Batteries, AI, and Smart Green Cities

We've analyzed 201 updates from news outlets and organizations today and these three trends stood out. The photo above is from Ed Alcock's great photo collection from Paris's new eco district, described below.

1. Battery Storage, Renewables, and Efficiency Moves Worldwide

In Australia, Octopus Energy’s Blind Creek project just got the green light for what will be the country’s biggest DC-coupled solar and battery hybrid, serving up solar power into the evening for the equivalent of 120,000 homes (RenewEconomy). In Chile, Zelestra and Sungrow announced a 1 GWh storage project (TaiyangNews). And, the UK is ramping up efficiency capacity: see Knauf's £170 million building insulation factory in North Wales (BusinessGreen).

2. Clean Energy Policy and Financing in the Spotlight

Uncertainty is swirling around clean energy incentives and policy. A Trellis survey finds 85% of sustainability professionals are concerned their organizations will take a hit if government clean energy credits are cut (Trellis). The US climate fintech firm Crux is expanding beyond tax credits, into debt, as Congress debates their future (Heatmap News). In the UK, new analysis shows high electricity prices are mostly driven by gas, not green policies (Carbon Brief).

3. AI and Smart Tech Power Up the Grid

Artificial intelligence is taking grid management and energy efficiency to the next level. Sungrow has unveiled its iSolarBPS system, using AI to spot battery issues a week in advance and boost maintenance speed (TaiyangNews). In Finland, Fingrid is now using AI-powered virtual inspections to keep its transmission lines in top shape (eSmart Systems). And in Paris, the new Clichy-Batignolles eco-district is setting an example with car-free streets, geothermal heating, and solar power (The Guardian). Three cheers for car-free streets, I say!

And now, our summaries of the full collection. Subscribe by email and we'll pick out 3 just for you, based on your work and interests.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• 🌾Agriculture (14 stories) - From weather-resilient greenhouses and vertical solar panels to AI-optimized land use and earthworm conservation, plus Green Bioactives' plant cell innovations and Huasun Energy's agrivoltaic solutions

  
  

• 🪨Carbon (12 stories) - EDF backs Apple's carbon claims, Occidental plans $500M Texas DAC plant, while Climeworks faces scrutiny amid UAE funding and China reports first emissions drop

  
  

• ♻️Circular (5 stories) - PepsiCo dominates Himalayan waste audit; Colorado launches state circular plan; Kiehl's doubles refill sales; Minneapolis facility showcases 400-ton daily recycling

  
  

• 🌱Ecosystems (21 stories) - From A-23A iceberg's dramatic melt to RGE's shadow deforestation network, plus Belize's Maya Forest Corridor protection and ancient flower DNA recreation

  
  

• ⚡Efficiency (4 stories) - Major EU savings from efficiency push, while Paris debuts car-free eco-district and Knauf plans £170m UK insulation plant

  
  

• 💰Finance (10 stories) - Insurers grapple with $65B climate losses as UN disaster costs hit $2.3T; major battery storage financing and ESG platform funding secured amid policy uncertainty

  
  

• 🔌Grid (22 stories) - SEPA names new board leadership as grid operators deploy AI tools; Sungrow and Trina lead storage growth; NERC warns of summer shortages amid aging infrastructure and LNG export pressures

  
  

• 🌍Indigenous (9 stories) - Indigenous communities lead sustainable initiatives from Brazil's Munduruku farming to Washoe Tribe forestry, while facing land rights challenges in Guatemala and Kenya

  
  

• 🏭Industry (18 stories) - Major manufacturing moves: Emirates' $4B wind-powered aluminum plant, Premier Energies-SAS 2GW wafer facility in India, Texas' 10GW solar expansion, while Astronergy hits 130GW module milestone

  
  

• 📜Policy (60 stories) - EPA integrity standards, Brazil's forest protection rollbacks, EU deforestation regulations, and House GOP's proposed 22.6% clean energy cuts shape policy landscape as states and localities lead climate action

  
  

• 🔋Renewables (12 stories) - Empire Wind Project revival leads major developments, as Kuwait tenders 500MW solar, Romania secures €303M photovoltaic parks, and Ireland plans 2025 renewables auction

  
  

• 🚗Transport (14 stories) - Zero-emission ferries in New England, BYD's market shift in China, Geely Xingyuan's sales triumph, and VW's MEB+ platform upgrade highlight transport innovations, while UK Powers Networks electrifies Thames vessels

Agriculture

From weather-resilient greenhouses and vertical solar panels to AI-optimized land use and earthworm conservation, plus Green Bioactives' plant cell innovations and Huasun Energy's agrivoltaic solutions

• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDMST) (SDMST) - Professors develop prototype extreme weather greenhouse for year-round local crop production in harsh climates.

• In defence of hope: The role of the global peasant movement in a world in crisis (Via Campesina) - Global peasant movement prepares for 3rd Nyéléni Forum in Sri Lanka to address food sovereignty, peasant rights and systemic challenges amid rising global authoritarianism.

• Plant cell culture startup Green Bioactives preps for first commercial launches in 2026 (AgFunderNews) - UK startup Green Bioactives plans 2026 launch of plant cell culture-derived botanicals for cosmetics industry, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional plant harvesting.

• 2025 Illinois Dust Storm (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois experiences severe dust storm with zero visibility from Chicago to Bloomington, blamed on aggressive row-crop farming practices and stripped biodiversity.

• Farmers need technical support to balance crop yields with climate benefits (EDF) - Global study reveals farmers need technical support to balance crop yields with climate benefits when implementing regenerative agriculture practices.

• Huasun Debuts Vertical HJT Solar Modules at Bulgaria’s Largest Agricultural Expo (TaiyangNews) - Huasun Energy showcases new vertical HJT solar modules at Bulgaria's largest agricultural expo, gaining minister's support for agri-solar integration.

• With evolutionary AI, scientists find hidden keys for better land use (ScienceDaily) - University of Texas researchers develop evolutionary AI system that optimizes land use decisions by balancing carbon storage, economic impacts, and environmental benefits.

• Conagra petition delivery #pesticides #bees (Friends of the Earth) - Environmental groups deliver 40,000 signatures to Conagra headquarters demanding elimination of bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides from popcorn supply chain.

• Why Brazil’s Sugarcane Shortfall Should Concern Food and Beverage Brands (ClimateAi) - Brazil's sugarcane crop faces below-average yields in 2025, threatening global supply and prices as the country accounts for 50% of world exports.

• Dogs are being trained to weed out eggs of invasive spotted lanternflies in US (The Guardian) - Dogs trained to detect spotted lanternfly egg masses have found over 4,000 clusters in Cleveland parks, potentially preventing 200,000 invasive pests from hatching.

• OPINION | With aid shrinking, governments need clear evidence to navigate tough choices for food security (CGIAR) - Amid shrinking development aid, new report compiles decades of agricultural research into actionable recommendations for governments to address food security challenges.

• Quorn Foods narrows losses in sluggish UK alt meat market, expands KFC trial in France (AgFundNews) - Quorn Foods reduces losses and expands KFC partnership in France despite UK alt-meat market decline, while US business faces new tariffs and strategic review.

• Stem van het Boerenland: Interview met een rode worm (Land van Ons) - Red earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) interview highlights critical role in soil health and concerns about intensive farming practices threatening their survival.

• BISOL’s Upgraded ‘Made-in-Europe’ Lumina Series Module (TaiyangNews) - Slovenia's BISOL Group unveils upgraded G12R TOPCon Lumina module with 25% transparency for agrivoltaics, featuring 400W output and 7,000 Pa snow load capacity.

Carbon

EDF backs Apple's carbon claims, Occidental plans $500M Texas DAC plant, while Climeworks faces scrutiny amid UAE funding and China reports first emissions drop

• EDF Files Amicus Brief in Support of Apple’s Climate Strategy (EDF) - Environmental Defense Fund files legal brief supporting Apple's carbon neutral claims for Series 9 Watch, defending company's emissions reduction and carbon credit strategy.

• EDAC attends International Magnesium Association Conference (EDAC Labs) - Carbon removal startup attends International Magnesium Association Conference to showcase electrochemical technology for carbon-negative magnesium mining.

• Overshooting 1.5°C: even temporary warming above globally agreed temperature limit could have permanent consequences (The Conversation) - Scientists warn temporary global warming above 1.5°C threshold could cause irreversible Arctic changes, increased wildfire risks, and permanent economic damage.

• The Climeworks Scandal That Wasn’t (Heatmap News) - Direct air capture company Climeworks faces scrutiny over facility performance and layoffs while receiving $500M UAE investment, highlighting industry's growing pains.

• Who Thinks Urban Sprawl Is A Good Thing? (CleanTechnica) - Urban sprawl expansion plans in Dallas face criticism as experts advocate for renovation of existing buildings and urban densification to reduce carbon emissions and meet housing demands.

• Oxy, ADNOC Explore $500 Million DAC Carbon Removal Project in Texas (ESG Today) - Occidental and ADNOC announce plans to develop $500 million Direct Air Capture facility in Texas capable of removing 500,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

• EU, UK to Work on Linking Carbon Markets (ESG Today) - EU and UK announce plans to link their emissions trading systems, enabling mutual recognition of carbon allowances and CBAM exemptions across jurisdictions.

• Washington Governor Ferguson Signs Bill to Reduce Climate Super Pollutant Emissions (NRDC) - Washington state passes law to reduce hydrofluorocarbon emissions through market-based recovery and reuse, targeting 85% reduction by 2036.

• Environmentalist Paul Hawken: ‘We have basically isolated and objectified carbon’ (Trellis) - Environmental thought leader Paul Hawken argues against objectifying carbon, emphasizing its role as a vital life force rather than just a climate pollutant.

• Batteries that absorb carbon emissions move a step closer to reality – new study (The Conversation) - Scientists develop cheaper catalyst for lithium-CO2 batteries that could simultaneously store energy and capture carbon emissions while discharging.

• Google's Spencer Low on AI: a contributor to climate resilience (Google) - AI currently accounts for 0.5% of energy sector emissions but could reduce total sector emissions by 5% through optimization, according to Google's Spencer Low.

• 📈 Data to start your week (Exponential View) - China achieves first-ever emissions reduction as clean energy growth outpaces electricity demand, cutting CO2 by 1% over past year.

Circular

PepsiCo dominates Himalayan waste audit; Colorado launches state circular plan; Kiehl's doubles refill sales; Minneapolis facility showcases 400-ton daily recycling

• F&B packaging fuels growing plastic waste crisis in Indian Himalayas: Report (Mongabay) - Annual cleanup reveals nonrecyclable food and beverage packaging, dominated by PepsiCo brands, accounts for 84% of plastic waste polluting Indian Himalayas.

• May 2025 Newsletter: Clean air battles, shipping emissions and a greener Kitchen God Day in Vietnam (Pacific Environment) - Vietnamese Kitchen God Day celebration combines traditional Tet festivities with environmental initiatives, collecting two tons of waste while promoting sustainability through community workshops.

• How Colorado became a circular economy model (Trellis) - Colorado pioneers statewide circular economy through dedicated landfill fees, transportation networks, and public-private partnerships to boost recycling and remanufacturing.

• Tour Eureka Recycling’s Upgraded Facility on May 31! (Eureka Recycling) - Minneapolis recycling facility opens doors for public tours of upgraded sorting technology that processes 400 tons daily, showcasing zero-waste initiatives.

• Inside Kiehl’s program to sell its popular facial cream in refillable containers (Trellis) - Kiehl's expands refillable container program for popular skincare products, doubling refill sales in 2024 with 16% adoption rate across six products.

Ecosystems

From A-23A iceberg's dramatic melt to RGE's shadow deforestation network, plus Belize's Maya Forest Corridor protection and ancient flower DNA recreation

• The Largest Iceberg on Earth Is Stuck (Nautilus) - World's largest iceberg A-23A, spanning 1,197 square miles, is rapidly losing mass while stuck near South Georgia island, shedding 140 square miles in weeks.

• These Scents Were Once Erased by Humans. Now They’re Back. (Atmos) - Scientists and perfumers use ancient DNA and biotechnology to recreate extinct flower scents, offering sensory connection to lost biodiversity.

• New forest loss data beef up Amazon deforestation case against Casino Group (Mongabay) - French retailer Casino Group linked to 526,459 hectares of Amazon deforestation between 2018-2023, strengthening $64.1M lawsuit by Indigenous groups.

• Protection is only the beginning: Creating connection through Belize’s Maya Forest Corridor (Mongabay) - Belize's Maya Forest Corridor Trust works to protect critical wildlife passage connecting northern and southern forests while tackling road mortality, fire management and riverbank erosion challenges.

• Under The Eagle’s Shadow – Investigation into a major Indonesian resource group indicates shadow empire threatening Indonesia’s forests (Greenpeace International) - Investigation reveals Royal Golden Eagle group's alleged shadow companies destroyed 68,000 hectares of Indonesian forests since 2021 through undisclosed corporate networks.

• Under The Eagle’s Shadow (Greenpeace) - Investigation reveals extensive network of 257 'shadow companies' linked to Indonesian resource giant RGE group involved in deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction.

• Surviving swamps on South Australia’s parched Fleurieu Peninsula are a lifeline to wildlife – and farmers (The Conversation) - South Australia's endangered Fleurieu Peninsula swamps serve as critical drought refuges for wildlife while benefiting farmers through pest control and carbon storage.

• Cartographer Greg Fiske selected to create mural at Mountainfilm (Woodwell Climate) - Lead cartographer Greg Fiske selected to create large-scale Arctic climate data mural for prestigious Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, transforming scientific maps into public art.

• Bees face new threats from wars, street lights and microplastics, scientists warn (The Guardian) - Scientists identify 12 emerging threats to bees including warfare, light pollution, and microplastics, with Ukraine conflict disrupting crop diversity and pollinator food sources.

• Insects Matter, So Why Are We Wiping Them Out? (Earth.org) - Global insect populations face 40% decline and accelerated extinction rates due to pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change, threatening ecosystem stability and food security.

• Glaciers will take centuries to recover even if global warming is reversed, scientists warn (ScienceDaily) - Global mountain glaciers will require centuries to recover even if Earth returns to 1.5°C warming target, with 16% additional mass loss during temperature overshoot period.

• Can we learn to live with wildfires? (DW) - European scientists warn wildfires will become larger and more severe across continent due to climate change, with Mediterranean countries most at risk despite improved firefighting capacity.

• Out of the Wild: How A.I. Is Transforming Conservation Biology (Yale E360) - AI technology revolutionizes wildlife conservation through automated analysis of vast datasets from camera traps, audio recordings, and citizen science apps, enabling faster research and decision-making.

• Scenic Hudson and Partners Plant 800 Trees and Shrubs in Catskill (Scenic Hudson) - Environmental groups and volunteers plant 800 native trees near RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary to create new forest habitat and enhance biodiversity in Catskill, NY.

• ‘Absolutely ecstatic’: Scientists confirm survival of rare South African gecko (Mongabay) - Scientists rediscover rare South African Blyde rondawels flat gecko species on remote mountain peak after 30-year absence, confirming viable population.

• Venomous snakes, freshwater fish among legally traded species most likely to become invasive in US (Mongabay) - Study identifies 32 legally-traded species, including venomous snakes and freshwater fish, as highest risk for becoming invasive species in US ecosystems.

• Scat-sampling DNA tool shows potential in African carnivore conservation (Mongabay) - New DNA analysis tool successfully identifies African carnivores from scat samples with 95% accuracy, aiding conservation monitoring of elusive species.

• Unraveling the Link Between Plastics and Autism (Inside Climate News) - Research links rising autism rates to chemical exposures from plastics and other toxins during pregnancy and early childhood, with cases now affecting 1 in 31 U.S. children.

• Ancient pollen reveals stories about Earth’s history, from the asteroid strike that killed the dinosaurs to the Mayan collapse (The Conversation) - Ancient pollen preserved in sediments reveals Earth's environmental history, from asteroid impacts to civilization collapses, serving as microscopic time capsules of climate and ecological changes.

• How climate change threatens eye health (Yale Climate Connections) - Rising global temperatures and UV exposure linked to increased rates of cataracts and other eye disorders, particularly affecting outdoor workers in hot climates.

• Researchers puzzled as baby whales spotted in unexpected places along Australia’s ‘humpback highway’ (The Guardian) - Scientists discover humpback whales giving birth in cold southern waters along Australia's coast, challenging traditional migration assumptions.

Efficiency

Major EU savings from efficiency push, while Paris debuts car-free eco-district and Knauf plans £170m UK insulation plant

• Car-free streets, geothermal heating and solar panels: Paris’s new eco-district – in pictures (The Guardian) - Paris unveils Clichy-Batignolles eco-district featuring car-free streets, geothermal heating, and mixed-income housing in transformed 54-hectare former rail yard.

• The Role of Energy Efficiency in EU Electrification (Revolve Media) - EU energy efficiency measures could reduce fossil fuel import costs by €32.5B annually by 2030 while enabling faster electrification and grid stability.

• 'Tenant Power': New Octopus Energy tariff to save social housing tenants up to £200 a year (BusinessGreen) - Octopus Energy launches social housing tariff promising £200 annual savings while incentivizing landlords to invest in green upgrades.

• Plans unveiled for £170m building insulation factory in North Wales (BusinessGreen) - Knauf Insulation announces £170m factory in North Wales to produce 100,000 tonnes of mineral wool insulation annually, boosting UK's energy efficiency manufacturing capacity.

Finance

Insurers grapple with $65B climate losses as UN disaster costs hit $2.3T; major battery storage financing and ESG platform funding secured amid policy uncertainty

• Global Assessment Report (GAR) 2025 virtual launch (UNDRR) - UN's Global Assessment Report 2025 reveals annual disaster costs exceed $2.3 trillion, calls for transformative investment in climate resilience.

• How climate change is making your home insurance costs increase (Citizens' Climate Lobby) - Climate change-driven extreme weather events force insurers to dramatically raise premiums or withdraw coverage, with US property losses reaching $65 billion in 2023.

• Ameresco Announces a $78 Million Facility to Finance Battery Storage Energy Asset (Ameresco) - Energy solutions provider secures $78M financing facility for battery storage project, with additional $300M shelf facility for future renewable energy assets.

• What Happens to Crux If Transferability Ends? (Heatmap News) - Climate fintech startup Crux expands beyond tax credit trading to debt marketplace as Congressional Republicans threaten to end credit transferability by 2028.

• Trouble raising cleantech capital? New service aims to help early-stage companies woo investors (Renewable Energy World) - Cleantech PR firm Tigercomm launches 'CleanPitch' service to help early-stage companies improve investor pitches with focus on economic narratives over technical specs.

• Trellis Poll: 85% say they’d be hurt by government clean energy credit cuts (Trellis) - Survey shows 85% of sustainability professionals report potential financial harm from proposed cuts to government clean energy credits and loans.

• May updates from the Nature Tech Collective (Nature Tech Collective) - Organization launches new report mapping 400+ fintech solutions enabling investment in nature-based solutions, alongside updates on biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem restoration initiatives.

• Monica Opderbeck Joins Vesper Energy’s Executive Team (TaiyangNews) - Vesper Energy appoints Monica Opderbeck as Senior VP of Corporate Development, bringing renewable energy financing expertise to lead company's 17 GW project pipeline expansion.

• Sustainability Reporting Software Provider Novisto Raises $27 Million (ESG Today) - Sustainability software company Novisto raises $27M Series C funding to enhance ESG reporting platform and expand European presence.

• "We try to balance risk and return" Michael Wen on sustainability at Cathay Financial Holdings (ESG Today) - Cathay Financial Holdings balances risk-return while financing Taiwan's renewable energy transition, from solar to offshore wind projects.

Grid

SEPA names new board leadership as grid operators deploy AI tools; Sungrow and Trina lead storage growth; NERC warns of summer shortages amid aging infrastructure and LNG export pressures

• Trump says the solution to high New England energy costs is a natural gas pipeline project. It’s not nearly that simple. (Acadia Center) - Trump's proposal for New England natural gas pipeline faces criticism as experts argue increased pipeline capacity since 2014 hasn't lowered energy prices.

• SEPA Announces 2025-2026 Board Leadership and Welcomes New Board Member (SEPA) - Smart Electric Power Alliance announces new board leadership team for 2025-2026, including Chair Peter Muhoro and new board member Salim Salet from PPL Electric Utilities.

• Will Batteries Be the New Air? (Addionics) - Advanced battery technology will be crucial for powering future robotic companions and infrastructure as AI-driven automation becomes ubiquitous in daily life.

• Trina Storage Earns Sixth Consecutive BNEF Tier 1 Ranking in Q2 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Trina Storage achieves BNEF Tier 1 ranking for sixth consecutive quarter in Q2 2025, with 10 GWh cumulative global battery storage deployments.

• The AI Future of Energy Storage System Safety: Sungrow Presents iSolarBPS (TaiyangNews) - Sungrow unveils AI-powered battery diagnostic system iSolarBPS that provides 7-day advance safety warnings and 30% improved maintenance efficiency for energy storage systems.

• Zelestra Signs Major BESS Agreement with Sungrow for 1 GWh of Energy Storage at the Aurora Hybrid Project in Chile (TaiyangNews) - Zelestra partners with Sungrow to deploy 1 GWh battery storage system at Chile's Aurora Hybrid Project, combining with 220 MWdc solar plant to power 200,000 households.

• Solis Unveils 2 On-Grid And A Hybrid Model At Its Event In India (TaiyangNews) - Chinese inverter maker Solis launches three new solar inverters in India, including 350kW utility-scale, 150kW commercial, and 50kW hybrid models, marking 6GW shipment milestone.

• SET Report | Cybersecurity of energy infrastructure (SET Ventures) - Report reveals growing cybersecurity threats to energy infrastructure as decentralized clean energy systems increase vulnerability to cyber attacks.

• Factcheck: Why expensive gas – not net-zero – is keeping UK electricity prices so high (Carbon Brief) - UK electricity prices remain high primarily due to gas costs and market structure, not green levies, with gas setting wholesale prices 98% of time despite only generating one-third of power.

• Australia’s biggest DC-coupled solar battery hybrid to push PV output into evening peaks (RenewEconomy) - Australia's largest DC-coupled solar-battery hybrid project near Canberra wins grid approval, featuring 300MW solar and 486MWh storage to shift solar generation into evening peak demand.

• Home battery uptake hits record high in market primed for rebate “gold rush” (RenewEconomy) - Australian home battery installations hit record 72,500 units in 2024, with 23% of new solar installations including storage ahead of federal rebate program.

• Biggest solar battery hybrid project with grid forming inverters in Australia wins grid approval (RenewEconomy) - Australia's largest solar-battery hybrid project (696MW solar, 666MW battery) with grid-forming inverters receives grid connection approval near Gladstone, Queensland.

• From Coal Dominance To Renewables: How Poland Changed Its Energy Story (CleanTechnica) - Poland's energy mix shifts dramatically from 75% coal dependency in 1990 to 45% in 2024, with renewables now at 13% of total energy, though transportation sector remains inefficient.

• NERC warns of summer grid strain amid load growth and heat risks (RenewableEnergyWorld) - NERC warns of potential summer power shortages across North America due to rising demand, aging infrastructure, and variable renewable integration challenges.

• Fears over Columbia Basin dams, hydroelectricity grow as agencies lose hundreds of employees (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Federal Columbia River dam system faces operational risks as Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps, and Bonneville Power Administration lose hundreds of skilled workers amid federal workforce cuts.

• Harnessing the Deep Sea: Fraunhofer’s StEnSea Project Revolutionizes Renewable Energy Storage (Energy Central) - Fraunhofer Institute develops underwater concrete sphere system for renewable energy storage using deep-sea pressure, with pilot planned off California coast.

• 'Unanimous approval': Green light given to 30MW East Ayrshire battery storage project (BusinessGreen) - East Ayrshire Council unanimously approves 29.9MW battery storage project capable of powering 16,200 Scottish homes.

• Is your electric bill too high? Thank LNG exports. (Utility Dive) - LNG exports driving up US electricity bills as 40% of domestic power relies on natural gas while companies profit from overseas sales.

• Newsom proposes steep cuts to California grid reliability programs (Utility Dive) - California Governor Newsom proposes $423 million cut to grid reliability programs amid $12 billion state budget shortfall.

• Taiwan to Ramp Up Gas Imports After Shuttering Last Nuclear Plant (Yale E360) - Taiwan closes last nuclear plant and plans major increase in gas imports, raising energy security and climate concerns amid Chinese military pressure.

• Fingrid advances grid maintenance with conditional analysis using Grid Vision® (eSmart Systems) - Finland's grid operator Fingrid implements AI-powered Grid Vision® software for automated aerial inspections and virtual maintenance of high-voltage transmission lines.

• 'A step in the right direction': Energy price cap tipped to fall seven per cent (BusinessGreen) - UK energy price cap set to drop 7% to £1,720 for average household from July, according to Cornwall Insight forecast.

Indigenous

Indigenous communities lead sustainable initiatives from Brazil's Munduruku farming to Washoe Tribe forestry, while facing land rights challenges in Guatemala and Kenya

• How Indigenous Knowledge Could Save Fishing (Nautilus) - Indigenous knowledge systems and Western science collaboration offers path to sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystem preservation, study finds.

• From chickens to cassava, Brazil’s Munduruku seek alternatives to mining (Mongabay) - Brazil's Munduruku Indigenous people develop chicken farming and cassava production as economic alternatives to illegal gold mining, while debating carbon credit opportunities.

• German supermarket palm oil linked to Indigenous rights abuses in Guatemala (Mongabay) - German supermarket chain Edeka and palm oil supplier NaturAceites face allegations of Indigenous rights violations, land grabs, and environmental damage in Guatemala's El Estor region.

• Rockhampton ‘Powering Up’ finalises workshop series (First Nations Clean Energy Network) - Queensland Indigenous leaders gather in Rockhampton to explore clean energy opportunities and community benefits in renewable transition workshop series.

• Semana do Extrativismo chega à 10ª edição e busca inovação das economias da sociobiodiversidade (ISA) - Brazil's 10th Extractivism Week brings together indigenous peoples, riverside communities, and family farmers to innovate sustainable forest-based economies while preserving biodiversity in Para state.

• How the Washoe Tribe built a business to sustain a firewood bank that helps elders heat their homes (Grist) - Washoe Tribe launches successful firewood business model combining elder support and forest management through $1M Forest Service grant.

• Crisis hits community-led conservation group in northern Kenya (Mongabay) - Northern Rangelands Trust faces existential crisis after court ruling against conservancies, loss of USAID funding, and suspension of carbon credit project in Kenya.

• Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda Advances (Cultural Survival) - Massachusetts Indigenous leaders push five-bill legislative agenda addressing mascots, Indigenous Peoples Day, education, and cultural heritage protection at State House rally.

• ‘Ahead of his time’: Guyanese artist gets London show amid reappraisal (The Guardian) - Pioneering Guyanese abstract artist Aubrey Williams receives major London exhibition highlighting his ahead-of-time work on ecological themes and colonialism.

Industry

Major manufacturing moves: Emirates' $4B wind-powered aluminum plant, Premier Energies-SAS 2GW wafer facility in India, Texas' 10GW solar expansion, while Astronergy hits 130GW module milestone

• Soldiers raid village as tensions flare over DRC’s Kamoa mine expansion (Mongabay) - Armed forces raid DRC village and arrest residents following protests over delayed compensation from Kamoa copper mine expansion.

• Astronergy publishes 2024 sustainability report: Strong ESG progress in green manufacturing and responsible growth (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy's 2024 sustainability report shows 130GW cumulative PV module shipments, reducing 160M tons CO2, while achieving zero-carbon manufacturing and 100% supplier ESG certification.

• RenewSys On The Path To Expand Encapsulant Production Capacity To 30 GW (TaiyangNews) - Indian manufacturer RenewSys expands encapsulant production capacity to 30 GW with new facility in Maharashtra, adding 8 production lines with 4 more planned by end of 2025.

• 3S Swiss Solar Solutions’ Latest BIPV Products At Intersolar Europe 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Swiss firm 3S showcases new TeraSlate Flair colored solar roof tiles at Intersolar Europe 2025, featuring 165W output and 40-year weather resistance guarantee.

• TaiyangNews STC.I 2025 Day 2: Global Solar Suppliers Bringing Cutting-Edge PV Technology To India (TaiyangNews) - Global solar equipment suppliers showcase advanced PV manufacturing technologies and solutions at New Delhi conference, highlighting India's growing role in solar production.

• Premier Energies, SAS To Set up 2 GW Solar Wafer Unit In India (TaiyangNews) - India's Premier Energies partners with Taiwan's SAS to establish 2 GW solar wafer manufacturing facility in India through joint venture, marking significant expansion in domestic solar manufacturing capabilities.

• Global Aluminum Producer Announces $4 Billion Smelter for Wind-Rich Oklahoma (Inside Climate News) - Emirates Global Aluminum plans $4 billion wind-powered aluminum smelter in Oklahoma, potentially doubling US production with cleaner manufacturing methods.

• Regulator seeks to prosecute energy giant over lead exposure at retired gas plant (RenewEconomy) - SafeWorkSA prosecutes AGL over worker lead poisoning during gas plant decommissioning, highlighting safety risks in fossil fuel infrastructure retirement.

• “Spartan work camps” and bad catering: Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro workers strike for more pay (RenewEconomy) - Workers at Australia's $12 billion Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project strike over pay disparity and poor living conditions compared to Melbourne tunnellers.

• Texas Welcomes More Solar Factories Despite Anti-Solar Lawmakers (CleanTechnica) - Texas attracts major solar manufacturing investments totaling over 10GW capacity despite state lawmakers pushing anti-solar legislation.

• The Short End of the Dipstick (Bluedot Living) - Oil companies systematically avoid well decommissioning costs by selling aging assets to smaller companies that go bankrupt, leaving taxpayers with cleanup bills.

• One year inside Mainspring’s data center pipeline (Latitude Media) - Mainspring Energy prepares to launch first AI data center using fuel-agnostic generators while navigating federal funding uncertainties and rapid customer growth.

• Just how many jobs and GDP dollars do US clean energy factories create? (Canary Media) - US clean energy manufacturing sector currently employs 122,000 workers across 200 factories in 38 states, generating $33 billion in economic activity with potential to reach $164 billion by 2030.

• June Kunugi - "Using the power of innovation" (UNICEF) - Executive discusses partnering with private sector to innovate sanitation solutions that reduce methane emissions while improving health outcomes in developing regions.

• Study: Clean energy factories boom in Trump-voting states (Canary Media) - Clean energy manufacturing boom concentrated in Trump-voting states with 73% of new factories located in red states, according to American Clean Power Association report.

• Clean energy hope in central Illinois (Canary Media) - Illinois clean energy workforce hub in Decatur provides job training for disadvantaged communities while creating economic opportunities in former manufacturing city.

• A rural clean energy win (Canary Media) - Central Illinois sees economic revival through EV manufacturing and clean energy job training programs after years of factory closures.

• DAS Solar and Electrofil Sign Distribution Agreement at Intersolar Europe 2025 (TaiyangNews) - DAS Solar partners with Spanish distributor Electrofil to expand N-type solar panel distribution network in southwestern Spain through agreement signed at Intersolar Europe 2025.

Policy

EPA integrity standards, Brazil's forest protection rollbacks, EU deforestation regulations, and House GOP's proposed 22.6% clean energy cuts shape policy landscape as states and localities lead climate action

• Former EPA Officials Urge OPM to Uphold Scientific Integrity in Federal Hiring (Environmental Protection Network) - Former EPA officials submit public comment urging OPM to maintain scientific integrity standards and civil service protections in federal environmental hiring practices.

• From Standing Rock to the Endangered Species Act: Why the Environmental Movement Can’t Afford More “Victories” That Will Utterly Undo Us (CELDF) - Environmental movement's celebrated "victories" like Standing Rock protests and Endangered Species Act prove ineffective as global ecological destruction accelerates at unprecedented rates.

• ECVC denounces the use of starvation as a weapon of genocide against Palestinian people and complicity of Europe (Via Campesina) - European farmers' organization condemns Israel's blockade of food aid to Gaza and calls for EU sanctions, citing deliberate starvation as weapon of genocide.

• Adaptation Fund’s New E-Course on Locally Led Adaptation (Adaptation Fund) - New free e-course launches to guide stakeholders through locally-led adaptation grant proposals and project development.

• What does the “Next Generation” Require of Us? (Climate Generation) - Educational organization updates climate curriculum for grades 6-8 amid federal pushback against climate science, emphasizing local action and climate justice.

• Brasil pode perder o equivalente ao território do Paraná em florestas com nova Lei do Licenciamento (ISA) - Brazil risks losing forest area equivalent to Paraná state due to proposed environmental licensing law that would weaken protections for indigenous lands and conservation areas.

• We’ve Stopped Pipelines Before, Let’s Do It Again: Join the Fight Against the Dangerous MVP Southgate Extension (Chesapeake Climate Action Network) - Environmental groups rally public opposition against MVP Southgate pipeline extension's water permit application, citing previous pipeline violations and community impacts.

• LiveEO | Traces NT: Essential Guide to EU's Information System for the Deforestation Regulation (LiveEO) - EU's TRACES NT system serves as mandatory digital platform for submitting deforestation regulation compliance documentation, requiring geolocation data and due diligence statements from operators and traders.

• San Antonio Express-News: Eliminating Federal Energy Tax Credits Will Hurt Texas Economy, Households (San Antonio Express-News) - Federal energy tax credit elimination threatens Texas' $17.17 billion advanced energy investments, 87,900 jobs, and consumer savings by 2030.

• Climate Breakthrough Seeks Scouts For Award Program (Climate Breakthrough) - Global climate nonprofit seeks regional scouts to identify innovative climate leaders for award program, focusing on Europe, South Africa, and Pacific Islands.

• Governor Moore Breaks Climate Promises With Veto Of Essential Environmental Studies (CCAN Action Fund) - Maryland Governor Moore vetoes key climate study bills including RENEW Act, sparking outrage from environmental groups over broken climate action promises.

• 🌎 IRA cuts in the budget battle #246 (CTVC) - House Republicans propose 22.6% cut to clean energy programs and IRA tax credits, including earlier sunset dates for renewable power and EV incentives, while preserving fossil fuel infrastructure funding.

• Learn how to navigate federal flood planning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (EDF) - New step-by-step guide helps communities navigate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' federal flood planning process to build climate resilience and protect against costly flood damage.

• MAJOR WIN: Frozen grants to be restored in lawsuit challenging federal funding freeze (SELC) - Federal judge orders Trump administration to restore frozen environmental grants following lawsuit, with immediate reinstatement required for majority of community programs.

• Georgia Power, Public Service Commission staff agree to cut the public out of bill-making process (SELC) - Georgia Power and state regulators agree to bypass public hearings on data center costs and bill increases, eliminating transparency in rate-setting process.

• SEIA: 300 Solar & Storage Factories At Risk With US Legislation (SEIA) - US Reconciliation Bill threatens 300 solar and storage factories, risking $220 billion in investments and 300,000 jobs by reducing clean energy incentives.

• David Littleproud cites nuclear energy disagreement as major factor in Coalition split (The Conversation) - Nationals leader David Littleproud cites nuclear energy policy disagreement as key factor in historic split from Liberal Party coalition.

• Governors are leading the fight against climate change and deforestation around the world, filling a void left by presidents (The Conversation) - State governors worldwide are leading climate change and deforestation initiatives through collaborative networks and local policies while national leaders falter on commitments.

• African islands under threat: what to do about Trump’s withdrawal from climate change agreement (The Conversation) - African island nations seek alternative partnerships and funding sources as Trump's Paris Agreement withdrawal threatens climate action support and Green Climate Fund contributions.

• Tory Shadow Minister Launches Oil Consultant’s Anti-Net Zero Report (DeSmog) - Conservative shadow minister Lord Offord launches Parliament event for oil consultant's report claiming net-zero costs are higher than reported, drawing criticism for misleading analysis of clean energy economics.

• Meet the Calgary Lawyer Pitching Alberta to the U.S. as the 51st State (DeSmog) - Calgary lawyer Jeffrey Rath appears on Fox News promoting Alberta as potential 51st US state, citing oil wealth and frustration with Canadian carbon tax policies.

• In Surprise Reversal, Trump Admin Gives Empire Wind the Go-Ahead (Heatmap News) - Trump administration reverses course and lifts stop-work order on Empire Wind project off Long Island after negotiations with NY Governor Hochul.

• Collateral Damage: The Environmental Cost of Cuba’s Terrorism Designation (The Revelator) - Trump's re-designation of Cuba as terrorism sponsor severely impacts nation's environmental programs, causing increased deforestation, waste management failures, and conservation setbacks.

• A Full-Scale Attack on Historic Investments in Cleaner Energy (Moms Clean Air Force) - Congressional leaders propose legislation to cut Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy investments, threatening pollution reduction and climate initiatives.

• A fight for clean air for Californians (Pacific Environment) - California's ports face legal battle over clean air regulations as oil industry challenges EPA-authorized emission controls protecting millions in port communities.

• LCV Calls On House Clean Energy Supporters To Fix Or Oppose Reconciliation Now (LCV) - Environmental group urges House members to restore clean energy credits in reconciliation bill or vote against it, warning of increased energy costs and job losses.

• We told the FEMA Review Council: Disaster survivors need more – across the board (New Jersey Organizing Project) - Disaster survivors submit comprehensive feedback to FEMA Review Council, demanding increased funding, faster assistance, and improved communication for disaster recovery programs.

• Honing Our Resources to Meet this Unprecedented Moment (The Chisholm Legacy Project) - Organization expands support for marginalized Black communities through new ecosystem engagement model, targeting 250+ communities with resources, training, and local economy projects.

• Global Newsletter #95: REBEL EARTH MONTH: WE ARE THE FIRE (Extinction Rebellion) - Global climate activists escalate direct actions worldwide against fossil fuel expansion, with notable protests in DRC, Belgium, Colombia and Indonesia.

• Michigan Lawmakers Aim to Revisit ‘Polluter Pay’ to Enforce Cleanup of Toxic Sites (Inside Climate News) - Michigan Democrats revive 'polluter pay' legislation to force companies to clean up toxic sites and allow legal recourse for affected residents.

• Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore Environmental Grant Funding (InsideClimateNews) - Federal judge orders Trump administration to restore $176 million in environmental grant funding to nonprofits and municipalities, ruling executive branch cannot override Congressional allocations.

• SwitchedOn podcast: How one regional community got ahead of renewables disinformation (RenewEconomy) - Rural NSW council proactively managed renewable energy transition through community engagement and benefit-sharing to prevent misinformation and division.

• Albanese government must redirect Australia’s near $600 per person annual fossil fuel giveaway (RenewEconomy) - Australia spends $563 per person annually on fossil fuel subsidies while making international climate commitments, highlighting policy contradiction under Albanese government.

• Republican Bill in Congress Threatens 300 US Factories, 300,000 American Jobs (CleanTechnica) - Republican House bill threatens closure of 300 US solar manufacturing plants and 300,000 jobs, with 80% of impact in Trump-voting states.

• Local Opposition To Data Centers Is The Next New Thing (CleanTechnica) - Growing bipartisan opposition blocks or delays $64 billion in US data center projects due to environmental, noise, and infrastructure concerns.

• Trump Loses Big Game Of Offshore Wind Chicken, Bigly (CleanTechnica) - Trump administration lifts stop-work order on Empire Wind offshore project after pressure from supply chain stakeholders and state officials.

• New Texas Bill Threatens Growth Of Wind & Solar Industry (CleanTechnica) - Texas Senate Bill 715 requires wind and solar facilities to secure backup power capacity, threatening existing renewable projects with retroactive costs and operational mandates.

• Sea level rise will cause ‘catastrophic inland migration’, scientists warn (The Guardian) - Scientists warn sea level rise will trigger catastrophic inland migration affecting millions even if global heating stays below 1.5C, with ice sheet loss quadrupling since 1990s.

• Extinction Rebellion may have gone quiet, but climate protest will come roaring back | Oliver Haynes (The Guardian) - Climate activism shifts from mass protests to smaller direct actions amid government crackdowns and movement fragmentation, with experts predicting new forms of protest will emerge.

• Climate targets are only as good as the action behind them. We need to aim higher | Amanda McKenzie (The Guardian) - Australia's climate policy experts urge government to set ambitious 2035 emissions target above 71% reduction, warning current state-level commitments insufficient to prevent catastrophic warming.

• Energy's Role in National Security (Energy Central) - Global energy demand grows 2.2% with renewables leading supply growth at 38%, highlighting energy security's crucial role in US national defense.

• France’s New Hydrogen Mandate: What the 1.5% Transport Fuel Rule Means (Energy Central) - France proposes 1.5% green hydrogen mandate in transport fuels by 2030, exceeding EU targets and implementing strict non-compliance fines.

• Data resources must be protected from political interference (Nature) - US ban on researchers from "countries of concern" accessing NIH data repositories sparks concerns over scientific data politicization.

• Is LPO getting another new director? (Latitude Media) - Trump administration eyes third Loan Programs Office director in four months as Energy Secretary Wright considers replacing Genatowski with bitcoin mining executive Greg Beard.

• Another round of severe weather follows Friday’s deadly tornadoes (Yale Climate Connections) - Multiple deadly tornado outbreaks across US Midwest and South kill at least 24 people amid National Weather Service staffing shortages.

• Federal regulators reject MISO’s plan to fast-track gas plants (Canary Media) - Federal regulators reject MISO's fast-track gas plant proposal due to queue management concerns and potential interference with clean energy projects across 15 states.

• A new podcast asks: Are ‘radical’ climate activists really that radical? (Grist) - New podcast "Sabotage" examines effectiveness and motivations of Just Stop Oil climate activists, revealing strategic thinking behind controversial protest tactics.

• France’s Macron Joins Germany’s Call to Scrap EU’s Supply Chain Sustainability Due Diligence Law (ESGToday) - French President Macron joins Germany in calling to eliminate EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence law requiring companies to address environmental and human rights impacts across supply chains.

• Congress Targets Consumers with Flurry of Actions Against Clean Vehicles (NRDC) - House Republicans propose triple legislation targeting clean vehicles through tax credit elimination, EPA standards reduction, and new EV owner fees.

• Climate Policy Outlook: 4 stories to follow this week (Trellis) - Trump administration moves to rescind $19.9M climate resilience grant from Gonzaga University while bipartisan senators push water infrastructure bill.

• DOGE is gutting AmeriCorps (High Country News) - Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts $400M from AmeriCorps budget, forcing 32,000 disaster response and community service workers off duty nationwide.

• Republican budget squeezes out of House committee, but deeper IRA cuts could come (Utility Dive) - House Budget Committee advances Republican bill with deeper cuts to clean energy tax credits after holdout lawmakers negotiate additional reductions to IRA incentives.

• Nigerian president’s solar panels stir debate over renewables for the rich (Climate Change News) - Nigeria's $6M presidential solar installation sparks criticism over renewable energy accessibility as small businesses struggle with costly power alternatives.

• ‘We can’t step back in time’: a new book about eco anxiety and climate change (The Guardian) - Professor's visit to ancestral Chinese village sparks exploration of eco-anxiety, climate grief, and intergenerational environmental responsibility in new book 'Red Pockets'.

• 3 mil áreas protegidas podem ser devastadas com o #PLdaDevastação! | #PLdaDevastação #shorts (ISA) - Brazil's Senate to vote on PL 2159/21 bill threatening 3,000 protected areas including Indigenous lands and environmental licensing requirements.

• Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) (GIJN) - Global investigative journalism network expands to 251 member groups across 95 countries, providing tools and training for reporters investigating power abuses and accountability issues.

• Nuclear power wrecks political marriage as Nationals quit coalition with Liberals after 70 years (RenewEconomy) - Australia's National Party ends 70-year coalition with Liberal Party over nuclear energy policy disagreements and regional infrastructure demands.

• Electric utilities must disclose PJM votes under new Maryland law (Utility Dive) - Maryland law requires electric utilities to disclose their PJM Interconnection stakeholder meeting votes to state regulators annually, with similar bills pending in three other states.

• When Climate Action Meets Christian Faith (Covering Climate Now) - Study finds 90% of Christian leaders believe in human-caused climate change but half never discuss it with congregations, highlighting untapped potential for faith-based climate action.

• Coming Up: Exploring Faith-Based Community Climate Action & Prep Your Summer Climate Coverage (Covering Climate Now) - Global journalism initiative announces webinars on faith-based climate action and summer weather coverage, featuring experts from UN, Catholic media, and climate science.

Renewables

Empire Wind Project revival leads major developments, as Kuwait tenders 500MW solar, Romania secures €303M photovoltaic parks, and Ireland plans 2025 renewables auction

• Stop Work Order Lifted on Empire Wind Project, Clean Energy and Jobs to Move Forward (EDF) - Biden administration lifts Trump-era stop work order on New York's Empire Wind Project, set to power 500,000 homes and create 1,000 union jobs.

• Signals of change – May 2025 (We Mean Business Coalition) - Global poll shows 97% of business leaders support rapid renewable energy transition, with 78% backing renewables-based electricity by 2035.

• Fortune Greece – Ameresco SUNEL Energy: 303 million euro agreement for three photovoltaic parks in Romania (Fortune Greece) - Ameresco SUNEL Energy secures €303 million contract to build three large photovoltaic parks in southwestern Romania.

• Kuwait Opens Call For 500 MW Solar PV Capacity (TaiyangNews) - Kuwait launches tender for 500 MW solar power projects in Shagayah region under 30-year public-private partnership model.

• Latin America Solar PV News Snippets: Grenergy Signs 390 GWh Solar PPA In Chile & More (TaiyangNews) - Grenergy signs 390 GWh annual solar PPA in Chile while multiple Latin American countries advance major solar projects including Peru's 472 MW tracker deal and Argentina's 130 MW plant.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: SPIC Releases PV & Storage Field Test Results & More (TaiyangNews) - SPIC's field tests show IBC and TOPCon solar modules outperform PERC technology by 4.77% and 4.37% respectively, while China reports 33% YoY growth in solar cell production.

• Ireland: RESS 5 Renewable Energy Auction On May 29, 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Ireland announces RESS 5 renewable energy auction for May 2025, offering floating feed-in premiums and community benefits for solar, wind, and hybrid projects.

• Another offshore wind proposal scrapped in WA, but two projects advance in Gippsland (RenewEconomy) - Copenhagen Energy withdraws 3GW Samphire offshore wind proposal in Western Australia while two Gippsland projects advance with feasibility studies and Indigenous agreements.

• U.S. hydro generation expected to rise after a dip in 2024 (Renewable Energy World) - U.S. hydropower generation forecast to increase 7.5% in 2025 after hitting lowest level since 2010, though still remaining below 10-year average.

• Alaska utility execs to lawmakers: Let’s revive Susitna hydroelectric megaproject (Renewable Energy World) - Alaska utility executives urge lawmakers to revive $5.6 billion Susitna hydroelectric dam project amid natural gas shortages.

• Empire Wind Construction Resumes After ‘Stop Work’ Order Lifted (POWER) - Empire Wind offshore project resumes construction after Trump administration lifts month-long stop work order, saving 1,500 jobs and $50M weekly losses.

• South Dakota students tap into growing wind-energy job market (Canary Media) - South Dakota technical colleges create direct pipeline to wind energy jobs paying up to $127,000 annually, with 100% placement rates amid industry growth.

Transport

Zero-emission ferries in New England, BYD's market shift in China, Geely Xingyuan's sales triumph, and VW's MEB+ platform upgrade highlight transport innovations, while UK Powers Networks electrifies Thames vessels

• Merrimack Valley prepares to launch New England’s first zero emission passenger ferries (Acadia Center) - Merrimack Valley plans New England's first zero-emission passenger ferry service between three Massachusetts cities for 2025 launch.

• Cycling for the Planet (Climate Generation) - Executive director advocates for cycling and walkable cities over e-vehicles, highlighting Japanese urban planning model centered on schools and public transit.

• ACT Expo 2025: The Business Case for Fleet Electrification (ACT Expo) - Major fleet operators embrace selective electrification strategies for commercial vehicles while exploring hydrogen and renewable gas alternatives for cost-effective decarbonization.

• Queensland Makes Electric Vehicle Progress Despite Government Shift to the Right (CleanTechnica) - Queensland's EV adoption continues growing despite new conservative government's rollback of fleet electrification targets and renewable energy policies.

• Is BYD Touching Its Demand Ceiling at Home? — April 2025 Sales Report (CleanTechnica) - BYD's domestic EV sales growth slows to 2% in April 2025 while overall Chinese market grows 17%, suggesting company has reached local market saturation.

• Geely Xingyuan Takes Top Spot in China! — April 2025 Sales Report (CleanTechnica) - Geely Xingyuan becomes China's top-selling car in April 2025 with 36,119 units sold, outperforming BYD models amid 52% plugin vehicle market share.

• E-Bikes & E-Scooters on New Utah Trail Will Eliminate Fossil-Fuel-Burning Car Trips (CleanTechnica) - Utah's new trail extension connecting Lindon Heritage Trail to Utah Lake enables e-bike and e-scooter access, reducing car trips for local recreation.

• US Electric Vehicle Buyer Decisions Survey Results From Experian (CleanTechnica) - Experian survey reveals 50% of US adults would consider new EVs for their next vehicle purchase, with Gen Z (67%) and Millennials (61%) showing highest interest.

• A Wishlist Of EVs At The 125th New York International Auto Show That I’d Like To See In Asia (CleanTechnica) - New York Auto Show showcases six promising EVs including Dodge Charger Daytona, Ford F-150 Lightning, and VW ID Buzz, highlighting potential for Asian market expansion.

• World’s First Fleet of 100 5G-A Autonomous Electric Mining Trucks Launched at Yimin Mine (PowerMag) - China launches world's first fleet of 100 autonomous electric mining trucks using 5G-Advanced network at Yimin open-pit mine, achieving vehicle-cloud-network synergy for improved safety and efficiency.

• 'Electric Thames': UK Power Networks launches project to electrify vessels on the River Thames (BusinessGreen) - UK Power Networks launches infrastructure project to enable commercial vessels on River Thames to transition to electric power.

• Students learn to build electric cars at an Ohio public school (Yale Climate Connections) - Ohio public school launches EV lab where students build electric cars from scratch while learning technical and environmental skills.

• On Sale Now: This Cargo E-Bike Can Carry Your Kids, Groceries, & More (CleanTechnica) - HOVSCO launches $1,499 electric cargo bike with 750W motor, 450-pound capacity, and family-friendly features including child seat and safety accessories.

• Volkswagen Confirms MEB+ Platform Coming Soon (CleanTechnica) - Volkswagen announces MEB+ platform upgrade for 2026, featuring LFP batteries and design improvements across ID model range to reduce costs and improve performance.