Yesterday Rocky Mountain Institute published its Top Ten Climate Developments of 2024: From falling battery prices to methane-detecting satellites, this past year saw historic developments in climate, energy, and more.
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Today we considered 172 updates and news stories to come up with your 3 personalized picks below.
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After your personal recommendations, a visual of the day and the table of contents of the full collection of stories and updates!
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Today and every day, our system scans over 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:
A Visual of the Day
A digest-style Table of Contents for 170 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world
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Visual of the Day
Can You See Yourself Here? Can You Love Those Who Are?
From CarbonBrief's ATTRIBUTION: Record-breaking Philippines typhoon season was ‘supercharged’ by climate change "
This year’s record-breaking typhoon season in the Philippines – which saw six consecutive storm systems hit the country in under a month – was 'supercharged' by climate change, according to a rapid attribution study.
Today's Full List of Updates
Table of Contents
Agriculture (11 stories) - Global drought response platforms and food forest initiatives expand while AquaBounty closes GMO salmon operations; University of Nebraska advances tepary bean genetics as Dutch farmers lead €10,000/hectare biodiversity transformation
Carbon (8 stories) - Woodside Energy's controversial gas plant approval, Climeworks partners with Thanks A Ton, Optera's emissions tracking launch, and Microsoft's 1M-ton carbon removal deal with Deep Sky
Circular (2 stories) - Leaf-based biodegradable electronics breakthrough and $214M funding for Nexus W2V, Haber, and Planet A Foods' circular innovations
Ecosystems (12 stories) - UN COP16 pledges $12B for land restoration as new tech certification launches; global studies track Amazon water levels, African hippos, Darwin wasps, while threats mount to Vietnam mammals, Tennessee River species, and US wolves
Efficiency (2 stories) - KETOS real-time water monitoring system and NY's $10M heat pump competition for multi-unit buildings
Finance (11 stories) - Climate funds shift to infrastructure as dry powder drops to $86bn; Convergent Energy lands $150M from MUFJ; BlackRock, Microsoft, KKR target AI infrastructure; DOE processes $55bn in loans amid policy uncertainty
Grid (16 stories) - Trump tariff threats on Canadian power, Linux Foundation's open-source grid solutions, AI data centers' 128 GW demand forecast, and AtkinsRéalis SMR project, amid record US storage deployments and aging substation modernization challenges
Indigenous (11 stories) - Indigenous fire networks expand across California as tribes lead prescribed burn initiatives; EPA grants $20M to Walker River Paiute Tribe; Munduruku secure Amazon territory; Line 5 pipeline faces tribal opposition
Industry (14 stories) - GM Ventures, Nanoramic, Electrified Thermal Solutions, and Skyven Technologies lead industrial decarbonization investments, while X-energy partners with Dow for SMR deployment and Rondo Energy demonstrates heat battery viability
Policy (52 stories) - UK Clean Power Action Plan targets full decarbonization by 2030; White House doubles Chinese solar tariffs to 50%; EU Deforestation Regulation expands scope; DOE announces $462.2M clean energy funding
Renewables (18 stories) - ClearPower's solar windows match panel efficiency, while First Citizens funds 122MW community solar; Meta adds 760MW solar portfolio as Google and Microsoft pledge $45B for renewables amid China's export controls and desert solar expansion
Transport (15 stories) - Tesla Model Y proves reliable as Hyundai-Kia leads EV sales; California pledges $1.4B for 17,000 chargers while universal payment protocol launches 2025; Colorado tops EV adoption at 25%; Ford Pro studies fleet charging; Bahamas electrifies marine fleet
Agriculture
Global drought response platforms and food forest initiatives expand while AquaBounty closes GMO salmon operations; University of Nebraska advances tepary bean genetics as Dutch farmers lead €10,000/hectare biodiversity transformation
CGIAR launches Drought Action Catalyst to strengthen global resilience (CGIAR) - A new platform aims to help 1.6 billion people across 117 drought-affected countries, where water scarcity has already caused $240 billion in economic losses.
Dit seizoen planten we 18.000 boompjes met elkaar (Land van Ons) - Farmers and volunteers will plant 18,000 trees and shrubs in Elst this season to establish hedges and enhance soil fungal networks.
Fostering women’s empowerment in the Mekong Delta’s agricultural sector (CGIAR) - Women-led climate-smart farming initiatives in Vietnam's Mekong Delta received support through specialized training and leadership programs aimed at empowering female agricultural workers.
Genetic research could help your favorite beans withstand climate change (Yale Climate Connections) - Scientists are breeding drought-resistant tepary bean genes into common beans to help crops in multiple countries adapt to climate change, according to University of Nebraska research.
Genetically Engineered Salmon Production Ends as AquaBounty Shutters Last Facility (Friends of the Earth) - After 84% of U.S. retailers refused to sell its product, AquaBounty Technologies shutters its final genetically engineered salmon facility amid mounting financial losses.
In a First, Arizona’s Attorney General Sues an Industrial Farm Over Its Water Use (InsideClimateNews) - Saudi-owned Fondomonte farm faces unprecedented legal action from Arizona's top prosecutor over excessive groundwater pumping that threatens local wells in La Paz County.
Interview met Annemie van Thoor (Land van Ons) - Dutch landowner Annemie van Thoor has planted 1,000 trees on her inherited hectare, converting traditional farmland into a biodiverse food forest for future fruit production.
Revealed: English farmers received record-high flood relief after last winter’s extreme rain (Carbon Brief) - English farmers have received £57.5m in flood relief - a 75-fold rise from 2020 - after record-breaking rainfall this winter.
The world is getting smaller for pastoralists facing multiple threats (Climate Home News) - African pastoralists, who supply 75% of the continent's milk and 50% of its meat, face mounting pressures from climate change, land disputes and political exclusion.
Voedselbossen bij Land van Ons: dromen met de voeten op de grond (Land van Ons) - Dutch farmers have transformed 2,500 hectares of traditional farmland into food forests, integrating crops with fruit trees and nuts to boost biodiversity and sustainable food production.
Voedselbossen: een tweegesprek tussen Janneke Hoekstra en Jeanne Mertens (Land van Ons) - Dutch biodiversity experts reveal food forests can yield €10,000 per hectare after 12 years, despite requiring 7-10 years of development and significant upfront costs.
Carbon
Woodside Energy's controversial gas plant approval, Climeworks partners with Thanks A Ton, Optera's emissions tracking launch, and Microsoft's 1M-ton carbon removal deal with Deep Sky
“Kick in the guts:” One of nation’s largest and most polluting fossil fuel projects gets green tick (RenewEconomy) - Western Australia has approved Woodside Energy's gas plant to operate until 2070, generating 4.3 billion tonnes of emissions, despite environmental protests and community resistance.
Climeworks partners with Thanks A Ton (Climeworks) - Digital greeting card platform Thanks A Ton integrates Climeworks' direct air capture technology, allowing users to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with each sent card.
Deep-sea hydrothermal vent bacteria hold key to understanding nitrous oxide reduction (ScienceDaily) - Scientists find deep-sea bacteria near hydrothermal vents regulate nitrous oxide reduction genes uniquely, offering new insights for greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
How Optera is reimagining supply chain emissions management (Optera) - Tech firm Optera unveils automated emissions tracking platform, enabling companies to capture precise supplier-specific carbon data rather than relying on spend-based estimates.
Is it clouds, shipping or a volcano? Scientists present potential reasons for record heat (The Guardian) - Scientists at the AGU conference explore whether reduced cloud cover, shipping pollution cuts, or the Hunga Tonga eruption caused 2023's record-breaking temperatures.
November 2024: Earth’s 2nd-warmest November on record (Yale Climate Connections) - Global temperatures soared last month as November 2024 claimed Earth's second-warmest November in 175 years, with record heat blanketing 10.6% of the planet's surface.
TikTok’s annual carbon footprint is likely bigger than Greece’s, study finds (The Guardian) - TikTok emits 50m metric tonnes of CO2e annually, exceeding Greece's total output, while individual users generate emissions equivalent to driving 123 miles in a petrol car each year.
Why Microsoft is testing out a new carbon removal buying strategy | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Microsoft secures access to 1 million tons of carbon removal credits and performance data through 2025, via partnership with Deep Sky's eight direct air capture projects across Canada.
Circular
Leaf-based biodegradable electronics breakthrough and $214M funding for Nexus W2V, Haber, and Planet A Foods' circular innovations
Circuit boards made from leaves could green up electronics’ act (Anthropocene Magazine) - Scientists have developed compostable circuit boards from leaf skeletons that decompose within 30 days, yet withstand extreme heat when coated with ethyl cellulose.
The Week in AgriFoodTech: Nexus W2V raises $140m, Haber nets $44m, Planet A Foods bags $30m (AgFunderNews) - Three agrifood startups secure major funding rounds totaling $214 million, including Nexus W2V's waste-to-value technology, Haber's robotics, and Planet A Foods' cocoa-free chocolate venture.
Ecosystems
UN COP16 pledges $12B for land restoration as new tech certification launches; global studies track Amazon water levels, African hippos, Darwin wasps, while threats mount to Vietnam mammals, Tennessee River species, and US wolves
Biodiversity, Speed, Impact: Ecosystem Restoration Standard joins Climate Collective (Medium) - A new tech-enabled certification system for restoration projects promises to be four times faster than traditional methods while emphasizing biodiversity and community benefits.
Can the UN COP16 summit help stop Earth's land drying out? (DW) - Global leaders pledge $12 billion at UN COP16 summit to combat land degradation threatening 5 billion people by 2100, despite needing $278 billion annually for restoration efforts.
Communities warn of threat to ecosystems from Brazil bridge project (Mongabay) - Communities and experts warn Brazil's planned 12.4km Salvador-Itaparica bridge threatens mangroves, reefs, marine life and fishing villages while risking unsustainable population growth on the island.
Elizabeth Kolbert and Craig Foster: Holding Onto Awe Amid Biodiversity Loss (Atmos) - Two acclaimed storytellers explore humanity's relationship with nature as Earth faces unprecedented species loss, with one million plant and animal species at risk of extinction.
Poemlets and extinctions | Review of ‘Yellow’ by Sukrita Paul Kumar and ‘Eartha’ by Vinita Agrawal (The Hindu) - Two new poetry collections explore light versus darkness and environmental extinction through divergent styles, as poets Kumar and Agrawal release 'Yellow' and 'Eartha'.
Rising desertification shows we can’t keep farming with fossil fuels (The Conversation) - Three-quarters of Earth's land has dried since 1990 due to fossil fuel-driven climate change, with 3.3 million square kilometers turning permanently arid, UN research shows.
Surveys show full scale of massive die-off of common murres following the 'warm blob' in the Pacific Ocean (ScienceDaily) - Alaska's common murre population plunged by up to 75% after the 2014-16 marine heatwave, with 4 million birds perishing and no signs of recovery after seven years.
The Tennessee River, Resilient and Healthy River Communities Series (EESI) - The Tennessee River, home to 263 fish species and 33% of America's threatened fish species, receives just 9% of federal endangered species funding while battling PFAS, plastics, and agricultural pollution.
Vietnam’s mammals need conservation within and outside their range: Study (Mongabay) - Scientists warn that 110 of Vietnam's native mammal species face extinction, prompting calls for integrated conservation strategies combining field protection with captive breeding programs.
Water returns to Amazon rivers amid historic drought (Mongabay) - Water levels in the Amazon River basin show signs of recovery from historic lows, though 89% of monitoring stations remain below normal amid climate concerns.
As Wolf Populations Rebound, an Angry Backlash Intensifies (Yale E360) - Amid record-high wolf killings and reduced state protections, growing populations of the predator across the U.S. and Europe face mounting opposition despite conservation gains.
Battling Beech Leaf Disease: How NYBG Is Using Horticulture and Science to Protect Stately Trees (NYBG) - Scientists race to save northeastern US beech trees from deadly nematode infection that can kill within 10 years, using targeted treatments at the New York Botanical Garden.
Efficiency
KETOS real-time water monitoring system and NY's $10M heat pump competition for multi-unit buildings
How KETOS Revolutionizes Water Quality Parameter Testing (KETOS) - KETOS' SHIELD device monitors over 30 water quality parameters in real-time with lab accuracy, while offering predictive analytics through a subscription-based model with no initial investment.
New York opens up competition to develop heat pumps for big buildings (Canary Media) - New York has launched a $10M competition seeking manufacturers to develop cold-rated heat pump prototypes capable of replacing air conditioners in large apartment buildings.
Finance
Climate funds shift to infrastructure as dry powder drops to $86bn; Convergent Energy lands $150M from MUFJ; BlackRock, Microsoft, KKR target AI infrastructure; DOE processes $55bn in loans amid policy uncertainty
🌎 A slimming stack of $86bn in dry powder for climate (CTVC) - Climate tech investment dry powder fell to $86bn this year, with infrastructure funds now controlling 60% of new climate assets under management.
2025 Wall Street Green Summit (Energy Central) - Leading climate experts and financial strategists will gather in New York City for the 24th Wall Street Green Summit, featuring over 40 specialists addressing environmental solutions.
As a Major California Oil Producer Eyes Carbon Storage, Thousands of Idle Wells Await Cleanup (InsideClimateNews) - California's largest oil producer holds $1 billion in well cleanup liabilities and only $114.7 million in bonds while pursuing carbon storage ventures.
Convergent lands $150M in financing for distributed solar, storage projects (Utility Dive) - Convergent Energy secured $150M from Mitsubishi UFJ to develop 10-20MW distributed solar and storage projects for industrial and utility customers.
COP29 lookback: New global climate finance goal, advancements for Article 6 (3Degrees) - Global leaders set a $300 billion annual climate finance target for 2035 while implementing new carbon trading standards and registry protocols under Article 6.
Investment in adaptation startups ‘remains glaringly low’ | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Climate adaptation startups receive just 3% of climate tech funding despite representing 12% of companies, with investments heavily skewed toward software rather than infrastructure solutions.
LiveEO | Checklist: Choosing the Right EUDR Solution (LiveEO) - New checklist helps firms navigate EUDR compliance with ten essential criteria, from data specificity to land use monitoring and system integration.
The cleantech companies that didn’t make it through 2024 (Canary Media) - High interest rates and fierce competition forced multiple cleantech firms into bankruptcy in 2024, including SunPower, Northvolt, and Running Tide, impacting solar, battery, carbon removal, and EV industries.
The data showing supplier engagement is driving climate action (We Mean Business Coalition) - Data reveals supplier engagement programs boost climate action, as trained suppliers are 1.7 times likelier to assess risks and 2.6 times likelier to set targets with buyer support.
The Department of Energy’s loan office is more popular than ever | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - The Department of Energy's loan office has processed $55 billion in recent deals as companies scramble to secure funding ahead of possible policy shifts under a potential Trump presidency.
The rise of the AI infrastructure asset class | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Global investors BlackRock, Microsoft, and KKR are pouring billions into AI infrastructure assets, with projections indicating a $1 trillion market for data centers, power plants, and transmission lines by 2030.
Grid
Trump tariff threats on Canadian power, Linux Foundation's open-source grid solutions, AI data centers' 128 GW demand forecast, and AtkinsRéalis SMR project, amid record US storage deployments and aging substation modernization challenges
A Threat From Canada (Heatmap News) - Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns he will halt electricity exports to American states if former President Trump follows through with proposed 25% Canadian import tariffs next year.
Accelerating grid modernization with open technology and standards (Utility Dive) - Open-source technology and standards could slash grid modernization costs while fostering digital innovation through collaborative development, according to Linux Foundation Energy leadership.
AI, Data Centers, & Climate Risks (CleanTechnica) - Data centers powering artificial intelligence could consume 128 GW of electricity within five years, challenging America's power grid stability and environmental targets.
AtkinsRéalis Will Be Owner’s Engineer for Energy Northwest’s SMR (POWER) - AtkinsRéalis will serve as owner's engineer for Energy Northwest's small modular reactor project in Washington state, supporting plans by Amazon and X-energy to develop up to twelve SMRs.
Commentary: To keep the lights on, the Midwest needs an ‘all of the above’ power grid (Energy News Network) - Grid experts call for a multi-faceted approach to modernize Midwest power infrastructure, as operators face mounting pressure to boost transmission capacity and maintain reliable service.
Digitizing Distribution Substations is Key to America’s Smart Grid Journey (POWER) - U.S. energy providers face the daunting task of upgrading 75,000 aging substations to manage two-way power flows from electric vehicles, renewable sources, and storage systems.
Europe’s Energy Market: Navigating Negative Prices and Geopolitical Shifts in H2 2024 (3Degrees) - Finland's negative electricity pricing surged dramatically from 11 instances in 2020 to more than 650 in 2024, reflecting Europe's expanding renewable energy capacity.
IEEE PowerTech 2025 (IEEE PowerTech) - Global energy experts will gather in Kiel, Germany, from June 30-July 3, 2025, to explore sustainable power solutions at IEEE PowerTech's international conference.
Major US energy buyers projected to acquire 17 TWh of hourly renewable energy certificates by 2026: survey (Utility Dive) - Major US energy buyers are poised to purchase 17 TWh of hourly renewable energy certificates within three years, as 71% of surveyed companies plan to participate in the first auction by 2025.
Needing both power and revenue, data center construction faces 'hesitation' | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Data center developers face expansion hurdles amid power constraints and revenue concerns, as industry experts suggest higher electricity rates could spur infrastructure development.
Power to the people (Centre for Thriving Places) - Recent power outages from Storm Darragh spark nationwide debate on shifting control from corporate entities to local communities, reports Centre for Thriving Places' CEO Liz Zeidler.
Report: More Records for U.S. Energy Storage Deployment (POWER Magazine) - U.S. energy storage installations surged to unprecedented levels, with 3,806 MW and 9,931 MWh deployed in Q3 2024, driven by major grid projects in Texas and California.
Residential Energy Storage Installations Hit All-Time High in USA (CleanTechnica) - US home battery installations surged 63% to reach 346 MW in Q3 2024, contributing to a total nationwide energy storage deployment of 3.8 GW.
South American and Caribbean Natural Gas: A Strategic Asset in Uncertain Times…. (EnergyCentral) - South American and Caribbean nations are bolstering regional energy security through expanded natural gas development as global maritime challenges persist.
Storage is booming and batteries are cheaper than ever. Can it stay this way? (Renewable Energy World) - U.S. energy storage installations reached a record 3,806 MW in Q3 as lithium-ion battery prices fell 20% to $115/kWh, despite looming market uncertainties.
The White House’s farewell to an energy industry facing load growth | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - White House climate advisor Ali Zaidi challenges energy sector to embrace renewables and nuclear power as US electricity demand is set to surge 15.8% by 2029.
Indigenous
Indigenous fire networks expand across California as tribes lead prescribed burn initiatives; EPA grants $20M to Walker River Paiute Tribe; Munduruku secure Amazon territory; Line 5 pipeline faces tribal opposition
A Shared Love for Community-Led Fire: The 2024 PBA Leader’s Exchange in California (Fire Networks) - California's prescribed burn network has expanded from a single association in 2017 to more than 25 today, as leaders gather at Hopland Research Center to share community fire management strategies.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - Fire Networks' blog platform marks a decade of impact, sharing more than 680 stories about wildfire resilience, prescribed burning, and community experiences since 2014.
Community Weaving for Eco-Cultural Restoration: Partnering with Tribes in Lake County, CA (Fire Networks) - Local nonprofit joins forces with Pomo tribes to restore Clear Lake's ecosystem through traditional land management practices and watershed rehabilitation workshops.
Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - California's Trinity County outreach program has reached 87 percent of fire-affected residents through trauma-informed communication and prescribed burn education, reports The Watershed Center.
Escape Into the Story: Three Longform Reads for Your Weekend (Fire Networks) - Three new interactive maps delve into wilderness fire control, Texas' urban interface success story, and a two-decade partnership between fire networks and watershed researchers.
Munduruku People Rejoice in Celebration of Landmark Win for the Brazilian Amazon (Amazon Watch) - Indigenous Munduruku people have won protection for 178,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest after Brazil approved final-stage demarcation of their ancestral Sawré Muybu territory.
Nevada Clean Energy Fund and Walker River Paiute Tribe Selected for Community Change Grant Award (Nevada Clean Energy Fund) - The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $20 million to improve water, energy and food infrastructure for 1,200 members of Nevada's Walker River Paiute Tribe.
The Great Lakes Are Under Threat (Earthjustice) - Indigenous tribes challenge Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, which leaked 1.1 million gallons of oil, as the company plans new tunnel projects threatening the Great Lakes watershed.
The Impact of Giving – A SEFS Donor Spotlight Series: Tom and Arline Hinckley (UW SEFS) - Emeritus Professor Tom Hinckley and wife Arline have created endowments to fund field-based learning and Yakama Nation student support at UW's School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.
Untrammeling the Wilderness (Fire Networks) - Scientists urge federal wilderness managers to embrace prescribed burns and Indigenous fire practices after findings show 120 years of fire suppression has damaged natural ecosystems.
Voces del Fuego (Voices of Fire) (Fire Networks) - Fifty fire practitioners from 27 organizations across eight countries unite in California's first Spanish-language prescribed burn training program, captured in "Voces del Fuego."
Industry
GM Ventures, Nanoramic, Electrified Thermal Solutions, and Skyven Technologies lead industrial decarbonization investments, while X-energy partners with Dow for SMR deployment and Rondo Energy demonstrates heat battery viability
$44 Million For New EV Battery Breakthrough That Solves PFAS Problem, Permanently (CleanTechnica) - GM Ventures leads a $44M investment in Nanoramic's PFAS-free battery technology, which eliminates toxic solvents and cuts manufacturing emissions by 25%.
Electrified Thermal Secures $19 Million in Venture Financing from Leading Global Industrials and Venture Capital Firms to Electrify Industry (Electrified Thermal Solutions) - MIT spinoff Electrified Thermal Solutions secured $19M in funding to develop thermal battery systems capable of decarbonizing industrial heat processes.
Energy-as-a-Service: Emissions-Free Steam with No CapEx (Skyven Technologies) - Industrial manufacturers can now access emissions-free steam systems with zero upfront costs and guaranteed savings through Skyven Technologies' Energy-as-a-Service model.
FOAK founder on scaling 100x — and what she would have done differently | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Via Separations' CEO reveals costly labor and winter construction hurdles while scaling industrial separation tech 100x at remote Alberta site.
Green Hydrogen in the EU: Vision 2030 or Illusion? (EnergyCentral) - Europe's ambitious green hydrogen targets require expanding current 324MW electrolysis capacity fifteen times yearly, while confronting water shortages and rising power costs.
How big does a heat battery brick need to be? | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - California's first commercial heat battery system employs 50kg bricks to convert renewable electricity into high-temperature steam at Calgren Renewable Fuels' biogas facility.
How Nuclear Power Could Help Decarbonize Industrial Steam Needs (POWER Magazine) - X-energy's Xe-100 small modular reactor will supply carbon-free steam to Dow's Texas plant by 2030, while targeting 5GW of projects for Amazon by 2039.
Report Shows Harm to Communities from Wood Pellet Plants (Dogwood Alliance) - Communities near five Southern wood pellet facilities report alarming health impacts, as 86% of households suffer from pollution-related illnesses linked to dust and air contamination.
Reworld Rack Card Mercury Recovery (CET) - Department of Energy releases multilingual safety cards to help workers identify mercury hazards in 12 languages.
Rondo Energy’s complicated path to building heat batteries | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Rondo Energy's first 2-megawatt-hour heat battery installation overcame production hurdles while demonstrating brick-based thermal storage's potential for industrial steam generation.
Siemens Energy Joins Forces for Bold 100% Hydrogen HL Gas Turbine Leap (POWER Magazine) - Siemens Energy and SSE have launched a project to develop 100% hydrogen combustion capabilities for the SGT5-9000HL gas turbine at Britain's Keadby 2 Power Station.
Slick Energy Storage Trick Deploys Ultra-Hot Bricks To Prick Carbon Bubble (CleanTechnica) - Massachusetts-based Electrified Thermal Solutions has raised $19 million to develop ceramic firebricks that store renewable energy at 1,700°C, targeting industrial carbon reduction.
What happened at Northvolt? | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Swedish battery maker Northvolt entered bankruptcy proceedings after losing a $2B BMW contract, despite raising billions to compete against Chinese rivals.
The rise of Crusoe and its $600 million bet on AI infrastructure | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Crusoe Energy secures $600M to expand AI infrastructure operations, including a 1.2GW Texas facility for Oracle and OpenAI, while integrating power generation, data centers, and manufacturing capabilities.
Policy
UK Clean Power Action Plan targets full decarbonization by 2030; White House doubles Chinese solar tariffs to 50%; EU Deforestation Regulation expands scope; DOE announces $462.2M clean energy funding
'A new era of clean electricity': Government sets out Clean Power Action Plan (BusinessGreen) - The UK government has unveiled its Clean Power Action Plan, setting out a roadmap to achieve a fully decarbonised power system within seven years.
‘Forever chemical’ found in mineral water from several European countries (The Guardian) - Tests reveal toxic TFA chemical in European mineral water at levels 32 times above EU limits, with experts linking the contamination to pesticide use.
“Gas eating gas:” Analysis warns new supply will do nothing to alleviate high prices (RenewEconomy) - New analysis reveals domestic gas demand plunged 32% in a decade as export markets dominate Australia's east coast supply, suggesting additional production won't ease soaring prices.
15% of global population lives within a few miles of a coast − and the number is growing rapidly (The Conversation) - Nearly one billion people now live within 10km of coastlines worldwide, with Asia and Africa experiencing the fastest coastal population surge amid growing climate threats.
A Message from Clare Ryan, SEFS Acting Director: Winter 2024-25 (SEFS UW) - Acting Director Clare Ryan's winter update spotlights faculty recruitment, research milestones, and giving opportunities as her interim leadership at SEFS UW nears completion.
After COP29: The Climate Negotiations Reach Their Crisis (EcoEquity) - Wealthy nations rejected the Global South's annual $1.3T climate finance demand at COP29, agreeing instead to a modest $300B package by 2035.
Biden administration raises tariffs on solar materials from China (The Verge) - The White House will double Chinese solar material tariffs to 50 percent and add 25 percent tungsten duties next January, strengthening domestic clean energy production.
Biden orders up to 50% tariffs on some solar energy components from China (Utility Dive) - The White House will impose 50% tariffs on Chinese solar wafers and polysilicon imports starting January 1, expanding existing trade restrictions.
Climate change fuels African floods that hit harder in vulnerable regions (Mongabay) - Climate change has doubled the likelihood of extreme rainfall across five African nations, where floods killed 2,000 and displaced millions amid growing socioeconomic challenges.
Climate projects take ‘invisible’ care work for granted: why this needs to change (The Conversation) - New research shows climate initiatives routinely ignore vital care work by women and marginalized groups, despite successful models like Guatemala's Fundaeco combining forest protection with healthcare services.
Community Wildfire Defense Grants: A Round Three Application Primer (Fire Networks) - US Forest Service launches $200 million grant program, enabling communities and Tribes to mitigate wildfire risks through February 2025.
Early warnings for all (EW4All) (UNDRR) - The UN's Early Warnings for All initiative seeks to shield Earth's population with multi-hazard alert systems by 2027, requiring $3.1B while only 50% of nations currently have coverage.
Energy Insiders Podcast: Dutton’s high stakes, low sense nuclear plan (RenewEconomy) - Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's nuclear power proposal faces scrutiny over cost assumptions that experts say could reach $387 billion for 20 gigawatts of capacity.
Foreign investor lawsuits impede Honduras human rights & environment protections (Mongabay) - Honduras faces $14 billion in foreign investor lawsuits, ranking second-most-sued in Latin America, as legal challenges hinder efforts to strengthen environmental and human rights protections.
I’ll leave the light on for you (Keep Cool) - Global energy transition faces major setbacks as nations like Germany remain locked in fossil fuel dependencies, with experts predicting a longer timeline for worldwide renewable adoption.
Implementing the Vancouver Plan’s Three Big Ideas (City of Vancouver) - Vancouver's ambitious urban strategy aims to create walkable neighborhoods, boost economic growth, and enhance climate resilience through expanded green spaces across the city.
Indonesian forests put at risk by South Korean and Japanese biomass subsidies (Mongabay) - South Korean and Japanese biomass subsidies have triggered a 25-fold surge in Indonesian wood pellet exports since 2012, accelerating rainforest clearance for plantations in Sulawesi and beyond.
LiveEO | EUDR vs EUTR: Differences and Similarities in EU's Timber Regulations (LiveEO) - The EU's new Deforestation Regulation expands beyond timber to include palm oil, soya, cocoa, coffee, and rubber, while enforcing stricter traceability requirements.
LiveEO | Navigating EUDR: Strategies for Malaysia's Sustainable Trade Compliance (LiveEO) - Malaysia must implement rigorous traceability measures for its $19.7B palm oil industry to meet EU's new deforestation regulations, ensuring all exports after 2020 come from verified deforestation-free sources.
LiveEO | Webinar: EUDR for Rubber: Turning Compliance into a Business Growth Opportunity (LiveEO) - Global tech firm LiveEO unveils digital strategies for rubber industry compliance with EU deforestation rules, emphasizing supply chain transparency and risk management solutions.
Money alone can’t buy social licence for wind and solar projects (RenewEconomy) - New research shows wind and solar developers must blend community outreach, local benefits and regional presence with financial incentives to gain public support for renewable projects.
New study shows typhoon season made worse by climate change: Greenpeace Philippines responds (World Weather Attribution) - Climate change has doubled the odds of typhoon clusters like those that struck the Philippines in November, raising Category 3-5 storm risks by 25% and causing $500M in damages.
One step closer to legal protection from disasters (UNDRR) - Member states have voted to establish a binding global disaster protection treaty by 2027, marking a shift from voluntary agreements like the Sendai Framework.
Ontario premier says US energy exports will be cut off if Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on Canada (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns that 60% of US oil imports and 85% of electricity imports from Canada could halt if Trump proceeds with proposed 25% tariffs.
Pathways to Action: Exploring Climate Solutions with En-ROADS (Climate Interactive) - Interactive climate simulator En-ROADS reveals combined policies, including carbon pricing and renewable subsidies, could limit global warming to 2.1°C, according to new workshop findings.
Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan: Mad, bad, and extremely dangerous (RenewEconomy) - Nuclear power plans from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton face scrutiny over $264B savings claims, with experts challenging timelines, coal plant extensions, and cost projections.
Philippines’ ‘extraordinary’ typhoon season was climate-fueled: Scientists (Mongabay) - Climate change doubled the likelihood of the Philippines' 2024 typhoon season and raised strong cyclone probability by 25%, as six storms impacted 30 million people within a month.
Planalto sanciona sem vetos lei que cria mercado de crédito de carbono (Socioambiental) - Brazil's new carbon credit market law, signed by President Lula, enables emissions trading while protecting indigenous peoples' rights to commercialize carbon credits.
Press Release: Fight over participation in Alabama fuel cost proceedings heads to Circuit Court (Energy Alabama) - Energy advocacy group challenges state commission's rejection of public participation rights, noting 18 rate adjustments made without hearings over 16 years.
Preventing Climate Impacts in the En-ROADS Simulator (Climate Interactive) - A new climate simulator shows carbon pricing, renewable energy adoption, and methane reduction could limit global warming to 1.6°C while protecting ecosystems and species habitats.
Record-breaking Philippines typhoon season was ‘supercharged’ by climate change (Carbon Brief) - Climate change increased the likelihood of the Philippines' six major storms by 25 percent, forcing 200,000 people from their homes during an unprecedented month-long typhoon season.
Report: 2030 clean power goal requires 'unprecedented' collaboration between UK nations (BusinessGreen) - Experts warn achieving Britain's 2030 clean power targets demands unmatched cooperation between all four UK nations, according to a new IPPR study.
SAF Tech Working Group identifies four policies needed for takeoff (C2ES) - A coalition of industry experts has identified four essential policies, including tax credits and carbon pricing, needed to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel adoption across the sector.
Sam Groth quits John Pesutto’s shadow frontbench – as it happened (The Guardian) - Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth has resigned from the shadow frontbench after leader John Pesutto refused to step down following a $300,000 defamation ruling.
Simulating COP28 Outcomes in En-ROADS: Transitioning from Fossil Fuels, Tripling Renewables & More (Climate Interactive) - Global climate model reveals COP28 pledges, including tripled renewables and doubled efficiency measures, could achieve 1.5°C warming limit if fossil fuel subsidies end.
The Climate Conversation for Every Board, C-Suite, and Government Agency (Climate Interactive) - A new climate simulator enables leaders to visualize emissions data and plan risk-reduction strategies, reaching 74,000 users across 163 countries for more informed decision-making.
The Journey to Environmental Justice: The Road Ahead | EPA | Trailer (EPA) - Administrator Regan's six-state tour exposes environmental injustices in marginalized communities, prompting swift EPA policy changes and enforcement measures to protect affected residents.
The Maryland Commission on Climate Change recommends the state determine the cost of climate damages statewide for the purpose of making polluters cover the cost. (CCAN Action Fund) - Maryland's Climate Commission urges officials to calculate statewide climate damage costs and hold carbon polluters financially accountable, while protecting consumers from increased expenses.
The Top Surprising Insights from the En-ROADS Simulator (Climate Interactive) - New climate simulator identifies nine factors propelling renewable energy growth, while revealing carbon pricing and efficiency measures must accompany clean power to limit warming to 2°C.
This Might Be the Last Chance for Permitting Reform (Heatmap News) - Proposed bipartisan legislation could cut emissions by 84% through grid expansion while boosting fossil fuel projects, marking Congress's last opportunity for permitting changes before 2025.
Three ways to reduce Europe’s flood risk (The Conversation) - European experts urge implementation of enhanced warning systems, upstream controls and expanded flood zones to combat rising climate-driven flood risks across the continent.
Tim Ryan is a paid fossil fuel mouthpiece (HEATED) - Former Ohio congressman Tim Ryan earned $250,000 from gas industry group Natural Allies while appearing on MSNBC to promote pro-gas views without disclosing his financial connections.
Trump and the Keystonization of Renewable Energy (Heatmap News) - Energy experts warn the White House could weaponize project-by-project executive orders to slow renewable energy permitting, mirroring past Keystone XL pipeline tactics.
Understanding climate communications in India: Challenges and best practices (Climate Asia) - Research reveals India's climate messaging requires localized storytelling and multi-language content to effectively reach diverse audiences across public, business and government sectors.
US DOE — Flurry of Solar & Wind Power Announcements (CleanTechnica) - The Department of Energy has unveiled $462.2 million for clean energy projects, spanning solar initiatives in Puerto Rico, wind turbine recycling, grid upgrades, and domestic manufacturing programs.
US hikes tariffs on imports of Chinese solar wafers, polysilicon and tungsten products (Renewable Energy World) - US boosts tariffs to 50% on Chinese solar materials and 25% on tungsten products starting January 1, in a bid to safeguard domestic clean energy production.
Victoria forges ahead on electrification, with proposal to kick gas out of existing homes (RenewEconomy) - Victoria's government unveils plan requiring homes to switch from gas to electric appliances when replacements are needed, promising residents yearly savings of up to $2,000.
What is the CSRD? (Sweep) - The EU's new sustainability directive will require 50,000 companies to disclose comprehensive ESG data, including supply chain impacts, beginning in 2025.
What is Trump’s plan for solar and storage? SEIA has an agenda in mind (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Solar industry leaders propose 10-point plan to boost American manufacturing as sector sees 128% growth under Trump presidency.
Who really cares for the British countryside? Not landowners, says green campaigner’s new book (The Conversation) - Britain's landowners face mounting criticism as new research exposes failures in conservation efforts, with grouse moor practices and poor legal enforcement threatening the nation's countryside.
Wildfire … in December? (High Country News) - Amid unusually dry conditions and fierce Santa Ana winds, Southern California's Franklin Fire consumed 4,000 acres and destroyed seven structures during an unseasonably late December blaze.
Join CleanTechnica on BlueSky! (CleanTechnica) - Leading clean technology news outlet CleanTechnica expands to BlueSky amid user exodus from X following Musk's political spending.
Renewables
ClearPower's solar windows match panel efficiency, while First Citizens funds 122MW community solar; Meta adds 760MW solar portfolio as Google and Microsoft pledge $45B for renewables amid China's export controls and desert solar expansion
“You can’t charge your battery and your car at same time:” Dutton does not have a clue about energy (RenewEconomy) - Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's claim that home solar systems cannot charge EVs and batteries simultaneously has been proven incorrect by energy experts and current technology.
Big Cleantech News From ClearPower And Electrified Thermal Solutions (CleanTechnica) - Solar window inserts from ClearPower match traditional panel efficiency in NREL tests, as Electrified Thermal Solutions raises $19M for industrial batteries capable of 1,800°C temperatures.
China Briefing 12 December 2024: Export controls; Carbon concentration figures; ‘War on sand’ (Carbon Brief) - China has imposed export controls on critical minerals bound for the US while expanding renewable energy and launching desert solar projects to combat desertification.
Dimension Energy secures financing for 30 community solar projects in a familiar-looking deal with First Citizens Bank (Renewable Energy World) - First Citizens Bank and partners have committed $284 million to fund Dimension Energy's 122MW community solar initiative spanning seven states.
Ed Miliband pledges ‘most ambitious reforms to UK energy system in generations’ (The Guardian) - Energy Secretary Ed Miliband unveils sweeping reforms targeting £40bn yearly private investment in renewables, featuring fast-tracked wind farms, mandatory solar panels for car parks, and grid upgrades.
Empowering Asia’s Green Workforce: Skills for an Inclusive Energy Transition (NEX & AVPN) - Southeast Asian initiatives aim to train 38 million workers in clean energy skills by 2030, focusing on solar and EV expertise across Thailand, Philippines, and neighboring markets.
Explainer: How China’s renewables rollout boosts its ‘war on sand’ (Carbon Brief) - China's massive desert solar installations combat desertification while generating clean energy, with panels reducing soil erosion and supporting moisture retention across the Three-North Shelterbelt region.
Explainer: How China’s renewables rollout boosts its ‘war on sand’ (Carbon Brief) - China's massive desert solar installations combat desertification while generating clean energy, with panels reducing soil erosion and supporting moisture retention across the Three-North Shelterbelt region.
Frontier Economics and its “house of cards” case for nuclear (RenewEconomy) - A new report backing nuclear power faces scrutiny over its $10B/GW cost estimates and 2035 timeline, while downplaying renewable alternatives.
Google’s new data center model signals a massive market shift | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Google's $20B shift to building data centers in renewable-rich regions, partnering with Intersect Power and TPG Rise Climate, marks a departure from traditional fiber hub locations.
How Bad Information Is Breaking the Energy Transition (Heatmap News) - Attorney Mark Thomson, who won Dominion's $787.5 million lawsuit against Fox News, now reports a surge in legal cases defending renewable energy firms against conspiracy theories and defamation.
Is big tech going all in on nuclear? Google and Microsoft have just pledged $45 billion on renewables (RenewEconomy) - Tech giants Google and Microsoft have pledged $45 billion toward solar and wind projects, dwarfing their recent nuclear investments.
Meta signs quartet of solar purchase agreements with Invenergy (Utility Dive) - Meta expands its renewable portfolio with four new solar deals totaling 760 MW across Ohio, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, through agreements with Invenergy set for completion by 2027.
Rooftop Solar Keeps Getting More Accessible Across Incomes. Here’s Why (InsideClimateNews) - Median household income for rooftop solar installations fell 18 percent since 2010, reaching $115,000 in 2023 as costs decreased and financing options expanded.
Shade Analysis Webinar - December 2024 (PV Complete) - Solar design software firm unveils enhanced shade analysis tools and battery integration features during December webinar, reaching 85% of industry professionals.
The Coalition’s master plan: Bring large scale wind, solar and battery storage installations to a halt (RenewEconomy) - Australia's renewable energy expansion faces severe constraints under new nuclear plans, with solar capacity limited to double current levels and wind restricted to 28GW by 2050.
The Top Five Renewable Energy Fights of the Year (Heatmap News) - Fierce battles over renewable energy projects erupted across America in 2023, from Idaho's wind farms to Oregon's coastal waters, with major developments halted in Kentucky, Ohio, and Texas.
Turbine bat deaths could fall without loss of power if wind speed triggers were raised, Victorian research finds (The Guardian) - Research shows raising wind turbine activation speeds could save countless bats across Australia's east coast, where each unit currently kills 12 annually, without compromising power output.
Transport
Tesla Model Y proves reliable as Hyundai-Kia leads EV sales; California pledges $1.4B for 17,000 chargers while universal payment protocol launches 2025; Colorado tops EV adoption at 25%; Ford Pro studies fleet charging; Bahamas electrifies marine fleet
3 Years Of Tesla Model Y Ownership & Opportunities (CleanTechnica) - A Tesla Model Y owner reports 30,000 miles of reliable performance with low maintenance costs and convenient home charging, despite Florida's harsh climate conditions.
A big opportunity for small vessels in the Bahamas (EDF) - The Bahamas has unveiled plans to convert its small fishing and ferry fleet to electric power, aiming to slash fuel costs while safeguarding marine environments.
California approves $1.4B to deploy 17,000 EV chargers, hydrogen fueling infrastructure (Utility Dive) - California's Energy Commission will invest $1.4 billion to install 17,000 EV chargers and hydrogen stations over four years, ensuring half benefit disadvantaged communities.
Charging Your EV Is About to Be as Easy as Charging Your Phone (Heatmap News) - A new universal charging protocol, launching in 2025, will enable EVs to process payments automatically when plugged into charging stations, eliminating the need for cards or apps.
Electric Vehicle Replacement Batteries Might Cost $5,000 By 2030 (CleanTechnica) - Battery replacement costs for electric vehicles are expected to plummet to $5,000 by 2030, driven by declining cell prices, enhanced technology, and better recycling methods.
EV Sales Report: LatAm’s Laggards & Smaller Markets (Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, & El Salvador) (CleanTechnica) - Latin American electric vehicle adoption shows stark contrasts, with Ecuador's 1.9% market share leading smaller markets while Argentina, Peru, and El Salvador lag below 0.3%.
Ford & Southern Company Team Up On Charging Initiative (CleanTechnica) - Ford Pro and Southern Company have launched a 6-month study across the southeastern United States to help businesses optimize fleet charging and electrification strategies.
How reliable are EVs? (Energy Central) - New reliability data shows electric vehicles performing on par with traditional gas-powered cars, as Consumer Reports releases its comprehensive 2024 dependability findings.
Hydrogen Ships Are Seeing Same Pattern As All Hydrogen Fleets (CleanTechnica) - Maritime hydrogen vessels worldwide are proving 30-50% costlier and 20% more emissions-intensive than battery alternatives, with 80% requiring ongoing subsidies to maintain operations.
It’s Time to Put Urban Form on the Climate Agenda (RMI) - Urban sprawl drives 30% of global emissions through infrastructure and car dependency, while compact cities demonstrate up to three times lower per-capita greenhouse gas output.
New York City Government Gets E-Bike Anxiety Again (CleanTechnica) - City officials in New York propose controversial e-bike licensing requirements, despite data showing current regulations effectively manage the 100,000 vehicles already operating citywide.
Peru’s modern history of migration and settlement (Mongabay) - Since the 1970s, Peru's Amazon highway network sparked mass migration, transforming Iquitos into Western Amazon's largest city of 500,000 people while coca-related violence displaced 450,000 inhabitants.
The Lifespan of EV Batteries May Exceed Expectations By 40% (CleanTechnica) - New research from Stanford-SLAC shows electric vehicle batteries outlast laboratory estimates by 40% due to real-world driving patterns of stops, acceleration, and rest periods.
Top Selling Automakers in the World for EV Sales — Part 2 of 4 (CleanTechnica) - South Korean automaker Hyundai-Kia leads traditional manufacturers in global electric vehicle sales, outpacing Toyota despite the Japanese giant's dominance in overall auto production.
Which state is rivaling California on EV leadership? Colorado (Energy News Network) - Colorado outpaced California in electric vehicle adoption, with EVs and plug-in hybrids accounting for 25% of new registrations during 2024's third quarter.
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