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.
- Battery Fire at Moss Landing Power Plant: Risks & Implications February 13, 2025 - MIT Technology Review | A fire at California’s Moss Landing Power Plant raises concerns over the safety of large-scale battery storage systems and their role in energy transition. Authorities investigate causes and potential regulatory changes. ?? Link
- UK Energy Regulator Plans Faster Grid Tie-Ups for Renewables February 14, 2025 - Reuters | The UK government announces reforms to speed up grid connections for new energy projects, addressing bottlenecks in renewable energy expansion. The initiative aims to boost clean energy deployment across the country. ?? Link
- Trump’s Offshore Wind Hostility Reverberates Through Supply Chain February 13, 2025 - Reuters | The Trump administration’s opposition to offshore wind is impacting supply chains and investment confidence. Industry leaders warn that uncertainty could delay projects and weaken domestic manufacturing growth. ?? Link
- Ramboll & IBM Partner for Sustainability Strategy & Reporting Solutions February 2025 - ESG Today | Global consulting firm Ramboll and IBM join forces to provide businesses with enhanced sustainability strategies and reporting solutions. The partnership aims to improve ESG compliance and corporate climate transparency. ?? Link
- Accure Raises $16M to Improve Battery Safety & Reliability February 2025 - ESG Today | AI-driven battery analytics firm Accure secures funding to enhance battery performance and safety, addressing growing concerns in the energy storage sector. The investment will help prevent battery failures and fire hazards. ?? Link
- 22-State Coalition Sues to Block New York's $75B Climate Adaptation Law February 2025 - ESG Today | A coalition of states files a lawsuit against New York’s attempt to charge oil companies $75B for climate adaptation costs. The case could set a legal precedent for corporate climate accountability. ?? Link
- Lithium Partnership in the Andes: A Critical Bet for Clean Energy February 2025 - Cipher News | A high-altitude lithium mining partnership in South America could play a pivotal role in the global clean energy transition. The agreement is crucial for securing battery supply chains and reducing reliance on China. ?? Link
- Illinois’ Largest Utility Announces $100M EV Adoption Plan February 2025 - Canary Media | Illinois’ biggest utility company unveils a $100M initiative to expand electric vehicle infrastructure and support widespread EV adoption. The program includes new charging stations and grid upgrades. ?? Link
- Trump’s EPA Aims to Reclaim $20B in Green Energy Funds February 2025 - Canary Media | The Trump administration moves to claw back billions in federal green energy funding, sparking industry backlash. Environmental groups warn of severe setbacks for renewable energy projects. ?? Link
- U.S.-China Trade War Threatens Clean Energy Metal Supply Chains February 2025 - Canary Media | Escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China put the supply of critical metals for clean energy technologies at risk. The dispute affects battery production and wind turbine components. ?? Link
- Trump’s Tariffs Deepen America’s Need for a Domestic Circular Economy February 2025 - Trellis | New tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are increasing pressure to establish a more self-sufficient, circular economy for energy and materials. Recycling and local sourcing efforts are gaining momentum. ?? Link
- LanzaTech Spins Out Synthetic Biology Tech for Sustainability February 2025 - Trellis | LanzaTech launches a new company dedicated to advancing synthetic biology applications for carbon capture and utilization. The spinout aims to commercialize low-carbon industrial solutions. ?? Link
- Junction Closes €115M Fund to Scale European Green Tech Startups February 2025 - Tech Funding News | AB InBev-backed Junction secures a €115M fund to support the growth of European green technology companies. The investment focuses on climate innovation, energy efficiency, and circular economy solutions. ?? Link
- Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Steers Toward Nature-Based Carbon Credits February 13, 2025 - TechCrunch | The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team expands its sustainability efforts by investing in nature-based carbon credits. This initiative aims to offset emissions and enhance the sport's environmental impact. ?? Link
- Chestnut Carbon Secures $160M to Convert Old Farms Into Forests February 12, 2025 - TechCrunch | Chestnut Carbon raises $160M to restore abandoned farmland into forests, helping to capture carbon and promote biodiversity. The initiative is part of a growing trend in nature-based carbon removal. ?? Link
- Microsoft Powers AI Ambitions With 400 MW Solar Energy Purchase February 11, 2025 - TechCrunch | Microsoft announces a 400 MW solar energy investment to support its AI and cloud computing expansion. The initiative aligns with the company’s sustainability goals and carbon neutrality plans. ?? Link
- Mast Reforestation Gains Investor Support for Wildfire Recovery Efforts February 11, 2025 - TechCrunch | Mast Reforestation secures funding to accelerate reforestation efforts in wildfire-ravaged areas. The company’s technology-driven approach enhances ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration. ?? Link
- Northvolt Seeks Additional Capital Despite Extending Financial Runway February 2025 - Sifted | Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt extends its funding but warns it will need more capital to remain competitive. Rising costs and market conditions put pressure on clean energy startups. ?? Link
- Oil and Gas Giants Ramp Up Climate Tech Acquisitions February 2025 - Sifted | Major oil and gas companies continue to acquire climate tech startups, raising concerns about greenwashing while boosting investment in renewable technologies and carbon capture solutions. ?? Link
- Trump’s National EV Charging Program Faces Uncertain Future February 2025 - Inside Climate News | The Trump administration’s proposed national EV charging network faces scrutiny over potential delays and policy reversals. Industry stakeholders express concerns about infrastructure gaps. ?? Link
- Pennsylvania Sues Trump Over Federal Climate Funding Cuts February 2025 - Inside Climate News | Pennsylvania files a lawsuit against the Trump administration for cutting federal climate and environmental programs, arguing the cuts harm local communities and climate resilience efforts. ?? Link
- Hydrostor Announces $200M for Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage February 14, 2025 - Climate Insider | Hydrostor secures $200M to expand its compressed air energy storage projects, a promising alternative for grid-scale renewable energy storage solutions. ?? Link
- German Green Jet Fuel Startup Raises €2.3M in Pre-Seed Round February 13, 2025 - Climate Insider | A German startup focused on sustainable aviation fuel secures €2.3M in early-stage funding. The company aims to scale up production and reduce aviation emissions. ?? Link
- Nickel Prices Plunge in 2025: Can Demand Revive the Market? February 2025 - Carbon Credits | Nickel prices have fallen sharply in 2025, raising concerns for the electric vehicle and battery industries. Experts analyze whether demand recovery could stabilize the market. ?? Link
- Microsoft Leads as Carbon Removal Credits Hit 8 Million Tonnes February 2025 - Carbon Credits | Microsoft continues to lead in corporate carbon removal efforts, purchasing 8 million tonnes of carbon credits in 2024 to offset emissions and meet sustainability targets. ?? Link
