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.
- Stargate Will Use Solar and Batteries to Power $100B AI Venture | Stargate plans to power its $100 billion AI initiative using solar energy and battery storage, aiming for sustainable and efficient energy solutions. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/24/stargate-will-use-solar-and-batteries-to-power-100b-ai-venture/
- 10 Energy Storage Companies to Know in 2025 | The article highlights ten leading energy storage companies poised to make significant impacts in 2025, focusing on innovations in battery technology and grid storage solutions. https://climateinsider.com/2025/01/21/10-energy-storage-companies-to-know-in-2025/
- Bedrock Energy Wants Geothermal to Make Data Centers Cooler and Offices More Comfortable | Bedrock Energy is leveraging geothermal technology to enhance cooling systems in data centers and improve comfort in office environments, promoting energy efficiency. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/23/bedrock-energy-wants-geothermal-to-make-data-centers-cooler-and-offices-more-comfortable/
- British Startup Gets $122 Million Funding for Green Charging Stations | A British startup has secured $122 million to develop green charging stations, aiming to expand sustainable infrastructure for electric vehicles. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/british-startup-gets-122-million-funding-green-charging-stations-2025-01-20/
- Zombie Nuclear Reactors Could Be Revived Thanks to AI Data Center Demand | The increasing energy demands of AI data centers are leading to renewed interest in reactivating dormant nuclear reactors to provide stable power sources. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/22/zombie-nuclear-reactors-could-be-revived-thanks-to-ai-data-center-demand/
- Japan Steps Up as Carbon Credit Leader with $70 Billion Push for Net Zero | Japan is investing $70 billion to become a leader in carbon credits, accelerating efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions. https://carboncredits.com/japan-steps-up-as-carbon-credit-leader-with-70-billion-push-for-net-zero/
- Trump Moves to Sink Offshore Wind | Former President Trump is taking actions to halt offshore wind projects, reflecting a shift in energy policy priorities. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/21/trump-moves-to-sink-offshore-wind/
- Palmetto Secures $1.2B to Supercharge U.S. Residential Clean Energy Financing | Palmetto has raised $1.2 billion to enhance financing options for residential clean energy projects across the United States. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palmetto-secures-1-2b-to-supercharge-us-residential-clean-energy-financing-302353891.html
- Sonocharge Energy Secures $23.5M to Revolutionize Battery Technology | Sonocharge Energy has obtained $23.5 million in funding to advance battery technology, aiming to revolutionize energy storage solutions. https://climateinsider.com/2025/01/24/sonocharge-energy-secures-23-5m-to-revolutionize-battery-technology/
- A Re-energized Trump Seeks to Boost Fossil Fuel Production, Dismantle Climate Programs | Former President Trump is advocating for increased fossil fuel production and the dismantling of existing climate programs, indicating a policy shift. https://www.ciphernews.com/articles/a-re-energized-trump-seeks-to-boost-fossil-fuel-production-dismantle-climate-programs/
- Energy Efficiency Startup Domna Raises ￡70M in Debut Funding Round | Domna, an energy efficiency startup, has raised ￡70 million in its initial funding round to develop solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption. https://sifted.eu/articles/domna-raises-70m
- Why the Next Energy Race Is for Underground Hydrogen | The article discusses the emerging focus on underground hydrogen as a key player in the future energy landscape, highlighting its potential and challenges. https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/23/1110435/geologic-hydrogen/
- Gold Rush: Why VCs Suddenly Love Mining | Venture capitalists are increasingly investing in mining startups, driven by the demand for critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies. https://sifted.eu/articles/vc-mining-tech-startups
- A New Company Plans to Use Earth as a Chemical Reactor | A novel company proposes utilizing the Earth's natural processes as a chemical reactor to produce sustainable energy solutions. https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/21/1110131/ammonia-addis-energy/
- BNP Paribas Solar Impulse Venture Fund Secures €172 Million | The BNP Paribas Solar Impulse Venture Fund has secured €172 million to invest in innovative clean energy projects. https://esgnews.com/bnp-paribas-solar-impulse-venture-fund-secures-e172-million/
- Ukraine's DTEK to Invest €450M in Expanding Black Sea Wind Farm, Backed by Danish EIFO | Ukraine's DTEK is investing €450 million, with support from the Danish EIFO, to expand a wind farm in the Black Sea region. https://esgnews.com/ukraines-dtek-to-invest-e450m-in-expanding-black-sea-wind-farm-backed-by-danish-eifo/
- Amazon Claims Largest Global Corporate Purchaser of Renewable Energy for Fifth Consecutive Year | For the fifth consecutive year, Amazon has been recognized as the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy worldwide. https://esgnews.com/amazon-claims-largest-global-corporate-purchaser-of-renewable-energy-for-fifth-consecutive-year/
- Cementing Trouble: UltraTech’s Growth Hit by Cyclones, Monsoons, & Pollution Laws | UltraTech's expansion efforts are being challenged by natural disasters and stringent pollution regulations, impacting its growth trajectory. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/cement/cementing-trouble-ultratechs-growth-hit-by-cyclones-monsoons-pollution-laws/articleshow/117482926.cms
- India Should Resist Western Pressure on Net Zero and Decarbonize at Its Pace | The article argues that India should follow its own timeline for decarbonization, rather than succumbing to external pressures to achieve net-zero emissions.https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/india-should-resist-western-pressure-on-net-zero-and-decarbonise-at-its-pace/articleshow/117308972.cms#google_vignette
- Climate Tech VC Investments Drop for the 3rd Year in a Row, AI to the Rescue | Venture capital investments in climate technology have declined for the third consecutive year, but advancements in AI offer potential solutions. https://carboncredits.com/climate-tech-vc-investments-drop-for-the-3rd-year-in-a-row-ai-to-the-rescue/
- Top 4 Nickel Companies Driving Electrification and Clean Energy in 2025 | The article profiles four leading nickel companies that are instrumental in advancing electrification and clean energy initiatives in 2025. https://carboncredits.com/top-4-nickel-companies-driving-electrification-and-clean-energy-in-2025-aemc/
- Boeing’s Big Move: Boosting EU Aviation with Norsk e-Fuel’s SAF | Boeing is collaborating with Norsk e-Fuel to enhance European aviation through the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). https://carboncredits.com/boeings-big-move-boosting-eu-aviation-with-norsk-e-fuels-saf/
- EV Charging Deserts Are Gone, But Plug Sharing Has Never Been More Popular | While the scarcity of EV charging stations has diminished, the practice of plug sharing among electric vehicle users has become increasingly popular. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-01-17/ev-charging-deserts-are-gone-but-plug-sharing-is-more-popular?srnd=phx-green-cleaner-tech&embedded-checkout=true
- Northern Trust AM Exits Climate Action 100+, Net-Zero Asset Managers Initiative | Northern Trust Asset Management has withdrawn from Climate Action 100+ and the Net-Zero Asset Managers initiative, reflecting a broader trend of financial institutions reassessing their commitments to climate-focused alliances. https://www.esgdive.com/news/northern-trust-am-exits-climate-action-100-net-zero-assert-managers-initiative/738272/
