal Semiconductor Joins Richardson Electronics for SuperQ MOSFETs

Ideal Semiconductor will team up with Richardson Electronics on power MOSFETs based on Ideal’s SuperQ technology. Richardson’s design teams and sales specialists will work with Ideal to expand the reach of its silicon SuperQ MOSFETs.

The patented technology offers 5.7 times lower resistance and 2.1x lower switching losses than competitors.

Ideal recently launched its 150 V MOSFET series and is introducing a 200 V family. Applications will include hard-switching, motor control, and synchronous rectification in motor drives and AC-DC and DC-DC conversion applications.

Ideal’s SuperQ MOSFET. Image used courtesy of Ideal Semiconductor

SK Signet and Hubject Team Up for Plug & Charge Tech

Electric vehicle solutions developer SK Signet is partnering with Hubject to expand Plug & Charge technology.

Hubject’s e-mobility interoperability platform will be integrated to deliver more reliable charging hardware with Plug & Charge technology. Based on ISO 15118-2 standards, Plug & Charge technology simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need for separate apps. Hubject’s network will allow SK Signet users to access more than 1,250 charging points without separate registration or authentication.

The deal will also enable SK Signet to become Korea's first electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) check provider, which involves testing, inspection, and certification.

SK Signet chargers. Image used courtesy of SK Signet

Avangrid To Deploy 200,000 Solar Modules in Oregon

Avidgrid’s 166 MWdc Tower Solar project in Morrow County, Oregon, will use 200,000 solar modules supplied by Texas-based SEG Solar. The project will support data center operations.

SEG Solar’s Houston manufacturing plant, which opened last summer, will assemble the modules. The deal marks the company’s first grid-scale deployment. The 250,000-square-foot facility can produce 2 GW of solar annually.

Avangrid, an Iberdrola member, expects the Tower Solar project to be completed in 2026. The facility will provide solar energy to Pacific Gas & Electric’s Green Future Impact program, which assists industrial, commercial, and municipal customers in meeting carbon reduction goals.

Inside SEG Solar’s manufacturing facility. Image used courtesy of SEG Solar

Grid8 Offers Free Interconnection Tool for Renewables and Data Centers

Grid8 has launched a free AI-enhanced interconnection dashboard aimed at data center and renewable energy developers. The tool provides real-time visibility into interconnection queue requests from utilities and U.S. Independent System Operators.

The Interconnection Dashboard allows data center and energy developers to find out where projects are planned, track approval status, and plan grid connections. Developers can access the dashboard on Grid8’s website.