Sage Responsible Investing

When three of the most successful companies of the 21st century (Amazon, Microsoft, Google) all make major commitments involving nuclear power within a few weeks' time, it is hard not to be optimistic about the trajectory for nuclear power here in the United States. And with other companies close behind (e.g., Oracle’s future super data center will be SMR-powered), the bond is only growing stronger. Without nuclear power, it will be difficult for tech companies to manage their ambitious outlooks for AI-fueled data center utilization with their efforts to be environmentally friendly and have a small carbon footprint. Hence companies are willing to take the risk to support nuclear even though currently multiple question marks remain. And though the relationship may seem one-sided, the alliance will also be forged through AI and other technology helping to address weak areas for the nuclear industry, such as the design, licensing, and regulatory processes. In this edition of the Sage Global Sustainability Spotlight, we explore the flourishing partnership between the technology sector and the nuclear power industry.?

Check out Andrew Poreda's latest Global Sustainability Spotlight on the status of the US clean energy industry. https://lnkd.in/eGKGRM_Y

In the global quest to try and mitigate the impacts of climate change, some industries have had better success than others. Commercial aviation is one of those industries that clearly is not on a path congruent with reducing emissions. Though aircraft fleets have become more efficient over time, the skyrocketing demand for travel (expected to double by 2042) will make it nearly impossible to see any meaningful reductions of an industry that accounts for 2.5% of global emissions annually. Unless politicians are poised to give the industry a free pass, rapid improvements in sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and their distribution networks will be required to make a dent in emissions in the near to medium term. But there are other ways to clean up the skies, and some stakeholders are optimistic about the R&D and innovation going on behind the scenes. This edition of the global sustainability spotlight will delve into the future of commercial aviation and the pathways to potentially make the industry more sustainable.

Sage’s Andrew Poreda talks with CNBC about the challenges surrounding US-based investments in clean energy industries. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gKPXj2CR

Countries around the world are all grappling with how to reduce emissions from our electrical grids while also dealing with the massive increase in demand coming our way (e.g., AI boom and electrification of transportation). For those that see serious limitations in the often proposed solar/wind/storage future but also understand the benefits of clean, continuous and reliable electricity, the notion of a nuclear power renaissance is an intriguing alternative to the proposed future and current status quo. This current installment of the Global Sustainability Spotlight delves into how to think about the nuclear power value chain from an investment perspective. The opportunity set is growing by the day, and even some companies that don't scream nuclear power are having the technology play a significant part in their investment thesis. Exciting times!

While climate change captures many of the headlines, an associated (yet also independent) challenge demands more discussion: water supplies. Political instability, lower electricity output, and food insecurity are just a few of the problems we face in various regions around the globe. Fortunately, we also have some viable solutions which will lead to a plethora of investment opportunities down the road. Learn more about the global water supply in this installment of the Sage Global Sustainability Spotlight.

Why nuclear power, why now? The last few decades have not been kind to the nuclear power industry, and some untimely events that have been unfairly contextualized by detractors have put the technology in a very negative light. Yet I am optimistic that the momentum around this current nuclear power renaissance will continue. As we grapple with the negative environmental externalities of our fossil-fuel powered society while also trying to meet our increased demand for electricity, the US will need both current and future nuclear power plants to play a vital role. And though many may feel that the Vogtle saga ended any prospects of another large reactor being built here in the US, I would argue the process will reap benefits on future projects. With continued government support and streamlining of the regulatory process, affordable on-schedule large nuclear power projects can be a reality. And with the SMR and microreactor technology also coming our way soon, the future really is bright. Thank you to Jim Herlihy and the San Francisco Experience Podcast for having me on to share my perspective. ? #nuclear #ESG #ESGinvesting