Bad news from the International Energy Association (IEA) today.

As Javier Blas's Bloomberg editorial is headlined: We’re Burning More Coal Than Ever Thanks to China: Predictions of declining demand for the world’s most polluting fossil fuel are premature. 

Blas critiques the the IEA's report: "The IEA is trying to paint an optimistic outlook about the future. But the numbers say otherwise. In rose-tinted prose, the agency says that global coal demand could 'plateau' over the next three years. Well, that’s if you don’t mind that the plateau is uphill rather than fairly level. In reality, the IEA forecasts fresh records for coal demand in 2025, 2026 and again in 2027."

As Noam Chomsky said in a recently published speech titled The End of Organized Humanity: "Fate has placed the current generation in a position where it will determine whether we march on to disaster or whether the human species and much other life on Earth can be saved from a terrible, indescribable fate."

Ok, it's another day, let's go!

-Marshall Kirkpatrick

Earth Catalyst: Boosting your efficacy and capacity with two decades of trailblazing & the newest technology

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 160 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world

• (If you subscribe by email) 3 personalized selections just for you and your work

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Visual of the Day

Come on, China!

China is leading the world in renewable energy, but look at these coal numbers! Terrible. From Bloomberg's commentary on today's IEA report. Notably, it's a story of just massive energy consumption growth in general: Coal's share of power generation in China fell 7% to a record low of 53% this year, "clean" energy up to 44%.

Today's Updates

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

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  • Agriculture (8 stories) - Sound Agriculture leads $25M Series D round as funding gap hits $171.5B; StrongSoil and fish farms advance eco-solutions while Indonesia's reforestation plans draw scrutiny

  • Carbon (14 stories) - CO280's $48M carbon capture deal at Gulf Coast mill, while coal hits 8.7B-ton peak; DOE warns of LNG emissions as research doubles social cost of carbon to $280/ton

  • Circular (4 stories) - Returns waste crisis, compostable tableware alternatives, plastic recycling challenges, and Stuttgart's IBA'27 urban mining initiative reshape waste management landscape

  • Ecosystems (8 stories) - Tiger conflicts in Nepal, Mar Menor dialogue in Spain, Romanian rewilding portal, record Galaxea coral in Bali, Kerch Strait oil spill, and Persian onager reintroduction to Saudi Arabia

  • Efficiency (7 stories) - Siemens, DOE, and CopperTree analytics drive major efficiency gains in building systems, while heat pumps and district cooling networks emerge as key solutions for emissions reduction

  • Finance (5 stories) - AfDB's $30M AFC investment, Nevada's $156M solar program, and federal clean energy ROI highlight shift toward debt financing and community-focused climate initiatives

  • Grid (19 stories) - DOE refines transmission corridors, PG&E secures $15B loan, Ever-Green Energy launches thermal storage, Energy Vault plans 2GW battery deployment, while extreme weather impacts Gulf Coast grid operations

  • Indigenous (13 stories) - First Nations secure $335M marine funding across Great Bear territories while Indigenous fire practitioners unite globally through prescribed burn networks, as Coast Funds, Fire Learning Network, and Aboriginal clean energy groups mark milestone achievements

  • Industry (12 stories) - Commonwealth Fusion and Dominion plan 400MW Virginia plant; Stellantis-CATL partner on €4.1B Spanish battery factory; Bridgestone-PNNL advance bio-rubber; Northvolt files bankruptcy; Kyoto Fusioneering reshuffles leadership

  • Policy (39 stories) - New Zealand fast-tracks mining law despite opposition, while US DOE reports on LNG export impacts and California launches $500M electrification program; UN agencies expand disaster risk reduction as ICJ prepares for 2025 climate ruling

  • Renewables (19 stories) - Goldwind's 22MW mega-turbine leads global innovations while Tata Power, ADB fuel $4.25B Indian renewables push; Google, Neoen, and Cubico secure major funding for solar-battery-wind projects across US, Australia, and Queensland

  • Transport (16 stories) - DB Schenker's 40 Volvo e-trucks, Ford-SK's $9.6B battery plants, BYD's Estonia expansion, Scotland's 24K chargers, Tata-Tivolt's 6.5K stations, while Trump team targets Biden's $7.5B charging plan

    
    
  
  

  Agriculture

  Sound Agriculture leads $25M Series D round as funding gap hits $171.5B; StrongSoil and fish farms advance eco-solutions while Indonesia's reforestation plans draw scrutiny

  
  

  • Biostimulant-maker Sound Agriculture bags additional $25m, will pay growers to replace nitrogen and phosphorus (AgFunderNews) - Sound Agriculture secured $25 million in Series D funding to expand biostimulant offerings and launch a program incentivizing farmers to switch from synthetic fertilizers to microbiome activators.

  • Funding the future: Evaluating public & private investments in climate-smart row crop agriculture (EDF) - Annual investments in U.S. climate-smart row crop agriculture fall $171.5B short of needed funding, sparking calls for increased private sector participation.

  • How a Climate Corps Fellow is Strengthening Environmental Resilience with Chubb (EDF+Business) - Climate Corps fellow Carter Purcell created a sustainability hub for Chubb insurance, helping farmers across 90 million acres of farmland tackle climate risks.

  • Indonesia reforestation plan a smoke screen for agriculture project, critics say (Mongabay) - Critics warn Indonesia's 12.7-million-hectare reforestation initiative masks plans for a vast Papua food estate that could double the nation's carbon emissions.

  • Researchers explore carbon capture in fish farms to address climate change (ScienceDaily) - Scientists reveal fish farms could trap 100 million metric tons of CO2 yearly while reducing toxic sulfide through iron-induced alkalinity production.

  • The Nusatupe innovation hub – showcasing the best of the sustainable island food systems (CGIAR) - A former WorldFish research station in Solomon Islands' Nusatupe has evolved into a showcase facility, featuring sustainable food systems, coral replanting initiatives and indigenous food gardens.

  • Basement cultivation for residents in Rosengård (SLU) - Residents in Sweden's Rosengård district are converting public housing basements into urban gardens, enhancing local food production in the Million Program neighborhood.

  • StrongSoil’s 80% yield increase success rate shows potential to restore soil health at scale (AgFunderNews) - StrongSoil's biological treatment boosts corn yields by 15% with an 80% success rate while cutting fertilizer costs to $7-14 per acre.

  
  

  Carbon

  CO280's $48M carbon capture deal at Gulf Coast mill, while coal hits 8.7B-ton peak; DOE warns of LNG emissions as research doubles social cost of carbon to $280/ton

  
  

  • ¿Cuál es la relación real de las olas de calor y el aumento de la contaminación en el aire específicamente con el CO2? (Yale Climate Connections) - Heat waves intensify air pollution and boost energy consumption, creating a cycle where rising CO2 levels worsen air quality and trigger more emissions in cities.

  • 2024 in review: Amid hottest year on record, nature takes center stage (Conservation International) - Amid Earth's hottest recorded year, experts intensified efforts on nature-based climate solutions, expanding carbon-storing farmlands and forest projects across Kenya and the Eastern Himalayas.

  • A roadmap for land in carbon removal (Carbon180) - A new roadmap details how enhanced land management of US farms and forests could remove 880 million tons of CO2 annually through carbon sink optimization.

  • CO280 Signs $48 Million Carbon Dioxide Removal Offtake Agreement with Frontier Buyers (CO280) - Carbon removal firm CO280 has secured a $48M deal to capture 224,500 tons of CO2 from a Gulf Coast pulp mill by 2030, through an agreement with Frontier buyers.

  • Coal use to reach new peak – and remain at near-record levels for years (The Guardian) - Global coal consumption will reach an unprecedented 8.7bn tonnes next year and hover near that peak until 2027, with China accounting for 30% of demand amid ongoing gas market disruptions.

  • Department of Energy Study On Environmental and Economic Impacts of U.S. Natural Gas Exports Shows Urgent Need to Cut Methane Pollution (EDF) - U.S. natural gas exports must achieve near-zero methane emissions to maintain affordability and protect the environment, according to a new Department of Energy study.

  • Federal gas export study not the final word on US LNG projects (Floodlight) - US energy officials warn liquefied natural gas exports could generate 3.9 billion tons of greenhouse gases, yet 18 pending projects await further permits and market analysis.

  • Global coal consumption expected to hit record high in 2024, IEA says (The Hindu) - Global coal demand is set to reach an unprecedented 8.77 billion tonnes next year, as Asian markets, particularly China, drive consumption despite renewable energy gains.

  • New DOE Study Reveals LNG Exports Pose Major Risks (NRDC) - Department of Energy research shows liquefied natural gas exports boost methane emissions, drive up energy prices, and endanger climate targets while impacting vulnerable communities.

  • Prehistoric rock in Japan reveals clues to major ocean anoxic event (ScienceDaily) - Ancient Japanese volcanic rocks show a 1.1-million-year ocean oxygen depletion event occurred 119.5 million years ago, triggered by massive CO2 emissions.

  • Satellite data reveals true scale of methane pollution (Yale Climate Connections) - New satellite data reveals U.S. landfills emit 6 million metric tons of methane yearly, nearly double the 3.7 million metric tons reported to EPA in 2021.

  • Sea Surface Temperature Rising (EnergyCentral) - Global sea surface temperatures have surpassed climate model predictions, driven by El Niño, lower sulfur emissions, reduced cloud cover, solar activity, and lingering effects from the Tonga eruption.

  • The Simple Case for Regifting This Holiday Season (Atmos) - New research reveals regifting could slash holiday-related carbon emissions by 57%, yet social stigma continues to deter widespread adoption of this eco-friendly practice.

  • The social cost of carbon, a crucial tool for setting climate policy, omits key effects (ScienceDaily) - New research reveals carbon's true societal cost should be $280 per ton after factoring in previously-ignored economic growth impacts and ecosystem damage, doubling current estimates.

  
  

  Circular

  Returns waste crisis, compostable tableware alternatives, plastic recycling challenges, and Stuttgart's IBA'27 urban mining initiative reshape waste management landscape

  
  

  • Holiday Shopping Returns Have a High Environmental Cost. Here’s How Consumers Can Help (InsideClimateNews) - Holiday returns in the US generate 15 million metric tons of carbon emissions yearly, as 15 percent of seasonal purchases end up returned, with many items ultimately reaching landfills.

  • Planning a Corporate Event? Here’s Why Compostable Tableware Should Be Your First Choice (EcoSoul Home) - Plant-based tableware offers businesses a sustainable solution, breaking down into nutrient-rich compost while eliminating plastic waste at corporate gatherings.

  • The Shocking Reality about Plastic Recycling (Energy Central) - Only 9% of plastic waste gets recycled globally, as mechanical methods degrade quality and chemical alternatives remain too energy-intensive and carbon-heavy for commercial use.

  • Urban Mining Scan IBA’27 Stuttgart (Metabolic) - Stuttgart's IBA'27 building exhibition launches material flow analysis across ten construction sites to boost urban mining potential in the industrial region's sustainable transformation.

  
  

  Ecosystems

  Tiger conflicts in Nepal, Mar Menor dialogue in Spain, Romanian rewilding portal, record Galaxea coral in Bali, Kerch Strait oil spill, and Persian onager reintroduction to Saudi Arabia

  
  

  • In 2024, Nepal faced old & new challenges after tripling its tiger population (Mongabay) - Nepal's tiger population surge to 355 since 2010 has sparked mounting concerns over human-wildlife conflicts and habitat loss amid rapid infrastructure growth across the nation.

  • New strategies to overcome environmental polarization in the Mar Menor Lagoon (BC3) - Researchers propose stakeholder dialogue and shared ecosystem care to reduce environmental polarization in Spain's Mar Menor lagoon.

  • Protected: New Rewilding Romania website to boost engagement and impact (Rewilding Europe) - A new password-protected website aims to strengthen public involvement in Romania's rewilding efforts across the Danube Delta and Southern Carpathians regions.

  • Scientists in Bali find what could be the world’s largest coral colony (Mongabay) - Scientists have discovered a massive 4,000-square-meter Galaxea astreata coral colony off Bali's Nusa Penida, potentially surpassing a recent Solomon Islands find as the world's largest.

  • Top Mongabay podcast picks for 2024 (Mongabay) - Environmental news outlet Mongabay has curated 13 essential podcast episodes exploring rewilding, Indigenous conservation, climate change and marine protection for its 2024 collection.

  • Ukraine: Oil spill off Crimea poses huge environmental risk (DW) - A massive oil spill of 3,700 tons near Crimea's Kerch Strait threatens marine ecosystems with environmental damage experts say could match last year's Kakhovka dam catastrophe.

  • Bookshelf: Fall 2024 (Places Journal) - A new collection of eleven book reviews examines water rights, climate change, and environmental justice through the lens of architecture and urban design.

  • Back to the Galapagos (Nautilus) - After four decades studying Darwin's finches, biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant documented rapid evolution and hybrid species formation in the Galapagos Islands.

  
  

  Efficiency

  Siemens, DOE, and CopperTree analytics drive major efficiency gains in building systems, while heat pumps and district cooling networks emerge as key solutions for emissions reduction

  
  

  • Celebrating 20+ Years of Partnership (Setpoint) - New Zealand's Setpoint marks two decades of collaboration with Siemens, implementing smart building systems that slash equipment failures by up to 75% through data-driven solutions.

  • Energy Department finalizes efficiency standards for tankless water heaters (Environment America) - New Department of Energy standards will boost gas tankless water heater efficiency 13% by 2029, saving households $112 and cutting carbon emissions by 32 million metric tons through 2059.

  • Fault Detection and Diagnostics – saving time and money (Setpoint) - Real-time HVAC monitoring software has delivered £185,000 yearly savings and slashed help-desk calls by 40% at a UK office building.

  • Saving the IRA won’t save residential electrification (Utility Dive) - Market analysts warn residential electrification faces decline despite $370 billion in IRA funding, as consumer trust wanes and single-product business models falter.

  • State Planning Commission suggests District Cooling System to promote energy efficiency and sustainability (The Hindu) - Tamil Nadu officials propose a centralized cooling network that could reduce emissions and grid strain by delivering chilled water to multiple buildings through underground pipes.

  • Yet another reason why heat pumps are awesome: health benefits (Canary Media) - Heat pumps could save 3,400 lives annually and eliminate 300,000 tons of fine particulate pollution by reducing indoor and outdoor emissions from fossil fuel appliances.

  • Data-driven decisions mean smarter maintenance—and that benefits everyone. (SetPoint) - Analytics software slashed Vancouver International Airport's inspection time by 92 hours and boosted equipment performance from 86% to 98%, according to CopperTree's Kaizen system.

  
  

  Finance

  AfDB's $30M AFC investment, Nevada's $156M solar program, and federal clean energy ROI highlight shift toward debt financing and community-focused climate initiatives

  
  

  • 2024 EERE Investment Snapshot Report Overview: Clean Energy Developments Yield Major Benefits (DOE) - Federal clean energy investments generated $800B in energy savings, sparked 3.5M jobs, and cut health costs by $77B yearly through research and industry collaboration.

  • AfDB Invests $30M in AFC to Drive Africa's Green Energy Future (EnergyCentral) - The African Development Bank's $30M investment in AFC's Green Shares program aims to create 1,600 jobs and boost clean energy access across Africa by 2031.

  • Applications open in NV for $156M in federally funded community rooftop solar (Renewable Energy World) - Nevada launches $156M federal initiative through its green bank to deliver community solar access to 20,000 low-income households by 2029.

  • COP29 セミナー「自然資本をバランスシートに」/ CGC seminar at COP 29: Nature on the Balance Sheet (CGC) - Global experts at University of Tokyo's COP29 seminar examine methods to incorporate natural capital into financial accounting systems, aiming to prevent ecological collapse through market reform.

  • In 2024, climate tech shows signs of maturity | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Climate tech funding matured in 2024 as debt financing reached 41% of total capital, while venture capital faced consolidation under difficult market conditions.

  
  

  Grid

  DOE refines transmission corridors, PG&E secures $15B loan, Ever-Green Energy launches thermal storage, Energy Vault plans 2GW battery deployment, while extreme weather impacts Gulf Coast grid operations

  
  

  • ‘Good riddance’ says Oklahoma governor as DOE nixes 7 national transmission corridors, refines 3 (Utility Dive) - The Department of Energy has scrapped seven proposed national transmission corridors while refining three others for public comment, following strong pushback from states against federal oversight.

  • “Flexible exports” vital to the value of rooftop PV, and could help avoid the big solar button (RenewEconomy) - Slow adoption of flexible solar exports could cost Australian households $211 million by 2026, while South Australia's program enables double export limits with minimal curtailment.

  • 2024 In Review: The Highlights from Ever-Green Energy (Ever-Green Energy) - Minnesota energy firm Ever-Green Energy marked 2024 with the state's first aquifer thermal storage system, U-Minnesota Twin Cities integration, and new CEO Luke Gaalswyk's appointment.

  • A 6 MW/48 MWh Energy Storage Project Is Coming To Camp Pendleton, & Will Be Expanded Later (CleanTechnica) - A $70M zinc hybrid battery system at California's Camp Pendleton will provide 14-day backup power and grid support, starting at 6 MW/48 MWh before expanding to 50 MW/400 MWh by 2027.

  • Above-average hurricane activity disrupted U.S. energy infrastructure in 2024 (EIA) - The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season's 18 named storms, including five that made landfall, triggered widespread power outages and halted oil and gas production across Gulf Coast regions.

  • Ameresco and City of Edmundston Unveil SOLSTICE Microgrid Project to Reduce City’s Carbon Footprint (Ameresco) - New Brunswick's largest rooftop solar microgrid, SOLSTICE, launches in Edmundston with 1MW solar capacity and 2MWh battery storage, set to cut 360 metric tons of carbon emissions yearly.

  • Biden administration approves staggering $15B loan for PG&E (EWG) - Federal officials greenlit a $15 billion loan to PG&E for grid modernization and clean energy initiatives, sparking worries about customer costs.

  • DOE Advances Three Potential NIETCs—High-Priority National Electric Transmission Corridors (POWER Magazine) - Department of Energy advances three high-priority transmission corridors into final designation phase, targeting Lake Erie-Canada, Southwestern Grid, and Tribal Energy Access regions for enhanced grid reliability.

  • DOE Announces $15 Billion Loan Guarantee for PG&E (POWER) - The Department of Energy has offered Pacific Gas & Electric a record $15 billion loan guarantee to expand hydropower, enhance battery storage, and modernize grid infrastructure.

  • Energy Vault, RackScale partner on 2 GW/20 GWh of data center batteries (Utility Dive) - Energy Vault and RackScale will deploy 2 GW/20 GWh of high-density battery storage systems, providing over 10 hours of primary power capacity for data centers beginning in 2026.

  • Extreme weather events are speeding up grid resiliency efforts | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Extreme weather events have spurred Texas and New Orleans to bolster grid stability through virtual power plants and microgrids, backed by strong community and regulatory support.

  • Hurricanes Were Extra Disruptive to US Energy Infrastructure in 2024 — I’m Shocked (CleanTechnica) - Eighteen named storms disrupted US energy infrastructure in 2024, triggering widespread power outages and halting Gulf oil production during an above-average Atlantic hurricane season.

  • Market manipulation suspected as prices soar in “dunkelflaute” and fossil generators sit idle (RenewEconomy) - German authorities probe market manipulation after electricity prices surged above 900 euros/MWh during low renewable output, despite available fossil fuel capacity.

  • 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.

  • Pacific Gas & Electric scores $15B conditional loan to expand hydropower, battery energy storage, and transmission (Renewable Energy World) - The Department of Energy has offered Pacific Gas & Electric a $15 billion conditional loan to boost California's hydropower, battery storage, and transmission infrastructure.

  • PG&E lands $15B federal loan guarantee to expand clean energy (Canary Media) - The Department of Energy has awarded PG&E a record $15 billion loan guarantee to accelerate clean energy expansion amid mounting pressure to secure funding before potential political shifts.

  • Solar swing state: From nearly too much grid demand to warnings of not enough in less than a day (RenewEconomy) - Victoria's power grid experienced extreme fluctuations, swinging from a record peak demand of 9,581MW to warnings of insufficient demand in just 24 hours.

  • The World’s First Commercial Fusion Plant Will Be in Virginia (Heatmap News) - Massachusetts-based Commonwealth Fusion Systems will build a 400-megawatt commercial fusion power plant in Virginia's Chesterfield County, partnering with Dominion Energy for early-2030s operation.

  • The state of utility AI adoption: ‘aggressive incrementalism’ | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - U.S. utilities are embracing AI through systematic data-first approaches, with major players Avangrid and Dominion Energy leading successful early implementations.

  
  

  Indigenous

  First Nations secure $335M marine funding across Great Bear territories while Indigenous fire practitioners unite globally through prescribed burn networks, as Coast Funds, Fire Learning Network, and Aboriginal clean energy groups mark milestone achievements

  
  

  • 2024 in Review: 24 Good News Stories from First Nations (Coast Funds) - First Nations secured $335M in marine stewardship funding and achieved landmark title recognition across Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii territories in 2024.

  • A Shared Love for Community-Led Fire: The 2024 PBA Leader’s Exchange in California (Fire Networks) - Leaders from over 25 prescribed burn associations converged at California's Hopland Research Center to tackle fire management and tribal partnerships across the state.

  • Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - Network marks decade-long milestone with 680-plus published stories from global practitioners, researchers and indigenous communities sharing wildfire resilience strategies.

  • Communities launch new Thawthi Taw-Oo Indigenous Park amid Myanmar civil war (Mongabay) - Karen communities have established a 575,450-hectare Indigenous park in Myanmar, implementing customary laws and multi-ethnic governance as peaceful resistance during the ongoing civil war.

  • Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - Experts share insights from Northern California workshops aimed at helping fire-prone communities embrace prescribed burning through trauma-informed outreach and strategic planning.

  • Escape Into the Story: Three Longform Reads for Your Weekend (Fire Networks) - Interactive narratives delve into wilderness fire management, Texas wildfire resilience, and Fire Learning Network partnerships through three new StoryMaps.

  • Evicted to Save a Gorilla, Indigenous Batwa Posed No Threat, Study Finds (Yale E360) - Indigenous Batwa people, evicted from Congo's Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the 1970s to protect gorillas, had negligible impact on the primates compared to subsequent armed conflicts, researchers report.

  • Join Our Team: Executive Administrator (Coast Funds) - Indigenous-led conservation group Coast Funds seeks Vancouver-based Executive Administrator, offering $65-70K annually to support CEO and board operations from February 2025.

  • Let’s reflect on 2024 and how we couldn’t have done it without you! (First Nations Clean Energy Network) - Indigenous-led clean energy network marks milestone year with 1,000-plus members, 18 equity partnerships and $70M in government funding for Australia's First Nations energy strategy.

  • On Indonesia’s unique Enggano Island, palm oil takes root in an Indigenous society (Mongabay) - Indigenous leaders on Indonesia's remote Enggano Island are fighting a 15,000-hectare palm oil project, warning it threatens their water supply and ecosystem.

  • Untrammeling the Wilderness (Fire Networks) - Scientists urge federal wilderness managers to embrace prescribed and Indigenous burning practices, citing data showing 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."

  • A Dakota Recipe That Brings Tradition to the Table (Atmos) - A Dakota chef preserves ancestral heritage by sharing a generations-old squash bowl recipe featuring wild rice and traditional cooking techniques from Oceti Sakowin lands.

  
  

  Industry

  Commonwealth Fusion and Dominion plan 400MW Virginia plant; Stellantis-CATL partner on €4.1B Spanish battery factory; Bridgestone-PNNL advance bio-rubber; Northvolt files bankruptcy; Kyoto Fusioneering reshuffles leadership

  
  

  • ‘The state doesn’t want to know’: Doctors raise alarm on children’s health crisis in Chile’s copper heartland (Climate Change News) - Doctors warn of rising autism rates and health problems among Chilean children near copper mines, as extraction expands to meet global clean energy demands despite government inaction.

  • Change in Management Structure (Kyoto Fusioneering) - Japanese fusion energy firm Kyoto Fusioneering reshapes leadership as Chairman Taka Nagao steps down, Takashi Imai becomes CCMO, and Mitsuhiro Nagata joins as Corporate Auditor.

  • Commentary: Ohio should replicate Pennsylvania’s success cutting methane pollution (Energy News Network) - Pennsylvania's methane mitigation sector added 22.2% more jobs in three years while cutting emissions, setting a clear example for neighboring Ohio to follow.

  • Commonwealth Fusion Systems is bringing commercial-scale fusion to Virginia | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Dominion Energy will build a 400MW fusion plant in Virginia's data center corridor, aiming to begin operations in the early 2030s.

  • 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 heat, providing zero-carbon steam to Calgren Renewable Fuels.

  • Lower-Emissions Fabrics of the Future: How to create a market for low-emissions clothes and textile products (RMI) - Industry experts warn that high production costs and inconsistent emissions tracking pose significant barriers to expanding low-carbon textile markets, despite growing consumer interest in sustainable fashion.

  • Shipbreaking pollutes Türkiye’s coast despite European cleanup efforts (Mongabay) - Despite EU-certified shipbreaking yards in Aliağa, Türkiye's coastal waters face ongoing pollution while worker deaths reached 97 between 2013-2022.

  • Stellantis & CATL’s New JV Will Invest Up To €4B To Build Large-Scale LFP Battery Plant In Spain (CleanTechnica) - European automakers Stellantis and battery giant CATL will invest €4.1B in a carbon-neutral battery plant in Spain, aiming to produce 50 GWh annually by 2026.

  • Study examines women’s proximity to incinerators and chemical level in breast milk (The Guardian) - Mothers living near waste incinerator emissions show elevated PCB and dioxin levels in breast milk, though still within European safety limits, researchers report.

  • The Sustainable Tires Of The Future Will Be Made With Plants (Again) (CleanTechnica) - Bridgestone and PNNL will produce sustainable tires using ethanol-based synthetic rubber at a new Ohio facility in 2026, marking a shift away from petroleum materials.

  • What happened at Northvolt? | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Swedish battery maker Northvolt filed for bankruptcy after simultaneous factory expansions collided with supplier problems and production hurdles at its main facility.

  • Fibracast Appoints Michael Leach as Vice President of North American Sales (Fibracast) - Industry veteran Michael Leach joins water treatment firm Fibracast as North American Sales VP, bringing 20 years' expertise to spearhead projected 100% growth by 2025.

  
  

  Policy

  New Zealand fast-tracks mining law despite opposition, while US DOE reports on LNG export impacts and California launches $500M electrification program; UN agencies expand disaster risk reduction as ICJ prepares for 2025 climate ruling

  
  

  • ‘Dark day for New Zealand’: outcry as bill to fast-track controversial mining projects is approved (The Guardian) - New Zealand's parliament has approved a contentious law enabling rapid mining and infrastructure development, despite 14,000 public submissions opposing the measure and protests from environmental advocates.

  • ‘Like you, I fear the demise of the elephants’ (Mongabay) - Africa's historic protected areas, spanning 4.37 million square kilometers across 9,000 sites, struggle to meet modern conservation demands amid global efforts to safeguard biodiversity.

  • [COP29] Interview with Mikko Ollikainen – Head of the Adaptation Fund (Adaptation Fund) - Fund chief Mikko Ollikainen outlines COP29 priorities and details support mechanisms for climate-vulnerable nations in exclusive interview.

  • 2023 Progress report: Implementation of the UN Plan of Action on disaster risk reduction for resilience (UNDRR) - UN agencies bolstered disaster risk reduction in 2023, expanding early warning systems and gender-responsive strategies across member states despite ongoing implementation challenges.

  • Alaska Wilderness League Applauds Rep. Jared Huffman’s Selection as Ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee (Alaska Wilderness League) - California lawmaker Jared Huffman, known for protecting Alaska's wilderness and advocating climate action, takes top Democratic position on House Natural Resources Committee.

  • Biden administration warns natural gas expansion would drive up domestic costs (The Guardian) - US energy officials report expanded liquefied natural gas exports would raise domestic prices by 11% and boost emissions, reinforcing the administration's freeze on new permits.

  • Binding Treaty: Civil society decries corporate influence at the UN (Friends of the Earth International) - Civil society groups condemn corporate influence at UN negotiations, where 70 nations aim to hold multinational firms accountable for human rights abuses.

  • Bougie moms, unite! Our superpowers could be the key to saving our kids’ future (Yale Climate Connections) - Wealthy mothers are being called upon to use their combined $2.4 trillion in spending power to influence climate policy and secure a safer environmental future for their children.

  • California Advances Building Decarbonization (Building Decarb Central) - California launches $500M building electrification program while expanding energy credits for low-income residents and enabling neighborhood-wide conversions to cleaner power systems.

  • CEBA Highlights High-Impact Utility Green Tariff Report During Asia-Pacific Summit (CEBA) - A new report examines utility green tariffs across Asia-Pacific markets, spotlighting Thailand's UGT2 program set to launch in 2025 as a key clean energy procurement solution.

  • Climate change could overwhelm our sewers – here’s how green infrastructure could help (The Conversation) - Climate change could triple sewage overflow discharge within 76 years, but experts say green infrastructure may help reduce strain on overwhelmed sewer systems.

  • Comment: NSAC Responds to Government Funding Deal (NSAC) - Farmers express dismay as Congressional funding deal omits conservation investments from Farm Bill extension, impacting those relying on environmental programs.

  • 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.

  • Conservation group challenges air permit for TVA’s proposed methane gas plant at Kingston site (SELC) - Environmental advocates challenge Tennessee regulators' classification of TVA's proposed Kingston methane gas plant as a minor facility, claiming the move circumvents tougher emission standards.

  • David vs. Goliath: Mass. tries to even the playing field for decisions about energy infrastructure (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts launches $500,000 program to help communities afford legal expertise for energy infrastructure decisions, leveling a playing field long controlled by utility companies.

  • DOE’s Long-Awaited LNG Export Analysis Makes Clear Case for Biden to Reject Pending Permits (Friends of the Earth) - Department of Energy analysis reveals liquefied natural gas exports pose severe health risks, increase consumer costs, and generate higher emissions than coal, sparking demands to deny export permits.

  • Environment & Urbanization (Sage Journals) (Environment & Urbanization) - A leading academic journal connects Global South researchers with international experts, publishing multilingual studies on human settlements and environmental issues from developing nations.

  • EPA must limit discharges of ‘forever chemicals’ to protect public health (EWG) - Environmental advocates are pressing the EPA to swiftly regulate industrial PFAS discharges into waterways, as these toxic chemicals continue threatening public health without federal oversight.

  • Hundreds of whales to be harpooned as Iceland issues new hunting licenses (Mongabay) - Iceland has authorized the hunting of 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales annually until 2029, despite growing opposition to commercial whaling.

  • International Court of Justice Hears Climate Pleas Ahead of Issuing an Advisory Opinion (InsideClimateNews) - Nations worldwide testify before the International Court of Justice, as developing countries seek accountability from major carbon emitters ahead of a landmark 2025 climate ruling.

  • IPBES nexus report: Five takeaways for biodiversity, food, water, health and climate (Carbon Brief) - Global experts warn that disconnected management of Earth's vital systems endangers biodiversity, climate, food, water and health, while calling for unified solutions and economic changes.

  • Levels of Cancer-Causing Benzene Reached New Heights in Beleaguered Channelview. Regulators Never Told Residents (Inside Climate News) - Air quality monitors detected benzene levels three times above Texas state limits in Channelview, yet officials withheld this evacuation-worthy data from residents.

  • Long-awaited DOE Report Makes Crystal Clear LNG Exports are NOT in Public Interest (Chesapeake Climate) - Department of Energy's latest report reveals LNG exports pose significant climate, economic, and health risks to Americans, with disproportionate impacts on minority communities.

  • New stadiums, airports and oil links: the environmental cost of Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup (The Conversation) - Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup plans include constructing 11 new stadiums and expanding airports, despite the nation's limited renewable energy capacity and mounting environmental concerns.

  • No flood gauges, no warning: 99% of US streams are off the radar amid rising flash flood risks – we saw the harm in 2024 (The Conversation) - Only one percent of America's streams have flood monitoring equipment, leaving thousands of communities vulnerable to deadly flash floods, particularly in small urban watersheds where sensors are too costly to install.

  • No glue, chains or locks: Victoria’s antisemitism crackdown a smokescreen to target climate protesters, critics say (The Guardian) - Victoria's proposed anti-protest laws, ostensibly targeting antisemitism, could ban climate activists from using masks and lock-on devices while expanding police authority.

  • Renewables won’t save us from climate catastrophe, experts warn; what will? (Mongabay) - Global experts caution that renewable energy expansion alone cannot prevent climate disaster without major subsidy changes and reduced fossil fuel consumption worldwide.

  • Revelator Reads Bonus: 280+ Environmental Books Published in 2024 (The Revelator) - Publishers will release more than 280 environmental books in 2024, covering topics from climate change and endangered species to ecology and environmental justice.

  • Shell Wins Injunctions Against UK Gas Station Protesters Amid Growing Threats to Activism (Inside Climate News) - Shell secured five-year UK court injunctions limiting protests at its facilities, as global authorities intensify restrictions against climate activists.

  • Statement on Energy Permitting Reform Act negotiations (Citizens' Climate Lobby) - Clean energy infrastructure reform negotiations failed in year-end spending talks, despite 80% of Americans supporting faster permitting for renewable projects.

  • The Lancet Public Health (The Lancet Public Health) - European researchers have modeled mortality rates across 1,368 regions, examining deaths from temperature extremes while factoring in age and socioeconomic conditions for future projections.

  • The Long-Awaited LNG Study Is Out (Heatmap News) - New Department of Energy research reveals proposed LNG export terminals would spike domestic gas prices 30% by 2050 and boost global emissions, despite current facilities meeting demand.

  • The Overton-Window-Sized Hole in Most "Moveable Middle" Strategies (Drilled) - Climate advocates' focus on moderate messaging misses key opportunities to shift public opinion, while right-wing movements successfully employ extreme positions to expand acceptable discourse.

  • Trump vows to speed up permits for energy, other megaprojects (Utility Dive) - Federal permits and environmental reviews for billion-dollar-plus construction projects will be fast-tracked under a White House plan targeting both domestic and foreign energy infrastructure investments.

  • We’re For a Better Future (Climate Generation) - Climate advocates call for urgent environmental preparation as 2024 begins, citing global policy setbacks and rising ecological threats.

  • What happens next for permitting? | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Permitting reform efforts stalled in Congress after the Manchin-Barrasso bill failed to gain cross-party support, suggesting future changes will occur incrementally.

  • What to Expect From the Looming LNG Report (Heatmap News) - A leaked letter from Secretary Granholm reveals the Department of Energy's forthcoming study shows LNG exports could drive domestic gas prices up 30% while adding 1.5 gigatons to annual emissions.

  • Congratulations to Partners Bret Collazzi and José Serrano-McClain for being recognized among City & State’s inaugural Trailblazers in Economic Development. (HR&A Advisors) - Two HR&A Advisors partners have been named among 100 economic development leaders by City & State for their contributions to New York's urban planning and clean energy sectors.

  • SELC announces finalists for the 2025 Phil Reed Environmental Writing Award (SELC) - Ten finalists across book and journalism categories have been selected for the 2025 Phil Reed Environmental Writing Award, celebrating outstanding Southern environmental storytelling.

  
  

  Renewables

  Goldwind's 22MW mega-turbine leads global innovations while Tata Power, ADB fuel $4.25B Indian renewables push; Google, Neoen, and Cubico secure major funding for solar-battery-wind projects across US, Australia, and Queensland

  
  

  • “A weapon for deep sea wind power:” Goldwind rolls first 22MW offshore turbine (RenewEconomy) - Chinese wind giant Goldwind has built the world's most powerful offshore turbine, a 22MW machine with 300-metre rotors set for deep-sea deployment in 2025.

  • Big Tata Power Clean Energy Projects in Bhutan & India (CleanTechnica) - Tata Power has secured $4.25B from ADB for Indian renewables while partnering with Bhutan to develop 5,000 MW of clean energy projects, primarily hydropower.

  • Building a Sustainable Supply Chain for the Philippine Offshore Wind Industry (CleanTechnica) - The Philippines faces an 8-year timeline to construct its first offshore wind farm, despite 178 GW potential capacity, as supply chain dependencies on foreign components pose significant hurdles.

  • Cambridge, Massachusetts, inks record 50 MW virtual PPA deal with MN8 Energy (Utility Dive) - Cambridge, Massachusetts, has signed America's largest municipal virtual power purchase agreement, securing 50 MW of solar power from Illinois to offset residential emissions.

  • Clean energy deals are down, but interest remains high (Renewable Energy World) - U.S. renewable energy deals fell by 52% to just 13 transactions, yet overall power sector deals hit $27.8B amid sustained industry confidence despite election concerns.

  • Dubai's Green Hydrogen Project Produces 90 Tons of Green Hydrogen, Setting a Regional Benchmark in Clean Energy (Energy Central) - Dubai's solar-powered hydrogen facility has produced 90 tons of clean hydrogen, preventing 450 tons of CO2 emissions as the emirate aims to capture 25% of global low-carbon hydrogen markets.

  • Empowering Economic Resilience: GEAPP and Partners Drive Renewable Energy Adoption in Myanmar (GEAPP) - International alliance injects $4.2M into Myanmar's rooftop solar initiative, promising 5MW capacity, 1,500 new jobs, and 65% energy cost reduction for small businesses.

  • Google’s new data center model signals a massive market shift | Latitude Media (Latitude Media) - Google's $20B data center strategy through 2030 prioritizes renewable-rich regions over fiber hubs, partnering with Intersect Power and TPG Rise Climate.

  • Harnessing Nature in Asia: Biomass Energy From Dead Palms (Energy Central) - Scientists in Asia are converting dead palm plantation waste into biomass energy and sustainable aviation fuel, potentially reducing fossil fuel reliance while solving waste disposal issues.

  • Neoen lands $1.4 billion debt deal for old and new projects, including Australia’s biggest battery (RenewEconomy) - French developer Neoen has secured a $1.4 billion debt package for its 1.3GW Australian portfolio, which includes the nation's largest battery project at Collie.

  • Rooftop solar keeps getting more accessible. Here’s why. (Canary Media) - Median household income for rooftop solar adopters has fallen by $26,000 since 2010, signaling wider adoption across economic groups.

  • Solar farm and battery emerge from rhombus of regret with bank finance and a construction plan (RenewEconomy) - Recurrent Energy has secured funding for a 171MW solar farm and 120MW battery in Victoria's former 'rhombus of regret', with completion expected by 2026.

  • Training solar panels to dance with the wind (ScienceDaily) - French scientists' new machine learning system boosts solar panel performance by adjusting individual panel angles during high winds, surpassing conventional safety protocols.

  • UK wind power record breezes past 22,000MW mark for first time (BusinessGreen) - Wind power generation in Britain reached an unprecedented 22,243MW on December 15, surpassing the 22,000MW threshold for the first time in the nation's history.

  • UK-based Cubico closes deal with banks for 500MW wind project, its first in Australia (RenewEconomy) - Cubico has secured $650 million in bank financing for its 500MW Wambo wind farm in Queensland, with the initial 252MW phase set to commence operations in 2025.

  • Velect (Equator Initiative) - Guinea's Velect has constructed a 15kW micro-hydroelectric dam, delivering sustainable power to remote communities while safeguarding local ecosystems.

  • Why Not Put Solar Panels on EVs? (Heatmap News) - Two startups have unveiled fold-out solar panel systems that can add 10-30 miles of daily range to electric vehicles, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $3,500.

  • Zen inks deal with pumped hydro and hyrogen hopeful to help large energy users kick fossil habit (RenewEconomy) - Energy retailer Zen partners with Sunshine Hydro to deliver 98% reliable renewable power to Queensland industries through pumped hydro storage and green hydrogen by 2031.

  • Heliene and OMCO Solar Launch New Module and Racking Solutions To Gain American Manufacturing Benefits (Heliene) - American solar manufacturers Heliene and OMCO Solar unite to deliver US-made module and racking bundles, aiming to maximize domestic tax incentives under the IRA.

  
  

  Transport

  DB Schenker's 40 Volvo e-trucks, Ford-SK's $9.6B battery plants, BYD's Estonia expansion, Scotland's 24K chargers, Tata-Tivolt's 6.5K stations, while Trump team targets Biden's $7.5B charging plan

  
  

  • 40 New Electric Trucks from Volvo Hit the Road with DB Schenker (CleanTechnica) - Global logistics giant DB Schenker launches Germany's first electric trailer trucks, deploying 40 Volvo FM vehicles capable of hauling 20 tons for up to 186 miles per charge.

  • Accelerating Electrification: Freight Trucks Will Dominate In The US (CleanTechnica) - US freight trucking is set to outpace rail and water transport in electrification, driven by economic benefits and battery technology improvements.

  • BYD Continues To Go After Europeans’ Hearts, & Enters Estonia (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker BYD expands into Estonia with four EV models while sponsoring UEFA Under-21 Championship, marking its latest move into European markets.

  • DOE closes on $9.6B loan to Ford’s BlueOval SK battery joint venture (Utility Dive) - The Department of Energy has finalized a $9.6 billion loan to Ford-SK's joint venture for three EV battery plants expected to produce 120 GWh annually by 2025 in Kentucky and Tennessee.

  • How Fleets Can Electrify Light-Duty Commercial Vehicles (RMI) - Global fleet data reveals light-duty commercial vehicles can match gas vehicle costs while slashing emissions by 90% through strategic electrification planning and data-driven implementation.

  • iCar Launches $14,000 Small Electric SUV (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker iCar debuts its V23 compact electric SUV, offering up to 501km range and dual-motor options, with prices starting at $13,700.

  • New Flyer Low Emission Buses Too Expensive So Winnipeg Buys Diesel (CleanTechnica) - Winnipeg abandons plans for zero-emission buses after New Flyer's electric and hydrogen options, priced at $2 million each, far exceed the $360,000 cost of standard diesel vehicles.

  • Private aviation is releasing more than its ‘fair share’ of emissions (The Hindu) - Private jets emit 3.6 tonnes of CO2 per flight, polluting up to 14 times more per passenger than commercial aircraft, with nearly half of journeys covering less than 500km.

  • Scotland revs up plan to deliver 24,000 new EV charge points by 2030 (BusinessGreen) - Scotland has unveiled plans to install 24,000 new public electric vehicle charging points across the country by 2030, marking a major expansion of its charging network.

  • Tata Trying to Pull EVs Forward in India (CleanTechnica) - India's largest power company, Tata Power, joins forces with Tivolt to install 6,500-plus public EV charging points nationwide, emphasizing commercial vehicles and solar-powered stations.

  • The Auto Industry's Can't Do Spirit (NRDC) - Automakers continue fighting clean vehicle regulations despite their track record of meeting past standards and available compliance options.

  • The Driven Podcast: EV conversions, and the new models for 2025 (RenewEconomy) - The Driven Podcast explores 2025's electric vehicle lineup while featuring ElectroGusto's Nick Cummins on EV conversions.

  • Trump Transition Team Plans To Take A Sledgehammer To Biden Era EV Policies (CleanTechnica) - Trump's team aims to dismantle Biden's $7.5 billion EV charging plan, eliminate federal tax credits, boost tariffs on imported components, and roll back emissions standards favoring gas-powered vehicles.

  • Why Ohio companies are investing in hydrogen cars despite infrastructure issues (Energy News Network) - Ohio firms forge ahead with hydrogen vehicle adoption as Honda launches US production in Marysville, despite limited fueling infrastructure across the state.

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E Wins TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award (CleanTechnica) - Ford's all-electric Mustang Mach-E secured the coveted IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award following comprehensive crash safety and collision prevention testing.

  • The climate impact of driving may depend less on what car you drive than how you drive it (Anthropocene Magazine) - Researchers found eco-conscious driving habits can reduce emissions by up to 45 percent, potentially making older vehicles more environmentally friendly than inefficiently-operated newer cars.

And those are today's updates! Thanks for reading, may you find lessons learned here that boost the impact of your work.