Don't Lower Your Standards; Up Your Game!

Don't lower your standards; up your game! That seems to be the lesson from Australia's "Faster to yes, faster to no" strategy.

While the US government is being awful about the transition to renewable energy, check out how Australia is doing it. This week they announced 56 big renewables projects are being fast-tracked.

Not by reducing oversight, at all, but by investing in support and facilitation through regulatory and environmental processes.

If you want to accelerate a market, one approach is to reduce restrictions on harm done, I suppose. But a better strategy to build for the future is to invest in helping companies mature in their ability to go through processes.

It's so (not) funny that right wing governments allege that Diversity and Inclusion initiatives lower professional standards - perhaps they are just projecting their own desire to lower the standards their business practices should be held to.

And now, our daily summaries of nearly 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (6 stories) - Gender-inclusive crop research, soil carbon solutions, and AI-driven pest management advance agricultural resilience amid climate challenges, with innovations from Loam Bio, Quercus Biosolutions, and Tanzanian scientists.

  
  

• Carbon (9 stories) - DOE insights, ClimeFi ratings, and Spiritus funding drive carbon removal innovation amid fossil fuel emissions challenge

  
  

• Circular (2 stories) - Plant-based picnic gear and cross-platform secondhand marketplace innovations boost circular economy strategies

  
  

• Ecosystems (21 stories) - Remote sensing, urban biodiversity monitoring, and emerging conservation challenges across global ecosystems, from marine species discovery to wildlife corridor threats and climate-driven ecological transformations.

  
  

• Efficiency (7 stories) - Ceramic membranes, utility efficiency mandates, and affordable green building innovations drive energy savings across utilities, government, and communities.

  
  

• Finance (6 stories) - Bioregional financing, P-RECs strategy, climate finance risks, and sustainability data innovations reshape green investment landscapes amid insurance market disruption

  
  

• Grid (19 stories) - Data analytics, microgrid innovations, and strategic infrastructure investments drive grid transformation amid rising energy demands and technological shifts

  
  

• Indigenous (15 stories) - Indigenous land rights, environmental protection, and climate justice across Colombia, Alaska, Indonesia, Brazil, and Pacific Islands, with key actions by Indigenous women, religious investors, and community advocates

  
  

• Industry (13 stories) - Green hydrogen, offshore wind, and clean energy transitions drive industrial innovation across global markets, with strategic partnerships from Newcastle to Europe reshaping energy infrastructure and sustainability efforts.

  
  

• Policy (55 stories) - Policy Landscape Shifts: Green Field Tools, Fossil Fuel Subsidy Challenges, and Emerging Bipartisan Clean Energy Incentives

  
  

• Renewables (23 stories) - Global solar innovation, massive renewable projects in Australia, and record-breaking Texas grid performance drive clean energy expansion, with fusion, geothermal, and battery technologies advancing rapidly across international markets.

  
  

• Transport (7 stories) - India's zero-emission trucks, BYD's electric Shark, and global EV market shifts drive sustainable transport innovation across lithium battery, aviation fuel, and electric vehicle technologies.

Agriculture

Gender-inclusive crop research, soil carbon solutions, and AI-driven pest management advance agricultural resilience amid climate challenges, with innovations from Loam Bio, Quercus Biosolutions, and Tanzanian scientists.

• New approach prioritizes gender-inclusive food quality traits (CGIAR) - Researchers develop innovative agricultural approach emphasizing gender-inclusive food quality traits.

• 30 Harvests by Loam Bio (YouTube) - Loam Bio highlights agricultural innovation and soil carbon solutions to help farmers build resilience through 30 potential lifetime harvests.

• EEA briefing ‘Mycotoxin exposure in a changing European climate’ (EEA) - Climate change is increasing human exposure to harmful mycotoxins in European food crops through warmer and more humid environmental conditions.

• What Does Climate Change Mean for Maple Syrup? (Bluedot Living) - Climate change is disrupting maple syrup production by altering freeze-thaw cycles, potentially increasing future syrup prices and shifting production regions northward.

• Tanzania Ministry of Education honors IITA woman scientist (CGIAR) - Tanzanian scientist Dr. Kiddo Mtunda receives national award for developing climate-resilient crop varieties.

• Exclusive: Quercus Biosolutions emerges from stealth to disrupt crop protection with designer mini proteins (AgFunderNews) - Quercus Biosolutions launches AI-driven crop protection startup using generative design to create novel mini proteins for agricultural pest management.

Carbon

DOE insights, ClimeFi ratings, and Spiritus funding drive carbon removal innovation amid fossil fuel emissions challenge

• A Carbon180 cofounder reflects on his time in Biden’s DOE (Carbon180) - Biden DOE veteran reflects on carbon removal's rapid growth and critical challenges in scaling climate solution.

• ClimeFi Launches Analyst Ratings For Carbon Dioxide Removals (CleanTechnica) - ClimeFi introduces innovative Analyst Rating system to provide dynamic, comprehensive evaluations of carbon dioxide removal projects for investors and stakeholders.

• 36 Fossil Fuel Giants Responsible For Half of World’s CO2 Emissions: Report (Earth.org) - 36 major fossil fuel companies produce over half of global CO2 emissions, with Saudi Aramco, Coal India, and CHN Energy leading the list.

• Climate change will reduce the number of satellites that can safely orbit in space (ScienceDaily) - Climate change will shrink Earth's upper atmosphere, reducing satellite orbital capacity by up to 66% by 2100.

• Earth orbit is filling up with junk. Greenhouse gases are making the problem worse. (Grist) - Rising greenhouse gas emissions threaten satellite operations by shrinking Earth's upper atmosphere, potentially reducing safe orbital capacity by half by century's end.

• Spiritus Raises $30 Million to Slash Cost of DAC Carbon Removal (ESG Today) - Spiritus secures $30 million to develop low-cost direct air capture technology targeting 90% reduction in carbon removal expenses.

• 🌍 Community engagement, power agreement and ever-rising temperatures (ESG Today) - Deep Sky partners with Low Carbon to power carbon removal facility in Thetford Mines using 100% renewable energy from solar project.

• Campanha da Ecoporé e Bloco Pirarucu do Madeira ultrapassa expectativa e pode compensar até 63 vezes as emissões de gás carbônico do desfile (Ecoporé) - Carnival block in Porto Velho neutralizes carbon emissions by planting 6,000 native Amazonian trees, potentially offsetting event's CO2 by up to 63 times.

• February 2025: Halifax Project Updates (Planetary Technologies) - Halifax-based ocean carbon removal project successfully demonstrates over 1,000 net tonnes of carbon removal during XPRIZE competition winter trials.

Circular

Plant-based picnic gear and cross-platform secondhand marketplace innovations boost circular economy strategies

• Top 5 Eco-Friendly Essentials for a Spring Picnic 2025 (EcoSoul Home) - Sustainable picnic essentials offer plant-based, compostable alternatives to single-use plastics for eco-conscious spring outdoor dining.

• Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Just One Second-Hand Platform (Faircado) - Smart second-hand shopping app aggregates listings across multiple platforms to help consumers find better, cheaper, and safer deals.

Ecosystems

Remote sensing, urban biodiversity monitoring, and emerging conservation challenges across global ecosystems, from marine species discovery to wildlife corridor threats and climate-driven ecological transformations.

• Remote sensing for avian diversity monitoring in Afrotropical urban and non-urban habitats (CGIAR) - Remote sensing technology reveals innovative approach to monitoring bird diversity across urban and non-urban Afrotropical habitats using satellite imagery.

• Chitwan city using Indo-Nepal wildlife corridor for waste dump (Mongabay) - Chitwan city falsely claims barren land to dump municipal waste in critical Indo-Nepal wildlife corridor, threatening tiger and rhino habitats.

• Prime Minister Albanese says global warming a factor in Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its extreme weather impacts (BBC News) - Prime Minister Albanese links global warming to increased intensity and frequency of Tropical Cyclone Alfred's extreme weather impacts in Queensland and NSW.

• Argentina flooding: 16 killed as two girls swept away by rising waters (Guardian) - Catastrophic flooding in Argentina kills 16, sweeps away two young sisters, with a year's rainfall causing widespread destruction in Bahía Blanca.

• Sea lions sickened as toxic algae threatens California’s marine mammals (Guardian) - Toxic algal bloom causing neurological damage to California's marine mammals, with sea lions particularly affected by domoic acid neurotoxin linked to climate change.

• A beaver: to get attention they will slap the water with their tails | Helen Sullivan (Guardian) - Beavers are remarkable semi-aquatic rodents known for their complex dam-building skills, unique physiological adaptations, and ecosystem engineering capabilities.

• Scientists identify more than 800 new species in global Ocean Census (Mongabay) - Ocean Census project discovers 866 new marine species, highlighting vast unexplored biodiversity in Earth's oceans.

• The Perils of Early Springtime (Nautilus) - Climate change is causing earlier spring biological activity, disrupting plant cycles, agricultural production, and allergy patterns across multiple continents.

• As Heat Deaths Rise, Planting Trees Is Part of the Solution (The Revelator) - Tucson launches ambitious tree-planting initiative to combat urban heat inequality and reduce climate-related deaths in low-income neighborhoods.

• A cacti-smuggling case with a prickly end: the novel way courts are making poachers pay (Guardian) - Italian court orders cacti smugglers to pay for conservation efforts, setting a precedent for ecosystem restoration through legal penalties.

• Parasites are ecological dark matter – and they need protecting (The Conversation) - Parasites are crucial 'ecological dark matter' that play vital roles in ecosystems and deserve conservation attention despite human disgust.

• Are volcanoes behind the oxygen we breathe? (ScienceDaily) - Volcanic activity billions of years ago may have triggered early oxygen production by altering ocean nutrient conditions and enabling photosynthetic microorganisms.

• News spotlight: A unique poaching crisis takes root in South Africa (Conservation.org) - Transnational smuggling networks are decimating rare succulent species in South Africa's Succulent Karoo, pushing multiple plant species toward functional extinction through illegal harvesting driven by global houseplant demand.

• Iranian scientist names new praying mantis species for freedom (Mongabay) - Iranian researcher discovers and names new praying mantis species 'Sinaiella azadi' as a symbol of scientific freedom and cross-border collaboration.

• Dry season predictability and temperature drive dengue cases: Study (Mongabay) - Climate variations in dry seasons significantly influence dengue fever transmission patterns across different geographical regions.

• Protecting the Wild: Our National Parks Urgently Need Us—Now More Than Ever (Moms Clean Air Force) - National parks face critical challenges from budget cuts, requiring urgent public support to preserve ecological and educational resources.

• Plants, animals and insects come to Britain from all over the world. It would be a mistake to welcome them all | Tim Blackburn (Guardian) - Britain's biodiversity is threatened by rapidly increasing invasive alien species that can cause ecological, economic, and health damages.

• ‘Good news’ as NSW northern rivers flood waters recede, Chris Minns says – video (Guardian) - NSW Premier Chris Minns reports positive developments as northern rivers flood waters recede, reducing immediate community threat.

• Meet The Backyard Buoys (and find out why they are important) (WWU) - Western Washington University researchers collaborate with Quileute Nation to develop community-driven wave data collection project for maritime safety and environmental education.

• Extreme heat can age you as fast as a smoking habit (Yale Climate Connections) - Study reveals extreme heat accelerates cellular aging as much as smoking, with potential long-term health consequences for millions of Americans.

• Breast milk contamination exposes Africa’s ‘forever chemicals’ problem (Mongabay) - Breast milk contamination reveals widespread 'forever chemicals' threat to infant health across Africa.

Efficiency

Ceramic membranes, utility efficiency mandates, and affordable green building innovations drive energy savings across utilities, government, and communities.

• Protected: Hannaford Supermarkets’ Efforts in Waste Reduction & Food Donation (CET) - Nonprofit organization provides comprehensive energy efficiency, waste reduction, and decarbonization solutions across utilities, government, businesses, and communities.

• In a win for customers, Virginia State Corporation Commission rejects utility proposals and sets higher energy efficiency standards (SELC) - Virginia regulators mandate higher energy efficiency targets for utilities, rejecting low-performance proposals and incentivizing customer cost savings.

• CERAFILTEC Showcases Advanced Ceramic Membrane Technology at Aquatech Amsterdam 2025 (CERAFILTEC) - Advanced ceramic membrane technology to enable 49.2 MLD wastewater reuse for xAI's Memphis data center cooling, showcasing sustainable water management innovation.

• In a win for customers, Commission rejects utility proposals and sets higher energy efficiency standards (SELC) - Virginia regulators mandate higher utility energy efficiency standards, rejecting lower utility proposals and incentivizing cost-effective energy savings.

• In an electrifying world, it is time for state energy efficiency schemes to shine (RenewEconomy) - Victorian government explores expanding energy efficiency program to create market for demand flexibility and support decentralized energy transition.

• Energy-efficient housing doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think (Yale Climate Connections) - Boston's senior housing project proves energy-efficient buildings can be built affordably with only 1-2.5% additional upfront costs.

• I Help Texas Building Engineers Lower 4CP Charges: Here’s How They Do It (Gridium) - Texas building engineers strategically reduce energy costs by lowering peak demand charges during summer grid stress periods.

Finance

Bioregional financing, P-RECs strategy, climate finance risks, and sustainability data innovations reshape green investment landscapes amid insurance market disruption

• Bioregional Weaving Labs Collective and Wire Group Launch Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Bioregional Regeneration in Europe (Commonland) - Bioregional Weaving Labs and Wire Group partner to create innovative financing facilities for landscape restoration across European bioregions.

• Guidance on how to integrate P-RECs into buyer conversations and strategies (Energy Peace Partners) - Advisory firms can leverage Peace Renewable Energy Credits (P-RECs) as a strategic tool to enhance clean energy buyer relationships and goal achievement across seven key scenarios.

• Analysis: Nearly a tenth of global climate finance threatened by Trump aid cuts (Carbon Brief) - Nearly a tenth of global climate finance at risk as Trump administration threatens to cut US international aid and climate funding.

• Financial Storm: How Escalating Climate Events Are Reshaping the Insurance Market (Earth.org) - Climate change is driving unprecedented financial disruption in the insurance industry, with escalating natural disasters forcing insurers to raise premiums, limit coverage, and withdraw from high-risk regions.

• SDI AOP Launches Solution Enabling Investors to Assess Sustainability Outcomes of Companies, Portfolios (ESG Today) - SDI AOP launches new data solution enabling investors to assess real-world sustainability outcomes and combat greenwashing across 1,600 global companies.

• Thames Water faces court claim that £3bn bailout is ‘poor, short-term fix’ (Guardian) - Environmental campaigners challenge Thames Water's £3bn high-interest bailout as a costly, short-term solution that fails to address the utility's long-term financial crisis.

Grid

Data analytics, microgrid innovations, and strategic infrastructure investments drive grid transformation amid rising energy demands and technological shifts

• Mapping the Path to Profitable Sustainability w/ Robert Murphy (King Energy) - Othersphere uses advanced data analytics to help developers identify financially viable and sustainable locations for energy infrastructure projects worldwide.

• Ann Arbor’s sustainable energy utility aims to build the electric power grid of the future − alongside the old one (The Conversation) - Ann Arbor launches innovative sustainable energy utility allowing residents to generate and manage clean power alongside existing grid infrastructure.

• Renew Economy launches green energy calendar, to keep readers up to date and in the loop (RenewEconomy) - Australian green energy platform launches comprehensive event calendar to enhance industry communication and awareness.

• UK households near new grid pylons to get discounts on their electricity bills (RenewEconomy) - UK households near new grid pylons will receive electricity bill discounts up to £2,500 over ten years to support national net-zero infrastructure development.

• Beyond traditional demand response: How energy storage is revolutionizing grid reliability (Utility Dive) - Energy storage systems are transforming grid reliability by providing instantaneous, flexible demand management beyond traditional response programs.

• Government confirms £250 energy bill discounts for homes near new electricity pylons (BusinessGreen) - UK government to offer £250 annual energy bill discounts for households hosting new electricity pylons and substations.

• California utility exploring innovative microgrids, seeking collaboration on wildfire resilience strategies (Renewable Energy World) - California utility PG&E explores innovative microgrids to enhance wildfire resilience and community connectivity.

• New report details utility policy solutions for designing flexible interconnection programs (EDF) - Utilities develop flexible interconnection programs to manage increasing electric load demand from EVs, data centers, and electrified buildings through dynamic grid management solutions.

• 🌎 Gas turbine gridlock #236 (CTVC) - Gas turbine manufacturing bottlenecks threaten US grid expansion, with delivery delays stretching to 2029 and potentially undermining natural gas's role as a "bridge fuel" for electricity generation.

• UK Groups Supporting 2.2 GW of Battery Energy Storage in Spain (POWER) - UK firms Renewco Power and Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure partner to develop 2.2 GW of battery energy storage projects across Spain.

• BPA announces intention to split with California and join new Southwest energy market (Renewable Energy World) - BPA plans to exit California's energy market and join Southwest Power Pool, sparking regional grid governance and cost concerns.

• Illinois’ utilities are juggling DER integration, increasing electrification, generative AI, and more. Hear about it all at DTECH (Renewable Energy World) - Illinois utilities prepare for complex grid challenges by discussing distributed energy resources, electrification, and emerging technologies at upcoming DTECH conference.

• Why Natural Gas Prices Are Surging (Energy Central) - Natural gas prices surge to two-year highs due to extreme weather, supply constraints, record LNG exports, and global demand pressures.

• Who’s really paying to power Big Tech’s AI ambitions? (Latitude Media) - Harvard researcher warns Big Tech's creative data center power solutions could ultimately shift infrastructure costs to residential electricity consumers.

• Ofgem fast-tracks tool to boost flexible energy market participation (BusinessGreen) - Ofgem accelerates launch of new system to enhance flexible energy market participation by bringing forward implementation to 2027.

• Proposed FERC price cap settlement will intensify looming electric capacity crisis (Utility Dive) - PJM's proposed FERC price cap settlement risks electric grid reliability by artificially suppressing capacity market prices, potentially leading to future blackouts.

• Hitachi Energy commits $250M to address transformer shortage (Utility Dive) - Hitachi Energy invests $250M to expand transformer production amid surging electricity demand from AI and data centers.

• Solutions for Grid Services (Utility Dive) - Strategic supply chain partners can help utilities modernize grid infrastructure and manage complex renewable energy integration challenges.

• States look to incentivize new power plants to meet demand boom (Canary Media) - Midwest states explore legislative incentives to accelerate new power plant construction amid growing electricity demand from data centers and AI.

Indigenous

Indigenous land rights, environmental protection, and climate justice across Colombia, Alaska, Indonesia, Brazil, and Pacific Islands, with key actions by Indigenous women, religious investors, and community advocates

• Expansion of Gran Vaupés, the Largest Indigenous Reserve in Colombia’s Vaupés Department (Andes Amazon Fund) - Colombia expands Gran Vaupés Indigenous Reserve by 145,740 acres, strengthening territorial self-governance and environmental protection for 32 Indigenous communities in the Amazon.

• Inside the Debate to Drill at the Nation’s Largest Wildlife Refuge (Atmos) - Alaska Native communities are deeply divided over potential oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with some advocating for economic development and others fighting to protect sacred caribou habitats.

• Nickel miners dig up Indonesia’s Gebe Island despite Indigenous and legal opposition (Mongabay) - Indonesian nickel miners devastate Gebe Island's Indigenous lands and ecosystems, threatening local food security and traditional livelihoods despite legal protections.

• Documentário 'Rionegrinas' chega às redes após percorrer festivais de cinema e ser premiado (ISA) - Documentary 'Rionegrinas' chronicles 20-year journey of Indigenous women's movement in Rio Negro, highlighting their struggles, achievements, and ongoing fight for rights and sustainability.

• Rainbow Warrior arrives in Marshall Islands to call for nuclear and climate justice on 40th anniversary of Rongelap evacuation (Greenpeace) - Rainbow Warrior arrives in Marshall Islands to commemorate nuclear testing legacy and support climate justice for Pacific communities.

• Religious investors win SEC fight over bank resolution on Indigenous rights (Stand.earth) - Religious investors successfully challenge Citi and Wells Fargo at SEC, demanding shareholder votes on Indigenous rights resolutions.

• Religious Investors Win SEC Fight Over Indigenous Rights Resolution at banks (Amazon Watch) - Religious investors successfully challenge Citigroup at SEC over Indigenous rights resolution, forcing shareholder vote on bank's environmental impact.

• Hazel Johnson Launched an Environmental Movement in Chicago That Trump Is Trying to End (Inside Climate News) - Hazel Johnson pioneered environmental justice in Chicago, challenging toxic pollution in Black communities and inspiring continued activism despite Trump's attempts to dismantle her legacy.

• In Canada, Indigenous advocates argue that mining companies violate the rights of nature (Grist) - Indigenous advocates argue Canadian mining companies violate the rights of nature through extractive practices that harm ecosystems and Indigenous territories.

• Rionegrinas | Documentário (ISA) - Documentary "Rionegrinas" chronicles the powerful story of Indigenous women's mobilization and leadership in Brazil's Alto Rio Negro region.

• Advancing Women’s Roles and Empowerment in Climate Adaptation (Adaptation Fund) - Peruvian climate projects empower women through inclusive decision-making and economic opportunities in coastal and Andean communities.

• Energy Resilience and Community Empowerment in Puerto Rico (IREC) - Puerto Rican communities build solar-plus-storage resilience hubs to provide critical electricity during extreme weather blackouts, empowering local decision-making and emergency preparedness.

• Uplift U.S. Indigenous Rights + Build Movement (Cultural Survival) - Indigenous rights advocates prepare comprehensive UN Universal Periodic Review strategy to document U.S. human rights challenges and recommend systemic improvements for November 2025 global assessment.

• The Making of: FWC26 Vancouver Remix (YouTube) - FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver Remix blends Indigenous voices and contemporary sounds to create an emotive, unifying audio experience celebrating local culture and sporting spirit.

• Community Response to Attacks on Nature (Green Latinos) - Webinar highlights self-care strategies for environmental advocates facing emotional burnout and secondary traumatic stress.

Industry

Green hydrogen, offshore wind, and clean energy transitions drive industrial innovation across global markets, with strategic partnerships from Newcastle to Europe reshaping energy infrastructure and sustainability efforts.

• U.S. Energy Secretary Wright Addresses Oil and Gas Leaders in Houston (EDF) - U.S. Energy Secretary Wright urges oil and gas leaders to reduce methane emissions, highlighting economic and environmental benefits of cutting waste.

• NY Climate Tech: Mar 10 - Mar 17 (Climate Tech Cities) - NYC climate tech newsletter highlights offshore wind innovation, biomaterials, AI for nature, and multiple startup accelerator opportunities.

• LONGi: ESG Initiatives & Sustainability Best Practices For European Customers (TaiyangNews) - LONGi details comprehensive ESG strategy for European markets, highlighting sustainability initiatives, renewable energy targets, and compliance with EU reporting regulations.

• Giant coal port inks deal with Japanese industrial giant to support green hydrogen mega-hub (RenewEconomy) - Port of Newcastle partners with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop green hydrogen and ammonia mega-hub, transforming former coal port into clean energy precinct.

• The US Is Losing The Clean Steel Race, Too (CleanTechnica) - Utility Global develops innovative non-electric hydrogen production system for decarbonizing steel manufacturing, successfully completing 3,000 hours of operation at a Canadian steel plant.

• Celebrating Our FoodTech 500 Nomination (KETOS) - Water technology startup celebrates nomination in prestigious 2024 FoodTech 500 list recognizing innovative sustainability solutions.

• Why the US oil boom isn't helping regular people (DW) - Despite massive US oil production in Texas, the industry fails to deliver promised jobs, energy independence, and lower fuel costs while creating significant environmental and economic challenges.

• UKAEA and Eni join forces to build 'world's largest' fusion fuel facility (BusinessGreen) - UKAEA and Italian energy firm Eni collaborate to develop world's largest advanced tritium fuel cycle facility for fusion energy research.

• The Next Generation of HDRM motors (AEM) - UK manufacturer unveils next-generation HDRM300C electric motor with 80% conductor slot fill and enhanced efficiency for commercial vehicles.

• Solar Backsheets & Encapsulants Market Survey 2024/25 (TaiyangNews) - Solar module backsheet and encapsulation materials market survey reveals shifting dynamics, increased product diversity, and growing importance of encapsulation technologies in 2024/25.

• Whitepaper: Dynamic Alkaline Water Electrolysis The Pathway to Hydrogen Achieving Fossil Fuel Cost Parity (Verdagy) - Dynamic Alkaline Water Electrolysis breakthrough promises lower-cost green hydrogen production through innovative single-cell architecture and high-efficiency renewable energy integration.

• Debunking The Myth: Hydrogen Is Not A Practical Or Cost-Effective Fuel (CleanTechnica) - Hydrogen's widespread adoption is impractical due to low efficiency, high costs, and infrastructure challenges, with electrification proving a more viable alternative across most sectors.

• Why Aspen Aerogels canceled its LPO loan — and its Georgia factory (Latitude Media) - Aspen Aerogels cancels $670 million DOE loan and Georgia factory, opting to expand manufacturing in China and Mexico instead of U.S.

Policy

Policy Landscape Shifts: Green Field Tools, Fossil Fuel Subsidy Challenges, and Emerging Bipartisan Clean Energy Incentives

• Launch of the Green Field Tool for mine action field activities (CEOBS) - New Green Field Tool launched to enhance environmental safety and efficiency in mine action field activities.

• Open Letter: End Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Fossil Gas Expansion – A Moral Imperative (GreenFaith) - Faith leaders demand immediate end to $20 billion annual fossil fuel subsidies and halt of LNG expansion to prevent climate destruction and protect vulnerable communities.

• Global “Honors” for Environmental Journalism (cartoon) (Mongabay) - Global environmental journalism faces increasing threats with 70% of journalists experiencing attacks for reporting on critical ecological issues.

• Protect Illinois Families and Public Spaces from Harmful Pesticides (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois proposes legislation to restrict harmful pesticide applications near schools and public spaces, enhancing community health protection.

• Charting A New Path Beyond Resource Extraction in Indonesia (Climate Breakthrough) - Indonesia launches transformative bioeconomy project to shift from extractive industries and protect critical ecosystems by 2045.

• A Trumpian Chill Has Descended on the Clean Energy Economy (Heatmap News) - Trump's return sparks investment uncertainty and project cancellations across clean energy sectors, creating a "green freeze" in renewable energy development.

• These 21 House Republicans Want to Preserve Energy Tax Credits (Heatmap News) - 21 House Republicans seek to preserve energy tax credits, signaling growing bipartisan support for clean energy incentives.

• The Battle Over Climate Grants Is Heating Up (Heatmap News) - Nonprofit Climate United sues EPA and Citibank over withheld $7 billion in climate infrastructure grants amid political dispute.

• LETTER: Organizations Oppose Environmental Cuts and Harmful Policy Provisions and Urge Congress to Protect Funding (LCV) - 85 Environmental Organizations Urge Congress to Preserve Funding, Oppose Anti-Environmental Policy Riders, and Protect Environmental Agencies.

• Some Republicans Defend Clean Energy Tax Credits from Trump Administration Cuts (Inside Climate News) - Some House Republicans defend clean energy tax credits from potential Trump administration cuts, highlighting economic and investment concerns.

• In Florida, State Rules Concentrate Toxic Smoke in Underserved Communities (Inside Climate News) - Florida's sugar industry's pre-harvest burning concentrates toxic smoke in low-income, predominantly minority communities, causing severe health risks and environmental injustice.

• Rollbacks Gut Environmental Justice Gains, Former EPA Official Says (Inside Climate News) - Former EPA environmental justice official warns of systematic dismantling of critical community support programs and funding, potentially reversing years of progress for marginalized communities.

• New German coalition agrees on renewable transition, electricity price cuts, and EV subsidies (RenewEconomy) - German coalition agrees to renewable transition, electricity price cuts, and EV incentives while maintaining climate targets.

• “We haven’t been very good at doing it.” Garnaut says oligopolies in way of green superpower dreams (RenewEconomy) - Garnaut warns Australia's oligopolistic economy and bureaucratic processes are hindering its potential as a zero-carbon export superpower.

• Carney Takes The Helm: What’s Next for Canada’s Carbon Policy? (CleanTechnica) - Mark Carney poised to reshape Canada's carbon policy by potentially eliminating consumer carbon pricing while maintaining industrial emissions regulations.

• What the world needs now is more fossil fuels, says Trump’s energy secretary (Guardian) - Trump's energy secretary Chris Wright advocates for increased fossil fuel production, dismissing climate concerns as "irrational" and prioritizing energy expansion over environmental considerations.

• We’re facing a ‘forever chemicals’ crisis. We must stop Pfas at the source (Guardian) - Actor Mark Ruffalo calls for urgent EPA action to halt 'forever chemicals' PFAS pollution threatening human health and environmental safety.

• As Trump attacks US science agencies, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred ushers in a fresh wave of climate denial in Australia | Adam Morton (Guardian) - Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred sparks climate denial debate in Australia amid rising extreme weather and scientific tensions.

• Cuts to clean energy tax credits will harm North Carolina, advocates say (Canary Media) - North Carolina clean energy advocates warn that proposed federal budget cuts could halt critical tax credits and stall renewable energy investments.

• Efforts were underway to prevent CO2 pipeline leaks. The Trump administration quietly derailed them. (Grist) - Trump administration halted proposed safety regulations for CO2 pipelines, potentially increasing risks for rural communities.

• U.S. Climate Aid Cuts to Leave Large Gap in Global Funding (Yale E360) - Trump administration threatens to dismantle nearly $11 billion in annual U.S. global climate finance, potentially creating a massive funding gap for international climate adaptation efforts.

• Trump’s USAid cuts will have huge impact on global climate finance, data shows (Guardian) - Trump's USAid cuts threaten global climate finance, potentially decimating developing countries' climate adaptation efforts.

• The left needs its own version of techno-optimism | Amana Fontanella-Khan (Guardian) - Left-wing thinkers call for reclaiming technological optimism as a progressive tool for solving global challenges and creating abundance for all.

• Technical Assistance: Multi-family & Commercial Community Grants (Portland Clean Energy Fund) - Technical assistance session guides multi-family and commercial property owners through community grant application process focused on clean energy and social justice projects.

• Secretary-General's message on the occasion of the World Meteorological Day 2025 (WMO) - UN agency highlights critical progress in global early warning systems, emphasizing technological innovation and collaborative efforts to mitigate extreme weather risks.

• International Women’s Day 2024: Singapore Cabinet for Climate Solutions (BBC) - Singapore simulates parliamentary debate highlighting women's critical yet underrepresented role in climate solutions on International Women's Day.

• 11th Hong Leong and CDL Group Sustainability Forum 2024 - 8 October 2024 (BBC) - Singapore's 11th Sustainability Forum Highlights Corporate Strategies for Accelerating Decarbonization, Digitalisation, and ESG Reporting.

• Building Nature Risk Resilience in a Changing Regulatory Landscape (Nature Tech Collective) - Experts reveal strategic approaches for businesses to navigate and build resilience against evolving nature-related regulatory risks.

• Preserve clean energy programs, N.C. advocates tell Congress (Canary Media) - North Carolina clean energy advocates urge Congress to preserve climate technology investment programs that have already generated $20 billion and 17,000 jobs in the state.

• Take a climate change deep dive at the 2025 Summer Institute! (Climate Generation) - Educators convene for transformative Summer Institute to equip next generation with climate change skills and critical thinking.

• Trump’s Joint Address Solidifies U.S. Energy Dominance as a Top Priority (Energy Central) - Trump's joint address emphasizes aggressive U.S. energy production, promising to roll back regulations and boost oil and gas industry dominance.

• Brazil’s COP30 president: Climate summits must move from words to real action (Climate Change News) - Brazil's COP30 president calls for pragmatic, action-oriented approach to global climate diplomacy, emphasizing practical solutions beyond traditional negotiations.

• Ursula von der Leyen Persuaded to Protect ICE Cash Cows — How to Make the Most of This (CleanTechnica) - EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offers automotive industry three-year leniency period to comply with CO2 emission regulations, potentially slowing electric vehicle transition.

• Only seven countries worldwide meet WHO dirty air guidelines, study shows (Guardian) - Only seven countries worldwide meet WHO air quality guidelines, with most nations experiencing pollution levels far exceeding recommended limits.

• Proposed North Carolina PFAS rule requires no reductions of the toxic chemicals (SELC) - North Carolina's proposed PFAS rule allows over 600 industries to continue releasing toxic forever chemicals without any reduction requirements.

• US Energy Secretary trashes renewables, ‘quasi-religious’ climate policies at CERAWeek (RenewableEnergyWorld) - US Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticizes renewable energy at CERAWeek, arguing natural gas is essential and wind/solar are insufficient for meeting electricity demand.

• Many cities are banning ads for airlines, SUVs and fossil fuels – and yours could be next (The Conversation) - Cities worldwide are increasingly banning advertisements for high-carbon products like airlines, SUVs, and fossil fuels to reduce emissions and shift societal perceptions of consumption.

• Reporting Climate Justice: The Role of Journalism in Driving Change (Revolve Media) - Online webinar explores how journalists can integrate climate justice framework into reporting to support climate action and amplify vulnerable communities' voices.

• Energy limits are forcing the economy to contract (Energy Central) - Global economic contraction looms as energy resource limitations constrain production and government finances.

• Trump’s Tariffs Are Wrecking America’s Supply Chain for Critical Minerals (CleanTechnica) - Trump's 2025 tariffs threaten U.S. critical mineral supply chains, risking economic disruption across automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors.

• The U.S. heads from winter right into a stormy March (Yale Climate Connections) - U.S. experiences a mild winter marked by a historic Gulf Coast snowstorm and devastating California wildfires, with a stormy March forecast.

• With IRA tax credits in the crosshairs, 21 House Republicans urge leadership to keep them in place (Renewable Energy World) - 21 House Republicans urge leadership to preserve IRA clean energy tax credits, arguing they support energy dominance and benefit Republican districts.

• 14 years since Fukushima nuclear disaster: Greenpeace statement (Greenpeace) - Fourteen years after Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan's nuclear policy shift raises safety and environmental concerns.

• Business Leaders Target The Trump–Musk White House For Damaging Profitability Margins (CleanTechnica) - Business leaders warn Trump-Musk administration's policies are damaging corporate profitability and undermining economic stability.

• I Spent 3 Days at Jordan Peterson’s Anti-Climate ARC Conference. Here’s What I Saw. (DeSmog) - Jordan Peterson's Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference reveals a powerful conservative movement aimed at dismantling climate action and progressive politics.

• The Case for Recalibrating Europe’s Hydrogen Strategy (RMI) - European hydrogen strategy requires pragmatic recalibration, focusing on hard-to-electrify sectors with targeted funding and robust regulatory frameworks to bridge supply-demand gaps by 2030.

• Russia Bombs Ukraine’s Gas System But Experts Say Russia May Implode (Forbes) - Russia's strategic bombing of Ukraine's energy infrastructure intensifies, but experts argue Russia is closer to economic and military implosion than victory.

• Endangerment Unfound - but still sought. (Energy Central) - EPA's 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding remains controversial, with ongoing debate about its scientific basis and regulatory implications after 16 years.

• US national park staff cuts put nature and visitors at risk (Mongabay) - Trump-era National Park Service staff cuts threaten visitor safety, wildlife conservation, and park maintenance.

• Answers to common questions about the EU omnibus proposal (Watershed) - EU's omnibus proposal seeks to simplify CSRD reporting requirements, potentially reducing data points and aligning with global standards while delaying implementation timelines.

• Why conspiracy theories and misinformation spread in the long wait for Cyclone Alfred (The Conversation) - Cyclone Alfred's prolonged wait sparked widespread social media conspiracy theories about weather manipulation, reflecting growing distrust in authorities during extreme climate events.

• Factcheck: Climate change is not making extreme cold more common (Carbon Brief) - Scientific analysis reveals climate change is not increasing extreme cold events, with most global regions experiencing fewer and less intense cold days over the past 50 years.

• Billionaire Carlos Slim Cancels $22 Billion in Starlink Orders Due to Elon Musk’s Outburst (CleanTechnica) - Carlos Slim cancels $22 billion Starlink order after Elon Musk's controversial drug cartel insinuation, shifting telecommunications investments to Chinese and European competitors.

• To win the bush, Australian politics needs to embrace its 'curves' | Nick Rodway (Guardian) - Australian rural voters defy stereotypes with environmentally conscious yet politically conservative stance, demanding nuanced political engagement.

• Utilities may subsidize data center growth by shifting costs to other ratepayers: Harvard Law paper (Utility Dive) - Harvard study warns utilities may shift data center infrastructure costs to residential ratepayers through opaque pricing mechanisms.

Renewables

Global solar innovation, massive renewable projects in Australia, and record-breaking Texas grid performance drive clean energy expansion, with fusion, geothermal, and battery technologies advancing rapidly across international markets.

• Astronergy Showcases Advanced PV Solutions at KEY ENERGY 2025 in Italy (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy showcases advanced n-type solar modules at KEY Energy Expo 2025 in Italy, highlighting high-efficiency PV solutions for growing solar market.

• Australia Prioritizing 56 Renewable, Storage & Transmission Projects (TaiyangNews) - Australia fast-tracks 56 renewable energy and storage projects to support 82% clean energy target by 2030.

• Wind giant’s proposal for up to 35 turbines near coal generator joins EPBC queue (RenewEconomy) - Danish wind giant Vestas proposes 252 MW wind farm near Millmerran coal plant in Queensland, seeking federal environmental assessment.

• 70 GW wind and solar project near remote Nullarbor will go under federal green microscope (RenewEconomy) - Massive 70 GW wind and solar project in Western Australia's Nullarbor will undergo comprehensive federal environmental assessment for potential green hydrogen production.

• Malaysian developer Gentari poised to start work on first Australia project, a DC-coupled solar battery (RenewEconomy) - Malaysian developer Gentari launches first Australian solar-battery hybrid project in New South Wales with 243MW solar and 172MW/408MWh storage system.

• Australia’s oldest wind turbines back in action with a Danish facelift, and a major life extension (RenewEconomy) - Australia's oldest wind farm gets a Danish-led refurbishment to extend life, reduce diesel dependence, and demonstrate sustainable wind infrastructure renewal.

• Renewables Set New Records In Texas (CleanTechnica) - Texas renewables shatter grid records with wind, solar, and battery storage reaching unprecedented levels despite political opposition.

• Texas broke its solar, wind, and battery records in one spring week (Canary Media) - Texas sets new records for wind, solar, and battery power during a single spring week, highlighting the growing role of clean energy in the state's grid.

• Renaissance Fusion Raises $33 Million to Advance Low Cost, Low Carbon Fusion Energy (ESG Today) - Renaissance Fusion secures €32 million to advance low-cost, low-carbon fusion energy technology for commercial deployment in the 2030s.

• Quaise Energy reports new insights into designing superhot geothermal plants (Quaise Energy) - Researchers unveil design strategies for advanced geothermal plants capable of harnessing superhot rock temperatures over 375°C.

• DAS Solar's Flexible Mounting System: The Backbone of PV Power Plant Reliability (TaiyangNews) - DAS Solar introduces innovative flexible mounting system for solar power plants, enhancing reliability, wind resistance, and ecological sustainability across diverse terrains.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Jolywood’s Research On Backsheet Aging & More (TaiyangNews) - Jolywood and Sichuan University develop innovative model for predicting solar module backsheet lifetime under environmental stress.

• Europe Solar PV News Snippets: Q Energy Selling RE Projects To CDPQ-Backed Velto Renewables & More (Taiyangnews) - Q Energy sells 130 MW of renewable energy projects in France to CDPQ-backed Velto Renewables, including Europe's largest floating solar project.

• India Solar PV News Snippets: Tata Power’s INR 490 Billion Plan For RE In Andhra Pradesh & More (TaiyangNews) - Tata Power plans $5.9 billion investment to develop 7 GW renewable energy capacity across solar, wind, and hybrid projects in Andhra Pradesh, India.

• The renewable that can and should replace natural gas (Energy Central) - Thermodynamic Geoengineering could potentially replace natural gas at a significantly lower cost, challenging current energy secretary's claims about renewable energy limitations.

• NextEra CEO warns against scorning renewable generation amidst long lead times for gas and nuclear development (Renewable Energy World) - NextEra CEO advocates for diverse energy solutions, highlighting urgent need for renewables to meet six-fold power demand growth in next two decades.

• SBI Caps Forecasts Up To 90 GW New Solar Additions For India By FY2027 (TaiyangNews) - SBI Caps predicts India will add up to 90 GW of solar capacity by FY2027, driven primarily by residential rooftop solar segment and supported by government initiatives.

• The Energy Africa Café | Ep. 1: From Aviation to Energy Advocacy – Lolade Abiola (Energy Central) - Lolade Abiola's podcast debut explores her transition from aviation to energy advocacy, highlighting clean energy innovations and leadership in Africa's energy transformation.

• One whole TWh (IEA) - Global battery demand exceeded one terawatt-hour for the first time in 2024, with 85% of demand driven by electric vehicles.

• 760W+ High-Efficiency PV Club Targets To Exceed 800 W For HJT Modules (TaiyangNews) - Chinese HJT solar manufacturers aim to develop 800W+ solar modules with 25.75% efficiency by 2026 through advanced technological innovations.

• German Industry Stakeholders Seek €100M Annual Solar Research Funding (TaiyangNews) - German solar research institutes and industry stakeholders propose €100M annual funding to strengthen European solar PV manufacturing and technological innovation.

• BloombergNEF: World’s No.1 Inverter Bankability Rating in 2024 for Sungrow (BloombergNEF) - Sungrow named world's top inverter supplier for fifth time in 2024 bankability survey, highlighting its financial reliability and global solar industry leadership.

• Renewables are bigger in Texas (Canary Media) - Texas sets new renewable energy records with unprecedented wind, solar, and battery performance in a single week.

Transport

India's zero-emission trucks, BYD's electric Shark, and global EV market shifts drive sustainable transport innovation across lithium battery, aviation fuel, and electric vehicle technologies.

• Zero-Emission Trucks in India: A Game Changer for Clean Mobility (RMI) - India's zero-emission truck transition offers economic, health, and environmental benefits by reducing logistics costs, improving air quality, and positioning the country as a global clean freight leader.

• Dragonfly Energy Launches Battle Born® DualFlow Power Pack to Cut Fuel Costs and Extend Battery Life for Long Haul Trucks (Dragonfly Energy) - New lithium power pack eliminates truck idling, cuts fuel costs, and extends battery life for long-haul trucking fleets.

• UK Plans Levy on Jet Fuel Producers to Fund Sustainable Aviation Fuel “Revenue Certainty Mechanism” (ESG Today) - UK proposes industry-funded levy on jet fuel producers to support sustainable aviation fuel development through a revenue certainty mechanism.

• BYD Delivers First 30 Shark Pickups to Philippines Customers in a Dusty, Muddy Launch Event (CleanTechnica) - BYD launches Shark electric pickup in Philippines with innovative hybrid design, powerful performance, and competitive pricing targeting traditional truck market.

• Who Will Buy Tesla When It Goes Bankrupt? (CleanTechnica) - Tesla faces potential bankruptcy as insider stock sales and leadership challenges threaten the company's future, with Apple potentially emerging as a strategic buyer.

• EVs Take 27.3% Share In Germany — Volkswagen ID.7 Still Leading (CleanTechnica) - Electric vehicles reach 27.3% market share in Germany, with Volkswagen ID.7 leading February sales amid slowing EV transition.

• What Is Going On With The $43 Million In Rebates Tesla Claimed In Canada Over 3 Days? (CleanTechnica) - Tesla claims $43 million in Canadian EV rebates over 3 days, sparking investigation into potential system manipulation.