Welcome to last week’s edition of the CBKNY’s Weekly News Highlights.
We bring you the latest updates, insights, and innovations in the world of climate technology. Here's what made headlines last week.
- Helion Raises $425M to Help Build a Fusion Reactor for Microsoft | Helion has secured $425 million in funding to develop a fusion reactor in collaboration with Microsoft, aiming to advance clean energy solutions. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/28/helion-raises-425m-to-help-build-a-fusion-reactor-for-microsoft/
- EIT InnoEnergy Drives €4.3 Billion in Cleantech Investments and Expands Portfolio with 14 Start-Ups in 2024 | EIT InnoEnergy has facilitated €4.3 billion in investments, expanding its portfolio with 14 new cleantech start-ups in 2024, highlighting significant growth in sustainable technology sectors. https://esgnews.com/eit-innoenergy-drives-e4-3-billion-in-cleantech-investments-and-expands-portfolio-with-14-start-ups-in-2024/
- Trump Pauses Renewable Projects Leasing on Federal Lands, Waters | The Trump administration has halted leasing for renewable energy projects on federal lands and waters, impacting the progress of sustainable energy initiatives. https://www.esgdive.com/news/trump-pauses-renewable-projects-leasing-on-federal-lands-waters-interior-executive-order/738647/
- Shift4Good's €220M Fund to Target Sustainable Transport Innovation Across Europe and Asia | Shift4Good has launched a €220 million fund aimed at fostering sustainable transport innovations across Europe and Asia, supporting advancements in eco-friendly mobility solutions. https://techfundingnews.com/shift4goods-e220m-fund-to-target-sustainable-transport-innovation-across-europe-and-asia/
- 10 Clean Energy Leaders to Know and Follow in 2025 | An overview of ten influential leaders in the clean energy sector to watch in 2025, highlighting key figures driving progress in renewable energy. https://climateinsider.com/2025/01/30/10-clean-energy-leaders-to-know-and-follow-in-2025/
- BBC Publishes First Climate Transition Plan, Detailing How They Intend to be Net Zero by 2050 | The BBC has released its inaugural climate transition plan, outlining strategies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. https://esgnews.com/bbc-publishes-first-climate-transition-plan-detailing-how-they-intend-to-be-net-zero-by-2050/
- Canada's RBC Leaves Climate Finance Alliance | The Royal Bank of Canada has withdrawn from a global climate finance alliance, raising questions about its future sustainability commitments.https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/sustainable-finance-reporting/canadas-rbc-leaves-climate-finance-alliance-2025-01-31/
- Meta Turns to Solar — Again — in Its Data Center-Building Boom | Meta is increasing its investment in solar energy to power its expanding data centers, reinforcing its dedication to renewable energy sources. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/31/meta-turns-to-solar-again-in-its-data-center-building-boom/
- Microsoft Signs Massive Carbon Credit Deal with Reforestation Startup Chestnut Carbon | Microsoft has entered into a significant carbon credit agreement with reforestation startup Chestnut Carbon, aiming to offset emissions and promote environmental sustainability. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/30/microsoft-signs-massive-carbon-credit-deal-with-reforestation-startup-chestnut-carbon/
- Climate Change Ignited LA’s Wildfire Risk — These Startups Want to Extinguish It | Innovative startups are developing technology solutions to mitigate the increased wildfire risks in Los Angeles attributed to climate change. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/29/climate-change-ignited-las-wildfire-risk-these-startups-want-to-extinguish-it/
- CEFC Records $3.5 Billion Renewables Investment Push | The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has announced a $3.5 billion investment initiative to accelerate renewable energy projects. https://www.ecogeneration.com.au/cefc-records-3-5-billion-renewables-investment-push/
- Chemical Looping Turns Environmental Waste into Fuel | Advancements in chemical looping technology are enabling the conversion of environmental waste into usable fuel, presenting a sustainable energy solution. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-01-chemical-looping-environmental-fuel.html#google_vignette
- 10 Notable Early 2025 Climate Tech Partnership Highlights | A summary of ten significant climate tech partnerships established in early 2025, showcasing collaborative efforts in sustainability and innovation. https://climateinsider.com/2025/01/27/10-notable-early-2025-climate-tech-partnership-highlights/
- India Is Breaking Records on Renewable Energy | India is achieving unprecedented growth in renewable energy capacity, marking a milestone in its sustainable development journey. https://www.ciphernews.com/articles/india-is-breaking-records-on-renewable-energy/
- Heat Pumps in Poland, Clean Energy in Spain, and Batteries in France | An overview of various renewable energy initiatives across Europe, including heat pump adoption in Poland, clean energy projects in Spain, and battery developments in France. https://www.ciphernews.com/articles/heat-pumps-in-poland-clean-energy-in-spain-and-batteries-in-france/
- Selling More American Gas to Europe: What’s Possible and When | An analysis of the potential and timeline for increasing American gas exports to Europe, considering energy demands and geopolitical factors. https://www.ciphernews.com/articles/selling-more-american-gas-to-europe-whats-possible-and-when/
- Three Questions About the Future of US Climate Tech Under Trump | An exploration of key questions regarding the trajectory of U.S. climate technology initiatives under the Trump administration's policies. https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/30/1110644/three-questions-climate-tech/
- Why the next energy race is for underground hydrogen | Research is focusing on using geological formations to store hydrogen, helping to address energy storage challenges and supporting the transition to hydrogen as a clean energy source. https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/23/1110435/geologic-hydrogen/
- Insect protein scaleup Agronutris at risk of insolvency: ‘Access to funding has become harder’ | Agronutris, a French insect protein scaleup, has entered safeguarding proceedings due to financial instability, exacerbated by harder access to funding. This follows a similar situation with competitor ?nsect. Agronutris' R&D unit will restructure its operations to stabilize finances. https://sifted.eu/articles/agronutris-holding-company-safeguarding-news
- Switzerland Sets New 65% GHG Emissions Reduction Target by 2035 Under Paris Agreement | Switzerland has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2035 as part of its commitments under the Paris Agreement, showing a push for enhanced climate action. https://esgnews.com/switzerland-sets-new-65-ghg-emissions-reduction-target-by-2035-under-paris-agreement/
- Zurich Insurance Secures 17,500 Ton Carbon Removal Deal with Nellie Technologies | Zurich Zurich Insurance signed a long-term agreement with Nellie Technologies to remove 17,500 tons of CO2 using bioengineered systems that convert biomass into biochar, showcasing scalable carbon removal solutions for corporate decarbonization. https://esgnews.com/zurich-insurance-secures-17500-ton-carbon-removal-deal-with-nellie-technologies/
- Northern Trust Revolutionizes Carbon Credit Market with Blockchain-Powered Platform | Northern Trust is transforming the carbon credit market by utilizing blockchain technology, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in the trading and tracking of carbon offsets. https://carboncredits.com/northern-trust-revolutionizes-carbon-credit-market-with-blockchain-powered-platform/
- Nickel: The Metal Driving the Electric Vehicle Revolution | Nickel is crucial for the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry, with its demand expected to rise significantly due to the EV sector’s growth. The article explores how nickel is becoming a key metal for the green transition. https://carboncredits.com/nickel-the-metal-driving-the-electric-vehicle-revolution-aemc/
- L.A. Burns, and the Municipal Bond Market Wakes Up to Climate Risk | Climate change is increasing wildfire risks in LA, affecting its municipal bond market. The financial sector is adjusting to mitigate risks tied to climate impacts, influencing investment strategies. https://www.barrons.com/articles/l-a-fire-municipal-bond-market-climate-risk-74c01e95?mod=djemclimate
