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.
- Supersonic planes are inching toward takeoff. That could be a problem. February 05, 2025 - Technology Review | The revival of supersonic planes raises concerns over high carbon emissions and noise pollution. Experts warn that these aircraft could hinder climate goals despite advancements in fuel efficiency. ?? Link
- EU considers exempting most companies from carbon border levy February 07, 2025 - Reuters | The EU may exempt 80% of firms from its carbon border levy, aiming to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining environmental goals. Critics argue it could weaken the policy’s impact. ?? Link
- US Energy Secretary derides net-zero policies in new order February 06, 2025 - Reuters | The U.S. Energy Secretary criticizes net-zero policies, arguing they harm economic growth and energy security. This stance could impact future U.S. climate commitments and industry regulations. ?? Link
- Airbus postpones development of new hydrogen aircraft February 07, 2025 - Reuters | Airbus delays its hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft project, initially targeted for 2035, due to technological and infrastructure challenges, including regulatory hurdles and supply chain limitations. ?? Link
- IONATE Raises $17 Million to Help Grids Meet Decarbonization and AI Needs February 06, 2025 - ESG Today | IONATE, a smart grid startup, secures funding to accelerate AI-driven grid modernization. The investment will enhance energy efficiency and support decarbonization efforts amid increasing renewable energy adoption. ?? Link
- China on track to dominate nuclear energy February 2025 - Cipher News | China continues its aggressive nuclear energy expansion, positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy. The country’s investments may reshape the global energy landscape, challenging Western dominance. ?? Link
- Chile offers case study in critical mineral mining February 2025 - Cipher News | Chile’s approach to lithium and rare mineral extraction provides insights into balancing sustainability with growing global demand. As a top supplier, its policies could shape the industry's future. ?? Link
- Laurene Powell Jobs joins Amazon in backing nuclear startup X-energy in $700M round February 07, 2025 - TechCrunch | X-energy secures major funding from Amazon and Laurene Powell Jobs, aiming to revolutionize next-generation nuclear power. The investment signals growing confidence in advanced nuclear as a clean energy solution. ?? Link
- Presto is building "Stripe for EV charging" February 06, 2025 - TechCrunch | Presto is developing a seamless payment platform for EV charging, likened to Stripe. The solution aims to simplify transactions across networks and improve accessibility for electric vehicle owners. ?? Link
- DOE Places Compressed-Air Energy Storage Loan Under Review February 04, 2025 - IEEE Spectrum | Hydrostor's long-duration energy storage project faces setbacks due to economic and technical hurdles. The outcome could impact the viability of large-scale energy storage solutions. ?? Link
- Clean energy investment hits $2.1 trillion: A step closer to net zero or a missed mark? February 2025 - Carbon Credits | Global clean energy investments reach $2.1 trillion, fueling net-zero efforts. However, experts debate whether funding is enough to meet climate goals amid rising fossil fuel demand in developing nations. ?? Link
- Google X spins out Heritable Agriculture, a startup using AI to improve crop yield February 02, 2025 - TechCrunch | Google X's AI-powered agriculture startup, Heritable Agriculture, aims to boost global food production. The technology optimizes crops for changing climates and sustainability challenges. ?? Link
- Octopus Energy turns profit for second year running as its tech arm surges February 04, 2025 - Sifted | Octopus Energy reports a ￡159 million post-tax profit, driven by strong growth in its Kraken technology platform, which saw profits surge nearly six-fold to ￡35 million. ?? Link
- Bill Gates bets on stealthy French startup racing to uncover buried hydrogen February 07, 2025 - Sifted | Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures invests $3.4 million in French startup Mantle8, which is developing AI tools to locate and extract natural hydrogen deposits, aiming to provide a cost-effective and sustainable energy source. ?? Link
- Encore Renewable Energy secures $389 million from Brookfield to expand solar and storage portfolio February 06, 2025 - Climate Insider | Encore Renewable Energy secures funding to scale its solar and energy storage projects, supporting global decarbonization efforts. ?? Link
- Circunomics secures €8 million in Series A funding to drive circular economy for lithium-ion batteries February 05, 2025 - Climate Insider | Circunomics raises funding to scale battery recycling and circular economy efforts. By reusing lithium-ion batteries, the startup aims to reduce waste, lower material costs, and increase sustainability in EVs. ?? Link
- IKEA Achieves 100% Renewable Electricity at 93 More Factories, Reaching 491 Suppliers Globally February 06, 2025 - ESG News | IKEA expanded its renewable electricity initiative, covering 75% of production electricity across 27 markets, reducing emissions in its supply chain.?? Link
- Google Invests More Than $100M in Carbon Removal, Tripling 2023 Commitment February 06, 2025 - ESG News | Google increased its investment in carbon removal, supporting various CO? removal technologies to scale sustainable solutions. ?? Link
- SingTel Secures $476 Million Green Loan to Develop Sustainable Data Center in Singapore February 06, 2025 - ESG News | SingTel's Nxera secured a S$643 million green loan to develop DC Tuas, a 58MW green data center in Singapore, aligning with its net-zero goals. ?? Link
- Future L.A. Fires Could Be Prevented With Grid-Hardening Tech February 06, 2025 - IEEE Spectrum | Southern California Edison is testing Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) technology to prevent wildfires caused by electrical equipment in Los Angeles County.??? Link
- What a Return to Supersonic Flight Could Mean for Climate Change February 06, 2025 - MIT Technology Review | Supersonic flights require significantly more fuel, leading to higher CO? emissions, which could exacerbate climate change. ?? Link
- Brookfield Invests $389M in Encore Renewable Energy Growth February 06, 2025 - List Solar | Brookfield Asset Management is investing in Encore Renewable Energy to expand solar and energy storage projects, accelerating clean energy deployment. ?? Link
- Blastr Green Steel Secures New Investors to Advance Ultra-Low CO? Steel Value Chain in Finland February 04, 2025 - Climate Insider | Blastr Green Steel gained investment to develop sustainable steel production, cutting emissions in industrial supply chains. ?? Link
- Climate Change to Wipe Away $1.5 Trillion in U.S. Home Values, Study Says February 06, 2025 - Wall Street Journal | Rising insurance costs and climate risks are projected to reduce U.S. home values by $1.47 trillion by 2055. ?? Link
