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U.S. Department of Energy Awards Highland Electric Fleets’ Project Approximately $10.9 Million in Cost-share Funding to Accelerate Vehicle-to-Grid Services

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BEVERLEY, Mass., Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Grid Deployment Office has selected the Scaling Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Integration Nationally (SVIN) project to receive approximately $10.9 million in cost-share funding to accelerate V2G adoption across the country. The project – a partnership between Highland Electric Fleets, the leading provider of school bus fleet electrification-as-a-service, 12 utility providers, and other supporting partners and educational institutions will deploy 14 V2G pilot projects nationwide utilizing electric school buses.

V2G technology allows electric vehicles to discharge energy back to the grid when utilities need it and can provide emergency support to buildings and community centers. As mobile distributed batteries, V2G-enabled vehicles can enhance grid flexibility and resilience, reduce expensive distribution system upgrades, decrease peaker plant emissions, and increase renewable energy integration. To date, V2G deployment has not scaled nationally due to a lack of utility programs that recognize the value of V2G services. The SVIN project’s goal is to provide utilities and their regulators with the experience and data necessary to create and accelerate commercial V2G programs. 

“Highland Electric Fleets has pioneered V2G projects that help stabilize the grid and provide emergency power using electric school buses—an ideal vehicle for V2G services due to their prevalence, consistent short trips, and long dwell times,” said Matt Stanberry, VP of Market Development at Highland Electric Fleets. “Now, with this generous grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and in collaboration with our utility partners, we can further demonstrate how V2G can help ensure communities have access to affordable and reliable electricity when and where they need it.” 

The funds are part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, the federal government’s single largest direct investment into critical grid infrastructure. Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, the GRIP Program leverages federal and private investments to support a reliable grid that is prepared for extreme weather while also delivering affordable, clean energy and creating local economic opportunities.

“As extreme weather events continue to stress electric systems across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool in the toolbox to make sure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy. “Highland Electric Fleet’s innovative collaboration with utilities to deploy V2G technologies will enhance grid flexibility and resilience, reduce expensive distribution system upgrades, and increase clean energy integration while ensuring customers have access to affordable and reliable electricity.”

The SVIN program will build a series of V2G electric school bus pilots with Highland, its project team, and utility partners from around the country so that the utilities can use the experience to design programs. Based on the pilots, SVIN will develop a V2G Policy and Program Toolkit, providing scalable utility program designs and best practices for implementing V2G technology. Additionally, SVIN will create data-driven, standardized metrics to assess the value of V2G assets. By integrating real-time data from utilities and vehicle operators, SVIN aims to help grid operators optimize program design to better serve their customers. Highland will draw on its own expertise and experience, as well as leverage technical partner Dynamic Organics, and policy and program experts Tierra Resource Consulting, The Climate Center, Colorado State University, and Zero Net Energy Alliance.

The project will support an estimated 778 construction, installation, and utility jobs, drawing resources from local unions, utility teams, and fleet operators. Seven project sites are located in Disadvantaged Communities, and four will add vehicle-to-building capacity along with some combination of storage and solar to support community centers.

To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Energy Grid Deployment Office’s website.

About Highland Electric Fleets
Highland Electric Fleets is the leading provider of electrification-as-a-service for school districts, governments, and fleet operators in North America. Founded in 2019, Highland offers a unique suite of products that make it simple and affordable to upgrade to electric fleets today. Active in 30 states and Canada, Highland is responsible for the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and the largest electric school bus project in the United States to date. To learn more, visit www.highlandfleets.com.

Media Contacts
Chris Orlando | Highland
Chris.Orlando@highlandfleets.com

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SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets

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XAG and Chia Tai Present Smart Agriculture Solutions to Enhance the Capabilities of Thai Farmers

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KANCHANABURI, Thailand, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — XAG made a noteworthy debut at the 10th Chia Tai Fair, showcasing a comprehensive suite of smart agriculture solutions, including the autonomous drones, autopilot consoles, and the smart fertigation system. This landmark event also saw Chia Tai officially announced as the Thailand sole distributor and national platform for XAG, strengthening its role as an exclusive provider for XAG products and services in the region.

This strategic collaboration between XAG and Chia Tai, Thailand leading innovative agricultural company, is set to redefine farming practices in Thailand through accelerating the adoption of drones, robotics, and AI technologies. The partnership aims to advance productivity, reduce costs, and improve crop quality, offering farmers innovative tools to overcome modern agricultural challenges.

Chia Tai Fair 2025, held from 15-19 January, has turned Chia Tai Kanchanaburi into a hub for displaying modern agricultural practices. Visitors could experience eight fully immersive zones that featured over 600 varieties of high-quality plants alongside cutting-edge technologies, while also raising awareness about the critical role of Thai agriculture. The fair also encourages the younger generation to explore careers in agriculture, which are fundamental to food security.

Prominent figures, including Thailand’s Director-General of the Department of Agriculture Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs and Chia Tai CEO Manas Chiaravanond, attended the opening ceremony. The delegation also visited the booth jointly presented by XAG and Chia Tai, where they experienced live demonstrations of advanced agricultural technologies and discussed their transformative potential.

At the heart of XAG’s exhibits were the well-acknowledged P100 Pro Agricultural Drone and its newly launched XAG P60. They are both designed to address labor shortages and boost farming efficiency, setting new standard for the industry.

The XAG P100 Pro, equipped with a remarkable 50 kg payload capacity, offers farmers exceptional precision in spraying and spreading operations across various field conditions. By significantly reducing operational time and labor intensity, the drones become a great help for farmers to grow more with less.

As a more cost-effective option, the XAG P60 features a 30 kg maximum payload and a modular, collapsible design for easy transportation and quick setup. Based on centimeter-level RTK navigation, the small but mighty P60 can conduct safe and accurate crop protection tasks, making it an ideal entry-level option for precision farming.

During live demonstrations, the drone pilots simply tapped on their smartphones to preset operational parameters. Shortly, the drones ascended, autonomously executing even spraying over the rice paddy and granule spreading on cornfields.

On the ground, rice transplanters and tractors showcased the future of autonomous driving in agriculture through the XAG APC2 Autopilot Console. This automated steering system converts traditional machinery into self-driving vehicles, capable of navigating pre-programmed routes with centimeter-level accuracy. It can significantly reduce operator fatigue while maximizing land use.

By the cornfield, XAG’s Co-founder Justin Gong demonstrated the Smart Electric Valve to Mr. Chandarasrivongs. As an essential component of the XAG Smart Fertigation System, this intelligent yet simple solution enables farmers to control irrigation remotely via a smartphone, optimizing water use and minimizing manual intervention.

Since formalizing their partnership in 2013, XAG and Chia Tai have combined cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of the local market to deliver practical, sustainable solutions across Thailand.

“This new mission marks an important milestone for Chia Tai and reinforces our position as a leader in agricultural innovation that is continuously evolving. We are ready to offer smart agricultural products, services, and solutions to make it easier and more convenient for Thai farmers,” said Ms. Supaporn Kietisirikajorn, Assistant CEO of Agricultural Technology Business at Chia Tai.

Together, XAG and Chia Tai have been working to address critical challenges such as an aging population, labor shortages, and climate change. The shared mission is to empower local farmers with innovative solutions, driving Thailand’s agricultural sector toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/xag-and-chia-tai-present-smart-agriculture-solutions-to-enhance-the-capabilities-of-thai-farmers-302357139.html

SOURCE XAG

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Execierge’s Tech-Driven, Remote Administrative Services Streamline Corporate Operations for Over 1,500 Companies in Asia

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Execierge offers on-demand administrative support that empower businesses to slash costs and maximize operational efficiency.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Industry Data Points to Rapid Growth in Virtual Support

According to a recent McKinsey & Company report, businesses that adopt remote administrative solutions can reduce overhead costs by up to 30% while boosting efficiency and employee satisfaction. This trend reflects a broader shift toward leveraging specialized, on-demand services to optimize daily operations—an approach now gaining traction within corporate settings.

Embracing Shared Corporate Services

Consumer markets have already embraced the concept of sharing resources through platforms such as Uber and Airbnb. The same on-demand, tech-enabled model is increasingly relevant for corporate services—particularly administrative tasks that can be handled remotely without sacrificing accuracy or timeliness. Research by Global Workplace Analytics indicates that remote-capable roles have grown by 173% since 2005, underscoring the scalability and cost-effectiveness of virtualized support.

Challenging the Need for Physical Presence

Organizations that rely on traditional, in-house administrative teams often incur costs disproportionate to actual workload demands. Office space, equipment, and full-time salaries represent overhead expenses that may not align with fluctuating administrative needs. Many executives also report lost productivity when non-core tasks divert focus from strategic initiatives. Adopting remote administrative support addresses these inefficiencies by matching specialized professionals to specific assignments as they arise.

Execierge’s Streamlined Approach

Execierge provides customized remote administrative services designed to integrate seamlessly with existing workflows. Tasks such as scheduling, travel coordination, and document management are performed in real time through secure digital tools. This approach enables organizations to scale support based on current requirements, reducing organizational drag and improving overall agility. The platform’s network of experienced assistants is trained in data confidentiality and compliance, ensuring professional standards are consistently met.

Stronger Industry Relevance, Stronger ROI

By offering an on-demand service model, Execierge aligns with a growing industry preference for flexible, technology-driven operations. Companies can rapidly adapt to shifting market conditions and reallocate resources to high-impact initiatives. This strategy not only streamlines daily processes but also contributes to a stronger return on investment as organizations optimize how and when they utilize administrative expertise.

Looking Ahead

Analysts predict a continued rise in remote administrative services as more companies leverage digital solutions for efficiency gains. Execierge’s model exemplifies how businesses can maintain high-quality support while trimming unnecessary overhead, ultimately enhancing agility and competitive advantage in a fast-changing marketplace.

Media Contact

Eloise Atkin, Execierge, +65 8910 5989, eloise@execierge.net, https://execierge.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/execierges-tech-driven-remote-administrative-services-streamline-corporate-operations-for-over-1-500-companies-in-asia-302357005.html

SOURCE Execierge

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YouHodler Joins MiCA Crypto Alliance to Promote Smarter, Greener Crypto Investing

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Partnership Introduces the Disclosure of Carbon Emissions Data for Tokens, Supporting Industry-Wide ESG Efforts and Empowering Informed Decision-Making

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YouHodler, a Swiss and EU-based Web3 fintech platform, proudly joins the MiCA Crypto Alliance (“the Alliance”), an initiative established by the DLT Science Foundation and supported by Exponential Science to advance compliance with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This partnership underscores YouHodler’s commitment to promoting sustainability, transparency, and standardization within the crypto industry.

YouHodler will join forces with the Alliance and its members—including L1/L2 protocols and exchanges—to integrate carbon emissions data for all the tokens listed on its exchange, enabling customers to make informed decisions based on environmental impact. This step aligns with MiCA’s emphasis on sustainability indicators and reflects YouHodler’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

“We’re thrilled to join the MiCA Crypto Alliance and contribute to its mission of promoting sustainability, collaboration and compliance within the crypto industry,” said Ilya Volkov, CEO and co-founder of YouHodler. “This partnership and our collaboration with the Alliance’s other members ensure that we’re not just meeting MiCA standards, but also leading the entire industry in setting practical benchmarks for transparency and responsible growth.”

YouHodler has long been advocating for responsible environmental practices in crypto as part of its ESG initiatives. The company’s new sustainability comparison table, developed together with the Alliance, will further empower customers with clear, actionable data on the carbon footprint of their token portfolios. 

Juan Ignacio Ibañez, General Secretary of the MiCA Crypto Alliance, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “YouHodler’s membership amplifies the MiCA Crypto Alliance’s mission to drive clarity, fairness, and sustainability throughout the crypto industry. As facilitators and coordinators between CASPs and exchanges on one side, and crypto projects on another, we’re leading all parties in publishing MiCA-compliant whitepapers with our ESG data, which is the largest database currently out in the industry. We’re excited to join forces to set new benchmarks in responsible industry practices.”

A milestone in the EU’s regulatory landscape, the MiCA framework protects consumers and investors with comprehensive requirements for crypto asset providers. However, its current version still lacks uniformity in areas such as sustainability reporting. The Alliance aims to address this challenge by fostering collaboration among its members to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and maintain high industry standards. 

About the MiCA Crypto Alliance
The MiCA Crypto Alliance, backed by the DLT Science Foundation and Exponential Science, is a strategic initiative aimed at supporting the industry’s transition to compliance with MiCA. Bringing together leading blockchain projects such as Ripple, Hedera and Aptos Foundation, the alliance seeks to streamline compliance and enhance regulatory adherence across the crypto market.

This alliance focuses on standardizing compliance efforts among its members, offering exclusive resources like sustainability indicators and white paper elaboration tools tailored to meet MiCA requirements. By leveraging the collective expertise of its members, the MiCA Crypto Alliance will help reduce the complexities and costs associated with compliance, while setting a high standard for transparency, market integrity, and consumer protection. For more details on joining the MiCA Crypto Alliance, visit www.micacryptoalliance.com. For media inquiries, please contact mica@dltscience.org.

About YouHodler
YouHodler is a Swiss and EU-based Web3 platform providing innovative fintech solutions that bridge fiat and crypto financial services with simplicity, efficiency, and transparency. Its comprehensive suite of offerings includes crypto-backed loans, crypto reward accounts, and universal currency exchange. While user-friendly and intuitive for everyday consumers, the full-service platform is also progressive enough to conduct advanced strategic trading in the crypto market.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/youhodler-joins-mica-crypto-alliance-to-promote-smarter-greener-crypto-investing-302356629.html

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